Drivers and Situations terms

Teens, seniors, tickets and the profiles that move premiums.

LienholderThe bank, credit union or finance company with a legal claim on a financed car until the loan is paid off, usually named on the insurance policy.Loss payeeThe lender or leasing company named on your auto policy to receive claim payments for the car, alone or jointly with you, until the loan is paid off.Good student discountA discount for young drivers, usually full-time students, who keep a B average (3.0 GPA) or similar academic standing.Accident forgivenessA policy feature that stops your premium from rising after a first at-fault crash, either earned through loyalty or bought as an add-on.Assigned risk planA state program that guarantees basic liability coverage to drivers no insurer will voluntarily cover, by assigning them to insurers in the state.At-fault accidentA crash in which you are found mainly responsible, which your liability coverage pays for and which usually raises your premium at renewal.Broad form named operator policyA low-cost liability policy that covers one named driver in any car they drive, rather than covering a particular car and its drivers.Claims historyThe record of insurance claims you have filed or that were paid because of your driving, which insurers check when pricing and accepting a policy.CLUE reportA LexisNexis database report of past auto or home insurance claims, which insurers pull to price and accept policies.DUIDriving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, an offense that brings license penalties, possible SR-22 or FR-44 filings and steep insurance increases.FR-44A certificate filed by an insurer in Florida or Virginia proving that a driver convicted of certain DUI offenses carries higher-than-minimum liability limits.High-risk driverA driver insurers expect to cost more in claims because of a DUI, tickets, crashes, a coverage lapse, little experience or similar factors.Ignition interlock deviceAn in-car breath tester that keeps the engine from starting if it detects alcohol, often required after a DUI conviction.Major violationA serious driving offense, such as DUI, reckless driving or driving with a suspended license, that brings large surcharges and can lead to nonrenewal.Minor violationA common traffic offense, such as most speeding tickets, running a stop sign or an illegal turn, that brings a smaller premium surcharge.Motor vehicle report (MVR)Your official state driving record, listing tickets, convictions, suspensions and license status, which insurers check to set your rate.Moving violationA traffic offense committed while a vehicle is in motion, such as speeding or running a red light, that can add license points and raise premiums.Non-owner car insuranceLiability coverage for people who drive but do not own a car, often bought to keep coverage continuous or to carry an SR-22 filing.Nonstandard auto insuranceCoverage sold to drivers that standard insurers decline or price steeply, such as those with DUIs, many tickets, lapses or little license history.SR-22A form an insurer files with the state to certify that a high-risk driver carries the required liability coverage, often for about three years.SurchargeAn extra charge added to your premium after an at-fault accident, traffic violation or claim, usually lasting three to five years.Business useA personal policy rating for a car driven as part of your job, such as visiting clients or job sites, which costs more than commute or pleasure use.Commercial auto insuranceInsurance for vehicles used mainly for business, covering liability and physical damage risks that a personal auto policy excludes.Peer-to-peer car sharingRenting your personal car to other people through an app such as Turo, where the platform's insurance usually replaces your own during trips.Rideshare endorsementAn add-on to a personal auto policy that covers a rideshare driver during gaps in the platform's insurance, especially while waiting for a request.