Car insurance can be confusing, so here's our list of car insurance-related terms to help you understand any documents you receive.
This list should only be taken as guidance, as terms and definitions may vary between insurers. If you’re unsure of anything, always check it directly with your insurance provider.
Accessories
Parts or products specifically designed to be fitted to your vehicle. Some accessories may be treated as modifications, which can affect your insurance, so always tell your insurer if you make any alterations to your car.
Approved repairer
A repairer approved and authorised by your insurer to repair your car following a claim.
Approved windscreen supplier
A repairer approved and authorised by your insurer to repair or replace your windscreen.
Certificate of Motor Insurance
This document proves that you’ve got the insurance you need to legally drive your car on UK roads. It shows who is allowed to drive your car and how your car can be used. While this used to be a physical certificate, nowadays they’re often issued digitally and can be viewed through an online insurance account or app. The police can also check your car is insured through a national database if they need to.
Excess
The amount you must pay towards any claim. It’s usually made up of two parts – compulsory excess, which is an amount set by your insurer, plus voluntary excess, which is an additional amount that you would have agreed to when you took out your insurance policy.
No Claim Discount (NCD)
This is a discount applied to the cost of your insurance based on the number of years in a row that you haven’t made a claim.
Market value
The cost of replacing your car with another of the same make and model and of a similar age and condition at the time of the accident or loss.
Write-off or total loss
These are the terms insurers use when it would cost more to repair a car than it’s currently worth, or when the damage is so severe that the car cannot be repaired safely.
Car insurance details
This is a document that identifies the policyholder, sets out details of the cover chosen and records the information the policyholder has given the insurer.
Mid-term adjustment (MTA)
If you need to change some of the details on your insurance after the policy has started, such as adding a temporary driver or updating your address, this is known as a mid-term adjustment or MTA.
Insurance premium
How much it costs to insure your car. Some MTA’s may affect your premium, so you could end up paying more for your cover if you make a change to your insurance policy.
Partner
Your husband, wife, civil partner or someone you are living with as if you are married to them.
Policy
This is made up of the policy booklet, car insurance details, Certificate (or Certificates) of Motor Insurance and a Summary of Changes document.
Schedule
The document which identifies the policyholder and sets out details of the cover your policy provides.
Terms
All terms, exceptions, conditions and limits that apply to your policy.
Track day
When your car is driven on a racing track, an airfield or at an off-road event.
Trailer
Any trailer specially built to be towed by a vehicle. Insurance cover may be limited by weight, type, or use, so always check your policy for specific restrictions.
Your vehicle
Any private motor vehicle insured under your policy and described in the Certificate of Motor Insurance.
You, your
The person named as the policyholder in the Schedule.
