insurance terms that start with ‘d’
Deductible
A deductible is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket before a certain coverage kicks in after you file a car insurance claim. Generally, higher deductibles translate to lower premiums because you're assuming more of the financial risk in the event of an accident.
Declarations page
The declarations page (also know as a dec page) of your car insurance policy summarizes the information essential to your car insurance coverage: your name and address, descriptions of the insured vehicle(s), and the car insurance premium, as well as the policy's coverages, limits, and deductibles.
Defensible space
Defensible space (also known as firescaping) has to do with reducing fire damage near your home. Essentially, you keep the area around your property free from combustible materials, including vegetation, to maintain defensible space.
See also: garaging location
Related links
Everything you need to know about smoke alarms
Renters insurance may protect your assets in the event of a fire
Defensive driver and driver improvement courses
Defensive driver and driver improvement courses train drivers of all ages. Certain mature driver safety courses are typically aimed at drivers 55 and older.
In certain states, you may qualify for a car insurance discount if you're in the eligible age range and you've taken one of these safety courses.
See also: mature driver
Related link
Car insurance discounts
Department of motor vehicles
The department of motor vehicles (also known as the division of motor vehicles, bureau of motor vehicles, department of transportation, or DMV) is a state agency responsible for vehicle registrations, driver licensing, and driver license renewals.
These agencies adhere to unique state-specific regulations and often go by different names. DMV is the most commonly known and accepted term when referring to the department of motor vehicles in a general sense.
See also: Motor Vehicle Report, insurance claim report, SR-22
Related link
Driving without a license
Depreciation
Depreciation is the decline in an object's value due to age, wear and tear, or obsolescence.
Direct auto insurance
Direct auto insurance (sometimes known as online insurance) lets consumers buy car insurance coverage directly through a company's website or over the phone rather than through an independent agent or broker.
See also: agent, broker
Dirt bike insurance
Dirt bike insurance (also known as Enduro insurance, mountain bike insurance, or trail bike insurance) covers lightweight, motorized bikes designed for off-road use. Types of dirt bike insurance coverages include liability, collision, and comprehensive. Policyholders often purchase dirt bike insurance to protect themselves from theft.
See also: recreational insurance, scooter insurance, all-terrain vehicle insurance
Related link
Motorcycle insurance
DL-123
A DL-123 is a form required in North Carolina that verifies your car insurance coverage. To obtain or renew a North Carolina drivers license, you'll need to submit this form to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. Your insurer can provide and sign this form as long as you have an active North Carolina car insurance policy.
See also: SR-22, FS-1
Driver
A driver (also known as an operator) is an individual who controls or operates a motor vehicle. This term can refer to the operator of a car, truck, or motorcycle.
See also: passenger
Drivers permit
See learners permit.
Driving record
See Motor Vehicle Report.
Driver status
Driver status indicates how frequently the driver listed on the policy actually drives a covered vehicle. If you're the primary policyholder, you would be listed as the "primary driver." You might list your spouse and kids as "occasional drivers."
See also: insured, primary driver, primary policyholder
Related links
Myth: car insurance follows the driver
Excluded driver vs. occasional driver
Who should you list on your car insurance policy?
Dwelling insurance
See home insurance.