A

ACCIDENT: An event causing loss, which occurs without being expected or designed, usually specific in time and place.

ACCELERATED DEATH BENEFITS: A provision that will pay all or part of the policy death benefits while the policyholder is still alive. Conditions include proof that the policyholder is terminally ill with a life expectancy of less than 12 months, has a specified life-threatening disease, or is in a long-term care facility such as a nursing home. By accepting an accelerated benefit payment, a person could be ruled ineligible for Medicaid or other government benefits. The proceeds may also be taxable.

ACCIDENTAL DEATH BENEFIT: Provision for payment of an additional amount– usually equal to the face amount of insurance - if the insured is killed in an accident. Popularly known as double indemnity.

ACQUISITION COSTS: Expenses incurred in acquiring new business premiums and conservation of renewal business. Broad in scope, it includes cost of soliciting business, issuance of policies, collection of premiums, agents’ compensation, field supervision, advertising, and any other expense reasonably attributable to acquisition and conservation of written premiums.

ACTUAL CASH VALUE (ACV): The cost of replacing or restoring property at prices prevailing at the time and place of the loss, less depreciation, however caused. Another definition: the sum of money required to replace property less depreciation, which includes physical wear and tear, and obsolescence.

ACTUARY: A person whose principal function is to make the technical calculations required for insurance policies' pricing.

ADDITIONAL EXTENDED COVERAGE: A second endorsement on the fire policy(fire and lightning with extended coverage) which insures the dwelling and/or contents against water damage from plumbing, etc.; boiler explosion; glass breakage; and damage by ice and snow, freezing, fall of trees, collapse, vandalism, vehicles owned by insured or tenants and landslide.

ADDITIONAL INSURED: One who is protected by an insurance policy other than the named insured. Examples: In automobile insurance, one who drives the insured’s car with his consent ordinarily is protected. In property insurance, this might be a co-owner, mortgage, or lien holder.

ADJUSTER: A person who investigates and settles losses for an insurance carrier or the insured.

ADVANCE PREMIUM: Most companies give the insured the right to make premium payments in advance.

AGE CHANGE: An age change occurs on the date, halfway between birth dates, on which the life insurance age changes. The premium for new life insurance will be computed immediately after the age on the next following birth date. The life insurance age is the age at nearest birthday.

AGE LIMITS: The ages below and above which the company will not accept applicants.

AGENCY: An organization that solicits insurance for one or more carriers and may perform other functions such as issuing policies and adjusting losses.

AGENT: 1. An individual who solicits insurance for one or more carriers may perform other functions, such as issuing policies. 2. Agents of a direct writer are sales employees of one company only.

AGE OF CAR (age group): A term used to classify cars according to age for rating purposes.

ALL PHYSICAL LOSS FORM: This coverage protects against loss from "all risks of physical loss" for dwellings subject to certain exclusions contained in the form.

ANNUAL POLICY: Insurance policy written for a term of one year.

ANNUITY: A contract in which the buyer deposits money with a life insurance company for investment. The contract provides for specific payments to be made at regular intervals for a fixed period or life.

ANNUITANT: The person during whose life an annuity is payable, usually the person to receive the annuity.

APPLICATION: A request to a company for a policy. The application is a conditional offer to buy. If the medical examination and the inspection are in order, the company usually will accept the offer. It may be the policy named in the application or, if the applicant is substandard, it may be on a higher premium or another policy form.

APPRAISAL: Determination of the value of property or the extent of damage by impartial experts. Many property insurance policies provide for "appraisals" where the company and the insured cannot agree on the amount or the extent of a loss.

APPROVED: In fire insurance, it usually means that the construction, equipment, preventive and protective devices meet established requirements for insurance. In many cases, "approved" construction results in reduced insurance premiums.

AREA: A territorial subdivision, usually called "rating territory," within a given state used for rating purposes.

ARSON: The willful and malicious burning of property, sometimes with the intent of defrauding an insurance company.

ASSETS: All of the property is owned by a carrier.

ASSIGNEE: One to whom the legal ownership of a policy or a limited interest therein is transferred.

ASSIGNMENT: The partial or complete transfer by a person of his right or interest in a policy to another person. The ability of a person to so assign the policy may be limited by law or individual circumstances. An assignment must be written, signed by the owner-policyholder whose interest is being transferred, properly attested, and the original or a certified copy must be filed with the insuring company. A valid assignment so filed is binding on the company.

ASSURANCE-INSURANCE: These terms are today generally accepted as synonymous, although not originally so. The term "assurance" is used more commonly in Canada and Great Britain than in the United States.

B

BENEFICIARY (LIFE): The person named in the policy, to whom the insurance money is paid at the insured's death.

BINDER: A written or oral contract is issued temporarily to place insurance in force when it is not possible to issue a new policy or endorse the existing policy immediately. A binder is subject to the premium and all the terms of the policy to be issued.

BODILY INJURY BENEFIT COVERAGE: This automobile coverage is designed to protect the insured and any passengers in this car against loss because of bodily injury or death caused by the owner or operator of an uninsured automobile (or a "hit-and-run"). Also called uninsured motorist coverage.

BODILY INJURY COVERAGE: This coverage, often called "public liability insurance," protects an insured against legal liability for injury to the person of another arising from an accident.

BROAD FORM: A policy affording more liberal benefits, or in fire insurance, an endorsement that grants broader or additional coverages to a basic policy, usually added to a standard fire and extended coverage policy. For example, on a dwelling policy, it usually adds the following: vandalism, glass breakage, falling trees, weight of ice, snow or sleet, collapse. If added to a commercial fire policy, it might include vandalism, falling objects, weight of ice, snow or sleet, and collapse.

BROKER: A representative of the insured in placing insurance with companies. The company or its agent pays him a commission. Often a broker also is a licensed "agent" for one or more companies.

BUILDER’S RISK INSURANCE: Insurance against loss resulting from damage to buildings and materials incidental to construction, including machinery and equipment, while the buildings are under construction.

BURGLARY: Breaking and entering into the premises of another to steal with visible signs of forced entry.

BUSINESS INSURANCE (LIFE): Insurance is concerned primarily with protecting an insured's business or vocation. Business insurance protects a business against the loss of its valuable lives or key men, stabilizes the business through the establishment of better credit relations, and provides a practical plan for the retirement of business interest in the event of one of the owners' death.

C

CANCELLABLE POLICY: A policy which the company may cancel at any time by giving advance notice to the insured and refunding any unearned premium.

CANCELLATION: The discontinuance of an insurance policy before its normal expiration date.

CAPITAL SUM: A term in accident insurance to describe the amount payable for death or loss of hands, feet, or sight. Also called principal sum.

CARRIER: The insurance company or the one who agrees to pay the losses. The carrier may be organized as a company, either stock, mutual, or reciprocal, or as an association of underwriters such as Lloyds.

CASH SURRENDER VALUE: The amount available in cash upon surrender of a life insurance policy before it matures as a death claim or otherwise.

CASUALTY INSURANCE: A general class of insurance covering liability resulting from accidents and some types of property insurance. It includes, among other coverages: automobile, workers compensation, employers liability, general liability, plate glass, theft, and personal liability. It excludes life, fire, and marine insurance but, as ordinarily used, includes health insurance and fidelity and surety bonds.

CATASTROPHE REINSURANCE: This is a form of insurance written on an excess of loss basis to improve the spread of risk against unknown concentrations of liability subject to one occurrence. A deductible is chosen at the amount necessary to reduce the probable frequency of loss to an acceptable level to the reinsurer and severity of loss to a level acceptable to the reinsured company.

CHARTERED LIFE UNDERWRITER (C.L.U.): A designation conferred in recognition of attaining certain standards of education and proficiency in the art and science of life insurance underwriting.

CHARTERED PROPERTY AND CASUALTY UNDERWRITER (C.P.C.U.): A designation conferred in recognition of attaining certain standards of education and proficiency in the art and science of fire and casualty insurance underwriting.

CLAIM: A request for payment of a loss that may come under the terms of an insurance contract. There are two types of claims. A first-party claim is made by the policyholder in which the policyholder reports the claim directly to his company. A third-party claim is when a person makes a claim against another company's policyholder, and payment, if any, is made by that company.

CLAIMANT: One who makes a claim.

CLAIM SEVERITY: The average cost per claim considering all claims under a certain coverage for a specified period.

CLAIMS-MADE COVERAGE: Claims-made insurance is a type of liability protection that covers current legal obligations result from acts of the insured. It provides coverage to the insured for claims reported during the term of the policy.

COINSURANCE PROVISION: An insurance provision for property coverages in which the policyholder must carry an amount of insurance that is at least equal to a set percentage of the property's value to receive full payment of a loss.

COLLISION COVERAGE: Covers loss to the insured person’s auto caused by its collision with another vehicle or object.

COMBINED SINGLE LIMIT: Bodily Injury and Property Damage coverage expressed as one single amount of coverage.

COMMERCIAL FIRE: This coverage insures all property not occupied as a residence, excluding farming and manufacturing, against loss by fire.

COMMON DISASTER CLAUSE: In life insurance, this clause is designed to alleviate the hardship that can result if the insured and primary beneficiary die at the same time or within a short period of time of each other. Usually, the clause provides that if the primary beneficiary dies either before proof of the insured’s death is submitted to the company or within a stated period (usually 14 or 30 days after the insured’s death), the proceeds will be paid to the contingent beneficiary.

COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE (physical damage other than collision): Pays for damage to or loss of your automobile from causes other than accidents. These include hail, vandalism, flood, fire, and theft.

COMPULSORY INSURANCE: The purpose of compulsory insurance laws is to require all residents to buy liability insurance before auto license plates are issued. The law requires proof of financial responsibility (insurance) when license plates are issued.

CONCEALMENT: The withholding of material facts from an insurer, either applying for a policy or making a claim.

CONTENTS: A term used to refer to the personal property contained in a building. It maybe household furniture, personal effects, or other types of personal property, movable in nature and not firmly affixed to the real property.

CONTINGENT BENEFICIARY: A beneficiary whose right to receive depends upon the occurrence of a certain contingency – for example, the right to receive certain benefits only if another named beneficiary dies before the time of payment.

CONTRACT: In most cases, an insurance policy. A policy is considered to be a contract between the insurance company and the policyholder.

CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE: Carelessness of the injured person that helped to cause the accident in which he was injured.

COVERAGE: Another term for insurance. It can be used to mean either the dollar amounts of insurance purchased (ex: $500,000 of liability coverage) or the type of loss covered(theft coverage).

D-E

DAMAGES: In a technical sense, damages refer to the money or compensation recoverable in a lawsuit by a party who has been injured in person or property or rights by the negligence of another.

DEATH BENEFIT: Amount paid to the beneficiary upon the death of the insured.

DEATH CLAIM: When a policyholder dies, the person entitled to the proceeds must complete certain forms giving due proof of the death and establishing the claimant’s right to such proceeds. When filed with the company, the company is said to have received a death claim.

DECLARATIONS PAGE: The page in a policy that shows the name and address of the insurer, the period of time a policy is in force, the amount of the premium, and the amount of coverage.

DECREASING TERM LIFE INSURANCE: Term insurance on which the face value slowly decreases in scheduled steps from the date the policy comes into force to the date the policy expires, while the premium remains level. The intervals between decreases are usually monthly or annually.

DEDUCTIBLE: The amount an insured person must pay before the insurance company pays the remainder of each covered loss, up to the policy limits.

DEFERRED ANNUITY: An annuity under which the annuity payment period is scheduled to begin at some future date.

DEPRECIATION: A decrease in property value over a period of time due to wear and tear or obsolescence. Depreciation is used to determine the actual cash value of the property at the time of loss. (See ACTUAL CASH VALUE.)

DIRECT LOSS: A loss where an insured peril is the proximate cause. If a windstorm blows the roof off a home, the windstorm is the insured peril causing the direct loss or damage.

DISABILITY CLAUSE: A benefit provision forming part of a life insurance policy providing for certain benefits in the event of total and permanent disability from accident or sickness.

DIVIDENDS: A return to the policyholder of excess premium over losses and expenses at the policy period's end. Dividends are authorized by the board of directors and are payable to all participating policyholders of a specified class.

DOMESTIC CARRIER: An insurance company organized in a given state is referred to in that state as a domestic carrier.

DOUBLE INDEMNITY: Payment of twice the basic benefit in the event of loss resulting from specified causes or under specified circumstances.

EARNED PREMIUM: The portion of the total policy premium that has been “used up” during a policy term. With a one-year policy, half of the total premium has been earned after six months.

EFFECTIVE DATE: The date on which an insurance binder or policy goes into effect.

ENDORSEMENT: A written agreement attached to a policy expanding or limiting the benefits otherwise payable under the policy. Also called a “rider.”

EQUIPMENT FLOATER: A property insurance coverage for equipment that is often moved from place to place.

ESTIMATED PREMIUM: A preliminary premium amount that could be adjusted based on a variance in exposures.

EVIDENCE OF INSURABILITY: To qualify for a particular policy at a particular price, companies have the right to ask for information about health and lifestyle. An insurance company will use this information – the evidence of insurability – in deciding if your insurance application is acceptable and at what premium rate.

EXCESS AND SURPLUS LINES INSURANCE: Coverage provided by insurers is not licensed in states where the risk is located.

EXCESS LIABILITY POLICY: A policy that provides additional limits in excess of an underlying liability policy.

EXCLUSIONS: Items or conditions that are not covered by the general insurance contract.

EXPENSE RATIO: The ratio of a company’s operating expenses to premiums.

EXPIRATION DATE: The specified date and time at which the policy terminates.

EXPOSURE: Measure of vulnerability to loss, usually expressed in dollars or units.

EXTENDED COVERAGE: An extension of the fire policy to cover the additional perils of windstorm, hail, explosion, or riot, attending a strike, civil commotion, aircraft, vehicle, and smoke.

EXTENDED TERM INSURANCE OPTION: A policy provision that provides the option of continuing the existing amount of insurance as term insurance for as long a period of time as the contract’s cash value will purchase.

F-G

FACE AMOUNT: The amount covered by the terms of an insurance contract is usually found on the policy's first page.

FAMILY AUTO INSURANCE: The automobile policy (most common in the industry) protects all family members.

FINAL EXPENSES: Expenses incurred at the time of a person’s death. These include, but are not limited to: funeral costs, court expenses, current bills or debt, mortgages, loans, and taxes.

FIRST PARTY CLAIM: A claim filed by an insured against his or her own insurance policy.

FIXED BENEFIT: A death benefit, the dollar amount of which does not vary.

FLAT CANCELLATION: The full cancellation of a policy as of the effective date of coverage requires the return of paid premium in full.

FLOATER: A type of insurance policy that covers easily movable property and provides additional coverage over what normal insurance policies do not. This can cover anything from jewelry to expensive stereo equipment.

FLOOD EXCLUSION: A provision in most all property insurance policies eliminating coverage for damage by flood and possibly other types of water damage, such as seepage and sewer backup.

FRANCHISE INSURANCE: Individual life or health insurance policies are issued to a small group of people with a common affiliation or interest. Same as wholesale insurance.

FREE LOOK: Trial period required in most states where policy owners have up to 20 days to examine their new policies with no obligation.

FULL COVERAGE: Insurance which covers all losses, with no deductions, up to the amount of the insurance.

GAP INSURANCE: Insurance pays the difference between the actual cash value of a vehicle and the amount still to be paid on the loan. Some gap policies may also cover the amount of the deductible.

GARAGE LIABILITY INSURANCE: Insurance coverage for the legal liability of automobile dealers, garages, repair shops, and service stations for bodily injury and property damage arising out of their business operations.

GENERAL LIABILITY: A broad term meaning liability insurance, other than automobile, written to cover personal, professional, and commercial risks. In respect to commercial liability, it protects business owners and operators from exposures such as liability arising from accidents resulting from the insured’s premises or operations, products sold by the insured, operations completed by the insured, and contractual liability.

GRACE PERIOD: Period of time after the due date of a premium during which the policy remains in full force without penalty.

GROSS NEGLIGENCE: Willful and wanton misconduct.

GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT (GVW): The weight specified by a manufacturer for the maximum total loaded weight of a single vehicle.

GROUP OF COMPANIES: Several insurance companies under common ownership and often common management.

H-K

HAZARD: A circumstance that increases the likelihood or probable severity of a loss. For example, the storing of explosives in a home basement is a hazard that increases the probability of an explosion.

HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION (HMO): Managed-care plans that provide healthcare services to their members through networks of doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. HMOs cover a wide variety of services, usually at a lower cost than traditional health care plans.

HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT: A contractual agreement that requires one contracting party to assume certain legal liabilities of the other party.

HOMEOWNER’S POLICY: A policy in which Fire and extended or Broad coverage for dwelling and contents, residents’ theft insurance, additional living expense, and personal liability insurance are combined.

IMPAIRED RISKS: In health insurance, individuals who can reasonably be expected to have an above-average number of claims due to medical history or physical impairment. Most impaired risks can be insured by the use of a waiver or waiting period.

INDEMNITY: Restoration to the victim of a loss by payment, repair, or replacement.

INDEPENDENT ADJUSTER: A claims adjuster who provides adjustment services to insurance companies for a fee but is not employed by them.

INSURABILITY: The condition of the individual wishing to be insured, including his/her health, susceptibility to injury, and life expectancy.

INSURANCE POLICY: The printed form serves as the contract between an insurer and an insured.

INSURED: The person or organization covered by an insurance policy.

INSURER: The insurance company. The party that provides insurance coverage, typically through a contract of insurance.

IRREVOCABLE BENEFICIARY: A named beneficiary whose rights to life insurance policy proceeds are vested and cannot be canceled by the policy owner unless the beneficiary consents.

JUVENILE INSURANCE: Life insurance policies written on the lives of children within specified age limits.

KEY MAN INSURANCE: Insurance is used for a business purpose, usually to reimburse a corporation for the loss it sustains when an important member of the firm dies.

H-K

HAZARD: A circumstance that increases the likelihood or probable severity of a loss. For example, the storing of explosives in a home basement is a hazard that increases the probability of an explosion.

HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION (HMO): Managed-care plans that provide healthcare services to their members through networks of doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. HMOs cover a wide variety of services, usually at a lower cost than traditional health care plans.

HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT: A contractual agreement that requires one contracting party to assume certain legal liabilities of the other party.

HOMEOWNER’S POLICY: A policy in which Fire and extended or Broad coverage for dwelling and contents, residents’ theft insurance, additional living expense, and personal liability insurance are combined.

IMPAIRED RISKS: In health insurance, individuals who can reasonably be expected to have an above-average number of claims due to medical history or physical impairment. Most impaired risks can be insured by the use of a waiver or waiting period.

INDEMNITY: Restoration to the victim of a loss by payment, repair, or replacement.

INDEPENDENT ADJUSTER: A claims adjuster who provides adjustment services to insurance companies for a fee but is not employed by them.

INSURABILITY: The condition of the individual wishing to be insured, including his/her health, susceptibility to injury, and life expectancy.

INSURANCE POLICY: The printed form serves as the contract between an insurer and an insured.

INSURED: The person or organization covered by an insurance policy.

INSURER: The insurance company. The party that provides insurance coverage, typically through a contract of insurance.

IRREVOCABLE BENEFICIARY: A named beneficiary whose rights to life insurance policy proceeds are vested and cannot be canceled by the policy owner unless the beneficiary consents.

JUVENILE INSURANCE: Life insurance policies written on the lives of children within specified age limits.

KEY MAN INSURANCE: Insurance is used for a business purpose, usually to reimburse a corporation for the loss it sustains when an important member of the firm dies.

N-O

NAMED DRIVER EXCLUSION: An endorsement to an auto policy that provides that a policy does not cover accidents when a specifically named person is the driver.

NAMED INSURED: Any person, firm, or corporation designated by name as the insured person(s) in a policy. Others may be protected by policy definition even though their names aren’t on the policy, such as other drivers operating (with consent) the named insured’s covered auto.

NAMED PERILS COVERAGE: A property insurance term referring to exact causes of loss specifically listed as covered.

NEGLIGENCE: The failure to use the care that a reasonable and prudent person would have used under the same or similar circumstances.

NON-OWNED AUTOMOBILE: In commercial auto policies, coverage for autos that are used in connection with the named insured’s business but are neither owned, leased, hired, rented, or borrowed by the named insured. The term specifically applies to vehicles owned by employees and used for company business.

NON-RENEWAL: A decision by an insurance company not to renew a policy.

NONSTANDARD AUTO (HIGH-RISK AUTO OR SUBSTANDARD AUTO): Insurance for motorists who have poor driving records or have been canceled or refused insurance. The premium is much higher than standard auto due to the additional risks.

OCCUPANCY: This refers to the use of property. A home, for example, may have a real estate office in it. This dwelling would then have a "business occupancy." Occupancy plays a significant part in computing rates and determining the acceptance or rejection of risks.

OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD: The danger of suffering a sickness or injury due to the hazards of an occupation.

OCCURRENCE: An event that results in an insured loss. In some business lines, such as liability, an occurrence is distinguished from an accident in that the loss doesn’t have to be sudden and fortuitous and can result from continuous or repeated exposure, which results in bodily injury or property damage neither expected nor intended by the insured.

OCCURRENCE COVERAGE: Occurrence coverage is insurance for incidents of liability alleged to have occurred during the term of the policy, no matter when the claim is reported.

OMNIBUS CLAUSE: An automobile policy provision covering persons driving the named insured’s auto with the named insured’s permission.

ORIGINAL AGE: The age you were when you bought an insurance policy.

OWNER: The person who can legally exercise all rights and privileges in the life policy. This will usually be the insured but may be any other party to whom proper transfer of these rights and privileges has been made.

P

PAID-UP: This event occurs when a life insurance policy will not require any further premiums to keep the coverage in force.

PAID-UP ADDITIONS: Additional amounts of life insurance purchased using dividends; these insurance amounts require no further premium payments.

PARTIAL DISABILITY: An injury that prevents the insured from performing one or more, but not all, important duties of his job.

PERIL: The cause of possible loss, such as fire, windstorm, theft, explosion, or riot.

PERSISTENCY: A term used to refer to the length of time insurance remains continuously in force.

PERSONAL AUTO POLICY (PAP): A policy insuring private-passenger autos owned by individuals.

PERSONAL INJURY: A General Liability coverage for insurable offenses that cause harm, other than bodily injury, such as false arrest, detention or imprisonment, malicious prosecution, wrongful eviction, slander, libel, and invasion of privacy.

PERSONAL INJURY PROTECTION (PIP): An automobile insurance coverage mandated by law in some states. The statutes typically require insurers to provide or offer first-party benefits for medical expenses, loss of income, funeral expenses, and similar expenses without regard to fault.

PERSONAL PROPERTY: This type of property is usually movable and easily transportable. On the other hand, real property is generally considered immovable, such as land and things affixed to it. A rule of thumb definition for personal property is "everything other than real property."

PHYSICAL HAZARD: This refers to the material, structural or operational features of the risk itself, apart from the persons owning or managing it. Electrical wiring, building construction, type of heating system are examples of physical hazards.

POLICIES-IN-FORCE: Policies written and recorded on the carrier's books are unexpired as of a given date.

POLICY: The name generally used to mean the written contract of insurance.

POLICY FEE: An amount charged by some companies in addition to the first regular premium. Also called "joiner’s fee."

POLICYHOLDER: One who owns an insurance policy. A mortgagee often is issued a copy of an insurance policy, or a certificate of insurance, at the insured's request, but he is not a policyholder.

POLICY LOAN (LIFE): A loan made by an insurance company to a policyholder on the security of his policy's cash value.

POLICY PERIOD: The period a policy is in force, from the beginning or effective date to the expiration date.

PREFERRED RISK: A positive characteristic of someone seeking to be insured. It usually means a better likelihood for long life and usually means a lower premium.

PREMISES: The location where coverage applies.

PRE-EXISTING CONDITION: A physical condition that existed before the issuance of a health policy.

PREMIUM: The amount paid by an insured to an insurance company to obtain or maintain an insurance policy.

PREMIUMS-IN-FORCE: Premium dollars which have been written and are unexpired on the books of the insurance carrier.

PREMIUM EARNED: The amount of the premium paid for in advance has been“ earned” because time has passed without a claim.

PREMIUM UNEARNED: The portion of an insurance premium applies to the policy period's unexpired portion.

PRIMARY BENEFICIARY: In life insurance, the beneficiary designated by the insured as the first to receive policy benefits.

PRIMARY POLICY: The insurance policy that pays first when you have a loss covered by more than one policy.

PROCEEDS: The net amount of money payable by the company at the death of an insured or at the policy's maturity.

PROPERTY DAMAGE COVERAGE: An agreement by an insurance carrier to protect an insured against legal liability for damage by his automobile to the property of another.

PROPERTY DAMAGE: In the general liability policy, a physical injury to property, resulting in the loss of use.

PROPERTY INSURANCE: First-party insurance for real and personal property against physical loss or damage.

PRO-RATA CANCELLATION: The cancellation of an insurance policy with the return premium being the full proportion of the premium for the policy's unexpired term, without penalty for early cancellation.

PROVISIONS: Details of an insurance policy that explain the benefits, conditions, and other features of the insurance contract.

PROXIMATE CAUSE: The dominating cause of loss or damage; an unbroken chain of events between the occurrence of an insured peril and property damage. As an illustration, water damage occurring from fire fighting activities is covered under the fire policy because fire was the proximate cause of the loss.

Q-R

QUALIFYING EVENT: An occurrence that triggers an insured’s protection.

RATE: A charge per unit in determining insurance premiums.

RATED POLICY: A policy issued at a higher premium to cover a person classified as a greater-than-average risk, usually due to impaired health or a dangerous occupation.

RATING TERRITORY: A geographical grouping in which, like hazards, tend to equalize and permit the establishment of an equitable rate for the territory.

RENTS OR RENTAL VALUE: Insurance against loss of the rental value of a property; protects against loss of rents resulting from an insured peril.

REAL PROPERTY: Real estate, including buildings and vegetation.

RE-ENTRY OPTION: An option in a renewable term life policy under which the policy owner is guaranteed, at the end of the term, to renew his or her coverage without evidence of insurability, at a premium rate specified in the policy.

REFUND: An amount of money returned to the policyholder for overpayment of premium or if the policyholder is due unearned premium.

REINSTATEMENT: Putting a lapsed policy back in force by producing satisfactory evidence of insurability and paying any past-due premiums required.

RENEWAL POLICY: A policy issued to replace an expiring policy.

RENTAL REIMBURSEMENT COVERAGE: Optional auto insurance coverage pays a set daily amount for a rental car if the policyholder’s car is being repaired because of damage covered by the auto policy.

RENTERS INSURANCE: A form of property insurance that covers a policyholder’s belongings against perils. It also provides personal liability coverage and additional living expenses. Possessions can be covered for their replacement cost or the actual cash value, which includes depreciation.

REPLACEMENT COST: The dollar amount needed to replace damaged personal property or dwelling property without deducting for depreciation but limited by the maximum dollar amount shown on the policy's declarations page.

RESIDUAL BENEFIT: In disability insurance, a benefit is paid when you suffer a loss of income due to covered disability or if loss of income persists. The benefit is based on a formula specified in your policy, and it is generally a percentage of the full benefit. It may be paid up to the maximum benefit period.

RETURN PREMIUM: A portion of the premium returned to a policy owner due to cancellation, rate adjustment, or a calculation that an advance premium was more than the actual premium.

RIDER: Endorsement. Special provision added to an original policy contract.

RISK: Chance of loss concerning a person, liability, or the property of the insured. It also used to mean "the insured."

U-W

UNDERLYING COVERAGE: The insurance or coverage in place on the same risk that will respond to loss before the excess policy is called on to pay any portion of the claim.

UNDERWRITER: The person trained in evaluating risks, deciding whether to accept or reject an application for a policy, and determining rates and coverages for risks.

UNINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE: Protects the insured against financial loss resulting from bodily injury carelessly inflicted by an uninsured motorist, including a hit and run driver, who is legally liable. Bodily Injury Benefit.

UNEARNED PREMIUM: The amount of a pre-paid premium that has not yet been used to buy coverage. For instance, if a policyholder paid in advance for a six-month premium but then cancels the policy after two months, the company must refund the remaining four months of “unearned” premium.

UNINSURED/UNDERINSURED MOTORIST (UM/UIM) COVERAGE: Auto insurance coverage pays for the policyholder’s injuries and, in some states, property damage caused by a hit-and-run driver or a motorist without liability insurance. It will also pay when medical and car repair bills are higher than the other driver’s liability coverage.

UNIVERSAL LIFE INSURANCE: An interest-sensitive life insurance policy with flexible, adjustable premium payments that builds cash values.

UNREPORTED CLAIMS: Accidents that have occurred but have not been reported or recorded.

UMBRELLA POLICY: Coverage for losses above the limit of an underlying policy or policies such as homeowners and auto insurance.

USAGE: Refers to the primary function or purpose in which you intend to operate your vehicle. For example, if you primarily drive your car to and from work, the usage is considered “commute”; if you are self-employed and you primarily drive to see customers, the usage is considered “business.”

USUAL AND CUSTOMARY FEES: Charges for medical services refer to the amount approved by the carrier for payment. These charges may be based on rates usually charged by physicians and providers in your area, rate averages compiled by independent rating services, or rate averages compiled by the insurance company.

VACANCY PROVISION: Property insurance provision found in commercial property policies that restrict coverage in connection with buildings that have been vacant for a specified number of days, usually 60 days.

VARIABLE ANNUITY: A form of annuity policy under which the amount of each benefit payment is not guaranteed or specified in the policy but instead fluctuates according to the earnings of a separate account fund.

VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE: A form of life insurance whose face value fluctuates depending upon the value of the dollar, securities, or other equity products supporting the policy at the time payment is due.

VIN (VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER): A 17-digit alphanumeric code that provides valuable information concerning the vehicle’s serial number, make, model, options, and year in official records (like a Social Security number for your car).

VIATOR: A terminally with a life-threatening or terminal illness who sells his or her life insurance policy.

WHOLE LIFE INSURANCE: A plan of insurance that offers protection for a person’s “whole life.” It pays a benefit upon the person’s death.

WORKER’S COMPENSATION: A system (established under state law) that provides payments to employees who are injured in the course of employment, irrespective of fault.

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Tampa, FL 33618
(813) 499-1900

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