Property and Casualty

The abdication of insured property into the hands of another, or into the possession of no one in particular

A type of liability that occurs due to extremely dangerous operations, such as the use of explosives or working at extreme heights

An unplanned, unforeseen event which occurs suddenly and at a specific place

The required amount to pay damages or for property loss, which is calculated based on the property's current replacement value minus depreciation

A provision in an insurance policy that allows for more coverage for specific loss expense without increase in premium

Individuals or business that are not named as insured on the declaration page, but are protected by the policy, usually in regard to a specific interest

A contract offered on a "take-it-or-leave-it" basis by an insurer, in which the insured's only option is to accept or reject the contract. Any ambiguities in the contract will be settled in favor of the insured.

An insurance company authorized and licensed to transact business in a particular state.

The tendency of risks with higher probability of loss to purchase and maintain insurance more often than the risks who present lower probability

An individual who is licensed to sell, negotiate, or effect insurance contracts on behalf of an insurer

The maximum limit of coverage available under a liability policy during a policy year regardless of the number of claims that may be made or the number of accidents that may occur

A property policy with a provision agreed upon by the insurer and insured as to the amount of insurance that represents a fair valuation for the property at the time the insurance is written

A contract in which the participating parties agree to exchange unequal amount. Insurance contracts are aleatory in that the amount the insured will pay in premiums is unequal to the amount the insurer will pay in the event of a loss.

An insurance company that is incorporated outside the United States

The appearance or the assumption of authority based on the actions, words, or deeds of the principal or because of circumstances the principal created.

An assessment of property to determine either the correct amount of insurance to be written or the amount of loss to be paid

Method of claim settlement used when the insured and insurer cannot agree upon the amount of the loss

The transfer of a legal right or interest in an insurance policy. In property and casualty insurance, assignment of policies are usually valid only with the prior written consent of the insurer

An insurance company that has qualified and received a Certificate of Authority from the Department of Insurance to transact insurance in the state

A land motor vehicle, trailer or semi-trailer designed for use on public roads, including attached machinery or equipment; auto does not include mobile equipment

A method of dealing with risk by deliberately keeping away from it ) e.g. if a person wanted to avoid the risk of being killed in an airplane crash, he/she might choose never to fly in a plane

A person or entity that has possession of personal property entrusted to him/her by the owner.

The person who receives the proceeds from the insurance policy

A temporary contract that puts an insurance policy into force before the premium has been paid

A type of bond that covers losses caused by dishonest employees

A single property insurance policy that provides coverage for multiple classes of property at one location, or provides coverage for one or more classes of property at multiple locations.

Legal liability arising from death or physical trauma to a person as a result o fa negligent or purposeful act and omissions by an insured.

An unfair trade practice in which one person refuses to do business with another until he or she agrees to certain conditions.

A commercial property form that covers buildings under contruction

A commercial property form that covers buildings, and/or their contents

The forced entry into another's premises with felonious intent

The termination of an in-force insurance policy by either the insured or the insurer prior to the expiration date shown in the policy

A type of insurance that covers losses caused by injury to persons or damage to the property of others.

A demand of a person to stop committing an action that is in violation of a provision

A document that authorizes a company to start conducting business and specifies the kind(s) of insurance of company can transact. It is illegal for an insurance company to transact insurance without this cerificate

A legal document that indicates that an insurance policy has been issued, and that states both the amounts and types of insurance provided. Claim - A demand made by the insured to cover a loss protected by the insurance policy.

The practice of computing a price per unit of insurance that applies to all applicants possessing a given set of characteristics.

An unfair trade practice in which an insurer uses physical or mental force to persuade an applicant to buy insurance

An agreement between an insurer and insured in which both parties are expected to pay a certain portion of the potential loss and other expenses

A single dollar limit of liability applying to the total of damages for bodily injury and property damage combined, resulting from one accident or occurrence.

Type of insurance that pertains to business, mercantile or manufacturing establishments

The chief executive and administrative officer of a state insurance department

An unwritten body of law based on past judicial decisions as well as usages and customs.

A written statement of a liability claim given by the claimant; a reason for a lawsuit

Factors that determine rates, including loss reserves, loss adjusting expenses, operating expenses and profit.

Also known as Other Than Collision coverage, it covers losses by fire, theft, vandalism, falling objects, etc.

The withholding of known facts which, if material, can void a contract.

A type of an agreement in which both parties must perform certain duties and follow rules of conduct to make the contract enforceable.

The section of an insurance policy that indicates the general rules or procedures that the insurer and insured agree to follow under the terms of the policy

The binding force in a contract that requires something of value to be exchanged for the transfer of risk. The consideration on the part of the insured is the representations made in the application and the payment of premium; the consideration on the insurer is the promise to pay in the event of loss.

A person who, for a fee, offers any advice, counsel, opinion, or service regarding the benefits, advantages, or disadvantages promised under a policy insurance.

Written and/or oral statements regarding a consumer's credit, character, reputation, or habits collected by a reporting agency from employment records, credit reports, and other public sources.

An agreement between two or more parties enforceable by law.

An entity that obtains and possesses a license solely for the purpose of writing business on the owner, immediate family, relatives, employer and employees

Multiple event leading to one loss

The amount payable upon the death of the person whose life is insured

The section of an insurance policy containing the basic underwriting information, such as the insured's name, address, amount of coverage and premiums, and a description of insured locations, as well as any supplemental representations by the insured

The portion of the loss that is to be paid by the insured before any claim benefits may be paid by the insurer

An unfair trade practice in which one agent or insurer makes an injurious statement about another with the intent of harming the person's or company's reputation

A condition that allows the insurer to audit the insured's books or records at the end of the policy term to make sure adequate premium has been collected for the exposure.

The lessening of value of real and personal property due to age and wear and tear

Physical damage to buildings and/or personal property as a result of direct consequence of a particular peril

The head of the state department of insurance.

A physical or mental impairment, either congenital or resulting form an injury or sickness.

An act of identifying the name of producer, representative, or temporary insurance producer on any policy solicitation.

An insurance company that is incorporated in the state.

Insurer's location of incorporation and the legal ability to write business in a state.

The estimated total cost (both insured and uninsured) of an accident.

A printed addendum to a contract that is used to change the policy's original terms, conditions, or coverages.

A legal impediment to denying a fact or restoring a right that has been previously waived.

A policy that only pays for loss after the primary policy has paid its limit

Causes of loss, exposures, conditions, etc listed in the policy for which the benefits will not be paid

An agent who represents only one company and is compensated by commissions

Method of determining the premium based on the insured's own past loss experience

A unit of measure used to determine rates charged for insurance coverage

The authority granted to an agent by means of the agent's written contract

A provision in some property policies which allows the extension of a major coverage to certain types of loss to property not specifically insured

Fair Access to Insurance Requirements plan is a state-run program that makes insurance obtainable to those in high risk areas who have been unable to acquire insurance through other channels

An agent/broker who handles insure's funds in a trust capacity

The individual whose name appears first on the policy's declaration

A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from overflow of inland or tidal waters or from the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.

An insurance company that is incorporated in another state

A life or health insurance company formed to provide insurance for members of an affiliated lodge, religious, or fraternal organization with a representative form of government

Intentional misrepresentation or deceit with the intent to induce a person to part with something of value

The cost to replace damaged property with less expensive and more modern construction or equipment

Reckless behavior that shows disregard for the safety or lives of others

A circumstance that increases the likelihood of a loss

The effect of a person's reputation, character, living habits, etc. on his/her insurablity

The effect a person's indifference concerning loss has on the risk to be insured

A type of hazard that arises from the physical characteristics of an individual, such as a physical disability due to either current circumstance or a condition present at birth

Authority that is not expressed or written into the contract, but which the agent is assumed to have in order to transact the business of insurance for the principal

Compensation to the insured that restores them to the same financial position that they enjoyed prior to the loss

Agents that sell the insurance products of several companies and work for themselves or other agents

Losses resulting from a peril, but not directly caused by it. Indirect losses may include business disruption, rent insurance, extra expenses, and other consequences that occur over time.

A coverage extension that automatically increases amount of insurance on buildings by an agreed upon percentage annually

Any interest may have in property that is the subject of insurance, so that damage or destruction of that property would cause the insured financial loss

The transfer of the possibility of a loss (risk) to an insurance company, which in turn spreads the cost of unexpected losses to many individuals.

A contract between an insured and an insurance company which agrees to pay the insured for loss caused by specific events.

The person or organization that is protected by insurance; the party to be indemnified

A definition on liability forms that describes the type of contracts in which liability is assumed by the insured and included for coverage in the policy.

An entity that indemnifies against losses, provides benefits, or renders services (also known as the "company" or "insurance company")

The section of an insurance policy containing the insurer's promise to pay, the description of coverage provided and perils insured against

Any deliberate act that causes harm to another person

A written amendment designed to eliminate redundancy and minimize the number of endorsements in the poicy

An approach used when credible statistics are lacking or when the exposure units are so varied that it is impossible to construct a class.

A principle stating that the larger the number of similar exposure units considered, the more closely the losses reported will equal the underlying probability of loss.

A liability under the law that occurs when a person is responsible for injuries or damages to another due to negligence.

Responsibility under the law

A property insurance clause that extends broader legislated or regulated coverage to current policies, as long as it does not result in a higher premium

A charge, security or encumbrance on property

The maximum amount for which an insurer is liable.

Organization that provide support facilities for underwriters or groups of individuals that accept insurance risk.

The reduction, decrease,or disappearance of value of the person or property insured in a policy, by a peril insured against

A provision in property insurance that is used to cover the interest of a secured lender in personal property

A calculation used by insurance companies to relate income from loss expenses: ____=(incurred losses + loss adjusting expense) /earned premiujm.

A factor in determining the premium charged and the amount of insurance required

A seldom used method of valuing a loss based upon the amount a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller for the property prior to the loss.

A false statement or lie that can render the contract void.

A policy written separately as a single coverage.

A mutual insurance company with the right to assess policyholder's additional amounts of premium to meet operational needs.

Insurance organizations that have no capital stock, but are owned by the policyholders.

A disappearance of property that cannot be explained as to the location, time or the manner of property loss.

The individual(s) whose name appears on the policy's declaration.

The cause of loss specifically covered by the insurance policy. No coverage is provided for unlisted perils.

The failure to use the care that a reasonable, prudent person would under the same similar circumstances.

A provision that excludes any assignment or granting of any policy provision to any person or organization holding, storing, repairing, or moving insured property for a fee.

An insurance company that has no applied, or has applied and bee denied a Certificate of Authority and may not transact insurance.

A situation in which other insurance is written on the same risk,but not on the same coverage basis.

A termination of a policy by an insurer on the anniversary or renewal date.

A provision that spells out an insured's duty to provide the insurer with reasonable notice in the event of a loss.

A broader definition of loss, which differs from accident in that it includes losses caused by continuous or repeated exposure to conditions resulting in injury to persons or damage to property that is neither intend nor expected.

Term used in property insurance to describe the breadth of coverage provided under an insurance policy form that insures against "any risk of loss" that is not specifically excluded.

A clause included in many property and inland marine policies, which provides that the insurer is not obligated to pay for the total value of a set of item if one item has been lost, damaged or destroyed

A legal entity in which 2 or more persons agree to share the profits and losses of the business.

A description of an anti-theft device or system for autos which is activated automatically when the driver turns the ignition key to the off position and the key is removed.

The cause of a possible loss

Legal responsibility for an injury to the character of another person caused by libel, slander, false arrest, invasion of privacy and other acts.

Type of coverage available to individuals and families for non-business risk.

The maximum amount and insured may collect, or for which and insured is protected under the terms of the policy.

A period of time a policy is in effect (also known as Policy term)

The person in possession of an insurance policy; may or may not be the policyowner and/or insured.

The person who is entitled to exercise the rights and privileges in the policy. This person may or may not be the insured.

A periodic payment to the insurance company to keep the policy in force.

A basic, fundamental insurance policy which pays first with respect to other outstanding policies.

Proportional distribution of shares of the loss for each insurance policy written on a piece of property.

A person who acts on the behalf of the insurer to sell, negotiate, or effect insurance contracts; also known as an agent.

A sworn statement that must usually be furnished by the insured to an insurer before any loss under a policy can be paid.

Legal liability arising from physical damage to tangible property of others caused by the negligence of an insured.

An act or event that is the immediate or actual cause of loss.

Situations that can only result in a loss or no change; a gain is never possible.

Any inducement offered in the sale of insurance products that is not specified in the policy.

Insurance resulting from an interchange of reciprocal agreements of indemnity among persons known a subscribers.

Lessening the possibility or severity of a loss.

A form of insurance whereby one insurance company (reinsurer) in consideration of a premium paid to it, agrees to indemnify another insurance company (the ceding company) for part or all of its liabilities from insurance polices it has issued.

The cost to replace damaged property with like kind and quality at current price, without any deduction for depreciation.

Statements made by the applicant on the insurance application that are believed to be true, but are not guaranteed to be true.

A method of dealing with risk by intentionally or unintentionally keeping a portion of it for the insured's account; the amount of responsibility assumed but not reinsured by the insurance company.

A self-rating plan under which the actual losses during the policy period determine the final premium (subject to a minimum and maximum premium).

A provision in property insurance policy requiring that after payment of a total loss to insured property, the insured must transfer the title (or ownership) to the property to the insurer.

Uncertainty as to the outcome of an event when two or more possibilities exist.

The uncertainty or chance of a loss occurring in a situation that can only result in a loss or no change.

The uncertainty or chance of a loss occurring in a situation that involves the opportunity for either loss or gain.

The taking of property from another by using violence or the threat of violence.

The amount of money realized from the sale of damaged merchandise or property. A salvage clause is found in ocean marine insurance and usually states that the rescuers of a ship are entitled to the salvage of the ship and cargo.

The process by which an agreement is reached and a claim is resolved in liability insurance.

A provision that insurance applies separately to each insured in a policy, treating each individual as the only insured.

A method of dealing with risk for a group of individual persons or businesses with the same or similar exposure to loss who share the losses that occur within that group.

A property insurance policy that covers a specific kind or unit of property for a specific amount of insurance.

The uncertainty or chance of a loss occurring in a situation that involves the opportunity for either loss or gain.

Separately stated limits of liability for different coverages, which may be stated on a per person, per occurrence, per policy basis, or can be divided between bodily injury and property damage.

An amount of insurance scheduled in a property policy which is not subject to any coinsurance requirements in the event of a covered loss.

The written law as enacted by a legislative body (i.e the laws of the state), which generally takes precedence in cases where both common law and statute law apply.

Companies owned by the stockholders whose investments provide the capital necessary to establish and operate the insurance company.

A liability that refers to damages caused by defective products even though the manufacturer's fault or negligence cannot be proven.

The acquisition by an insurer of an insured's rights against any third party for indemnification of loss or other payment, to the extent that the insurer pays the loss.

The head of the state department of insurance.

A guarantee that debts and obligations will be carried out, and the benefits will be paid for losses caused by nonperformance.

Insurance for which there is no readily available, admitted market.

Any act of stealing or removing property from its rightful owner.____encompasses both burglary and robbery.

Insurance provisions that address the rights of someone other than the policyowner to have a secured financial interest in the insured property.

A wrongful act or the violation of someone's rights that leads to legal liability. They are classified as intentional and unintentional (referred to as negligence).

A basic principle of insurance under which the risk of financial loss is assigned to another party.

A form of misrepresentation in which an agent persuades an insured/owner to cancel, lapse, or switch policies, even when it's to the insure's disadvantage.

Coverage that provides extra protection against liability, and excess amount of insurance above the primary policy.

An insurance company that has not applied, or has applied and been denied a Certificate of Authority.

A person who evaluates and classifies risk to accept or reject them on behalf of the insurer.

The process of reviewing, accepting or rejecting applications for insurance.

A contract that legally binds only one party to contractual obligation after the premium is paid.

Coverage in an automobile insurance policy under which the insurer will pay costs up to specified limits for bodily injury, if the liable driver's policy limits are exhausted and he/she cannot pay the full amount for which he or she is liable.

Coverage that allows the named insured, resident relative(s) and passengers in a covered auto to collect sums another driver would be legally liable to pay for bodily injury resulting from an auto accident, providing the insurance company is insolvent.

The result of acting without proper care, generally referred to as negligence.

A property that has contents or furnishings in it, but is not being used or lived in.

The fair and equal bargaining by both parties in forming the contract, where the applicant much make full disclosure of risk to the company, and the insurance company must be fair in underwriting the risk.

A property that has no contents, furnishings, or occupants.

A policy used when it is difficult to establish the actual cash value of insured property after a loss occurs because of its rarity or uniqueness. It provides for payment of the full policy amount in the event of a total loss without regard to the actual value or depreciation.

A type of liability in which one person is responsible for the acts of another. For example, employees may be ________for the actions of their employees, and parents may be held responsible for negligent acts of their children.

Time between the beginning of disability and the start of disability insurance benefits.

The voluntary abandonment of a known or legal right or advantage.

A material stipulation in the policy that if breached may void coverage.

Benefits required by state law to be paid to an employee by an employer in the case of injury, disability, or death as the result of an on-the-job hazard.