Disclaimer: The definitions in this insurance glossary are based on a general use of the term and are provided “as-is”. Though we do our best to keep info accurate and up to date, we do not guarantee accuracy, nor do we accept any liability for the website being accurate.
A
Actual Cash Value (ACV) – A property valuation method in which depreciation is subtracted from replacement cost.
Adjuster – The person who investigates claims and estimates damages.
Additional Living Expenses – If you can’t live in your home because of a covered loss, your insurance company may pay the necessary increase in living expenses while damage is assessed and your home is repaired or rebuilt.
B
Beneficiary – The designated recipient of payments owed on a contract such as life insurance.
Bodily Injury – Injury to a person.
Broad Form Liability Coverage – Helps protect you from expenses related to injuries or property damage you or your watercraft cause in an accident. Some policies also cover certain accidental fuel spill liabilities and wreckage removal.
Business Interruption – Loss of income resulting from damage to a business.
Business Owners Policy (BOP) – A commercial policy package that often includes coverage for property, liability, and more.
C
Campsite Liability – See Vacation Liability
Casualty Insurance – Liability insurance that covers negligent acts and omissions like workers compensation, malpractice, and more.
Claim – A request for payment due to a covered loss.
C.L.U.E. – C.L.U.E. (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) is a claims history database created by ChoicePoint that enables insurance companies to access consumer claims information when they are underwriting or rating an insurance policy. It typically contains up to five years of personal auto or personal property claims history.
Coinsurance – In property insurance, it is a clause requiring the policyholder to insure for a specified amount of the property value (usually 80%) or the policyholder will be responsible for a share of the loss. In medical insurance, it refers to the percentage of each claim the policyholder will be responsible for paying.
Collision Coverage – Pays for physical damage to a vehicle resulting from a collision. Collisions coverage typically covers things like hitting another car or object.
Comprehensive Coverage – In regards to auto insurance, comprehensive coverage pays for physical damage to a vehicle that is not from a collision. Comprehensive covers things like weather damage and vandalism.
Custom Parts & Equipment Coverage – Many motorcycle owners like to customize their rides, and some policies pay for customized parts and equipment, often at no extra charge.
D
Declarations – A summation of your insurance policy. A declarations page typically includes insured names, contract period, coverage, and more.
Deductible – When you get insurance, you agree to pay up to a certain amount out-of-pocket in case of a loss. This amount is called your “deductible.” The deductible you choose often affects how much you pay for your premium. For example, a higher deductible usually means a lower premium. In the case of a covered loss, you’ll only be required to pay your deductible, and the insurance company usually covers the excess, up to the applicable limit for that loss under your policy.
E
Endorsement – A change made to an insurance contract. Replacing a vehicle is an example of an endorsement.
Excess Liability – Sometimes used interchangeably with “umbrella”, “excess liability” refers to extended liability coverage. This coverage is meant to supplement your insurance coverage if the damages exceed your liability coverage.
F
Full Coverage – Although not an official coverage, this generally refers to auto insurance which combines liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage. Learn more
I
Identity Theft – Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information and uses it to open accounts or incur charges without your permission. Thieves can access your personal information in a variety of ways, such as stealing your personal mail, your wallet, or hacking your computer files. The thief then uses your identity to rack up debt in your name or perhaps to issue fake IDs. For more information on identity theft and tips on prevention visit the FTC’s Identity Theft Site.
Indemnity – Providing indemnity means to financially restore someone after a loss, through payment, repair or replacement.
L
Liability – When you are at fault for damages to another party, you are said to be “liable” for the damage. If, for example, you in an at-fault car accident, your insurance will compensate the other party from your liability coverage.
M
Medical Payments – Payments for medical expenses regardless of fault.
P
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – First party coverage for medical expenses and loss of income. PIP is mandated in the state of Minnesota and is sometimes referred to as no-fault coverage.
Personal Property Coverage – Coverage to your personal effects such as clothing, furniture, electronics, etc.
Physical Damage – Damage to your vehicle like hail damage, vandalism, or damage from a car accident.
Premium – The amount charged for insurance coverage.
R
Rental Reimbursement – Pays to rent a vehicle if your vehicle is involved in a covered loss.
Replacement Cost – The cost to replace property without a reduction for depreciation.
Roadside Assistance – A service that is often offered by insurance companies to assist you if your vehicle is disabled. It often covers towing expenses, jump starts, or fuel delivery.
S
Scheduled Property – Certain classes of property which have a defined limit of coverage must be scheduled on the policy contract in order to extend coverage beyond the limit. For example, jewelry often has a limit of coverage well below the cost to replace the item. In order to fully insure the item, it must be “scheduled” on the insurance policy and an additional premium is charged.
Subrogation – When an insurer, on behalf of the insured, sues a third party to recover payment for losses to the insured.
U
Underinsured Motorist Coverage – Provides coverage if you’re in an accident with another driver who is at-fault and they do not have enough liability insurance to cover the damages.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage – Provides coverage if you’re in an accident with another driver who is at-fault and they do not have any liability insurance.
V
Vacation Liability – Liability coverage if someone (not related to you) is hurt at your campsite or RV while it’s parked.
