Insurance Definitions

Common terms from your policies — short definitions, examples, and which coverages they relate to.

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18 terms

Business General Liability

This coverage applies to certain damage to premises rented to the insured, often with a separate general liability limit.

Damage to Premises Rented to You is an important insurance concept because it can affect how coverage is selected, priced, interpreted, or applied at claim time. In practical terms, it helps explain what the policy may do, what the insured may be responsible for, or how the insurance company may evaluate a covered situation. This term is commonly associated with General Liability. For business insurance customers, understanding Damage to Premises Rented to You can make it easier to compare policies, ask better questions, avoid coverage gaps, and understand what may happen before, during, or after a claim. The exact impact of Damage to Premises Rented to You depends on the policy form, endorsements, limits, deductibles, exclusions, state law, and the facts of the loss or account.

Example Example: A business owner comparing quotes for general liability coverage asks whether Damage to Premises Rented to You could affect contracts, claims, or required limits. The agent reviews the policy wording and explains how it may apply to the business operation.

Full page: Damage to Premises Rented to You

Business Cyber Liability

Data breach response coverage helps pay for notification, credit monitoring, forensic investigation, legal guidance, and other breach-related expenses.

Data Breach Response is an important insurance concept because it can affect how coverage is selected, priced, interpreted, or applied at claim time. In practical terms, it helps explain what the policy may do, what the insured may be responsible for, or how the insurance company may evaluate a covered situation. This term is commonly associated with Cyber Liability. For business insurance customers, understanding Data Breach Response can make it easier to compare policies, ask better questions, avoid coverage gaps, and understand what may happen before, during, or after a claim. The exact impact of Data Breach Response depends on the policy form, endorsements, limits, deductibles, exclusions, state law, and the facts of the loss or account.

Example Example: A business owner comparing quotes for cyber liability coverage asks whether Data Breach Response could affect contracts, claims, or required limits. The agent reviews the policy wording and explains how it may apply to the business operation.

Full page: Data Breach Response

Business Garage Auto Dealers

Dealer open lot coverage insures vehicles held for sale by auto dealers, subject to weather, theft, and location conditions.

Dealer Open Lot Coverage is an important insurance concept because it can affect how coverage is selected, priced, interpreted, or applied at claim time. In practical terms, it helps explain what the policy may do, what the insured may be responsible for, or how the insurance company may evaluate a covered situation. This term is commonly associated with Garage, Auto Dealers. For business insurance customers, understanding Dealer Open Lot Coverage can make it easier to compare policies, ask better questions, avoid coverage gaps, and understand what may happen before, during, or after a claim. The exact impact of Dealer Open Lot Coverage depends on the policy form, endorsements, limits, deductibles, exclusions, state law, and the facts of the loss or account.

Example Example: A business owner comparing quotes for garage coverage asks whether Dealer Open Lot Coverage could affect contracts, claims, or required limits. The agent reviews the policy wording and explains how it may apply to the business operation.

Full page: Dealer Open Lot Coverage

Personal Property Insurance Commercial Property Homeowners

Debris removal coverage helps pay to remove debris of covered property after a covered loss, subject to limits.

Debris Removal is an important insurance concept because it can affect how coverage is selected, priced, interpreted, or applied at claim time. In practical terms, it helps explain what the policy may do, what the insured may be responsible for, or how the insurance company may evaluate a covered situation. This term is commonly associated with Property Insurance, Commercial Property, Homeowners. For personal insurance customers, understanding Debris Removal can make it easier to compare policies, ask better questions, avoid coverage gaps, and understand what may happen before, during, or after a claim. The exact impact of Debris Removal depends on the policy form, endorsements, limits, deductibles, exclusions, state law, and the facts of the loss or account.

Example Example: A customer reviewing a property insurance policy asks how Debris Removal would affect a future claim. The agent explains where the term appears in the policy and how it may change the amount paid, the coverage available, or the customer's responsibilities.

Full page: Debris Removal

Business All Insurance Types

A declarations page summarizes the policyholder, policy period, covered property or vehicles, coverages, limits, deductibles, endorsements, and premium.

Declarations Page is an important insurance concept because it can affect how coverage is selected, priced, interpreted, or applied at claim time. In practical terms, it helps explain what the policy may do, what the insured may be responsible for, or how the insurance company may evaluate a covered situation. This term is commonly associated with All Insurance Types. For business insurance customers, understanding Declarations Page can make it easier to compare policies, ask better questions, avoid coverage gaps, and understand what may happen before, during, or after a claim. The exact impact of Declarations Page depends on the policy form, endorsements, limits, deductibles, exclusions, state law, and the facts of the loss or account.

Example Example: A business owner comparing quotes for all insurance types coverage asks whether Declarations Page could affect contracts, claims, or required limits. The agent reviews the policy wording and explains how it may apply to the business operation.

Full page: Declarations Page

Benefits Auto Homeowners Renters Condo Commercial Property Health

A deductible is the amount the insured pays or absorbs before insurance applies to a covered loss.

Deductible is an important insurance concept because it can affect how coverage is selected, priced, interpreted, or applied at claim time. In practical terms, it helps explain what the policy may do, what the insured may be responsible for, or how the insurance company may evaluate a covered situation. This term is commonly associated with Auto, Homeowners, Renters, Condo, Commercial Property, Health. For benefits insurance customers, understanding Deductible can make it easier to compare policies, ask better questions, avoid coverage gaps, and understand what may happen before, during, or after a claim. The exact impact of Deductible depends on the policy form, endorsements, limits, deductibles, exclusions, state law, and the facts of the loss or account.

Example Example: A customer reviewing auto coverage asks how Deductible affects eligibility, benefits, premium, or claim payment. The agent explains the term using the plan or policy documents so the customer understands the practical impact.

Full page: Deductible

Business Liability Professional Liability D&O

Defense costs are legal fees and expenses incurred to defend a covered claim or lawsuit.

Defense Costs is an important insurance concept because it can affect how coverage is selected, priced, interpreted, or applied at claim time. In practical terms, it helps explain what the policy may do, what the insured may be responsible for, or how the insurance company may evaluate a covered situation. This term is commonly associated with Liability, Professional Liability, D&O. For business insurance customers, understanding Defense Costs can make it easier to compare policies, ask better questions, avoid coverage gaps, and understand what may happen before, during, or after a claim. The exact impact of Defense Costs depends on the policy form, endorsements, limits, deductibles, exclusions, state law, and the facts of the loss or account.

Example Example: A business owner comparing quotes for liability coverage asks whether Defense Costs could affect contracts, claims, or required limits. The agent reviews the policy wording and explains how it may apply to the business operation.

Full page: Defense Costs

Business Professional Liability D&O Cyber

Defense inside the limits means defense costs reduce the available limit of insurance.

Defense Inside the Limits is an important insurance concept because it can affect how coverage is selected, priced, interpreted, or applied at claim time. In practical terms, it helps explain what the policy may do, what the insured may be responsible for, or how the insurance company may evaluate a covered situation. This term is commonly associated with Professional Liability, D&O, Cyber. For business insurance customers, understanding Defense Inside the Limits can make it easier to compare policies, ask better questions, avoid coverage gaps, and understand what may happen before, during, or after a claim. The exact impact of Defense Inside the Limits depends on the policy form, endorsements, limits, deductibles, exclusions, state law, and the facts of the loss or account.

Example Example: A business owner comparing quotes for professional liability coverage asks whether Defense Inside the Limits could affect contracts, claims, or required limits. The agent reviews the policy wording and explains how it may apply to the business operation.

Full page: Defense Inside the Limits

Business General Liability Some Liability Policies

Defense outside the limits means covered defense costs are paid in addition to the policy limit.

Defense Outside the Limits is an important insurance concept because it can affect how coverage is selected, priced, interpreted, or applied at claim time. In practical terms, it helps explain what the policy may do, what the insured may be responsible for, or how the insurance company may evaluate a covered situation. This term is commonly associated with General Liability, Some Liability Policies. For business insurance customers, understanding Defense Outside the Limits can make it easier to compare policies, ask better questions, avoid coverage gaps, and understand what may happen before, during, or after a claim. The exact impact of Defense Outside the Limits depends on the policy form, endorsements, limits, deductibles, exclusions, state law, and the facts of the loss or account.

Example Example: A business owner comparing quotes for general liability coverage asks whether Defense Outside the Limits could affect contracts, claims, or required limits. The agent reviews the policy wording and explains how it may apply to the business operation.

Full page: Defense Outside the Limits

Powersports Property Insurance Auto Inland Marine

Depreciation is the decrease in property value due to age, wear, condition, obsolescence, or useful life.

Depreciation is an important insurance concept because it can affect how coverage is selected, priced, interpreted, or applied at claim time. In practical terms, it helps explain what the policy may do, what the insured may be responsible for, or how the insurance company may evaluate a covered situation. This term is commonly associated with Property Insurance, Auto, Inland Marine. For powersports insurance customers, understanding Depreciation can make it easier to compare policies, ask better questions, avoid coverage gaps, and understand what may happen before, during, or after a claim. The exact impact of Depreciation depends on the policy form, endorsements, limits, deductibles, exclusions, state law, and the facts of the loss or account.

Example Example: A customer insuring a boat, motorcycle, RV, or other recreational vehicle asks how Depreciation applies if there is damage, theft, or liability. The agent uses the policy language to explain what may be covered and what limits or exclusions may apply.

Full page: Depreciation

Business Auto Commercial Auto

Diminished value is the reduction in a vehicle's market value after damage and repair; coverage depends on policy and law.

Diminished Value is an important insurance concept because it can affect how coverage is selected, priced, interpreted, or applied at claim time. In practical terms, it helps explain what the policy may do, what the insured may be responsible for, or how the insurance company may evaluate a covered situation. This term is commonly associated with Auto, Commercial Auto. For business insurance customers, understanding Diminished Value can make it easier to compare policies, ask better questions, avoid coverage gaps, and understand what may happen before, during, or after a claim. The exact impact of Diminished Value depends on the policy form, endorsements, limits, deductibles, exclusions, state law, and the facts of the loss or account.

Example Example: A business owner comparing quotes for auto coverage asks whether Diminished Value could affect contracts, claims, or required limits. The agent reviews the policy wording and explains how it may apply to the business operation.

Full page: Diminished Value

Business D&O Nonprofit Private Company

Directors and officers liability covers claims alleging wrongful acts in organizational management, governance, or fiduciary decision-making.

Directors and Officers Liability is an important insurance concept because it can affect how coverage is selected, priced, interpreted, or applied at claim time. In practical terms, it helps explain what the policy may do, what the insured may be responsible for, or how the insurance company may evaluate a covered situation. This term is commonly associated with D&O, Nonprofit, Private Company. For business insurance customers, understanding Directors and Officers Liability can make it easier to compare policies, ask better questions, avoid coverage gaps, and understand what may happen before, during, or after a claim. The exact impact of Directors and Officers Liability depends on the policy form, endorsements, limits, deductibles, exclusions, state law, and the facts of the loss or account.

Example Example: A business owner comparing quotes for d&o coverage asks whether Directors and Officers Liability could affect contracts, claims, or required limits. The agent reviews the policy wording and explains how it may apply to the business operation.

Full page: Directors and Officers Liability

Benefits Disability Employee Benefits

Disability insurance replaces part of income if the insured cannot work because of a covered illness or injury.

Disability Insurance is an important insurance concept because it can affect how coverage is selected, priced, interpreted, or applied at claim time. In practical terms, it helps explain what the policy may do, what the insured may be responsible for, or how the insurance company may evaluate a covered situation. This term is commonly associated with Disability, Employee Benefits. For benefits insurance customers, understanding Disability Insurance can make it easier to compare policies, ask better questions, avoid coverage gaps, and understand what may happen before, during, or after a claim. The exact impact of Disability Insurance depends on the policy form, endorsements, limits, deductibles, exclusions, state law, and the facts of the loss or account.

Example Example: A customer reviewing disability coverage asks how Disability Insurance affects eligibility, benefits, premium, or claim payment. The agent explains the term using the plan or policy documents so the customer understands the practical impact.

Full page: Disability Insurance

Personal Homeowners Renters Umbrella

Dog bite liability involves injury caused by a dog and may be covered, limited, or excluded depending on policy and law.

Dog Bite Liability is an important insurance concept because it can affect how coverage is selected, priced, interpreted, or applied at claim time. In practical terms, it helps explain what the policy may do, what the insured may be responsible for, or how the insurance company may evaluate a covered situation. This term is commonly associated with Homeowners, Renters, Umbrella. For personal insurance customers, understanding Dog Bite Liability can make it easier to compare policies, ask better questions, avoid coverage gaps, and understand what may happen before, during, or after a claim. The exact impact of Dog Bite Liability depends on the policy form, endorsements, limits, deductibles, exclusions, state law, and the facts of the loss or account.

Example Example: A customer reviewing a homeowners policy asks how Dog Bite Liability would affect a future claim. The agent explains where the term appears in the policy and how it may change the amount paid, the coverage available, or the customer's responsibilities.

Full page: Dog Bite Liability

Business Commercial Auto

Drive other car coverage can provide personal auto-like coverage for individuals who use company vehicles but do not own personal autos.

Drive Other Car Coverage is an important insurance concept because it can affect how coverage is selected, priced, interpreted, or applied at claim time. In practical terms, it helps explain what the policy may do, what the insured may be responsible for, or how the insurance company may evaluate a covered situation. This term is commonly associated with Commercial Auto. For business insurance customers, understanding Drive Other Car Coverage can make it easier to compare policies, ask better questions, avoid coverage gaps, and understand what may happen before, during, or after a claim. The exact impact of Drive Other Car Coverage depends on the policy form, endorsements, limits, deductibles, exclusions, state law, and the facts of the loss or account.

Example Example: A business owner comparing quotes for commercial auto coverage asks whether Drive Other Car Coverage could affect contracts, claims, or required limits. The agent reviews the policy wording and explains how it may apply to the business operation.

Full page: Drive Other Car Coverage

Business Property Auto Liability

Duties after loss are the insured's required actions after a claim, such as giving notice, protecting property, documenting damage, and cooperating.

Duties After Loss is an important insurance concept because it can affect how coverage is selected, priced, interpreted, or applied at claim time. In practical terms, it helps explain what the policy may do, what the insured may be responsible for, or how the insurance company may evaluate a covered situation. This term is commonly associated with Property, Auto, Liability. For business insurance customers, understanding Duties After Loss can make it easier to compare policies, ask better questions, avoid coverage gaps, and understand what may happen before, during, or after a claim. The exact impact of Duties After Loss depends on the policy form, endorsements, limits, deductibles, exclusions, state law, and the facts of the loss or account.

Example Example: A business owner comparing quotes for property coverage asks whether Duties After Loss could affect contracts, claims, or required limits. The agent reviews the policy wording and explains how it may apply to the business operation.

Full page: Duties After Loss

Personal Liability Auto Homeowners General Liability

Duty to defend is the insurer's obligation to provide or pay for legal defense when a claim potentially falls within coverage.

Duty to Defend is an important insurance concept because it can affect how coverage is selected, priced, interpreted, or applied at claim time. In practical terms, it helps explain what the policy may do, what the insured may be responsible for, or how the insurance company may evaluate a covered situation. This term is commonly associated with Liability, Auto, Homeowners, General Liability. For personal insurance customers, understanding Duty to Defend can make it easier to compare policies, ask better questions, avoid coverage gaps, and understand what may happen before, during, or after a claim. The exact impact of Duty to Defend depends on the policy form, endorsements, limits, deductibles, exclusions, state law, and the facts of the loss or account.

Example Example: A customer reviewing a liability policy asks how Duty to Defend would affect a future claim. The agent explains where the term appears in the policy and how it may change the amount paid, the coverage available, or the customer's responsibilities.

Full page: Duty to Defend

Personal Homeowners Dwelling Fire

Dwelling coverage insures the structure of a home and attached structures against covered causes of loss.

Dwelling Coverage is an important insurance concept because it can affect how coverage is selected, priced, interpreted, or applied at claim time. In practical terms, it helps explain what the policy may do, what the insured may be responsible for, or how the insurance company may evaluate a covered situation. This term is commonly associated with Homeowners, Dwelling Fire. For personal insurance customers, understanding Dwelling Coverage can make it easier to compare policies, ask better questions, avoid coverage gaps, and understand what may happen before, during, or after a claim. The exact impact of Dwelling Coverage depends on the policy form, endorsements, limits, deductibles, exclusions, state law, and the facts of the loss or account.

Example Example: A customer reviewing a homeowners policy asks how Dwelling Coverage would affect a future claim. The agent explains where the term appears in the policy and how it may change the amount paid, the coverage available, or the customer's responsibilities.

Full page: Dwelling Coverage


Insurance Terms to Know

Professional Liability

Professional liability covers claims alleging financial loss due to professional errors, negligence, advice, services, or failure to perform professional duties.