Glossary of Insurance Terms
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HACKER INSURANCE A coverage that protects businesses engaged in electronic commerce from losses caused by hackers. |
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HARD MARKET A seller's market in which insurance is expensive and in short supply. (See Property/casualty insurance cycle ) |
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HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE POLICY The typical homeowners insurance policy covers the house, the garage and other structures on the property, as well as personal possessions inside the house such as furniture, appliances and clothing, against a wide variety of perils including windstorms, fire and theft. The extent of the perils covered depends on the type of policy. An all-risk policy offers the broadest coverage. This covers all perils except those specifically excluded in the policy. Homeowners insurance also covers additional living expenses. Known as Loss of Use, this provision in the policy reimburses the policyholder for the extra cost of living elsewhere while the house is being restored after a disaster. The liability portion of the policy covers the homeowner for accidental injuries caused to third parties and/or their property, such as a guest slipping and falling down improperly maintained stairs. Coverage for flood and earthquake damage is excluded and must be purchased separately. (See Flood insurance, Earthquake insurance) ) |
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HOUSE YEAR Equal to 365 days of insured coverage for a single dwelling. It is the standard measurement for homeowners insurance. |
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HURRICANE DEDUCTIBLE A percentage or dollar amount added to a homeowner's insurance policy to limit an insurer's exposure to loss from a hurricane. Higher deductibles are instituted in higher risk areas, such as coastal regions. Specific details, such as the intensity of the storm for the deductible to be triggered and the extent of the high risk area, vary from insurer to insurer and state to state. IDENTITY THEFT INSURANCE Coverage for expenses incurred as the result of an identity theft. Can include costs for notarizing fraud affidavits and certified mail, lost income from time taken off from work to meet with law-enforcement personnel or credit agencies, fees for reapplying for loans and attorney's fees to defend against lawsuits and remove criminal or civil judgments. |
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Reprinted with permission Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) All Rights Reserved http://www.iii.org These definitions provide a brief description of several terms used within the insurance industry. These definitions do not apply for all states or for all products. This is not an insurance contract. Other terms, conditions, and exclusions may apply. These definitions do not change the terms of any insurance contract. The inclusion of a definition of a particular coverage does not necessarily indicate that we offer that coverage. Should any conflict exist between these definitions and the provisions of the applicable insurance policy, the terms of the insurance policy control. Coverage availability varies by state. Please read the Columbia Insurance Group policy for full details regarding the coverages offered by our underwriting companies. |
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