Reference guide
Insurance Glossary
Plain-language definitions of common insurance terms across policies, coverage, and claims. Check your policy or plan documents for the terms that apply to you.
Find an insurance term
Showing 17 of 65 matching terms
Terms beginning with A
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Annuity owner
Life insurance - The person or entity with contractual rights to control an annuity, including beneficiary and payout elections.
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Annuity payout period
Life insurance - The stage of an annuity contract when accumulated value is converted into scheduled income payments.
- Also called: annuitization period
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Annuity surrender period
Life insurance - The time during which an annuity withdrawal or surrender may be subject to a surrender charge.
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Anti-stacking provision
General insurance - Policy wording that limits combining limits from more than one policy or vehicle for a single loss.
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Anti-steering provision
Auto insurance - A consumer-protection rule or policy practice addressing whether an insurer can direct a claimant to a particular repair or glass shop.
- Also called: repair shop choice rule
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Anti-theft device discount
Auto insurance - A premium discount that may apply when an insured vehicle has qualifying theft-deterrent equipment.
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Application
Health insurance - The information a person submits to request insurance coverage or enroll in a health plan.
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Appraisal
Claims - A policy process used to resolve certain disputes about the amount of a covered property loss.
- Also called: insurance appraisal
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Appraisal clause
Claims - A policy provision allowing the amount of a covered property loss to be determined through an appraisal process when the parties disagree.
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Arbitration
Claims - A dispute process in which a neutral arbitrator reviews the parties’ positions and issues a decision under agreed rules.
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Assessment insurer
General insurance - An insurer that may assess members or policyholders additional amounts to meet covered obligations under its governing rules.
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Assigned risk plan
Auto insurance - A state-supported market mechanism that helps eligible high-risk drivers obtain required auto insurance when standard coverage is unavailable.
- Also called: automobile insurance plan, residual market plan
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Association master policy
Home insurance - The insurance policy a condominium or homeowners association carries for common property and other association responsibilities.
- Also called: master insurance policy
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Attachment point
General insurance - The loss amount at which an excess insurance or reinsurance layer begins to pay.
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Auto glass coverage
Auto insurance - Coverage for covered damage to a vehicle’s windshield or other glass, often provided under comprehensive coverage.
- Also called: windshield coverage, motor vehicle glass coverage
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Automobile joint underwriting association
Auto insurance - A state-created residual market mechanism that may provide auto coverage for eligible drivers unable to find it in the voluntary market.
- Also called: auto JUA