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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.

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Showing 14 of 14 matching terms

Terms beginning with U

Umbrella liability

Business insurance
Liability coverage that may provide additional limits above qualifying underlying policies and may sometimes broaden coverage.
Also called: commercial umbrella

Underinsured motorist coverage

Auto insurance
Auto coverage that may help when an at-fault driver has liability insurance that is not enough for covered injuries or damages.
Also called: UIM coverage

Underlying insurance

General insurance
The primary or lower-layer policies that must respond before an excess policy can pay.

Underwriter

General insurance
A professional or process that evaluates insurance applications and decides whether and on what terms to offer coverage.

Underwriting

General insurance
The process insurers use to assess risk and set eligibility, coverage terms, and premium.

Underwriting gain

General insurance
Profit from insurance underwriting operations before investment income is considered.

Unfair trade practice

Claims
A prohibited insurance business practice, such as certain misrepresentations, discrimination, or improper claim-settlement conduct, defined by state law.

Uninsured motorist coverage

Auto insurance
Auto coverage that may help with covered injuries or damages caused by a driver who does not have insurance.
Also called: UM coverage

Uninsured motorist property damage

Auto insurance
Coverage for qualifying damage caused by an uninsured driver, where available, usually subject to its own limit and deductible.

Unit owners coverage

Home insurance
Coverage for a condominium unit owner’s insured property, liability, and other policy protections.
Also called: unit owners insurance

Universal life insurance

Life insurance
Permanent life insurance with flexible features that may allow changes to premiums or death benefits within policy limits.

Urgent care

Health insurance
Medical care for conditions needing prompt attention that are not generally considered life-threatening emergencies.
Also called: urgent care center

Usage-based insurance

Auto insurance
Auto insurance pricing that uses collected driving or mileage information as part of determining premium.
Also called: UBI, pay-how-you-drive

Utilization review

Health insurance
A process evaluating the necessity, appropriateness, or efficiency of health care services and treatment.