GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Insurance is plagued with confusing terminology. It is hoped that the brief list of insurance terms provided below will assist you in improving your understanding and communication on at least some insurance matters.

ACT OF GOD

An accident or event that is the result of natural causes, without any human intervention, that could not have been prevented by any reasonable foresight or care.

ACCESSORIES

Parts or products specifically designed to be fitted to your car after purchase. The accessories are treated separately from your vehicle in the event of a claim, so if you have installed non-standard accessories, such as sound systems or rims, please keep proof of purchase and make sure that the value of these items is adequately covered by your sum Insured.

ADJUSTER

An insurance adjuster, also known as a claims adjuster, determines how much your insurance company should pay you if you make a claim. Insurance claim adjusters can either be in-house reps or independent people hired by your insurer, your broker and sometimes your agent.

ADJUSTMENT

The process of determining the cause, the extent of loss and amount of indemnity the Insured should recover under his policy

AGENT

A person or firm who represents the Insurer in negotiating, servicing, or effecting insurance contracts.

AVERAGE

Average is a term used when calculating the payment of a claim if the sum Insured at the time of a loss or damage is less than the actual value of the Insured property. The Insured is regarded as his own Insurer for the difference between the two amounts. Pay out of a claim will be in proportion to the value Insured.

BROKERS

A professional person or firm who solicits insurance and places orders for coverage with insurance companies designated by the Insured or with companies or their own choosing

CANCELLATION
Termination of the insurance cover prior to the normal expiry date of the policy

CLAIM
A demand for payment under an insurance contract. The estimated or actual amount of loss caused by an Insured event.

CLAIMANT

One who makes or presents a claim for a loss suffered

COVER NOTE

A document giving a written statement of temporary cover usually pending the issuance of the policy document

DEPRECIATION

The reduction in value of the car over time. As each part of the vehicle wears out with time, the value of your car also diminishes. When there is a claim and parts need to be replaced, a deduction is made for this wear and tear. If there is a total loss (write off), a deduction will also be made before settlement based on the recommendation of an Independent Loss Adjuster.

ENDORSEMENT

A variation of the terms of the policy, usually occurring between policy periods.

EXCESS

Excess- the amount that you must pay towards every claim (whether right or wrong) before it is settled.

INSURER

A company authorized by the financial Services Commission to insure and accept risks under the terms of the Insurance Act.

LAPSE

The expiration or termination of an insurance policy at its renewal date, which can be at the request of the Insured, or even sometimes the Insurer. It can also occur if the renewal premium on the policy remains unpaid.

INDEMNITY VALUE

The contract that you hold with your insurance company is based on the principle of indemnity. The indemnity value is the value of the property (vehicle or otherwise) based on the cost of repairing or replacing it with property of the same kind and quality. Typically, indemnity equals the current replacement cost minus depreciation (age, condition, length of time in use, and obsolescence)

PERIL

A condition that gives rise to a loss, for which a claim will be filed, e.g. a fire, theft, earthquake, hurricane.

POLICY

An insurance policy is a contract between the Insurer and the Insured, which determines the claims which the Insurer is legally required to pay. The policy booklet is evidence of the agreement made by both parties and sets out the obligations of each. It also contains the schedule, proposal form and certificate (in motor insurance).

POLICY HOLDER

The individual or firm Insured

PREMIUM

The amount of money the policyholder has paid or agreed to pay to the insurance company for their acceptance of his risk.

SUM INSURED

This figure should represent the current market value of your vehicle or property. We recommend that an annual valuation be done on your vehicle to ensure the value of your vehicle is current. In the event of a total loss, settlement reflects the current market value of your vehicle, or the Sum Insured, whichever is the less.

For home insurance, the Sum Insured should be the replacement cost your items.

UTMOST GOOD FAITH

This is a term used to indicate that every person who enters a contract with an insurance company has a legal obligation to be honest and accurate in the information provided either orally or in writing. The insurer is also legally obligated to be completely honest with the Insured and not deliberately give information that is misleading in any way.