Homeowners Insurance Terms and Definitions

An evaluation of a home insurance property claim by an authorized person to determine property value or damaged property value.

The termination of a home insurance policy during the policy term. An insurance company can only cancel a home insurance policy for reasons stated in the policy and permitted under the law of the state in which the policyholder resides.

A policyholder's request for reimbursement from an insurance company under a home insurance policy for a loss to property.

The amount a home insurance policyholder must pay out of pocket for a covered claim.

The estimated decrease in property value over time due to wear and tear, aging and other related factors.

A provision or document added to a home insurance policy that changes the original coverage offered in the policy.

Certain property, persons or circumstances noted in a policy as not covered by a home insurance policy.

A home insurance policy sold through an employment-based group, association or special group insurance trust in which members are included under one master policy. Individuals receive certificates of coverage from the group policy.

An insurance agent or producer who represents more than one insurer.

A home insurance policy sold directly to an individual, often through direct mail or phone solicitation. Individual policies do not require people to be members of an employment-based group, association or special group insurance trust.

Automatically adjusts your home insurance policy limits to account for increases in costs to repair property.

A contract in which a policyholder pays a set amount to an insurance company for protection against specified losses or perils.

Occurs when a policyholder does not pay or pays less than the agreed amount for a home insurance policy premium. Often, termination of the policy results from a lapse.

Covers losses that an insured person is legally liable for due to negligence or other situations outlined in a home insurance policy.

The current value of your home, including the price of land.

An insurance company's decision not to renew a home insurance policy after the current term ends. Companies must appropriately notify policyholders prior to nonrenewing coverage.

The exposure to or cause of a possible loss, such as an injury, destroyed or lost property, etc.

All tangible property (other than land) that is either temporary or movable in some way, such as furniture, jewelry, electronics, etc.

A written contract for insurance between an insurer and a policyholder.

The price a home insurance company charges for a specified risk over a specified period of time.

Protects personal property and land against loss or damage, as outlined in a home insurance policy.

Land, as well as anything permanently attached to, embedded in or growing on it.

Pays for the cost to replace damaged property or structures without factoring in deductions for depreciation, but payment is limited to a maximum dollar amount.

Pays for the cost to replace damaged personal property or items at current costs without factoring in deductions for depreciation.

A specified amount that is less than the maximum limits on a home insurance policy. Sub-limits are noted for specified coverages or types of property.

The process an insurance company uses to determine if someone is eligible for insurance and, if so, how much that person should pay for insurance.