Glossary of Terms

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ACCIDENT
An unexpected event, which happens by chance and is not expected in the normal course of events.
ACT OF GOD
A sudden and violent act of nature, which could not have been foreseen or prevented. Examples: flood, earthquake
ACTUAL CASH VALUE
The current cost of replacing an article with a similar one in the same condition. Any item has three basic values: original cost, actual cash value, and replacement value. For example, if you originally paid $400 for your living room couch; its actual cash value might be $175. But if it’s destroyed in a fire, replacing it will cost you $800.
ADDITIONAL INTEREST INSURED
Another person or company who may be liable for an accident involving an insured or an insured vehicle and who has been named as an Additional Interest Insured under the policy.
ADDITIONAL PREMIUM
An extra charge for an alteration, during the policy period, which increases the hazard or the Company’s liability.
ADJUSTER 
A person who investigates a loss and negotiates settlement with the claimant on the Company’s behalf
ALL PERILS
An optional coverage designed to provide protection for your vehicle for all types of losses except those specifically excluded in your policy. All perils coverage is the most complete coverage you can select to protect yourself from loss or damage to your own vehicle. This coverage is optional and may be purchased in addition to the mandatory coverages required by law, and it is subject to a deductible.
ALL RISK
Coverage against loss or damage from all perils except those specifically excluded.
AMOUNT OF RISK 
The Company’s total liability at a specific location
APPLICATION (APP) 
A form on which the prospective insured states facts requested by the insurance company and on the basis of which (together with any information from other sources) the insurance company decides whether or not to accept the risk, modify the coverage offered, or decline the risk.
APPRAISAL
A valuation of property made for determining its insurable value or the amount of loss sustained.
ARSON
The willful and malicious burning of property.
ASSUMED LIABILITY
Liability, which would not rest upon a person except that he has accepted responsibility by contract expressed or implied. This is also known as contractual liability.
ASSURANCE 
Same as “insurance”.
ASSURED
Same as “insured”
ASSURER 
Same as “insurer” (insurance company).
AUTHORIZATION
The power or right to act on behalf of another.
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE
Coverage on the risks associated with driving or owning an automobile. It can include collision, liability, comprehensive, medical, and uninsured motorist coverages.
AVOIDANCE OF RISK 
Taking steps to remove a hazard, engage in an alternative activity, or otherwise end a specific exposure.
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BASIC RATE
The standard charge for a given type of risk.
BI/PD
Bodily Injury / Property Damage Liability Coverage.
BINDER
A temporary or preliminary agreement, which provides coverage until a policy can be written or delivered.
BODILY INJURY
Term used in Auto and Casualty policies meaning physical injury, including sickness, disease, mental injury, shock or death.
BODILY INJURY LIABILITY
Pays when an insured person is legally liable for bodily injury or death caused by your vehicle or your operation of most non-owned vehicles. This coverage also pays for your legal defense if you are sued.
BROAD FORM
 Any of the commercial or personal lines property forms which provide coverage on a named perils basis. This form normally adds the Extended Coverage and Vandalism and Malicious Mischief coverages. This form is generally used for coverages on a Homeowners Policy
BROKER
An independent person or firm who acts on behalf of the insured in placing business with the insurance company. Responsible for the collection of premiums but having no authority to give coverage on the insurance company’s behalf without their specific agreement. Compensation is on a commission basis.
BURGLARY
Unlawful removal of property from premises involving visible forcible entry.
BUSINESS INTERRUPTION
Insurance against business expenses and loss of income resulting from fire or other insured peril.
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