insurish: The dictionary-ish Guide

Where we try to make sense of all the tricky insurance terms. Because nobody should need a translator for their own policy.

A
Accelerated Death Benefit
āš” When life throws a serious curveball, this lets you tap into your life insurance payout earlyā€”so you can cover medical costs, bucket-list adventures, or just enjoy the time you have.
Accident
šŸš™ An unplanned “Oops!” – usually involving cars, coffee spills, or questionable life choices.
Accident Forgiveness
šŸš˜ A get-out-of-rate-hike-free cardā€”some insurers let you have one accident without raising your premium.
Accident Health Insurance Supplement
šŸš‘ Extra coverage that steps in when life hits hard helping pay for medical bills, lost wages, or other costs after an accident. Think of it as a financial cushion for those unexpected “Oops!” moments. Get a free quote from Insurish.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment
šŸ’€ The “just in case” policy that pays out if a serious accident results in death or losing something importantā€”like a limb, eyesight, or ability to function as before. Not fun to think about, but good to have.
Accumulated Cash Value
šŸ’° The slow-but-steady money-growing magic inside certain life insurance policies. Over time, your policy builds up cash you can borrow against or cash outā€”kind of like a savings account with a safety net.
Act of God
āš” A fancy way of saying “Mother Nature did this”ā€”covers natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires (if included in your policy).
Actual Cash Value
šŸ’µ What your stuff is worth right now, not what you paid for it. Depreciation takes a bite, so that brand-new couch from five years ago? Yeah, itā€™s not worth the same today.
Additional Insured
šŸ’¼ A bonus name on the policyā€”someone else (like a business partner or landlord) who gets coverage under your insurance.
Adjuster
šŸ•µļø The insurance detective who investigates claims, crunches numbers, and decides how much money you get after an accident or disaster. Their job? Figure out whatā€™s fair.
Adverse Selection
šŸ“‰ When high-risk people buy more insurance than low-risk people, driving up costs for everyone. (Insurers try to avoid this.)
Agency
šŸ¢ The insurance HQ where agents help match you with the right coverage. Think of it as mission control for all things protection.
Agent
šŸ¤ Your insurance wingmanā€”the person who finds the best policy for you, explains the fine print, and makes sure youā€™re covered when life throws a curveball.
Aggregate Limit
šŸ”„ The total max payout your insurer will cover during a policy periodā€”once you hit it, you’re on your own.
All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Insurance
šŸļø Protection for your off-road adventures. Whether you’re tearing up trails or cruising through mud, this coverage has your back if things get bumpyā€”literally. Get a Free quote from Insurish.
Annuity
šŸ’° A steady paycheck from an insurance companyā€”often used for retirement, paying out over time instead of all at once.
Anti-Theft Device Discount
šŸš— A price break on car insurance if you have alarms, GPS trackers, or other theft-prevention devices.
Application
šŸ“ The ā€œLetā€™s make this officialā€ form you fill out to get insurance. Answer some questions, sign your name, and boomā€”youā€™re on your way to coverage!
Appraisal
šŸ“Š The official price tag on your home, car, or valuablesā€”determined by a pro to make sure youā€™re insuring them for the right amount. No guessing games here!
Assessed Value
šŸ“Š What local tax authorities think your property is worthā€”it may be different from market value or replacement cost.
Assigned Risk
šŸš˜ When insurers take on high-risk drivers (who might not get coverage otherwise) through a state-assigned program.
At-Fault Accident
šŸš¦ When the blame is on youā€”your insurance (or wallet) is covering the damage.
Auto Insurance
šŸš— Your carā€™s financial seatbeltā€”covers damage, injuries, accidents, and sometimes even break-ins, so you’re not left paying out of pocket when the unexpected happens. Get a FREE quote from Insurish.
Auto Warranty Insurance
šŸ› ļø Think of this as breakdown coverage for your ride. If your carā€™s parts or systems fail after the manufacturerā€™s warranty expires, this helps cover the repair costs.
B
Bailee’s Coverage
šŸ“¦ Protection for other peopleā€™s stuff in your careā€”perfect for dry cleaners, repair shops, and storage businesses.
Beneficiary
šŸ§‘ā€āš–ļø The lucky someone who gets the insurance payout when youā€™re no longer around. Choose wiselyā€”this is who gets the money when life insurance kicks in.
Betterments & Improvements
šŸ› ļø Upgrades you make to a rented or owned spaceā€”like new floors or built-in bookshelvesā€”that may need extra coverage.
Binder
šŸ“„ A temporary ā€œyou’re coveredā€ note from your insurer while the official policy is being finalized. Itā€™s like a placeholder that says, ā€œWe got youā€¦ for now.ā€
Blanket Insurance
šŸ›”ļø One policy, multiple things coveredā€”whether itā€™s properties, possessions, or businesses, this keeps everything protected under one big insurance umbrella.
Boat Insurance
ā›µ Because “oops” moments happen on water too. Covers your boat, jet ski, or yacht from damage, theft, and accidentsā€”so your dream cruise doesnā€™t sink your wallet. Get a FREE quote from Insurish.
Bodily Injury
šŸ¤• When your body takes the hitā€”from minor bruises to major medical bills. If youā€™re at fault in an accident, this helps cover the other personā€™s costs (so they donā€™t come after you instead).
Bodily Injury (BI) Coverage
šŸ¤• Pays for injuries you cause to others in an accident – so you don’t have to foot the medical bill alone.
Bodily Injury Liability Limits
šŸ¤• The max amount your insurance will pay if you injure someone in an accident. Choose wiselyā€”because hospital bills can add up fast.
Buried Utility Coverage
šŸ”§ Protection for the underground stuffā€”like water lines, gas pipes, and electrical wiring. If something important (and expensive) breaks beneath your property, this coverage helps dig you out of trouble.
Business Income Coverage
šŸ’° If a disaster shuts down your biz, this coverage helps replace lost income while you get back on your feet. Bills donā€™t stop just because business does!
Business Interruption Insurance
šŸ’¼ Helps cover lost income if a disaster shuts your business downā€”so you can still pay bills and employees.
Business Owners Policy (BOP)
šŸ¢ A power combo of business insuranceā€”bundling property, liability, and more into one neat package. Because running a business is risky enough without juggling multiple policies. Get a FREE quote from Insurish.
Business Property Coverage
šŸ“¦ Covers all the stuff inside your businessā€”desks, computers, inventory, even that fancy espresso machine. If it’s important to running your business, this helps protect it.
C
Cash Surrender Value
šŸ’ø The “cash-out” option for certain life insurance policies. If you cancel, this is the amount you get backā€”but spoiler alert: itā€™s usually less than the full policy value.
Cash Value
šŸ’° The piggy bank inside your life insurance. Some policies build up money over time, and you can borrow against it or cash it out if needed.
Catastrophe
šŸŒŖļø When Mother Nature goes wildā€”think hurricanes, earthquakes, and other disasters that cause major damage (and major insurance payouts).
Claim
šŸ“ Your official ā€œHelp! Something went wrong!ā€ request to your insurance company. If approved, they cut a check to cover the damage.
Claimant
šŸ§‘ā€āš–ļø The person asking for the money after a lossā€”whether it’s you, another driver, or someone making a claim against your policy.
Classic Car Insurance
šŸš— Special coverage for your four-wheeled treasure. Standard auto insurance wonā€™t cut it for vintage or collectible carsā€”this keeps them protected while they shine. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Co-Insurance Clause
āš–ļø The ā€œshare the riskā€ rule in some policiesā€”if you donā€™t insure enough of your propertyā€™s value, you might have to cover part of the loss yourself. No shortcuts here!
Co-Op Insurance
šŸ¢ Protection for your share of a co-op apartmentā€”since you donā€™t own the unit outright, this covers your belongings and liability inside. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
COBRA Insurance
šŸ„ Lets you keep your employerā€™s health plan after leaving a jobā€”but youā€™ll pay the full premium yourself.
Collision Coverage
šŸ’„ When your car plays bumper cars (with another car, a tree, or, oopsā€¦ a mailbox), this coverage helps pay for the repairsā€”no matter who’s at fault.
Commercial Auto Insurance
šŸš› Because business vehicles need protection too. Covers work trucks, delivery vans, and company carsā€”so your business stays on the road after an accident. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Commercial Excess Liability Insurance
šŸ“ˆ Extra coverage when regular liability limits arenā€™t enough. If a big claim maxes out your policy, this steps in to cover the restā€”because lawsuits arenā€™t cheap. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Commercial Property Insurance
šŸ¢ Keeps your business home base safeā€”whether itā€™s an office, restaurant, or warehouse. Covers buildings, inventory, and equipment if disaster strikes. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Commission
šŸ’° The thank-you-for-selling-insurance paycheck agents earn when they match you with the right coverage. No extra cost to youā€”just how the biz works!
Comparative Negligence
āš–ļø The blame-sharing ruleā€”if both parties are at fault in an accident, liability (and payments) get split.
Comprehensive Coverage
šŸŒ Covers the wild stuffā€”theft, fire, hail, even a deer deciding to play chicken with your car. If itā€™s not a collision but still causes damage, this has your back.
Comprehensive General Liability (CGL) Insurance
šŸ›”ļø The ā€œOops, donā€™t sue meā€ policy for businessesā€”covering injuries, property damage, and legal costs when accidents happen on your watch. Get a FREE Insurish quote!
Conditions
šŸ“œ The fine print rules in your policy that tell you what you need to do to stay coveredā€”like paying your premium and reporting claims on time.
Condominium Insurance
šŸ¢ Covers your slice of the condo, including personal belongings and interior damageā€”since the homeowner associationā€™s insurance only protects the building itself. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Construction Insurance
šŸš§ Covers a building project from start to finishā€”protects against damage, theft, or accidents while under construction. aka: Builders’ Risk Insurance
Contents Coverage
šŸ“¦ Protection for all the stuff inside your homeā€”furniture, gadgets, even your favorite fuzzy socksā€”if disaster strikes.
Contingency Beneficiary
šŸ§‘ā€āš–ļø The backup plan for your life insurance payoutā€”if your primary beneficiary canā€™t claim it, this person is next in line.
Contract
šŸ“œ A fancy way of saying ā€œlegal promiseā€ā€”in insurance, itā€™s the official agreement that spells out whatā€™s covered, whatā€™s not, and how it all works.
Contract of Adhesion
šŸ“„ A ā€œtake it or leave itā€ insurance contractā€”you donā€™t get to negotiate the terms, but you can shop around.
Coverage Period
ā³ The time frame your policy has your back. Once it expires, youā€™ll need to renew or find new coverage to stay protected.
Coverages
šŸ›”ļø The menu of protections in your policyā€”each one spells out whatā€™s included, so you know whatā€™s covered (and whatā€™s not).
Critical Care Health Insurance Supplement
šŸ„ Extra financial backup for big medical scaresā€”like heart attacks, strokes, or cancerā€”helping cover costs regular health insurance might not. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Cyber Insurance
šŸ’» A digital safety net for businessesā€”covers losses from hacks, data breaches, and online fraud, so cybercriminals donā€™t wreck your bottom line. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
D
Damage by Short Circuit
āš” When your electronics get fried from a power surge, this coverage helps replace or repair themā€”because your gadgets deserve better than an unexpected blackout.
Date of Issue
šŸ“… The birthday of your policyā€”the day your coverage officially kicks in and starts protecting you.
Death Benefit
āš°ļø The payout your loved ones get when your life insurance policy kicks in. A financial safety net when they need it most.
Declarations Page
šŸ“œ The cheat sheet of your policyā€”lists the important details like coverage amounts, deductibles, and who’s covered, all in one place.
Deductible
šŸ’ø The money you pay first before insurance steps in. Higher deductible = lower premiums, but youā€™ll shell out more when making a claim.
Defensive Driving Discount
šŸš¦ A lower rate for safe drivers who complete a defensive driving courseā€”because insurers love careful drivers.
Dental Plan Insurance
šŸ¦· Covers cavities, cleanings, and the occasional root canalā€”because smiles are expensive, but insurance helps keep the cost down. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Depreciation
šŸ“‰ The value drop of your stuff over time. That brand-new laptop? Not worth as much next yearā€”insurance considers that when paying out claims.
Discount
šŸ’° Insuranceā€™s way of saying ā€œNice job!ā€ for safe driving, bundling policies, or having security systemsā€”saving you money on your premium.
Dividend
šŸ’µ A bonus check some insurance companies pay out to policyholders when they make more money than expected. Free cash? Yes, please!
Drone Insurance
šŸš Coverage for your commercial flying tech toyā€”protects against crashes, damage, and even liability if your drone gets a little too adventurous. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Dwelling Coverage
šŸ  Protects the physical structure of your homeā€”from the roof to the wallsā€”against disasters like fire, storms, and rogue tree branches.
E
Earthquake Insurance
šŸŒ Because when the ground shakes, so does your wallet. Covers damage from quakes since standard homeownersā€™ insurance doesnā€™t.
Effective Date
šŸ“† The official start line for your policyā€”before this date, youā€™re not covered. After? Youā€™re good to go.
Endorsement
āœļø An insurance add-on that tweaks your policyā€”whether itā€™s more coverage, less coverage, or special perks. Think of it as a policy upgrade.
Equipment Breakdown Coverage
āš™ļø Covers the big stuff when it suddenly stops workingā€”HVAC, appliances, electrical systemsā€”because things donā€™t last forever.
Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance
āš–ļø A ā€œmy badā€ policy for professionalsā€”covers legal fees if a mistake in your work causes financial loss for a client. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Escrow Account
šŸ’³ A holding account for home insurance and taxesā€”your mortgage lender collects these costs monthly and pays them when due.
Exclusions
šŸš« The ā€œNope, we donā€™t cover thatā€ section of your policyā€”lists all the things your insurance wonā€™t pay for, so no surprises later.
Exclusive Agent
šŸ¤ An insurance matchmaker who sells policies for just one companyā€”kind of like a brand-loyal insider.
F
Fault
āš–ļø Whoā€™s to blame in an accidentā€”determines whose insurance is footing the bill (and whose rates might go up).
Fiduciary Insurance
šŸ”‘ Protects businesses that manage money or benefitsā€”because mishandling funds can lead to big legal trouble.
Financial Responsibility Law
šŸ’³ The ā€œyou must have insuranceā€ ruleā€”laws that make sure drivers can pay for damages if they cause an accident.
Fire Insurance
šŸ”„ Covers damage from flames, smoke, and even firefighting effortsā€”so one spark doesnā€™t burn down your finances. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Flood Insurance
šŸŒŠ Because water and homes donā€™t mix wellā€”protects against rising waters since standard homeowners insurance wonā€™t. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Fraud
šŸš” When someone fakes an accident, claim, or policy details to get an insurance payout. Illegal, risky, and a big no-no.
Fuel-Spill Liability
ā›½ Covers cleanup costs if your vehicle, boat, or business accidentally leaks fuel into the environment.
Full Coverage
šŸ›”ļø A combo of liability, collision, and comprehensive insuranceā€”not a magic “everythingā€™s covered” policy, but close.
Fungus
šŸ„ Mold, mildew, and other gross growths insurance usually wonā€™t coverā€”because keeping things dry is on you.
Furry Friends
šŸ¶ Your pets, aka family members with extra legs. Some policies help cover pet-related damage or even vet bills.
G
GAP Insurance
šŸš™ Covers the difference between what your car is worth and what you still oweā€”so youā€™re not stuck paying for a totaled car.
General Liability Insurance
āš–ļø Covers slips, trips, and ā€œoopsā€ momentsā€”protecting businesses from lawsuits when someone gets hurt or property gets damaged. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Golf Cart Insurance
ā›³ Because golf carts arenā€™t just for golf. Covers damage, theft, and liabilityā€”whether youā€™re on the course or cruising the neighborhood. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Grace Period
ā³ A ā€œweā€™ll give you a minuteā€ window after your payment is dueā€”miss the deadline, and you might still have coverage (for a little while).
Group Life Insurance
šŸ‘„ A work perk that gives employees life insuranceā€”often cheaper and easier to qualify for than buying it solo.
Guaranteed Death Benefit
āš°ļø A ā€œno matter whatā€ payout from a life insurance policy, ensuring your beneficiaries get a set amount when you pass.
Guaranteed Rate of Return
šŸ“ˆ A promise that your investment grows at a fixed rateā€”no surprises, just steady gains over time.
H
Hazard
šŸŒŖļø Anything that puts your stuff (or you) at riskā€”fire, storms, burglars, or even a wobbly staircase waiting to trip someone.
Health Insurance
šŸ„ Your walletā€™s shield against expensive doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptionsā€”because medical bills add up fast.
Home Appraisal
šŸ” A proā€™s price tag on your homeā€”used by lenders and insurers to determine its value for loans or coverage.
Home Inspection
šŸ” A deep dive check-up on a homeā€™s condition before you buyā€”because surprises are great, but not when theyā€™re leaking from your roof.
Home Warranty Insurance
šŸ”§ Fixes what breaks inside your homeā€”appliances, HVAC, plumbingā€”so a busted fridge doesnā€™t mean a busted budget. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Homeowner Association (HOA)
šŸ˜ļø The neighborhood rule makersā€”they maintain common areas, enforce community rules, and collect fees to keep things in order.
Homeowner Insurance
šŸ  Your homeā€™s financial safety netā€”covers damage, disasters, and liability so youā€™re not left rebuilding alone. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Homeowner Insurance Binder
šŸ“„ A temporary proof-of-coverage note from your insurerā€”handy at a closing when youā€™re buying a house and need to show youā€™re insured.
Homeowner Policy Forms
šŸ“œ The different flavors of home insuranceā€”ranging from basic to all-inclusive, depending on how much protection you want.
Hospital Health Insurance Supplement
šŸ„ Extra coverage that helps fill the gaps in regular health insuranceā€”covering hospital stays, surgeries, and other major medical costs. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
I
Identity Theft Insurance
šŸ†” A financial cleanup crew if your personal info gets stolenā€”helps cover legal fees, lost wages, and credit restoration. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Income Protection Insurance
Ā šŸ’¼ A financial safety net if you canā€™t work due to illness or injuryā€”keeps money coming in so bills donā€™t pile up.
Indemnification
āš–ļø A fancy way of saying ā€œWeā€™ll cover the lossā€ā€”insurance paying you (or someone else) back for damages or expenses.
Independent Agent
šŸ¤ An insurance free agentā€”works with multiple companies to find you the best coverage, not just one brandā€™s options.
Inherent Vice
šŸš§ A built-in flaw that causes something to break down over timeā€”insurance wonā€™t cover it because itā€™s just a matter of when, not if.
Insurable Interest
šŸ¦ You canā€™t insure what you donā€™t have a stake inā€”this rule ensures youā€™d suffer a loss if something happened to the person or thing insured.
Insurance
šŸ›”ļø A financial backup planā€”pay a little now (premium) so you donā€™t pay a LOT later when life throws surprises your way.
Insurance Renewal
šŸ”„ Your policyā€™s ā€œletā€™s do this againā€ momentā€”when itā€™s time to extend your coverage for another term (or shop for a better deal).
Insurance-to-Value
šŸ“ Making sure your coverage matches what it would actually cost to rebuild or replace your propertyā€”not just a rough guess.
Insured
šŸ›”ļø You, the policyholder. The one getting the protection (and hopefully never needing to use it).
Insurer
šŸ¢ The company thatā€™s got your backā€”the one collecting your premium and paying out when things go sideways.
Insuring Agreements
šŸ“œ The “Whatā€™s Covered” section of your policyā€”the part that spells out exactly what the insurer will pay for.
Interested Party
šŸ‘€ Someone who has a financial stake in your policyā€”like a bank that holds your mortgage or a lender on your car loan.
Irrevocable Beneficiary
šŸ“œ A locked-in beneficiaryā€”once named, they canā€™t be changed without their permission (so choose wisely!).
J
Jewelry Appraisal
šŸ’Ž A proā€™s price tag on your blingā€”used to determine how much coverage you need for your valuable pieces.
Jewelry Insurance
šŸ’ Protection for rings, watches, and shiny thingsā€”covers loss, theft, and damage, so your treasures stay protected. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Jewelry Limit
šŸ’° The maximum amount your insurance will pay for stolen or damaged jewelryā€”so check if you need extra coverage!
L
Landlord Insurance
šŸ  Covers rental propertiesā€”protecting the building, liability, and lost rental income if tenants cause trouble. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Lapse in Coverage
šŸ›‘ A coverage timeoutā€”when your policy ends because you didnā€™t renew or pay, leaving you unprotected.
Legalese
āš–ļø The headache-inducing fine print in insurance policiesā€”filled with jargon that makes you wish you had a translator.
Liability
āš ļø The ā€œyour fault, your billā€ part of insuranceā€”covers damage or injuries you cause to others (so you donā€™t pay out of pocket).
Liability Waiver
šŸ’³ A legal ā€œyou canā€™t sue meā€ cardā€”used in businesses or activities where risks are involved, though itā€™s not always ironclad.
Liberalization Clause
šŸ“œ A free policy upgradeā€”if your insurer improves coverage but hasnā€™t renewed your policy yet, you get the better deal automatically.
Life Insurance
ā¤ļø A financial love letter to your familyā€”pays out when youā€™re gone so they donā€™t have to worry about money. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Limits
šŸ“ The max amount your insurer will pay for a claimā€”hit the limit, and anything extra is on you.
Lines of Insurance
šŸ“‚ The different types of coverageā€”auto, home, life, healthā€”each ā€œlineā€ protects a specific part of your life.
Living Benefits
šŸ’° Life insurance you can use while you’re aliveā€”helps pay medical bills or other expenses if youā€™re seriously ill.
Living Will
šŸ“ A ā€œwhat to do if I canā€™t decideā€ documentā€”tells doctors and family what medical treatments you want (or donā€™t want) if youā€™re unable to speak for yourself.
Loss Assessment Coverage
šŸ¢ A lifesaver for condo ownersā€”helps cover shared property damage when your HOA sends a bill your way.
Loss of Use Coverage
šŸšŖ Pays for your hotel or rental if your home becomes unlivable after a disasterā€”because sleeping in your car isnā€™t ideal.
Loss Payee
šŸ¦ The person or company getting paid first when an insured item (like a financed car) gets damaged or totaled.
M
Mandatory Coverage
šŸ“Œ The “must-have” insurance required by lawā€”like car liability insuranceā€”because some risks are too big to go uncovered.
Market Value
šŸ”„ What your home or property is worth todayā€”different from replacement cost, which is how much it takes to rebuild it.
Mechanical Breakdown Coverage
šŸ”§ Covers expensive mechanical failuresā€”like when your car, furnace, or AC unit suddenly stops working.
Med-Pay Coverage
šŸ’° Covers medical bills after a car accident, no matter who was at faultā€”quick, no-hassle payments to keep you moving.
Medical Coverage
šŸ„ Helps pay for doctor visits, hospital bills, and treatmentsā€”because getting better shouldnā€™t mean going broke.
Mobile Home Insurance
šŸ  Special coverage for homes on wheelsā€”protects against damage, liability, and even tornadoes if your home gets caught in a storm. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Moral Hazard
āš–ļø When people take bigger risks because they have insuranceā€”like driving recklessly, thinking ā€œEh, my insurance will cover it.ā€
Mortgage Life Insurance
šŸ¦ Pays off your home loan if you pass away, so your loved ones arenā€™t left with the mortgage bill.
Motor Truck Cargo Insurance
šŸšš Protects businesses that transport goodsā€”if the cargo gets damaged or stolen, this helps cover the loss.
Motorcycle Insurance
šŸļø Because two wheels need protection tooā€”covers damage, theft, and liability whether you’re cruising or racing the wind. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
N
Named Insured
šŸ“œ The main person covered by the policyā€”their nameā€™s on the paperwork, and they call the shots.
Named Perils
šŸ”„ A list of specific disasters your policy coversā€”if itā€™s not named, itā€™s not covered, so read the fine print!
Named Storm Deductible
šŸŒŠ A higher deductible that kicks in for hurricanes and tropical stormsā€”common in coastal states.
Negligence
āš ļø When someone fails to be careful, causing damage or injuryā€”and yep, they (or their insurance) might have to pay for it.
No-Exam Life Insurance
šŸ©ŗ A life insurance shortcutā€”no medical exam required, just answer a few health questions and youā€™re good to go.
No-Fault Insurance
šŸš— Covers your injuries and damages no matter who caused the accidentā€”no arguing, just quick payouts.
Non-Renewal
šŸ›‘ When an insurer decides not to continue your policyā€”either due to claims history, risk factors, or company policy changes.
O
Occurrence
šŸ“… A single event that causes damage or injuryā€”whether itā€™s a car crash, a house fire, or a guest slipping on your porch.
Open Perils
šŸŒŽ Covers pretty much everything unless specifically excludedā€”if itā€™s not on the ā€œnoā€ list, youā€™re protected.
Ordinance of Law Coverage
šŸ”§ Helps pay for upgrades required by new building codes when repairing a damaged property.
Other Structures Coverage
šŸšļø Covers detached buildings like sheds, fences, and gazebosā€”because your backyard workshop deserves protection too.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
šŸ„ The most you’ll have to pay for health expenses in a year before insurance covers 100% of the rest.
P
Pair or Set Clause
šŸ’Ž If part of a matching set (like earrings or collectibles) is lost or damaged, your insurer decides whether to pay for the whole set or just the missing piece.
Parental Leave Insurance
šŸ‘¶ Helps cover lost income while youā€™re on parental leaveā€”so you can focus on baby snuggles, not bills.
Pay-Per-Mile Insurance
šŸ’µ A usage-based car insurance plan where you pay less if you drive less.
Peril
šŸŒŖļø An insurance word for ā€œbad stuffā€ā€”like fire, theft, or stormsā€”that can damage your home, car, or belongings.
Permanent Life Insurance
šŸ›”ļø A life insurance plan that never expiresā€”as long as you pay your premiums, it lasts for life and often builds cash value. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Personal Effects Coverage
šŸš˜ Covers your personal belongings inside your car if they get stolen (because standard auto insurance wonā€™t).
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage
šŸš‘ Covers you and your passengers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehab after a car accident, no matter who was at faultā€”because healing comes first.
Personal Liability Insurance
āš–ļø Protects you if someone sues you for injury or property damageā€”like if your dog takes a bite out of the mailman.
Personal Property Coverage
šŸ“¦ Covers your stuff inside your homeā€”furniture, electronics, clothesā€”if itā€™s damaged, stolen, or lost in a covered event.
Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP)
ā˜‚ļø Extra liability coverage that kicks in when your regular policies hit their limitā€”because lawsuits can get expensive fast. aka: Excess Liability Insurance. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Pet Care
šŸ¾ All the love, attention, and vet visits that keep your furry friends happy, healthy, and thriving.
Pet Insurance
šŸ• Health coverage for your four-legged family membersā€”helps with vet bills, surgeries, and unexpected emergencies. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Policy
šŸ“œ The official insurance agreement that lays out whatā€™s covered, whatā€™s not, and how much youā€™re paying for peace of mind.
Policyholder
šŸ§‘ā€šŸ’¼ The VIP (thatā€™s you!) who owns the insurance policy and gets the coverage benefits.
Pre-Existing Condition
āš•ļø A health issue that existed before you got your insuranceā€”sometimes covered, sometimes not, depending on the plan.
Premium
šŸ’µ What you pay to keep your insurance activeā€”monthly, yearly, or however often the bill comes due.
Preventative Care
šŸ©ŗ Covers checkups, vaccines, screenings, and other ā€œstay healthyā€ measures to catch problems before they start.
Private Mortgage Insurance
šŸ¦ An extra cost for homebuyers who put down less than 20%ā€”protects the lender, not you.
Professional Liability Insurance
āš–ļø A ā€œcover your mistakesā€ policy for professionalsā€”protects against lawsuits if your advice or services cause financial loss. aka: E&O. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Professional Services Exclusion
šŸ’¼ A “not covered” clause in general liability policiesā€”if you’re a lawyer, doctor, or consultant, youā€™ll need special insurance for work-related mistakes.
Proof of Insurance
šŸ“„ Your golden ticket that shows youā€™re coveredā€”needed for car rentals, mortgages, or just peace of mind.
Property & Casualty Insurance (P&C)
šŸ¢ The dynamic duo of insuranceā€”covers property (your stuff) and casualty (liability if someone gets hurt).
Property Damage (PD) Coverage
šŸš˜ Pays for damage you cause to someone elseā€™s car, home, or propertyā€”so you donā€™t have to foot the bill alone.
Property Protection Insurance (PPI)
šŸ” A Michigan-only auto insurance that covers damage your car does to buildings, fences, or parked cars.
Q
Quote
šŸ’² An insurance price tagā€”the estimated cost of coverage based on your details before you officially sign up. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
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Real Property
šŸ” Land and everything permanently attached to itā€”homes, buildings, and even that fence you built last summer.
Recoverable Depreciation
šŸ’° The difference between what your item is worth today and what it costs to replace itā€”some policies pay you back for this if you replace the item.
Recreational Vehicle (RV) Insurance
šŸš Covers your home-on-wheelsā€”whether youā€™re parked at a campsite or cruising down the highway, this keeps your adventure protected. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Rental Reimbursement Coverage
šŸš— Pays for a temporary ride while your car is in the shop after a covered accidentā€”so you’re not stuck taking the bus.
Renters Insurance
šŸ  Protects your stuff inside a rented home or apartmentā€”and medical bills if someone is hurt. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Replacement Cost
šŸ› ļø Pays for a brand-new version of what you lost, instead of what it was worth before disaster struck.
Rider
šŸ“œ A policy add-on that gives extra coverage for special thingsā€”like jewelry, collectibles, or business equipment.
Risk
āš ļø The chance something bad happensā€”more risk = higher insurance costs, because insurers like safe bets.
Roadside Assistance Coverage
šŸ›» Covers towing, jump-starts, flat tires, and lockoutsā€”because car troubles always seem to happen at the worst times.
S
Salvage Title
šŸ› ļø A vehicle that’s been declared a total loss but can be rebuilt and insuredā€”though some insurers wonā€™t cover it.
Scheduled Personal Property Coverage (SPP)
šŸ’Ž Extra protection for high-value items like engagement rings, artwork, or collectiblesā€”because standard policies have limits.
Self-Insured Retention
šŸŽÆ A fancy term for ā€œyou pay this part firstā€ before an umbrella or excess policy kicks in.
Short-Term Rental Insurance
šŸ  A must for Airbnb hostsā€”covers guest-caused damage that homeowners insurance might not.
Sinkhole Coverage
šŸšļø Protects your home if the ground decides to swallow itā€”a must in certain high-risk areas.
Snowmobile Insurance
ā„ļø Covers your winter rideā€”whether youā€™re hitting the trails or stuck in a snowbank, this keeps you covered. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Subrogation
āš–ļø When your insurance company takes over your fight to recover money from someone who caused you damage or injury.
T
Term
šŸ“† The length of time your insurance lasts before renewal or expirationā€”short term, long term, or lifetime.
Term Life Insurance
šŸ“† Life insurance that lasts for a set timeā€”if you pass away during the term, your loved ones get the payout. If not, it expires (unless you renew or convert it). Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Theft
šŸ•µļø When someone takes whatā€™s yours without askingā€”insurance helps replace stolen items, so you’re not left empty-handed.
Tort
āš–ļø A legal oopsā€”if your actions cause harm to someone else, they can sue for damages (and insurance might cover it).
Total Loss
šŸš— When the damage is so bad, repairing isnā€™t worth itā€”insurance cuts a check for the carā€™s value instead.
Trailer Insurance
šŸš› Covers tow-behinds like campers, horse trailers, and utility trailersā€”because accidents donā€™t just happen to the vehicle pulling them.
U
Umbrella Insurance
ā˜‚ļø Extra liability coverage that kicks in when your other policies hit their limitsā€”protects your assets from big lawsuits. aka: PUP; Excess Liability
Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)
šŸš˜ Covers you when the at-fault driver doesnā€™t have enough insurance to pay for your injuries or damage.
Underwriter
šŸ“‘ The insurance detective who decides how risky you are to insure and what your policy should cost.
Underwriting
šŸ“‹ The behind-the-scenes process where insurers assess risk before approving a policy or setting a rate.
Uninsurable Peril
šŸš« A bad event insurance wonā€™t coverā€”like war, nuclear disasters, or intentional damage you cause yourself.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)
šŸš— Protects you if the at-fault driver has no insuranceā€”covers medical bills and damages so youā€™re not stuck paying.
Universal Life Insurance
šŸ”„ A flexible life insurance policy that lasts a lifetime, with adjustable premiums and cash value that can grow over time. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Usual, Customary, and Reasonable Fees
šŸš€ What health insurers consider a fair price for medical servicesā€”if your doctor charges more, you might owe the difference.
Utility Service Interruption Coverage
šŸ”Œ Helps if a power outage or utility failure causes financial lossā€”because no one wants a freezer full of spoiled food.
Utmost Good Faith
šŸ¤ The trust rule in insuranceā€”both you and your insurer must be honest about coverage details and risks.
V
Vacant Home Insurance
šŸšļø Protects an empty houseā€”because an unoccupied home can be a magnet for damage, break-ins, and other risks. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Vandalism
šŸŽØ When someone damages your property on purposeā€”spray paint, smashed windows, or other costly mischief.
Vehicles
šŸš™ Anything with wheels and a motor that needs insuranceā€”cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, even some golf carts.
Vision Plan Insurance
šŸ‘“ Helps cover eye exams, glasses, and contactsā€”because seeing clearly shouldnā€™t break the bank. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
W
Waiting Period
ā³ The time you have to wait before certain coverages kick inā€”common in health and life insurance.
Waiver of Deductible
šŸ“‰ A perk some policies offerā€”you donā€™t have to pay your deductible under certain conditions, like if you total your car.
Waiver of Premium
šŸ“‘ If you become disabled or unable to work, this keeps your life insurance active without requiring premium payments.
Watercraft Insurance
šŸš¤ Covers boats, jet skis, and other personal watercraftā€”because water fun comes with risks, too. aka: Boat Insurance
Whole Life Insurance
šŸ“† A lifetime policy with a guaranteed payout and cash value that grows over timeā€”like insurance and savings combined. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Windstorm
šŸŒŖļø When Mother Nature huffs and puffsā€”strong winds that can damage roofs, windows, and property. Some policies cover it, others make you add it separately.
Workers Compensation Insurance
šŸ’¼ Covers on-the-job injuries and lost wagesā€”because employees shouldnā€™t have to pay out of pocket for work-related accidents. Get a FREE quote from Insurish!
Worldwide Coverage
šŸŒ Insurance that travels with youā€”protects against losses no matter where you are on the planet (if your policy includes it).