Terms and Definitions
Browse our glossary of insurance terms and definitions to give you the knowledge and to better understand your policy and other important information about all types of insurance.
Coverage
The protection against financial loss provided by an insurance contract.
Damage
Physical harm to or loss of property.
Declarations Page
The page in a policy that shows the name and address of the insurer, the period of time a policy is in force, the amount of the premium and the amount of coverage.
Deductible
The amount of the damage or loss that you’re responsible for before your company pays on a claim. Higher deductibles allow insurance companies to offer reduced premiums. Lower deductibles will increase the amount of the premium you will pay.
Depreciation
The estimated decrease in property value over time due to wear and tear, aging and other related factors.
Effective Date
The date that your coverage goes into effect.
Endorsement
An add-on to your insurance policy that changes the coverage provided in your policy, a Change that is processed to your policy.
Exclusion
Certain property, persons or circumstances noted in a policy as not covered by a home insurance policy.
Expiration Date
The date on which your policy expires.
Hazard
An action, condition circumstance or situation that makes the occurrence of a loss more likely.
Independent Agent or Producer
An insurance agent or producer who represents more than one insurer.
Inflation Protection
Automatically adjusts your home insurance policy limits to account for increases in costs to repair property.