Policy Provisions and Contract Law Flashcards
(36 cards)
What are the 4 elements insurance contracts must have in order to be legally binding?
- Agreement (offer and acceptance)
- Consideration
- Competent parties
- Legal Purpose
What does the term “agreement” mean, in legal binding?
It means that an insurance policy must have an offer and acceptance.
What is the binding force of an insurance contract?
The consideration element of a contract
What does the term “consideration” mean?
Something of value that both the insurer and insured give give to each other.
What is the insurer’s consideration?
The promise to pay for losses
What is the insured’s consideration?
The payment of premium and the statements on an application.
In forming an insurance contract, when does acceptance usually occur?
When the insurer’s underwriter approves coverage and issues a policy.
What does the term “representations” mean in insurance?
These are statements from the insured that are believed to be true.
What does the term “material misrepresentation” mean in insurance?
This is a statement, if discovered, would alter the underwriting decision of the insurance company.
For a contract to be enforceable by law, the purpose of the contract must be _________….
legal and not against public policy
In terms of parties to a contract, which of the following does NOT describe a competent party?
A. The person must be of legal age.
B. The person must be mentally competent to understand the contract.
C. The person must have at least completed secondary education.
D. The person must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Answer: C
If material misrepresentations are intentional, they are considered ______________.
Fraud
Define the term “warranty” in insurance
This is an absolute (guaranteed) true statement upon which validity of the insurance policy depends.
What does the term “concealment” mean in insurance?
This is a legal term for the intentional withholding of information that is crucial in making a decision.
When do binders expire?
When a policy is issued
Define the term “binder” is insurance?
This is a temporary agreement issued by an agent or insurer providing temporary coverage until a policy can be issued.
Every property or casualty policy is comprised of the following major components:
- Declarations
- Definitions
- Insurance agreement
- Additional coverage
- Conditions
- Endorsement
- Exclusions and policy limits
Explain the “declarations” section of an insurance policy
This section of an insurance policy contains the basic underwriting information. Such as the insured’s name, address, amount of coverage and premium.
Explain the “definitions “ section of an insurance policy
This section of an insurance policy clarifies the terms used in a policy. Usually, words are bold and italicized.
Explain the “insurance agreement “ section of an insurance policy
This section of an insurance policy establishes the obligation of the insurance company to provide insurance coverage.
Explain the “additional coverage” section of an insurance policy
This section of an insurance policy provides an additional amount of coverage for specific loss expense, at no additional premium.
The section of an insurance policy that details what perils are not insured against and what persons are not insured is known as the:
Exclusions section
The part of a policy that sets forth the rules of conduct, duties, and obligations of the parties is called?
Conditions section
Which part of an insurance policy covers claims-related expenses, reasonable expenses incurred by an insured to protect damaged property from further loss, or defense expenses?
Additional coverage section