Insurance Terms

Buying insurance can be confusing, with so many terms and jargon to navigate. Understanding these terms is crucial to making informed decisions about your coverage. In this article, we’ll break down some common insurance terms and explain what they mean.

Premium

The premium is the amount of money you pay to your insurance provider for coverage. It is usually paid on a monthly or yearly basis. The amount of the premium depends on various factors, including the type of coverage you have and the risks associated with it.

For instance, if you have a higher risk of filing a claim, such as if you live in an area with high crime rates, you may have to pay a higher premium to compensate for that risk.

Additionally, your age, gender, and driving record can all affect your premium. Younger drivers and males tend to pay higher premiums due to their increased risk of accidents.

It’s important to note that premium is not the same as deductible. Deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.

Deductible

As mentioned earlier, deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage begins. For instance, let’s say your car insurance policy has a $500 deductible. If you get into an accident and the repairs cost $2,000, you would have to pay $500 out of your own pocket, and your insurance provider would cover the rest.

Typically, policies with higher deductibles have lower premiums, since you are essentially taking on more of the risk yourself.

Deductibles can also vary by type of insurance. For example, health insurance policies may have separate deductibles for different types of services, such as prescription drugs, hospital stays, and doctor visits.

Coverage

Coverage refers to the protection provided by an insurance policy. The amount and type of coverage you have can vary depending on the policy and the insurer.

For example, auto insurance policies typically include liability coverage, which pays for damages or injuries you cause to others in an accident. They may also include collision coverage, which pays for damages to your own vehicle in an accident, and comprehensive coverage, which pays for damages that are not caused by a collision, such as theft or vandalism.

Similarly, health insurance policies can include various types of coverage, ranging from preventative care to major medical procedures. Life insurance policies, on the other hand, provide coverage in the event of the policyholder’s death.

Exclusions

Exclusions refer to situations or events that are not covered by an insurance policy. It’s important to understand these exclusions so you know what risks you are and aren’t protected against.

For example, most auto insurance policies exclude coverage for intentional damage, such as if you intentionally crash your car. They may also exclude coverage for certain types of vehicles, such as motorcycles or commercial trucks.

Health insurance policies may exclude coverage for certain medical procedures or pre-existing conditions. Life insurance policies may exclude coverage in the event of suicide or other self-inflicted injuries.

FAQ

Q: What if I can’t afford my insurance premiums?
A: If you are having trouble paying your premiums, contact your insurer to discuss your options. You may be able to adjust your coverage or payment plan to make it more affordable.
Q: Can I change my insurance coverage mid-year?
A: Depending on the policy and the insurer, you may be able to make changes to your coverage mid-year. Contact your insurer to find out what options are available to you.
Q: What happens if I file a false insurance claim?
A: Filing a false insurance claim is illegal and can result in serious consequences, including fines and even jail time. Always be honest when filing a claim.
Q: How do I know what type of insurance I need?
A: The type of insurance you need depends on your individual circumstances and risks. Consider factors such as your age, health, occupation, and assets when deciding on coverage.
Q: Can I cancel my insurance policy at any time?
A: Depending on the policy and the insurer, you may be able to cancel your policy at any time. However, there may be fees or penalties associated with cancelling mid-term.