Definition of "Power of attorney"

Legal instrument whereby an individual is given the right to act on behalf of another individual. For example, the right to buy and sell stock and to sign all brokerage papers relating to buying and selling in a stockholder's account is given by the stockholder to another individual through power of attorney. Or the right to decide which settlement option is to be used under a life insurance policy may be given by a policy owner to another individual. Experts often advise extreme care in assigning a power of attorney since that person becomes free to make financial decisions that can enhance or ruin an individual represented.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Insurance Terms

Service under the auspices of the medical information bureau (MIB) that provides the insurance company with nonmedical information concerning the APPLICANT for DISABILITY INCOME INSURANCE. ...

Type of commercial property policy that provides coverage for a business' indirect losses resulting from damages to the property of the business. Coverage normally contains a coinsurance ...

Same as term Application: written statements on a form by a prospective insured about himself, including assets and other personal information. These statements and additional information, ...

Liability coverage for dockworkers for damage to property in transit while in their care. ...

Unsecured bond. The only protection for the lender is the credit and reputation of the borrower. The method of evaluating the quality of debentures is to analyze the earning power, overall ...

Coverage for suits brought by a plaintiff as the result of bodily injury incurred while using an elevator on the insured's premises. ...

Insurance salesperson who contacts potential customers and handles clerical responsibilities but has no authority to make insurance contracts. ...

Acceptance of an application for an insurance policy by the insurance company, indicated by the signature of an officer of the company on the policy. The officer, who must have signature ...

Relationship between occupation of an insured and degree of risk in such coverages as life, health, and workers compensation. Some occupations are more risky than others; for example, a ...

Popular Insurance Questions