Definition of "Overinsurance"

Situation in which insurance benefits exceed the actual loss of an insured. Overinsurance can be a problem for the insurer because it may tempt the insured to make a false claim in order to profit financially. Various safeguards are designed to prevent overinsurance. For example, in group health insurance, companies break down benefits paid by the primary carrier and the secondary carrier through coordination of benefits. Still, some types of coverage, particularly disability income insurance, are subject to overinsurance abuse.

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