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.

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

Professional designation earned after the successful completion of four national examinations given by the insurance institute of America (IIA). Covers such areas of expertise as principles ...

Amount paid to an insurer. Determination of the actual cost (not the price paid) of a life insurance policy has been widely discussed for many years in life insurance and consumer circles. ...

Loss of a key person due to death, disability, sickness, resignation, incarceration, or retirement. Because of the expertise of such an individual, there could be a loss of income, market ...

Percentage of life insurance or other insurance policies remaining in force; percentage of policies that have not lapsed. The higher the percentage, the greater the persistency. Since it is ...

Limited pay whole life policy under which all premium payments have been made. For example, a 20 pay policy is completely paid for after 20 payments; no future premiums have to be made, and ...

Bond issued to a contractor guaranteeing that the supplier (individual posting the bond) will provide all of the necessary materials for the satisfactory completion of the contracted ...

Distribution of a deceased beneficiary's share of an estate among that beneficiary's children. Contrast with per capita. ...

Theft of another's property by a person entrusted with that property. Coverage can be found under various bonding arrangements. ...

Legally binding unilateral agreement between an insured and an insurance company to indemnify the buyer of a contract under specified circumstances. In exchange for premium payment (s) the ...

Popular Insurance Questions