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

Life insurance: Bonds most state regulations permit life insurance company investments in debentures, mortgage bonds, and blue chip corporate bonds. Stocks(a) preferred stock investment ...

Payment by the insurance company to the insured for the actual expenses incurred by the insured, such as medical expenses. ...

Life insurance that stays in effect for only a specified, limited period. If an insured dies within that period, the beneficiary receives the death payments. If the insured survives, the ...

Broad excess protection for liability over the level of primary coverage or self insurance. Umbrella policies are written for both business and personal liability. For example, a personal ...

Securement of funds from outside sources such as by borrowing or by attracting equity control. Use of leverage to improve the profitability of a business. Achievement of an investment ...

Actual price paid for property when it was acquired. The original cost might apply to a piece of jewelry, to a piece of equipment, or to a building. For insurance purposes, original cost is ...

Ratio of the insurance company's investment in common stocks dividend to its adjusted surplus account. This ratio shows how vulnerable the company's surplus is to the stock market ...

1957 federal law setting a limit on the liability of operators of nuclear facilities. The law, an amendment to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, authorized establishment of private insurance ...

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 insurance ...

Popular Insurance Questions