Definition of "Terminal dividend"

Additional policy dividend paid to a life insurance policyholder when a policy terminates. A mutual insurance company is owned by its policyholders and writes participating policies, which pay annual policy dividends to policyholders. (Some stock insurance companies pay dividends on some policies as well.) In addition to the annual dividend, many policies pay a terminal dividend when the policy terminates after a minimum period in force usually 10 to 20 years. This represents a realm to the policyholder of an equitable portion of the overall increase in the insurer's surplus over this period. Some companies pay this dividend no matter how a policy is terminated; others pay it only under certain conditions.

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

Bond guaranteeing that a contractor will pay fees owed for labor and materials necessary for construction of a project. If these fees are not paid, an owner who has paid the contractor ...

Privately formed insurance company whose objective is to make a profit. ...

HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION that restricts to a relatively small amount the number of medical providers from which an HMO member may seek services. Usually, HMO members may select the ...

In umbrella liability insurance clause that stipulates that in the event of a loss where there are no underlying policies providing coverage, the deductible will apply. ...

Dollar ceiling on a life insurance policy for applicants who are not given a medical examination. The insurer accepts a health questionnaire in the place of a physical examination. At one ...

Statement by an auditor or certified public accountant indicating if a company's financial statements fairly present its true financial condition. A statement of opinion may be unqualified, ...

Frequency and severity of accidents resulting from conditions and environment surrounding one's workplace. Occupation is an important underwriting factor when considering an applicant for ...

Expenses and damages incurred as the result of damage to a ship and its cargo and/or of taking direct action to prevent initial or further damage to the ship and its cargo. These expenses ...

Plan in which funds are currently allocated to purchase retirement benefits. An employee is thus assured of receiving retirement payments, even if the employer is no longer in business at ...

Popular Insurance Questions