Definition of "Threshold level"

Minimum degree of injury or loss for which an injured party can sue, even though covered by no fault automobile insurance. Traditionally, an accident victim had to prove the other driver was at fault in order to collect damages from that driver's insurance company. Today, more than 20 states have some type of automobile no-fault law designed to eliminate long and costly legal action, and to assure quick payment for medical and hospital costs, loss of income, and other unavoidable costs stemming from automobile accidents. An injured person can collect from his or her insurance company up to the threshold level, or specified limit, no matter who is at fault. For expenses above these limits, the injured person is still allowed to sue. There are three types of thresholds: a specific dollar amount, a specific period of disability, or specified injuries such as loss of a leg.

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

Methods for payment of the value of a policy. An insurance company can select one of three options in settlement of a loss: make a cash payment; take possession of damaged or destroyed ...

Smallest acceptable premium for which an insurance company will write a policy. This minimum charge is necessary to cover fixed expenses in placing the policy on the books. ...

U.S. government agency (formerly the Atomic Energy Commission) responsible for regulating the nuclear energy industry. The commission also provides supplemental insurance for nuclear ...

Same as term Convertible Term Life Insurance: coverage that can be converted into permanent insurance regardless of an insured's physical condition and without a medical examination. The ...

The term pro rata cancellation comes from the Latin term pro rata, which means in proportion or according to a certain rate. The term pro rata cancellation is used in the insurance business ...

Projections of future accidental losses based on analyses of historical loss patterns. A projected loss picture is used to determine the pure cost of protection and the resultant basic ...

Association of independent agents whose objective is to further the interests of these agents through education, lobbying, and professional ethics. ...

Relinquishment of rights in an insurance policy or pension plan. For example, by withdrawing contributions to a pension plan, an employee forfeits future retirement benefits under that plan. ...

Coverage for damage or destruction of property due to a crime, and property lost due to a burglary, whether successful or attempted. An endorsement provides coverage for robbery and theft ...

Popular Insurance Questions