Definition of "Tontine"
Early life insurance that provided benefits only to survivors who lived to the end of a certain period of time. In the mid-17th century, Lorenzo Tonti, an Italian, devised a scheme to raise money for the French government of Louis XIV. It involved a state lottery in which the oldest survivor would collect the pot. One woman, age 96, hit the jackpot shortly before her death. Tontine policies were introduced in the U.S. in the 1860s, but condemned in the Armstrong investigation in 1905 in New York State and subsequently outlawed everywhere 45 years later.
Popular Insurance Terms
Coverage for automobiles used by a business when a liability judgment arises out of the use of the automobile, or the automobile is subject to damage or destruction. The business can select ...
Policy in which an insurer agrees to pay property or liability losses in excess of a specific amount per occurrence. For example, this type of coverage typically is used by an employer that ...
Provision in a life insurance policy that death benefits will not be paid in the event an insured dies from war-related causes; or in lieu of a death benefit there is a return of premiums ...
Difference between the actuarial equivalent (rate) and the often lower rate actually charged to insure a risk. ...
Factor considered in determining amount of life insurance to purchase in order that funds will be available to pay the emergency expenses following the death of a family member. ...
Evidence of a temporary contract obliging a property insurance company to provide coverage as long as the premium accompanies the application. A property insurance agent can bind a company ...
Government agency, under the McCarran-Ferguson act (public law 15), that has no authority over insurance matters to the extent the states regulate insurance to the satisfaction of Congress. ...
owner of property has an insurable interest because of the expectation of monetary loss if that property is damaged or destroyed. creditor of an insured has an insurable interest in ...
Compensation payable to the owner of a ship detained for reasons beyond his or her control who incurs a loss of earnings because of the delay. Detainment can be caused by a delay in the ...
Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.