Insurance Glossary

Number of times a loss occurs. One of the criteria used in calculating premium rates.

Agreement to buy a security for a set price at a certain date. Futures contracts usually involve commodities, indexes or financial futures.

Homeowners policy that pays the full cost of replacing or repairing a damaged or destroyed home, even if it is above the policy limit. (See EXTENDED COVERAGE)

HO-3 (aka Homeowners 3, Special Form) is the most commonly purchased policy, which is an open perils policy that covers any direct damage to the house or other structures on the property unless it is specifically excluded. However the coverage for personal property is for named perils only—the same perils listed in an HO-2 policy. Covered losses on realty are insured for full replacement value with no depreciation deduction, although certain restrictions apply.

The HO-4 (aka Contents Broad Form) is a modified HO-2 policy for renters of rooms, apartments, or houses. This named-perils policy not only covers personal property, both within the rented dwelling and outside, but also includes liability insurance of at least $100,000 for damage to the property or for injuries to other people in the rented dwelling. Coverage is also provided for any alterations to the structure by the renter, but is limited to 10% of the purchased coverage for personal property.

The HO-6 (aka Unit-Owners Form) is a modified HO-2 policy specifically designed for owners of condominiums or cooperatives. A condominium or cooperative consists of 2 components for insurance purposes—the building and common areas, and property specific to each unit owner. Thus, this named-perils policy covers certain semi-permanent structures, such as carpeting, wallpaper, built-in appliances, and kitchen cabinets, but it does not cover the structure itself or common areas, since this should be covered by insurance purchased by the condominium association or the cooperative. The policy does provide payment for a loss assessment charge by the condominium association or cooperative that is not covered by the insurance on the realty.

A seller’s market in which insurance is expensive and in short supply. (See PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSURANCE CYCLE)

The typical homeowners insurance policy covers the house, the garage and other structures on the property, as well as personal possessions inside the house such as furniture, appliances and clothing, against a wide variety of perils including windstorms, fire and theft. The extent of the perils covered depends on the type of policy. An all-risk policy offers the broadest coverage. This covers all perils except those specifically excluded in the policy. Homeowners insurance also covers additional living expenses. Known as Loss of Use, this provision in the policy reimburses the policyholder for the extra cost of living elsewhere while the house is being restored after a disaster. The liability portion of the policy covers the homeowner for accidental injuries caused to third parties and/or their property, such as a guest slipping and falling down improperly maintained stairs. Coverage for flood and earthquake damage is excluded and must be purchased separately.