Insured

What is the Insured?

The Insured is, “The person who obtains insurance on his property, or upon whose life an insurance is effected.” (Black’s Law Dictionary 946. 4th Ed. Rev. 1968). This definition does not necessarily include health insurance, in which the insured makes payments in exchange for protections from medical costs, such as hospital visits, hospital stays, and medications. The insured may also be an entity such as a business, rather than just an individual person. It is important not to confuse the insured with the insurer. The insured is the party that receives insurance, while the insurer is the party that offers insurance.

The payments that the insured must pay to the insurer are known as premiums. The insured is legally bound to paying premiums on time and adhering to any other terms of the insurance policy. If they do this, they can file claims with their insurer when the suffer a covered loss or event, and the insurer will reimburse them for the damages or expenses up to the specified policy limit. For example, a homeowner may purchase an insurance policy to cover against property damage, theft or liability claims on their home. Someone with auto insurance may do the same for their car.

Cases such as Kierce v. Lumbermen’s Ins. Co outline who the insured is in an insurance claim and their rights as policyholders. If the insurer does not hold up their end of an insurance policy, the insured may be able to pursue legal action against them.