What is Double Indemnity? Definition + Examples

definition of double indemnity

What is Double Indemnity? Definition + Examples

A clause within a life insurance policy stipulates that the insurer will pay twice the policy’s face value under specific circumstances, typically if the insured’s death is accidental. For instance, if an individual possesses a life insurance policy with a $500,000 death benefit and dies in a covered accident, the beneficiary could receive $1,000,000. The precise conditions that trigger this enhanced payout are detailed within the insurance contract and often exclude death resulting from illness, suicide, or certain hazardous activities.

This provision serves as a financial safeguard, providing increased security for beneficiaries when death occurs unexpectedly due to accidents. Historically, it emerged as a means to address the unique financial burdens associated with sudden, often preventable, fatalities. It can offer families a more substantial cushion to navigate immediate expenses and long-term financial planning following an accidental death, acknowledging the disruption and potential hardship caused by such unforeseen events. The added benefit is intended to recognize the unexpected nature of accidental death and to compensate beneficiaries accordingly.

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8+ What is the Principle of Indemnity? [Definition]

principle of indemnity definition

8+ What is the Principle of Indemnity? [Definition]

The foundation of numerous insurance contracts is a concept ensuring that an insured party is restored to approximately the same financial position they held before a covered loss occurred. This concept aims to prevent an individual from profiting or gaining from an insured event. For example, if a homeowner’s property sustains damage due to a covered peril, the insurance company will compensate them for the repair costs, aiming to return the property to its pre-loss condition, not to provide betterment or a financial windfall.

Adherence to this tenet promotes fairness and reduces moral hazard within the insurance industry. It discourages individuals from intentionally causing losses to collect insurance payouts, as the compensation is limited to the actual financial detriment suffered. Historically, this concept developed alongside the evolution of modern insurance, seeking to provide genuine protection against unforeseen financial burdens without creating opportunities for abuse or unjust enrichment.

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