April 25, 2025
Insurance is a financial product designed to protect against financial losses, either big or small, that can result from various risks such as accidents, illness, or property damage. It’s based on the premise that something catastrophic will most likely happen in your lifetime, and for many people, more than once (it’s not if, it’s when.) Here's how it generally works:
Policy Agreement: First, you purchase an insurance policy from an insurance company. This policy is a contract where you agree to pay premiums (regular payments), and in exchange, the insurance company agrees to pay for certain losses or damages as specified in the policy.
Premiums: The amount you pay for your insurance policy is called the premium. Premiums can vary widely depending on the type of coverage, the level of risk associated with the insured, and other factors like geographical location or age.
Coverage: Your insurance policy outlines what is covered, including specific risks and events. For instance, a health insurance policy might cover medical expenses for illnesses and injuries, while car insurance might cover damages from a road accident.
Claims: If you experience a loss that is covered under your insurance policy, you file a claim. This involves submitting proof of the loss to the insurance company, along with a detailed claim form.
Assessment: Once a claim is filed, the insurance company reviews it to verify the details and determine if the event or damage is covered under the policy. They may send an assessor or adjuster to evaluate the extent of the damage or loss.
Payouts: If the claim is approved, the insurance company will pay out to cover the damage or loss, usually up to the limits specified in the policy. The payment can be made directly to you or to a third party, like a car repair shop or a medical professional.
Deductibles: Many insurance policies include a deductible, which is the amount you must pay out of pocket before the insurance company pays. For example, if you have a $500 deductible on your car insurance and $2,000 in damage, you pay the first $500 and the insurance company pays the remaining $1,500.
Insurance is essentially a way to manage risk. By paying a relatively small premium, you transfer the risk of large losses to the insurance company, providing financial security and peace of mind. Nobody goes through life without taking on damage along the way and insurance is the best way to mitigate the results of what life may throw at you.
