Glossary
V
- VALUED POLICY
A policy under which the insurer pays a specified amount of money to or on behalf of the insured upon the occurrence of a defined loss. The money amount is not related to the extent of the loss. Life insurance policies are an example.
- VANDALISM
The malicious and often random destruction or spoilage of another person’s property.
- VARIABLE ANNUITY
An annuity whose contract value or income payments vary according to the performance of the stocks, bonds and other investments selected by the contract owner.
- VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
A policy that combines protection against premature death with a savings account that can be invested in stocks, bonds, and money market mutual funds at the policyholder’s discretion.
- VIATICAL SETTLEMENT COMPANIES
Firms organized for the sole purpose of buying life insurance policies. The companies assume the premium payments, and collect the face value of the policy upon the policyholder’s death.
- VOID
A policy contract that for some reason specified in the policy becomes free of all legal effect. One example under which a policy could be voided is when information a policyholder provided is proven untrue.
- VOLATILITY
A measure of the degree of fluctuation in a stock’s price. Volatility is exemplified by large, frequent price swings up and down.
- VOLCANO COVERAGE
Most homeowners policies cover damage from a volcanic eruption.
- VOLUME
Number of shares a stock trades either per day or per week.
Glossary terms and definitions provide a brief review of common insurance terms and definitions used in the insurance industry. Some terms and definitions may vary by state or may not be applicable for all insurance and financial products. This glossary is not an insurance contract. Other terms, conditions and exclusions may apply to your individual insurance contracts. These definitions do not alter or modify the terms of any insurance contract. Your personal insurance contracts are the controlling documents. Additionally, this informational resource is provided as a learning tool and does not replace your rights and obligations or the rights and obligations of the insurance company, agent or agency. If you have questions you should consult with your insurance agent, your insurance company and review the policy language of your insurance contract.
Glossary content provided by Insurance Information Institute