Definition of "Fortuitous event"

Same as term Fortuitous Loss: loss occurring by accident or chance, not by anyone's intention. Insurance policies provide coverage against losses that occur only on a chance basis, where the insured cannot control the loss; thus the insured should not be able to burn down his or her own home and collect. Insurance is not provided against a certainty such as wear and tear. Life insurance will not pay a death benefit if the insured commits suicide within the first two years that the policy is in force. Even though death is a certainty, the insured cannot buy a policy with the intention of suicide within the first two years.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Insurance Terms

Agency of the federal government formed as the result of bankruptcies of savings and loan associations during the 1930s. Insures deposits of customers up to $100,000 for each account. In ...

Return of a pro rata portion of an agent's commission for a policy that is canceled prior to its expiration date. A commission is paid to an agent in the expectation that the premium will ...

Authority derived from an agent's contract with an insurance company. ...

Coverage usually provided for large businesses in four areas: Section I (Property) The building (s) and contents are covered against either any peril (ALL RISKS basis) or only perils listed ...

Requirement that an individual must withdraw a minimum sum annually from retirement savings that have accumulated on a tax-deferred basis. This withdrawal must begin by April 1 of the year ...

Time that has elapsed between when claims actually occurred and when claims are actually paid. ...

Policy that pays benefits only when coverage under other applicable insurance policies has become exhausted. For example, the personal umbrella liability policy pays after the liability ...

Same as term Claims Made Basis: method of determining whether or not coverage is available for a specific claim. If a claim is made during the time period when a liability policy is in ...

Payment of premiums before their due date. In pension plans, premium payments are allocated to the payment of future benefits prior to benefits becoming payable. ...

Popular Insurance Questions