EyeOnKey terms A–Z
Quick definitions in plain English. Meanings and rules can vary by country and provider.
- Buildings insurance
- Covers the structure of your home.
- Claim
- A request to your insurer to pay for a loss covered by your policy.
- Comprehensive cover
- A wider level of motor cover including damage to your own vehicle.
- Contents insurance
- Covers your belongings inside the home.
- Cooling-off period
- A short window after buying in which you can cancel for a refund. Rules vary by country.
- Excess (deductible)
- The amount you pay yourself when you make a claim.
- Exclusion
- Something the policy does not cover.
- Income protection
- Pays a regular income if you cannot work due to illness or injury.
- Life insurance
- Pays a sum to your loved ones if you die within the policy term.
- No-claims bonus
- A discount for each year you do not make a claim.
- Non-disclosure
- Failing to give the insurer relevant information, which can affect claims.
- Policy
- The contract that sets out what the insurer covers.
- Premium
- The price you pay for cover, monthly or yearly.
- Renewal
- When a policy is offered again for another term, sometimes at a different price.
- Sum insured / coverage limit
- The most an insurer will pay out.
- Third-party cover
- Cover for damage you cause to others, but not to your own vehicle.
- Underwriting
- How an insurer assesses risk and decides the price.
Core principles and common terms
Insurance is a way to transfer financial risk in exchange for a regular payment known as a premium. Policies set out the scope of cover, the events or losses that are included, and any limits on payments. Indemnity is a common principle: it aims to restore the insured party to their financial position before a loss, rather than creating a profit from the event. Understanding foundational words such as policyholder, beneficiary, premium, excess, and claim helps you read documents and talk with advisors with greater confidence.
Policy documents often include a summary of cover, defined terms, and the full contract wording. Definitions matter because a single word can change who is covered or what is paid. Common administrative terms you may see include endorsement (an agreed change to a policy), declaration (information you provide to the insurer), and sub-limit (a smaller maximum within an overall limit). Reading these sections carefully and asking for plain-language explanations can reduce surprises when a claim arises.
Types of cover and how they differ
Insurance products are grouped by the kinds of loss they address. Liability cover responds to claims if someone else is harmed or their property is damaged in connection with your actions. Property and contents cover handle damage or loss to buildings or belongings. Vehicle cover often has tiers that vary by which losses are included, such as damage to others, theft, fire, or damage to your own vehicle. Travel, health, and specialist business covers are structured for particular risks and may include their own unique terms and restrictions.
When reviewing policies, look beyond the label and examine what is actually covered and excluded. Some policies include add-ons or optional covers that broaden protection for specific risks, while others include exclusions that remove cover for particular events or circumstances. Replacement cost and actual cash value are two different valuation approaches: one may aim to cover the cost of replacing an item, while the other factors in depreciation. These choices can affect claim outcomes and premium cost.
Managing claims and choosing suitable cover
The claims process generally requires notifying the insurer, providing evidence of the loss, and cooperating with any assessment or documentation requests. Insurers may appoint assessors to evaluate damage and suggest settlement options such as repair or replacement. Deductibles or excesses are amounts you agree to cover yourself when a claim is paid; choosing a higher voluntary excess can reduce premium cost but increases out-of-pocket exposure at claim time. Keep copies of receipts, photos, and correspondence to support a claim and note that timing and required documents can vary by policy.
Selecting and maintaining appropriate cover involves matching policy terms to your circumstances, checking limits and exclusions, and reviewing cover after major life or business changes. Compare the scope of cover, how losses are valued, and any conditions attached to claims handling. Consider the affordability of premiums and potential out-of-pocket amounts, and keep an organised record of policies and renewals. If you need personalised guidance, consult a qualified professional who can review your situation and explain how specific terms apply.