insurance claim

Definition

Noun: A formal request made by a policyholder to an insurance company for payment or coverage of a loss, as stipulated in the terms of an insurance policy. It is the process of notifying the insurer that a covered event (such as an accident, theft, or illness) has occurred and seeking financial compensation or benefits.

Usage

An "insurance claim" is the central action in the relationship between an insured party and an insurance provider. It is initiated after a covered incident. The claim must be substantiated with documentation (e.g., police reports, medical bills, repair estimates) for assessment by the insurance company's adjusters.

Examples

After the hailstorm damaged his roof, he filed an insurance claim.
The processing time for a health insurance claim can vary.
Her car insurance claim was denied because the accident was her fault.
Submitting a fraudulent insurance claim is a serious crime.

Advanced Usage

To file/lodge/submit an insurance claim: The act of formally initiating the claim process with the insurer.
To process/adjust/settle an insurance claim: Actions taken by the insurance company to investigate, evaluate, and resolve the claim.
Claim adjuster: The insurance company representative who assesses the validity and value of an insurance claim.
First-party claim: A claim you make against your own insurance policy.
Third-party claim: A claim made against another party's insurance policy (e.g., a claim against the driver who hit your car).

Variants and Related Words

Claimant (n): The person or entity making an insurance claim.
Claim form (n): The official document used to submit details of an insurance claim.
Claim number (n): A unique reference number assigned to a specific insurance claim for tracking.

Synonyms

Demand for payment
Request for indemnity
Request for benefits

Related Phrases

To have a claim on file: To have an insurance claim that is being processed or has been processed.
To dispute a claim: To challenge the decision or settlement amount of an insurance claim.
Claims department: The division of an insurance company that handles insurance claims.

Noun

demand for payment in accordance with an insurance policy