Definition

Noun: * Insurance that provides protection from claims arising from injuries or damage to other people or property: A type of insurance policy that covers the policyholder's legal responsibility (liability) for injuries or damages they cause to another person or their property. It pays for costs like legal defense, settlements, or court-awarded judgments.

Usage

• Liability insurance is a fundamental component of risk management for both individuals and businesses.
• It is often a legal requirement for operating vehicles (auto liability insurance) or certain types of businesses.
• The term is typically used as a compound noun to describe the category or product itself.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to have liability insurance": To be covered by such a policy.
  • As a freelance consultant, it's crucial to have liability insurance in case a client sues you for professional negligence.
• "to purchase/obtain liability insurance": To buy or acquire such a policy.
  • The small business owner purchased liability insurance to protect her assets.

Variants and Related Words

• General liability insurance (n): A broad business insurance policy covering common risks like customer injuries or property damage.
• Professional liability insurance (n): Insurance that protects professionals (e.g., doctors, lawyers, consultants) against claims of negligence or errors in their services. Also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance.
• Product liability insurance (n): Insurance that protects a business against claims related to injuries or damages caused by its products.
• Liability (n): The state of being legally responsible for something.

Synonyms

• Third-party insurance: A term commonly used, especially outside North America, emphasizing that the insurance covers claims from a third party (not the policyholder or the insurer).
• Casualty insurance: A broader category of insurance that includes liability insurance as well as insurance for theft, burglary, and other losses.

Related Phrases

• Liability coverage/limit: The specific maximum amount an insurance policy will pay for a covered claim.
  • His auto policy has a liability limit of $100,000 per person for bodily injury.
• Proof of liability insurance: Documentation provided to demonstrate that a valid policy is in effect.
  • The event venue requested proof of liability insurance from all vendors.

Noun

1. insurance that provides protection from claims arising from injuries or damage to other people or property