What is insurance and why is it important? (2024)

What is insurance and why is it important? (1)

Have you ever had a moment— while looking at your insurance policy or shopping for insurance— when you’ve thought, “What is insurance? And do I really need it?”

You’re not alone.

Insurance can be a mysterious and puzzling thing. How does insurance work? What are the benefits of insurance? And how do you find the best insurance for you? These are common questions, and fortunately, there are some easy-to-understand answers for them.

To help, here are a few simple insurance explanations:

What is insurance?

Insurance is a financial safety net, helping you and your loved ones recover after something bad happens— such as a fire, theft, lawsuit or car accident. When you purchase insurance, you’ll receive an insurance policy, which is a legal contract between you and your insurance provider. And when you suffer a loss that’s covered by your policy and file a claim, insurance pays you or a designated recipient, called a beneficiary, based on the terms of your policy.

The most difficult thing about insurance is that you’re paying for something you hope you never have to use. Nobody wants something bad to happen to them. But suffering a loss without insurance can put you in a difficult financial situation.

What are the benefits of insurance?

Insurance is an important financial tool. It can help you live life with fewer worries knowing you’ll receive financial assistance after a disaster or accident, helping you recover faster. When it comes to life insurance, this could mean your family doesn’t have to move out of the house or that your kids can afford to go to college. For auto insurance, it could mean you have extra cash in hand to help pay for repairs or a replacement vehicle after an accident. Insurance can help keep your life on track, as much as possible, after something bad derails it.

Your independent insurance agent is a great resource to learn more about the benefits of insurance, as well as the benefits in your specific insurance policy. For example, you may have access to perks such as free roadside assistance, risk control consultingfor businesses or cash valuein a life insurance policy, in addition to your insurance coverage.

And in some cases, like auto insurance and workers’ compensation, you may be required by law to have insurance in order to protect others.

What is insurance and why is it important? (2)

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How does insurance work?

Insurance is essentially a gigantic rainy day fund shared by many people (called policyholders) and managed by an insurance carrier. The insurance company uses money collected (called premium) from its policyholders and other investments to pay for its operations and to fulfill its promise to policyholders when they file a claim.

Because of the unpredictable nature of natural disasters— like tornadoes, hail, wildfires and hurricanes, and everyday disasters such as fender benders and kitchen fires— an insurance company’s main goal is to remain financially strong enough to handle anything that comes its policyholders’ way.

How do I choose an insurance provider?

Here are a few things to consider when choosing an insurance company to work with:

  • Insurance coverage.

    What types of insurance does the company offer? Can you buy all of your insurance through the company and receive a discount?
  • Financial strength.

    Would the company be able to pay your claim? Look to U.S. credit rating agency AM Best to determine the company’s financial strength.
  • Agency model.

    Would you prefer the help of a local insurance agent? Or would you prefer to manage your insurance on your own?
  • Customer service.

    Do others recommend this company? What are people saying about it in online customer reviews?

When in doubt, contact your local independent insurance agentand ask them any questions you have about insurance. Your agent is an insurance expert with the knowledge to guide you through the insurance process and help you find the best insurance protection for you and the people and things you care about most.

This article is for informational and suggestion purposes only. If the policy coverage descriptions in this article conflict with the language in the policy, the language in the policy applies. For full details on Grange’s business, auto, home and life insurance coverage and discounts, contact your independent agent.

What is insurance and why is it important? (2024)

FAQs

What is insurance and why is it important? ›

Insurance is a financial safety net, helping you and your loved ones recover after something bad happens — such as a fire, theft, lawsuit or car accident. When you purchase insurance, you'll receive an insurance policy, which is a legal contract between you and your insurance provider.

What is the easy definition of insurance? ›

Insurance is a legal agreement between two parties – the insurer and the insured, also known as insurance coverage or insurance policy. The insurer provides financial coverage for the losses of the insured that s/he may bear under certain circ*mstances.

Which insurance is most important and why? ›

Health insurance is a critical piece of every financial plan. An unforeseen diagnosis or a major accident can leave you with a six or seven-figure medical bill.

What is the main point of insurance? ›

Purpose of insurance

Its aim is to reduce financial uncertainty and make accidental loss manageable. It does this substituting payment of a small, known fee—an insurance premium—to a professional insurer in exchange for the assumption of the risk a large loss, and a promise to pay in the event of such a loss.

Why is term insurance important? ›

Why choose term insurance plans? Term insurance plans offer financial security for the entire family in case of the unfortunate death of the policyholder. Also, you can get optional coverage for critical illnesses or accidental death. You are covered for a long duration, while the premiums are affordable.

What is insurance in your own words? ›

Insurance is a way to manage your risk. When you buy insurance, you purchase protection against unexpected financial losses. The insurance company pays you or someone you choose if something bad happens to you. If you have no insurance and an accident happens, you may be responsible for all related costs.

What is insurance in one word answer? ›

Insurance is a means of protection from financial loss in which, in exchange for a fee, a party agrees to compensate another party in the event of a certain loss, damage, or injury. It is a form of risk management, primarily used to protect against the risk of a contingent or uncertain loss.

What is insurance easy way to explain? ›

An insurance policy is a legal contract between the insurance company (the insurer) and the person(s), business, or entity being insured (the insured). Reading your policy helps you verify that the policy meets your needs and that you understand your and the insurance company's responsibilities if a loss occurs.

Why is it important for everyone to have insurance? ›

Without health insurance, we are responsible for covering all of our medical costs, putting us at severe financial risk. For example, a broken leg resulting from an unexpected fall can cost nearly $8,000 in health care expenses. Without insurance, you are responsible for that entire amount.

Why insurance is worth it? ›

Financial protection is the primary reason most individuals buy life insurance. Life insurance provides peace of mind so your family won't struggle financially after you pass away.

What is the most important insurance principle? ›

Principle of Utmost Good Faith

This is a primary principle of insurance. According to this principle, you have to disclose all the information that is related to the risk, to the insurance company truthfully. You must not hide any facts that can have an effect on the policy from the insurer.

Why is it important to have insurance? ›

It protects you from unplanned expenses and offers a financial cushion from accidents, illnesses and more. Insurance safeguards the financial interests of your family in your absence. It helps them cover immediate expenses and secures their long-term financial stability.

What is insurance in simple terms? ›

An insurance is a legal agreement between an insurer (insurance company) and an insured (individual), in which an insured receives financial protection from an insurer for the losses he may suffer under specific circ*mstances.

How does insurance work? ›

Insurance is a contract that transfers the risk of financial loss from an individual or business to an insurance company. They collect small amounts of money from clients and pool that money together to pay for losses. Insurance is divided into two major categories: Property and Casualty insurance (P&C)

Why are insurance benefits important? ›

Health insurance protects you from unexpected, high medical costs. You pay less for covered in-network health care, even before you meet your deductible.

Is it really necessary to have insurance? ›

Individual or family health insurance is crucial because it provides financial security and access to essential medical care, helping individuals and families manage healthcare costs.

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