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Finance

What is Insurance?

Insurance is a way to protect yourself from big financial losses by paying a small, regular amount (a premium) to a company that agrees to cover you if something bad happens — like an accident, illness, or theft.

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Key things to understand

  • 1You pay regular premiums to transfer risk to the insurer.
  • 2If a covered event happens, the insurer pays out (a claim).
  • 3It pools many people's premiums to cover the unlucky few.
  • 4Types: health, life, car, home, travel, and more.

Frequently asked questions

How does insurance work?
Many people pay premiums into a pool; the insurer uses it to pay claims for the few who suffer a covered loss.
What is a premium?
The regular amount you pay to keep an insurance policy active.
What is a deductible?
The amount you pay yourself before the insurer covers the rest of a claim.

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