Cancellation
In the world of insurance, cancellation refers to the termination of an insurance policy before it reaches its normal expiration date. This can happen either at the request of the policyholder or by the insurance company itself.
What is a cancellation in Insurance?
Cancellation in insurance occurs when either the insurer or the insured decides to terminate the policy before the end date specified in the contract. When a policy is canceled, the coverage provided by the policy stops, and the insurer may return a portion of the premium to the insured, depending on the terms of the policy.
Example: Imagine a business owner purchases a one-year liability insurance policy in January. In June, they decide to sell the business and no longer need the insurance. They can request a cancellation of the policy. If the policy allows for a mid-term cancellation, the insurance company will terminate the policy and likely refund part of the premium paid for the remaining period, from June to December.
Key Components of a Cancellation
- Initiation of Cancellation: Cancellation can be initiated by the policyholder by submitting a written request to the insurance company or by the insurer, often due to non-payment of premiums or fraud.
- Return Premium: Depending on the terms of the policy, the insurer may return a portion of the premium for the unused term of the policy. This is often calculated on a pro-rata basis, meaning the refund amount is proportional to the time left on the policy.
- Cancellation Notice: Both parties are typically required to provide notice of cancellation. The required notice period can vary, usually from 10 to 30 days, depending on the policy and local regulations.
Types of Cancellation
Cancellation by the Insured
A policyholder may choose to cancel their insurance policy for various reasons, such as selling the insured asset, finding a better rate, or financial reasons.
Cancellation by the Insurer
Insurance companies can cancel policies for reasons such as non-payment of premiums, discovery of fraud, or an increased risk associated with the policyholder or the insured asset.
Automatic Cancellation
Some policies specify conditions under which they automatically terminate, such as the expiration of a license required for the insured activity.
Short-rate Cancellation
This is when a policy is terminated by the policyholder before the policy term ends, and the insurer keeps a portion of the unearned premium as a penalty.
Exclusions and Limitations
When dealing with cancellations, certain exclusions and limitations apply:
- Minimum Earned Premium: Some policies include a clause that a minimum amount of premium is non-refundable regardless of when the policy is canceled.
- Non-refundable Premiums: Certain types of insurance, like travel insurance, often have non-refundable premiums once the coverage begins.
- Cancellation Penalties: Penalties may apply for early cancellation to compensate the insurer for the administrative cost of setting up and then terminating the policy.
