Who is referred to as the "insured" in an insurance policy?

In an insurance policy, the term "insured" specifically refers to the individual or entity that is covered under the terms of that policy. This means that they are granted protection against certain risks or losses as defined in the policy contract. The insured is the party who is entitled to benefits or compensation when a covered event, such as an accident or damage, occurs.

This term is fundamental in understanding insurance contracts as it delineates who is protected, as well as the rights and duties associated with that coverage. The insured may be a person, such as a homeowner, or an organization, such as a business, depending on the type of policy in question.

In contrast, the insurance company is the entity providing the coverage and takes on the financial risk in exchange for premium payments. The agent selling the policy acts as an intermediary between the insurer and the insured, facilitating the purchasing process but is not the party that is protected by the policy. Lastly, while the person responsible for making premium payments may often be the insured, they are not necessarily the same person if, for example, someone is paying on behalf of another. Thus, defining the "insured" correctly establishes clarity about who holds the coverage in the insurance relationship.