coverage
KUHV-uhr-ij
/ˈkʌvərɪdʒ/
The scope of protection provided by an insurance policy, outlining which risks, properties, or individuals are covered.
Coverage is an abstract noun representing the total umbrella of protection. It can be broken down into specific types, such as medical, property, or liability coverage.
The story behind the word. The concept of 'covering' someone from harm dates back to medieval shields and armor. In finance, 'coverage' acts as a metaphorical shield that covers the policyholder from the financial blows of accidents or disasters.
Word relationships
- protection: Protection is a general term for safety, while coverage is the specific contractual scope of what an insurance policy will pay for.
- exposure: Exposure is the state of being unprotected from financial risk or loss, which is the opposite of having coverage.
Commonly confused with
- policy: A policy is the physical or legal contract document, whereas coverage is the actual protection defined within that contract.
Word family
- cover (verb): To provide insurance protection for.
- cover (noun): Insurance protection (informal British English).
Collocations
- insurance coverage
- comprehensive coverage
- extend coverage
- lapse in coverage
Example sentences
- "The standard policy provides basic coverage for fire and theft, but excludes flood damage." Homeowners Insurance
Memory hook
Think of coverage as a giant umbrella that 'covers' you when the financial storm hits. Coverage covers your costs.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'cover', which can be a physical lid or a verb, though 'coverage' is the noun form describing the extent of protection.
Fun facts
- The term 'coverage' was first used in journalism in the early 20th century to describe the reporting of news, around the same time it became popular in the insurance industry.
Related words
Also appears in
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