What does the term "deductible" refer to in an insurance policy?

The term "deductible" in an insurance policy refers to the amount the policyholder is required to pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage begins to cover any costs associated with a claim. Essentially, when a loss occurs, the policyholder must first pay the deductible amount. For example, if the deductible is $1,000 and a claim is filed for $5,000 in damages, the insurer would only be responsible for the remaining $4,000 after the deductible is subtracted. This mechanism encourages policyholders to share in the risk and helps keep insurance premiums more affordable, as higher deductibles typically correlate with lower premium costs.

The other options, while related to insurance concepts, describe different aspects of a policy. The maximum amount an insurer will pay in a claim is known as the policy limit, not the deductible. The total premium is the amount paid to maintain the insurance coverage, while the coverage limit for personal property reflects the maximum amount the insurer will reimburse for losses in that category. Understanding the role of a deductible is crucial for policyholders, as it directly affects their out-of-pocket costs and their approach to filing claims.