suicide clause

[ soo-uh-sahyd klawz ]

noun

1. a clause in a life-insurance policy stating that the insurer is required to pay only the reserve or the total premiums paid if the policyholder should die by suicide within a stated period.

Word History and Origins

Origin of suicide clause¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

It said he also told investors during the call that his insurance policies had a two-year waiting period for a "suicide clause" to take effect, and that if he failed to return their money he would kill himself so they could be made whole.

From Reuters

While a substantial number of Fine Gael members have misgivings about the suicide clause, Mr. Kenny has ruled out a free vote on the bill, which Parliament is expected to enact before the summer recess.

From New York Times

South Dakota lawmakers went a step further, including what one state official dubbed a “suicide clause” that automatically repeals the state law if the entire federal law is found unconstitutional.

From Washington Post

Because suicides have increased alarmingly since the Depression, big insurance companies are agitating to up the suicide clause to two years.*

From Time Magazine Archive

“I should say so,” said Harper; “we’ll have to look closely to the suicide clause in our policies held in New England, if that takes place!”

From Project Gutenberg