underinsurance

[ uhn-der-in-shoor-uhns, -shur- ]

noun

1. insurance purchased against damage or loss of property in an amount less than its true value, sometimes bought intentionally by the insured with full knowledge of the risk.

Word History and Origins

Origin of underinsurance¹

under- + insurance

Example Sentences

Underinsurance is not a new problem, but it has become far more widespread and severe over the past three years, as rising inflation and climate change have created a highly volatile and unreliable insurance market and raised costs for homeowners — sometimes in unexpected ways.

From New York Times

The Commonwealth Fund has long tracked rates of underinsurance, when even people with coverage struggle to pay for care.

From Seattle Times

“We realize what a stressful situation people are under with the potential for the underinsurance gap that a lot of people are facing, not having enough money to rebuild. And if this can help them bridge that gap, we want to do so.”

From Seattle Times

Unfortunately, the administration is paying little heed to a problem that is in many ways just as insidious as lack of insurance: underinsurance.

From Washington Post

So it would be best to target underinsurance directly.

From Washington Post