What does the term waiver refer to in an insurance context?

In the insurance context, the term "waiver" refers to the voluntary surrender of a known right. This means that a party, usually the insurer, gives up certain rights or provisions that they would normally be entitled to enforce. For example, if an insurer waives the requirement for a policyholder to provide evidence of loss, it indicates that they are willingly giving up that right, which can affect the policyholder's ability to make a claim or the insurer’s ability to enforce other rights against them.

Understanding this concept is vital for both agents and policyholders, as it highlights how rights within an insurance agreement can be modified or relinquished based on the actions or agreements of the parties involved. Recognizing when a waiver occurs can impact claims processing and the enforcement of policy terms.