What is a warranty in insurance?

A warranty in insurance refers to a representation or promise made by the insured that is integral to the insurer's acceptance of the risk. This means that a warranty is typically a condition that must be met for the insurance policy to be valid. If the warranty is not adhered to, it can lead to the insurer being able to deny coverage or even void the policy.

In the context of insurance contracts, warranties need to be strictly complied with. They serve as key factors in the underwriting process, allowing the insurer to assess risks accurately before agreeing to cover the insured party. For instance, if a homeowner’s insurance policy includes a warranty that states the home must be equipped with a certain type of security system, and the homeowner fails to maintain that system, the insurer may be justified in denying a claim related to a burglary.

The other options pertain to different aspects of insurance terms but do not define a warranty accurately. Financial limits, policy alterations, and statements made by the insured do contribute to the overall structure of an insurance agreement or to risk assessment but do not encapsulate the specific nature of a warranty in the same way.