Policyholder / insured
The person or entity identified under the insurance policy. The policy itself controls the exact status and rights of the parties.
Basic Terms
A small glossary for the beginning of a property loss.
Definitions here are limited to organizing the initial record. They are not policy interpretations.
Carrier / insurer
The insurance company to which a claim may be reported.
Claim number
The reference number assigned after a claim is opened.
Date of loss / discovery date
A date used to identify when an event occurred or when damage was discovered.
Mitigation
Emergency or protective work intended to reduce additional physical damage or stabilize conditions.
Work authorization
A contractor document authorizing defined services. It is not a promise of insurance coverage or payment.
Estimate
A projected cost based on observed conditions, quantities, methods, and assumptions. An estimate is not a coverage decision.
Invoice
A billing record for work or services performed.