What is the purpose of the coinsurance clause in property insurance?

The purpose of the coinsurance clause in property insurance is to encourage policyholders to insure their property to its actual value. This clause typically stipulates that a property must be insured for a specified percentage of its total value, commonly around 80% to 100%. If a policyholder does not meet this requirement, they may face penalties when filing a claim, such as a reduction in the amount paid out for a loss. Therefore, the coinsurance clause motivates individuals and businesses to evaluate and adequately cover the value of their assets, thereby ensuring they have the financial protection necessary in the event of a loss.

Other options such as determining the age of the property, setting a fixed rate for all claims, or limiting coverage for certain items do not align with the primary function of the coinsurance clause, which is fundamentally about ensuring proper insurance levels relative to the full value of the property.