The applicant must face the possibility of losing something of value in the event of...

The principle is insurable interest. A person has an insurable interest when that person would suffer financial loss, emotional loss recognized by law, or another legitimate adverse consequence from the insured’s death or disability. New Jersey law states that an individual has an insurable interest in another individual when there is an expectation of pecuniary advantage through that person’s continued life and consequent loss by reason of death or disability. It also recognizes insurable interest based on close family relationships involving substantial interest created by love and affection. This principle prevents wagering on human life. Without insurable interest, a policy could create an incentive for a stranger to profit from another person’s death. Adverse selection refers to higher-risk applicants being more likely to seek insurance. Indemnification is the restoration concept used more directly in property and casualty insurance. A viatical settlement is the sale of a life policy by a terminally or chronically ill insured to a third party. Reference topics: Insurable Interest, Application Requirements, Anti-Wagering Rule, Life Insurance Underwriting.