n.1 the act or an instance of insuring.
2 a a sum paid for this; a premium. b a sum paid out as compensation for theft, damage, loss, etc.
3 insurance policy.
4 a measure taken to provide for a possible contingency (take an umbrella as insurance).
Phrases and idioms:
insurance agent Brit. a person employed to collect premiums door to door. insurance company Brit. a company engaged in the business of insurance. insurance policy Brit.
1. a contract of insurance.
2 a document detailing such a policy and constituting a contract. insurance stamp Brit. hist. a stamp certifying the payment of a sum, usu. paid weekly, for National Insurance.
Etymology: earlier ensurance f. OF ense{uuml}rance (as ENSURE)