insures

Insures is the third-person singular present tense of the verb insure. It means to provide insurance coverage for a person or object, or to guarantee against loss, damage, or liability through a contractual agreement.

In everyday usage, insures is used by insurers and policyholders to indicate that protection is being offered or purchased. The related nouns are insurer (the company), insured (the party covered), and assurance that is non-technical; note that insure is distinct from ensure (to make certain) and assure (to promise or reassure).

Etymology: The word derives from the French assurer, through English. The verb has been in use since the early modern period to describe obtaining or providing insurance.

In insurance contracts, a policy insures the risk of specified loss for a premium. If a covered event occurs, the insurer may compensate the insured up to policy limits and subject to exclusions and deductibles. The arrangement is governed by the terms of the policy, which define covered perils, limits, premiums, and the procedures for filing claims.

Common contexts: auto, property, life, and health insurance; reinsurance; underwriting; and claims processes. The term is primarily used in formal or business writing related to risk management. In general language, speakers may use insure with care to avoid confusion with ensure (to make certain) or assure (to promise or reassure).