ACCIDENTAL MEANS Meaning and
Definition
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Accidental means is a term used in insurance policies to define a specific event or cause that triggers coverage. It refers to an unforeseen and unintended event or occurrence that leads to loss, damage, or injury. This term is particularly important in life and health insurance policies.
In life insurance, the accidental means provision specifies that coverage will only be provided if the insured's death is caused solely by accidental means. This means that if the insured dies from a planned or expected event, such as an illness or suicide, the policy may not pay out. The accidental means provision aims to distinguish between accidental deaths and deaths resulting from natural causes or intentional acts.
Similarly, in health insurance, the accidental means provision specifies that coverage will only apply to injuries or medical conditions that result from accidental means. This provision ensures that the policyholder is covered for unexpected accidents or mishaps, such as falls, car accidents, or injuries caused by unforeseen incidents.
In summary, accidental means is a term used in insurance policies to describe an unforeseen and unintended event that leads to loss, damage, or injury. It is a vital provision in life and health insurance policies, ensuring coverage for accidents rather than natural causes or intentional acts.
Etymology of ACCIDENTAL MEANS
The word "accidental" comes from the Latin word "accidentalis", which is derived from the Latin word "accidens" meaning "happening by chance" or "occurring unexpectedly". "Means" on the other hand, originates from the Old English word "mænan" meaning "to mean" or "to intend". In combination, "accidental means" implies something that happens unexpectedly or by chance in order to achieve an intended purpose or outcome.
