What is defined by the term "coinsurance" in property insurance?

Coinsurance in property insurance refers to a provision that requires the policyholder to insure their property for a minimum percentage of its value, typically 80%, 90%, or 100%. This means that if the property is underinsured, the policyholder may not receive the full amount of their claim in the event of a loss. The intent behind this provision is to ensure that policyholders have a vested interest in insuring their property adequately, thereby reducing the risk to the insurer.

In practice, if the insured amount is less than the required percentage of the property's actual value at the time of loss, a coinsurance penalty may apply, meaning the insurer will reduce the payout based on the ratio of the amount insured to the amount that should have been insured. This provision helps encourage responsible and adequate coverage and minimizes the risk of financial loss for both the insurer and the insured.