What occurs when the insured provides incorrect information to an insurer?

When the insured provides incorrect information to an insurer, this situation is classified as misrepresentation. This occurs when a policyholder intentionally or unintentionally gives false or misleading information that is relevant to the insurance contract. Misrepresentation can significantly affect the underwriting process, as insurers rely on the accuracy of the information provided to assess risk and determine policy terms.

In the context of insurance, if the insurer discovers that the insured has misrepresented their risk profile—for instance, by providing inaccurate details about their medical history or property condition—this can lead to consequences such as denial of claims or even cancellation of the policy.

Understanding the distinction between misrepresentation and other terms is important. For example, non-disclosure typically involves failing to provide material information rather than presenting incorrect information. Fraud involves a deliberate intent to deceive for gain, which is a different aspect of dishonesty compared to simple misrepresentation. Miscommunication, while it can lead to misunderstandings, does not inherently involve the provision of false or misleading details and is not typically used in legal or insurance contexts to address the provision of incorrect information.