When is insurable interest necessary in an insurance policy?

Insurable interest is a fundamental principle in insurance that ensures a policyholder has a legitimate interest in the subject matter of the insurance policy, typically related to property or life. This interest must exist at the time the policy is sold.

When a policy is issued, the insurer needs to confirm that the policyholder stands to suffer a direct financial loss in the event of a claim. This requirement safeguards against insurance being used as a gambling mechanism or an incentive to cause loss. For example, if you take out a life insurance policy on someone with whom you have no connection or interest, it raises ethical and legal concerns regarding the intent behind the policy.

In contrast, while maintaining insurable interest throughout the policy's term can be important in certain types of insurance, the initial requirement at the point of sale is the critical factor for the validity of most policies. The concept does not typically apply to just the policyholder's beneficiaries or renewals but is centered on the original underwriting and issuance of the insurance contract. This ensures that the policyholder has a vested interest in the continued existence or well-being of the insured entity or person.