What is the primary purpose of a coinsurance provision in property insurance?

The primary purpose of a coinsurance provision in property insurance is to encourage maintaining insurance to value. This provision typically requires the policyholder to insure their property for a certain percentage of its value, often around 80% or 90%. By doing so, if a loss occurs, the insurer will only pay for claims up to the amount of coverage maintained.

If the insured fails to meet the coinsurance requirement, they may face a penalty in the event of a loss, resulting in a reduction of the claim payment. This creates an incentive for policyholders to accurately assess their property's value and secure adequate coverage, thereby aligning the coverage amount with the property's true worth. By ensuring that properties are insured for their actual value, coinsurance provisions help protect both the insurer and the insured in claims situations, as adequate coverage mitigates the risk of underinsurance.