What type of agreement is a Binder?

A Binder is primarily characterized as a temporary assurance of coverage. It serves as a short-term agreement between an insurer and a policyholder that provides immediate, though provisional, protection. This is particularly important in situations where a policy has been applied for, but coverage has yet to be formally issued.

The nature of a Binder allows it to offer quick coverage to the insured while they await the final underwriting decision and policy issuance. Essentially, it guarantees that the insured has coverage during the interim period, even if the policy is not yet finalized, making it a vital tool in the insurance process.

This temporary assurance can be crucial in various scenarios, such as when a property is being purchased or financing a vehicle, ensuring that there is coverage in place until the complete policy documents are generated.