General Concepts

Representation

A representation is a material statement provided on an insurance application that the insurer relies upon when deciding whether and at what price to offer coverage.

Last reviewed: May 2026 · Editorial methodology

Definition

Representations are the cornerstone of the underwriting process: when you fill out an insurance application, every substantive answer is a representation. Unlike warranties, representations need only be substantially true and believed to be accurate at the time they are made — they do not need to be literally perfect. However, a material misrepresentation (a false statement that would have affected the insurer's decision) can still give the insurer grounds to void or rescind the policy. For example, stating that your home has a newer roof when it is 25 years old is a material misrepresentation that could result in claim denial if discovered. The legal standard varies by state: some require the insurer to prove the misrepresentation was intentional (fraudulent), while others allow rescission for innocent but material misstatements.

Where this term matters

Home Insurance →Life Insurance →Business Insurance →

Tip

Glossary definitions are educational. Always check your own policy language — insurers can define common terms differently from one another. When in doubt, request a written explanation from your agent.

Related terms

MisrepresentationMisrepresentation occurs when a policyholder provides incorrect information — intentionally or accidentally — that materially influences the insurer's decision to issue a policy or set a premium.ConcealmentConcealment is deliberate silence about something significant — distinct from innocent non-disclosure — and can give an insurer grounds to void a policy or deny a claim.Utmost Good Faith (Uberrima Fides)Utmost good faith, derived from the Latin 'uberrima fides,' is the bedrock legal principle requiring both parties to an insurance contract to disclose all material facts and act with total transparency.Warranty (Insurance)In insurance law, a warranty is a binding contractual promise — if the warranted fact is false or the condition lapses, the insurer may void the policy regardless of whether the breach contributed to the loss.RescissionWhen an insurer rescinds a policy, it treats coverage as never having been in effect and typically refunds premiums, leaving the insured without protection for any losses that occurred.
Source: Cover Forge USA editorial team|Last verified: May 2026|Methodology
Definitions are educational and may be simplified. Always refer to your policy contract and consult a licensed agent for terms that affect coverage decisions.
CF

Cover Forge USA Editorial Team

Editorial Lead

This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.

Reviewed June 2026

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