In insurance texts the real information is most often in the exclusions section. What is left outside determines the value of the policy as much as what is covered. In translation, shortening or softening the exclusion sentences makes the scope appear wider than it is.
Scope of cover
What the policy insures is defined explicitly and is limited. Expressions of scope are not widened. The text is carried over exactly.
The exclusions section
The situations that fall outside the cover are listed in a separate section and draw the boundary of the policy. The exclusions are not shortened. None of them is skipped.
Excess amounts
The part of the loss that is to be borne by the insured is determined by the excess. The types of excess differ. The definitions are preserved.
Sum insured and limits
The maximum amounts payable are defined by limits and vary from cover to cover. Expressions of limit are carried over. Amounts stay in their own fields.
The underinsurance provision
If the sum insured is below the value, payment is made proportionally, and this rule is defined in the text. The provision is translated with care. The formula is preserved.
Special conditions of the policy
Special conditions are added on top of the general conditions, and in a conflict the special condition takes precedence. The precedence provision is preserved. The sections are kept apart.
Definition of the insured peril
Which event counts as the insured peril is defined, and this is the condition for indemnity. The definition is not shortened. Consistency of terms is ensured.
Claims notification periods
Within what time a loss is to be notified is defined, and failure may lead to a loss of rights. Expressions of time are carried over exactly. No interpretation is added.
Claims files
The determination of the loss rests on loss adjusters' reports, and the file contains several documents. The structure of the report is preserved. The list of annexes is tracked.
Loss adjusters' reports
The cause and the amount of the loss are assessed by the loss adjuster. Technical terms are preserved. The values are carried over.
Subrogation proceedings
Recourse against the party responsible after payment is a separate process and runs on documents. The distinction between the terms is preserved. The correspondence is tracked.
Reinsurance contracts
The transfer of part of the risk is governed by separate contracts and carries technical language. The terms are established. No free equivalent is chosen.
Definitions of cedant and reinsurer
The naming of the parties is specific to the sector, and the names are not mixed up. The names are translated consistently. The definitions are preserved.
Life and health policies
These policies contain health information and may fall within the scope of special category personal data. The files are handled with narrowed access. The process is run separately.
Duty of disclosure
The information that the insured must disclose is defined, and incomplete disclosure has consequences. The provision is translated with care. The wording is preserved.
Renewal and cancellation conditions
The renewal and the cancellation of the policy are made subject to conditions. Expressions of time and notice are carried over. No interpretation is added.
Information forms
The information texts presented to the insured are shaped by regulation. They are not shortened. The structure is preserved.
The costliest mistake in this sector
Translating an exclusion sentence in shortened form makes the scope of cover appear wider than it is and gives rise to a dispute at the time of a loss. As the policy text becomes fluent, its legal balance is upset. Exclusion sections are compared word by word.