When an insurer's duty to pay a claim depends on the insured first meeting requirements such as paying premiums and submitting proof of loss, the contract is:
Explanation
A conditional contract requires certain conditions to be met before either party must perform; the insured must pay premiums and file the proper claim documentation, and only then is the insurer obligated to pay. Unilateral refers to only one party making an enforceable promise. Aleatory refers to the unequal, chance-based exchange of value. Executed means fully performed, which an ongoing insurance policy is not. These characteristics often appear together but describe distinct features.
This topic, taught in full in the California Life & Health Insurance Producer Exam guide. California Life & Health Insurance Producer Exam — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $19.99 · 14-day refund →
Practice all 716 questions free — no signup required.
Own the complete California Life & Health Insurance Producer Exam guide — PDF + EPUB, $19.99 →
Related questions on this topic
- Which element of a legal contract requires that each party be of legal age, mentally competent, and not under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
- To say an insurance contract is 'aleatory' means that:
- An insurance policy is described as a 'unilateral' contract because:
- The doctrine that both parties to an insurance contract rely on the honesty and full disclosure of the other is known as:
- A statement an applicant makes on an insurance application that is believed true to the best of their knowledge, rather than guaranteed to be literally true, is a:
- The intentional withholding of a known material fact during the application process is called:
Last reviewed: · editorial process