reinsurance

noun

re·​in·​sur·​ance ˌrē-ən-ˈshu̇r-ən(t)s How to pronounce reinsurance (audio)
ˌrē-ən-ˈshər-,
 also  (ˌ)rē-ˈin-ˌshu̇r-,
(ˌ)rē-ˈin-ˌshə̇r-
: insurance by another insurer of all or a part of a risk previously assumed by an insurance company

Examples of reinsurance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Eager to collect as many premiums as possible, the syndicate bought a reinsurance policy that covered substantial losses. Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025 Insurance companies will also be able to pass along reinsurance costs to customers, which California previously didn't allow, which the state hopes will persuade companies to take on new customers in high-risk areas. Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 The insurer has estimated the fires will cost it $7.6 billion but said reinsurance payments largely from its parent will lower its losses to about $612 million. Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025 Colorado faces a double hit because of its reinsurance program, Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway said. Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for reinsurance

Word History

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reinsurance was in 1705

Cite this Entry

“Reinsurance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reinsurance. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

reinsurance

noun
re·​in·​sur·​ance ˌrē-ən-ˈshu̇r-əns, -ˈin-ˌshu̇r- How to pronounce reinsurance (audio)
: insurance or indemnification by a second insurer of all or part of a risk assumed by another insurer as contracted for by the first insurer see also cede compare direct insurance, retrocession sense 3

More from Merriam-Webster on reinsurance

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