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self-insure

verb

self-in·​sure ˌself-in-ˈshu̇r How to pronounce self-insure (audio)
-in-ˈshər-
self-insured; self-insuring; self-insures

intransitive verb

: to insure oneself
especially : to practice self-insurance
self-insurer noun

Examples of self-insure 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.
The state is self-insured and paid $2.75 million to settle his family’s lawsuit. Austin Fast, USA Today, 20 Nov. 2025 Wisconsin, like many other states, is self-insured. Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 20 Nov. 2025 Police misconduct settlements have long proven costly for Milwaukee, which is self-insured. David Clarey, jsonline.com, 18 Nov. 2025 The French state self-insures its national museums, because premiums for covering priceless heritage are astronomically high — meaning the Louvre will receive no payout for the loss. Nick Duffy, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2025 There’s also the option to self-insure—but that requires a hefty cushion. Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 Already, businesses, governments, and investors are fundamentally changing their practices to try to self-insure instead. Adam S. Posen, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025 Like many government entities, Los Angeles County is self-insured. Calmatters, Mercury News, 11 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-insure was in 1932

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-insure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-insure. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

Legal Definition

self-insure

transitive verb
self-in·​sure
ˌself-in-ˈshu̇r
: to insure by self-insurance (as in workers' compensation)
an employer wishing to self-insure its liabilityPennsylvania Statutes

intransitive verb

: to use self-insurance
a governmental agency that self-insures
self-insurer noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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