What is the purpose of the coinsurance requirement in a property policy?

The purpose of the coinsurance requirement in a property policy is to encourage the insured to obtain coverage that is at or near the property's full value. This provision is designed to ensure that policyholders maintain an adequate level of insurance on their property, reflecting its true value. When insured for less than a specified percentage of the property’s value (often 80%, 90%, or 100%), the insured may face a penalty in the event of a loss, leading to a reduced payout. This aligns policyholders' interests with that of the insurer in properly valuing their assets and maintaining sufficient coverage.

Thus, the coinsurance clause serves not only to protect the insurer from having to pay out more than the property is worth in case of a loss but also serves an important role for the insured, encouraging prudent insurance practices. This helps ensure that the insured has enough coverage to fully recover their losses and supports the overall stability of the insurance system.