policyholder

American  

[pol-uh-see-hohl-der] / ˈpɒl ə siˌhoʊl dər /

noun

1. the individual or firm in whose name an insurance policy is written; an insured.

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policyholder British  

/ ˈpɒlɪsɪˌhəʊldə /

noun

1. a person or organization in whose name an insurance policy is registered

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Etymology

Origin of policyholder

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55; policy ² + holder

Example Sentences

During a decade of ultralow bond rates, private-equity-controlled insurers surged ahead of traditional firms by investing policyholder premiums in higher risk private credit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

That is essentially a prediction of the likelihood that a policyholder will have an insurance loss or file a claim.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 4, 2026

Internal agency emails show a State Farm executive in May 2025 told Lara the insurer had received less than 310 policyholder complaints among 10,359 Los Angeles fire claims at the time.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

Even after the death of the policyholder, the carrier may have to pay the death benefits, if it has not honored its obligations.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 12, 2025

In Philadelphia Holmes had swindled the Fidelity Mutual Life Association of nearly $10,000 by apparently faking the death of a policyholder, Ben Pitezel.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson