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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.


policyholder British  
/ ˈpɒlɪsɪˌhəʊldə /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of policyholder

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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