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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.

However, the difference in premiums may look less pronounced for the average policyholder, who purchases anywhere from $20,000 to $500,000 in coverage.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

She demanded the company apologize to its policyholder.

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

Progressive reported a $950 million underwriting expense for a policyholder credit in Florida, where the company said insurance rules require it to return profit to customers when underwriting margins exceed a certain level.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 8, 2025

In my visits to the homes of policyholders to collect premiums, I was accompanied by the superintendent who claimed to the policyholder that he was making a routine inspection.

From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright