reinsure

American  

[ree-in-shoor, -shur] / ˌri ɪnˈʃʊər, -ˈʃɜr /

verb (used with object)

reinsured, reinsuring

1. to insure again.

2. Insurance. to insure under a contract by which a first insurer is relieved of part or all of the risk, which devolves upon another insurer.

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reinsure British  

/ ˌriːɪnˈʃʊə, -ʃɔː /

verb

1. to insure again

2. (of an insurer) to obtain partial or complete insurance coverage from another insurer for (a risk on which a policy has already been issued)

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Other Word Forms

• reinsurance noun
• reinsurer noun

Etymology

Origin of reinsure

First recorded in 1745–55; re- + insure

Example Sentences

The Development Finance Corp. will reinsure the program, which aims to reopen the waterway, which is used to transport one-fifth of global oil.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

Apollo said regarding Athene: “Like Ajit Jain, we have been vocal about our decision in recent years not to reinsure run-off annuity books at prices that don’t make economic sense.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 25, 2025

For example, rates to reinsure U.S. property catastrophe risk jumped 50% this year as climate change takes its toll.

From Reuters • Jul. 19, 2023

Yet when the cost of medical catastrophes is more than ordinary Americans’ insurance coverage can sustain, the United States fails to reinsure their health plans.

From Slate • May 15, 2023

"Why shouldn't we reinsure them?" said the Vice-President.

From White Ashes by Kennedy, Sidney R. (Sidney Robinson)