What happens if a policyholder breaks a warranty in an insurance policy?

In insurance policies, a warranty is a specific promise made by the policyholder regarding certain conditions related to the risk being insured. If a policyholder breaks or violates a warranty, it fundamentally alters the agreement upon which the insurance policy is based.

When a warranty is breached, the insurer has the right to deny coverage. This is because warranties are considered essential to the risk assessment; they ensure that the risk remains acceptable to the insurer. For instance, if an insurance policy includes a warranty that property will be maintained in a certain condition and the policyholder fails to uphold this condition, the insurer may conclude that the risk has changed and, therefore, may not provide coverage for any related claims.

This mechanism serves to protect insurers from increased risk and ensures that policyholders adhere to the agreed terms, which is critical for the contract's validity. The concept of warranties is rooted in insurance law, emphasizing the importance of these stipulations in maintaining the integrity of the coverage provided.