In Pennsylvania insurance contract law,insurable interestis a requirement under thelegal purposeelement of a valid insurance contract. Insurable interest ensures that the policyowner has a legitimate financial or emotional interest in the continued life, health, or property of the insured and would suffer a loss if an insured event occurs.
Pennsylvania-approved insurance education materials emphasize that without insurable interest, an insurance contract would be considered a wagering agreement, which is illegal and void. Insurable interest must exist at the time the policy is issued for life insurance contracts.
The other contract elements—agreement, competent parties, and consideration—serve different functions. Agreement refers to offer and acceptance, competent parties addresses legal capacity, and consideration involves something of value exchanged, such as premiums for coverage. Therefore, insurable interest directly relates to ensuring the contract serves alegal purpose, making optionDthe correct and verified answer under Pennsylvania Life, Accident, and Health Insurance regulations.
