What does "liability" refer to in the context of insurance?

In the context of insurance, "liability" refers to the legal responsibility an individual or organization has for causing loss or damage to another party. This legal obligation can arise from various situations such as accidents, negligence, or breaches of duty that result in harm or damages to another person or their property. When an insurer provides liability coverage, it essentially protects the insured from the financial consequences of these legal responsibilities.

Understanding liability is crucial in the insurance realm, as it forms the basis for many types of insurance policies, including general liability and professional liability coverage. Such policies help cover legal fees, settlements, or judgments that one might face as a result of being held liable for causing harm.

The other options relate to different aspects of insurance but do not define liability itself. The financial cost of premiums pertains to the payments made for coverage, coverage limits refer to the maximum amount an insurer will pay for a claim, and the process of filing a claim describes the steps taken to seek payment under a policy rather than the legal responsibilities involved.