In property insurance, what is the meaning of 'coinsurance'?

Coinsurance in property insurance refers to a requirement that policyholders maintain a certain level of insurance in relation to the property's value. This provision is typically defined as a percentage of the total value of the property insured. For example, if a policy has an 80% coinsurance clause, the policyholder must insure their property for at least 80% of its actual cash value. If the policyholder fails to meet this requirement, they may face a penalty in the form of reduced claims payouts in the event of a loss.

The coinsurance concept encourages policyholders to insure their properties adequately rather than underinsuring, which can lead to significant financial losses. This mechanism also allows insurers to manage their risk more effectively, as it encourages responsible coverage levels from policyholders.

The other options do not accurately reflect the definition of coinsurance. Some may pertain to aspects of property insurance but do not capture the essence of what coinsurance involves.