What is a false or misleading statement that may allow an insurer to void a contract?

A false or misleading statement that may allow an insurer to void a contract is referred to as misrepresentation. In the context of insurance, misrepresentation occurs when a party provides incorrect information intentionally or unintentionally, which could affect the insurer's decision to provide coverage or the terms of the policy. If the insurer can prove that the misrepresentation was significant enough to influence their assessment of risk, they hold the right to void the policy.

The concept of misrepresentation is crucial in insurance contracts since these agreements rely heavily on the principle of utmost good faith, where both parties are expected to disclose accurate and complete information. Misrepresentation undermines this principle and can lead to significant consequences including the denial of a claim or the termination of the insurance policy. Understanding misrepresentation is essential for both insurers and policyholders to ensure fair and transparent dealings.