Insurance P&C Exam
Claims Handling & Settlement Practice Questions
35 practice questions with detailed explanations — aligned to the Insurance P&C Exam.
Master Claims Handling & Settlement to boost your score on the Insurance P&C Exam. Each question below mirrors the style and difficulty of real exam questions, complete with detailed explanations so you understand the why behind every answer. Work through all 35 questions, review any that trip you up, and use the related topics below to round out your preparation.
Q1.What best describes Notice of loss?
A.the insured's report to the insurer that a loss has occurredB.the insurer's final denial of coverageC.the appraiser's valuation awardD.the endorsement adding coverage✓A. the insured's report to the insurer that a loss has occurredExplanation: Notice of loss is best described as the insured's report to the insurer that a loss has occurred. This definition matches how the concept is tested on standard P&C licensing exams.
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Q2.What best describes Investigation?
A.the process of gathering facts, documents, and statements to evaluate a claimB.the automatic payment of every submitted claimC.the retroactive date on a claims-made policyD.the insured's premium financing agreement✓A. the process of gathering facts, documents, and statements to evaluate a claimExplanation: Investigation is best described as the process of gathering facts, documents, and statements to evaluate a claim. This definition matches how the concept is tested on standard P&C licensing exams.
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Q3.What best describes Proof of loss?
A.a formal statement by the insured about the amount and details of the loss when required by the policyB.a court judgment against a third partyC.the declarations page onlyD.the insurer's internal reserve✓A. a formal statement by the insured about the amount and details of the loss when required by the policyExplanation: Proof of loss is best described as a formal statement by the insured about the amount and details of the loss when required by the policy. This definition matches how the concept is tested on standard P&C licensing exams.
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Q4.What best describes Subrogation?
A.the insurer's right to recover from a responsible third party after paying a covered claimB.the insured's duty to pay every deductible twiceC.the appraiser's right to set coverage limitsD.the insurer's right to cancel without notice✓A. the insurer's right to recover from a responsible third party after paying a covered claimExplanation: Subrogation is best described as the insurer's right to recover from a responsible third party after paying a covered claim. This definition matches how the concept is tested on standard P&C licensing exams.
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Q5.What best describes Salvage?
A.property remaining after a loss that still has residual valueB.the deductible portion the insured retainsC.an appraisal clauseD.the insurer's general aggregate limit✓A. property remaining after a loss that still has residual valueExplanation: Salvage is best described as property remaining after a loss that still has residual value. This definition matches how the concept is tested on standard P&C licensing exams.
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Q6.What best describes A claim reserve?
A.an amount the insurer sets aside as an estimate for expected claim costsB.the insured's deductible amountC.the mortgage balance on propertyD.the value listed in the declarations section only✓A. an amount the insurer sets aside as an estimate for expected claim costsExplanation: A claim reserve is best described as an amount the insurer sets aside as an estimate for expected claim costs. This definition matches how the concept is tested on standard P&C licensing exams.
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Q7.What best describes Actual cash value settlement?
A.payment based on replacement cost minus depreciationB.payment based only on policy premiumC.payment that ignores all deductiblesD.payment based on liability limits✓A. payment based on replacement cost minus depreciationExplanation: Actual cash value settlement is best described as payment based on replacement cost minus depreciation. This definition matches how the concept is tested on standard P&C licensing exams.
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Q8.What best describes Replacement cost settlement?
A.payment based on the cost to repair or replace with like kind and quality without deducting for depreciation, subject to policy termsB.payment limited to market value in every caseC.payment that never requires a covered lossD.payment for bodily injury to others✓A. payment based on the cost to repair or replace with like kind and quality without deducting for depreciation, subject to policy termsExplanation: Replacement cost settlement is best described as payment based on the cost to repair or replace with like kind and quality without deducting for depreciation, subject to policy terms. This definition matches how the concept is tested on standard P&C licensing exams.
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Q9.What best describes An independent adjuster?
A.a claims professional who handles claims for insurers on a contract basisB.an insured's attorney automatically appointed by the courtC.a person who can rewrite policy terms after any lossD.a director and officer of the insured company✓A. a claims professional who handles claims for insurers on a contract basisExplanation: An independent adjuster is best described as a claims professional who handles claims for insurers on a contract basis. This definition matches how the concept is tested on standard P&C licensing exams.
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Q10.What best describes A staff adjuster?
A.a claims adjuster employed directly by the insurerB.a public adjuster representing the insuredC.an underwriter setting premium rates onlyD.a producer with binding authority✓A. a claims adjuster employed directly by the insurerExplanation: A staff adjuster is best described as a claims adjuster employed directly by the insurer. This definition matches how the concept is tested on standard P&C licensing exams.
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Q11.What best describes A public adjuster?
A.a claims professional who represents the insured rather than the insurerB.an insurer employee handling internal claims onlyC.a reinsurer's pricing specialistD.a workers compensation physician✓A. a claims professional who represents the insured rather than the insurerExplanation: A public adjuster is best described as a claims professional who represents the insured rather than the insurer. This definition matches how the concept is tested on standard P&C licensing exams.
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Q12.What best describes A deductible?
A.the portion of a covered claim that the insured must absorb before insurance pays the balance, subject to policy termsB.the insurer's reserve for claim expensesC.the policy period lengthD.the declarations page✓A. the portion of a covered claim that the insured must absorb before insurance pays the balance, subject to policy termsExplanation: A deductible is best described as the portion of a covered claim that the insured must absorb before insurance pays the balance, subject to policy terms. This definition matches how the concept is tested on standard P&C licensing exams.
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Q13.An insured calls the insurer the morning after a fire to report the damage. Which claim process step is this?
A.Notice of lossB.Proof of lossC.SubrogationD.Salvage✓A. Notice of lossExplanation: The insured's first report that a loss occurred is notice of loss. It begins the claim process and allows the insurer to start handling the matter.
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Q14.An adjuster interviews witnesses, reviews photos, and inspects damaged property to determine what happened. Which claim step is this?
A.InvestigationB.SubrogationC.CancellationD.Renewal✓A. InvestigationExplanation: Investigation is the process of gathering facts needed to evaluate coverage, liability, and the amount of loss. It is one of the central steps in claim handling.
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Q15.The insurer asks the insured to sign a sworn statement describing the damaged property and the amount claimed. Which document is this?
A.Proof of lossB.Declarations pageC.Retroactive noticeD.Coinsurance certificate✓A. Proof of lossExplanation: A proof of loss is a formal statement by the insured about the claim. Policies may require it as part of the claim process.
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Q16.After paying a covered water loss caused by a negligent plumber, the insurer seeks reimbursement from the plumber. Which claims principle is this?
A.SubrogationB.SalvageC.DeductibleD.Appraisal✓A. SubrogationExplanation: Subrogation allows the insurer to pursue the responsible third party after paying the insured's claim. It helps prevent double recovery and shifts ultimate responsibility to the wrongdoer.
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Q17.A total-loss vehicle still has value as scrap metal after the insurer pays the claim. What is that remaining value associated with?
A.SalvageB.DeductibleC.CoinsuranceD.Medical payments✓A. SalvageExplanation: Salvage refers to the residual value remaining in damaged property after a loss. The insurer may take possession of salvage after paying the claim, depending on the circumstances.
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Q18.An insurer sets aside money internally to estimate what a reported loss may ultimately cost. What is this amount called?
A.A claim reserveB.A deductibleC.An endorsementD.A binder✓A. A claim reserveExplanation: A reserve is an internal estimate of expected claim costs. It helps the insurer track claim obligations and financial results while the claim is pending.
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Q19.A property loss is settled based on replacement cost minus depreciation. Which settlement basis is being used?
A.Actual cash value settlementB.Replacement cost settlementC.Agreed value settlement onlyD.Liability settlement✓A. Actual cash value settlementExplanation: Actual cash value is generally replacement cost minus depreciation. It reflects the used value of the property at the time of loss rather than the cost of a new item.
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Q20.A property loss is settled based on the cost to repair or replace with like kind and quality without deducting depreciation, assuming policy requirements are met. Which settlement basis is this?
A.Replacement cost settlementB.Actual cash value settlementC.Medical payments settlementD.Pro rata liability settlement✓A. Replacement cost settlementExplanation: Replacement cost settlement pays the cost to repair or replace damaged property with like kind and quality without a depreciation deduction, subject to policy terms. It generally provides broader recovery than ACV.
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Q21.The insurer hires a claims professional who is not an employee but handles claims under contract for the insurer. Which type of adjuster is this?
A.An independent adjusterB.A public adjusterC.A staff adjusterD.A reinsurer✓A. An independent adjusterExplanation: An independent adjuster handles claims for insurers on a contract basis. That differs from a staff adjuster, who is employed directly by the insurer.
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Q22.An insurer uses one of its own employees to inspect damage and negotiate a settlement. Which type of adjuster is this?
A.A staff adjusterB.A public adjusterC.An appraiser for the insuredD.An independent broker✓A. A staff adjusterExplanation: A staff adjuster is directly employed by the insurer. Public adjusters represent insureds, while independent adjusters work on a contract basis for insurers.
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Q23.An insured hires a claims professional to represent the insured's interests during a property claim. Which type of adjuster is this?
A.A public adjusterB.A staff adjusterC.An insurer's independent adjusterD.A claims-made adjuster✓A. A public adjusterExplanation: A public adjuster represents the insured in negotiating the claim. Unlike staff or independent adjusters, the public adjuster does not work for the insurer.
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Q24.A claim is covered for $6,000, and the policy includes a $1,000 deductible. Which concept explains why the insurer will not pay the full $6,000?
A.The deductibleB.The declarations pageC.The appraisal clauseD.The policy period✓A. The deductibleExplanation: A deductible is the portion of a covered loss retained by the insured. The insurer pays the covered balance after subtracting the deductible, subject to the policy's limits.
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Q25.An adjuster asks the insured for repair invoices, photos, and receipts to support the amount being claimed. Which claim process step does this best reflect?
A.Documentation and investigationB.Cancellation and nonrenewalC.Coinsurance and contributionD.Underwriting and rating✓A. Documentation and investigationExplanation: Claim handling involves gathering documentation and investigating the facts of loss. These materials help the insurer evaluate the amount payable and whether coverage applies.
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Q26.A claim has been reported, facts have been gathered, and the insurer now decides how much is owed under the policy. Which claim step is this?
A.EvaluationB.UnderwritingC.BindingD.Inspection for rating✓A. EvaluationExplanation: Evaluation is the stage where the insurer applies the policy to the facts and determines the amount, if any, that should be paid. It follows notice and investigation.
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Q27.After evaluating a claim, the insurer issues payment and closes the file. Which claim step is this?
A.SettlementB.ClassificationC.CancellationD.Subrogation only✓A. SettlementExplanation: Settlement is the conclusion of the claim process where payment or other resolution is made. It follows evaluation of coverage and damages.
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Q28.A third party causes a covered auto loss, and the insurer pays the insured first rather than waiting for a lawsuit against the third party to finish. Which principle makes that practical?
A.Subrogation allows the insurer to pursue recovery laterB.Appraisal requires payment before investigationC.Deductibles eliminate liabilityD.Replacement cost applies to all liability claims✓A. Subrogation allows the insurer to pursue recovery laterExplanation: The insurer can indemnify the insured and then pursue the responsible third party through subrogation. This keeps the claim process moving for the insured without waiving the insurer's recovery rights.
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Q29.A property item would cost $12,000 to replace new and has $3,000 of depreciation. If the policy settles on an ACV basis, what is the amount payable before any deductible?
A.$9,000B.$12,000C.$15,000D.$3,000✓A. $9,000Explanation: Actual cash value generally equals replacement cost minus depreciation. Subtracting $3,000 from $12,000 results in an ACV of $9,000.
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Q30.A covered property loss totals $18,000 and the deductible is $2,000. Assuming the loss is within policy limits, how much will the insurer pay?
A.$14,000B.$16,000C.$18,000D.$20,000✓B. $16,000Explanation: The insurer pays the covered loss minus the deductible. $18,000 less $2,000 equals $16,000.
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Q31.A replacement cost loss to covered property is $25,000. Depreciation is $6,000, and the policy requires actual cash value to be paid first with the remaining amount available after repair or replacement. What is the initial ACV payment before any deductible?
A.$19,000B.$25,000C.$31,000D.$6,000✓A. $19,000Explanation: The initial ACV payment is replacement cost minus depreciation. $25,000 minus $6,000 equals $19,000 before considering any deductible or later recoverable depreciation.
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Q32.An insurer pays a covered $10,000 loss and later recovers $4,000 from the negligent third party through subrogation. Which statement is most accurate?
A.The recovery reflects the insurer's subrogation rights after paying the claimB.The recovery is called coinsuranceC.The recovery automatically doubles the deductibleD.The recovery means the original claim was not covered✓A. The recovery reflects the insurer's subrogation rights after paying the claimExplanation: Subrogation allows the insurer to seek recovery from a responsible third party after paying the insured's covered loss. The later recovery does not mean the original claim lacked coverage.
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Q33.A vehicle is a total loss with an ACV of $14,000 and a deductible of $500. If the damaged vehicle has salvage value after the insurer pays the claim, which statement is most accurate?
A.The claim payment is still based on the policy's settlement terms, while salvage refers to the remaining value in the damaged propertyB.Salvage replaces the deductibleC.Salvage means there is no covered lossD.Salvage is the same thing as business income✓A. The claim payment is still based on the policy's settlement terms, while salvage refers to the remaining value in the damaged propertyExplanation: The settlement amount is determined under the policy's valuation and deductible provisions. Salvage refers to the residual value remaining in the damaged property after the loss.
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Q34.A covered property loss has a replacement cost of $30,000, depreciation of $8,000, and a $1,000 deductible. If the policy settles on ACV, how much is payable?
A.$21,000B.$22,000C.$29,000D.$30,000✓A. $21,000Explanation: First determine ACV by subtracting depreciation from replacement cost: $30,000 minus $8,000 equals $22,000. Then subtract the $1,000 deductible, leaving $21,000 payable.
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Q35.An insured reports a major loss, the insurer investigates, requests a proof of loss, evaluates coverage, and issues payment. Which answer lists the claim process in the best general order?
A.Notice of loss, investigation, documentation/proof of loss, evaluation, settlementB.Settlement, proof of loss, notice, underwriting, cancellationC.Appraisal, subrogation, notice, rating, settlementD.Underwriting, notice, appraisal, premium audit, settlement✓A. Notice of loss, investigation, documentation/proof of loss, evaluation, settlementExplanation: The general claim flow begins with notice of loss, followed by investigation and documentation, then evaluation and settlement. This order reflects the standard claims handling framework tested on licensing exams.
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