NAMED PERIL

Peril specifically mentioned as covered in an insurance policy.

NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM

Federal government-sponsored program under which flood insurance is sold to homeowners and businesses. (See Adverse selection; Flood insurance)

NET ANNUITY COST*

A monetary amount equal to the present value of future periodic payments under an annuity contract, calculated on a net basis, without any specific provision for expense loading. Contrast with gross annuity cost. (See Annuity cost)

NET PAYMENT COST COMPARISON INDEX*

A cost comparison index used to compare life insurance policies that takes into account the time value of money and that measures the cost of a policy over a 10- or 20-year period assuming the policy owner pays premiums over the entire period. Contrast with surrender cost comparison index.

NET PREMIUMS WRITTEN

See Premiums written

NO-FAULT

Auto insurance coverage that pays for each driver’s own injuries, regardless of who caused the accident. No-fault varies from state to state. It also refers to an auto liability insurance system that restricts lawsuits to serious cases. Such policies are designed to promote faster reimbursement and to reduce litigation.

NO-FAULT MEDICAL

A type of accident coverage in homeowners policies.

NO-PAY, NO-PLAY

The idea that people who don’t buy coverage should not receive benefits. Prohibits uninsured drivers from collecting damages from insured drivers. In most states with this law, uninsured drivers may not sue for noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering. In other states, uninsured drivers are required to pay the equivalent of a large deductible ($10,000) before they can sue for property damages and another large deductible before they can sue for bodily harm.

NON-ADMITTED ASSETS

Assets that are not included on the balance sheet of an insurance company, including furniture, fixtures, past-due accounts receivable, and agents’ debt balances. (See Assets)

NON-ADMITTED INSURER

Insurers licensed in some states, but not others. States where an insurer is not licensed call that insurer non-admitted. They sell coverage that is unavailable from licensed insurers within the state.

NONCANCELLABLE AND GUARANTEED RENEWABLE POLICY*

An individual health insurance policy, which stipulates that, until the insured reaches a specified age (usually age 65), the insurer will not cancel the coverage, increase the premiums, or change the policy provisions as long as the premiums are paid when due. Also known as noncancellable policy. Contrast with guaranteed renewable policy.

NONFORFEITURE OPTIONS*

The various ways in which a contract owner may apply the cash surrender value of an insurance or an annuity contract if the contract lapses. In the United States, the typical nonforfeiture options for life insurance are the cash payment option, the extended term insurance option and the reduced paid-up insurance option. (See Cash payment option; Cash surrender value; Extended term insurance option; Reduced paid-up insurance option)

NOTICE OF LOSS

A written notice required by insurance companies immediately after an accident or other loss. Part of the standard provisions defining a policyholder's responsibilities after a loss.

NUCLEAR INSURANCE

Covers operators of nuclear reactors and other facilities for liability and property damage in the case of a nuclear accident and involves both private insurers and the federal government.

NURSING HOME INSURANCE

A form of long-term care policy that covers a policyholder’s stay in a nursing facility.