[O046]

overlapping insurance

When two or more different kinds of policies cover the same loss, the insurance is said to be "over-lapping," as opposed to two or more policies of the same kind, which is "contributing" insurance. Contributing insurance is illustrated by two fire insurance policies covering the same loss. However, if an inland marine policy and a fire policy cover the same loss, they are overlapping insurance.

(See contribution clause, and guiding principles.)