What is the "pro-rata" clause in an auto insurance policy?

The "pro-rata" clause in an auto insurance policy refers to a provision that determines how payments are allocated among multiple policies when there is overlapping coverage. This is particularly relevant in situations where a policyholder has multiple insurance policies that provide similar coverage for a loss.

The pro-rata clause ensures that if there are several policies in effect, each insurer will pay a proportionate share of the claim based on the amount of coverage they provide. This prevents the policyholder from profiting from a loss by collecting full benefits from multiple insurers for the same claim, thus adhering to the principle of indemnity, which states that a policyholder should not gain financially from an insurance event.

In contrast, the other options do not pertain to the pro-rata concept. The cancellation clause and age restrictions serve different functions unrelated to how claims are shared among insurers, and the explanation of deductibles focuses on the amount the policyholder pays out of pocket before coverage kicks in, rather than how payments between policies are coordinated. This understanding is crucial for recognizing the roles and implications of clauses in auto insurance agreements.