What is the term used when an applicant provides false information on an insurance application?

The term used when an applicant provides false information on an insurance application is misrepresentation. This occurs when an applicant intentionally or unintentionally provides incorrect or misleading statements regarding material facts that can affect the underwriting decision. Misrepresentation can result in the insurer facing increased risk as they rely on the information provided to assess the application and determine the policy's terms.

In the context of insurance, accurate information is vital for both the insurer and the insured to ensure that coverage is appropriate and based on true risk. When an applicant misrepresents their circumstances, it can lead to issues with claims later on, including potential denial of a claim if the misrepresentation is discovered.

Fraud typically implies a higher level of deceit or intention to deceive for personal gain, while deception is a broader term that does not specifically refer to the context of insurance applications. Concealment refers to the act of withholding information rather than providing false information. Therefore, misrepresentation is the precise term that describes the act of giving false information on an application.