What is meant by the term "aggregate deductible"?

The term "aggregate deductible" refers to the total amount that the policyholder must pay out of pocket before the insurance company begins to cover any claims during a specific policy period. This means that once the policyholder pays this predetermined amount in total deductibles, the insurer will then take over and pay for eligible claims for the remainder of the policy period.

This concept is often employed in certain types of insurance policies, particularly in commercial insurance, where businesses may face multiple claims within a given year. Recognizing this amount encourages policyholders to bear a portion of the risk, aligning with the principles of insurance where both the insurer and the insured share the financial burden.

The other options do not accurately describe "aggregate deductible." The maximum limit for a single claim pertains to the insurance policy's coverage limits, while the initial amount deducted from a claim payment refers to a standard deductible applicable on a per-claim basis. The cost incurred by the insurer to administer claims is unrelated to deductibles and instead pertains to the operational expenses of managing claims.