What does the insurable interest requirement imply for the applicant?

The insurable interest requirement fundamentally implies that the applicant must have a financial stake in the person or property being insured. This means that the applicant should stand to suffer a financial loss or hardship if the insured event occurs, such as the death of a person or damage to property. This principle exists to prevent insurance from becoming a form of gambling, ensuring that the person seeking insurance has a legitimate interest in the continued existence or safety of the insured individual or item.

Having a financial stake verifies that the applicant has a vested interest in the outcome of the insured risk, which is essential in creating a valid insurance contract. It also serves to mitigate moral hazard, where one might otherwise be tempted to cause harm to benefit from a claim. This requirement is a cornerstone of insurance law and allows both insurers and insureds to engage in a responsible and ethical manner.