Plain English

A ‘campaign’ joined by a number of insurers to combat criticism that policies are written in almost incomprehensible language. These insurers endeavour to use language their policyholders regard as easier to understand.

Plain form of policy

A policy without clauses attached like the defunct S.G. (ship and goods) form used by Lloyd’s from 1799 until 1983. It remained in use because all of its words and phrases had been defined in the courts. The current MAR form expresses the agreement to insure and adds detailed cover through the Institute Clauses.