What do we call statements made by an applicant to an insurance company that can lead to coverage denial if proven false?

The term that accurately describes statements made by an applicant to an insurance company, which can result in denial of coverage if found to be false, is representation. In the context of insurance, a representation is essentially a statement provided by the applicant regarding material facts. These facts are critical for the insurer to assess risk and determine eligibility and premium rates. If the applicant knowingly provides false information, this could indeed lead the insurer to deny a claim or void the policy altogether, as it undermines the fundamental trust required in the insurance agreement.

In contrast, concealment refers to the act of hiding information that should be disclosed, while fraud involves intentional deceit designed to secure unfair or unlawful gain. Disclosure pertains to the act of revealing information that is necessary for the insurer to assess the risk accurately. Each of these concepts plays a role in insurance underwriting, but in this scenario regarding misleading statements, representation is the correct term to use.