Glossary

Bifurcation typically refers to situations in which the issues of liability and damages are separated and tried independently.

A bilateral extended reporting period (ERP) provision in claims-made policies allows the insured to purchase an ERP if either the insured or the insurer decides to cancel or nonrenew the policy.

A bill of lading is a document that serves both as a receipt for goods being shipped and a contract defining the extent of the transporter's liability.

A binder is legal agreement issued by either an agent or an insurer to provide temporary evidence of insurance until an insurance policy can be issued.

Bingo card program is the term used for an obsolete system of registering interstate motor carriers to verify that they have the proper operating authority and auto liability insurance in place to operate in interstate commerce.

Biological magnification is the process by which certain substances, such as pesticides or heavy metals, move up the food chain, work their way into rivers or lakes, and are eaten by aquatic organisms such as fish, which in turn are eaten by large birds, animals, or humans.

Biomechanical analysis is the formal process of utilizing knowledge about the work environment along with the design of the human body to fully integrate the two systems.

Bioremediation is the use of living organisms to clean up oil spills or remove other pollutants from soil, water, or wastewater.

The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 is a federal law better known as the McCain-Feingold Act, regulating the financing of political campaigns.

A blackout period is a time period during which participants in a 401(k) plan are not permitted to make changes in their investment allocations.