Canadian Financial, Real Estate and Mortgage Glossary

abandonment — Definition

A disclaimer of ownership by the trustee or debtor in property deemed burdensome or inconsequential. Once property has been "abandoned" it is no longer the property of the estate and creditors can seek to recover their money.

abandonment clause — Definition

A clause that allows the insured to abandon damaged or lost property without losing insurance benefits.

absolute priority rule (APR) — Acronym

A rule where creditors get paid before a shareholder on outstanding debts or claims when liquidating or reorganizing a company.

  ➥  In relation to creditor claims.

absolute return (AR) — Acronym, Important

A strategy to obtain positive returns on an investment portfolio regardless of market conditions.

  ➥  In relation to assets and portfolios.

abstract of judgement — Definition

A court document that states how much the loser of a lawsuit owes, and which creates a lien, or a claim on property, when filed with the county recorder where the property is owned.

abstract of title (ab) — Definition

A written history of all the transactions that bear on the title to a specific piece of land. An abstract of title covers the time from when the property was first sold to the present.

  ➥  AB is a common abbreviation for Abstract of Title when used in property listings and real estate classifieds.

accelerated benefit option — Definition

An option that allows the insured to receive insurance benefits before they would ordinarily be available.

accelerated death benefit (ADB) — Definition

An option that allows the insured to receive insurance benefits before they would ordinarily be available.

  ➥  More commonly referred to as a Accelerated Death Benefit Rider (ADBR).

accelerated death benefit rider (ADBR) — Definition

An option that allows the insured to receive insurance benefits before they would ordinarily be available.

acceleration clause — Definition

A provision within a document that explains how the lender expects payment for a loan, in due haste.

acceptance — Definition

A property seller's formal, written approval of a buyer's offer.

accident & sickness (A&S) — Acronym, Important

  ➥  Insurance policy.

accidental damage waiver (ADW) — Acronym

accidental death & disablement (AD&D, ADD) — Acronym

  ➥  A life insurance policy that offers payouts to policyholders and their dependents in the event of an accident causing death or serious impairment.

accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D, ADD) — Definition

Insurance coverage for death or dismemberment (the loss of a body part).

  ➥  A life insurance policy.

accidental death and dismemberment insurance — Definition

Insurance coverage for death or dismemberment (the loss of a body part).

accidental death benefit (ADB) — Definition, Very Important

An additional benefit that pays an additional sum to a beneficiary if the cause of death is deemed to be accidental.

  ➥  A life insurance policy rider.

accommodation line — Definition

As a favour to a broker, insurance companies will sometimes approve coverage to an individual who would not otherwise qualify.

account agreement — Definition

An agreement that you sign and which lists your rights and responsibilities and the bank's rights and responsibilities for the bank account.

account current (AC) — Definition, Very Important

A ledger summarizing the performance of each agent employed by an insurance company.

  ➥  A monthly or yearly ledger style report provided by an insurer to an insurance agent detailing policies, premiums, commissions, cancellations, and endorsements.

accountants professional liability (APL) — Acronym

  ➥  Liability insurance program offered to accountants.

accounting method — Definition

The method used by a business or individual to keep records. Most individuals and small businesses use the cash method, although businesses that maintain inventory are required to use the accrual method. See also "Accrual Method" or "Cash Method."

accounting period (AP) — Definition, Important

The time period used in a set of accounting books or financial statements, often 12 months.

accounting rate of interest (ARI) — Acronym

accounts payable (A/P, AP) — Definition

Money owed by a business for goods and services received.

accounts payable system (APS) — Acronym

accounts receivable (A/R, AR) — Definition, Important

Money owed to a business by purchasers of goods and/or services.

accounts receivable conversion (ARC) — Acronym, Important

Conversion of paper cheques to Automated Clearing House (ACH) debits.

accounts receivable insurance — Definition

Insurance covering losses due to cash flow problems.

accounts receivable/accounts payable (AR/AP) — Acronym