What does a lapse in an insurance policy mean?

A lapse in an insurance policy refers specifically to the termination of coverage that occurs when the policyholder does not make the required premium payments on time. When payments are missed, the insurer may eventually terminate the policy, which means that the insured loses their coverage and cannot receive benefits from the policy after the lapse.

This is an important concept in insurance management, as maintaining timely premium payments is crucial for ensuring that coverage remains in force. The other options, while relevant to different insurance situations, do not accurately describe what a lapse is. For example, the suspension of benefits refers to a temporary halt in coverage without complete policy termination, a reduction in coverage limits does not signify a lapse, and the renewal process involves maintaining a policy rather than a lapse in coverage.