Life is full of uncertainty. Trials and tribulations abound in each and every aspect of life. No one can truly predict or even estimate what the future has in store for him. Life offers no guarantees by itself, except the incidences of death and taxation. This lack of security present throughout life can be overcome partially through insurance. Insurance can never replace or repair a loss. But the monetary value offered by insurance helps in adjusting to the new circumstances.

Despite offering innumerable options and immense scope, insurance can be classified into four main categories.

• Insurance of Person:
  Under the purview of this class of insurance, the risks associated with human life in general can be covered up to the limit specified. A person can insure his or her life and his health against any unplanned contingencies. In event of his death, his dependants will be reimbursed to the full amount that he was insured for. Or if the insured person meets with an accident or suffers from an illness that cripples him forever, he will be compensated with the complete sum assured anyway since he may not be able to lead a normal life again. In case, the accident is not that severe, he should be able to recover after medical treatment and rehabilitation. If he has opted for medical cover, then his medical expenses, treatment and medication will be paid for by his insurance policy.
  
• Insurance of Property:
  Everyone possesses material value in the form of tangible assets. Assets can be in the form of a landed estate or a vehicle, share holdings or plain old paper money. Since tangible property has a physical shape and consistency, it is subject to many risks ranging from fire, allied perils to theft and robbery. An individual's lifetime of hard work can be wiped out in a blink of an eye. But if a person judiciously invests in insurance for his property prior to any unexpected contingency then he will be suitably compensated for his loss as soon as the extent of damage is ascertained.
  
• Insurance of Interest:
  Every individual has to discharge certain specific duties. Everyone is expected to maintain a standard of conduct. But then, it is an intrinsic part of human nature to err. No one is infallible and no one will ever be. Owing to an occasional error or omission committed by us, our clients or customers might suffer a loss. In turn we might have to pay them damages or compensation out of our own personal resources. However, if our chosen profession qualifies for insurance of interest, then our insurance policy will more than suffice in arranging for the funds and court formalities that might ensue in the aftermath of legal libel.
  
• Insurance of Liability:
  Every person has to regulate his actions and behaviour so as not to cause injury or damage to other people and their property. Everyone is personally responsible and liable for his actions. If due to lack of control over his actions or prejudiced behaviour, a person incurs any liability then he has to provide compensation out of his personal resources. Liabilities - legal, civil or criminal can have severe repercussions on social standing and prestige besides the financial status. By investing in liability insurance, an individual can ward off any liabilities he might incur due to his actions and behaviour. Besides, the premiums payable on liability insurance are fairly minimal when compared to the damages that have to be compensated in the long run.