What is the main purpose of the "waiting period" in some insurance policies?

The main purpose of the "waiting period" in some insurance policies is to prevent abuse of coverage by ensuring that claims are genuine. This period allows insurance companies to verify that a claim is valid and not the result of pre-existing conditions or situations that policyholders might try to exploit. By having this waiting period, insurers can reduce the risk of fraudulent claims, ensuring that only legitimate claims are paid out. This measure is essential for maintaining the integrity of the insurance system and helps to keep overall insurance costs down for all policyholders.

The other options, while possibly related to aspects of insurance, do not directly tie into the primary function of a waiting period. Reducing policy costs and adjusting rates are more about pricing strategies rather than claim validation, while ensuring policy terms are clear pertains to the clarity of the insurance contract rather than the timing of claims.