self-insure

verb

self-in·​sure ˌself-in-ˈshu̇r How to pronounce self-insure (audio)
-in-ˈshər-
self-insured; self-insuring; self-insures

intransitive verb

: to insure oneself
especially : to practice self-insurance
self-insurer
ˌself-in-ˈshu̇r-ər How to pronounce self-insure (audio)
-in-ˈshər-
noun

Examples of self-insure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There’s also the option to self-insure—but that requires a hefty cushion. — Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 But there’s little oversight — and no safety-net fund to tap — when companies self-insure. — Peter Elkind, ProPublica, 9 Apr. 2026 Police misconduct settlements have long proven costly for Milwaukee, which is self-insured. — David Clarey, jsonline.com, 18 Nov. 2025 Since most large employers self-insure, the majority of working Americans don’t benefit from state-level protections. — Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-insure

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-insure was in 1932

Rhymes for self-insure

See All Rhymes for self-insure

Browse Nearby Words

self-insurance
self-insure
self-insurer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-insure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-insure. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

self-insure

transitive verb
self-in·​sure
ˌself-in-ˈshu̇r
: to insure by self-insurance (as in workers' compensation)
an employer wishing to self-insure its liability—Pennsylvania Statutes

intransitive verb

: to use self-insurance
a governmental agency that self-insures
self-insurer noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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