Is it policy holder or policyholder?

Question

I work in insurance where we refer to our customers as policyholders (one word); however, I always thought it was two. Can anyone enlighten me?

Answer 1

I would use "policyholder" in all instances, just because it is the accepted usage universally throughout the industry and really, among the general population. Technically, though, the two-word version could be used in some instances.

For example, if you are writing something like, "a public adjuster is someone who represents insurance policy holders in cases of ..." Most of the time, if the type of policy comes before policy and holder, the two words could technically and correctly be separated. In most other instances, the one-word version, "policyholder" is the only correct way to write it.

As stated, though, just use policyholder in all instances. Correct usage of some words and phrases will sometimes not be recognized by most people, and you may end up compromising credibility, even though you are justified in your usage.

Conclusion - just always use policyholder.

Answer 2

"Policyholder", written as one word, seems to be the accepted form in both American and British English.

Answer 3

In this, perhaps the best, AmE dictionary:

policyholder

noun

: one (as a person or firm) granted an insurance policy — used chiefly in life insurance

Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary

thus I'd use this form.