What term describes a civil wrong that violates the rights of others?

The term that describes a civil wrong which infringes upon the rights of others is "tort." In legal contexts, a tort refers to any action or inaction that causes harm or loss to another individual, thereby establishing a claim for grievance under civil law. Torts can cover a wide array of wrongdoings, ranging from negligence (like car accidents) to intentional acts (such as assault), and they often result in the injured party being able to seek damages from the responsible party.

This concept is fundamental in personal lines insurance as it helps establish the basis for claims involving bodily injury or property damage. Insurance policies often include coverage for various types of torts, thereby protecting individuals from potential financial loss resulting from such civil wrongs. Understanding tort law is crucial for agents since it directly informs the types of coverage customers may need and the liabilities they might face.

The other terms do not accurately capture the essence of a civil wrong. A contract involves an agreement between parties, liability refers to the state of being responsible for something, especially by law, and a statute is a written law enacted by a legislature. Each of these terms plays a distinct role in the legal landscape but does not specifically denote a civil wrongful act like a tort does.