Legal Definitions - high-probability rule

The high-probability rule is a principle in marine insurance that allows an insured person to abandon a vessel if it seems very likely that a total loss is about to happen.

For example, if a ship is caught in a severe storm and is taking on water rapidly, the owner may invoke the high-probability rule and abandon the ship to the insurer.

This principle is important because it allows the insured person to avoid further losses and expenses that may occur if they try to salvage the vessel.