plate change

Definition

A plate change refers to a modification made to a printed document, contract, or form after the original version was created, typically by altering the printing plates used to produce it. This term comes up most often in insurance and contract law, where someone changes the standard language of a form document to reflect a specific agreement between the parties.

Example

An insurance company might issue a standard policy but then make a plate change to remove a particular exclusion that your business negotiated away, so that your copy of the policy reflects your actual coverage.

Watch Out

Always compare your final signed document against any earlier drafts to confirm that every agreed-upon plate change was actually made before you sign.

See which terms appear in your contract?

This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.