A contingent contract involves terms that are enforceable by law only when specific, future events occur. If the event doesn't happen, the contract may not be enforceable. Unlike standard contracts, which are automatically enforceable once signed, a contingent contract becomes valid only if certain conditions are met.
In the case of conditional contracts, conditions that need to be fulfilled are certain, i.e., bound to happen, which is not the case with contingent contracts, as such conditions may or may not happen.
Example of a Contingency Contract One straightforward example might be a child who agrees with their parent that if they get an A in a particular class, they will get a new bicycle. Of course, the contract may be verbal, and it may be between family members.
Advantages of Contingent Contracts: Risk Mitigation: Contingent contracts help mitigate risks by ensuring that parties are not bound by the contract until certain conditions are met. This protects against unforeseen events or circumstances that may affect the performance of the contract.
In a contingency contract, the task defines exactly what behavior a person must engage in to access the reward. It should include what needs to be done, who must do it, when it must be done and details with how it must be done. It should be very clear and specific for all parties.
The main difference between the two lies in their enforceability. Contingent contracts are enforceable by law if the event actually occurs. Wagering agreements, on the other hand, are void and not enforceable in a court of law from the very outset, regardless of the results.
Wagering contracts lack any element of good faith, relying solely on the chance of a specific event happening. Insurance contracts, however, are based on the principle of utmost good faith (uberrimae fidei), requiring full disclosure of all material facts by the insured.