What legal term refers to the result of acting without proper care, often equated to negligence?

The term that best refers to the result of acting without proper care is "Unintentional Tort." This legal concept encompasses actions that lead to harm or damage occurring due to a lack of reasonable care rather than intentional wrongdoing.

In the context of personal lines, unintentional torts are crucial as they often form the basis for claims in liability insurance. For instance, if an individual inadvertently causes an accident due to negligence—like failing to maintain safe driving practices—this situation exemplifies an unintentional tort, as it was not an intentional act but resulted in harm to another party.

This distinction is vital for understanding insurance coverage and personal liability, as insurance policies commonly provide protection against claims resulting from unintentional torts. Understanding this concept helps clarify the parameters of liability, negligence, and how they are addressed within the scope of personal lines insurance.