In order to be an insurable risk, the risk insured against must meet certain characteristics. The insured must prove that an insurable interest existed in order to prove loss. Insurable interest refers to the right of property to be insured. It provides insurance coverage to government assets and properties that have government insurable interests. The purpose of the requirement of insurable interest is to distinguish insurance from wagering. Both are technically unlawful, as not having insurable interest, and so were unenforceable in law. In effect, losses that are collateral to insurable events are becoming larger. Such arrangements circumvent the insurable interest requirement and are illegal in most states. Nor is insurable interest recognized for cohabiting couples. The courts have found that "intent" is irrelevant, when insurable interest exists at policy issuance. Insurable interest either exists when a policy is issued, or it does not. Anyone with an insurable interest in the property should be listed on the policy. Normally, insurable interest is established by ownership, possession, or direct relationship. The insurable interest of family members is assumed to be emotional as well as financial. Direct blood relatives certainly have an insurable interest in a family member.