How should expired insurance be recognized in adjusting entries?

When recognizing expired insurance in adjusting entries, the proper approach is to acknowledge the portion of the prepaid insurance that has now been consumed or has lapsed. This is done by debiting Insurance Expense, which reflects the cost of the insurance that has been used up during the period.

This entry serves to accurately depict the current financial condition of the company, as it ensures that expenses reflect the actual costs incurred during the period. By debiting Insurance Expense, the financial statements will show the relevant expenses related to coverage provided within the accounting period, aligning with the expense recognition principle which dictates that expenses should be recognized in the same period as the revenues they help generate.

In summary, the debit entry to Insurance Expense accounts for the portion of the insurance that has expired, ensuring accurate reporting in line with accrual accounting principles.