introduction short answers

Study Notes

Insurance is a contract (policy) between an insurer (insurance company) and the insured (individual or company) for financial compensation against loss or damage.
Premiums are fees paid for insurance coverage, with higher risks resulting in higher premiums.
Risk management strategies are employed to minimize potential losses.

Insurer: The insurance company providing coverage.
Insured: The individual or entity receiving coverage.
Policy: The formal insurance contract.
Premium: The cost of insurance coverage.
Loading: Additional premium charged due to increased risk factors (e.g., smoking).
Actuary: A statistician who calculates insurance premiums based on risk.
Assessor: A third-party expert who evaluates damage to assess compensation costs.

Proposal Form: Must be completed with all material facts for premium calculation; requires utmost good faith.
Cover Note: Temporary proof of coverage until the full policy is issued.
Renewal Notice: Reminder sent to the insured for premium payment at the end of the insurance period, with options to renew or change policy.
Days of Grace: Additional days allowed to pay the renewal premium; may not apply to mandatory insurance like motor insurance.

Exemption/Exclusion Clause: Lists risks or items not covered under the insurance policy.

A structured approach to manage potential risks faced by individuals or businesses.
Government levies may affect premiums (e.g., a recent 2% levy on motor insurance).
Increased claims history on items can lead to higher premiums due to raised risk assessments.

Insurable Interest: The insured must have a financial stake in the item insured.
Utmost Good Faith: Requirement to fully disclose all material facts affecting the insurance agreement.
Indemnity: Ensures the insured is compensated to the position prior to loss, preventing profit from insurance.

Subrogation: The insurer has the right to pursue third parties responsible for losses after making a compensation payout.
Contribution: If multiple insurers cover the same risk, they share compensation costs.
Average Clause: Under-insurance leads to proportionate payouts based on actual insured value.

Public Liability Insurance: Covers liability claims from the public for injuries or losses.
Employer’s Liability Insurance: Covers claims from employees for injuries sustained at work.
Fidelity Guarantee Insurance: Protects against employee theft or fraud.
Theft and Fire Insurance: Covers damages from theft or fire incidents.

Buildings and Contents Insurance: Covers damages to home structure and belongings.
Life Assurance: Financial security for dependents upon insured’s death.

Both sectors identify risks, manage them and must maintain proper documentation.
Business insurance covers a wider array of risks with generally higher premiums, while premiums for households are often lower.

Business Survival: Insurance protects businesses from catastrophic losses, ensuring temporary closure rather than permanent.
Risk Management: Companies often enhance safety standards to mitigate risks and reduce premiums.
Financial Protection: Availability of insurance can ease cash flow burdens caused by unexpected incidents.