An underwriter must evaluate applications based on the fundamental characteristics of an ideally insurable risk. Match each proposed exposure scenario with the primary required element of an insurable risk that it violates, which would lead to its rejection.
- A commercial delivery fleet seeks coverage to pay for the routine, anticipated replacement of vehicle tires that naturally degrade after 40,000 miles of use.Loss must be accidental and due to chance
- A family requests a $50,000 payout triggered strictly for the 'loss of cherished memories' in the event their antique photo albums are destroyed in a fire.Loss must be definite, measurable, and financial
- A deep-sea mining firm applies for coverage on the operational failure of a first-of-its-kind submersible utilizing entirely unproven, novel extraction mechanics.Loss must be statistically predictable
- An insurer is asked to underwrite property damage for every single standing structure situated entirely within a heavily targeted, active war zone.Loss must not be catastrophic to the insurer
Answer
Routine tire replacement violates the 'accidental' requirement; loss of memories violates the 'definite and measurable' requirement; the untested submersible violates the 'statistically predictable' requirement; and the war zone properties violate the 'not catastrophic' requirement.
Each scenario illustrates a distinct violation of the core criteria required for an insurer to safely assume a risk: wear and tear lacks fortuity; emotional value lacks financial measurability; prototype technologies lack actuarial predictability; and heavily concentrated exposures present catastrophic ruin.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Elements of an Ideally Insurable Risk