Definition of "Law of large numbers"

Nora  Sienra real estate agent

Written by

Nora Sienraelite badge icon

Chateaux Realty

Mathematical premise stating that the greater the number of exposures, (1) the more accurate the prediction; (2) the less the deviation of the actual losses from the expected losses (X - x approaches zero); and (3) the greater the credibility of the prediction (credibility approaches 1). This law forms the basis for the statistical expectation of loss upon which premium rates for insurance policies are calculated. Out of a large group of policyholders the insurance company can fairly accurately predict not by name but by number, the number of policyholders who will suffer a loss. Life insurance premiums are loaded for the expected loss plus modest deviations. For example, if a life insurance company expects (x) 10,000 of its policy-holders to die in a particular year and that number or fewer actually die (X), there is no cause for concern on the part of the company's actuaries. However, if the life insurance company expects (*) 10,000 of its policyholders to die in a particular year and more than that number dies (X) there is much cause for concern by actuaries.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Insurance Terms

Excess coverage for employers who use self insurance for routine workers compensation risks. Many employers consider workers compensation exposure to be routine and predictable and set up a ...

Same as term Expected Loss: probability of loss upon which a basic premium rate is calculated. ...

System whereby the re insurer shares losses in the same proportion as it shares premium and policy amounts. Proportional reinsurance may be divided into the two basic forms: automatic ...

interconnection of computers that contain pages classified into groups called web sites that can be accessed over the internet. The only requirement for visiting a web site is to have ...

Calculation of the premium based on such factors as the applicant's age, sex, health record, family history, and type of insurance plan applied for. ...

Program enacted in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Amendments of 1965 to provide medical benefits to those 65 and over. The program has two parts: Part A, Hospital Insurance, ...

Form that reports the status and activity of retirement plans to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS uses this form to determine whether a retirement plan is in compliance with all ...

Amount of loss that insured pays in a claim; includes the following types: Absolute dollar amount. Amount the insured must pay before the company will pay, up to the limits of the policy. ...

Failure to act with the legally required degree of care for others, resulting in harm to them. ...

Popular Insurance Questions