Law Of Large Numbers
Definition of "Law of large numbers"
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.
Popular Insurance Terms
Intent to defraud. An insured is required to answer truthfully all questions on the application. The insurance company can void a contract if it would not have issued a policy had it known ...
Liability reserve, establishment required by the national association of insurance commissioners (naic), the purpose of which is to accumulate realized capital gains and losses resulting ...
Life insurance policy in which the cash value and in some circumstances the death benefit will vary according to the investment performance of an underlying portfolio usually comprised of ...
Same as term Commutation Right: right of a beneficiary of a life insurance policy to exchange the future installments due that beneficiary for a lump sum distribution. ...
Tenant's modifications of leased space to fit his particular needs. Up to 10% of contents coverage inside the structure may be applied to insure against damage or destruction of ...
Same as term Date of Issue: date when an insurance company issues a policy. This date may be different from the date the insurance becomes effective. ...
Arrangement between the seller and the buyer in which the buyer has the right to buy (call option) or sell (put option) a security at some time in the future at a price stipulated at ...
Legal instrument posted by a contractor or craftsman to guarantee that completed work is free of flaws and will perform its intended function for a specified period of time. ...
Method of investing that staggers the maturities of a group of bonds. As a bond matures, the investor can reinvest the proceeds in either short- or long-term bonds depending on the interest ...
Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.