Definition of "Proprietary insurer"

The term proprietary insurer may seem like a tongue-twister and a mind-twister in itself. It kind of is. But what is the definition of a proprietary insurer? A proprietary insurer is a for-profit insurance company specializing in insuring high-risk items.

Mutual vs. proprietary companies

People often mistake proprietary and mutual insurance companies. On the one hand, a mutual or joint organization encompasses owners and clients who are virtually the same individuals. In other words, customers can also be the company’s proprietors. We call life assurance companies, insurance societies, or even credit unions a mutual company. Their members enjoy the same amount of voting power, regardless of their investment in the organization. 

On the other hand, shareholders own proprietary organizations, such as limited companies and banks. Shareholdings determine the voting rights of a proprietary company. 

Premiums and profits

The so-called Deed of Settlement brought mutual companies into existence. They could also register under the Companies Acts. These types of organizations belong to policyholders, who share the revenue and income. At the same time, shareholders at proprietary companies collect their profits in dividends and premiums. In contrast, the policyholder owner at the mutual company may obtain a more significant life assurance and smaller bonuses.

Mutual and proprietary companies can issue dividends. Still, the government considers dividends a profit on the premium at mutual companies. They will not tax policyholders. However, they believe dividends as income subject to tax proprietary insurance companies.

One cannot tell about a company based on their names, whether mutual or proprietary. Organizations originally established as mutual are now registered as proprietary companies in various instances.

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

Same as term Contingent Business Income Coverage Form: coverage for loss in the net earnings of a business if a supplier business, subcontractor, key customer, or manufacturer doing ...

Specific powers granted by the principal (the insurance company) to the agent in the contract. ...

in life insurance, difference between the face value of a life insurance policy and its cash value (also known as "pure amount of protection"). ...

Expenses that have or may not yet have been paid by an insurance company. ...

Life or health insurance policy written on an applicant who has passed a medical examination and signed the application but has not paid the premium due. ...

Commission paid to a broker for selling an insurance company's products. This fee may or may not include an expense allowance depending on the amount of business the broker places with the ...

Policy in which an insurer agrees to pay property or liability losses in excess of a specific amount per occurrence. For example, this type of coverage typically is used by an employer that ...

Coverage in the event that the negligent acts or omissions of an insured result in damage or destruction to another's property. Coverage can be purchased with bodily injury liability under ...

Denial of coverage for damage, in inland marine insurance, stemming from routine use of the property. Property can be expected to deteriorate somewhat over time from normal use. This is not ...

Popular Insurance Questions