Definition of "Rate making"

Process of calculating a premium so that it is adequate-sufficient to pay losses according to expected frequency and severity, thereby safeguarding against the insurance company becoming insolvent; reasonable-the insurance company should not be able to earn an excessive profit; and not unfairly discriminatory or inequitable. Theoretically, it can be said that each insurance applicant should pay a unique premium to reflect a different expectation of loss, but this would be impractical. Instead, classifications are established for applicants to be grouped according to similar expectation of loss. Statistical studies of a large number of nearly homogeneous exposures in each underwriting classification enable the projection of losses after adjustments for future inflation and statistical irregularities. The adjusted statistics are used to calculate the pure cost of protection, or pure premium, to which the insurance company adds on loads for agent commissions, premium taxes, administrative expenses, contingency reserves, other acquisition costs, and profit margin. The result is the gross premium to be charged to the insured.

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

Dividend in a participating policy paid after the death of an insured, representing dividends earned between the last dividend date and the insured's death. ...

Insured plan under which the insurance company agrees to provide the insured with a series of benefits on a benefits-paid basis plus administrative services on a stipulated-fee basis. This ...

Same as term Deductible: 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 ...

Single policy under which individuals in a natural group (such as employees of a business firm) and their dependents are covered. ...

Transfer of the cash value of the policy from the policyowner to the policyowner's creditor as security for a loan. ...

Insurance written for a period of time greater than one year. ...

Means, in pension plans, by which a projection is made of benefits credited to each employee's account at retirement age. Costs are then allocated on a level basis over a specified future ...

Insurance that combines features of flexible premium life insurance and universal life insurance into one policy in the following manner: Premiums after the required minimum initial premium ...

Coverage under a homeowners insurance policy in the event that a credit card is fraudulently used or altered. Fraud includes theft and the unauthorized use of a credit card. ...

Popular Insurance Questions