Definition of "Large loss principle"

Brian Blake, Associate Broker real estate agent

Written by

Brian Blake, Associate Brokerelite badge icon

Charles Rutenberg Realty

Transfer of high severity risks through the insurance contract to protect against catastrophic occurrences. While insurance is generally not the most cost-effective means of recovery of minor losses, an insured cannot predict catastrophes and thus set aside enough money to cover losses on a mathematical basis or to self-insure. Actuarial tables are based on the large loss principle: the larger the number of exposures, the more closely losses will match the probability of loss. In essence, a large number of insureds, each paying a modest sum into an insurance plan, can protect against the relatively few catastrophes that will strike some of their numbers.

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

Insurance for accountants covering liability lawsuits arising from their professional activities. For example, an investor bases a buying decision on the balance sheet of a company's annual ...

Entitlement of a participant in an employee benefit insurance plan to receive benefits regardless of his or her employment status. ...

Loss that is not a direct result of a peril. For example, damage to property of a business firm would be a direct loss, but the loss of business earnings because of a fire on its premises ...

Insurance facility composed of many different syndicates, each specializing in a particular risk; for example, hull risks. Lloyd's provides coverage for primary jumbo risks as well as ...

Individual or other entity who owns an insurance policy. Synonymous with policyowner. ...

Policy that pays a specified sum not related in any way to the extent of the loss. The term applies to a life insurance policy rather than to a contract of indemnity because the former does ...

U.S. government agency (formerly the Atomic Energy Commission) responsible for regulating the nuclear energy industry. The commission also provides supplemental insurance for nuclear ...

Health insurance coverage offered by some states for medical expenses and loss of income from nonoccupational disability. The merits of federal health insurance have been debated for some ...

Coverage for less than one year. Insurers generally charge higher rates for short-term policies than for longer term insurance, such as an annual policy, because of the need to recoup ...

Popular Insurance Questions