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 Original Age: insured's age at the date a term life insurance policy is issued. An original age or retroactive conversion option permits the insured to convert the term policy ...

HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION that restricts to a relatively small amount the number of medical providers from which an HMO member may seek services. Usually, HMO members may select the ...

Assistance program for the financially needy. Medicaid, also referred to as Title XIX of the Social Security Act, was enacted in 1965 at the same time as medicare. It is a joint ...

Policy underwritten on either a monoline primary insurance or monoline excess insurance basis that will allow the purchaser to increase the limits of liability coverage above that of ...

Coverage for the contents of a renter's home or apartment and for liability. Tenant policies are similar to homeowners insurance, except that they do not cover the structure. They do, ...

Surrender of rights by an insured against the third party to an insurance company that has paid a claim. ...

Monetary sum paid to an intermediary who acts as the contact between the lender (an insurance company) and the borrower. ...

Additional coverage designed to provide protection against economic losses incurred by insured wage earners when their income is interrupted or terminated because of illness, sickness, or ...

Provision that excludes from coverage under Form No. 3: flood damage, except if the flood causes a fire, explosion, or theft; water damage from the backup of sewers; earthquake, except if ...

Popular Insurance Questions