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

Arrangement between the buyer and the seller in which there is a mutual agreement to buy or sell a security at a given price at a stipulated future date. These contracts are effected on a ...

Agreement under which an annuitant receives a predetermined monthly income benefit for life upon the death of the insured. Should the annuitant predecease the insured, the contract is ...

Legislation establishing the minimum education and experience level required by the state as a prerequisite for a person to become a licensed agent. ...

Disciplined approach to managing an insurance company's bond portfolio duration. When interest rates rise, the average maturity and duration of the bond portfolio is lengthened, resulting ...

Buy-sell agreements found in partnerships, sole proprietorships, and close corporations. Either the business entity or the surviving members of the business agree to buy out the interest of ...

Ocean marine insurance covering one trip. Ocean marine insurance is written either for a specific time period or per trip. A voyage policy is usually written for cargo, whereas a time ...

Life insurance on the life of a child that provides a death benefit to a beneficiary should the child die during a stipulated time period and the maturity value of the policy at the end of ...

Life insurance policy under which there is rapid buildup of cash values due to high initial premiums such that after a given point in time no further premium payments are required (future ...

Coverage for accidental injury, accidental death, or sickness; also called Accident and Sickness Insurance. Benefits include paid hospital expenses, medical expenses, surgical expenses, and ...

Popular Insurance Questions