Definition of "Self insurance"

Shelayna West, Owner real estate agent

Written by

Shelayna West, Ownerelite badge icon

West Premier Home Group-
Keller Williams Legacy Realty

Protecting against loss by setting aside one's own money. This can be done on a mathematical basis by establishing a separate fund into which funds are deposited on a periodic basis. Through self insurance it is possible to protect against high-FREQUENCY, low-severity losses. To do this through an insurance company would mean having to pay a premium that includes loadings for the company's general expenses, cost of putting the policy on the books, acquisition expenses, premium taxes, and contingencies.

Comments for Self Insurance

Charles Scoma Charles Scoma said:

Our company is in the business of constructing homes. We own some 25 houses we lease. We are willing to cover the cost of reconstruction of the leased properties as a the limit of insurance. However here in Texas there are two ways insurance companies write policies - ACV (actual cash value) and 80% coinsurance. We would like to set up a trust account to self-insure the properties. What are the tax imprecations of a trust fund as the third party insurer of our properties?

Aug 13, 2018  16:55:11

 
Real Estate Agent

Charles,

we believe there are several complications to your plan. A self-insurance is typically used to protect against damages that are frequent but are not substantial price-wise. Home construction damages are usually not inexpensive; we're not even sure if it's possible because of labor union's rules etc. We suggest you talk with an accountant about the tax implications of self-insurance and also with a real estate lawyer to check not only if it's possible but viable. Good luck!

Aug 14, 2018  11:03:37
 
 
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

Loss of a key person due to death, disability, sickness, resignation, incarceration, or retirement. Because of the expertise of such an individual, there could be a loss of income, market ...

Classification of occupations according to the degree of risk inherent in that occupation. ...

Quality of being useful. Risk diminishes maximum utility in society because resources gravitate to activities, businesses, and investments that are least risky. By absorbing or protecting ...

Rate of increase in asset value. ...

Option clause in a disability income policy that the insured can exercise that would permit the insured the right to purchase additional limits of coverage regardless of the insured's ...

Deduction allowed for gifts and bequests to a spouse for federal estate and gift tax purposes. Under the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 (ERTA), the deduction became unlimited. Prior to ...

Record of insurance policies sold to an individual. ...

Individual added to a life insurance policy other than the insured named in the policy. For example, an insured father can have a dependent son and daughter added to the policy as ...

Policy that provides an income for life to the primary beneficiary upon the death of the insured. The face amount of the policy becomes payable to the secondary beneficiary upon the death ...

Popular Insurance Questions