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

Premium required by an insurance company for plans subject to premium adjustment. The initial provisional premium is paid to put a commercial property or liability insurance policy into ...

Money set aside to pay for losses. Rather than buy insurance coverage for all potential losses, some businesses and individuals choose this form of self insurance to cover all or a portion ...

Based on historical loss experience, from which future loss experience is predicted. ...

One used to determine the life expectancy of annuitants. Annuity buyers are not representative of the population as a whole, or of life insurance buyers. Because annuities pay an income for ...

Coverage for a group of individuals under one policy. Usually, members belong to a particular company, union, or trade association. In a contributory plan a lump sum premium is paid by the ...

Circumstance in which there is a probability loss to personal property or real property resulting from property damage, destruction, or disappearance. ...

Proportion of losses incurred to premiums earned. This ratio indicates the amount of a premium dollar that is being consumed by losses. ...

Arbitrator who settles disputes over the amount of loss when an insurer and an insured do not agree. ...

Estate under the legal and administrative guidance of both the surety and the fiduciary. Any actions on the part of the estate requires the signatures of both in order to reduce the chances ...

Popular Insurance Questions