Many businesses have suffered severe economic losses due to the COVID‐19 pandemic Because property business interruption (BI) policies generally do not cover losses caused by a virus, this has led to proposals for some form of government program that would provide this coverage We explain why private BI pandemic insurance on a broad scale is infeasible Arguably, BI pandemic insurance has substantial positive externalities and this has implications with respect to the desirability of government provision of this coverage and its financing Our paper considers the goals of a government BI pandemic insurance program and the challenges it would face with respect to its design and implementation and how they could be addressed In this context, we evaluate current proposals for such a program, including legislation currently being considered by the Congress We conclude that creating such a program requires thorough and careful consideration of its features and the tradeoffs involved with its structure The essential question for policymakers is whether the best possible program would be in the public interest and increase social welfare Further, political considerations will likely influence the design of any program in ways that would make it less efficient and possibly less equitable
{"title":"Government insurance for business interruption losses from pandemics: An evaluation of its feasibility and possible frameworks","authors":"R. Klein, H. Weston","doi":"10.1111/rmir.12162","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rmir.12162","url":null,"abstract":"Many businesses have suffered severe economic losses due to the COVID‐19 pandemic Because property business interruption (BI) policies generally do not cover losses caused by a virus, this has led to proposals for some form of government program that would provide this coverage We explain why private BI pandemic insurance on a broad scale is infeasible Arguably, BI pandemic insurance has substantial positive externalities and this has implications with respect to the desirability of government provision of this coverage and its financing Our paper considers the goals of a government BI pandemic insurance program and the challenges it would face with respect to its design and implementation and how they could be addressed In this context, we evaluate current proposals for such a program, including legislation currently being considered by the Congress We conclude that creating such a program requires thorough and careful consideration of its features and the tradeoffs involved with its structure The essential question for policymakers is whether the best possible program would be in the public interest and increase social welfare Further, political considerations will likely influence the design of any program in ways that would make it less efficient and possibly less equitable","PeriodicalId":35338,"journal":{"name":"Risk Management and Insurance Review","volume":"33 1","pages":"401-440"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80309858","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In recent years, the insurance industry has known rapid development and application of new technologies, leading to the emergence of a large number of innovative products. This constitutes a challenge for stakeholders ranging from consumers, management, investors, and on to regulators, who need to evaluate these so‐called InsurTech innovations. This study applies a modified Delphi method in combination with the Analytical Hierarchy Process of Saaty to first provide the weightings of 42 individual indicators for aggregation to 9 subdimensions, among which degree of innovation, size of potential user base, and delivery of services turn out to be the most important. These subdimensions are in turn aggregated into three main dimensions, (i) management and operations, (ii) level of technology, and (iii) user experience, which are found to have equal weight. In conclusion, this paper proposes a transparent way of evaluating InsurTech innovations that also may provide guidance for their future development.
{"title":"A framework for the evaluation of InsurTech","authors":"Xian Xu, P. Zweifel","doi":"10.1111/rmir.12161","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rmir.12161","url":null,"abstract":"In recent years, the insurance industry has known rapid development and application of new technologies, leading to the emergence of a large number of innovative products. This constitutes a challenge for stakeholders ranging from consumers, management, investors, and on to regulators, who need to evaluate these so‐called InsurTech innovations. This study applies a modified Delphi method in combination with the Analytical Hierarchy Process of Saaty to first provide the weightings of 42 individual indicators for aggregation to 9 subdimensions, among which degree of innovation, size of potential user base, and delivery of services turn out to be the most important. These subdimensions are in turn aggregated into three main dimensions, (i) management and operations, (ii) level of technology, and (iii) user experience, which are found to have equal weight. In conclusion, this paper proposes a transparent way of evaluating InsurTech innovations that also may provide guidance for their future development.","PeriodicalId":35338,"journal":{"name":"Risk Management and Insurance Review","volume":"1 1","pages":"305-329"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87421105","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Oytun Hacariz, T. Kleinow, A. MacDonald, Pradip Tapadar, Guy R. Thomas
If life insurers are not permitted to use genetic test results in underwriting, they may face adverse selection. It is sometimes claimed that applicants will choose abnormally high sums insured as a form of financial gamble, possibly financed by life settlement companies (LSCs). The latter possibility is given some credence by the recent experience of “stranger‐originated life insurance” (STOLI) in the United States. We examine these claims, and find them unconvincing for four reasons. First, apparently high mortality implies surprisingly high probabilities of surviving for decades, so the gamble faces long odds. Second, LSCs would have to adopt a different business model, involving much longer time horizons. Third, STOLI is being effectively dealt with by the U.S. courts. Fourth, the gamble would be predicated upon a deep understanding of the genetic epidemiology, which is evolving, subject to uncertain biases, and cannot predict the emergence of effective treatments.
{"title":"Will genetic test results be monetized in life insurance?","authors":"Oytun Hacariz, T. Kleinow, A. MacDonald, Pradip Tapadar, Guy R. Thomas","doi":"10.1111/rmir.12159","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rmir.12159","url":null,"abstract":"If life insurers are not permitted to use genetic test results in underwriting, they may face adverse selection. It is sometimes claimed that applicants will choose abnormally high sums insured as a form of financial gamble, possibly financed by life settlement companies (LSCs). The latter possibility is given some credence by the recent experience of “stranger‐originated life insurance” (STOLI) in the United States. We examine these claims, and find them unconvincing for four reasons. First, apparently high mortality implies surprisingly high probabilities of surviving for decades, so the gamble faces long odds. Second, LSCs would have to adopt a different business model, involving much longer time horizons. Third, STOLI is being effectively dealt with by the U.S. courts. Fourth, the gamble would be predicated upon a deep understanding of the genetic epidemiology, which is evolving, subject to uncertain biases, and cannot predict the emergence of effective treatments.","PeriodicalId":35338,"journal":{"name":"Risk Management and Insurance Review","volume":"95 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-11-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77322735","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Following the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), annual financial reports by commercial health insurers include more detailed information on a Supplemental Health Care Exhibit. In this new exhibit, insurers illustrate spending on the provision of medical services and associated expenses. These expenses, which were commonly reported as “claims adjustment” and “general administrative” expenses, can now be allocated to several new categories of expenses associated with combatting fraud and improving patient health care quality. This article illustrates that quality improvement expenses have increased significantly in the individual, small group, and large group markets following implementation of the ACA. Of the five types of quality expenses reported, the greatest proportion of spending has been toward the improvement of health outcomes and the most pronounced increase from 2011 to 2017 has been spending toward increased wellness and health promotion activities, which include activities such as wellness assessments and coaching programs for patients with chronic diseases. Given that the ACA was designed not only to broaden access to health insurance but also to improve health, analysis of the allocations to various types of quality improvement activities highlights the private market's contribution to improving the health of the US population.
{"title":"New post‐ACA insurance data highlights health insurer spending on health care quality","authors":"E. Tice Sirmans, Petra Steinorth","doi":"10.1111/rmir.12144","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rmir.12144","url":null,"abstract":"Following the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), annual financial reports by commercial health insurers include more detailed information on a Supplemental Health Care Exhibit. In this new exhibit, insurers illustrate spending on the provision of medical services and associated expenses. These expenses, which were commonly reported as “claims adjustment” and “general administrative” expenses, can now be allocated to several new categories of expenses associated with combatting fraud and improving patient health care quality. This article illustrates that quality improvement expenses have increased significantly in the individual, small group, and large group markets following implementation of the ACA. Of the five types of quality expenses reported, the greatest proportion of spending has been toward the improvement of health outcomes and the most pronounced increase from 2011 to 2017 has been spending toward increased wellness and health promotion activities, which include activities such as wellness assessments and coaching programs for patients with chronic diseases. Given that the ACA was designed not only to broaden access to health insurance but also to improve health, analysis of the allocations to various types of quality improvement activities highlights the private market's contribution to improving the health of the US population.","PeriodicalId":35338,"journal":{"name":"Risk Management and Insurance Review","volume":"98 1","pages":"209-218"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88530583","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Li-ying Huang, Gene C. Lai, Erin P. Lu, Michael J. McNamara
Using a system of simultaneous equations, this study examines the relation among external audit monitoring, in the US life insurance industry. We find insurers with higher leverage risk and surplus risk are more likely to use Big‐4 auditors and to pay higher fees. In return, insurers hiring Big‐4 auditors and paying higher audit fees have lower leverage risk and surplus risk. Second, the results suggest that mutual life insurers have a higher leverage risk and surplus risk than stock life insurers. This evidence is in contrast to that for property–liability insurance companies. Third, we find insurers are less likely to hire Big‐4 auditors and to pay higher audit fees after implementation of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act (SOX). Finally, life insurers with Big‐4 auditors or paying higher audit fees are more likely to take lower risks after the implementation of SOX.
{"title":"Auditor quality, audit fees, organizational structure, and risk taking in the US life insurance industry","authors":"Li-ying Huang, Gene C. Lai, Erin P. Lu, Michael J. McNamara","doi":"10.1111/rmir.12145","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rmir.12145","url":null,"abstract":"Using a system of simultaneous equations, this study examines the relation among external audit monitoring, in the US life insurance industry. We find insurers with higher leverage risk and surplus risk are more likely to use Big‐4 auditors and to pay higher fees. In return, insurers hiring Big‐4 auditors and paying higher audit fees have lower leverage risk and surplus risk. Second, the results suggest that mutual life insurers have a higher leverage risk and surplus risk than stock life insurers. This evidence is in contrast to that for property–liability insurance companies. Third, we find insurers are less likely to hire Big‐4 auditors and to pay higher audit fees after implementation of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act (SOX). Finally, life insurers with Big‐4 auditors or paying higher audit fees are more likely to take lower risks after the implementation of SOX.","PeriodicalId":35338,"journal":{"name":"Risk Management and Insurance Review","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82955551","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rokhaya Dieye, A. Bounfour, A. Ozaygen, Niaz Kammoun
This paper estimates the macroeconomic losses related to the cyber‐attacks originating from the information and communications technology (ICT) and the financial sectors. The study accounts for the interdependency of various economic sectors and looks to the cascading effect of cyber‐attacks on production network in the United States and leading Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development countries with the help of the input–output methodology and the World Input–Output Database. Our results suggest that cyber‐attacks that affect the ICT and finance sectors result in losses which also impact different economic sectors, due to cascading effects.
{"title":"Estimates of the macroeconomic costs of cyber‐attacks","authors":"Rokhaya Dieye, A. Bounfour, A. Ozaygen, Niaz Kammoun","doi":"10.1111/rmir.12151","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rmir.12151","url":null,"abstract":"This paper estimates the macroeconomic losses related to the cyber‐attacks originating from the information and communications technology (ICT) and the financial sectors. The study accounts for the interdependency of various economic sectors and looks to the cascading effect of cyber‐attacks on production network in the United States and leading Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development countries with the help of the input–output methodology and the World Input–Output Database. Our results suggest that cyber‐attacks that affect the ICT and finance sectors result in losses which also impact different economic sectors, due to cascading effects.","PeriodicalId":35338,"journal":{"name":"Risk Management and Insurance Review","volume":"109 1","pages":"183-208"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76978569","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
There has been a rise of innovative parametric insurance solutions in recent years covering a wide range of risks and serving clients from individuals, to businesses, and to governments. These parametric insurance products cover risks that are otherwise uninsured or underinsured, by simplifying product design and reducing transaction costs. This paper offers a comprehensive review of parametric insurance including a classification of the types of contract and an overview of market practices. We outline the benefits and concerns of parametric insurance in comparison with indemnity insurance, and discuss the legal principle and regulatory compliance matters. We then survey the current global market and identify areas where insurance and reinsurance companies can play important roles in offering or supporting parametric insurance operations. Lastly, we offer a case study on a type of parametric insurance designed to cover earthquake risk in California.
{"title":"Application of parametric insurance in principle‐compliant and innovative ways","authors":"Xiao Lin, W. Kwon","doi":"10.1111/rmir.12146","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rmir.12146","url":null,"abstract":"There has been a rise of innovative parametric insurance solutions in recent years covering a wide range of risks and serving clients from individuals, to businesses, and to governments. These parametric insurance products cover risks that are otherwise uninsured or underinsured, by simplifying product design and reducing transaction costs. This paper offers a comprehensive review of parametric insurance including a classification of the types of contract and an overview of market practices. We outline the benefits and concerns of parametric insurance in comparison with indemnity insurance, and discuss the legal principle and regulatory compliance matters. We then survey the current global market and identify areas where insurance and reinsurance companies can play important roles in offering or supporting parametric insurance operations. Lastly, we offer a case study on a type of parametric insurance designed to cover earthquake risk in California.","PeriodicalId":35338,"journal":{"name":"Risk Management and Insurance Review","volume":"43 1","pages":"121-150"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76294586","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. Baggett, Cassandra R. Cole, George R. Crowley, E. Sirmans
{"title":"Spillover effects of increased health insurance enrollment on workers’ compensation insurance","authors":"C. Baggett, Cassandra R. Cole, George R. Crowley, E. Sirmans","doi":"10.1111/rmir.12142","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rmir.12142","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":35338,"journal":{"name":"Risk Management and Insurance Review","volume":"5 1","pages":"53-74"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80337936","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A note on risk and value from an underutilized dataset: Consolidated disclosures","authors":"N. Scordis","doi":"10.1111/rmir.12141","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/rmir.12141","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":35338,"journal":{"name":"Risk Management and Insurance Review","volume":"10 1","pages":"105-112"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87914564","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}