Finance Assignment
1. Describe the basic characteristics of the following types of insurance:
a. Stock insurers:
b. Mutual insurers:
c. Loyd's of London:
d. Reciprocal exchange:
2. Explain the legal distinction between an agent and a broker.
3. Briefly describe and explain the key features of the following distribution systems in the marketing of property and casualty insurance.
a. Independent agency system:
b. Exclusive agency system:
c. Direct writer:
d. Direct response system:
e. Multiple distribution systems:
4. Who owns the policy expirations or the renewal rights to the business under the independent agency system, and who owns these under the exclusive system?
5. The number of life insurers has declined sharply during the past decade because of the increase in company mergers and acquisitions, demutualization of insurers, and formation of mutual holding companies.
a. Why have mergers and acquisitions among insurers increased over time?
b. What is demutualization?
c. Briefly explain the advantages of demutualization of a mutual life insurer.
d. What is a mutual holding company?