Chapter 1 - Business Nature Of The London Market Flashcards
Why might an insurer not take 100% of the risk? Capacity
Limited Capacity = total of all premiums written in a period (usually 1 year)
Capacity created by investors (Names for syndicates / shareholders for insurance companies)
Regulator may limit risks written in geographic locations / period of time to ensure solvency of insurer (total liabilities equal to or less than premium earnings)
Why might an insurer not take 100% of the risk? Branch office controls
Not writing same risks over multiple offices. Head office should influence branch office’s capital. Insurers have strict controls to ensure not competing with branch offices (for eg on price)
Why might an insurer not take 100% of the risk? Aggregates
Avoid concentration of exposure in one place
Eg location of risks. For satellite insurers, which launch vehicle being used
Moveable risks (ships/cargos) harder to track
Why might an insurer not take 100% of the risk? Broker influence
Brokers share risks to maintain relationships/leverage premium (always giving client best placement possible)
Why might an insurer not take 100% of the risk? Licensing
Some countries do not authorise all insurers to insure risks
Lloyds - centrally
Insurance companies - individually
Why might an insurer not take 100% of the risk? Client influence
Informed client may not want concentration of risk to one insurer
Why might an insurer not take 100% of the risk? Availability of reinsurance
Either no reinsurance available at all OR for a reasonable price
Why might an insurer not take 100% of the risk? Geographical limits
Amount of business originating from certain part of world. Usually internal control (Affects insured’s location)
Reasons why risks might be placed outside of London Market. Location of insured.
Many insureds have loyalty to home market
Reasons why risks might be placed outside of London Market. Culture, local knowledge, relationships
Client wants to know insurer understands what’s important to them. Local insurers may have better understanding of specific local legislation
Reasons why risks might be placed outside of London Market. Experienced insurers
Wealth of knowledge and experience in overseas markets
Reasons why risks might be placed outside of London Market. Claims service
Good claims service
Three categories of insurers
Lloyds
Insurance companies
Mutual insurers
Different types of insurance companies (3)
Proprietary companies
Mutuals (companies / indemnity associations)
Captives
Types of insurers.
Proprietary companies
Registered under Companies Act 1985
Owned by shareholders. Shareholders contribute share capital and own profits.
Limited liability companies. Shareholders are liable for company’s debts but limited to nominal value (face value) of the shares they own.
“Plc” publicly-quoted companies. Share value stated in financial exchanges
“Ltd” private limited companies. Shares owned by a few/one shareholder. Usually SMEs.