Which of the following refers to the process of evaluating and classifying the risk level of applicants for insurance?
A)
Application
B)
Adverse selection
C)
Policy illustration
D)
Underwriting
d
Underwriting is the process of evaluating and classifying the risk level of applicants for insurance. Underwriting may also help insurers control adverse selection.
LO 1.1.1
A client wants to limit their out of pocket insurance costs and decides to install storm shutters to protect their property. They also increase their deductible. What risk management techniques are demonstrated?
A)
Retention and avoidance
B)
Transfer and avoidance
C)
Reduction and avoidance
D)
Reduction and retention
d
The answer is reduction and retention. Installing storm shutters reduces the risk of damage to the homeowner’s property and increasing their deductible is retention of losses.
LO 1.2.1
You have a meeting with Oscar, age 26, and his wife Judith, age 25, this afternoon to review their risk management plan. They have two children, two cars, a home, and a boat. Oscar works at the local bank, and Judith works at an engineering firm. Identify the CORRECT statement(s) regarding their risk management plan.
They have a limited amount of liability exposure.
They have a higher probability of becoming disabled versus experiencing premature death.
Having collision insurance on their cars is more important than liability coverage.
Long-term care insurance should not be a current priority within their risk management plan.
A)
II and IV
B)
I, II, and III
C)
IV only
D)
II, III, and IV
a
Oscar and Judith have unlimited liability exposure. A car accident could lead to an unlimited amount of liability depending on the circumstances, as well as the possibility of negligence occurring on their property. There is a higher probability of becoming disabled than of experiencing premature death at their ages, and it is much more important to have liability insurance on a vehicle than collision coverage. Liability claims may be much higher than any type of collision damage to a vehicle. Both Oscar and Judith are too young to consider long-term care insurance at this time.
LO 1.2.2
Preston called Joanna, an insurance broker, to obtain coverage on his 30-foot sailboat. Joanna told him to send in a binder premium of $75. She told him that by doing so, he would be covered and that he should go ahead and enjoy the boat. Joanna submitted an application for insurance to Boater’s Insurance Corp. for issuance of the policy. Boater’s declined the coverage. The day Joanna learned this, Preston called and told her a sudden wind caused him to lose control of his boat. He then smashed into another sailboat, causing substantial damage to both boats.
Who will be responsible for the damages?
A)
Joanna is responsible because, as a broker, she personally bound coverage for Preston but was unable to place the coverage before the accident.
B)
Boater’s will have to pay since Joanna collected a premium from Preston.
C)
Boater’s Insurance Corp. will have to pay the damages since it did not notify Preston that he was not covered.
D)
Preston will have to pay because no insurance policy is in force until the insurance company accepts the risk.
a
Joanna will have to pay because, as a broker, she personally bound coverage for Preston but was unable to place the coverage before the accident. Boater’s Insurance Corp. was never a party to an insurance contract with Preston. Since Joanna is a broker, her actions only speak for herself. There is no insurance coverage in force. Preston will need to make a claim against Joanna, which will likely be reviewed by her Errors and Omissions carrier. If Preston sues and wins, Joanna also could be held personally liable.
Which of the following are duties of the courts in regulating insurers?
To render decisions on the meaning of policy terms
To enact laws that govern the conduct of insurers
To rule on the constitutionality of insurance laws
To determine requirements an insurer must meet to obtain a license
A)
III and IV
B)
II and IV
C)
I and IV
D)
I and III
d
The answer is I and III. The courts render decisions on the meaning of policy terms and rule on the constitutionality of insurance laws. The state legislature completes the remaining two duties: enacts laws and may establish requirements that an insurer must meet to obtain a license to do business in that state.
LO 1.4.1
Which of the following statements is true regarding insurance regulation?
A)
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) proposes model legislation that states can then adopt or modify to their needs.
B)
Individual states and the Supreme Court work together to regulate the insurance industry.
C)
The federal government oversees the insurance industry regulation, followed by individual states.
D)
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) proposes model legislation that is then adopted by all states.
a
Under the McCarran-Ferguson Act of 1945, insurance is regulated primarily at the state level. The NAIC issues model insurance legislation that the individual states are free to adopt if they choose, but the NAIC has no legislative authority in any state.
LO 1.4.1
An individual decides to take a motorcycle road trip across the country. They ride during light hours and good weather conditions. However, they occasionally do not wear a helmet while riding. Which risk management term explains this situation?
A)
Risk
B)
Peril
C)
Hazard
D)
Moral hazard
c
The answer is hazard: something that increases the likelihood of a loss occurring. Risk is the possibility of loss and perils are the causes of losses. Moral hazard is a result of the client being unethical or misrepresenting himself in order to obtain insurance or to induce the payment of a claim.
LO 1.1.1
Carmen and David received eight place settings of their sterling silver flatware pattern as wedding presents. Because the silverware cost nearly $500 per place setting, they wanted to make sure it was adequately insured. The couple called Jerry, an agent with Forest Insurance Co., and asked him what needed to be done to ensure that they had adequate insurance coverage. Jerry assured them that because they had less than 10 place settings, they were adequately insured.
If the silverware is stolen, which one of the following legal remedies will most likely be used to assure the loss is covered?
A)
Doctrine of estoppel
B)
Waiver doctrine
C)
Last clear chance
D)
Rescission
Jerry, representing Forest Insurance Co., made a statement on which Carmen and David relied. This represents the doctrine of estoppel. The insurance company cannot later state that the agent made a mistake and deny the claim. Waiver doctrine is used in the instance where, if the insurance company failed to exert its right to deny one claim, it may not later exert that right with a similar claim. Last clear chance is a liability defense raised in a case where a person either attempted or failed to attempt to make one final effort to prevent someone from suffering a loss. Rescission is a remedy where a contract is nullified—as if it had never existed.
LO 1.5.1
Carmen and David received eight place settings of their sterling silver flatware pattern as wedding presents. Because the silverware cost nearly $500 per place setting, they wanted to make sure it was adequately insured. The couple called Jerry, an agent with Forest Insurance Co., and asked him what needed to be done to ensure that they had adequate insurance coverage. Jerry assured them that because they had less than 10 place settings, they were adequately insured.
If the silverware is stolen, which one of the following legal remedies will most likely be used to assure the loss is covered?
A)
Doctrine of estoppel
B)
Waiver doctrine
C)
Last clear chance
D)
Rescission
a
Jerry, representing Forest Insurance Co., made a statement on which Carmen and David relied. This represents the doctrine of estoppel. The insurance company cannot later state that the agent made a mistake and deny the claim. Waiver doctrine is used in the instance where, if the insurance company failed to exert its right to deny one claim, it may not later exert that right with a similar claim. Last clear chance is a liability defense raised in a case where a person either attempted or failed to attempt to make one final effort to prevent someone from suffering a loss. Rescission is a remedy where a contract is nullified—as if it had never existed.
LO 1.5.1
Bill offered to pay Jim, his friend of 24 years, $1,000 to slash the tires on the new car of Bill’s neighbor in retaliation for the neighbor’s dog barking at Bill. Jim agreed and accepted the offer. Which requirement is NOT in place to make this an enforceable contract?
A)
Legal object
B)
Consideration
C)
Competent parties
D)
Legal form
a
No contract that involves illegal activity is enforceable. Both parties are at least age 24 and can be presumed to be “competent.” The $1,000 was the consideration for the performance of the slashing. An oral contract is a legal form for some contracts. Bill made an offer and Jim accepted.
LO 1.6.1
Which one of the following phrases describes an unintentional tort?
A)
An act of vengeance
B)
A criminal act
C)
A libelous attack
D)
A civil, negligent wrong
d
An unintentional tort is a civil, negligent wrong, over which the court may have jurisdiction (a noncriminal wrongdoing). A libelous attack and an act of vengeance would be intentional torts, and possibly criminal acts. Criminal acts are considered to be public wrongs and not torts (i.e., not civil).
LO 1.6.1
William had an interior water pipe break, and water poured into his basement. Which of the following statements accurately reflect what may occur or be required of William subsequent to this break?
William should turn off the water and attempt to prevent any further damage immediately upon discovering the leak.
The insurance company likely will ask for an inventory of damaged items, and William is obligated to provide it if he wants the claim paid.
William can throw away any damaged property, relying on the insurance company to accept his inventory list as accurate.
The insurer may choose to repair or replace damaged property with that of like kind and quality, rather than pay William for the loss.
A)
I and II
B)
II and IV
C)
I and III
D)
I, II, and IV
d
The answer is I, II, and IV. After the leak is under control, he should call his agent or his insurer’s claims office to notify the insurance company of the loss. The insurance company has the right to ask for evidence of the loss. The insurer retains the right to determine what evidence is required, and the insured is obligated to provide whatever is available or run the risk of voiding the policy.
LO 1.7.1
Which of the following are primary criteria that should be considered when selecting an insurer?
A favorable rating from several rating companies
The number of agents employed
High persistency rate
The fact it is not on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC) Watchlist
A)
III and IV
B)
I, III, and IV
C)
I and II
D)
I, II, III, and IV
The answer is I, III, and IV. The number of agents employed is not relevant. An insurer should have a favorable rating from several rating companies, have a high persistency rate (low lapse rate), and not be on the NAIC’s Watchlist.
LO 1.8.1
Agents operating under the American agency system who represent several insurance companies and decide on a case-by-case basis where they will place business are also known as which type of insurance producer?
A)
Captive agents
B)
Career agents
C)
Independent agents
D)
Brokers
c
The answer is independent agents. The phrasing in the questions defines independent agents who, ideally, base their decision on where to place business on the needs of the client and the suitability of the insurance company.
LO 1.8.1
Which of the following perils are covered by an HO15 endorsement to form HO3 for personal property?
Wind damage when property is away from the premises
Fire damage when property is on the premises
Groundwater damage when property is on the premises
Earth movement when property is away from the premises
A)
I, II, and IV
B)
II and III
C)
I and IV
D)
II, III, and IV
a
All risks are covered, but groundwater damage is only covered while personal property is away from the premises. HO15 modifies the earth movement exclusion so that it only applies to coverages for the dwelling and other structures.
LO 2.1.1
Chuck purchased Chuck’s Garage, Bar & Grill five years ago for $120,000. After extensive repairs, the building’s current replacement value is $240,000. Chuck originally insured the building for its original replacement cost of $120,000 and has not increased the coverage. His policy has an 80% coinsurance clause and a $1,000 deductible. Last week a fire in the kitchen caused $60,000 of damage.
How much will the insurance company pay Chuck for his loss?
A)
$59,000
B)
$36,500
C)
$60,000
D)
$29,000
b
(Amount of insurance owned/Amount required * Loss) -deductible
(120k/192k * 60k) -1000 = b
For which of the following articles are floater policies generally available?
Professional-quality camera and all lenses taken on a trip to Europe
DVD player and 100 DVDs taken on a summer road trip
Motorboat
Appraised artwork moving between summer and winter residences
A)
I, III, and IV
B)
I and IV
C)
III only
D)
I, II, and IV
b
Because a DVD player and DVDs are not high-value items, they are most likely covered under the personal property section of the homeowners policy or auto coverage, not under separate floaters. The camera and artwork need to be insured. Motorized boats need their own policy, and while they float, they aren’t covered under this coverage.
LO 2.1.2
Which of the following statements correctly describe liability umbrella coverage?
The term umbrella policy is the popular name for a personal catastrophic liability contract.
Liability related to personally owned aircraft and/or watercraft is always excluded from umbrella policies.
Because of the high amounts of coverage issued under an umbrella policy, this type of coverage is often far too expensive for most people who might otherwise be interested in purchasing it.
Damage to property of the insured is excluded.
A)
I and II
B)
I and IV
C)
III and IV
D)
II, III, and IV
b
The answer is I and IV. Personally owned aircrafts and watercrafts may be covered if basic liability coverage is in place for them at the time the umbrella policy is purchased. The advantage of umbrella policies is their relatively low cost. It is not uncommon to be able to bring liability protection levels up to $1 million for less than $200 per year. Liability umbrella coverage is, as its name suggests, liability coverage; therefore, property damage is not covered.
LO 2.2.1
Which risk holds the greatest potential for financial loss for a homeowner?
A)
Loss of the dwelling
B)
A liability claim
C)
Loss of the dwelling and contents
D)
Theft of contents from the dwelling
b
The answer is a liability claim. While the total loss of a dwelling and all contents could be significant, the unlimited potential of the dollar size of a liability claim holds the greatest potential for financial loss for a homeowner. For example, imagine the size of the lawsuit for a child who drowns in a homeowner’s pool because it wasn’t properly fenced or the total of the claims of a second story deck collapsing with 20 guests on it.
LO 2.2.1
Which of the following coverages are included in the standard personal auto policy (PAP)?
Liability
Damage to your auto
Loss of use
Underinsured motorist
A)
I and III
B)
I, II, and IV
C)
II and IV
D)
II and III
The answer is I, II, and IV. Loss of use is a homeowners coverage, but liability, auto damage, and underinsured motorist coverages are included in the PAP. For an extra premium, a personal auto policy may provide rental reimbursement for loss of use.
LO 2.3.1
Because Paul has a pickup truck, some friends have asked him to help move into their new apartment. Ryan, one of his friends, is in the back of the truck unloading furniture and slips and falls, breaking his arm. Which coverage of a personal auto policy (PAP) would cover the cost of Ryan’s subsequent emergency room bill?
A)
Comprehensive
B)
Collision
C)
Medical Payments
D)
Liability
c
The answer is Medical Payments. Medical Payments coverage is designed for just such a situation. It pays claims for people in, on, entering, or alighting a vehicle – whether by intention or accident. So, Paul’s PAP would cover Ryan’s emergency room bill up to the policy limit.
LO 2.3.1
Which of the following types of insurance may be included in a commercial package policy (CPP)?
Workers’ compensation insurance
Property insurance
Inland marine insurance
Commercial auto
A)
I, II, III, and IV
B)
I and III
C)
II only
D)
II, III, and IV
d
The answer is II, III, and IV. Workers’ compensation insurance is not covered under a commercial package policy. Covered forms generally include property, general liability, crime, boiler and machinery, inland marine, commercial auto, and farm.
LO 2.4.1
Radhika, a family practice physician, owns a duplex office building in which her office takes up one half, and she leases the other half to an accountant. Radhika has four employees but has had trouble keeping a receptionist for more than a year. She has furnished the offices so that they present an appropriate professional image with modern furniture, stock art on the walls, desktop computers, and a high-end copier/scanner/printer. She also has her own X-ray machine so she can evaluate patients who need that service quickly. Based on this information only, which of the following should she consider to manage her property risks?
Building coverage for the entire duplex
A Commercial General Liability (CGL) policy
A Business Owner Policy (BOP)
Additional property coverage on the X-ray machine to ensure adequate coverage
A)
II only
B)
I, III and IV
C)
I and III
D)
III and IV
b
The answer is I, III, and IV. Option I is a risk reduction technique while options III and IV are risk transfer techniques. Option II is also risk transfer technique, but it is for liability and the question is addressing property risks only. Remember to always look at what the question is asking for and no more.
LO 2.4.1
Which of the following generally is NOT covered by employment practices liability insurance?
A)
Wrongful termination
B)
Sexual harassment
C)
Discrimination in the workplace
D)
Government-imposed fines and penalties
Explanation
The answer is government-imposed fines and penalties. Government fines and penalties are generally not covered. However, some insurance companies will cover punitive damages.
LO 2.4.1