Insurers operate in a complex market in which many firms compete for business. In this context, we examine the use of contingent commission compensation arrangements for independent agents and we explore whether the use of contingent commission compensation arrangements is justified for this...

We analyze life insurance policy surrender activity to determine whether surrender is a function of certain macroeconomic variables and, therefore, highly correlated across policies. Results support the Emergency Fund Hypothesis and the Interest Rate Hypothesis. In addition, we provide evidence...

Insurers in the U.S. hold over $5 trillion in assets, with approximately $1 trillion of these assets held in equities. While insurers manage underwriting risk with reinsurance, insurers increasingly manage asset risk with options, futures, and other derivatives. We demonstrate, using all options...

A hedonic pricing model estimates the effect on house prices of the stricter 2002 Florida Building Code for three geographical areas with varying degrees of risk exposure in the Jacksonville, Florida area. Results show that houses built under the new, stricter code sold for an average premium of...

In an increasingly competitive environment, the successful auto insurer is one that manages its cost in an efficient manner. While the auto insurance claims area does not generate revenue for the firm, it is one that provides the opportunity for cost reductions through its recovery efforts. We...