Moral Hazard
Moral Hazard is a situation in insurance where the behavior of one party may change to the detriment of another after a transaction has taken place. In the context of insurance, it means that an insured person or entity might take on more risks because they do not bear the full consequences of those risks, relying instead on their insurance coverage to handle any negative outcomes.
What is Moral Hazard in Insurance?
In the insurance world, a moral hazard occurs when an insured individual or business behaves differently than they would if they were not insured. This change in behavior can lead to an increased likelihood of a loss or damage, which can be costly for the insurance company.
For example, a business owner who has insurance on their company’s assets might become less vigilant about security measures because they know that any losses from theft or damage will be covered by the insurance policy. This complacency can result in more frequent or severe incidents of loss, which the insurer must then pay for.
Key Components of Moral Hazard
There are three key components to understanding moral hazard:
Asymmetric Information: This occurs when one party has more or better information than the other. In the context of insurance, the insured typically has more information about their behavior and intentions than the insurer.
Change in Behavior: Once insurance coverage is in place, the insured party might change their behavior in a way that increases the risk of a loss. This could be due to reduced incentives to prevent loss or damage, knowing that the insurance will cover the costs.
Cost to the Insurer: The increased risk resulting from the insured’s changed behavior can lead to higher costs for the insurance company. These costs might come from more frequent claims, larger claims, or both.
Types of Moral Hazard Covered
Moral hazards can manifest in various ways within the insurance context. Here are four different types:
Ex Ante Moral Hazard
This occurs before an event happens. An example would be a business not installing a sprinkler system in their building because they have fire insurance. They do not take preventive measures, increasing the risk of a fire occurring.
Ex Post Moral Hazard
This occurs after an event has taken place. For instance, a business might exaggerate the extent of damage or loss in a claim because they know the insurance will cover it.
Hidden Action
This type involves actions taken by the insured that are not visible to the insurer. For example, a business might start storing flammable materials improperly, without the insurer’s knowledge, increasing the risk of a fire.
Hidden Information
This occurs when the insured has information that the insurer does not, which affects the level of risk. An example would be a business not disclosing that they engage in high-risk activities that could lead to frequent insurance claims.
How Insurance Covers Moral Hazard
Insurance companies use several strategies to manage and mitigate moral hazard:
Deductibles: By requiring the insured to pay a portion of the loss, deductibles encourage policyholders to take precautions and avoid minor claims.
Premium Adjustments: Insurers may adjust premiums based on the risk profile of the insured. Businesses with higher risks may pay higher premiums, incentivizing them to reduce risky behaviors.
Policy Limits: Setting limits on coverage can prevent excessive claims and encourage businesses to minimize losses.
Exclusions: Insurers often exclude certain risks from coverage, prompting businesses to manage those risks independently.
Monitoring and Inspections: Regular monitoring and inspections can help insurers keep track of the insured’s activities and ensure compliance with safety measures.
