Question

Suppose that every driver faces a 4% probability of an automobile accident every year. An accident will, on average, cost each driver $7,000. Suppose there are two types of individuals: those with $56,000.00 in the bank and those with $3,500.00 in the bank. Assume that individuals with $3,500.00 in the bank declare bankruptcy if they get in an accident. In bankruptcy, creditors receive only what individuals have in the bank. Assume that both types of individuals are only slightly risk averse.

In this scenario, the actuarially fair price of full insurance, in which all damages are paid by the insurance company, is $ .

Assume that the price of insurance is set at the actuarially fair price.

At this price, drivers with $56,000.00 in the bank likely_______(will/will not) buy insurance, and those with $3,500.00 in the bank likely______(will/ will not) buy insurance. (Hint: For each type of driver, compare the price of insurance to the expected cost without insurance.)

Suppose a state law has been passed forcing all individuals to purchase insurance at the actuarially fair price.

True or False: The law will affect only the behavior of drivers with $3,500.00 in the bank.

Answer 1

Actuarially fair price = 4% of $7,000

                              = (4 / 100) * $7000

                              = $280

will buy insurance becuase now the price of insurance is $280 which was $2,240 previously for drivers with $56,000 in the bank i.e now the price of insurance is reduced so the drivers will buy the insurance.

will not buy insurance because noe the price of insurance is $280 which was $140 previously for drivers with 3,500 in the bank i.e now the price of the insurance is increased so the drivers will not buy.

True because at the actuarially fair price of $280, the drivers with $3,500 in bank will not voluntarily purchase the insurance.