WAEC SSCE - Insurance - 2016

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An endorsement is an attachment to an insurance policy that modifies or changes the terms and conditions of the policy. It is essentially a document that adds, deletes or alters coverage in some way. Endorsements can be used to customize policies to fit specific needs or circumstances, such as adding coverage for a specific event or removing coverage that is not needed. They are important because they help ensure that the policy accurately reflects the insured's needs and reduces the risk of any coverage gaps or overlaps.

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The body charged with the responsibility to promote and uphold universally accepted standards in insurance business is the Nigeria Insurance Commission (NAICOM). NAICOM is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and regulating the insurance industry in Nigeria. Its primary role is to promote the growth, development, and regulation of the insurance industry in Nigeria, and to ensure that insurance companies and intermediaries adhere to internationally recognized standards and best practices. NAICOM has the responsibility to register and regulate insurance companies and intermediaries, to ensure that they operate within the legal framework and comply with the rules and regulations governing the industry. It also has the responsibility to monitor and supervise the financial activities of insurance companies to ensure that they are financially stable and capable of meeting their obligations to policyholders. Overall, NAICOM plays a crucial role in ensuring that the insurance industry in Nigeria operates in a fair, transparent, and efficient manner, and that the interests of policyholders are protected.

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In insurance, a hazard refers to a situation or condition that poses a threat to life or property. Hazards can increase the likelihood or severity of a loss, and can affect the cost of insurance coverage. For example, a hazard could be a house located in a flood-prone area, or a driver with a history of accidents. These conditions increase the likelihood of a loss occurring, and therefore can affect the cost of insurance coverage for the property or individual. Identifying and assessing hazards is an important part of the insurance process, as it helps insurers determine the appropriate premium to charge for coverage. Insurers use various methods to evaluate hazards, such as inspecting property, reviewing a person's driving record, or analyzing statistical data. In summary, a hazard in insurance refers to a situation or condition that increases the likelihood or severity of a loss to life or property. Insurers assess hazards to determine the appropriate premium to charge for coverage.

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The class of insurance that would be required by a petrol filling station operator whose operation involves high financial transactions is the Money Policy. This is because a petrol filling station deals with a lot of cash transactions, and there is a high risk of theft or loss of money on the premises. A Money Policy covers the insured against loss of money due to theft, robbery, or any other unexpected event while the money is on the premises, in transit, or being stored in a safe. It may also cover loss of money due to employee dishonesty, counterfeit currency, or accidental damage to the money. Therefore, a petrol filling station operator would need a Money Policy to protect their business against financial losses due to theft, robbery, or any other unforeseen circumstances that could result in the loss of money.

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The responsibility of the institute of loss adjuster is to regulate the activities of its members. This means that the institute is in charge of ensuring that its members, who are loss adjusters, are following ethical and professional standards when they are working with insurance companies and their clients. Loss adjusters are individuals who are hired by insurance companies to investigate and assess insurance claims made by their clients. The institute of loss adjuster's responsibility is to make sure that these professionals are working with integrity, competence, and impartiality, so that the insurance claims process is fair and just for everyone involved.

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The subject matter of insurance in fire policy is the building. Fire insurance is a type of property insurance that provides coverage against damages and losses caused by fire. In a fire policy, the subject matter of insurance is the property or building that is being insured against the risk of fire. The insurance company agrees to compensate the policyholder for any damages or losses that result from a fire, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. Therefore, the building is the subject matter of insurance in a fire policy.

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The principle of insurance that demands that the insured must stand to loss in the event of a loss before taking a policy is "insurable interest." Insurable interest means that the policyholder must have a financial stake or an interest in the property or person being insured. In other words, they must stand to lose something if the property or person is damaged or lost. For example, a person cannot purchase insurance for a car they do not own or have any financial interest in, such as a rental car. Similarly, a person cannot purchase life insurance for a stranger because they do not have any insurable interest in that person's life. Insurable interest protects against the moral hazard of purchasing insurance on something that the policyholder has no financial attachment to, which could lead to fraudulent claims.

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Surrender value is the amount payable to the insured if they choose to discontinue their life policy. Essentially, if the policyholder decides they no longer want to continue with their life policy and choose to surrender it, they will receive the surrender value as compensation for ending the policy.

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The insurance principle that deals with Mr. Aderemi's failure to inform the insurer about his wife's usage of the car is "utmost good faith". Utmost good faith is a fundamental principle of insurance that requires both the insured and the insurer to act with honesty, integrity, and transparency when dealing with each other. In this case, Mr. Aderemi failed to disclose the fact that his wife also drives the car, which is a material fact that could affect the risk and premium charged by the insurance company. By failing to disclose this information, Mr. Aderemi acted in bad faith, and this could result in the insurer denying the claim for damages caused by the rioters. Therefore, it is important for the insured to provide all relevant information to the insurer at the time of taking the policy, to avoid any issues or disputes during the claims process.

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The clause that prevents the insurer from paying under a policy if the insured killed himself is a suicide clause. A suicide clause is a provision in an insurance policy that specifies that if the insured person dies by suicide within a certain period of time after the policy is issued, the insurer will not pay the death benefit. This clause is intended to prevent people from taking out life insurance policies with the intention of committing suicide shortly thereafter, in order to provide financial support for their beneficiaries. The length of the suicide clause varies depending on the policy and the insurer, but it is usually one to two years from the date the policy is issued. If the insured person dies by suicide within the specified time period, the insurer will not pay the death benefit, but will return the premiums paid by the policyholder instead. It is important to note that the suicide clause does not apply in cases where the insured person did not have the intention of committing suicide at the time of taking out the policy. If the death of the insured person is found to be accidental or due to natural causes, the insurer will pay the death benefit as stated in the policy.

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The document used to alter the information contained in the schedule of an insurance policy is called an "endorsement." An endorsement is a written amendment to the original policy that changes or adds information to the policy. Endorsements can be used to modify coverage amounts, add or remove insured parties, change policy terms, or make other adjustments to the policy. For example, if a policyholder wants to increase the coverage amount of their insurance policy, they can request an endorsement to add the additional coverage. The insurance company will provide a written endorsement, which becomes a part of the original policy and reflects the updated coverage amount. Overall, an endorsement is a useful tool that allows policyholders to make changes to their insurance policy and ensure that it reflects their current needs and circumstances.

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The sum assured is the value of the claim that the insurer agrees to pay to the policyholder in case of a covered loss or event. It is the maximum amount of money that an insurance company agrees to pay out to the policyholder or the beneficiary of the policy. The sum assured is specified in the insurance policy and is determined by the policyholder's needs and the type of insurance coverage they have purchased.

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The duty of a loss assessor is to ensure adequate compensation to the insured. When an insured suffers a loss, such as property damage or loss of income due to an insured event, the loss assessor is responsible for assessing the extent of the damage or loss and determining the appropriate amount of compensation. They work on behalf of the insured, not the insurer, to ensure that the insured receives the maximum possible compensation under the terms of their insurance policy. The loss assessor's role is particularly important in cases where the loss is substantial, complex or disputed, as they have the expertise and knowledge to ensure a fair and accurate assessment.

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The process of transferring a risk already taken by an insurer to other insurers is called "reinsurance." This is a way for an insurance company to spread the risk of potential losses by purchasing insurance from another company, known as a "reinsurer." For example, if an insurance company sells policies to cover damage from hurricanes in a coastal area, it may choose to transfer some of the risk to a reinsurer. The reinsurer would then agree to cover a portion of the claims made by the original policyholders, in exchange for a portion of the premiums collected by the insurer. Reinsurance helps to reduce the financial exposure of an insurance company, making it less likely to face large losses that could threaten its solvency. It also allows insurance companies to offer policies in areas or for events that would otherwise be too risky to cover on their own.

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A document used to provide evidence of insurance if the policy document is not immediately available is called a "cover note." It is a temporary document that serves as proof of insurance until the actual policy document can be issued. For example, if you purchase a new car and need to get it insured immediately, your insurance company may issue a cover note to provide evidence of your insurance until they can send you the actual policy document. The cover note will contain information about the insured vehicle, the policyholder, and the coverage provided. Cover notes are typically valid for a limited time, such as 30 or 60 days, after which the actual policy document must be provided. They are useful for situations where proof of insurance is needed quickly, such as when registering a new vehicle or renting a property. In summary, a cover note is a temporary document that provides evidence of insurance until the actual policy document is available.

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The policy taken to cover loss of income that a business suffers when its facilities are closed due to a disaster is called "business interruption insurance." This type of insurance is designed to help businesses recover from unexpected events, such as natural disasters, fires, or other disruptions, that cause them to temporarily close or suspend operations. Business interruption insurance can provide financial support to cover lost income, ongoing expenses, and other costs associated with the interruption of business operations. It can help businesses get back on their feet after a disaster and reduce the financial impact of such an event.

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A "no claim discount" is a discount given by an insurance company on your insurance premium if you have not made any claims during the policy period. This discount is granted under motor insurance, which means that if you have a motor insurance policy and you do not make any claims for damages or accidents during the policy period, you can enjoy a "no claim discount" when you renew your policy. The discount amount may vary depending on the insurance company and the number of years you have not made any claims. In other words, the longer you go without making a claim, the higher the discount you may receive. This discount is given as an incentive for safe driving and responsible use of your vehicle.

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Aviation risks refer to potential dangers or losses associated with aviation activities, including aircraft operations, airport management, and related activities. To assess these risks, the underwriter would want to know various factors that could impact the likelihood or severity of a loss. This may include factors such as the age and maintenance history of the aircraft, the level of experience and training of the pilots and other staff, the safety record of the airline, the types of routes flown, and the nature of the cargo or passengers being transported. Additionally, the underwriter may consider external factors such as weather patterns, political stability, and regulatory requirements when assessing aviation risks. Ultimately, the goal is to determine the likelihood and severity of losses that may arise from aviation-related activities and to price insurance coverage accordingly.

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A risk is classified as uninsurable when the risk will occur no matter the precaution taken. Insurance companies are in the business of taking on risks that are insurable, which means risks that can be quantified and have a probability of occurrence that can be estimated. However, there are some risks that are considered uninsurable, which means that they cannot be insured against. One of the main reasons a risk may be classified as uninsurable is if the risk will occur no matter what precautions are taken. For example, earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes are natural disasters that can cause extensive damage and loss of life, but no matter what precautions are taken, these events will still occur. Therefore, they are considered uninsurable risks. It's important to note that even if a risk is considered uninsurable, there may be some limited coverage available through government-backed insurance programs or other specialized insurance products. However, this coverage is typically more limited and may have higher premiums than standard insurance products. Therefore, among the options provided, the correct answer is that a risk is classified as uninsurable when the risk will occur no matter the precaution taken.

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To insure any property, the insured must have an insurable interest. Insurable interest refers to the legal or financial interest that a person has in a property or event, which would be negatively affected if the event or damage occurs. In insurance, insurable interest ensures that the person taking out the insurance policy has a valid interest in the insured property or event, and will be motivated to prevent any loss or damage from happening. For example, a person who owns a house has an insurable interest in that property, as any damage to the property would negatively affect their financial interest in it.

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The term used for the amount payable to Mr. Thomas if he chooses to discontinue with the contract is called the surrender value. Surrender value is the amount that an insurance company will pay to the policyholder if they choose to terminate or surrender their insurance policy before the end of the policy term. It is the amount of money that the policyholder is entitled to receive after deductions for any outstanding premiums, fees, or charges. In this scenario, if Mr. Thomas chooses to discontinue with his life insurance policy, the insurance company will calculate the surrender value based on a number of factors such as the length of time the policy has been in force, the amount of premiums paid, and the policy's current cash value. The surrender value may not be the full sum assured of N300,000, but it will be a certain amount based on the policy's terms and conditions.

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The event that directly caused a legally recognizable injury is known as the "proximate cause." This means that the event was closely related to the injury, and was a significant factor in causing it. For example, if someone was injured in a car accident, the proximate cause of their injury would be the collision itself. Other factors, such as road conditions or weather, may have contributed to the accident, but the actual collision was the proximate cause of the injury. It's important to distinguish the proximate cause from other factors that may have contributed to the injury but were not the direct cause. These other factors are known as "hazards" or "perils." For instance, in the car accident example, the hazard might be a pothole in the road or the peril might be bad weather conditions. Additionally, it's important to note that the proximate cause must be "legally recognizable." This means that it must be an event that could reasonably be expected to cause the injury in question. For example, if someone slipped and fell on a patch of ice, the proximate cause of their injury would be the slip on the ice, because slipping on ice is a well-known hazard that can cause injuries.

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A blanket policy in fidelity guarantee insurance is designed to cover all staff members who may handle cash in a company, not just cashiers. This policy is meant to protect against losses that may occur due to fraudulent acts committed by employees. For example, if a company has a blanket fidelity policy, any employee who is responsible for handling cash, such as a cashier or an accountant, would be covered in the event that they steal money from the company. This policy would also cover losses that occur during the transport of cash from the office to the bank. The purpose of this type of insurance is to provide financial protection to the company in case of any wrongdoing by employees. It can help to mitigate the financial losses that may result from employee theft or fraud, which can be particularly devastating for small businesses.

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An ex-gratia payment is made where there is no legal liability obligation. It is a payment made voluntarily, usually as a gesture of goodwill, by a person or organization to someone who has suffered a loss or harm. For example, if a customer of a company experiences a problem due to the company's mistake or oversight, and the company decides to offer compensation as a goodwill gesture, it would be considered an ex-gratia payment. The company is not legally required to offer this compensation, but is doing so to maintain a positive relationship with the customer. Ex-gratia payments may also be made by insurance companies in certain circumstances. For example, if an insurance claim is rejected due to an exclusion in the policy wording, but the insurer decides to make a payment to the policyholder as a gesture of goodwill, it would be considered an ex-gratia payment. In summary, an ex-gratia payment is a payment made voluntarily, without any legal obligation, usually as a gesture of goodwill. It is typically made in situations where a person or organization wishes to maintain a positive relationship with someone who has suffered a loss or harm.

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The proximate cause of the damage to the car is riot because it is the direct cause of the damage. The fact that Mr Aderemi did not inform the company that his wife who had no driving licence also drives the car may be seen as misrepresentation which could result in the insurer refusing to pay the claim. However, in this case, it is not the direct cause of the damage to the car. Inexperienced driving or reckless driving by Mr Aderemi's wife may also have contributed to the accident, but the direct cause of the damage to the car is the riot.

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When a policy is cancelled before its expiry date, the insurer owes the insured a return premium. A return premium is the portion of the premium paid by the insured for the remaining period of coverage that they did not use. In other words, it is the unearned premium that the insurer has not yet used to provide coverage for the policyholder. For example, if an insured paid a $1,200 premium for a 12-month policy, but cancels the policy after 6 months, the insurer would owe the insured a return premium of $600, which represents the unused portion of the premium. Therefore, the return premium is the amount that the insurer is obligated to refund to the insured when the policy is cancelled before its expiry date.

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The component of an insurance policy document that introduces the parties to the contract is called the recital clause. This clause provides background information about the policy and identifies the parties involved in the contract, such as the policyholder and the insurance company. The recital clause sets the stage for the rest of the policy document by outlining the key details of the agreement, including the scope of coverage and any special provisions or limitations. It is important to carefully review the recital clause to ensure that all parties have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities under the insurance policy.

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The term for the period that Mr. Thomas will be allowed to reinstate his insurance contract is called the days of grace. The days of grace refers to the period of time after a missed premium payment during which the policyholder can still make the payment and keep the policy in force without penalty. This is typically a set number of days specified in the insurance contract. In the case of Mr. Thomas, he missed paying his insurance premium for the last 3 months due to loss of employment. However, since he is within the days of grace period, he can still make the payment for the missed premiums and keep his policy in force. It's important to note that if the policyholder fails to make the payment within the days of grace period, the policy may lapse and the insurance coverage will cease. In some cases, the policyholder may need to reapply for coverage and go through the underwriting process again. Therefore, among the options provided, the correct answer is the days of grace.

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The class of insurance that covers policyholders for losses caused by fraudulent employees is called a fidelity guarantee policy. A fidelity guarantee policy provides coverage to the insured party in case of any financial loss due to dishonest or fraudulent actions of employees. This type of policy can protect businesses from financial losses caused by theft, embezzlement, forgery, or other fraudulent activities carried out by their employees. For example, if an employee steals money from their employer, the employer can make a claim under their fidelity guarantee policy to recover the financial loss incurred. This type of policy can provide peace of mind to businesses and protect them from the financial impact of employee fraud. Therefore, among the options provided, the correct answer is fidelity guarantee policy.

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In insurance, peril refers to an event or circumstance that may lead to a loss or damage to an insured object or property. This means that peril refers to the specific risks or causes of loss that are covered by an insurance policy. For example, perils covered by a fire insurance policy may include fire, lightning, and explosions, among others. In other words, the term "peril" is used to describe the type of risk that an insurance policy covers.

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The person named to receive the life assurance proceeds after the death of the life assured is called the beneficiary. The beneficiary is the person designated by the policy owner to receive the death benefit in the event of the insured's death. The beneficiary could be a family member, a friend, a business partner or a charitable organization. The policy owner has the flexibility to change the beneficiary at any time during the policy term.

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The insurance cover that protects experts from bearing the cost of negligence arising from their service is called Professional Indemnity Insurance. This type of insurance is designed to provide financial protection to professionals who may be held responsible for mistakes, errors, or omissions that result in financial loss or damage to their clients. For instance, if an accountant makes an error in financial advice given to a client, which leads to a significant financial loss for the client, the client may sue the accountant for negligence. In this case, the professional indemnity insurance would cover the accountant's legal fees and any damages awarded to the client. Professional Indemnity Insurance is commonly purchased by professionals in fields such as law, accounting, engineering, and healthcare, where mistakes can have serious consequences. It is different from other types of insurance, such as product liability insurance and third-party liability insurance, which provide protection against losses or damages resulting from faulty products or accidents caused by the insured party, respectively.

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The professional responsible for assessing loss in insurance is called an "adjuster". An adjuster is hired by insurance companies to evaluate claims made by policyholders and determine the amount of compensation that should be paid out for the covered loss or damages. The adjuster investigates the circumstances surrounding the claim, examines any relevant documentation, and may even visit the site of the incident to gather additional information. Based on their findings, the adjuster calculates the amount of loss or damages, and makes a recommendation to the insurance company on how much compensation should be paid out to the policyholder.

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(a) Discharge voucher

A discharge voucher is a document, signed by the insured (claimant), acknowledging receipt of the settlement amount from the insurer in full and final settlement of a claim. By signing it the insured accepts the agreed sum and discharges the insurer from any further liability in respect of that particular loss.

(b)(i) Three duties of the insured in insurance claims

1. To give prompt notice of the loss or event to the insurer within the time stated in the policy.
2. To take reasonable steps to minimise or mitigate the loss and to protect the property from further damage.
3. To provide full and truthful particulars of the loss, complete the claim form and produce documentary proof (receipts, estimates, police report) in support of the claim.

(b)(ii) Three duties of the underwriter in insurance claims

1. To acknowledge the claim promptly and issue the claim form and any guidance needed by the insured.
2. To investigate and verify the claim, appointing loss adjusters or assessors where necessary to establish the cause and amount of loss.
3. To settle valid claims promptly and fairly in accordance with the policy terms, or to repudiate invalid claims giving clear reasons.

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(a) Difference between whole life and endowment assurance

Under a whole life policy the insurer pays the sum assured only on the death of the life assured, whenever that occurs; premiums may be payable throughout life or up to a stated age, and the policyholder himself never collects the sum during his lifetime. Under an endowment policy the sum assured is paid either on the death of the life assured within the term or on his survival to the end of a fixed term, whichever happens first; it therefore matures and pays the policyholder if he lives, combining protection with saving. Whole life gives cheaper, pure protection, while endowment is dearer because of its savings element.

(b) Five uses of life assurance

1. It provides financial security for the dependants of the assured on his death.
2. It is a means of saving for the future and for retirement.
3. The policy can be used as collateral security to obtain a loan.
4. It helps in meeting future obligations such as children's education or estate duty.
5. It provides funds for business continuity, for example key-man cover or partnership protection.

(c) Two benefits covered under life assurance

1. Death benefit: The sum assured paid to the named beneficiaries when the life assured dies during the currency of the policy, giving financial support to the family.
2. Maturity (survival) benefit: The sum, sometimes with bonuses, paid to the policyholder himself on surviving to the end of the policy term, which he can use for retirement or other needs.

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(a) Meaning of risk in insurance

In insurance, risk refers to the uncertainty of loss, that is the possibility that an unfavourable or adverse event may happen and cause a financial loss. It may also refer to the peril insured against, the property or person exposed to loss, or the chance that the event insured against will occur. Insurance exists to transfer this uncertainty of loss from the individual to the insurer in return for a premium.

(b) Five features of insurance contracts

1. Utmost good faith (uberrimae fidei): Both parties, especially the proposer, must disclose fully and truthfully all material facts affecting the risk.
2. Insurable interest: The insured must have a legal or financial interest in the subject matter, so that he stands to lose if it is damaged or destroyed.
3. Indemnity: The insurer undertakes to restore the insured to the financial position he occupied just before the loss, no more and no less (except for life and personal accident).
4. Offer and acceptance (consensus): Like every valid contract, there must be a definite offer by one party (usually the proposal) and unqualified acceptance by the other, supported by consideration (the premium).
5. Proximate cause: The insurer is liable only for a loss brought about by the nearest, most effective cause that is insured under the policy, not a remote cause.

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(a) Principle involved and why

The principle involved is subrogation. It arises because after Integrity Insurance Plc indemnified Mr. Peter Chukwu by paying N180,000, it then wrote to Adequate Insurance Company Limited (the insurer of the party at fault, Mr. Bayo Samuel) to recover the amount it had paid out. Stepping into the insured's shoes to recover the loss from the third party who caused the accident is the essence of subrogation.

(b) Explanation of the principle

Subrogation is the right of an insurer, having fully indemnified the insured, to take over the insured's legal rights and remedies against any third party responsible for the loss. Its purpose is to support the principle of indemnity by ensuring the insured does not profit twice, once from the insurer and again from the wrongdoer. Any sum recovered belongs to the insurer up to the amount it paid, and any excess is returned to the insured.

(c) Who should take delivery of the damaged parts

The insurer, Integrity Insurance Plc, should take delivery of the damaged bumper and rear lights. Under the principle of salvage, which flows from indemnity and subrogation, once the insurer has paid the full cost of repairs the damaged parts (the salvage) belong to it. Mr. Peter Chukwu is not entitled to keep and sell them, because doing so would let him make a profit out of his loss.

(d) Two covers available under his policy (comprehensive)

1. Own damage cover: Indemnifies Mr. Chukwu for accidental or collision damage to his own Peugeot 406, meeting the cost of repairing the rear bumper, lights and booth up to the insured value.
2. Third party liability cover: Protects him against legal liability for death or bodily injury to other persons and damage to their property caused by his vehicle.

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(a) Three marine perils

1. Perils of the sea, such as storms, heavy weather, rough seas and sinking.
2. Collision of the ship with another vessel or with a fixed object.
3. Stranding or running aground of the vessel.
4. Fire and explosion on board the ship.
5. Jettison (deliberate throwing of cargo overboard to lighten the ship in danger).
6. Piracy, theft and barratry of the master or crew.

(b) Three types of cover available under marine insurance

1. Hull insurance: This covers loss of or damage to the ship or vessel itself, including its machinery and equipment, against marine perils such as sinking, collision and stranding.
2. Cargo insurance: This covers loss of or damage to the goods or merchandise carried on board the vessel during the voyage, protecting the owner of the cargo from perils such as water damage, jettison and theft.
3. Freight insurance: This covers the loss of freight, that is the money payable to the shipowner for carrying the cargo, which the shipowner would lose if the cargo or ship is lost before the freight is earned.

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Meaning of the terms as used in insurance business:

1. Surrender value: This is the cash sum that a life assurance company pays to a policyholder who chooses to terminate (surrender) his policy before it matures. It represents the accumulated value of premiums paid, less the insurer's charges and expenses, and is available only on policies that have run long enough to acquire a value.
2. Days of grace: This is the extra period, usually fifteen or thirty days, allowed by the insurer after the premium due date within which the policyholder may still pay the renewal premium without the policy lapsing. Cover continues during this period.
3. Ex-gratia payment: This is a payment made by the insurer to the insured out of goodwill, and not because the insurer is legally liable under the policy. The insurer pays as a favour, without admitting liability, often to preserve goodwill.
4. Endorsement: This is a written amendment or clause attached to a policy to alter its original terms, for example to add or remove an item, change the sum insured or correct the details of the insured. It becomes part of the contract.
5. Disclosure: This is the duty, under the principle of utmost good faith, of the proposer to reveal to the insurer all material facts that would influence the insurer's decision to accept the risk or fix the premium, whether asked for or not.

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(a) Endowment policy

An endowment policy is a life assurance contract under which the insurer agrees to pay the sum assured either on the survival of the life assured to the end of a fixed term (maturity) or on his earlier death within the term, whichever occurs first. It therefore combines protection with saving, guaranteeing a payout to the policyholder if he lives or to his dependants if he dies.

(b) Differences

(i) Third party versus comprehensive motor insurance: Third party cover pays only for injury to other persons and damage to their property caused by the insured's vehicle; it gives nothing for the insured's own car. Comprehensive cover includes the third party protection and, in addition, indemnifies the insured for accidental damage, fire and theft affecting his own vehicle.

(ii) Death benefit versus maturity benefit: A death benefit is the sum paid to the named beneficiary if the life assured dies during the term of the policy. A maturity benefit is the sum paid to the policyholder himself if he survives to the end of the policy term.

(iii) Contracts of life versus non-life insurance: A life insurance contract is not a contract of indemnity; it pays a fixed agreed sum on death or maturity, because human life cannot be valued in money, and the risk (death) is certain to occur. A non-life (general) insurance contract, such as fire or motor, is a contract of indemnity; it pays only the actual loss suffered, the risk may or may not occur, and it is usually renewable yearly.