C11 Principles and Practice of Insurance Questions and Answers

Thesubject of insuranceis the property, person, or legal liability exposure that is being insured. This is the central object of the policy—what the insurer agrees to indemnify or protect. For example, a house in a homeowner’s policy, a vehicle in an automobile policy, or a person’s life in a life insurance contract. Identifying the subject of insurance is essential because underwriting, policy wordings, rates, and coverage conditions all revolve around what is being insured.

Option B refers toperils, which are the causes of loss, not the insured item. Option C refers to the insurer itself and is unrelated to the definition. Option D refers to policy language but not the underlying exposure.

Thus, the correct meaning of the term isA: the thing being insured.

Comprehensive Explanation (150–250 words):

In anexcess of loss (non-proportional) reinsurance contract, the reinsurer pays only when the lossexceeds the primary insurer’s retention, known as thepriorityorattachment point. In this question, the priority is$80,000. This means reinsurance doesnotrespond unless the loss exceeds $80,000.

Here, the actual loss is$60,000, which isbelowthe attachment point. Because the loss never reaches the $80,000 threshold, the reinsurer owesnothing. Theentire lossremains the responsibility of the primary insurer.

The reinsurer’s limit of $100,000 only becomes relevant if the loss exceeds $80,000, which is not the case here.

Therefore, the primary insurer pays100% of the $60,000 loss.

Correct answer:D.

Indemnity means restoring the insured to the financial position they occupied immediately before the loss—no better, no worse. Since the loss amount is$180,000, this is the amount required to fully indemnify the insured.

Although the policy limit is$400,000, the insurer does not pay policy limits unless the loss equals or exceeds the limit. The ACV of $380,000 is irrelevant here because the loss ispartial, not total. ACV only caps reimbursement in cases of total loss or when replacement cost is not available.

Option B ($200,000) has no basis in any indemnity or co-insurance formula.

Options C and D refer to total loss payouts, not applicable here.

Thus, the amount that indemnifies Kamal isA: $180,000.

Comprehensive Explanation (150–250 words):

When a vehicle is deemed a total loss, the insurer typically pays theactual cash value (ACV)minus thedeductible. If the insured decides to keep the salvage, thesalvage valuemust also be deducted from the settlement, because the insured retains something of monetary worth.

The formula for this situation is:

Settlement=ACV−Deductible−Salvage Value\text{Settlement} = \text{ACV} - \text{Deductible} - \text{Salvage Value}Settlement=ACV−Deductible−Salvage Value

Using Ivana’s numbers:

ACV = $17,000

Deductible = $1,500

Salvage value = $3,000

17,000−1,500−3,000=12,50017,000 - 1,500 - 3,000 = 12,50017,000−1,500−3,000=12,500

Therefore, Ivana receives$12,500, and she keeps the damaged vehicle, which she values for personal reasons.

Option B ($14,000) ignores the salvage deduction.

Option C ($15,500) ignores the deductible.

Option D ($17,000) ignores both deductible and salvage, which is not permitted.

The only correct settlement amount is$12,500.

The insuring agreement is one of the most essential components of an insurance policy. It describes what is insured, the coverage provided, and the extent of the insurer’s promise to indemnify the insured. This section outlines the subject of insurance—property, liability exposure, person, or interest—and specifies what types of losses or perils are insured against. Thus, the accurate choice is D: Description of the property covered.

Option A is incorrect because premium is stated in the declarations page, not in the insuring agreement. Option B, lienholder information, also appears in the declarations or conditions, not the insuring agreement. Option C, the signature clause, appears at the end of the policy to signify the insurer’s formal acceptance of contractual obligations.

The insuring agreement is the foundation of the policy because it establishes the insurer’s undertaking and sets the boundaries of coverage, making option D correct.

Loss control refers to strategies used to minimize the frequency or severity of losses. In insurance principles, loss control is divided intoloss prevention(reducing likelihood) andloss reduction(reducing severity once loss becomes imminent or unavoidable).

In this scenario, the hurricane threat is already occurring and cannot be prevented. Jack’s actions—placing sandbags, boarding windows, and securing the premises—are aimed atreducing the amount of damagefrom an impending peril. This aligns exactly withloss reduction, which focuses on mitigating the extent of loss after a peril has already materialized or cannot reasonably be avoided.

Avoidance (option A) would involve eliminating the risk entirely, such as relocating the business out of hurricane-prone regions. Risk transfer (option B) involves shifting financial consequences to an insurer. Diversification (option C) spreads exposure across multiple assets or locations. Jack is instead applying a protective measure to reduce damage, makingD. Loss reductionthe correct choice.

To calculate premiums rated per $100 of insurance, the formula is:

Premium = (Amount of Insurance ÷ 100) × Rate

Step-by-step:

$500,000 ÷ 100 = 5,000 rating units

5,000 × $0.80 =$4,000

Thus, the annual premium for the building is$4,000, makingOption Cthe correct answer.

Option A is too low, while Options B and D do not match the rating calculation. Underwriters rely on these standardized rating methods to ensure consistent and adequate premium development.

A stock insurance company operates with the same capital structure as other conventional for-profit corporations. Ownership is represented by shares of stock, held by shareholders who supply capital and expect a return on investment. Profits are distributed as dividends or reinvested into the company. This structure aligns closely with traditional corporate financial frameworks in Canadian commerce.

Option B, a captive company, is owned by a parent business to insure its own risks—not structured like a general capital corporation. Option C, a co-operative company, is owned by its policyholders or members, not shareholders. Option D (factory mutual company) refers to a mutual insurer owned by its policyholders and requiring high loss-prevention standards.

Thus, the only insurer type that mirrors the capital structure of typical Canadian corporate enterprises is the stock company, making A correct.

Subrogationallows an insurer that has indemnified an insured to pursue recovery from the partylegally responsiblefor the loss. It prevents the insured from collecting twice and shifts the financial burden back to the negligent third party. Subrogation is a fundamental principle tied to indemnity.

Option A describes insurer action in fraud cases—not subrogation.

Option B is incorrect; deductibles are always retained by the insured, not reimbursed later.

Option C describes a release or waiver, not subrogation.

Thus, the correct definition isD.

[Insurance as a Contract – Utmost Good Faith / Material Facts]

In their property insurance application, a Quebec client stated there wasnohome business. The underwriter binds the policy without knowing the client runs a daycare in a detached garage. If a loss occurs, will there be consequences?

A. Yes; any claims will be subject to an increased deductible depending on the size of the loss

B. No; as long as the homeowner has at least three years’ experience in the business

C. Yes; if the concealment is proven it could result in the contract being nullified

D. No; in-home businesses with a low to medium hazard grade do not affect eligibility

Answer: C

Insurance contracts rely on the principle ofutmost good faith, requiring applicants to disclose allmaterial facts—facts that would influence an underwriter’s decision to accept, decline, or rate a risk. Operating a home daycare is unquestionably amaterial change in exposure, as it increases traffic, liability hazards, and occupancy risk. Even though the daycare is conducted in a detached garage, it still forms part of the premises insured.

If the clientmisrepresentsorfails to disclosethis information, and the insurer can prove concealment, the insurer mayvoid the policy ab initio (from the beginning)or deny the claim. This applies in Quebec as well, whose Civil Code also requires truthful disclosure of material risks.

Options A and B describe conditions that do not exist in Canadian property insurance.

Option D is incorrect because even low-hazard home businesses must be disclosed.

Thus,Cis correct.

When two insurers cover the same property but the policies arenot subject to contribution, this means the insurance contracts are written so that each insurer is liable as if no other insurance exists. In effect, the insured may claim the full loss amount from either insurer, regardless of the proportional limits written on each policy.

This distinguishes the situation from typical concurrent insurance, where losses are shared proportionally. Because contribution doesnotapply here, the insured has full freedom to choose which insurer will pay the claim, up to the policy limit.

In this scenario:

The loss is $450,000.

Insurer A’s limit is $800,000, enough to pay the full claim.

Insurer B’s limit is $200,000 — insufficient to cover the entire loss.

Since contribution does not apply, the insured can claim the entire $450,000 from Insurer A without involving Insurer B. Insurer A cannot require the insured to claim part of the loss from Insurer B, nor can the insured demand that B pay part unless they choose to claim from B.

Option B is incorrect because proportional sharing only applies when contribution is explicitly activated.

Option C is incorrect because Insurer B does not owe anything unless the insured submits a claim to them.

Option D is incorrect because subrogation applies after paying a claim—B cannot pay and then pursue A, since A is not legally responsible for B’s voluntary payment.

Thus, the only correct choice is A.

For a legally binding contract, there must beoffer and acceptance—a clear proposal and a clear, communicated acceptance. In this case, George attempts to treatsilenceas acceptance. According to contract law,silence cannot constitute acceptance, unless there is a prior agreement between the parties stating otherwise. Because his cousin has not actively communicated acceptance, the contract remains incomplete.

Option A is incorrect—consideration exists (money in exchange for books).

Option B is irrelevant—buying textbooks is legal.

Option C does not apply—George is 18 and has legal capacity in Alberta.

The missing element isacceptance, so the correct answer isD.

Abrokeris an independent insurance intermediary who represents theinsured, not the insurer, yet also interacts professionally with insurers to place coverage. Brokers typicallyown their client lists, have the freedom to place business with multiple insurers, and earn income throughcommissionsonce policies are sold or renewed. They are obligated to provide impartial advice and ensure clients receive suitable coverage.

Underwriters (option B) do not own client lists and do not earn commissions; they work for insurers evaluating risks. Exclusive agents (option C) representone insurer onlyand generally do not own their book of business. Independent adjusters (option D) investigate and adjust claims—they do not sell insurance nor hold client lists.

Orianna’s described attributes—ownership of clients, acting for both parties, and earning commissions—match precisely the role of abroker, makingAcorrect.

Bothstaff adjustersandindependent adjusterswork on behalf of the insurer when handling claims. A staff adjuster is an employee of the insurance company, while an independent adjuster is contracted by an insurer to investigate and adjust claims. Regardless of their employment relationship, both types of adjusters operate under the insurer’s authority, follow the insurer’s procedures, and act in the insurer’s interests when assessing damages, determining coverage, and recommending settlement amounts.

Option A is incorrect because both adjustersdoperform investigations. Option C is incorrect—adjusters are licensed in most provinces, not only Quebec and New Brunswick. Option D is incorrect because both staff and independent adjusters have specific limitations on their settlement authority, which depend on the insurer’s internal guidelines. Therefore, the similarity that applies universally isB.

In determining liability, the immediate (proximate) cause refers to the most direct, unbroken cause leading to the injury. In this sequence, the firecracker explodes in Celina’s hands immediately after she receives it from Sandra. Although Antonio initiated the chain of events and Brett contributed, their actions are more remote.

The last voluntary act that directly placed the dangerous object in the position where it caused harm was Sandra’s throw to Celina. Sandra’s action is therefore the immediate cause, even though earlier individuals may share legal responsibility in a broader causation analysis.

Option D is incorrect because Celina did not cause her own injury; she merely received the firecracker.

Option C includes Antonio and Brett, but neither was the final actor in the chain.

Therefore, the immediate cause of loss is B: Sandra.

A contract becomes voidable when one party is induced to enter it through fraudulent misrepresentation. Fraudulent misrepresentation occurs when a party knowingly makes a false statement, intending to mislead the other party, and the misled party relies on that statement when entering the contract. In this scenario, the seller knew the house had termites but intentionally misrepresented the truth when questioned by Karl. This is a deliberate falsehood, fulfilling all elements of fraud: false representation, knowledge of falsity, intent to induce reliance, actual reliance, and resulting detriment.

Undue influence involves pressure or dominance, which is not present. A mistake about assumptions only applies when both parties are mistaken in good faith about a fundamental fact—here the seller acted deliberately. Innocent misrepresentation involves an unintentional error, but the scenario explicitly describes intentional deception. Thus, the correct legal classification is fraudulent misrepresentation.

When more than one insurer covers the same property under policies with identical terms, the loss is often shared according to the proportion of insurance each company provides. This is commonly referred to as contribution “pro rata by limits.”

First, determine the total amount of insurance:

Insurer X: $400,000

Insurer Y: $100,000

Total insurance: $500,000

Next, determine each insurer’s percentage of the total:

Insurer X: 400,000 ÷ 500,000 = 80%

Insurer Y: 100,000 ÷ 500,000 = 20%

The total loss is $100,000, so each insurer pays its proportion of the loss:

Insurer X: 80% × $100,000 = $80,000

Insurer Y: 20% × $100,000 = $20,000

There is no deductible to adjust these amounts. Thus, Insurer X pays $80,000 and Insurer Y pays $20,000, making Option C correct.

Liability insurance arises because individuals and businesses have legal obligations not to cause bodily injury or property damage to others. When someone is negligent, the law allows the injured party to seek compensation. These legal obligations can be substantial and financially devastating. Liability insurance provides protection by transferring the financial burden of compensating others to an insurer. It ensures that the insured can meet their legal responsibilities and that injured third parties receive compensation.

Option A is incorrect because liability insurance is not for protecting oneself from personal risk—it protects against obligations to others. Option C refers to social norms, which may influence behavior but do not impose enforceable financial duties. Option D refers to ethics, but ethical feelings alone do not create legal liability.

The key reason liability insurance exists is the legal requirement to compensate others when negligent, making B the correct answer.

Pollution exposures—especially from oil refinery operations—arehigh-severity, high-complexity risks. Standard property and liability policiestypically exclude pollution, except for sudden and accidental events. Pollution arising from new drilling methods is considered aspecialized environmental liabilityand often requirescustomized financial transfer mechanisms.

Anon-insurance loss-financing transfer agreement(also called a contractual risk transfer or financial risk transfer mechanism) allows the company to shift the financial consequences of pollution losses to another entity or through non-traditional insurance structures (e.g., environmental impairment liability contracts, captive agreements, or specialized financial instruments). This is the most appropriate and realistic way to transfer complex pollution exposures.

Option A (retain the risk) is unsafe due to catastrophic loss potential.

Option B (surety bond) guarantees performance, not pollution losses.

Option D is incorrect because standard policiesdo not coverthis exposure.

Thus the best option isC.

A commercial property floater is designed for businesses that regularly transport goods, equipment, or samples away from their main premises. In this case, MacMan Inc.’s traveling sales staff carry product samples across Canada. These samples are considered business property, not personal property. Therefore, they must be insured under a commercial floater, which provides coverage regardless of location—hotel rooms, vehicles, trade shows, or customer visits.

Option C, personal property floater, applies toindividualproperty such as jewelry, fine arts, or sporting goods, not business merchandise. Option A, aviation insurance, is irrelevant unless aircraft are owned or used by the business for transport. Option B, accident insurance, covers personal injuries, not physical property.

Because the exposure involves business-owned goods off-premises, the correct coverage is the commercial property floater. It ensures protection against theft, loss, or damage while the goods are in the custody of traveling employees.

In insurance law, the insurer bears the burden of proving that the insured failed to disclose a material fact. Material facts are those that would influence an underwriter’s decision to accept, rate, or decline the risk. If an insurer alleges concealment or misrepresentation, the onus lies with the insurer to establish—through underwriting evidence, policy documentation, and testimony—that the fact was material and that nondisclosure affected the insurer’s judgment.

Option A is incorrect because the broker is merely an intermediary. Option C is not correct because the insured’s role is to answer questions truthfully, but the legal burden of proof in court rests with the insurer when making the accusation. Option D, a third party, has no role in proving concealment.

Therefore, the insurer must satisfy the court that a material concealment occurred, making B correct.

A company chooses provincial incorporation when it intends to operate only within that specific province. This minimizes regulatory complexity because only the provincial Superintendent of Insurance regulates its operations. If Maritime Insurance plans to conduct business exclusively in Nova Scotia, incorporation under the Nova Scotia Insurance Act is simpler, less expensive, and avoids federal-level compliance requirements.

Option A is incorrect because capitalization is required under both federal and provincial laws. Option C may create confusion about naming conflicts, but name disputes do not determine the appropriate jurisdiction of incorporation. Option D is incorrect because selling insurance nationally requires federal licensing; a provincially incorporated insurer cannot operate beyond its home province unless licensed separately in each province—an inefficient approach.

Thus, the insurer would choose Nova Scotia incorporation only if it intends to operate solely within Nova Scotia, making B correct.

When an organization chooses to handle losses throughborrowing, it is using debt financing—usually a bank loan or line of credit—to pay for losses instead of transferring the risk through insurance. While this may offer flexibility, it has several drawbacks. The most significant is that borrowingreduces the company’s available line of credit, limiting funds that could otherwise be used for operations, expansion, or emergencies.

This reduction in liquidity can create financial strain, especially if multiple losses occur or if interest rates rise. Borrowing also increases debt obligations, which can affect cash flow and borrowing capacity.

Option A is incorrect; special accounting is not necessarily required beyond standard debt tracking.

Option C is not inherently a disadvantage—senior management involvement is routine in risk management.

Option D is incorrect; the difficulty of borrowing is determined by creditworthiness, not by the presence of assets.

Thus,Bis the correct disadvantage.

A cover holder is a business entity authorized by an insurer—most often within the Lloyd’s structure—to bind coverage, issue policies, collect premiums, and sometimes handle claims for specific lines of business. This authority is granted through a binding authority agreement, which outlines the scope of operations, underwriting limits, and compliance requirements. Cover holders extend the market reach of insurers while maintaining oversight through strict reporting and audit mechanisms.

A reinsurer assumes risk from insurers but does not issue retail policies or bind coverage for individual clients. A factory mutual is a specialized mutual insurer focusing on highly protected risks, not delegated binding authority. A syndicate mutual is not a recognized category in Canadian P&C operations. Since only a cover holder has formal delegated binding authority from an insurer, the correct answer is B.

Post-loss objectives focus on how an organization continues functioningafter a loss has occurred. One of the most important objectives ismaintaining stable earnings. Even after a major loss event—such as fire, equipment breakdown, or business interruption—the organization aims to minimize financial volatility and continue operating with predictable revenue. Insurance and effective recovery planning help achieve this stability.

Option A (peace of mind) is apre-losspsychological benefit. Option C (internal obligations) is vague and not defined as a post-loss risk management goal. Option D (external development) relates to business growth, which is unrelated to loss response.

Therefore, the recognized post-loss objective isB: Stable earnings.

An oral binder is a legally recognized temporary contract that provides immediate insurance coverage before a written policy is issued. While oral binders are valid in all Canadian provinces, their reliability depends entirely on whether the intermediary actually has binding authority from the insurer. If the broker or agent who gives the oral binder doesnothave the authority to commit the insurer, then the binder may not be valid, and coverage may not exist. This makes lack of authority the primary risk associated with oral binders.

Option A is incorrect—oral binders are legal across Canada.

Option B is incorrect—a binder cannot override policy warranties; it simply provides temporary coverage.

Option C is unrelated; privacy documentation is not what makes a binder valid or invalid.

Thus, the key problem is that the intermediary may not have binding authority, making D the correct answer.

In Canadian insurance law,statutory conditionsapply differently depending on the class of insurance:

Fire insurance policiescontainStatutory Conditionsunder provincial Insurance Acts.

Accident & sickness policiescontainStatutory Conditionsspecific to health and travel insurance.

Automobile insuranceincludesStatutory ConditionsorGeneral Conditions(depending on the province).

The table shown in your image lists headings:

A: Rights of examination,B: Action,C: Prohibited use by insured.

These correspond directly to statutory condition categories found infire insuranceandaccident & sickness insurance, not automobile.

The correct ordering is:

A = Fire,B = Accident & Sickness,C = Automobile.

This matches optionB.

Purchasing insurance that covers customers’ goods in transit enhances the company’s ability toattract more clients, which is referred to asgreater acquisition potential. Clients feel more confident choosing a mover that offers protection for their belongings, especially when transporting high-value items. This competitive advantage increases business opportunities and strengthens the company’s reputation.

Option B—“feeling of security”—is a benefit but applies to theinsured party, not the business’s competitive positioning. Option C is incorrect because purchasing insurance does not provide additional capital; it is a business cost. Option D (subscription policies) has no connection to transit insurance.

Therefore, the most direct business benefit for the moving company isA: Greater acquisition potential.