ASSIGNED RISK Meaning and
Definition
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Assigned risk refers to a system or mechanism implemented by insurance companies to provide coverage to individuals or entities that are deemed to be high-risk and are unable to obtain insurance through the usual market channels. It is a state-mandated program and acts as a safety net for those who cannot acquire coverage based on their existing risks.
Typically, insurance carriers are at liberty to select their clients based on various factors such as the client's risk profile, claims history, and overall financial stability. However, certain high-risk individuals or businesses may find it difficult to secure insurance coverage from private insurers due to factors such as a poor claims history, dangerous occupation, prior legal issues, or an unusual level of risk exposure. In such cases, these individuals or entities are directed towards an assigned risk pool.
The assigned risk pool is a group of individuals or businesses who are assigned to insurance companies by the state or governing authority. The insurer is then required to provide coverage to these high-risk clients, albeit at a higher premium rate than they would typically charge for clients with lower risks. This ensures that individuals or businesses considered high-risk still have access to the necessary insurance coverage they require.
Overall, assigned risk serves as a means to distribute high-risk clients across different insurance companies, preventing any one insurer from bearing disproportionate risk. It offers an opportunity for those with higher risks to obtain insurance coverage at a reasonable cost, albeit through a state-regulated mechanism.
Etymology of ASSIGNED RISK
The term "assigned risk" comes from the combination of two words: "assigned" and "risk".
1. Assigned: The word "assigned" comes from Middle English "asignen" which means "to appoint, designate, or allocate". It traces its roots back to the Old French word "assigner" with the same meaning.
2. Risk: The word "risk" comes from Middle English "risque" or "riske", which was borrowed from Old French "risque". Old French had borrowed it from Italian "riscio", which was derived from Arabic "risq" meaning "to expose to danger".
Together, "assigned risk" refers to a situation where a risk or liability is allocated or appointed to a particular person or entity based on a predetermined system or process.
