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Simple English definitions for legal terms
mutual insurance company
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A quick definition of mutual insurance company:
A mutual insurance company is a type of insurance company where the policyholders are also the owners. They pay premiums into a common fund, which is used to pay for any claims made by the policyholders. This means that the company is owned by its policyholders, not by outside shareholders. It is different from a stock insurance company, which is owned by shareholders who do not necessarily have insurance policies with the company.
A more thorough explanation:
A mutual insurance company is a type of insurance company where the policyholders are also the owners. They pay premiums into a common fund, which is used to pay out claims. This is different from a stock insurance company, which is owned by outside shareholders.
- Captive insurance company: A company that insures the liabilities of its owner. The insured is usually the sole shareholder and the only customer of the company.
- Mixed insurance company: An insurance company that has characteristics of both stock and mutual companies. It distributes part of the profits to stockholders and also makes distributions to the insureds.
- Stock insurance company: An insurance company that is operated as a private corporation and owned by stockholders who share in the company's profits and losses.
- Stock life-insurance company: A stock insurance company that does life-insurance business.
These examples illustrate the different types of insurance companies that exist. A mutual insurance company is unique because the policyholders are also the owners, which means they have a say in how the company is run. This democratic ownership and control is a fundamental characteristic of a mutual insurance company.