IIC C11 - Principles and Practice of Insurance

The Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) is a research-based organization supported by the Canadian property and casualty insurance industry. Its mission is to reduce the loss of life and property caused by natural hazards by promoting scientifically grounded mitigation strategies. One of its central goals is to encourage the development of resilient buildings and communities by advocating for improved building codes, retrofitting standards, and construction methods that reduce vulnerability to severe weather events such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and earthquakes.

Options A and B do not reflect the ICLR's mandate; the organization does not focus on personal weather prediction or creating mandatory evacuation procedures. Option C describes a risk-financing mechanism, not risk reduction. ICLR’s true focus is loss prevention and mitigation, specifically through cost-effective, research-supported construction and community planning measures. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

One of the fundamental principles of insurance rating is that thepremium charged must accurately reflect the level of riskbeing insured. This principle ensures fairness and financial stability: individuals or businesses presenting a higher probability of loss or greater potential severity must payhigher premiums, while lower-risk policyholders pay less. This is essential because insurers must collect sufficient funds to cover expected claims, expenses, and maintain solvency.

Option B describes the pooling of funds, which is part of how insurance works but does not address how premiums are determined.

Option C relates to the general purpose of insurance, not premium adequacy.

Option D loosely refers to indemnification, not rating methodology.

Therefore, the only statement that accurately reflects the idea that premiums must be commensurate with the risk isA.

The Canadian property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry employs a range of specialized professionals who support the underwriting, claims, regulatory, and legal functions necessary for insurance operations. Lawyers are commonly employed directly by insurers to provide advice on policy interpretation, defend claims litigation, ensure regulatory compliance, draft contracts, and handle disputes. They play a crucial role in the claims process, particularly for liability claims and complex legal matters.

Mechanics, travel agents, and health professionals are not directly employed by the P&C insurance industry. Mechanics may work with insurers as third-party repair facilities, but they are not typically employees. Travel agents relate to travel services, not insurance employment. Health professionals may support life and health insurers or provide assessments for claims, but they are not ordinarily employed in theproperty and casualtysector. Therefore, the correct answer is A: Lawyer.

Amanuscript wordingis a policy or endorsement crafted specifically for an individual client or an unusual risk exposure. It iscustom-writtenand negotiated between the insurer and the insured (or their broker). These wordings are used when standard forms do not adequately describe or protect a particular exposure, usually for large commercial clients, unique operations, or highly specialized risks.

Option A refers tostandardwordings, which are pre-written, commonly used forms approved by insurers or industry bodies.

Option B (chattel) refers to movable personal property, not policy wording.

Option C (treaty) refers to reinsurance agreements between insurers and reinsurers, not client-facing policy forms.

Therefore, the only option describing a custom-written policy wording isD: Manuscript.

Mirroringis a communication technique used to build rapport by subtly matching another person’s body language, tone, gestures, or pace of speech. It is widely used in sales, client consultations, and negotiations. When done professionally and subtly, mirroring helps clients feel understood and creates psychological comfort, making it easier to discuss needs and gather accurate underwriting information.

Option B, copycatting, implies obvious or exaggerated imitation and is not a recognized professional communication method. Option C, transparency, refers to openness and honesty, not physical or behavioural alignment. Option D, open listening, is active listening—important, but unrelated to mirroring physical actions.

Since Patrice is deliberatelyperforming similar actionsto his client, he is engaging inmirroring, makingAthe correct answer.

The agency or production department within an insurance company is responsible for generating new business, managing distribution channels, working with brokers and agents, and promoting the insurer’s products. These functions align directly with sales and marketing departments found in other industries. Their goals include increasing premium volume, maintaining relationships with intermediaries, and ensuring the insurer’s products reach the marketplace effectively.

Option B is incorrect because finance and production refer to cost control and manufacturing, neither of which parallels insurance distribution. Option C does not align because administration and HR handle internal operations, not customer acquisition. Option D deals with internal systems and support functions, unrelated to the business-production role of generating and selling insurance.

Therefore, the insurer’s agency or production department corresponds to A: Sales and marketing.

OSFI regulates federally incorporated insurers to ensure they remain solvent and financially stable so they can pay claims. One of the key regulatory tools is restricting or monitoring insurers’ investment portfolios. By controlling the types of investments insurers may purchase, OSFI aims to reduce exposure to excessive investment risks, ensuring that insurers do not jeopardize policyholder funds through speculative or volatile investments.

Option A is incorrect—OSFI’s mandate is consumer protection, not profit maximization.

Option B is incorrect because indemnification amounts depend on claims, not investment rules.

Option C is incorrect—while returns are important, OSFI’s priority is safety, not maximizing yield.

Thus, the correct purpose is D: minimizing insurers' investment loss exposures to protect policyholders and maintain financial stability.

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.

Apro rata cancellationoccurs when an insurer cancels a policy or when the insured cancelswithout penalty, and the insurer refunds thefullunexpired portion of the premium. The refund is calculated strictly based on time remaining in the policy period. No service charges, cancellation penalties, or retained percentages apply.

This is different fromshort rate cancellation, where a penalty is applied when the insured cancels voluntarily.

“Total rate,” “fully fixed,” and “non-adjusted rate” are not recognized forms of cancellation methods.

Thus, refunding the entire unused premium confirms the cancellation ispro rata.