insurance, Microeconomics

Assignment Help:
#question.Question: Answer all parts (a, b, c, d, e & f).

Consider the following insurance market. There are two states of the world, B and G, and two types of consumers, H and L, who have probabilities pH =0.5 and pL =0.25 (high and low risk) respectively of being in state B. They have common endowment e=(eG,eB) = (£900, £100). The individuals have expected utility preferences over state-contingent consumptions c=(cG,cB), with common utility function u(ci)=ln(ci), where i=B,G. Insurance firms are risk-neutral profit maximisers and offer contracts in exchange for the individuals’ endowments.

Suppose the market is competitive.

a) Outline the definition of a competitive equilibrium of this market and explain why every contract, offered by every firm, must earn zero profit in equilibrium. [7 marks]

b) Suppose the information concerning individuals’ types is symmetric, but void. It is commonly known, however, that the proportion of low risk consumers is 0.4. Derive the equilibrium set of contracts. [5 marks]

c) Find the equilibrium set of contracts when information is symmetric and perfect. [5 marks]

Now suppose that information is asymmetric; individuals know their own type but insurance firms cannot distinguish between types. (Note: there does exist an equilibrium set of contracts for this market. You may make use of this fact without proving it).

d) Explain why it must be that, if {cH,cL} is the equilibrium set of contracts, then
cH ? cL. [4 marks]

e) Explain and derive the equilibrium contract offered to high risk individuals. [3 marks]

f) Explain and derive the equilibrium contract offered to low risk individuals. [9 marks]

Related Discussions:- insurance

Snob effect - network externalities, The Snob Effect - If network is n...

The Snob Effect - If network is negative externality, a snob effect exists. * The snob effect refers to desire to own unique or exclusive goods. * The quantity demanded o

Half-lives, How many half-lives are required for the concentration of react...

How many half-lives are required for the concentration of reactant to decrease to 1.56% of its original value?

Concept of supply, #question.using a well illustrated diagram, explain the ...

#question.using a well illustrated diagram, explain the concept of producers equilibrium .

How might governments use buffer stocks to stabilise prices, How might gove...

How might governments use buffer stocks to stabilise prices? Explain/outline a buffer stock scheme in brief as a method for government (in this case) to warehouse (stock) goods

What is deflation, What is Deflation?  Deflation in economics refers to...

What is Deflation?  Deflation in economics refers to reduce in the general price level, i.e. the nominal cost of goods and services as well as wages reduce. As, it is an opposi

Current economic climate, a) Provide a detailed valuation of an equity inve...

a) Provide a detailed valuation of an equity investment decision in the current economic climate. Your briefing should include: i) A review of the 'top-down' analysis that led

Demand pull inflation, Demand Pull Inflation: It describes a sustaine...

Demand Pull Inflation: It describes a sustained increase in the general price level that is caused by a permanent increase in nominal aggregate demand. Simply, is can be view

Dividends, Dividends:Several companies pay a cash dividend (annually orquar...

Dividends:Several companies pay a cash dividend (annually orquarterly) to the owners of its shares. This is an enticement to investors to buy that company's shares and signifies a

What is framework in the modern economics, What is framework in the Modern ...

What is framework in the Modern Economics? Framework in the Modern Economics: The framework is a framework which uses to deal along with daily activities and is utilized to

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd