C11 Questions and Answers

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.

In insurance terminology, aspeculative riskis a situation where there is a possibility of either financial gain or financial loss, depending on how events unfold. This is what makes it different from apure risk, where the only possible outcomes are loss or no loss (but never a profit). Examples of speculative risk include investing in the stock market, starting a business, or buying foreign currency. In each of these situations, you may end up with a profit, break even, or suffer a loss.

Because speculative risks involve the potential for profit, they are generally not insurable. Insurance is designed to respond to pure risks, such as the risk of fire damaging a building, or a car accident causing injury or property damage. In those cases, there is no opportunity for financial gain from the event itself—only the chance of economic loss or no loss at all.

Therefore, the defining characteristic of speculative risk, and the correct answer to this question, is the possibility of either gain or loss, which is captured by option D.

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.

Brokers hold client premiums in trust accounts, separate from operating funds. This is a legal requirement under provincial insurance legislation. Trust funds belong to insurers (or insureds) until properly remitted. If TOY Insurance Brokers used trust funds to pay their own expenses, they violated both fiduciary duty and regulatory obligations. This constitutes serious professional misconduct and is one of the most common and serious reasons for immediate termination of a broker contract—often accompanied by regulatory investigation or license suspension.

Option A would not justify termination because service standards should be defined by the insurer, not the broker. Option B reflects good insurer practice and is unrelated to termination. Option C is incorrect because brokers do not remit commissions to insurers—insurers pay commissions to brokers.

Therefore, the only correct answer is D: failure to maintain premiums in a trust account.

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.

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.

Risk mitigation refers to reducing the frequency or severity of potential losses. A first-time homeowner can mitigate risk by taking proactive measures such as installing smoke alarms, securing doors and windows, maintaining the property, or eliminating hazards. These actions directly decrease the homeowner’s volume of risk by reducing the probability of a loss or limiting its potential impact.

Option A—purchasing insurance—is not risk mitigation; it is risk transfer, where the financial consequences of loss are shifted to an insurer. Insurance does not reduce the likelihood of loss; it only provides compensation after loss.

Option B is the opposite of mitigation.

Option D is irrelevant to risk management.

Thus, the correct answer is C: Decrease their volume of risk.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation (150–250 words):

Amortgage clauseis a specialized provision within property insurance policies that protects the financial interest of amortgagee—typically a bank or lending institution—when real property is used as collateral for a loan. Under thePrinciples and Practice of Insurance, this clause creates aseparate contract of insurancebetween the mortgagee and the insurer. This is critical because it ensures that the mortgagee’s protection remains intact even if the insured violates policy conditions (such as failing to maintain the property or committing fraud).

This clause ensures that any loss settlement will first satisfy the mortgagee’s insurable interest before any residual payment goes to the property owner. It also obligates the insurer to notify the mortgagee of policy cancellation or material changes, providing the lender an opportunity to take protective measures, such as force-placed insurance.

The mortgage clause is distinct from other clauses: abailee clauserelates to property held by others for repair or cleaning, alienholder clauseis used for movable property like automobiles, and anadditional interest clauseoffers limited notice but not the full contractual protection afforded to a mortgagee. Thus, the correct and most protective clause for real property isB. Mortgage clause.

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.

Interim covers—also called binders or cover notes—are legal proof of temporary coverage. Because they function as contracts, any additional terms the insurer wishes to impose must be clearly written and communicated to the insured at the time coverage is bound. Courts consistently require that policy terms be in writing to be enforceable, especially when modifying or restricting standard coverage.

Option B is incorrect because verbal instructions can lead to disputes and are not enforceable under contract law or statutory requirements. Option C is incorrect because statutory conditions apply automatically but do not add insurer-specific terms. Option D is unrelated—interim covers exist precisely to provide immediate insurance before the policy is issued.

Therefore, if the insurer wants additional conditions or limitations to apply, they must be set down in writing as part of the interim contract, making A the correct answer.

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.

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 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.

The Canadian Insurance Claims Managers Association (CICMA) is a professional body composed of senior claims managers across the Canadian insurance industry. Its principal purpose is to promote high ethical standards, professionalism, fairness, and integrity in claims handling. CICMA supports education, networking, and the sharing of best practices to ensure consistency and ethical conduct across insurers.

Option A is incorrect because CICMA does not evaluate or adjudicate claims; individual insurers and provincial accident benefit systems handle those tasks. Option B is incorrect because fraud detection is handled by insurers and sometimes by the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). Option C is unrelated—vehicle damageability research is conducted by organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or similar bodies.

CICMA’s work emphasizes ethics, professional development, and claims leadership, which align directly with option D.

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.

In the structure of reinsurance practices explained inPrinciples and Practice of Insurance, aretrocessionaireis the reinsurer that accepts risk from another reinsurer. This occurs through a process calledretrocession, where a reinsurer (the retrocedent) transfers a portion of its assumed risk to another reinsurer to further spread exposure and maintain solvency stability.

The terminology is important:

Theprimary insurerissues the original policy to the insured.

Thereinsurer(cessionaire) accepts risk from the primary insurer.

When that reinsurer then cedes part of the risk again, the receiving party is theretrocessionaire.

Retrocession is essential in risk-management frameworks because it allows reinsurers to diversify exposures and avoid concentration risks from catastrophic events. Therefore, the correct term for the second reinsurer isC. Retrocessionaire.

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 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.

Chattelrefers tomovable personal property(as opposed to real property/land). Insurance policies that cover chattels protect items such as furniture, machinery, mobile homes, and other movable property.

Amobile homeis specifically recognized as chattel because it is transportable and not permanently affixed to land. Therefore, a mobile home qualifies for chattel insurance coverage.

Option A is atravel insurancerisk.

Option C is anevent prize indemnity risk, not related to chattel.

Option D isprofessional liability(errors & omissions), which covers negligence, not movable property.

Thus, the risk insurable under chattel coverage is amobile home, makingBthe correct choice.

Pre-loss objectives in risk management are goals an organization aims to achievebeforeany loss occurs. These objectives focus on minimizing the frequency and severity of losses, ensuring preparedness, and maintaining organizational functionality.

Operational continuityis a key pre-loss objective because it emphasizes having systems, controls, and procedures in place to ensure that operations run smoothly—even when risk exposures are present. This includes safety programs, maintenance schedules, compliance measures, and contingency planning. Operational continuity ensures the business can withstand or avoid disruptions.

Option A (external obligations) is vague and not formally defined as a risk management objective.

Option B (sustained growth) and D (business development) arebusiness goals, not pre-loss risk management objectives.

Thus, the correct answer isC: Operational continuity.

In pro rata (proportional) reinsurance, the reinsurer assumes a fixed percentage of both the risk and the premium, and in return pays the same percentage of any losses. Here, the insurer cedes 25% of the risk to the reinsurer. Therefore, the reinsurer must contribute 25% of any loss that occurs on that policy.

The loss amount is $100,000.

Reinsurer’s share = 25% × $100,000 = $25,000.

The insurer retains the remaining 75%, or $75,000. Proportional reinsurance helps insurers manage exposure by sharing both costs and losses. Options B, C, and D do not correctly reflect proportional-sharing principles. The reinsurer does not pay the full loss; it only pays its agreed percentage.

Thus, the correct answer is A: $25,000.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

The principle of insurable interest is fundamental to insurance contracts and is essential for the validity of an insurance policy. Insurable interest exists when the insured stands to suffer a financial loss if the insured property is damaged, destroyed, or if the insured person is injured or dies. This principle ensures that insurance contracts are not used for speculation or gambling, which would be contrary to the purpose of insurance.

According to established insurance principles reflected in the Insurance Institute of Canada’s Principles and Practice of Insurance, insurable interest must exist at the time of loss for property and liability insurance. For life insurance, insurable interest must exist at the time the policy is taken out. Without insurable interest, an insured would have no legitimate reason to purchase insurance, and the policy could be declared void.

For example, a homeowner has an insurable interest in their house because they would suffer a financial loss if it were damaged by fire. Similarly, a business has an insurable interest in its inventory and equipment. In contrast, a person cannot insure a stranger’s property because they would not experience a financial loss if that property were damaged.

This principle protects insurers from moral hazard and ensures that insurance remains a mechanism for risk transfer and financial protection, rather than a means of profit. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Insurable interest.

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.

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.

A hazard is a condition that increases the likelihood or severity of a loss. Installing anti-slip flooring reduces the chance of slips and falls, thereby reducing a hazard. This is an example of loss prevention—altering physical conditions to make an environment safer.

Option B increases danger because high beams on a busy highway can blind other drivers. Option C significantly increases fire hazard because sprinkler systems provide automatic fire suppression. Option D exposes items to damage during transit, increasing rather than decreasing hazard.

Therefore, the only option that clearly reduces a hazard is A: installing anti-slip floor tile.