If risk is like a smoldering coal that may spark a fire at any moment, then insurance is our fire extinguisher.
Countries and their citizens need something to spread risk among large numbers of people and to move risk to entities that can handle it. This is how insurance emerged. Read on to learn about how insurance evolved and how it can work to protect you from being burned by risk.
King Hammurabi's Code
The main concept of insurance - that of spreading risk - has been around as long as human existence. Whether it was hunting giant elk in a group to spread the risk of being the one gored to death or shipping cargo in several different caravans to avoid losing the whole shipment to a marauding tribe, people have always been wary of risk.
The first written insurance policy appeared in ancient times on a Babylonian obelisk monument with the code of King Hammurabi carved into it. The "Hammurabi Code" was one of the first forms of written laws. These ancient laws were extreme in most respects, but it offered basic insurance in that a debtor didn't have to pay back his loans if some personal catastrophe made it impossible (disability, death, flooding, etc.).
...Continue with the History of Insurance series to learn more about the evolution of Insurance.
Source: Andrew Beattie is a managing editor and contributor at Investopedia.com.
Monday 28 February 2011
History of Insurance - Fire Insurance & Emergence of Insurance to America
Fire and Plague
In 1666, the great fire of London destroyed around 14,000 buildings. London was still recovering from the plague had that ravaged it a year earlier, and many survivors found themselves without homes. As a response to the chaos and outrage that followed the burning of London, groups of underwriters who had dealt exclusively in marine insurance formed insurance companies that offered fire insurance. Armed with Pascal's triangle, these companies quickly expanded their range of business. By 1693, the first mortality table was created using Pascal's triangle and life insurance soon followed.
The Slow Exodus to America
Insurance companies thrived in Europe, especially after the industrial revolution. In America, the story was very different. Colonists' lives were fraught with dangers that no insurance company would touch. As a result of lack food, wars with indigenous people and disease, almost three out of every four colonists died in the first 40 years of settlement. It took more than 100 years for insurance to establish itself in America. When it finally did, it brought the maturity in both practice and policies that developed during that same period of time in Europe.
Source: Andrew Beattie is a managing editor and contributor at Investopedia.com.
In 1666, the great fire of London destroyed around 14,000 buildings. London was still recovering from the plague had that ravaged it a year earlier, and many survivors found themselves without homes. As a response to the chaos and outrage that followed the burning of London, groups of underwriters who had dealt exclusively in marine insurance formed insurance companies that offered fire insurance. Armed with Pascal's triangle, these companies quickly expanded their range of business. By 1693, the first mortality table was created using Pascal's triangle and life insurance soon followed.
The Slow Exodus to America
Insurance companies thrived in Europe, especially after the industrial revolution. In America, the story was very different. Colonists' lives were fraught with dangers that no insurance company would touch. As a result of lack food, wars with indigenous people and disease, almost three out of every four colonists died in the first 40 years of settlement. It took more than 100 years for insurance to establish itself in America. When it finally did, it brought the maturity in both practice and policies that developed during that same period of time in Europe.
Source: Andrew Beattie is a managing editor and contributor at Investopedia.com.
History of Insurance - Underwriting
The practice of underwriting emerged in the same London coffeehouses that operated as the unofficial stock exchange for the British Empire. In the late 1600s, shipping was just beginning between the New World and the old as colonies were being established and exotic goods were ferried back. A coffeehouse owned by Edward Lloyd, later of Lloyd's of London, was the primary meeting place for merchants, ship owners and others seeking insurance.
A basic system for funding voyages to the new world was established. In the first stage, merchants and companies would seek funding from venture capitalists. The venture capitalists would help find people who wanted to be colonists, usually those from the more desperate areas of London, and would purchase provisions for the voyage. In exchange, the venture capitalists would be guaranteed some of the returns from the goods the colonists would produce or find in the Americas. It was widely believed that you couldn't take two left turns in America without finding a deposit of gold or other precious metals. When it turned out that this wasn't exactly true, venture capitalists still funded voyages for a share of the new bumper crop: tobacco.
After the voyage was secured by venture capitalists, the merchants and ship owners would go to Lloyd's and hand over a copy of the ship's cargo to be read to the investors and underwriters who gathered there. The people interested in taking on the risk for a set premium would sign at the bottom of the manifest beneath the figure indicating what share of the cargo they were taking responsibility for (hence, underwriting). In this way, a single voyage would have multiple underwriters, who would try to spread their risk as well by taking shares in several different voyages.
By 1654, Blaise Pascal, the Frenchman who gave us the first calculator, and his countryman Pierre de Fermat discovered a way to express probabilities and, thereby, understand levels of risk. Pascal's triangle led to the first actuary tables that were, and still are, used when calculating insurance rates. These formalized the practice of underwriting and made insurance more affordable.
Source: Andrew Beattie is a managing editor and contributor at Investopedia.com.
A basic system for funding voyages to the new world was established. In the first stage, merchants and companies would seek funding from venture capitalists. The venture capitalists would help find people who wanted to be colonists, usually those from the more desperate areas of London, and would purchase provisions for the voyage. In exchange, the venture capitalists would be guaranteed some of the returns from the goods the colonists would produce or find in the Americas. It was widely believed that you couldn't take two left turns in America without finding a deposit of gold or other precious metals. When it turned out that this wasn't exactly true, venture capitalists still funded voyages for a share of the new bumper crop: tobacco.
After the voyage was secured by venture capitalists, the merchants and ship owners would go to Lloyd's and hand over a copy of the ship's cargo to be read to the investors and underwriters who gathered there. The people interested in taking on the risk for a set premium would sign at the bottom of the manifest beneath the figure indicating what share of the cargo they were taking responsibility for (hence, underwriting). In this way, a single voyage would have multiple underwriters, who would try to spread their risk as well by taking shares in several different voyages.
By 1654, Blaise Pascal, the Frenchman who gave us the first calculator, and his countryman Pierre de Fermat discovered a way to express probabilities and, thereby, understand levels of risk. Pascal's triangle led to the first actuary tables that were, and still are, used when calculating insurance rates. These formalized the practice of underwriting and made insurance more affordable.
Source: Andrew Beattie is a managing editor and contributor at Investopedia.com.
History of Insurance - Guild Coverage
In the dark and middle ages, most craftsmen were trained through the guild system. Apprentices spent their childhoods working for masters for little or no pay. Once they became masters themselves, they paid dues to the guild and trained their own apprentices. The wealthier guilds had large coffers that acted as a type of insurance fund. If a master's practice burned down, a common occurrence in the wooden hovels of medieval Europe, the guild would rebuild it using money from its coffers. If a master were robbed, the guild would cover his obligations until money started to flow in again. If a master were suddenly disabled or killed, the guild would support him or his widow and family. This safety net encouraged more and more people to leave farming and take up trades. As a result, the amount of goods available for trade increased, as did the range of goods and services available. The style of insurance used by guilds is still around today in the form of "group coverage".
Source: Andrew Beattie is a managing editor and contributor at Investopedia.com.
Source: Andrew Beattie is a managing editor and contributor at Investopedia.com.
Wednesday 23 February 2011
I LIKE Food Contest, Only From Smart Term Life Insurance
SmartTerm.ca is giving away a $50 gift card every month to one lucky winner. It will cost you nothing to join and there are no forms or ballots to fill out.Simpy visit our FACEBOOK page, the direct link is here: www.facebook.com/pages/smarttermca/121963891191273 then become a fan of our page and LIKE it, and you are automatically entered into the contest.
Every month we’ll draw a winner out of a hat, a video that you’ll be able to see on our You Tube channel: www.YouTube.com/SmartTerm
Are you hungry? If so Visit SmartTerm.ca Today!
Monday 21 February 2011
LIFE INSURANCE BOUGHT THE BETTER WAY - Smart Term Life Insurance - FAQ - SmartTerm.ca
From our Frequently Asked Question series, here is advice on how insurance can be bought the better way.
WHY SMART TERM? - Life Insurance Ontario by Smart Term Life Insurance - FAQ - SmartTerm.ca
Why SmartTerm? We've posted this video from our Frequently Asked Questions to answer that one.
WHY TERM INSURANCE? - Life Insurance Ontario by Smart Term Life Insurance - FAQ - SmartTerm.ca
If you are asking the Frequently Asked Question we've added to our FAQ series, Why Term Insurance? Watch the video for some answers.
MORTGAGE PROTECTION WITH TERM INSURANCE - Smart Term Life Insurance - FAQ - SmartTerm.ca
Combining mortgage protection with term insurance? Find out more with this video from our Frequently Asked Questions series.
SMART TERM PLAN ADVANTAGES - Smart Term Life Insurance - FAQ - SmartTerm.ca
Let us, through this video from our Frequently Asked Questions series, tell you about SmartTerm's great plan advantages.
BUY ONLINE RISK FREE - Life Insurance Ontario by Smart Term Life Insurance - FAQ - SmartTerm.ca
Worried about buying online? Check out this video from our Frequently Asked Questions Series.
COVERAGE CHOICES - Life Insurance Ontario by Smart Term Life Insurance - FAQ - SmartTerm.ca
What is the right choice for you? Listen to our Frequently Asked Questions Series video.
PRISM PROGRAMS - Life Insurance Ontario by Smart Term Life Insurance - FAQ - SmartTerm.ca
Another Frequently Asked Questions special video series regarding our PRISM Programs and what they are about.
Thursday 17 February 2011
SmartTerm's Premier Newsletter - read about why your children should be insured!
| LOWER TERM LIFE RATES RIGHT HERE! RIGHT NOW! At SMARTTERM we strive to provide the lowest possible rates for TERM LIFE INSURANCE. We understand that people like to shop the market. SMARTTERM takes the worry out of shopping. We will provide you the lowest rates with all the companies. LOOK NO FURTHER. Our products are underwritten at time you purchase them. Unlike "creditor insurance" which are policies bought from credit card companies or banks for the purpose of Mortgage insurance. Creditor insurance is underwritten at claim. SMARTTERM can save you up to 60 % now. We offer all terms of coverage, at the lowest possible price.  SMARTTERM CARES. We offer guaranteed life coverage where you CAN'T be turned down.WE WANT YOUR BUSINESS. At SMARTTERM our clients come first. We handle your policy from start to finish. We have over 20 years of experience providing peace of mind to families. Visit Us Today: http://www.SmartTerm.ca - Or Email Us Directly at info@SmartTerm.ca  Insurance For Children? Sometimes we don’t realize just how important it IS... Read on… “I want to say thank you. A few years ago you suggested health insurance for our family as both my husband and I were self-employed. We also had a two children. We took your advice to take on Group Life and Health Insurance for our small company, and today we are grateful for this. A year ago our son was diagnosed with cancer. For most of us we believe that OHIP will carry the costs, but it’s not so. Without the extended insurance we received, we managed through. Good news is, our son is now in full remission, a cancer survivor. What we realized was the scary reality that even if he hadn’t survived there would have been the additional costs of the funeral, and so much more. These are facts we had to face during our frightful time. SMARTTERM, thank you and you were wonderful through this whole process. We are grateful that our medical expenses were covered, and we are happy that we were diligent enough to listen to all the advice you gave us! Anyone smart enough to listen, or even research the value of insurance options an advisor tells you about – it’s absolutely worth it.” Anonymous |
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Wednesday 9 February 2011
Why Is It A Smart Choice To Choose SmartTerm?
Listen to the short YouTube video below to find out why not only is SmartTerm a smart choice, but why insurance is so important. If you have any further questions, please contact SmartTerm Life Insurance today at 1-866-699-TERM (8376). Our agents will be happy to assist you.
Where Can I Find Out More About You On The Internet?
Just check out our YouTube video below to answer this question. Once you have checked us out, if you have any further questions, please contact SmartTerm Life Insurance today at 1-866-699-TERM (8376). Our agents will be happy to assist you.
Can I Buy Life Insurance Without Seeing An Advisor?
Good question. Find out the answer in our short YouTube video below from our Frequently Asked Questions Series. If you have any further questions, please contact SmartTerm Life Insurance today at 1-866-699-TERM (8376). Our agents will be happy to assist you.
What Is The Smart Term Calculator?
Find out more about this question from our Frequently Asked Questions Series in the YouTube video below. If you have any further questions, please contact SmartTerm Life Insurance today at 1-866-699-TERM (8376). Our agents will be happy to assist you.
Will You Sell My Personal Information?
Privacy is an important issue for us at SmartTerm. Watch the YouTube video to hear what we have to say about this. If you have any further questions, please contact SmartTerm Life Insurance today at 1-866-699-TERM (8376). Our agents will be happy to assist you.
Will SmartTerm Answer All My Questions?
At SmartTerm we pride ourselves in answering your questions. Listen to our short YouTube video below to find out more. If you have any further questions, please contact SmartTerm Life Insurance today at 1-866-699-TERM (8376). Our agents will be happy to assist you.
Do You Offer Independent Healthcare?
Independent and Group Health Care Benefits are a very important and key subject. Watch below as we answer this question. If you have any further questions, please contact SmartTerm Life Insurance today at 1-866-699-TERM (8376). Our agents will be happy to assist you.
Is SmartTerm Giving Away A Prize?
Listen below for the exciting answer to this question from our Frequently Asked Questions Series. It's part of our way to say thank you for your interest in our company. If you have any further questions, please contact SmartTerm Life Insurance today at 1-866-699-TERM (8376). Our agents will be happy to assist you.
Do I Need A Medical Exam?
This question is very popular so to make things easy and quick to get you the answer, as part of our Frequently Asked Question Series, below is a short video clip on YouTube for you to watch. If you have any further questions, please contact SmartTerm Life Insurance today at 1-866-699-TERM (8376). Our agents will be happy to assist you.
How do I Start The Application Process?
Find out more about how to start the application process through this short tutorial from our Frequently Asked Questions Series. If you have any further questions, please contact SmartTerm Life Insurance today at 1-866-699-TERM (8376). Our agents will be happy to assist you.
How Is SmartTerm Life Insurance Better Than The Bank?
This is a key question from our Frequently Asked Questions Series. Click on the YouTube link below to find out the answer. If you have any further questions, please contact SmartTerm Life Insurance today at 1-866-699-TERM (8376). Our agents will be happy to assist you.
What Is Life Insurance?
Wondering what Life Insurance is all about? We have a video below for you to watch, a part of our Frequently Asked Questions Series. If you have any further questions, please contact SmartTerm Life Insurance today at 1-866-699-TERM (8376). Our agents will be happy to assist you.
What Is Term Insurance?
Wondering what Term Insurance is all about? We have a video below for you to watch, a part of our Frequently Asked Questions Series. If you have any further questions, please contact SmartTerm Life Insurance today at 1-866-699-TERM (8376). Our agents will be happy to assist you.
How Long Has SmartTerm Been In Business?
SmartTerm Insurance Company has been around for over 20 years now. To find out more check out the video below, part of our series of Frequently Asked Questions. If you have any further questions, please contact SmartTerm Life Insurance today at 1-866-699-TERM (8376). Our agents will be happy to assist you.
Is Mortgage Insurance Affordable?
Frequently Asked Questions answered by our team of professional Insurance Agents at Ontario's SmartTerm Life Insurance Company. Watch the YouTube video below for a quick tutorial. If you have any further questions, please contact SmartTerm Life Insurance today at 1-866-699-TERM (8376). Our agents will be happy to assist you.
Why You Want Mortgage Insurance?
Check out the video below to find out why. The SmartTerm Insurance Company team has created these videos based on Frequently Asked Questions. Please click below for your quick tutorial. If you have any further questions, please contact SmartTerm Life Insurance today at 1-866-699-TERM (8376). Our agents will be happy to assist you.
Is Your Life Insurance Costing You Too Much?
SmartTerm Life Insurance has assembled some of our Frequently Asked Questions for you to peruse. We have recorded them for your convenience and placed them on YouTube. Please click below for a quick tutorial. If you have any further questions, please contact SmartTerm Life Insurance today at 1-866-699-TERM (8376). Our agents will be happy to assist you.
Are You Paying Too Much for Mortgage Insurance? Get 60% off!
SmartTerm Life Insurance has assembled some of our Frequently Asked Questions for you to peruse. We have recorded them for your convenience and placed them on YouTube. Please click below for a quick tutorial. If you have any further questions, please contact SmartTerm Life Insurance today at 1-866-699-TERM (8376). Our agents will be happy to assist you.
Radio Commercial For Smart Term Life Insurance
SmartTerm Life Insurance has assembled some of our Frequently Asked Questions for you to peruse, We have recorded them for your convenience and placed them on YouTube. Please click below for a quick tutorial. If you have any further questions, please contact SmartTerm Life Insurance today at 1-866-699-TERM (8376). Our agents will be happy to assist you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IZret89BeM
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