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Loss Aversion And The Demand For Index Insurance

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  • Immanuel Lampe
  • Daniel Würtenberger

Abstract

This work analyzes if reference dependence and loss aversion can explainthe puzzling low adoption rates of rainfall index insurance. We present a model that predicts the impact of loss aversion on index insurance demand to vary with different levels of insurance understanding. Index insurance demand of farmers who are unaware of the loss-hedging benefit that insurance provides decreases with loss aversion. In contrast, insurance demand of farmers who are aware of the loss-hedging benefit increases with loss aversion. The model further predicts that farmers who are unaware of the loss-hedging benefit will not demand an even highly subsidized index insurance. Using data from a randomized controlled trial involving a sample of Indian farmers we provide empirical support for our core conjecture that insurance understanding mitigates the negative impact of loss aversion on index insurance adoption.

Suggested Citation

  • Immanuel Lampe & Daniel Würtenberger, 2019. "Loss Aversion And The Demand For Index Insurance," Working Papers on Finance 1907, University of St. Gallen, School of Finance.
    • Handle: RePEc:usg:sfwpfi:2019:07
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    2. Tobias Dalhaus & Barry J Barnett & Robert Finger, 2020. "Behavioral weather insurance: Applying cumulative prospect theory to agricultural insurance design under narrow framing," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(5), pages 1-25, May.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Prospect Theory; Reference Dependence; Microinsurance; Farm Household;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • G22 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Insurance; Insurance Companies; Actuarial Studies
    • Q12 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Micro Analysis of Farm Firms, Farm Households, and Farm Input Markets

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