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Optimal Insurance: Dual Utility, Random Losses, and Adverse Selection

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  • Alex Gershkov
  • Benny Moldovanu
  • Philipp Strack
  • Mengxi Zhang

Abstract

We study a generalization of the classical monopoly insurance problem under adverse selection (see Stiglitz 1977) where we allow for a random distribution of losses, possibly correlated with the agent's risk parameter that is private information. Our model explains patterns of observed customer behavior and predicts insurance contracts most often observed in practice: these consist of menus of several deductible-premium pairs or menus of insurance with coverage limits–premium pairs. A main departure from the classical insurance literature is obtained here by endowing the agents with risk-averse preferences that can be represented by a dual utility functional (Yaari 1987).

Suggested Citation

  • Alex Gershkov & Benny Moldovanu & Philipp Strack & Mengxi Zhang, 2023. "Optimal Insurance: Dual Utility, Random Losses, and Adverse Selection," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 113(10), pages 2581-2614, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aecrev:v:113:y:2023:i:10:p:2581-2614
    DOI: 10.1257/aer.20221247
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jia, Jianmin & Dyer, James S & Butler, John C, 2001. "Generalized Disappointment Models," Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, Springer, vol. 22(1), pages 59-78, January.
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    3. Cerreia-Vioglio, Simone & Dillenberger, David & Ortoleva, Pietro, 2020. "An explicit representation for disappointment aversion and other betweenness preferences," Theoretical Economics, Econometric Society, vol. 15(4), November.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • D86 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Economics of Contract Law
    • 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

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