How do Reciprocal Insurers handle costs of claims?

Reciprocal insurers operate on the principle of mutual insurance, where policyholders are both the insured and the insurer. In this model, the costs of claims are not borne by each individual member in isolation; instead, they are shared among all members of the reciprocal group. This collective sharing allows for the risks associated with claims to be pooled, meaning that when one member incurs a loss, the financial burden is distributed across all members of the group.

This method promotes a sense of communal responsibility and can help stabilize premiums because the overall costs are divided among the group, leading to more predictable expenses over time. Thus, the corporate structure and operational principles of reciprocal insurers inherently encourage collaboration and shared financial responsibility when it comes to claims.