MODULE 43: Microinsurance
Core Module Issues:
• It is wrongful to offer “microinsurance” at prices that are not even close
to the costs of providing the service?
• Should companies be required to give consumers more information
about microinsurance?
Module Teaching Notes
Although the term “microinsurance” is one that I made up, students will be familiar with this practice. Almost
anytime one makes a purchase of any size, stores offer extended warranties, service plans, and the like.
In many cases, these policies are enormous cash cows for retailers – they pay out FAR less than they take
in from customers – and this explains why there are often pushed by sales staff aggressively.
You might give a specific example from your own experience, or ask the students to give a few of their own.
The scenario lays out a specific “numbers–based” example, and we made it into a video clip (in which, I
think, the actors did a particularly nice job).
If you like, after rolling the clip, work through the example on the board to show how profitable it is for the
store.
Afterwards, ask the five questions.
Discussion Points for Scenario Questions
1. In this scenario, the store sells a service plan for about $100 on a $900 HDTV. On average, it
pays out $20 for actual service and replacements and keeps an average of $80. Is the $100 price
appropriate?
A. YES – SHOULD THEY AT LEAST GIVE CUSTOMERS INFORMATION
ABOUT THE ODDS OF ACTUALLY HAVING A CLAIM, OR THE AMOUNTS
THE PLANS ACTUALLY PAY OUT ON AVERAGE?
2. Building on the example in the first question, what is the highest charge that would be
appropriate? (Circle your answer.)
$21 — $40 — $60 — $80 — $100 — $125 — $150 — $200 — $250 — As Much as
People will Pay
3. Is Alan’s statement to Customer 1 ethical?
A. YES – IS IT LECAUSE IT WAS TRUTHFUL? IS HE ALWAYS BEHAVING
ACCEPTABLE IF HE MAKES TRUTHFUL STATEMENTS?
4. Is Alan’s statement to Customer 2 ethical?
A. YES – EVEN THOUGH THE PROBLEM IS A REAL LONG SHOT?
5. Is Alan’s statement to Customer 3 ethical?
A. YES – IS ANYTHING HE SAYS OK / IS IT ALWAYS UP TO THE
CUSTOMER TO BE ON HIS GUARD?