Average Clause, Work, Types, Importance

An Average Clause is a provision in an insurance policy that limits the amount of compensation a policyholder can claim in the event of a partial loss. It is commonly found in property insurance policies, particularly in cases where the value of the insured property is underinsured. The clause is used to calculate the claim amount based on the ratio of the insured value to the actual value of the property at the time of loss.

The Average Clause is designed to protect the insurer from paying out an excessive amount in claims, especially when the insured property has not been adequately valued or insured for its full replacement cost. This clause essentially ensures that the insured party shares in the loss proportionate to the degree of underinsurance.

How the Average Clause Works?

The operation of the Average Clause comes into effect when the insured amount is less than the actual value of the property at the time of the loss. The formula used to calculate the compensation in such cases is as follows:

Claim Amount = (Sum Insured / Actual Value ) × Amount of Loss

Where:

• Sum Insured: The amount of insurance the policyholder has purchased.
• Actual Value: The true value of the insured property at the time of loss.
• Amount of Loss: The total value of the damage or loss suffered by the insured.

Example of an Average Clause:

Let’s assume that a business insures its stock for ₹50,000, but the actual value of the stock at the time of a fire is ₹100,000. If the business suffers a loss of ₹30,000 due to the fire, the insurance company will apply the Average Clause to calculate the claim amount.

Using the formula:

Claim Amount = (50,000 / 100,000 ) × 30,000 = ₹15,000

Thus, the business would only receive ₹15,000 as compensation, rather than the full ₹30,000, because the policy was underinsured by 50%. The policyholder is expected to bear the remaining portion of the loss.

Types of Insurance Policies with Average Clause

• Fire Insurance

In fire insurance, the Average Clause is commonly used to avoid overcompensation when the insured property is underinsured. For example, if a building is underinsured and a fire occurs, the clause ensures that the compensation is reduced based on the ratio of the sum insured to the actual value.

• Marine Insurance

In marine insurance, the Average Clause is used to determine the indemnity for goods damaged or lost in transit. If the goods are underinsured, the clause ensures the claim is adjusted according to the ratio of insured value to actual value.

• Property Insurance

Similar to fire and marine insurance, property insurance policies often include the Average Clause to ensure that the policyholder insures the property adequately. If the insured value is lower than the actual value, the insured party bears part of the loss.

Importance of the Average Clause:

• Prevents Underinsurance

The Average Clause encourages policyholders to insure their property to its full value, thereby preventing underinsurance. Without this clause, policyholders might be tempted to underinsure their property to reduce premiums, which would result in a significant financial burden in case of loss.

• Ensures Fairness in Claim Settlements

The clause ensures that compensation is proportional to the degree of coverage purchased. If a policyholder insures an item for less than its actual value, the policyholder shares in the loss and cannot expect the insurer to cover the entire claim.

• Protects Insurers from Financial Loss

The clause is beneficial to insurers, as it reduces the likelihood of overpaying on claims when the insured property is underinsured. It also discourages policyholders from intentionally underinsuring assets and expecting full compensation in the event of a loss.

Advantages of the Average Clause:

• Fairer Compensation:

The Average Clause ensures that both parties, the insurer and the insured, share responsibility for losses proportionately, thus ensuring fairness in claims settlement.

• Promotes Adequate Coverage:

Policyholders are incentivized to insure their property at its full value, thus promoting responsible coverage and reducing the risk of large financial losses.

• Risk Management:

Insurers can better manage their risks by ensuring that policyholders bear some of the financial consequences of underinsurance.

Disadvantages of the Average Clause:

• Reduced Claims Payment:

In the event of a loss, the Average Clause can result in reduced compensation for policyholders if they have underinsured their property. This could lead to financial strain during a difficult time.

• Complexity in Claims Processing:

The application of the Average Clause can add complexity to the claims process, as insurers need to calculate the actual value of the property and compare it with the sum insured.

• Discourages Small Coverage:

Some businesses or individuals might intentionally avoid purchasing adequate coverage to save on premiums, leading to partial compensation that could leave them vulnerable financially.