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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.

Insurance claims are formal requests made by policyholders to their insurance providers seeking compensation for losses or damages covered under their insurance policy. The process involves the policyholder notifying the insurer about the incident, followed by the insurer verifying the claim, assessing the damages, and determining the compensation amount in accordance with the policy terms.

Claims can arise from various types of insurance, such as life, health, motor, property, or marine insurance. For instance, a motor insurance claim might be filed for car repairs after an accident, while a health insurance claim could cover medical expenses.

The claims process typically includes steps such as documentation submission, inspection, and settlement. Key documents include claim forms, evidence of loss (e.g., bills or photos), and policy details. Depending on the nature of the insurance, insurers may also appoint surveyors or adjusters to evaluate the loss.

Timely and accurate claim processing is crucial for both the insurer and the insured. For policyholders, it ensures financial recovery, while for insurers, it builds trust and enhances their reputation. Understanding the claim procedures and adhering to policy terms can significantly ease the process for all parties involved.

Need of Insurance Claims:

Insurance claims are an essential component of risk management, providing financial support and ensuring stability for individuals and businesses in times of need.

• Financial Protection

Insurance claims offer financial compensation for losses or damages, helping policyholders recover from unexpected incidents like accidents, theft, or natural disasters. This ensures individuals and businesses can continue their operations or maintain their standard of living without significant disruptions.

• Risk Mitigation

Claims act as a safety net by transferring financial risks from the insured to the insurer. By providing compensation, claims reduce the financial burden arising from unforeseen events, making it easier for policyholders to manage their risks effectively.

• Business Continuity

For businesses, insurance claims ensure continuity by covering operational disruptions. Claims for property damage, liability, or loss of income help businesses resume operations promptly, minimizing long-term losses.

• Medical Expense Coverage

Health insurance claims address the growing costs of medical treatments. They enable policyholders to access quality healthcare without worrying about financial strain, covering hospitalization, surgeries, and post-treatment expenses.

• Legal and Liability Protection

Insurance claims provide protection against third-party liabilities. For example, motor insurance covers third-party damages in accidents, while professional liability insurance shields businesses from lawsuits or claims arising from professional errors.

• Peace of Mind

Knowing that insurance claims can provide financial support in emergencies fosters a sense of security. Individuals and businesses can focus on their goals without the constant fear of financial losses from unforeseen events.

• Compliance with Legal Requirements

Certain insurances, such as motor insurance, are legally mandatory. Claims under such policies ensure adherence to legal obligations and prevent penalties or legal complications.

• Economic Stability

Insurance claims play a vital role in stabilizing the economy by redistributing financial losses. They ensure that individuals and businesses recover quickly, reducing the impact of large-scale losses on economic activities.

Components of Insurance Claims:

An insurance claim involves several components that work together to ensure the proper evaluation, processing, and settlement of the claim. These components ensure clarity and fairness for both the insurer and the policyholder.

1. Policyholder Details

• Includes the insured person or entity’s name, contact information, and policy number.
• This helps the insurer identify the policy and verify eligibility for the claim.

2. Incident Description

• A detailed account of the event or circumstances that led to the loss or damage.
• Includes information like the date, time, location, and cause of the incident.

3. Policy Coverage

• Outlines the terms, conditions, and coverage limits of the insurance policy.
• Determines whether the event or loss is covered under the policy’s scope.

4. Claim Form

• A formal document submitted by the policyholder to initiate the claims process.
• Contains key details such as the nature of the claim, estimated loss amount, and supporting evidence.

5. Supporting Documentation

• Includes receipts, bills, medical reports, police reports, photographs, or other evidence of the loss.
• These documents help validate the claim and quantify the loss.

6. Surveyor or Adjuster’s Report

• A professional appointed by the insurer to inspect and evaluate the loss or damage.
• The report provides an objective assessment of the claim’s validity and the compensation amount.

7. Claim Assessment

• Involves the insurer reviewing the claim and supporting documents.
• Determines the extent of the liability based on the policy terms and conditions.

8. Settlement Amount

• The amount determined by the insurer as compensation for the insured loss.
• Factors such as deductibles, co-payments, and depreciation may impact the final amount.

9. Claim Settlement Process

• Includes the approval or rejection of the claim by the insurer.
• If approved, the settlement amount is disbursed to the policyholder or relevant parties (e.g., hospitals or repair services).

10. Dispute Resolution (if applicable)

If disagreements arise, a process for resolving disputes may be initiated through mediation, arbitration, or legal action.

Abnormal Items refer to costs, expenses, or income that arise from events or transactions that are not typical for the business. These items are unusual and infrequent in nature and are not expected to happen regularly. For instance, a company may incur an unexpected loss due to the destruction of property caused by a natural disaster or record income from the sale of a one-time asset. Abnormal items could be:

• Losses from natural disasters, fires, or accidents.
• Gains from the sale of fixed assets.
• Income from the settlement of legal disputes or penalties.
• Restructuring or retrenchment costs.
• Write-offs related to inventory or receivables.

These items are distinguished from regular income or expenses, as they are not part of the company’s core operations.

Classification of Abnormal Items

In financial accounting, abnormal items are typically classified under extraordinary items, which were historically treated as a separate line item in financial statements. However, with the introduction of newer accounting standards (e.g., IFRS and GAAP), the classification and presentation of abnormal items have evolved.

a. Extraordinary Items

These are items that are both unusual in nature and infrequent in occurrence. Extraordinary items have a material impact on the financial statements but are clearly distinguishable from normal business operations. For example, a company might record a gain from the sale of an asset that it doesn’t typically deal with.

b. Non-Recurring Items

These are items that are unusual but may not meet the criteria of being “extraordinary” as per accounting standards. Non-recurring items are those that do not typically arise in the normal course of business but are not as exceptional as extraordinary items. Examples include one-time impairment losses, gains from the sale of investments, or legal settlements.

Treatment of Abnormal Items Under Accounting Standards

• International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)

Under IFRS, abnormal items should not be classified as extraordinary items. The IFRS requires that unusual and infrequent items be disclosed separately on the income statement, typically as a part of operating income or other income, depending on their nature. The emphasis is on transparency and providing users of the financial statements with relevant information about the effect of these items on the company’s performance.

The key point under IFRS is that abnormal items should be disclosed separately and should not distort the company’s regular operating income.

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

Under GAAP, abnormal items are classified similarly to IFRS. Extraordinary items were once presented separately on the income statement, but now GAAP mandates that they be included within regular income or expense categories, with appropriate disclosure in the notes. Items such as gains or losses from the sale of assets, impairments, and provisions for litigation should be reported separately, as they are not part of normal business operations.

Disclosures and Presentation of Abnormal Items

Proper disclosure of abnormal items is important for accurate financial reporting. Financial statements must clearly separate normal operational income and expenses from those that are abnormal or non-recurring. This allows investors, analysts, and other stakeholders to assess the ongoing financial performance of the company, excluding unusual or exceptional items that do not reflect the company’s usual operations.

Typically, the treatment of abnormal items:

• Separate Line Item:

Abnormal items should be presented as a separate line item on the income statement or in the notes to the financial statements. This ensures that users can distinguish them from the usual operating results.

• Description of the Item:

The company should provide a clear explanation of the nature of the abnormal item, including the cause and any related information such as the date or event that led to the item. This helps users understand why it is treated as abnormal.

• Impact on Financial Results:

It is important to quantify the impact of the abnormal item on the financial results, including the amount involved and how it affects profit or loss.

Accounting for Abnormal Items:

Abnormal items should be recorded based on the principle of accrual accounting, meaning the company should recognize them in the period when they occur, regardless of when the cash flows are received or paid.

• Recognition of Losses:

Abnormal losses should be recognized in the income statement when the event leading to the loss occurs, even if payment or settlement happens later. For example, a fire may cause damage to assets, and the loss should be recorded in the period of the fire, even if repairs or insurance claims are settled in a future period.

• Recognition of Gains:

Similarly, any abnormal gains should be recorded when they are realized, even if the event causing the gain happened in a prior period. If the company sells a property that is outside its regular operations, the gain should be recognized at the time of the sale.

Implications of Abnormal Items on Financial Statements:

The treatment of abnormal items is crucial for ensuring accurate financial reporting. If abnormal items are not correctly accounted for, it can distort the company’s profitability and mislead stakeholders. A company with large non-recurring gains may appear more profitable than it is in reality, while abnormal losses may make a company seem less profitable than its core operations suggest.

By isolating abnormal items, financial reports provide a clearer picture of ongoing operations, helping investors make more informed decisions. It is essential for management to follow proper accounting guidelines and disclose such items in a transparent and detailed manner.

Example: Abnormal Items in the Financial Statements of XYZ Ltd.

XYZ Ltd. is a manufacturing company that produces electronic gadgets. In the financial year 2023, XYZ Ltd. encountered several unusual events:

1. Fire Incident: A fire broke out in the company’s warehouse, causing damage to inventory worth ₹50,00,000.
2. Sale of Land: The company sold a piece of non-operational land for ₹30,00,000, which was not part of its regular business activity.
3. Legal Settlement: The company received ₹10,00,000 as settlement from a legal dispute concerning patent rights.

Treatment in Financial Statements:

Income Statement (Summary):

Notes to Accounts:

1. Loss due to Fire: The company incurred a loss of ₹50,00,000 due to a fire that damaged inventory in its warehouse. This is an abnormal, non-recurring item.
2. Sale of Land: The company sold a piece of non-operational land for ₹30,00,000, resulting in a gain that is classified as an abnormal item.
3. Legal Settlement: The company received ₹10,00,000 from a legal settlement relating to a patent dispute. This gain is also considered non-recurring.

Salvage refers to the portion of damaged property or goods that can still be used, sold, or recovered after a loss incident. This could be anything from partially damaged goods that can be refurbished to entire machinery or vehicles that, despite damage, may have value in parts. Salvage helps reduce the net loss for both the insurer and the policyholder.

Role of Salvage in Insurance Claims

When an insured property is partially damaged or destroyed, salvage plays an important role in the claims process. The value of salvage is subtracted from the claim amount, which helps in determining the final settlement. The insurer usually has the right to claim salvage to offset their payout, but the handling of salvage is governed by the terms of the insurance policy.

Salvage in Fire Insurance Claims

In fire insurance, the insurance company covers the cost of the property damaged in the fire. However, after the fire, any undamaged or recoverable parts of the property are considered salvage. For example, if an electrical machine is damaged but can be repaired or its parts can be reused, the value of this salvage is deducted from the total claim settlement.

The insurer typically appoints a surveyor or loss adjuster to assess the damage and determine the salvage value. The salvage value might include:

• Physical Salvage: Items that can be recovered and reused or sold.
• Reparable Salvage: Items that are damaged but still have a market value after repairs.
• Discardable Salvage: Items that are completely destroyed and have no further use.

Salvage in Marine Insurance

In marine insurance, salvage is crucial because goods transported by sea are susceptible to various risks, including shipwrecks, accidents, and cargo damage. When a vessel or cargo is damaged, the salvage process involves retrieving the goods from the wreckage. The principle of “general average” may apply, meaning the parties involved in the cargo’s transportation might share the cost of salvage operations.

For instance, if a ship sinks and some of the cargo can be salvaged, the remaining value of the goods, after deducting salvage costs, will be paid out to the policyholder under the insurance claim.

Salvage in Motor Vehicle Insurance

Motor insurance policies also incorporate salvage provisions. In the event of a vehicle accident, the insurer may compensate the policyholder for the loss. However, if the vehicle is not entirely destroyed, any salvageable parts, such as the engine, tires, or body panels, will be deducted from the total claim payout.

Salvage from motor vehicle insurance claims can be auctioned by the insurer, with the proceeds being either returned to the insurer or partially credited to the policyholder, depending on the terms of the policy.

Treatment of Salvage in Claim Calculation

The treatment of salvage can be classified into two main approaches:

• Salvage to the Insured:

In this case, the insured party retains the salvage and gets the claim amount based on the full loss, excluding the value of salvage. For example, if a building is partially damaged, and the insured can recover some materials, they can keep the salvage and the insurer compensates for the loss of the full building.

• Salvage to the Insurer:

If the insurer takes ownership of the salvage, they deduct the salvage value from the claim amount. In some cases, the insured may also be offered a settlement that includes the salvage value. For example, the insurer may pay a lower claim amount but allow the policyholder to keep the salvage if it holds enough value.

Accounting for Salvage

From an accounting perspective, salvage plays a role in calculating the final amount of loss or damage that needs to be compensated. In property insurance claims, insurers may need to consider salvage as part of the settlement process. The salvage value, once determined, is used to offset the loss. If the policyholder or insurer keeps the salvage, it may be sold to recover part of the claim amount.

In insurance accounting, the salvage value is subtracted from the loss amount in cases where the insured retains ownership of the salvage. The insurer also records any recoveries from the salvage sale as part of their loss recovery process.

Legal Aspects of Salvage

In many insurance policies, the insurer has the legal right to take possession of the salvage property. However, the insured also has rights over the salvage, especially in cases where the policy explicitly states that salvage rights are shared. If the policyholder or the insurer does not follow the salvage procedures as outlined in the policy, there could be legal disputes regarding the amount of settlement or ownership of the salvage.

Bill discounting is the fee or the ‘discount’ that a bank charges a seller of the bill in exchange of releasing the funds to him before the due date of the bill. Essentially, bill discounting is the exchange of the bill for money, either from a bank or any third party.

Present Value

To fully understand the concept of bill discounting, we need to learn about a few more important terms. One of these terms is present value (PV). Present Value is the current value of a sum of money in the future. So by discounting this future sum of money by a fixed discount rate, we arrive at its present value.

Hence, the higher the discount rate, lower the present value of the sum of money. It is an inverse proportion. Present Value indicates that an ‘x’ amount of money is worth more in the present than the same amount is in the future.

• r = rate of return
• n= number of years/periods

True Discount

This is also an important concept to learn in the discounting of bills. Now the total sum of money due at the end is known as the “Amount (A)”. The present worth or value of this sum is the PV.

The difference between the two is what we call the “True Discount (TD)”. Basically, the interest accrued on the Present Value of the sum is the True Discount. Let us learn its formula.

TD = Amount/Future Value – Present Value

Now while True Discount is the interest amount on the Present Value, there is another term known as the Bankers Discount. This is actually the Simple Interest on the face value of the sum from the date of the discounting to the due date of the bill.

Hence, the difference between the true discount and the bankers discount (fee for discounting the bill early) is known as the Bankers Gain.

Advantages of Bill Discounting

• Access Funds Quickly

No entrepreneur can avail conventional working capital loans without meeting the eligibility criteria set by the lending institutions. Many lending institutions even require additional time to process and disburse small business loans. Hence, many business owners opt for bill discounting to avail funds without lengthy approval process. A number of NBFCs even enables borrowers to avail cash in 72 hours by discounting their unpaid invoices.

• Improve Cash Flow Position

Often small businesses have to sell goods in credit to expand customer base. When they sell goods on credit, it becomes difficult for entrepreneurs to maintain positive cash flow. The invoice discounting services provided by lending institutions help entrepreneurs to improve cash flow quickly. They can even shorten the working capital cycles by converting unpaid invoices into cash.

• No Need to Incur Debt

As noted earlier, bill or invoice discounting enables business owners to fund working capital needs without increasing liabilities. The business owner can opt for this option to avail cash quickly by releasing the funds locked in unpaid invoices or bills. He can even meet working capital needs simply by converting current assets into liquid assets.

• Help Businesses to Sell Goods on Credit

Many enterprises explore ways to credit sales to maintain a positive cash flow position. But small businesses cannot acquire new customers and retain existing customers in the long run without combining cash and credit sales. The bill discounting services make it easier for enterprises to sell goods in credit by liquidating current assets and boosting cash flow.

Bill Discounting Disadvantages

• Reduces Profit Margin

The lending institutions discount bills or invoices by charging a fee. The fee normally includes interest charges, administrative expenses and maintenance expenses. The percentage of fee or discount also differs from one lender to another. Hence, the business owners have to sacrifice a percentage of the bill value. The fees charges by the lender will even impact the business’s profitability.

• All Bills Cannot Be Discounted

An entrepreneur cannot avail funds by discounting all his unpaid bills or invoices. Many lending institutions discount only commercial bill. Also, they evaluate the bills or invoices based on a number of parameters before providing funds. Hence, entrepreneur cannot rely on bill discounting as a consistent or long-term working capital funding solution.

• Not Available to New Businesses

Both banks and NBFCs provide bill discounting services only to existing customers or established enterprises. Some lending institutions even provide discount bills only if the business is generating profit. Hence, new business owners may not fund working capital needs through bill discounting service. Also, the fees charged by the lending institutions will impact their profitability in the short run.

• Reduce Available Collateral

Most banks do not provide collateral free business loans to small business owners. They require the borrowers to use their personal and business assets as collateral to avail credit. Each time a business owner discounts an invoice or bill, his working capital declines accordingly. Hence, the business owner may find it challenging to avail other working capital loans.

On the whole, bill or invoice discounting help business owners to fund working capital needs without increasing liabilities. They can avail the invoice discounting services provided by various lending institutions to avail funds before the due date of the bill or invoice. However, the percentage of discount changed by individual lenders differs. Likewise, the lenders require the business owners to meet a set of eligibility criteria to avail bill discounting services.