17.13 : Mitigating Moral Hazard

Moral hazard refers to the situation where individuals or entities take greater risks because they do not bear the full consequences of their actions. Reducing moral hazard requires strategies that limit risk exposure and promote responsible behavior.

For example, a common way to reduce moral hazard in commercial property insurance is by requiring safety measures. This includes fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and working smoke detectors. These devices help to prevent fires or reduce their severity, thereby minimizing potential claims.

Health insurance plans incorporate mechanisms like the "allowed amount" or "eligible expense" to curb unnecessary spending. This amount represents the maximum payment that the insurer will reimburse for a medical procedure. Knowing that the coverage is capped, policyholders are incentivized to make more cost-conscious healthcare decisions. This strategy limits the insurer’s claim expenses while promoting prudent use of healthcare services.

In rental property agreements, landlords often require tenants to pay a security deposit at the beginning of the rental period. If the tenant causes damage, the landlord can use the deposit to cover repair costs. This deposit gives tenants an incentive to take care of the property.

These strategies are used in different sectors to balance risk and responsibility, helping to reduce moral hazard.