Batch clause

A product liability clause providing that all claims, whenever made, arising out of the same prepared or acquired batch of the product, shall be treated as resulting from one occurrence. The ‘occurrence’ could be defective design, bench error, error in distribution, etc. The clause protects the insurer from multiple claims, all of which have a common cause, being treated separately for the purpose of the per-occurrence limit, or occurring in separate years for the purpose of the aggregate limit. In terms of a deductible, it may benefit the insured to have the individual claims aggregated.
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A clause in a Products Liability Insurance providing that all claims for injuries arising out of one prepared or acquired lot of the product resulting from a common cause, shall be considered as resulting from one accident an shall therefore be governed by the limit per accident.

Benefit basis

A group life and/or pension scheme that varies the benefits for members according to categories of membership. Life cover for one category might be three times income, but four times for another. Each category is carefully defined in order to ensure that there is no discrimination against individuals.

Benefit policy

Policies such as personal accident and life insurances where the amount to be paid is a pre-agreed benefit and is not based on actual losses as with indemnity contracts. Individuals are free to put their own value on life and limb; the main constraint is their ability to pay.

Benefits in kind

Non-cash benefits for employees, such as private medical insurance. The amount paid for such benefits is added to the employee’s taxable income for tax purposes. The benefits are shown on form P11D and their value counts towards the calculation of maximum Inland Revenue pension benefits.

Bermuda

Global insurance centre focusing on reinsurance and insurance services for large companies. It accommodates captive insurance companies. ACE and XL, set up to selfinsure the asbestosis risk of US companies, and other Bermudan companies, have become independent and grown through acquisition into large diversified global insurance and reinsurcompanies. Attractions of Bermuda: the absence of corporate or profits taxation; a flexible legal regulatory regime. ance

Berne Union

The union, through its 51 members from 42 countries and locations, works for international acceptance of sound principles of export credit insurance and foreign investment insurance. The union is a vital forum for the exchange of information, experience and expertise between members. Visit www.berneunion.org.uk.

Best advice rule

Under FSMA anyone selling pensions, life insurance or investments must give clients and prospective clients ‘best advice. The financial adviser needs to be aware of the client’s circumstances and show, where possible, that the recommendations are based on an unbiased evaluation.

Best’s Rating

Rating system (developed by rating agency A.M. Best Co.) that evaluates those factors that affect the overall performance of insurance companies. Provides a weighted measure of a company’s financial strength, performance level, competitive position and ability to meets its obligations to policyholders. A qualitative and quantitative assessment.