ASSESMENT OF PROFITABILITY OF MOTOR INSURANCE BUSINESS: IN THE CASE OF BERHAN INSURANCE COMPANY

Abstract

Motor insurance is the most prevalent line of insurance in the world, and in Ethiopia the largest sector in non-life insurance. Despite the large proportion that motor insurance constitutes of all general insurance premiums, it is reported to be a loss leader for most insurance companies. This is the significant economic challenge the insurance companies face in Ethiopian: grow the business while improving the profitability of motor class of business. The study aim at identifying the main cause of the problems associated with motor insurance, its impact on the profitability of Berhan insurance company, factors contributed to high motor claims ration and giving recommendations based on the findings. It focuses on the data of insurance industry and Berhan insurance company for the past five years (2011/12 to 2015/16). Primary data was collected through questionnaires and in depth interview methods. Furthermore, Secondary data were also obtained from NBE, federal police commission and Federal Transport and financial publications of NBE were analyzed. Failure to charge equitable level of premium (inefficient in pricing); inability to select risk precisely; increased cost of claim; increased administration and acquisition costs; and low investment income; have been identified as a key determinants of the problem. This study recommends that charging equitable level of premium based on statistical data, reducing costs and expenses, and diversifying investment opportunities. Moreover, join coordination works with the stakeholders, lobby policy makers and legislative bodies to produce the required level of behavioral change in order to curb the growing problem in this regard.