The primary purpose of insurance, as defined in Pennsylvania Life, Accident, and Health Insurance study guides, is totransfer riskfrom an individual or business to an insurance company. Insurance does not eliminate risk, nor does it prevent losses from occurring. Instead, it shifts the financial burden of potential losses from the insured to the insurer in exchange for the payment of a premium.
Risk transfer occurs through a legally binding contract known as an insurance policy. The insured pays premiums, and in return, the insurer agrees to assume specified risks and provide financial compensation if a covered loss occurs. This mechanism allows individuals to protect themselves against large, unpredictable financial losses that could otherwise cause severe hardship.
The other options are incorrect under Pennsylvania insurance principles. Insurance does not reduce risk; risk reduction involves safety measures or loss prevention strategies. It does not retain risk, which occurs when an individual chooses to self-insure. Insurance also does not avoid risk entirely, as risk avoidance would require eliminating the activity altogether. Therefore, the fundamental and verified purpose of insurance is thetransfer of risk, making optionBthe correct answer.
