The theoretical surrender value in life insurance

Abstract

In the context of the stochastic models for the management of life insurance portfolio, the authors explore, with simulation approach, the effects induced by the application of a particular method of calculation of the surrender value. In the life insurance, the policyholder position is, at any moment, quantified by the mathematical reserve. In case the reserve amount results are positive, the insurance company can allow the contract surrender, consisting in an amount payment, called surrender value, commensurate with the mathematical reserve. Generally, the insurance company enforces some restrictions in the surrender value determination, in order to avoid, first of all, that an amount is disbursed to the policyholder while, on the contrary, he results to be indebted to the Company. In this paper the authors will consider a surrender value calculation method based precisely on the profit recovery concept which shall be supplied by the contract in case it remains in the portfolio. Additionally, the authors shall analyze, by simulation approach, the effects caused by the enforcement of the surrender value calculation concept on a life portfolio profitability, and on the penalties extent enforced to the policyholders which cancel from the contract. Keywords: surrender value, life insurance, internal risk model, stochastic simulation