Compound Probability

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Compound Probability'

A mathematical term relating to the likeliness of two independent events occurring. The compound probability is equal to the probability of the first event multiplied by the probability of the second event. Compound probabilities are used by insurance underwriters to assess risks and assign premiums to various insurance products.

Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Compound Probability'

The most basic example of compound probability is flipping a coin twice. If the probability of getting heads is 50% (.50), then the chances of getting heads twice in a row would be (.50 X .50), or .25 (25%).

As it relates to insurance, underwriters may wish to know, for example, if both members of a married couple will reach the age of 75, given their independent probabilities. Or, the underwriter may want to know the odds that two major hurricanes hit a given geographical region within a certain time frame. The results of their math will determine how much to charge for insuring people or property.  

Sign Up For Term of the Day!

Try Our Stock Simulator!

Test your trading skills!

Related Definitions

  1. Insurance Underwriter

    A financial ...
  2. Actuary

    A professional ...
  3. Casualty Insurance

    A broad category ...
  4. Premium

    1. The total ...
  5. Conditional Probability

    Probability of ...
  6. National Average Wage Index - NAWI

    An index ...
  7. 403(b) Plan

    A retirement ...
  8. Financial Intermediary

    An entity that ...
  9. Agent

    1. An individual ...
  10. Guaranteed Investment Contract - GIC

    Insurance ...

Articles Of Interest

  1. Is Insurance Underwriting Right For You?

    If you have excellent analytical skills and an eye for detail, this may be your calling.
  2. Find The Right Fit With Probability Distributions

    Discover a few of the most popular probability distributions and how to calculate them.
  3. Bet Smarter With The Monte Carlo Simulation

    This technique can reduce uncertainty in estimating future outcomes.
  4. Selecting The Right Mix Of Insurance Benefits

    Choosing employee benefits involves weighing the probability you will need them against taxes and cost.
  5. Market Capitalization Defined

    Find out the differences between mega-, large-, mid- and small-cap stocks and how each suits different investing styles.
  6. In Small Business, Success Is Spelled With 5 "C"s

    Incorporating these steps will help your business thrive in a competitive market.
  7. Retirement Savings Tips For 35- To 44-Year-Olds

    Learn how the "sandwich generation" can save for retirement while taking care of their kids and parents.
  8. Is Loan Protection Insurance Right For You?

    This coverage can keep you from defaulting on your loans when you're in financial trouble.
  9. Selecting And Managing Insurance Payouts

    Find out which settlement option is right for you before you recieve your funds.
  10. Will Filing An Insurance Claim Raise Your Rates?

    An accident can mean higher insurance costs - even if it wasn't your fault.

comments powered by Disqus
Recommended
Loading, please wait...
Trading Center