Information design in competitive insurance markets

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Economic Theory
Year: 2021
Volume: 191
Issue: C

Authors (2)

Garcia, Daniel (Universität Wien) Tsur, Matan (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

This paper characterizes the optimal information structure in competitive insurance markets with adverse selection. We consider a regulator that assigns ratings to individuals according to their expected costs. Insurers observe these ratings and compete as in Akerlof (1970). The optimal rating system minimizes ex-ante risk subject to participation constraints. We prove that in any such market there exists a unique optimal system under which all individuals trade and the ratings match low-cost types with high-cost types negative assortatively. We provide a simple algorithm that yields the optimal system and examine implications for government regulations of insurance markets.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:jetheo:v:191:y:2021:i:c:s0022053120301538
Journal Field
Theory
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25