Business Glossary

assessment mutual company that operates on a statewide basis or in more than one state. Assessable or assessment mutuals operate by taking a cash deposit, or premium, from members in exchange for insurance protection. If the company's losses and expenses exceed these deposits, the company can assess members for additional monies to cover losses. These companies are commonly used by a group of local farmers or merchants in a small geographical area. Some states have specific laws governing these mutuals. For example, they might be limited to a certain type of business or have a maximum dollar limit for each risk.