On the Theory of Progressive Mortality, and its application to Valuations

Abstract

In this paper, Mr. Meikle advocates the making of valuations by Assurance Companies, not solely in accordance with the actual mortality which may have prevailed, but on the basis of that which it was at first assumed would prevail. He says, “There is inherent, in every table of net annual premiums, a rate of mortality and rate of interest, which it is assumed will be those experienced by the Office; and books and accounts should be so formed as to show at any time to what extent the assumed rates of mortality and interest have come up to the rates experienced, and, by comparing the expected receipts and disbursements with the actual receipts and disbursements, a correct view would be given of the true position of the Office.” He then proceeds to point out what he considers the best methods of estimating the “expected mortality,” and of registering it and the actual mortality from year to year, and gives tables by way of illustrating such methods.