What is the primary function of a mutual insurance company?

The primary function of a mutual insurance company is to distribute profits to policyholders. In a mutual insurance structure, the company is owned by its policyholders rather than shareholders. This means that any surplus generated by the company can be returned to policyholders in the form of dividends, reduced premiums, or other benefits. The focus on benefiting policyholders aligns with the mutual company's goal of providing insurance coverage at a fair price while also addressing the needs and interests of its members. This model emphasizes the cooperative nature of mutual insurance, where members work together for mutual benefit rather than to generate profit for external shareholders.

In contrast, other companies prioritize maximizing profits for shareholders, which is not applicable to mutual insurers. Minimizing claims payments is not a primary function since insurance companies need to fulfill their obligations to policyholders when claims arise. Reducing risk for insurers generally pertains more to the practices of the insurance industry as a whole rather than defining the specific function of a mutual company.