Private insurance

Private insurance

Objective:

Students reflect on the importance of private insurance for personal financial security. They learn to analyze individual life situations and select suitable insurance policies.

Content and methods:

The worksheet offers a variable scenario in which the learners accompany a fictitious person who is facing financial challenges. They find out about various private insurance policies, assess their relevance for the person and draw up an individual insurance plan. Through tasks such as assigning insurance policies to risks and analyzing insurance conditions, they develop a deeper understanding of the topic.

Competencies:

  • Risk awareness
  • Documenting and analyzing information
  • Independent learning and decision-making
  • Critical analysis of insurance offers

Target group and level:

Grade 9 and up

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55 other teachers use this template

Target group and level

Grade 9 and up

Subjects

Economics

Private insurance

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Introduction

Today you accompany a stranger and examine their finances, in particular their private insurance policies. They is in a dilemma - you can help them prepare better by traveling back in time.

Situational Description

My name is Max, I am 26 years old, and I find myself in an extremely desperate situation. Recently, I caused a significant damage, and now I am facing a huge financial problem. The damage amounts to a staggering $50,000, and the worst part is that I do not have any private insurance. If I had this insurance, I wouldn't be trapped in this dilemma now.

How the damage occurred is quickly told. I was in a cozy café to meet a friend and relax a bit. We had just ordered our drinks, and I had placed my glass of water on the table in front of me. While we were chatting, I was gesticulating animatedly and accidentally knocked over the glass of water. The water spilled directly onto the laptop of a stranger who was sitting next to me at the counter, intensely working on an important project. The laptop immediately went out of service, and the person was understandably furious and desperate.

As we examined the damage more closely, it quickly became clear that the laptop was irreparably damaged and needed to be replaced. The cost of the damage was estimated at $50,000, as the laptop was not only a high-end model but also contained important and unsecured data whose recovery would be extremely expensive.

Now I am facing a huge problem. Without private insurance, I have to pay the entire amount out of my own pocket. But as a young person without a large financial cushion, it is almost impossible for me to raise this sum. The prospect of debts that could accompany me for years makes me deeply desperate and robs me of sleep.

I wish for nothing more than to be able to turn back time to take out the insurance. But unfortunately, I am left with the bitter realization that a single moment of carelessness and the lack of coverage have completely turned my life upside down.

📝 Task

📌 The person is in a difficult dilemma. To help them, you first need to familiarize yourself with insurance. Only then can you travel back in time and take out the right insurance together.

What are insurances?

Many risks of life cannot be predicted, and we often only realize the importance of adequate insurance coverage in a serious situation. But what exactly is insurance? Insurance is a contract between an insurance company and an individual or entity, where the insurance company agrees to provide financial support or compensation in exchange for regular payments known as premiums. This support is provided in the event of certain predefined occurrences such as accidents, illnesses, damages, or death.

There are two main categories of insurance: statutory and private insurance. Statutory insurance is mandatory and prescribed by the state, typically covering basic risks. Examples include health insurance, pension insurance, and unemployment insurance. Everyone who works must contribute to these insurances, and in return, they receive benefits when needed.

Private insurance, on the other hand, is voluntary and can be taken out to cover additional risks. These insurances can be tailored to fit individual needs and circumstances, providing extra security beyond what statutory insurance offers.

It is advisable to secure insurance coverage early, especially when facing situations that could lead to significant damages. This applies not only to private liability insurance but also to other insurances such as disability or accident insurance. Adequate insurance coverage can prevent financial disasters in serious cases and provide a reassuring sense of security.

📌There are different types of private insurance. You can find more information on the next page.

📝 Match the insurances to the costs they cover. Connect the right pairs to find out which insurance covers which costs.

📌 There are many different private insurance providers and it is not always easy to choose the right insurance. Find out what a person should look out for when taking out private insurance. You will meet an insurance advisor who will help you. You can listen to her audio or read the information in text form on the next page.

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Interview with an insurance advisor

Good day, my name is Mary Miller and I have been working as an insurance agent for over ten years. Today, I would like to provide you with some important information about obtaining private liability insurance, especially in light of situations like Max's, who unfortunately caused significant damage.

Private liability insurance is one of the most essential types of insurance everyone should consider. It protects you from financial consequences if you accidentally cause damage to other people or their property. Young individuals should plan ahead, ideally starting at the beginning of their careers. It is also advisable to review and possibly adjust your insurance coverage during important life events such as moving into your first own apartment or starting a family.

When obtaining private liability insurance, there are some key points to keep in mind. First, you should thoroughly compare the benefits offered by different providers. Ensure that the insurance has a sufficient coverage amount to cover substantial damages, such as those caused by Max. The premiums should be reasonable in relation to the benefits provided.

Another important aspect is the terms and conditions, including the deductible. Clarify when the insurance coverage starts and whether there is a deductible you will have to pay in case of a claim. Read the insurance conditions carefully to ensure that all relevant risks are covered. Avoid double coverage that could lead to unnecessary costs, as certain benefits might already be covered by other insurances.

It is also crucial to keep track of costs and regularly review if the insurance coverage still meets your current needs. Personal circumstances often change, and an adjustment of the insurance coverage might be necessary. Use comparison portals and gather information about various offers to find the best option for you. Transparency and a clear overview of the insurance details are essential.

In Max's situation, it becomes clear how vital private liability insurance can be. A single moment of carelessness can have enormous financial consequences. With the right insurance, the costs for the damaged laptop and the lost data could have been covered, preventing Max from falling into financial distress.

I hope this has helped you. See you then!

📌 Great, you've found the right insurance for the person and given them valuable tips on what to look out for when taking out insurance. Now they can go back in time and put everything in order.

However, all the trouble has made the person think. Since you can't always go back in time, perhaps they should take out more private insurance. Help her with this decision.

Considering Additional Insurance Policies

After all the trouble I've been through, I'm seriously considering whether I need to take out additional insurance policies. My current life situation is quite complex and has made me realize the importance of being adequately protected.

I live alone in a rented apartment in a bustling city. My job as a freelance software developer keeps me busy, and I often work on high-stakes projects for various clients. The nature of my work requires me to be extremely careful with my equipment and data, as any mishap can result in significant financial losses.

During my free time, I enjoy exploring the city on my electric scooter, which is a convenient way to get around. I also have a passion for photography and often carry my expensive camera equipment with me to capture the city's vibrant life. Additionally, I love traveling and frequently go on trips to different countries, immersing myself in new cultures and experiences.

Given my lifestyle and the valuable possessions I own, it has become clear that relying solely on luck is not a viable option. The recent incident has been a wake-up call, and I need to ensure that I am protected against unforeseen events that could jeopardize my financial stability.