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Insurance is meant for extraordinary circumstances. You don't use car insurance to pay for oil changes or gasoline; you have it as protection in case you have a terrible accident or your car is stolen. You don't use homeowners' insurance to pay your electricity and water bills; you have it as protection in case a fire or other catastrophic event produces a large expense. Obviously, any insurance policy that promises to cover every small, ordinary expense is going to be much more expensive than one that covers only extraordinary expenses.

Harry Browne#14

PolicyEconomicsRisk

About this quote

What does it mean?
Insurance should cover extraordinary risks, not routine expenses, to remain affordable.
In plain terms
Use insurance for big accidents, not for everyday costs.
What can you take from it?
Distinguish between insurance for risks and payment for services.

Where it applies

  • insurance purchasing
  • healthcare debates

Putting it to work

  • review insurance coverage scope

Questions to consider

  • Should routine expenses be covered by insurance?

Another view

Modern insurance often bundles routine costs for convenience.

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