General Insurance PrinciplesQuestion 198 of 716

Which statement BEST distinguishes a stock insurer from a mutual insurer?

a.A stock insurer issues only assessable policies, while a mutual insurer issues only non-assessable policies to its member-owners
b.A stock insurer is owned by shareholders and pays them dividends; a mutual insurer is owned by its policyholders and may pay policy dividends
c.A mutual insurer is regulated by the SEC as if it were an investment company, while a stock insurer answers only to the California Department of Insurance
d.A stock insurer is organized as a non-profit corporation, while a mutual insurer is organized to earn profits for its founders

Explanation

A stock insurer is a corporation owned by shareholders who receive shareholder dividends from profits. A mutual insurer is owned by its policyholders, who may receive policy dividends. Both are regulated by the California Department of Insurance.

Law Reference: Cal. Ins. Code §1100

This topic, taught in full in the California Life & Health Insurance Producer Exam guide. California Life & Health Insurance Producer Exam — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $19.99 · 14-day refund →

Practice all 716 questions free — no signup required.

Own the complete California Life & Health Insurance Producer Exam guide — PDF + EPUB, $19.99 →

Related questions on this topic

Last reviewed: · editorial process

PrepPass team · Verified against California Life & Health Insurance License Exam · How we review
Reviewed by John Zihao Zhang — California-Licensed Life Insurance Agent (CA Dept. of Insurance License #4396095 — verify)
Report