Which type of risk is insurable?

Pure risk is considered insurable because it involves situations where there is a possibility of loss or no loss, but no chance of gain. This type of risk typically encompasses events that can lead to a financial loss, such as fire, theft, or natural disasters, and is predictable and measurable. Insurance is designed to provide financial protection against these kinds of risks, letting individuals and businesses transfer the financial burden to an insurance carrier.

In contrast, speculative risk involves scenarios where there is a chance of gain as well as loss, such as gambling or investing in stocks, which are not insurable because they are tied to voluntary actions and financial markets. Business risk pertains to uncertainties associated with operating a business, including market competition and changes in consumer demand, and while businesses may mitigate these risks through various strategies, they do not fall under the insurance umbrella. Market risk relates to the financial loss that can occur due to movements in market prices, which similarly cannot be insured since it deals with financial investments and market fluctuations.