Answered step by step
Verified Expert Solution
Question
1 Approved Answer
4. Two questions about information economics: a) In this question we'll figure out whether a warranty can be a credible signal of hidden quality. Say
4. Two questions about information economics: a) In this question we'll figure out whether a warranty can be a credible signal of hidden quality. Say that a refurbished cell phone that was known to be good would sell for $600, while one that was known to be bad would sell for $400. The problem is that while the seller knows the true quality of the phone, the buyer does not. Say that the seller could offer a (legally binding) warranty. The expected cost of honoring the warranty would be $kg for a good phone and $kg for a bad phone. For what values of kg and kg can a warranty be a credible signal of the quality of a phone here? (Please show your work.) Explain your answer. In general, what makes a signal credible? b) Say that there is an insurer with potential customers that are either high, medium, or low risk. 5% of people are high risk types with an estimated average loss of $20,000 each. 30% of people are medium risk types with an estimated average loss of $3,000 each. The remaining proportion are low risk types with an expected loss of $500 each. What would be the actuarially fair price for insurance in this group? What would it mean for the insurer to face an 'adverse selection of customers at some price? What factors might determine if they face such a problem or not? 4. Two questions about information economics: a) In this question we'll figure out whether a warranty can be a credible signal of hidden quality. Say that a refurbished cell phone that was known to be good would sell for $600, while one that was known to be bad would sell for $400. The problem is that while the seller knows the true quality of the phone, the buyer does not. Say that the seller could offer a (legally binding) warranty. The expected cost of honoring the warranty would be $kg for a good phone and $kg for a bad phone. For what values of kg and kg can a warranty be a credible signal of the quality of a phone here? (Please show your work.) Explain your answer. In general, what makes a signal credible? b) Say that there is an insurer with potential customers that are either high, medium, or low risk. 5% of people are high risk types with an estimated average loss of $20,000 each. 30% of people are medium risk types with an estimated average loss of $3,000 each. The remaining proportion are low risk types with an expected loss of $500 each. What would be the actuarially fair price for insurance in this group? What would it mean for the insurer to face an 'adverse selection of customers at some price? What factors might determine if they face such a problem or not
Step by Step Solution
There are 3 Steps involved in it
Step: 1
Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions
See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success
Step: 2
Step: 3
Ace Your Homework with AI
Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance
Get Started