This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1920 edition. Excerpt: ... chapter 13 Inspection And Merit Rating The term " merit rating " expresses in a general way the purpose of the rate maker to appraise each risk according to its merits and includes both schedule and experience rating. Assuming that the basic rates for the various classifications as found in the Manual are accurate and correct, it is logical that the charges on a particular risk should vary according to the individual hazard involved. Hazards are divided into three general groups--moral, physical and inherent. The inherent hazard is not within human control; it is wholly governed by the law of averages and is properly distributable as a whole without regard to the conditions in any particular risk. A part of this inherent hazard may be peculiar to one classification and another part may be common to many or perhaps all classifications. The physical and moral hazards are so closely related as to be almost inseparable. Part of the physical hazard is apparently inherent and uncontrollable, while the moral hazard is entirely within human control. In figuring a rate, therefore, it is necessary to take into consideration the cost of the inherent hazard, properly loaded for expense, for all risks in a chosen group with essentially the same degree of hazard in equal proportions. It is also necessary to measure the physical hazard upon the evidence presented by the inspector, and to measure the moral hazard by the actual experience as shovn in the real loss in dollars and cents on the risk. In speaking of schedule rating, the physical inspection of the risk and its appraisal according to a definite schedule providing values for conditions above or below the average must be kept in mind. The object is to secure an equitable distribution of the...