1*. Maria’s house is worth 1 000 000 SEK. Her utility function is given by U = m^0,5, where m
represents her wealth (the value of the house). The probability of the house burning down is
0,2. A fire would reduce the house value to 300 000 SEK.
a) Is Maria risk avert, risk neutral or risk loving?
b) Calculate the expected value of the “lottery”, in which Maria participates.
c) Calculate the utility of the expected value of the lottery.
d) Calculate Maria´s expected utility of the lottery.
Suppose that Maria can buy insurance that yields K SEK in case the house burns down. The
insurance will cost her 0,2K SEK.
e) What will Maria’s wealth be in case the house burns down? What will it be in case the
house does not burn down?
f) Express Maria’s expected utility of the lottery if she buys insurance.
g) What value of K will Maria choose (that is, what value of K maximizes her expected
utility)?
h) Suppose Joseph is in the same situation as Maria, i.e., his house is worth 1 000 000 SEK.
His utility function is given by U = m^0,5, where m represents her wealth (the value of the
house). The probability of the house burning down is 0,2. A fire would reduce the house value
to 300 000 SEK. The probability that both houses burn down at the same time is zero. Is it
beneficial for Maria and Joseph to establish a mutual insurance company whereby they share
losses? If that is the case, what is the general principle for that?