scholarly journals How Strong Are Bequest Motives? Evidence Based on Estimates of the Demand for Life Insurance and Annuities

1991 ◽  
Vol 99 (5) ◽  
pp. 899-927 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Douglas Bernheim

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 272-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Sauter

Abstract Empirical studies of household saving remain inconclusive about the role of bequest motives. This may be due to the diluting effect of different tax regimes across countries and time on estimates of bequest motives. Relative to market-based economies, the former German Democratic Republic can be viewed as an experimental institutional setting where life-insurance demand was not influenced by tax considerations. This allows isolating bequest motives from other life-cycle and precautionary savings motives. Analyzing the demand for life insurance, we find a significantly higher ownership probability among households with children and a high regard for the family, confirming bequest motives in life-insurance demand.



2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 525-553 ◽  
Author(s):  
NICOLAS SAUTER ◽  
JAN WALLISER ◽  
JOACHIM WINTER

AbstractThis paper studies the role of taxation and bequest motives in households’ demand for life insurance. We develop a stylized three-period life cycle model of life insurance demand and test its predictions regarding tax changes and bequests motives. An unexpected halving of the tax exemption limit for interest and dividend income in Germany allows us to identify the impact of changes in taxation on the demand for life insurance in a difference-in-differences setting. In line with our theoretical predictions, we document that ownership of life insurance products increased significantly among households affected by the reform. We also find some evidence of a more pronounced response among households with stronger bequest motives.



2012 ◽  
Vol 40 (8) ◽  
pp. 1700-1711 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thankom Arun ◽  
Mirko Bendig ◽  
Shoba Arun




2012 ◽  
Vol 102 (7) ◽  
pp. 3701-3730 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jay H Hong ◽  
José-Víctor Ríos-Rull

Using life insurance holdings by age, sex, and marital status, we infer how individuals value consumption in different demographic stages. We estimate equivalence scales and bequest motives simultaneously within a fully specified model where agents face US demographics and save and purchase life insurance. Our findings indicate that individuals are very caring for dependents, that economies of scale are large, that children are very costly (or yield very high marginal utility), that wives with children produce lots of home goods, and that females display habits from marriage, while men do not. These findings contrast sharply with standard equivalence scales.



PMLA ◽  
1935 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 1357-1357

On Tuesday evening the members of the Association, and attending members of their families, were entertained with a buffet supper at the Queen City Club at 7:30 p.m. at the invitation of Messrs. Joseph S. Graydon, John J. Rowe, and other Cincinnati friends of the Association. Following this supper an entertainment arranged by the Local Committee was presented in the Hall of the Western and Southern Life Insurance Company. Attendance: about 900.



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