What defines the unethical practice of charging different rates to individuals of the same class in insurance?

Discrimination is defined as an unethical practice in the context of insurance when individuals in the same class are charged different rates based on factors that should not affect their insurance premiums. In insurance, all policyholders within the same risk category should be treated equally; thus, charging varying rates can be considered unfair and unjust.

Discrimination can take many forms, including the unfair pricing of insurance based on race, gender, or other protected characteristics, which do not accurately reflect the risk presented by the individual. The concept is essential to ensure fairness in the insurance market, where rates should be based on measurable factors such as risk levels rather than arbitrary distinctions.

By understanding the meaning of discrimination within insurance, one can grasp the importance of equitable treatment among insured individuals, ensuring that all policyholders receive fair access to insurance coverage without unnecessary financial burdens based on unjustified differentiations. Other options, while related, do not encapsulate the specific practice of varying rates among the same class as effectively as discrimination does.