What type of insurance companies are owned by the policy owners?

Mutual insurance companies are owned by the policy owners. This structure allows the policyholders to have a direct stake in the company because they are also the owners. In mutual companies, profits generated can be returned to policyholders in various forms, such as dividends or reduced premiums, which aligns the interests of the policyholders with the company's performance. This ownership model contrasts with stock companies, which are owned by shareholders who may or may not be policyholders. In a mutual company, decision-making typically reflects the interests of the policyholders more directly, as they are the ones benefiting from the company's success. This ownership framework is fundamental to understanding how mutual insurance operates and distinguishes it from other types of insurance companies.