What characteristic is true of a mutual insurer?

A mutual insurer is a unique type of insurance organization that distinguishes itself through its ownership structure and governance. It is owned by its policyholders, meaning that those who purchase insurance from the mutual insurer also have a vested interest in the company. Therefore, governance is typically conducted by a board of directors who are elected by the policyholders themselves. This structure emphasizes the democratic control of the insurer by its members, aligning the interests of the policyholders with the overall goals and performance of the organization.

In contrast to mutual insurers, stock insurers are owned by shareholders and seek profit for those shareholders, while public trading of shares is not characteristic of mutuals. Furthermore, while some mutual insurers may operate on a not-for-profit basis, the defining characteristic is their governance structure rather than solely their profit orientation. Therefore, the correct choice highlights the involvement of policyholders in governance through elected representation, which is a foundational aspect of mutual insurance companies.