Theoretical Basis of Classification of Insurance Products

Abstract

Insurance products, services, and protection constitute the core categories of the insurance market, serving as instruments for managing risks and providing economic security. Existing literature and practice reveal varied interpretations and classifications of these concepts, with approaches differing across domestic and international contexts. While prior research has contributed to understanding the structure of insurance products, comprehensive classifications that balance the interests of both insurers and policyholders remain limited. Current classifications often prioritize either the insurer’s or the policyholder’s perspective, lacking an integrated framework that reflects mutual benefits, consumer demand patterns, and market strategies. This study seeks to comparatively analyze theoretical and practical foundations of “insurance product,” “insurance service,” and “insurance protection,” evaluate existing classification approaches, and propose a systematic model accommodating both stakeholders’ interests. The analysis identified overlapping and distinct features of related terms, assessed their operational use in Uzbekistan’s insurance sector, and examined classifications based on product type, consumer demand, sales method, and attractiveness for insurers. The findings reveal a structured yet adaptable classification framework that aligns with market realities and strategic development needs. The proposed model integrates insurer and policyholder perspectives, introducing classification criteria that simultaneously address market competitiveness, consumer preferences, and operational feasibility. The research provides a theoretically grounded and practically applicable system for classifying insurance products, which can enhance product development strategies, improve market efficiency, and foster equitable relationships between insurers and policyholders in Uzbekistan’s evolving insurance market.