What is a disadvantage associated with catastrophic loss possibility?

• A. A large loss can wipe you out
• B. Stop loss insurance is always unnecessary
• C. Diversification guarantees protection
• D. Reinsurance is not available

Answer: (A)

Catastrophic loss possibility introduces tail risk: a single event can generate losses large enough to wipe you out. That downside remains even if you diversify, because extreme events can affect many assets at once or exceed normal loss levels, leaving you with losses that exceed your capital and solvency. Diversification reduces typical risk but does not guarantee protection against such Black Swan-type events. Tools like stop-loss coverage and reinsurance exist to limit or transfer risk, but neither is guaranteed to be available or affordable in every situation, so the risk of ruin remains a real concern.