Answer: This rate setting scheme creates an adverse selection​ problem: Homeowners with houses on unstable soil are more likely to purchase insurance than homeowners with houses that rest on bedrock
Step-by-step explanation:
California has its own earthquake insurance program for homeowners and the rates vary by the ZIP code, which depends on the proximity of nearest fault line.
However, critics claim that the people who set the rates ignored soil type. Some houses rest on bedrock while others sit on unstable soil. If the soil type is used, rate setting scheme creates an adverse selection problem.
An adverse selection problem is tendency of those in high-risk areas to purchase the insurance claim because there are higher chances they may get affected. Therefore, the homeowners with houses on unstable soil will more like buy insurance than the homeowners with houses that rest on bedrock.