4.1 Introduction

This chapter is concerned with matters of formation of an insurance contract in China from both legal and practical points of view and from perspectives of both traditional ways of formation and modern online formation of an insurance contract. The formalities for concluding an insurance contract and the role of an insurance agent in the formation of an insurance contract will be examined as well. The effectiveness of an insurance contract and the commencement of the insurer's liability are very important issues and are examined in more detail in this chapter. Some trouble spots in the process of formation of an insurance contract are also discussed.