What is considered a tangible characteristic that may influence loss severity?

A tangible characteristic that may influence loss severity refers to something that can be physically identified and measured, potentially affecting the outcome of a claim. In the context of automobile adjusting, physical hazards, such as the condition of the vehicle, road conditions, and environmental factors, are all concrete factors that can directly impact the severity of a loss.

For instance, if a vehicle has mechanical issues or if the roads are in poor condition due to weather or maintenance neglect, these would be classified as physical hazards. Such conditions can significantly influence the extent of damage incurred during an accident and consequently affect how much an insurer might pay out for claims.

In contrast, the other options are more abstract and less directly tied to the physical characteristics of the loss. Legal compliance, moral obligation, and negligence in care involve more subjective assessments of behavior or responsibility rather than concrete, measurable factors.