Catastrophe losses doubled in 2011
The first nine months of 2011 have been costly for U.S. property and casualty insurers. A.M. Best’s estimates for catastrophe-related losses experienced by the U.S. property/casualty (P/C) industry show that losses so far have nearly doubled total year-end 2010 losses.
The estimated total net pretax accident-year catastrophe-related losses during the first nine months of 2011 were $38.6 billion, up $22.5 billion, or 140%, from an estimated $16.1 billion reported during the same period a year ago. Total net pretax accident year catastrophe-related losses in 2010, according to A.M. Best, were an estimated $19.6 billion.
A.M. Best said it believes the overall industry has the capital to effectively absorb the losses, but notes that impact from natural catastrophes during the first nine months of the year is material to the industry from an earnings perspective
The briefing can be read online. (PDF)
