First-quarter 2009 financial results show that private U.S. property/casualty insurers had $437.1 billion in policyholders’ surplus (or statutory net worth) at March 31, 2009, down $19 billion, or 4.2 percent, from $456.1 billion at year-end 2008. Nevertheless, key leverage ratios, such as the premium-to-surplus ratio, show that the property/casualty insurance industry remained well capitalized.
Insurers suffered a $1.3 billion net loss after taxes and $16.4 billion in unrealized capital losses on investments (not included in net income after taxes). The property/casualty insurance industry’s $1.3 billion net loss after taxes for first-quarter 2009 constitutes a $9.8 billion adverse swing from the industry’s $8.5 billion in net income after taxes in first-quarter 2008.
More here (Insurance Information Institute)
July 6, 2009