Reinsurer combined ratios fall in 2006

U.S. reinsurers reported a 94.9% combined ratio for 2006, compared with the 129.4% combined ratio reported by a comparable group for storm-beset 2005, according to a survey by the Washington-based Reinsurance Assn. of America.

The 94.9% combined ratio reflects a 67.1% loss ratio and a 27.8% expense ratio.

The 23 U.S. reinsurers included in the 2006 RAA survey reported $25.83 billion in net premiums written, a 2% increase from the total reported by a comparable group in 2005.

They posted $9.68 billion in net income and policyholder surplus of $74.54 billion.Copies of the survey are available at www.reinsurance.org.