U.S. reinsurers report first-half decline in premiums

Major U.S. reinsurers reported $12.29 billion in net premiums written for the first half of 2010, a 4.2% decrease from 2009's first half, according to the Reinsurance Assn. of America.

The 19 reinsurers reported a 98.7% combined ratio, which reflects a 68.9% loss ratio and a 29.8% expense ratio, according to the RAA survey. This compares with the 93.8% combined ratio reported by the reinsurers in 2009's first half.

Among other results, the reinsurers reported $4.21 billion in net income, and $99.69 billion in policyholder surplus.