Reinsurance premiums rise in first half

U.S. reinsurers reported $37.1 billion in net premiums in the first half of 2021, a 15.6% increase over the same period last year, according to a report from the Reinsurance Association of America released Wednesday. 

The group of 17 RAA members reported an average combined ratio of 96.8%, an improvement over the 98.4% combined ratio it reported in last year’s first half. Seven of the reinsurers in the group reported combined ratios of more than 100%, indicating an underwriting loss. 

The total policyholder surplus of the reinsurers was $256.8 billion, up 8% compared with last year’s period.