Defining Premiums Written: Key Insights into Insurance Accounting

Definition & Meaning

Premiums written refers to the total amount of insurance premiums that a company collects for policies issued during a specific accounting period. This figure represents the total obligations of customers to pay for their insurance coverage. It is important to distinguish premiums written from premiums earned, which reflects the portion of those premiums that the company has actually recognized as revenue after providing insurance coverage. Premiums written can be reported in two ways: gross, which does not account for reinsurance costs, and net, which deducts those costs.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

For instance, if an insurance company issues policies worth $1 million in premiums during a year, its premiums written for that year would be $1 million. If the company has $200,000 in reinsurance costs, its net premiums written would be $800,000. (hypothetical example)

State-by-state differences

Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):

State Premiums Written Reporting Requirements
California Requires detailed reporting of premiums written in annual financial statements.
Texas Mandates specific forms for reporting premiums written to the Department of Insurance.
New York Has unique guidelines on how to report premiums written for different types of insurance.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Premiums Written Total premiums collected for insurance policies issued. Focuses on total obligations, not yet earned revenue.
Premiums Earned Portion of premiums that a company has recognized as revenue. Reflects revenue earned from providing insurance coverage.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are involved in the insurance industry or need to report premiums written, ensure accurate record-keeping during the accounting period. Consider using US Legal Forms to access templates for financial reporting or insurance policy documentation. If the situation is complex, seeking professional legal advice may be beneficial.

Quick facts

  • Premiums written reflect total obligations of customers.
  • Reported as either gross or net amounts.
  • Key for financial reporting and regulatory compliance.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

Premiums written refer to the total amount billed for insurance policies, while premiums earned reflect the revenue recognized for the coverage provided during a specific period.