Understanding Reinsurance Recoverables to Policyholder Surplus

Definition & Meaning

Reinsurance recoverables to policyholder surplus is a financial metric that indicates a company's reliance on its reinsurers. It assesses the potential risk of adjustments regarding reinsurance agreements. This metric is calculated by taking the total ceded reinsurance recoverables from non-U.S. affiliates, which includes amounts owed for paid losses, unpaid losses, incurred but not reported (IBNR) losses, unearned insurance premiums, and commissions. The total is then adjusted by subtracting funds held from reinsurers and is expressed as a percentage of the policyholder surplus.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: An insurance company has ceded $1 million in reinsurance recoverables for unpaid losses and has a policyholder surplus of $5 million. The reinsurance recoverables to policyholder surplus ratio would be 20 percent.

Example 2: A reinsurer is evaluating its exposure and finds that its total recoverables amount to $2 million, while its policyholder surplus stands at $10 million, resulting in a 20 percent ratio. (hypothetical example)

State-by-state differences

Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):

State Key Differences
California Specific regulations on reinsurance recoverables reporting.
New York Different thresholds for surplus requirements.
Texas Unique guidelines for IBNR loss calculations.

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
Reinsurance Insurance purchased by an insurance company from another insurer. Focuses on risk transfer rather than recoverables.
Policyholder Surplus The excess of an insurer's assets over its liabilities. Represents financial stability rather than recoverables.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are evaluating your company's reinsurance recoverables, consider consulting a financial advisor or legal professional for guidance. You can also explore US Legal Forms for templates that may assist you in managing your reinsurance agreements and financial reporting. If the situation is complex, seeking professional legal help is advisable.

Quick facts

  • Commonly used in insurance and reinsurance industries.
  • Calculated as a percentage of policyholder surplus.
  • Involves multiple components including paid and unpaid losses.
  • Can vary significantly by state regulations.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

It is a financial metric that indicates a company's dependence on reinsurers, expressed as a percentage of policyholder surplus.