Underwriting Losses Soar, Net Income Shrinks for P&C Insurers in 2022

Rhea-AI Summary

Verisk and APCIA report a significant decline in the U.S. property/casualty insurance industry for 2022, with a net underwriting loss of $26.9 billion, the largest since 2011. This marks a drastic increase from the $3.8 billion loss in 2021. Net income also dropped 33.6% to $41.2 billion. Incurred losses rose 14.1%, while earned premiums increased by 8.3%. The combined ratio worsened to 102.7%. Fourth-quarter income fell to $10.3 billion, with net underwriting losses of $5.5 billion. Insurers face challenges from rising costs and natural disasters as they strive for profitability in a tough market.

Positive

• Net written premiums increased by $13.8 billion in Q4 2022, or 8.2% year-over-year.

Negative

• The net underwriting loss of $26.9 billion in 2022 is a significant increase from the $3.8 billion loss in 2021.
• Net income fell to $41.2 billion in 2022, a 33.6% decline from the previous year.
• The combined ratio deteriorated to 102.7% from 99.6% in 2021.
• Insurers experienced a $76 billion contraction in surplus due to rising losses and expenses.

The $26.9 Billion Underwriting Loss is the Largest Since 2011, According to Preliminary Results from Verisk and APCIA

Jersey City, N.J., March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Key financial results for private U.S. property/casualty insurers significantly worsened in 2022 from a year earlier, according to preliminary results from Verisk (Nasdaq: VRSK), a leading global data analytics provider, and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA).

The industry experienced a $26.9 billion net underwriting loss in 2022, more than six times the $3.8 billion underwriting loss in 2021. The underwriting loss was the largest the industry has seen since 2011.

Net income fell to $41.2 billion in 2022, compared to $62.1 billion a year earlier – a 33.6% decline.

In 2022, incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses grew 14.1% while earned premiums grew 8.3%. The combined ratio – a key measure of profitability for insurers – deteriorated as well, to 102.7% in 2022, from 99.6% in 2021.

The preliminary results, presented in the table below, are consolidated estimates based on annual statements filed by insurers with insurance regulators. The results are based on about 94% of all business written by U.S. property/casualty insurers.

“The insurance industry is being hammered by increasing input costs, natural catastrophes, legal system abuse, and resistance in some states to adequate rates,” said Robert Gordon, senior vice president, policy, research & international for APCIA. “Insurers suffered a 14.1 percent increase in incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses (16.6 percent in Q4), contributing to a more than $76 billion contraction in insurers’ surplus at a time when loss exposures are rapidly growing. In 2023, insurers are faced with a significant challenge to close the rate gap in order to meet their growing cost of capital.”

“Hurricane Ian and the effects of inflation resulted in major losses for property insurers last year, while accident severity continued to plague personal and commercial auto lines,” said Neil Spector, president of underwriting solutions at Verisk. “To remain profitable in these challenging times, many insurers are looking for new ways to reduce expenses, increase efficiencies, and enhance the customer experience. And they’re finding help from an ecosystem of advanced technology and analytics that is growing every day.”

Policyholders’ surplus recovered somewhat from Q3 2022’s $911.7 billion to $952.4 billion, but still remains below that of year-end 2021 driven primarily by the large amount of unrealized capital losses accrued during 2022. Insurers’ rate of return on average policyholders’ surplus, a measure of overall profitability, declined to 4.2% in 2022 from 6.4% in 2021.

Fourth Quarter Sees Continued Growth in Net Written Premiums

The industry’s net income fell to $10.3 billion in fourth-quarter 2022 from $19.8 billion in fourth-quarter 2021, and the annualized rate of return on average surplus fell to 4.4% from 7.9% a year prior.

Net written premiums rose $13.8 billion in fourth-quarter 2022, or 8.2%, compared to a year earlier. Net underwriting losses declined to $5.5 billion in fourth-quarter 2022 from $1.8 billion in gains a year earlier, and the combined ratio deteriorated to 104.0% from 100.0% a year prior.

Note: The results above are based on annual statements filed with insurance regulators by private property/casualty insurers domiciled in the United States, including excess and surplus insurers and domestic insur­ers owned by foreign parents, and excluding state funds for workers’ compensation and other residual market insurers, the National Flood Insurance Program, foreign insurers, and reinsurers. The figures are consolidated estimates based on reports accounting for about 94% of all business written by U.S. property/casualty insurers. All figures are net of reinsurance unless otherwise noted and occasionally may not balance due to rounding.

About Verisk

Verisk (Nasdaq: VRSK) is a leading strategic data analytics and technology partner to the global insurance industry. It empowers clients to strengthen operating efficiency, improve underwriting and claims outcomes, combat fraud and make informed decisions about global risks, including climate change, extreme events, ESG and political issues. Through advanced data analytics, software, scientific research and deep industry knowledge, Verisk helps build global resilience for individuals, communities and businesses. With teams across more than 20 countries, Verisk consistently earns certification by Great Place to Work and fosters an inclusive culture where all team members feel they belong. For more, visit Verisk.com and the Verisk Newsroom. 

About APCIA

The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) is the primary national trade association for home, auto, and business insurers. APCIA promotes and protects the viability of private competition for the benefit of consumers and insurers, with a legacy dating back 150 years. APCIA members represent all sizes, structures, and regions—protecting families, communities, and businesses in the U.S. and across the globe.

Attachment

• Verisk and APCIA PC Insurance Results 2022

FAQ

What was Verisk's underwriting loss in 2022?

Verisk reported a net underwriting loss of $26.9 billion in 2022.

How did net income change for Verisk in 2022?

Net income for Verisk fell to $41.2 billion in 2022, down 33.6% from $62.1 billion in 2021.

What caused the decline in the property/casualty insurance sector in 2022?

The decline was attributed to increasing input costs, natural catastrophes, and legal system abuse.

What was the combined ratio for the insurance industry in 2022?

The combined ratio for the industry worsened to 102.7% in 2022.

How did net written premiums perform in the fourth quarter of 2022?

Net written premiums rose by $13.8 billion, or 8.2%, in the fourth quarter of 2022.