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Loss Reserves
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Insurance [Abstract]  
Loss Reserves

Note 6. Loss Reserves

 

We record reserves for estimated losses under insurance policies that we write and for loss adjustment expenses related to the investigation and settlement of policy claims. Our reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses represent the estimated cost of all reported and unreported loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred and unpaid as of a given point in time.  The reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses are estimated using individual case-basis valuations, statistical analyses and estimates based upon experience for unreported claims and their associated loss and loss adjustment expenses. Such estimates may be more or less than the amounts ultimately paid when the claims are settled. The estimates are subject to the effects of trends in loss severity and frequency. Although considerable variability is inherent in these estimates, management believes that the reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses are adequate. The estimates are continually reviewed internally and periodically evaluated with our independent actuary.  Adjustments are made as experience develops and new information becomes known.  Any such adjustments are included in income from current operations.  See Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 for additional information regarding the Company’s loss and loss adjustment expense development.

 

The following table provides the Company’s liability for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of related amounts recoverable from reinsurers, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

772,887

 

 

$

798,409

 

Less amounts recoverable from reinsurers

   on unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses

 

 

95,343

 

 

 

107,216

 

Net balance, beginning of period

 

 

677,544

 

 

 

691,193

 

Add incurred related to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current accident year

 

 

166,551

 

 

 

181,693

 

Prior accident years

 

 

(45,585

)

 

 

(38,886

)

Total incurred

 

 

120,966

 

 

 

142,807

 

Less paid related to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current accident year

 

 

27,986

 

 

 

35,512

 

Prior accident years

 

 

105,832

 

 

 

105,590

 

Total paid

 

 

133,818

 

 

 

141,102

 

Net balance, end of period

 

 

664,692

 

 

 

692,898

 

Add amounts recoverable from reinsurers

   on unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses

 

 

95,220

 

 

 

97,914

 

Balance, end of period

 

$

759,912

 

 

$

790,812

 

 

The foregoing reconciliation reflects favorable development of the net reserves at September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019. The favorable development reduced loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred by $45.6 million and $38.9 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively. The revisions to the Company’s reserves reflect new information gained by claims adjusters in the normal course of adjusting claims and is reflected in the financial statements when the information becomes available. It is typical for more serious claims to take several years or longer to settle and the Company continually revises estimates as more information about claimants’ medical conditions and potential disability becomes known and the claims get closer to being settled.  Multiple factors can cause loss development both unfavorable and favorable. The favorable loss development we experienced across accident years was largely due to favorable case reserve development from closed claims and claims where the worker had reached maximum medical improvement.

 

The table below presents the change in the allowance for credit losses on amounts recoverable from reinsurers for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2020

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

388

 

 

$

444

 

Provision for credit loss benefit

 

 

(9

)

 

 

(65

)

Balance, end of period

 

$

379

 

 

$

379