Reinsurance Reinsurance

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Insurance [Abstract]

Reinsurance [Text Block]

Reinsurance

The following is a summary of reinsurance financial information:

	For the Three Months
	Ended March 31,
(In thousands)	2016			2015
Written premiums:
Direct	$	1,709,129		$	1,647,341
Assumed	246,568			204,464
Ceded	(291,975		)	(276,403		)
Total net premiums written	$	1,663,722		$	1,575,402
Earned premiums:
Direct	$	1,568,067		$	1,524,736
Assumed	218,367			203,342
Ceded	(259,099		)	(256,065		)
Total net premiums earned	$	1,527,335		$	1,472,013
Ceded losses and loss expenses incurred	$	126,929		$	118,391
Ceded commissions earned	$	47,973		$	43,651

The Company reinsures a portion of its insurance exposures in order to reduce its net liability on individual risks and catastrophe losses. The Company also cedes premiums to state assigned risk plans and captive insurance companies. Estimated amounts due from reinsurers are reported net of reserves for uncollectible reinsurance of $1 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.