BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the application of accounting policies that often involve a significant degree of judgment. Accounting policies that we believe are most dependent on the application of estimates and assumptions are considered our critical accounting estimates and are related to the determination of:

• income tax assets and liabilities, including recoverability of our net deferred tax asset and the predictability of future tax operating profitability of the character necessary to realize the net deferred tax asset;
• liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (loss reserves);
• reinsurance assets;
• valuation of future policy benefit liabilities and timing and extent of loss recognition;
• valuation of liabilities for guaranteed benefit features of variable annuity products;
• estimated gross profits to value deferred policy acquisition costs for investment-oriented products;
• impairment charges, including other-than-temporary impairments on available for sale securities, impairments on other invested assets, including investments in life settlements, and goodwill impairment;
• liability for legal contingencies; and
• fair value measurements of certain financial assets and liabilities.

These accounting estimates require the use of assumptions about matters, some of which are highly uncertain at the time of estimation. To the extent actual experience differs from the assumptions used, our consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially affected.