7.Reinsurance:

We reinsure a portion of the risk we underwrite in order to control the exposure to losses and to protect capital resources. We cede to reinsurers a portion of these risks and pay premiums based upon the risk and exposure of the policies subject to such reinsurance. Ceded reinsurance involves credit risk and is generally subject to aggregate loss limits. Although the reinsurer is liable to us to the extent of the reinsurance ceded, we are ultimately liable as the direct insurer on all risks reinsured. Reinsurance recoverables are reported after allowances for uncollectible amounts. We monitor the financial condition of reinsurers on an ongoing basis and review our reinsurance arrangements periodically. Reinsurers are selected based on their financial condition, business practices and the price of their product offerings. In order to mitigate credit risk to reinsurance companies, most of our reinsurance recoverable balance as of December 31, 2018 was with reinsurers that had an A.M. Best rating of “A–” or better. We also mitigate our credit risk for the remaining reinsurance recoverable by obtaining letters of credit.

The following table presents our gross and net premiums written and earned and reinsurance recoveries for the last two years (in thousands):


	2018		2017
Premium Written :
Direct	$	660,298	$	601,780
Assumed		2,717		2,376
Ceded		(299,217)		(238,573)
	$	363,798	$	365,583

Premium Earned:
Direct	$	639,437	$	567,089
Assumed		2,159		1,680
Ceded		(278,509)		(207,732)
	$	363,087	$	361,037

Reinsurance recoveries	$	199,690	$	144,948

Included in reinsurance recoverable on the consolidated balance sheets are paid loss recoverables of $29.7 million and $28.2 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.