9. 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 September 30, 2019 was with reinsurers that had an A.M. Best rating of “A–” or better.

The following table shows earned premiums ceded and reinsurance loss recoveries by period (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018

Ceded earned premiums	$	83,242	$	73,038	$	229,697	$	203,302
Reinsurance recoveries	$	50,564	$	48,962	$	158,128	$	142,389