Reinsurance

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Insurance [Abstract]

Reinsurance

The Company recognizes the cost of reinsurance premiums over the contract periods for such premiums in proportion to the insurance protection provided. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers for unpaid claims and claim settlement expenses, including estimated amounts for unsettled claims, claims incurred but not yet reported and policy benefits, are estimated in a manner consistent with the insurance liability associated with the policy. The effects of reinsurance on premiums written and contract deposits; premiums and contract charges earned; and benefits, claims and settlement expenses were as follows: 

($ in thousands)	Gross Amount		Ceded to Other Companies		Assumed from Other Companies		Net Amount
Three months ended September 30, 2017
Premiums written and contract deposits	$	322,428	$	5,189	$	1,116	$	318,355
Premiums and contract charges earned	202,988		5,216		1,163		198,935
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses	135,508		1,831		1,218		134,895
Three months ended September 30, 2016
Premiums written and contract deposits	$	356,155	$	5,555	$	934	$	351,534
Premiums and contract charges earned	195,654		5,584		980		191,050
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses	139,114		4,642		1,238		135,710
Nine months ended September 30, 2017
Premiums written and contract deposits	$	940,063	$	16,342	$	2,980	$	926,701
Premiums and contract charges earned	603,794		16,415		2,996		590,375
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses	450,997		8,899		2,772		444,870
Nine months ended September 30, 2016
Premiums written and contract deposits	$	960,945	$	17,244	$	2,881	$	946,582
Premiums and contract charges earned	579,283		17,305		2,882		564,860
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses	422,352		21,748		3,027		403,631