Reinsurance

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

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 March 31, 2018
Premiums written and contract deposits (1)	$	288,816	$	5,514	$	706	$	284,008
Premiums and contract charges earned	207,737		5,528		789		202,998
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses	151,968		9,014		608		143,562
Three months ended March 31, 2017
Premiums written and contract deposits (1)	$	301,512	$	5,510	$	730	$	296,732
Premiums and contract charges earned	200,455		5,534		801		195,722
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses	147,271		3,883		708		144,096

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(1)

This measure is not based on accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (non-GAAP). An explanation of this non-GAAP measure is contained in the Glossary of Selected Terms included as an exhibit in the Company's reports filed with the SEC.