Cat Losses Nearly Double Over 2010 Total Year-end Losses

Catastrophe-related losses experienced by the U.S. property/casualty (P/C) industry through the first nine months of 2011 have nearly doubled total year-end 2010 losses, according to the latest estimates from A.M. Best Co.

The estimated total net pretax accident-year catastrophe-related losses during the first nine months of 2011 were $38.6 billion, up $22.5 billion, or 140 percent, from an estimated $16.1 billion reported during the same period a year ago. Total net pretax accident year catastrophe-related losses in 2010, according to A.M. Best, were an estimated $19.6 billion.

A.M. Best said it believes the overall industry has the capital to effectively absorb the losses, but notes that impact from natural catastrophes during the first nine months of the year is material to the industry from an earnings perspective.