Swiss Re Outpaces Expectations with Strategic Renewals and Diminished Catastrophe Claims

3

Compared to the previous year's net income of $US1.8 billion ($2.65 billion), this year's results showcased substantial growth. Reduced losses from large natural catastrophes — an outcome greatly influenced by Tropical Cyclone Megan in northern Australia and the Noto earthquake in Japan — were a key factor. Catastrophe losses dropped dramatically to $US138 million ($203.03 million) from the previous $US634 million ($932.76 million).

In the property and casualty reinsurance space, July's renewal period brought positive news with an overall price hike of 8% applicable to $US4.5 billion ($6.63 billion) of renewed treaty premium volumes. This renewal represented a 7% volume increase relative to the preceding renewal period. Swiss Re attributes part of its success to a cautious stance on inflation along with updated loss models, which raised loss assumptions by 10%.

Group CEO Andreas Berger affirmed the company's trajectory towards achieving its full-year target of net income surpassing $US3.6 billion ($5.3 billion). "Our strong first-half performance sets a robust foundation for meeting our 2024 targets. Despite macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges, we remain committed to disciplined underwriting to ensure portfolio resilience and consistent results," Berger stated.

Swiss Re's property and casualty reinsurance division reported a net income of $989 million ($1.46 billion), significantly benefiting from the decrease in large natural catastrophe claims. The division's revenue reached $9.8 billion ($14.42 billion) with a combined operating ratio of 84.5%, setting the target for the full-year ratio below 87%.

Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, the commercial insurance sector of the company, achieved a net income of $435 million ($640.18 million), alongside insurance revenue of $3.8 billion ($5.59 billion), and a combined operating ratio of 88.7%.

In the life and health reinsurance domain, net income was $883 million ($1.3 billion), bolstered by a positive United States mortality experience and an uptick in investment income.

Published:Tuesday, 17th Sep 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Court Denies E-Scooter Negligence Allegation Against City Council 14 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori An Australian court recently ruled in favour of the City of Joondalup, rejecting a negligence claim lodged by an injured e-scooter rider. The Western Australia District Court found the city not liable for an accident involving insurance broker Kirstin Leibbrandt, who collided with a fence post while riding an e-scooter in the Perth suburb of Hillarys. - read more

Mental Health Surpasses Other Causes in TPD Claims, Doubling Payouts Over Five Years 14 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori Recent findings from the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) reveal that mental health issues have become the primary cause of Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claims. Insurers disbursed nearly twice the amount for such claims in 2024 compared to five years prior. This data originates from the CALI and KPMG's Cause of Claims Results Report, highlighting a significant shift in the nature of insurance claims. - read more

Impact of Trump Tariffs on Global Insurance Industry 11 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori According to Swiss Re’s latest Sigma report, the growth of property and casualty premiums is moderating in both Australia and globally. This moderation is primarily driven by a slowdown in rate hikes. Additionally, the Trump administration's America First trade policy is putting further pressure on the insurance sector. - read more

Navigating Changes in Australia's Life Insurance Advice Landscape 10 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori The conversation on the shifting dynamics in Australia's life insurance advice sector featured Zurich Australia's head of adviser channel, Kieran Forde, and Hayes & Co director, Katherine Hayes. They engaged with editor Chris Dastoor to spotlight the current market conditions and future prospects for financial advisers in this domain. - read more

ASIC Challenges Federal Court's 'Fair Term' Ruling 09 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is appealing a Federal Court decision regarding the wording of a 'pre-existing condition' clause in certain HCF Life insurance products. The court previously determined that while the wording had the potential to mislead consumers, it did not constitute an unfair contract term under the current laws set out in the ASIC Act 2001. - read more