Swiss Re Outpaces Expectations with Strategic Renewals and Diminished Catastrophe Claims

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

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
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Adviser Levy Pressure Puts PI Reform Back in Focus

06 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

The Financial Advice Association Australia has renewed pressure on the Federal Government to limit Compensation Scheme of Last Resort costs for financial advisers, arguing the profession should not carry more than $20 million in total levy exposure while adviser numbers remain under strain. - read more

New Strata Broking Findings Raise the Bar for Trust

06 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Fresh findings from the Insurance Brokers Code Compliance Committee have added another layer to Australia’s continuing strata insurance transparency debate. The committee’s review of strata broker-agent arrangements examined seven brokers collectively connected to one thousand and eighty-eight strata representatives, and resulted in nine formal breach determinations. Two brokers were also referred to ASIC for consideration of conflict management issues. - read more

Why Micro-Rating Matters for Your Next Shop Insurance Renewal

06 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s commercial insurance market is entering a more nuanced phase. While headline pricing indicators suggest conditions are easing for many business customers, a recent Insurance Business Australia report highlights a shift away from the old idea of one broad insurance cycle. Instead, pricing is increasingly being assessed by product line, geography, occupation, claims history and the quality of each risk submission. - read more

School Holiday Travel Highlights a New Test for Insurance Cover

05 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s winter school holiday rush has put travel insurance back in the spotlight, with families heading to Bali, Fiji and Thailand, skiers travelling to New Zealand and domestic holidaymakers chasing either snow or sunshine closer to home. But this year’s peak period is unfolding against a more unsettled backdrop: geopolitical tension, airspace closures, airline disruption and a growing expectation that insurers should do more than reimburse costs after the event. - read more

Click for more Insurance News