Reinsurance Reinsurance

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Insurance [Abstract]

Reinsurance [Text Block]

Reinsurance

The following is a summary of reinsurance financial information:

	For the Three Months
	Ended March 31,
(In thousands)	2017			2016
Written premiums:
Direct	$	1,721,062		$	1,709,129
Assumed	215,145			246,568
Ceded	(289,369		)	(291,975		)
Total net premiums written	$	1,646,838		$	1,663,722
Earned premiums:
Direct	$	1,613,364		$	1,568,067
Assumed	208,626			218,367
Ceded	(251,948		)	(259,099		)
Total net premiums earned	$	1,570,042		$	1,527,335
Ceded losses and loss expenses incurred	$	35,192		$	126,929
Ceded commissions earned	$	56,550		$	47,973

The Company reinsures a portion of its insurance exposures in order to reduce its net liability on individual risks and catastrophe losses. The Company also cedes premiums to state assigned risk plans and captive insurance companies. Estimated amounts due from reinsurers are reported net of reserves for uncollectible reinsurance of $1 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.