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 June 30, 2017
Premiums written and contract deposits	$	316,123	$	5,643	$	1,134	$	311,614
Premiums and contract charges earned	200,351		5,665		1,032		195,718
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses	168,218		3,185		846		165,879

Three months ended June 30, 2016
Premiums written and contract deposits	$	316,798	$	5,921	$	1,002	$	311,879
Premiums and contract charges earned	193,396		5,952		916		188,360
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses	151,998		4,444		854		148,408

Six months ended June 30, 2017
Premiums written and contract deposits	$	617,635	$	11,153	$	1,864	$	608,346
Premiums and contract charges earned	400,806		11,199		1,833		391,440
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses	315,489		7,068		1,554		309,975

Six months ended June 30, 2016
Premiums written and contract deposits	$	604,790	$	11,689	$	1,947	$	595,048
Premiums and contract charges earned	383,629		11,721		1,902		373,810
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses	283,238		17,106		1,789		267,921