Reinsurance (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2017

Insurance [Abstract]

Effects of reinsurance on premiums and benefits

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