Reinsurance and Catastrophes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Summary of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid insurance reserves

The total amounts of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid insurance reserves classified as assets and reported in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:



($ in thousands)	December 31,
	2017		2016
Reinsurance recoverables on reserves and unpaid claims
Property and Casualty
Reinsurance companies	$	6,696	$	10,239
State insurance facilities	50,713		50,960
Life and health	11,037		9,275
Total	$	68,446	$	70,474

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
Year Ended December 31, 2017
Premiums written and contract deposits (1)	$	1,244,500	$	21,989	$	4,606	$	1,227,117
Premiums and contract charges earned	812,099		22,036		4,640		794,703
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses	588,621		10,472		4,157		582,306

Year Ended December 31, 2016
Premiums written and contract deposits	1,280,903		22,728		4,324		1,262,499
Premiums and contract charges earned	777,651		22,826		4,321		759,146
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses	562,385		25,739		4,358		541,004

Year Ended December 31, 2015
Premiums written and contract deposits	1,277,066		24,737		4,184		1,256,513
Premiums and contract charges earned	752,798		25,077		4,159		731,880
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses	508,904		16,221		3,681		496,364

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(1)

This measure is not based on accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (non-GAAP). An explanation of this non-GAAP measure is contained in the Glossary of Selected Terms included as an exhibit in the Company's reports filed with the SEC.