Reinsurance

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2018

Insurance [Abstract]

Reinsurance

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, 2018
Premiums written and contract deposits (1)	$	305,864	$	5,483	$	1,341	$	301,722
Premiums and contract charges earned	209,892		5,505		1,223		205,610
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses	170,459		3,330		1,149		168,278
Three months ended June 30, 2017
Premiums written and contract deposits (1)	$	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
Six months ended June 30, 2018
Premiums written and contract deposits (1)	$	594,680	$	10,997	$	2,047	$	585,730
Premiums and contract charges earned	417,629		11,033		2,012		408,608
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses	322,427		12,344		1,757		311,840
Six months ended June 30, 2017
Premiums written and contract deposits (1)	$	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

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(1)

This measure is not based on accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (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.