IRIS Ratios Flashcards
What is the Formula for IRIS Ratio 1
Policy Holder Surplus
Gross Written Premium is
Direct Written Premium Plus Assumed Reinsurance (Affiliates and Non Affiliates
What is the Usual Range for range for IRIS-1
Usual range is upto 900%. That is x <= 900%
Why is a high IRIS-1 Ratio bad
The higher the ratio, the more risk insurer bears in relation to the PHS.
What could cause a large disparity b/w IRIS-1 and IRIS-2
The insurer might be relying too much on reinsurance. Which isnt inherently a bad thing, if the financial strength of the insurers and their payment timings are strong and prompt.
Should IRIS-1 Ratio differ based on Casualty vs Property lines
Casualty lines, such as WC, are long tail lines where the outcomes and ultimate losses are less certain. Insurance companies mostly in Casualty lines should maintain a lower IRIS-1 ratio
What is the Formula for IRIS ratio 2
Policy Holder Surplus
What is the usual range for IRIS-2
The usual range is less than equal to 300%. That is X <= 300%
List 5 things to consider if IRIS-2 is high
- The financial strength of reinsurers
- Determine the level of adequacy of insurers’ protection against large losses. evaluate retention.
- Review the split between casualty and property lines. Casualty lines should have lower IRIS-2 ratios.
- Evaluate whether the insurers business is overall, and over the years profitable or not.
- If the insurer is within a holding company system, consider evaluating the ratio on a consolidated basis.
What is the formula for IRIS-3
NWP Previous Year
Change in NWP = (Current Year NWP - Previous Year NWP)
What is the usual range for IRIS-3 Ratio
The usual range for IRIS-3 is -33% to +33%. That is
-33% <= X <= +33%
What could a large increase in IRIS-3 indicate about the insurer
- Entry into new LOBs and New regions
2. Insurer maybe attempting to increase cashflow to cover current loss payments.
What could a large decrease in IRIS-3 indicate about the insurer
- Discontinuance of certain lines of business
- scaled back writings due to large losses
- loss of market share due to competition
- Increased use of reinsurance
Which metrics should be evaluated if there is sufficient instability present in IRIS-3
- Determine if the insurers assets are properly valued.
- Review IRIS-9, adjusted liabilities to liquid assets. Review schedules A through E.
- Review the insurer’s loss reserves. Review IRIS 11 to 13, and also Schedule P.
What is the formula for IRIS-4
Policy Holder Surplus
What is the usual range for IRIS-4
Less than 15%
What does an unusually high IRIS-4 ratio indicate
- may indicate that the management believes PHS to be inadequate.