NAIC IRIS Flashcards
What is IRIS for?
-used in targeting insurers in need of greatest attention
-not intended to replace state in-depth solvency monitoring efforts
What are the IRIS 1,2,3,4 Branded Risk Classifications?
Pricing / Underwriting
Strategic
When should insurers have a lower IRIS 1,2 ?
-with higher concentrations of long-tail lines like WC (harder to reserve)
Why should you review the direct vs assumed split for IRIS 1?
-the insurer has less control over the assumed business (UW criteria used in selecting risks)
investigate the ceding entity further
Why is it okay for IRIS 1,2 to be unusual?
IRIS 1 = if insurer has stable profits and adequate quality reinsurance
IRIS 2 = if insurer has stable profits
Why should you review IRIS 1 on a consolidated basis?
If in a holding company, this can provide a sense of the degree of group leverage
Why is a high IRIS 3 a sign of?
-lack of stability in insurers operations / management
-entry into new business / geographic locations
-attempting to increase cash flow to meet current payments
What should you review when IRIS 3 is unusual?
-is IRIS 9 usual ? => sufficient liquidity to meet cash demands + Schedules A - E
-are loss reserves adequate ? (IRIS 11 - 13) + Schedule P
-unusual IRIS 11-13 could mean trying to get cash infusion to pay
off claims
When is an unusual IRIS 3 okay?
low IRIS 2, good IRIS 11-13, IRIS 5
relatively stable product mix
What is a low (negative) IRIS 3 a sign of?
-insurer trying to increase cash flow related to ceding commissions
-Review IRIS 4
What are 2 reasons why IRIS 4 is important?
high surplus aid could mean PHS is inadequate
surplus aid can improve other ratios and conceal important areas of concern (IRIS 1,2,7,10,13)
How should you adjust IRIS 7 for surplus aid?
Adjust prior and current year PHS!
all other adjustments for IRIS 4 not required to change numerator
Branded risk classification(s) for IRIS 5
Operational
What in particular should you consider when reviewing IRIS 5?
IRIS 11-13; prior year development on reserves can distort profitability
What should the analyst do with an unusual IRIS 11?
-recalculate IRIS 5 without 1yr reserve development included