Swiss Re Outpaces Expectations with Strategic Renewals and Diminished Catastrophe Claims

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Compared to the previous year's net income of $US1.8 billion ($2.65 billion), this year's results showcased substantial growth. Reduced losses from large natural catastrophes - an outcome greatly influenced by Tropical Cyclone Megan in northern Australia and the Noto earthquake in Japan - were a key factor. Catastrophe losses dropped dramatically to $US138 million ($203.03 million) from the previous $US634 million ($932.76 million).

In the property and casualty reinsurance space, July's renewal period brought positive news with an overall price hike of 8% applicable to $US4.5 billion ($6.63 billion) of renewed treaty premium volumes. This renewal represented a 7% volume increase relative to the preceding renewal period. Swiss Re attributes part of its success to a cautious stance on inflation along with updated loss models, which raised loss assumptions by 10%.

Group CEO Andreas Berger affirmed the company's trajectory towards achieving its full-year target of net income surpassing $US3.6 billion ($5.3 billion). "Our strong first-half performance sets a robust foundation for meeting our 2024 targets. Despite macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges, we remain committed to disciplined underwriting to ensure portfolio resilience and consistent results," Berger stated.

Swiss Re's property and casualty reinsurance division reported a net income of $989 million ($1.46 billion), significantly benefiting from the decrease in large natural catastrophe claims. The division's revenue reached $9.8 billion ($14.42 billion) with a combined operating ratio of 84.5%, setting the target for the full-year ratio below 87%.

Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, the commercial insurance sector of the company, achieved a net income of $435 million ($640.18 million), alongside insurance revenue of $3.8 billion ($5.59 billion), and a combined operating ratio of 88.7%.

In the life and health reinsurance domain, net income was $883 million ($1.3 billion), bolstered by a positive United States mortality experience and an uptick in investment income.

Published:Tuesday, 17th Sep 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Why APRA’s Latest Insurance Snapshot Matters for Clinics

31 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

APRA’s latest general insurance performance update points to a market that is in better shape than it was during the recent period of severe claims inflation, reinsurance pressure and weather-related volatility. For allied health practice owners, that is useful context, but it should not be read as a guarantee that every renewal will become cheaper or easier. - read more

What Renewed ESL Reform Debate Means for Fitness Operators

31 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Pressure for reform of NSW’s Emergency Services Levy is moving from an abstract insurance-sector issue to a practical cost question for fitness businesses. Recent industry coverage has again highlighted how levies and taxes added to insurance premiums can compound the affordability challenge for small operators, particularly when weather losses and rebuilding costs are already keeping commercial premiums elevated. - read more

What rising insurance complaints mean for consultant claims

31 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s latest insurance complaints data is a timely reminder that buying cover is only one part of risk management. The figures point to continuing pressure across general insurance, with disputes commonly linked to claim delays, declined claims, communication breakdowns and disagreements over how policy wording should apply. - read more

NSW Building Practitioners Enter a New Insurance Compliance Era

31 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

The commencement of New South Wales’ professional indemnity requirements for registered building practitioners marks a significant compliance shift for the state’s construction sector. From 1 July 2026, relevant practitioners must be indemnified under an insurance policy for work carried out in that capacity, bringing insurance evidence closer to the centre of day-to-day building compliance. - read more

What the Updated Broker Code Means for Insurance Clients

31 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

The National Insurance Brokers Association’s revised Insurance Brokers Code of Practice is moving the sector further towards clearer communication, stronger client care and more consistent professional standards. For Australians who rely on insurance brokers to navigate complex cover, the development is more than an industry housekeeping exercise. It goes directly to how clients understand advice, remuneration, service commitments and complaint pathways. - read more

Click for more Insurance News