RenRe Estimates Australia Flood Losses $30 Mn; NZ Quake $190 Mn

Bermuda-based RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. announced its initial loss estimates for the 2011 Australian flooding as well as the February 2011 New Zealand earthquake.

The Company said it currently expects the Australian flooding and the New Zealand earthquake will have a “net negative impact of approximately $30 million and $190 million, respectively, on the Company’s first quarter 2011 results.” RenRe also commented on the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Net negative impact includes the sum of estimates of net claims and claim expenses incurred, earned reinstatement premiums assumed and ceded, lost profit commissions, redeemable non-controlling interest and equity in the net claims and claim expenses of Top Layer Re,” the bulletin explained.

RenRe said its estimates are “based on a review of its potential exposures and discussions with certain counterparties. Given the magnitude and recent occurrence of these events, delays in receiving claims data, the contingent nature of business interruption and other exposures, potential uncertainties relating to reinsurance recoveries and other uncertainties inherent in loss estimation, meaningful uncertainty remains regarding losses from these events. Accordingly, the Company’s actual net negative impact from these events will vary from these preliminary estimates, perhaps materially so.”

Commenting on the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, or the “Tohoku earthquake,” RenRe noted that it “is believed to have registered 9.0 on the moment magnitude scale (“MMS”), which would represent the largest earthquake recorded in Japan and tied for the fourth-largest earthquake since 1900.

“As a global provider of property catastrophe reinsurance, the Company provides meaningful reinsurance and retrocessional excess of loss reinsurance coverage for earthquake and tsunami risk in Japan, and is currently assessing its exposures to the Tohoku earthquake.

“At this time, the Company believes it is too early to provide an accurate estimate of its net negative impact from this tragic event. However, based upon the current publicly available industry insured loss estimates, market share analysis, the application of the Company’s modeling techniques and a review of its in-force contracts, the Company’s current initial assessment is that the net negative impact of the Tohoku earthquake on the Company’s results will be significant and is likely to be material.”

CEO Neill A. Currie commented: “We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims of these events and recognize the significant human impact and tragic nature of these catastrophes. As we have demonstrated in prior catastrophes, we stand ready to provide superior customer service to our clients in their time of need. Our strong financial position will enable us to pay valid claims promptly and provide additional reinsurance capacity during this challenging time.”

Source: RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.