CHUBB LIMITED The following is a discussion of our financial condition and results of operations for the years endedDecember 31, 2020 and 2019 and comparisons between 2020 and 2019. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes, under Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Comparisons between 2019 and 2018 have been omitted from this Form 10-K, but can be found in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Part II, Item 7 of our Form 10-K for the year endedDecember 31, 2019 . All comparisons in this discussion are to the corresponding prior year unless otherwise indicated. All dollar amounts are rounded. However, percent changes and ratios are calculated using whole dollars. Accordingly, calculations using rounded dollars may differ. MD&A Index Page Forward-Looking Statements 35 Overview 36 Financial Highlights 37 Critical Accounting Estimates 38 Consolidated Operating Results 48 Segment Operating Results 53 Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) 61 Non-GAA P Reconciliation 63 Net Investment Income 67 Amortization of Purchased Intangibles and Other Amortization 67 Investments 68 Asbestos and Environmental (A&E) 72 Catastrophe Management 73 Natural Catastrophe Property Reinsurance Program 74 Political Risk and Credit Insurance 74 Crop Insurance 75 Liquidity 76 Capital Resources 79 Contractual Obligations and Commitments 80 Credit Facilities 81 Ratings 82
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Forward-Looking Statements The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements. Any written or oral statements made by us or on our behalf may include forward-looking statements that reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. The words "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," "should," "plan," "expect," "intend," "hope," "feel," "foresee," "will likely result," "will continue," and variations thereof and similar expressions, identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could, should potential events occur, cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which are described in more detail under Part I, Item 1A, under Risk Factors, and elsewhere herein and in other documents we file with theU.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), include but are not limited to: •actual amount of new and renewal business, premium rates, underwriting margins, market acceptance of our products, and risks associated with the introduction of new products and services and entering new markets; the competitive environment in which we operate, including trends in pricing or in policy terms and conditions, which may differ from our projections and changes in market conditions that could render our business strategies ineffective or obsolete; •losses arising out of natural or man-made catastrophes; actual loss experience from insured or reinsured events and the timing of claim payments; the uncertainties of the loss-reserving and claims-settlement processes, including the difficulties associated with assessing environmental damage and asbestos-related latent injuries, the impact of aggregate-policy-coverage limits, the impact of bankruptcy protection sought by various asbestos producers and other related businesses, and the timing of loss payments; •infection rates and severity of COVID-19 and related risks, and their effects on our business operations and claims activity, and any adverse impact to our insureds, brokers, agents, and employees; actual claims may exceed our best estimate of ultimate insurance losses incurred throughDecember 31, 2020 which could change including as a result of, among other things, the impact of legislative or regulatory actions taken in response to COVID-19; •changes in the distribution or placement of risks due to increased consolidation of insurance and reinsurance brokers; material differences between actual and expected assessments for guaranty funds and mandatory pooling arrangements; the ability to collect reinsurance recoverable, credit developments of reinsurers, and any delays with respect thereto and changes in the cost, quality, or availability of reinsurance; •uncertainties relating to governmental, legislative and regulatory policies, developments, actions, investigations, and treaties; judicial decisions and rulings, new theories of liability, legal tactics, and settlement terms; the effects of data privacy or cyber laws or regulation; global political conditions and possible business disruption or economic contraction that may result from such events; •developments in global financial markets, including changes in interest rates, stock markets, and other financial markets; increased government involvement or intervention in the financial services industry; the cost and availability of financing, and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; changing rates of inflation; and other general economic and business conditions, including the depth and duration of potential recession; •the availability of borrowings and letters of credit under our credit facilities; the adequacy of collateral supporting funded high deductible programs; the amount of dividends received from subsidiaries; •changes to our assessment as to whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell, or have the intent to sell, available for sale fixed maturity investments before their anticipated recovery; •actions that rating agencies may take from time to time, such as financial strength or credit ratings downgrades or placing these ratings on credit watch negative or the equivalent; •the effects of public company bankruptcies and accounting restatements, as well as disclosures by and investigations of public companies relating to possible accounting irregularities, and other corporate governance issues; •acquisitions made performing differently than expected, our failure to realize anticipated expense-related efficiencies or growth from acquisitions, the impact of acquisitions on our pre-existing organization, or announced acquisitions not closing; risks and uncertainties relating to our planned purchases of additional interests inHuatai Insurance Group Co., Ltd. (Huatai Group ), including our ability to receive Chinese insurance regulatory approval and complete the purchases; •risks associated with being a Swiss corporation, including reduced flexibility with respect to certain aspects of capital management and the potential for additional regulatory burdens; share repurchase plans and share cancellations; •loss of the services of any of our executive officers without suitable replacements being recruited in a reasonable time frame;
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Table of Contents •the ability of our technology resources, including information systems and security, to perform as anticipated such as with respect to preventing material information technology failures or third-party infiltrations or hacking resulting in consequences adverse to Chubb or its customers or partners; the ability of our company to increase use of data analytics and technology as part of our business strategy and adapt to new technologies; and •management's response to these factors and actual events (including, but not limited to, those described above). You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Overview
We operate through six business segments:North America Commercial P&C Insurance ,North America Personal P&C Insurance ,North America Agricultural Insurance ,Overseas General Insurance , Global Reinsurance, and Life Insurance. For more information on our segments refer to "Segment Information" under Item 1. We have grown our business through increased premium volume, expansion of product offerings and geographic reach, and acquisitions of other companies. Refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for our most recent acquisitions. Our product and geographic diversification differentiate us from the vast majority of our competitors and has been a source of stability during periods of industry volatility. Our long-term business strategy focuses on sustained growth in book value achieved through a combination of underwriting and investment income. By doing so, we provide value to our clients and shareholders through use of our substantial capital base in the insurance and reinsurance markets. We are organized along a profit center structure by line of business and territory that does not necessarily correspond to corporate legal entities. Profit centers can access various legal entities subject to licensing and other regulatory rules. Profit centers are expected to generate underwriting income and appropriate risk-adjusted returns. Our corporate structure has facilitated the development of management talent by giving each profit center's senior management team the necessary autonomy within underwriting authorities to make operating decisions and create products and coverages needed by its target customer base. We are focused on delivering underwriting profit by only writing policies which we believe adequately compensate us for the risk we accept. Our insurance and reinsurance operations generate gross revenues from two principal sources: premiums and investment income. Cash flow is generated from premiums collected and investment income received less paid losses and loss expenses, policy acquisition costs, and administrative expenses. Invested assets are substantially held in liquid, investment grade fixed income securities of relatively short duration. Claims payments in any short-term period are highly unpredictable due to the random nature of loss events and the timing of claims awards or settlements. The value of investments held to pay future claims is subject to market forces such as the level of interest rates, stock market volatility, and credit events such as corporate defaults. The actual cost of claims is also volatile based on loss trends, inflation rates, court awards, and catastrophes. We believe that our cash balance, our highly liquid investments, credit facilities, and reinsurance protection provide sufficient liquidity to meet unforeseen claim demands that might occur in the year ahead. Refer to "Liquidity" and "Capital Resources" for additional information .
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Financial Highlights for the Year EndedDecember 31, 2020 •Net income was$3.5 billion compared with$4.5 billion in 2019, including after-tax catastrophe losses of$2.8 billion compared with$966 million in 2019. •The COVID-19 global pandemic and related economic conditions adversely impacted our results of operations and growth in 2020, including: •Net catastrophe losses included a COVID-19 charge of$1,396 million pre-tax ($1,193 million after-tax), generated primarily from entertainment and commercial property-related business interruption, liability insurance products, and workers' compensation. These COVID-19 losses added 4.5 percentage points to the P&C combined ratio. •Net premiums written in consumer lines globally declined by 1.9 percent, or 0.9 percent on a constant-dollar basis, principally reflecting the impact of COVID-19. A&H lines experienced negative growth globally and were down 10.6 percent for the year. Partially offsetting the decline was ourU.S. high net worth personal lines business, which grew 2.8 percent in 2020. •Net premiums written were$33.8 billion , up 4.8 percent, or 5.5 percent on a constant-dollar basis with 9.3 percent growth in commercial lines and a decline of 0.9 percent in consumer lines. Refer to page 49 for more detail. •Net premiums earned were$33.1 billion , up 5.8 percent, or 6.5 percent on a constant-dollar basis with growth in commercial lines of 8.9 percent and consumer lines of 2.5 percent. •P&C combined ratio was 96.1 percent compared with 90.6 percent in 2019. P&C current accident year combined ratio excluding catastrophe losses was 86.7 percent compared with 89.2 percent in 2019. •Total pre-tax and after-tax catastrophe losses, including reinstatement premiums, were$3.3 billion and$2.8 billion , respectively, compared with$1.2 billion and$966 million , respectively, in 2019. Refer to the Consolidated Operating Results section for additional information on our catastrophe losses. •Total pre-tax and after-tax favorable prior period development were$395 million (1.2 percentage points of the combined ratio) and$357 million , respectively, compared with$792 million (2.7 percentage points of the combined ratio) and$624 million , respectively, in 2019. •Operating cash flow was$9.8 billion compared with$6.3 billion in 2019, an increase of$3.4 billion primarily due to higher premiums collected and reduced payment activity due to the economic slowdown related to COVID-19 pandemic. Refer to the Liquidity section for additional information on our cash flows. •Net investment income was$3,375 million compared with$3,426 million in 2019. •Share repurchases totaled$516 million , or approximately 3.6 million shares for the year, at an average purchase price of$143.91 per share. •Shareholders' equity increased 7.4 percent during the year, principally reflecting strong underlying growth and realized and unrealized gains in our investment portfolio. Outlook Our premium growth in 2020 reflected increases in commercial P&C lines globally from new business, positive rate increases and higher renewal retention. This growth was tempered by decreases in consumer lines, primarily from outsideNorth America , reflecting the adverse impact of the economic contraction resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking forward, we are off to a good start to the year in the first quarter with both growth and the level of commercial P&C rate increases resembling the underwriting conditions of the fourth quarter. We expect the current market condition to continue which will allow us to continue to grow revenue and expand underwriting margins in our commercial lines. For consumer lines, growth globally in the fourth quarter of 2020 continued to be impacted by the pandemic's effects on consumer-related activities. Our international personal lines business and our global A&H business together shrank eight percent. We expect growth to return in these businesses as the year progresses. In 2019, Chubb entered into agreements to acquire an additional 22.4 percent ownership interest inHuatai Group through two separate purchases. The first purchase, which was for a 15.3 percent interest, was completed inJuly 2020 . We expect that the second purchase, which was for a 7.1 percent interest, will be completed in the future, contingent upon important conditions. Separately, inNovember 2020 , we completed the purchase of an incremental 0.9 percent ownership interest inHuatai Group , bringing Chubb's aggregate ownership interest to 47.1 percent as ofDecember 31, 2020 . We continue to apply equity method accounting until we complete the 7.1 percent purchase, which will result in majority ownership at which point we expect to apply consolidation accounting.
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Table of Contents Critical Accounting Estimates Our Consolidated Financial Statements include amounts that, either by their nature or due to requirements of generally accepted accounting principles in theU.S. (GAAP), are determined using best estimates and assumptions. While we believe that the amounts included in our Consolidated Financial Statements reflect our best judgment, actual amounts could ultimately materially differ from those currently presented. We believe the items that require the most subjective and complex estimates are: •unpaid loss and loss expense reserves, including long-tail asbestos and environmental (A&E) reserves and non-A&E casualty exposures; •future policy benefits reserves; •the valuation of value of business acquired (VOBA) and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and VOBA; •the assessment of risk transfer for certain structured insurance and reinsurance contracts; •reinsurance recoverable, including a valuation allowance for uncollectible reinsurance; •the valuation of our investment portfolio and assessment of valuation allowance for expected credit losses; •the valuation of deferred income taxes; •the valuation of derivative instruments related to guaranteed living benefits (GLB); and •the assessment of goodwill for impairment. We believe our accounting policies for these items are of critical importance to our Consolidated Financial Statements. The following discussion provides more information regarding the estimates and assumptions required to arrive at these amounts and should be read in conjunction with the sections entitled: PriorPeriod Development , Asbestos and Environmental (A&E), Reinsurance Recoverable on Ceded Reinsurance, Investments, and Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses). Unpaid losses and loss expenses As an insurance and reinsurance company, we are required by applicable laws and regulations and GAAP to establish loss and loss expense reserves for the estimated unpaid portion of the ultimate liability for losses and loss expenses under the terms of our policies and agreements with our insured and reinsured customers. AtDecember 31, 2020 , our gross unpaid loss and loss expense reserves were$67.8 billion and our net unpaid loss and loss expense reserves were$53.2 billion . With the exception of certain structured settlements, for which the timing and amount of future claim payments are reliably determinable, and certain reserves for unsettled claims, our loss reserves are not discounted for the time value of money. In connection with such structured settlements and certain reserves for unsettled claims, we carried net discounted reserves of$68 million and$74 million atDecember 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The following table presents a roll-forward of our unpaid losses and loss expenses: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Reinsurance Reinsurance (in millions of U.S. dollars) Gross Losses Recoverable(1) Net Losses Gross Losses Recoverable(1) Net Losses
Balance, beginning of year
$ 48,271 Losses and loss expenses incurred 26,711 5,001 21,710 23,657 4,927 18,730 Losses and loss expenses paid (22,053) (4,619) (17,434) (23,911) (5,438) (18,473) Other (including foreign exchange translation) 463 84 379 (16) 3 (19) Balance, end of year$ 67,811 $ 14,647$ 53,164 $ 62,690 $ 14,181$ 48,509
(1)Net of valuation allowance for uncollectible reinsurance.
The estimate of the liabilities includes provisions for claims that have been reported but are unpaid at the balance sheet date (case reserves) and for obligations on claims that have been incurred but not reported (IBNR) at the balance sheet date. IBNR may also include provisions to account for the possibility that reported claims may settle for amounts that differ from the established case reserves. Loss reserves also include an estimate of expenses associated with processing and settling unpaid
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Table of Contents claims (loss expenses). Our loss reserves comprise approximately 78 percent casualty-related business, which typically encompasses long-tail risks, and other risks where a high degree of judgment is required.
The process of establishing loss reserves for property and casualty claims can be complex and is subject to considerable uncertainty as it requires the use of informed estimates and judgments based on circumstances underlying the insured losses known at the date of accrual. For example, the reserves established for high excess casualty claims, asbestos and environmental claims, claims from major catastrophic events, or for our various product lines each require different assumptions and judgments to be made. Necessary judgments are based on numerous factors and may be revised as additional experience and other data become available and are reviewed, as new or improved methods are developed, or as laws change. Hence, ultimate loss payments may differ from the estimate of the ultimate liabilities made at the balance sheet date. Changes to our previous estimates of prior period loss reserves impact the reported calendar year underwriting results adversely if our estimates increase or favorably if our estimates decrease. The potential for variation in loss reserve estimates is impacted by numerous factors. Reserve estimates for casualty lines are particularly uncertain given the lengthy reporting patterns and corresponding need for IBNR. Case reserves for those claims reported by insureds or ceding companies to us prior to the balance sheet date and where we have sufficient information are determined by our claims personnel as appropriate based on the circumstances of the claim(s), standard claim handling practices, and professional judgment. Furthermore, for our Brandywine run-off operations and our assumed reinsurance operation, Global Reinsurance, we may adjust the case reserves as notified by the ceding company if the judgment of our respective claims department differs from that of the cedant. With respect to IBNR reserves and those claims that have been incurred but not reported prior to the balance sheet date, there is, by definition, limited actual information to form the case reserve estimate and reliance is placed upon historical loss experience and actuarial methods to estimate the ultimate loss obligations and the corresponding amount of IBNR. IBNR reserve estimates are generally calculated by first projecting the ultimate amount of losses for a product line and subtracting paid losses and case reserves for reported claims. The judgments involved in projecting the ultimate losses may pertain to the use and interpretation of various standard actuarial reserving methods that place reliance on the extrapolation of actual historical data, loss development patterns, industry data, and other benchmarks as appropriate. The estimate of the required IBNR reserve also requires judgment by actuaries and management to reflect the impact of more contemporary and subjective factors, both qualitative and quantitative. Among some of these factors that might be considered are changes in business mix or volume, changes in ceded reinsurance structures, changes in claims handling practices, reported and projected loss trends, inflation, the legal environment, and the terms and conditions of the contracts sold to our insured parties. Determining management's best estimate Our recorded reserves represent management's best estimate of the provision for unpaid claims as of the balance sheet date, and establishing them involves a process that includes collaboration with various relevant parties in the company. For information on our reserving process, refer to Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Sensitivity to underlying assumptions While we believe that our reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses atDecember 31, 2020 , is adequate, new information or emerging trends that differ from our assumptions may lead to future development of losses and loss expenses that is significantly greater or less than the recorded reserve, which could have a material effect on future operating results. As noted previously, our best estimate of required loss reserves for most portfolios is judgmentally selected for each origin year after considering the results from a number of reserving methods and is not a purely mechanical process. Therefore, it is difficult to convey, in a simple and quantitative manner, the impact that a change to a single assumption will have on our best estimate. In the examples below, we attempt to give an indication of the potential impact by isolating a single change for a specific reserving method that would be pertinent in establishing the best estimate for the product line described. We consider each of the following sensitivity analyses to represent a reasonably likely deviation in the underlying assumption.North America Commercial P&C Insurance - Workers' Compensation Given the long reporting and paid development patterns for workers' compensation business, the development factors used to project actual current losses to ultimate losses for our current exposure require considerable judgment that could be material to consolidated loss and loss expense reserves. Specifically, adjusting ground up ultimate losses by a one percentage point change in the tail factor (i.e., 1.04 changed to either 1.05 or 1.03) would cause a change of approximately$910 million , either positive or negative, for the projected net loss and loss expense reserves. This represents an impact of about 9.5 percent relative to recorded net loss and loss expense reserves of approximately$9.6 billion . 39
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Table of ContentsNorth America Commercial P&C Insurance - Liability As is the case for Workers' Compensation above, given the long reporting and paid development patterns, the development factors used to project actual current losses to ultimate losses for our current exposure require considerable judgment that could be material to consolidated loss and loss expense reserves. Specifically, for our mainU.S. Excess/Umbrella portfolios, a five percentage point change in the tail factor (e.g., 1.10 changed to either 1.15 or 1.05) would cause a change of approximately$546 million , either positive or negative, for the projected net loss and loss expense reserves. This represents an impact of about 19.7 percent relative to recorded net loss and loss expense reserves of approximately$2.8 billion for these portfolios. The reserve portfolio for our Chubb Bermuda operations contains exposure to predominantly high excess liability coverage on an occurrence-first-reported basis (typically with attachment points in excess of$325 million and gross limits of up to$150 million ) and D&O and other professional liability coverage on a claims-made basis (typically with attachment points in excess of$125 million and gross limits of up to$75 million ). Due to the layer of exposure covered, the expected frequency for this book is very low. As a result of the low frequency/high severity nature of the book, a small difference in the actual vs. expected claim frequency, either positive or negative, could result in a material change to the projected ultimate loss if such change in claim frequency was related to a policy where close to maximum limits were deployed.North America Personal P&C Insurance Due to the relatively short-tailed nature of many of the coverages involved (e.g., homeowners property damage), most of the incurred losses in Personal Lines are resolved within a few years of occurrence. As shown in our loss triangle disclosure, the vast majority (approximately 95 percent) of Personal Lines net ultimate losses and allocated loss adjustment expenses are typically paid within five years of the accident date and over 80 percent within two years. Even though there are significant reserves associated with some liability exposures such as personal excess/umbrella liability, our incurred loss triangle also shows a roughly consistent pattern of only relatively minor movements in incurred estimates over time by accident year especially after twenty-four months of maturity. While the liability exposures are subject to additional uncertainties from more protracted resolution times, the main drivers of volatility in the Personal Lines business are relatively short-term in nature and relate to things like natural catastrophes, non-catastrophe weather events, man-made risks, and individual large loss volatility from other fortuitous claim events.North America Agricultural Insurance Approximately 59 percent of the reserves for this segment are from the crop related lines, which all have short payout patterns, with the majority of the liabilities expected to be resolved in the ensuing twelve months. Claim reserves for ourMultiple Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) product are set on a case-by-case basis and our aggregate exposure is subject to state level risk sharing formulae as well as third-party reinsurance. The majority of the development risk arises out of the accuracy of case reserve estimates and the time needed for final crop conditions to be assessed. We do not view our Agriculture reserves as substantially influenced by the general assumptions and risks underlying more typical P&C reserve estimates.Overseas General Insurance Certain long-tail lines, such as casualty and professional lines, are particularly susceptible to changes in loss trend and claim inflation. Heightened perceptions of tort and settlement awards around the world can increase the demand for these products as well as contributing to the uncertainty in the reserving estimates. Our reserving methods rely on loss development patterns estimated from historical data and while we attempt to adjust such factors for known changes in the current tort environment, it is possible that such factors may not entirely reflect all recent trends in tort environments. For example, when applying the reported loss development method, the lengthening of our selected loss development patterns by six months would increase reserve estimates on long-tail casualty and professional lines for accident years 2018 and prior by approximately$590 million . This represents an impact of 15.4 percent relative to recorded net loss and loss expense reserves of approximately$3.8 billion . Global Reinsurance AtDecember 31, 2020 , net unpaid losses and loss expenses for the Global Reinsurance segment aggregated to$1.5 billion , consisting of$772 million of case reserves and$740 million of IBNR. In comparison, atDecember 31, 2019 , net unpaid losses and loss expenses for the Global Reinsurance segment aggregated to$1.4 billion , consisting of$769 million of case reserves and$664 million of IBNR. For our catastrophe business, we principally estimate unpaid losses and loss expenses on an event basis by considering various sources of information, including specific loss estimates reported by our cedants, ceding company and overall industry loss estimates reported by our brokers, and our internal data regarding reinsured exposures related to the geographical location of the
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Table of Contents event. Our internal data analysis enables us to establish catastrophe reserves for known events with more certainty at an earlier date than would be the case if we solely relied on reports from third parties to determine carried reserves. For our casualty reinsurance business, we generally rely on ceding companies to report claims and then use that data as a key input to estimate unpaid losses and loss expenses. Due to the reliance on claims information reported by ceding companies, as well as other factors, the estimation of unpaid losses and loss expenses for assumed reinsurance includes certain risks and uncertainties that are unique relative to our direct insurance business. These include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: •The reported claims information could be inaccurate; •Typically, a lag exists between the reporting of a loss event to a ceding company and its reporting to us as a reinsurance claim. The use of a broker to transmit financial information from a ceding company to us increases the reporting lag. Because most of our reinsurance business is produced by brokers, ceding companies generally first submit claim and other financial information to brokers, who then report the proportionate share of such information to each reinsurer of a particular treaty. The reporting lag generally results in a longer period of time between the date a claim is incurred and the date a claim is reported compared with direct insurance operations. Therefore, the risk of delayed recognition of loss reserve development is higher for assumed reinsurance than for direct insurance lines; and •The historical claims data for a particular reinsurance contract can be limited relative to our insurance business in that there may be less historical information available. Further, for certain coverages or products, such as excess of loss contracts, there may be relatively few expected claims in a particular year so the actual number of claims may be susceptible to significant variability. In such cases, the actuary often relies on industry data from several recognized sources. We mitigate the above risks in several ways. In addition to routine analytical reviews of ceding company reports to ensure reported claims information appears reasonable, we perform regular underwriting and claims audits of certain ceding companies to ensure reported claims information is accurate, complete, and timely. As appropriate, audit findings are used to adjust claims in the reserving process. We also use our knowledge of the historical development of losses from individual ceding companies to adjust the level of adequacy we believe exists in the reported ceded losses. On occasion, there will be differences between our carried loss reserves and unearned premium reserves and the amount of loss reserves and unearned premium reserves reported by the ceding companies. This is due to the fact that we receive consistent and timely information from ceding companies only with respect to case reserves. For IBNR, we use historical experience and other statistical information, depending on the type of business, to estimate the ultimate loss. We estimate our unearned premium reserve by applying estimated earning patterns to net premiums written for each treaty based upon that treaty's coverage basis (i.e., risks attaching or losses occurring). AtDecember 31, 2020 , the case reserves, net of retrocessions, reported to us by our ceding companies were$762 million , compared with the$772 million we recorded. Our policy is to post additional case reserves in addition to the amounts reported by our cedants when our evaluation of the ultimate value of a reported claim is different than the evaluation of that claim by our cedant. Typically, there is inherent uncertainty around the length of paid and reported development patterns, especially for certain casualty lines such as excess workers' compensation or general liability, which may take decades to fully develop. This uncertainty is accentuated by the need to supplement client development patterns with industry development patterns due to the sometimes low statistical credibility of the data. The underlying source and selection of the final development patterns can thus have a significant impact on the selected ultimate net losses and loss expenses. For example, a 20 percent shortening or lengthening of the development patterns used forU.S. long-tail lines would cause the loss reserve estimate derived by the reported Bornhuetter-Ferguson method for these lines to change by approximately$245 million . This represents an impact of 37 percent relative to recorded net loss and loss expense reserves of approximately$655 million .
Corporate
Within Corporate, we also have exposure to certain liability reinsurance lines
that have been in run-off since 1994. Unpaid losses and loss expenses relating
to this run-off reinsurance business resides within the Brandywine Division
reported within Corporate. Most of the remaining unpaid loss and loss expense
reserves for the run-off reinsurance business relate to A&E claims.
The A&E liabilities principally relate to claims arising from bodily-injury
claims related to asbestos products and remediation costs associated with
hazardous waste sites. The estimation of our A&E liabilities is particularly
sensitive to future changes in the legal, social, and economic environment. We
have not assumed any such future changes in setting the value of our A&E
liabilities, which include provisions for both reported and IBNR claims.
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There are many complex variables that we consider when estimating the reserves for our inventory of asbestos accounts and these variables may directly impact the predicted outcome. We believe the most significant variables relating to our A&E liabilities include the current legal environment; specific settlements that may be used as precedents to settle future claims; assumptions regarding trends with respect to claim severity and the frequency of higher severity claims; assumptions regarding the ability to allocate liability among defendants (including bankruptcy trusts) and other insurers; the ability of a claimant to bring a claim in a state in which they have no residency or exposure; the ability of a policyholder to claim the right to unaggregated coverage; whether high-level excess policies have the potential to be accessed given the policyholder's claim trends and liability situation; payments to unimpaired claimants; and, the potential liability of peripheral defendants. Based on the policies, the facts, the law, and a careful analysis of the impact that these factors will likely have on any given account, we estimate the potential liability for indemnity, policyholder defense costs, and coverage litigation expense. The results in asbestos cases announced by other carriers or defendants may well have little or no relevance to us because coverage exposures are highly dependent upon the specific facts of individual coverage and resolution status of disputes among carriers, policyholders, and claimants.
For additional information refer to the "Asbestos and Environmental (A&E)" section and to Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Future policy benefits reserves We issue contracts in ourOverseas General Insurance and Life Insurance segments that are classified as long-duration. These contracts generally include accident and supplemental health products, term and whole life products, endowment products, and annuities. In accordance with GAAP, we establish reserves for contracts determined to be long-duration based on approved actuarial methods that include assumptions related to expenses, mortality, morbidity, persistency and investment yields. For traditional long-duration contracts, these assumptions also include a provision for adverse deviation (PAD), and are "locked in" at the inception of the contract, meaning we use our original assumptions throughout the life of the policy and do not subsequently modify them unless we deem the reserves to be inadequate; while for non-traditional long-duration contracts, the assumptions do not include a PAD and are unlocked at each reporting date. The future policy benefits reserves balance is regularly evaluated for a premium deficiency. If experience is less favorable than assumptions, additional liabilities may be required, resulting in a charge to policyholder benefits and claims. Valuation of value of business acquired (VOBA), and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and VOBA As part of the acquisition of businesses that sell long-duration contracts, such as life products, we established an intangible asset related to VOBA, which represented the fair value of the future profits of the in-force contracts. The valuation of VOBA at the time of acquisition is derived from similar assumptions to those used to establish the associated future policy benefits reserves. The most significant input in this calculation is the discount rate used to arrive at the present value of the net cash flows. We amortize deferred policy acquisition costs associated with long-duration contracts and VOBA (collectively policy acquisition costs) over the estimated life of the contracts, generally in proportion to premium revenue recognized based upon the same assumptions used in estimating the liability for future policy benefits. For non-traditional long-duration contracts, we amortize policy acquisition costs over the expected life of the contracts in proportion to estimates of expected gross profits. The estimated life is established at the inception of the contracts or upon acquisition and is based on current persistency assumptions. Policy acquisition costs, which consist of commissions, premium taxes, and certain underwriting costs related directly to the successful acquisition of a new or renewal insurance contract, are reviewed to determine if they are recoverable from future income, including investment income. Unrecoverable costs are expensed in the period identified. Risk transfer In the ordinary course of business, we both purchase (or cede) and sell (or assume) reinsurance protection. We discontinued the purchase of all finite risk reinsurance contracts, as a matter of policy, in 2002. For both ceded and assumed reinsurance, risk transfer requirements must be met in order to use reinsurance accounting, principally resulting in the recognition of cash flows under the contract as premiums and losses. If risk transfer requirements are not met, a contract is to be accounted for as a deposit, typically resulting in the recognition of cash flows under the contract through a deposit asset or liability and not as revenue or expense. To meet risk transfer requirements, a reinsurance contract must include both insurance risk, consisting of underwriting and timing risk, and a reasonable possibility of a significant loss for the assuming entity. We also apply similar risk transfer requirements to determine whether certain commercial insurance contracts should be accounted for as insurance or a deposit. Contracts that include fixed premium (i.e., premium not subject to adjustment based on loss experience under the contract) for fixed coverage generally transfer risk and do not require judgment.
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Table of Contents Reinsurance and insurance contracts that include both significant risk sharing provisions, such as adjustments to premiums or loss coverage based on loss experience, and relatively low policy limits, as evidenced by a high proportion of maximum premium assessments to loss limits, can require considerable judgment to determine whether or not risk transfer requirements are met. For such contracts, often referred to as finite or structured products, we require that risk transfer be specifically assessed for each contract by developing expected cash flow analyses at contract inception. To support risk transfer, the cash flow analyses must demonstrate that a significant loss is reasonably possible, such as a scenario in which the ratio of the net present value of losses divided by the net present value of premiums equals or exceeds 110 percent. For purposes of cash flow analyses, we generally use a risk-free rate of return consistent with the expected average duration of loss payments. In addition, to support insurance risk, we must prove the reinsurer's risk of loss varies with that of the reinsured and/or support various scenarios under which the assuming entity can recognize a significant loss. To ensure risk transfer requirements are routinely assessed, qualitative and quantitative risk transfer analyses and memoranda supporting risk transfer are developed by underwriters for all structured products. We have established protocols for structured products that include criteria triggering an accounting review of the contract prior to quoting. If any criterion is triggered, a contract must be reviewed by a committee established by each of our segments with reporting oversight, including peer review, from our global Structured Transaction Review Committee. With respect to ceded reinsurance, we entered into a few multi-year excess of loss retrospectively-rated contracts, principally in 2002. These contracts primarily provided severity protection for specific product divisions. Because traditional one-year reinsurance coverage had become relatively costly, these contracts were generally entered into in order to secure a more cost-effective reinsurance program. All of these contracts transferred risk and were accounted for as reinsurance. In addition, we maintain a few aggregate excess of loss reinsurance contracts that were principally entered into prior to 2003, such as theNational Indemnity Company (NICO) contracts referred to in the section entitled, "Asbestos and Environmental (A&E)". We have not purchased any other retroactive ceded reinsurance contracts since 1999. With respect to assumed reinsurance and insurance contracts, products giving rise to judgments regarding risk transfer were primarily sold by our financial solutions business. Although we have significantly curtailed writing financial solutions business, several contracts remain in-force and principally include multi-year retrospectively-rated contracts and loss portfolio transfers. Because transfer of insurance risk is generally a primary client motivation for purchasing these products, relatively few insurance and reinsurance contracts have historically been written for which we concluded that risk transfer criteria had not been met. For certain insurance contracts that have been reported as deposits, the insured desired to self-insure a risk but was required, legally or otherwise, to purchase insurance so that claimants would be protected by a licensed insurance company in the event of non-payment from the insured. Reinsurance recoverable Reinsurance recoverable includes balances due to us from reinsurance companies for paid and unpaid losses and loss expenses and is presented net of a valuation allowance for uncollectible reinsurance. The valuation allowance for uncollectible reinsurance is determined based upon a review of the financial condition of the reinsurers and other factors. Ceded reinsurance contracts do not relieve our primary obligation to our policyholders. Consequently, an exposure exists with respect to reinsurance recoverable to the extent that any reinsurer is unable or unwilling to meet its obligations or disputes the liabilities assumed under the reinsurance contracts. We determine the reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses using actuarial estimates as well as a determination of our ability to cede unpaid losses and loss expenses under existing reinsurance contracts. The recognition of a reinsurance recoverable asset requires two key judgments. The first judgment involves our estimation based on the amount of gross reserves and the percentage of that amount which may be ceded to reinsurers. Ceded IBNR, which is a major component of the reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses, is generally developed as part of our loss reserving process and, consequently, its estimation is subject to similar risks and uncertainties as the estimation of gross IBNR (refer to "Critical Accounting Estimates - Unpaid losses and loss expenses"). The second judgment involves our estimate of the amount of the reinsurance recoverable balance that we may ultimately be unable to recover from reinsurers due to insolvency, contractual dispute, or for other reasons. Estimated uncollectible amounts are reflected in a valuation allowance that reduces the reinsurance recoverable asset and, in turn, shareholders' equity. Changes in the valuation allowance for uncollectible reinsurance are reflected in net income. 43
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Table of Contents Although the obligation of individual reinsurers to pay their reinsurance obligations is based on specific contract provisions, the collectability of such amounts requires estimation by management. The majority of the recoverable balance will not be due for collection until sometime in the future, and the duration of our recoverables may be longer than the duration of our direct exposures. Over this period of time, economic conditions and operational performance of a particular reinsurer may impact their ability to meet these obligations and while they may continue to acknowledge their contractual obligation to do so, they may not have the financial resources or willingness to fully meet their obligation to us. To estimate the valuation allowance for uncollectible reinsurance, the reinsurance recoverable must first be determined for each reinsurer. This determination is based on a process rather than an estimate, although an element of judgment must be applied. As part of the process, ceded IBNR is allocated to reinsurance contracts because ceded IBNR is not generally calculated on a contract by contract basis. The allocations are generally based on premiums ceded under reinsurance contracts, adjusted for actual loss experience and historical relationships between gross and ceded losses. If actual premium and loss experience vary materially from historical experience, the allocation of reinsurance recoverable by reinsurer will be reviewed and may change. While such change is unlikely to result in a large percentage change in the valuation allowance for uncollectible reinsurance, it could, nevertheless, have a material effect on our net income in the period recorded. Generally, we use a default analysis to estimate uncollectible reinsurance. The primary components of the default analysis are reinsurance recoverable balances by reinsurer, net of collateral, and forward looking default factors used to estimate the probability that the reinsurer may be unable to meet its future obligations in full. In 2020, we adopted new guidance on the accounting for expected credit losses of reinsurance recoverable. For additional information, refer to Note 1 s) to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8. The definition of collateral for this purpose requires some judgment and is generally limited to assets held in a Chubb-only beneficiary trust, letters of credit, and liabilities held by us with the same legal entity for which we believe there is a right of offset. We do not currently include multi-beneficiary trusts. However, we have several reinsurers that have established multi-beneficiary trusts for which certain of our companies are beneficiaries. The determination of the default factor is principally based on the financial strength rating of the reinsurer and a corresponding default factor applicable to the financial strength rating. Default factors require considerable judgment and are determined using the current financial strength rating, or rating equivalent, of each reinsurer as well as other key considerations and assumptions. Significant considerations and assumptions include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: •For reinsurers that maintain a financial strength rating from a major rating agency, and for which recoverable balances are considered representative of the larger population (i.e., default probabilities are consistent with similarly rated reinsurers and payment durations conform to averages), the judgment exercised by management to determine the valuation allowance for uncollectible reinsurance of each reinsurer is typically limited because the financial rating is based on a published source and the default factor we apply is based on a historical default factor of a major rating agency applicable to the particular rating class. Default factors applied for financial ratings ofAAA , AA, A, BBB, BB, B, and CCC, are 0.8 percent, 1.2 percent, 1.7 percent, 4.9 percent, 19.6 percent, 34.0 percent, and 62.2 percent, respectively. Because our model is predicated on the historical default factors of a major rating agency, we do not generally consider alternative factors. However, when a recoverable is expected to be paid in a brief period of time by a highly-rated reinsurer, such as certain property catastrophe claims, a default factor may not be applied; •For balances recoverable from reinsurers that are both unrated by a major rating agency and for which management is unable to determine a credible rating equivalent based on a parent or affiliated company, we may determine a rating equivalent based on our analysis of the reinsurer that considers an assessment of the creditworthiness of the particular entity, industry benchmarks, or other factors as considered appropriate. We then apply the applicable default factor for that rating class. For balances recoverable from unrated reinsurers for which our ceded reserve is below a certain threshold, we generally apply a default factor of 34.0 percent; •For balances recoverable from reinsurers that are either insolvent or under regulatory supervision, we establish a default factor and resulting valuation allowance for uncollectible reinsurance based on specific facts and circumstances surrounding each company. Upon initial notification of an insolvency, we generally recognize expense for a substantial portion of all balances outstanding, net of collateral, through a combination of write-offs of recoverable balances and increases to the valuation allowance for uncollectible reinsurance. When regulatory action is taken on a reinsurer, we generally recognize a default factor by estimating an expected recovery on all balances outstanding, net of collateral. When sufficient credible information becomes available, we adjust the valuation allowance for uncollectible reinsurance by establishing a default factor pursuant to information received; and •For captives and other recoverables, management determines the valuation allowance for uncollectible reinsurance based on the specific facts and circumstances.
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The following table summarizes reinsurance recoverables and the valuation allowance for uncollectible reinsurance for each type of recoverable balance atDecember 31, 2020 : Gross Reinsurance Valuation Recoverables on Recoverables (net Allowance for Losses and Loss of Usable Uncollectible (in millions of U.S. dollars) Expenses Collateral) Reinsurance (1) Type Reinsurers with credit ratings$ 12,479 $ 10,814 $ 179 Reinsurers not rated 290 154 57 Reinsurers under supervision and insolvent reinsurers 64 60 35 Captives 2,107 372 11 Other - structured settlements and pools 966 965 32 Total$ 15,906 $ 12,365 $ 314
(1) The valuation allowance for uncollectible reinsurance is based on a
default analysis applied to gross reinsurance recoverables, net of approximately
AtDecember 31, 2020 , the use of different assumptions within our approach could have a material effect on the valuation allowance for uncollectible reinsurance. To the extent the creditworthiness of our reinsurers was to deteriorate due to an adverse event affecting the reinsurance industry, such as a large number of major catastrophes, actual uncollectible amounts could be significantly greater than our valuation allowance for uncollectible reinsurance. Such an event could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and our liquidity. Given the various considerations used to estimate our uncollectible valuation allowance, we cannot precisely quantify the effect a specific industry event may have on the valuation allowance for uncollectible reinsurance. However, based on the composition (particularly the average credit quality) of the reinsurance recoverable balance atDecember 31, 2020 , we estimate that a ratings downgrade of one notch for all rated reinsurers (e.g., from A to A- or A- to BBB+) could increase our valuation allowance for uncollectible reinsurance by approximately$81 million or approximately 0.5 percent of the gross reinsurance recoverable balance, assuming no other changes relevant to the calculation. While a ratings downgrade would result in an increase in our valuation allowance for uncollectible reinsurance and a charge to earnings in that period, a downgrade in and of itself does not imply that we will be unable to collect all of the ceded reinsurance recoverable from the reinsurers in question. Refer to Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. Fair value measurements Accounting guidance defines fair value as the price to sell an asset or transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants and establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy based on the reliability of the inputs. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1 inputs) and the lowest priority to unobservable data (Level 3 inputs). Level 2 includes inputs, other than quoted prices within Level 1, that are observable for assets or liabilities either directly or indirectly. Refer to Note 4 and Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on our fair value measurements. Assessment of investment portfolio credit losses Each quarter, we evaluate current expected credit losses (CECL) for fixed maturity securities classified as held to maturity and expected credit losses (ECL) for fixed maturity securities classified as available for sale. Because our investment portfolio is the largest component of consolidated assets, CECL and ECL could be material to our financial condition and results of operations. Refer to Notes 1 e) and 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information. Deferred income taxes AtDecember 31, 2020 , our net deferred tax liability was$892 million . Our deferred tax assets and liabilities primarily result from temporary differences between the amounts recorded in our Consolidated Financial Statements and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities. We determine deferred tax assets and liabilities separately for each tax-paying component (an individual entity or group of entities that is consolidated for tax purposes) in each tax jurisdiction. The realization of deferred tax assets depends upon the existence of sufficient taxable income within the carryback or carryforward periods under the tax law in the applicable tax jurisdiction. There may be changes in tax laws in a number of countries where we transact business that impact our deferred tax assets and liabilities. 45
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Table of Contents At each balance sheet date, management assesses the need to establish a valuation allowance that reduces deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that all, or some portion, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The determination of the need for a valuation allowance is based on all available information including projections of future taxable income, principally derived from business plans and where appropriate available tax planning strategies. Projections of future taxable income incorporate assumptions of future business and operations that are apt to differ from actual experience. If our assumptions and estimates that resulted in our forecast of future taxable income prove to be incorrect, an additional valuation allowance could become necessary, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity. AtDecember 31, 2020 , the valuation allowance of$83 million reflects management's assessment that it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized due to the inability of certain subsidiaries to generate sufficient taxable income. Assumed reinsurance programs involving minimum benefit guarantees under variable annuity contracts Chubb reinsures various death and living benefit guarantees associated with variable annuities issued primarily inthe United States . We ceased writing this business in 2007. Guarantees which are payable on death are referred to as guaranteed minimum death benefits (GMDB). Guarantees on living benefits (GLB) consist mainly of guaranteed minimum income benefits (GMIB). For further description of this product and related accounting treatment, refer to Note 1 j) to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Guaranteed living benefits (GLB) derivatives Our GLB reinsurance is classified as a derivative for accounting purposes and therefore carried at fair value. Changes in fair value are reflected in Net realized gains (losses) in the Consolidated statements of operations. Determination of GLB fair value The fair value of GLB reinsurance is estimated using an internal valuation model, which includes current market information and estimates of policyholder behavior from the perspective of a theoretical market participant that would assume these liabilities. All of our treaties contain claim limits, which are factored into the valuation model. The fair value depends on a number of factors, including interest rates, equity markets, credit risk, current account value, market volatility, expected annuitization rates and other policyholder behavior, and changes in policyholder mortality. The model and related assumptions are regularly re-evaluated by management and enhanced, as appropriate, based upon additional experience obtained related to policyholder behavior and availability of more timely market information. Due to the inherent uncertainties of the assumptions used in the valuation models to determine the fair value of these derivative products, actual experience may differ materially from the estimates reflected in our Consolidated Financial Statements. We intend to hold these derivative contracts to maturity (i.e., the expiration of the underlying liabilities through lapse, annuitization, death, or expiration of the reinsurance contract). To partially offset the risk of changes in the fair value of GLB reinsurance contracts, we invest in derivative hedge instruments. For further information on the estimates and assumptions used in determining the fair value of GLB reinsurance, refer to Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For a sensitivity discussion of the effect of changes in interest rates, equity indices, and other assumptions on the fair value of GLBs, and the estimated resulting impact on our net income, refer to Item 7A. Determination of GMDB benefit reserves Management established benefit reserves based on a long-term benefit ratio (or loss ratio) calculated using assumptions reflecting management's best estimate of the future performance of the GMDB variable annuity line of business. Despite the long-term nature of the risk, the benefit ratio calculation is impacted by short-term market movements that may be judged by management to be transient. Management regularly examines both qualitative and quantitative analysis, including a review of the differential between the benefit ratio used at the most recent valuation date and the benefit ratio calculated on subsequent dates. Management regularly evaluates its estimates and uses judgment to determine the extent to which assumptions underlying the benefit ratio calculation should be adjusted. For the year endedDecember 31, 2020 , management determined that no change to the benefit ratio was warranted.
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Table of Contents Risk Management We employ a strategy to manage the financial market and policyholder behavior risks embedded in the reinsurance of variable annuity (VA) guarantees. Risk management begins with underwriting a prospective client and guarantee design, with particular focus on protecting our position from policyholder options that, because of anti-selective behavior, could adversely impact our obligation. A second layer of risk management is the structure of the reinsurance contracts. AllVA guarantee reinsurance contracts include some form of annual or aggregate claim limit(s) primarily designed to reduce our exposure to severe equity market and interest rate declines (which would cause an increase in expected claims). A third layer of risk management is the hedging strategy which looks to mitigate both long-term economic loss over time as well as dampen income statement volatility. We owned financial market instruments as part of the hedging strategy with a fair value liability of$17 million and$13 million atDecember 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The instruments are substantially collateralized on a daily basis. We also limit the aggregate amount of variable annuity reinsurance guarantee risk we are willing to assume. The last substantive transactions were quoted in late 2007. The aggregate number of policyholders is currently decreasing through policyholder withdrawals, annuitizations, and deaths at a rate of 5 percent to 15 percent per annum.
Note that GLB claims cannot occur for any reinsured policy until it has reached
the end of its "waiting period". As of
Collateral
Chubb maintains collateral, including letters of credit (LOC), on behalf of most of its clients in the form of qualified assets in trust or letters of credit, typically in an amount sufficient for the client to obtain statutory reserve credit for the reinsurance. The timing of the calculation and amount of the collateral varies by client according to the particulars of the reinsurance treaty and the statutory reserve guidelines of the client's domicile. Refer to "Credit Facilities" for a discussion of the LOC related to our variable annuity program.Goodwill impairment assessmentGoodwill , which represents the excess of acquisition cost over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired, was$15.4 billion and$15.3 billion atDecember 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.Goodwill is assigned to applicable reporting units of acquired entities at the time of acquisition. Our reporting units are the same as our reportable segments. For goodwill balances by reporting units, refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to a periodic evaluation for impairment at least annually, or earlier if there are any indications of possible impairment. Impairment is tested at the reporting unit level. The impairment evaluation first uses a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not (i.e., more than a 50 percent probability) that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount. If a reporting unit fails this qualitative assessment, a single quantitative analysis is used to measure and record the amount of the impairment. In assessing the fair value of a reporting unit, we make assumptions and estimates about the profitability attributable to our reporting units, including: •short-term and long-term growth rates; and •estimated cost of equity and changes in long-term risk-free interest rates. If our assumptions and estimates made in assessing the fair value of acquired entities change, we could be required to write-down the carrying value of goodwill which could be material to our results of operations in the period the charge is taken. Based on our impairment testing for 2020, we determined no impairment was required and none of our reporting units was at risk for impairment. 47
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Consolidated Operating Results - Years Ended
% Change
(in millions of U.S. dollars, except for
percentages) 2020 2019 2018 2020 vs. 2019 2019 vs. 2018
Net premiums written $ 33,820 $ 32,275 $ 30,579 4.8 % 5.5 %
Net premiums written - constant dollars (1) 5.5 % 7.0 %
Net premiums earned 33,117 31,290 30,064 5.8 % 4.1 %
Net investment income 3,375 3,426 3,305 (1.5) % 3.6 %
Net realized gains (losses) (498) (530) (652) (6.1) % (18.8) %
Total revenues 35,994 34,186 32,717 5.3 % 4.5 %
Losses and loss expenses 21,710 18,730 18,067 15.9 % 3.7 %
Policy benefits 784 740 590 5.9 % 25.5 %
Policy acquisition costs 6,547 6,153 5,912 6.4 % 4.1 %
Administrative expenses 2,979 3,030 2,886 (1.7) % 5.0 %
Interest expense 516 552 641 (6.4) % (13.9) %
Other (income) expense (994) (596) (434) 66.8 % 37.2 %
Amortization of purchased intangibles 290 305 339 (4.9) % (10.2) %
Chubb integration expenses - 23 59 NM (61.7) %
Total expenses 31,832 28,937 28,060 10.0 % 3.1 %
Income before income tax 4,162 5,249 4,657 (20.7) % 12.7 %
Income tax expense 629 795 695 (20.8) % 14.3 %
Net income $ 3,533 $ 4,454 $ 3,962 (20.7) % 12.4 %
NM - not meaningful (1)On a constant-dollar basis. Amounts are calculated by translating prior period results using the same local currency exchange rates as the comparable current period.
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Table of Contents Net Premiums Written %
Change
(in millions of U.S. dollars, except C$ 2020 vs. for percentages) 2020 2019 2018 2020 vs. 2019 2019 vs. 2018 2019 Commercial casualty$ 6,177 $ 5,654 $ 5,204 9.2 % 8.7 % 9.3 % Workers' compensation 2,015 2,098 2,094 (4.0) % 0.1 % (4.0) % Professional liability 4,201 3,697 3,527 13.6 % 4.8 % 14.0 % Surety 531 639 635 (16.9) % 0.6 % (14.5) % Commercial multiple peril (1) 1,047 983 910 6.6 % 8.0 % 6.6 % Property and other short-tail lines 5,231 4,468 4,016 17.1 % 11.3 % 18.3 % Total Commercial P&C 19,202 17,539 16,386 9.5 % 7.0 % 10.0 % Agriculture 1,846 1,810 1,577 2.0 % 14.8 % 2.0 % Personal automobile 1,550 1,786 1,695 (13.2) % 5.4 % (10.0) % Personal homeowners 3,627 3,513 3,391 3.2 % 3.6 % 3.5 % Personal other 1,656 1,514 1,508 9.4 % 0.3 % 9.8 % Total Personal lines 6,833 6,813 6,594 0.3 % 3.3 % 1.5 % Total Property and Casualty lines 27,881 26,162 24,557 6.6 % 6.5 % 7.2 % Global A&H lines (2) 3,859 4,315 4,277 (10.6) % 0.9 % (9.7) % Reinsurance lines 731 649 671 12.6 % (3.2) % 12.1 % Life 1,349 1,149 1,074 17.4 % 7.0 % 18.4 % Total consolidated$ 33,820 $ 32,275 $ 30,579 4.8 % 5.5 % 5.5 % (1)Commercial multiple peril represents retail package business (property and general liability). (2)For purposes of this schedule only, A&H results from ourCombined North America and International businesses, normally included in the Life Insurance andOverseas General Insurance segments, respectively, as well as the A&H results of our North America Commercial P&C segment, are included in Global A&H lines above. The increase in net premiums written in 2020 principally reflects positive growth in commercial P&C lines globally, partially offset by negative growth in consumer P&C lines primarily from outsideNorth America . The increase in net premiums written principally reflected new business, positive rate increases and higher renewal retention. This growth was tempered by the adverse impact of the economic contraction resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, principally in consumer P&C lines. •The growth in commercial casualty was due to new business, positive rate increases and growth inNorth America ,Asia andEurope , partially offset by the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including$58 million of exposure adjustments on in-force policies which depressed growth by 1.1 percentage points. •Workers' compensation was adversely impacted by market conditions and by the adverse impact of the economic contraction resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The decrease included$121 million of exposure adjustments on in-force policies which depressed growth by 5.8 percentage points. •The increase in professional liability was due to new business and positive rate increases primarily inNorth America ,Asia andEurope . •Surety decreased inNorth America andLatin America due to market conditions and the adverse impact of the economic contraction resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. •Commercial multiple peril increased due to strong renewal retention and positive rate increases inNorth America . The increase was partially offset by the adverse impact of the economic contraction resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. •Property and other short-tail lines increased due to new business and positive rate increases primarily inNorth America andEurope . •Personal lines increased primarily due to positive rate increases and strong renewal retention in homeowners business inNorth America , as well as growth inEurope . In addition,North America benefited from the favorable year-over-year impact of reinstatement premiums. The increase was partially offset by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused declines in automobile business inLatin America andNorth America . •Global A&H lines decreased in all regions, principally from less travel volume due to the COVID-19 pandemic. •The increase in Life was primarily driven by growth inLatin America , principally driven by our expanded presence inChile , and in the Asian international life operations. For additional information on net premiums written, refer to the segment results discussions. 49
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Net Premiums Earned Net premiums earned for short-duration contracts, typically P&C contracts, generally reflect the portion of net premiums written that were recorded as revenues for the period as the exposure periods expire. Net premiums earned for long-duration contracts, typically traditional life contracts, generally are recognized as earned when due from policyholders. Net premiums earned increased$1.8 billion , or$2.0 billion on a constant-dollar basis in 2020, comprising 8.9 percent positive growth in commercial P&C lines and 2.5 percent positive growth in consumer lines on a constant-dollar basis. Catastrophe Losses and PriorPeriod Development Catastrophe losses exclude reinstatement premiums which are additional premiums paid on certain reinsurance agreements in order to reinstate coverage that had been exhausted by loss occurrences. The reinstatement premium amount is typically a pro rata portion of the original ceded premium paid based on how much of the reinsurance limit had been exhausted. Prior period development is net of related adjustments which typically relate to either profit commission reserves or policyholder dividend reserves based on actual claim experience that develops after the policy period ends. The expense adjustments correlate to the prior period loss development on these same policies. Refer to the Non-GAAP Reconciliation section for further information on reinstatement premiums on catastrophe losses and adjustments to prior period development. We generally define catastrophe loss events consistent with the definition of the Property Claims Service (PCS) for events in theU.S. andCanada . PCS defines a catastrophe as an event that causes damage of$25 million or more in insured losses and affects a significant number of insureds. For events outside of theU.S. andCanada , we generally use a similar definition. We also define losses from certain pandemics, such as COVID-19, as a catastrophe loss. The tables below represent catastrophe loss estimates for events that occurred in the related calendar year only. Changes in catastrophe loss estimates in the current calendar year that relate to loss events that occurred in previous calendar years are considered prior period development and are excluded from the tables below. Catastrophe Loss Charge by Event For Full Year 2020 North America North America North America Commercial P&C Personal P&C Agricultural Overseas General Global Total RIPs collected Total (in millions ofU.S. dollars) Insurance Insurance Insurance Insurance Reinsurance Life Insurance excluding RIPs (expensed) including RIPs Net losses COVID-19$ 925 $ - $ - $ 421 $ 10 $
24
429 132 1 79 86 - 727 7 720
U.S. flooding, hail, tornadoes, and wind events 295 191 25 9 11 - 531 (3) 534U.S. wildfires 61 162 1 5 1 - 230 - 230 Civil unrest 111 2 - 17 - - 130 - 130 International weather-related events 3 6 - 67 15 - 91 2 89 Midwest derecho 37 38 8 - 1 - 84 - 84Australia storms - - - 66 - - 66 - 66 Other 7 2 - 26 (1) - 34 - 34 Total$ 1,868 $ 533 $ 35 $ 690$ 123 $ 24$ 3,273
RIPs collected (expensed) (3) (1) (1) (15) 10 - (10) Total before income tax$ 1,871 $ 534 $ 36 $ 705$ 113 $ 24$ 3,283 Income tax benefit 506 Total after income tax$ 2,777 50
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Catastrophe Loss Charge by Event For Full Year 2019
North America North America North America
Commercial P&C Personal P&C Agricultural Overseas General Global Total RIPs collected Total
(in millions of U.S. dollars) Insurance Insurance Insurance Insurance Reinsurance excluding RIPs (expensed) including RIPs
Net losses
U.S. flooding, hail, tornadoes,
and wind events $ 220 $ 202 $ 7 $ - $ 9 $ 438 $ - $ 438
Tornado in Dallas, Texas 55 145 - - 2 202 (11) 213
Winter-related storms 74 110 1 6 2 193 - 193
Hurricane Dorian 26 30 - 10 8 74 1 73
California wildfires 11 45 - - - 56 - 56
Typhoon Hagibis - - - 20 17 37 1 36
Civil unrest in Hong Kong and
Chile - - - 33 - 33 (4) 37
International weather-related
events 1 2 - 30 - 33 - 33
Other 34 9 - 53 13 109 1 108
Total $ 421 $ 543 $ 8 $ 152 $ 51 $ 1,175
RIPs collected (expensed) - (11) - (4) 3 (12)
Total before income tax $ 421 $ 554 $ 8 $ 156 $ 48 $ 1,187
Income tax benefit 221
Total after income tax $ 966
Catastrophe Loss Charge by Event For Full Year 2018
North America North America North America
Commercial P&C Personal P&C Agricultural Overseas General Global Total RIPs collected Total
(in millions of U.S. dollars) Insurance Insurance Insurance Insurance Reinsurance excluding RIPs (expensed) including RIPs
Net losses
Hurricane Michael $ 187 $ 16 $ 6 $ 6 $ 85 $ 300 $ 15 $ 285
U.S. flooding, hail, tornadoes, and
wind events (1) 162 157 7 - 6 332 - 332
Northeast winter storms 43 117 - - 5 165 - 165
California wildfires 51 61 1 1 58 172 (23) 195
Hurricane Florence 109 29 7 15 14 174 1 173
California mudslides 4 120 - 1 - 125 - 125
Colorado rain and hail storm 7 65 - 1 - 73 - 73
International weather-related
events - - - 182 31 213 2 211
Other 16 46 - - 6 68 1 67
Total $ 579 $ 611 $ 21 $ 206 $ 205 $ 1,622
RIPs collected (expensed) - (26) - - 22 (4)
Total before income tax $ 579 $ 637 $ 21 $ 206 $ 183 $ 1,626
Income tax benefit 272
Total after income tax $ 1,354 (1)This grouping comprised of 34 separate events, principally impacting the
southern and northeastern regions of the
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Table of Contents PriorPeriod Development (in millions of U.S. dollars) 2020 2019 2018
Favorable prior period development
Prior period development (PPD) arises from changes to loss estimates recognized in the current year that relate to loss events that occurred in previous calendar years and excludes the effect of losses from the development of earned premium from previous accident years. Pre-tax net favorable prior period development for the year ended 2020 was$395 million , which included adverse development of$259 million forU.S. child molestation claims, predominately reviver statute-related, and$106 million adverse development related to legacy asbestos and environmental liabilities. The remaining favorable development of$760 million principally comprises 89 percent long-tail lines, principally from accident years 2016 and prior, and 11 percent short-tail lines. Pre-tax net favorable prior period development for the year ended 2019 was$792 million , which included favorable development of$80 million in our crop insurance business and adverse development of$116 million related to legacy run-off exposures, principally asbestos and environmental liabilities. The remaining favorable development of$828 million comprised 92 percent long-tail lines, principally from accident years 2015 and prior, and 8 percent short-tail lines.
Refer to the Prior
P&C Combined Ratio
In evaluating our segments excluding Life Insurance financial performance, we
use the P&C combined ratio, the loss and loss expense ratio, the policy
acquisition cost ratio, and the administrative expense ratio. We calculate these
ratios by dividing the respective expense amounts by net premiums earned. We do
not calculate these ratios for the Life Insurance segment as we do not use these
measures to monitor or manage that segment. The P&C combined ratio is determined
by adding the loss and loss expense ratio, the policy acquisition cost ratio,
and the administrative expense ratio. A P&C combined ratio under 100 percent
indicates underwriting income, and a combined ratio exceeding 100 percent
indicates underwriting loss.
2020 2019 2018
Loss and loss expense ratio CAY loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses 59.2 % 60.8 % 59.6
%
Catastrophe losses 10.6 % 4.1 % 5.8
%
Favorable prior period development (1.3) % (2.8) % (3.3) % Loss and loss expense ratio 68.5 % 62.1 % 62.1 % Policy acquisition cost ratio 18.9 % 19.1 % 19.2 % Administrative expense ratio 8.7 % 9.4 % 9.3 % P&C Combined ratio 96.1 % 90.6 % 90.6 %
The loss and loss expense ratio increased 6.4 percentage points in 2020 principally due to higher catastrophe losses and lower favorable prior period development.
The CAY loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses decreased 1.6 percentage points in 2020 principally due to a decrease in the underlying loss ratio reflecting earned rate increases exceeding loss cost trends, better underlying claims experience, and a more average crop loss year in 2020. Policy acquisition costs consist of commissions, premium taxes, and certain underwriting costs directly related to the successful acquisition of a new or renewal insurance contract. The policy acquisition cost ratio decreased 0.2 percentage points in 2020 due to a change in the mix of business, including less premiums earned from A&H lines that have a lower acquisition cost ratio, reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The administrative expense ratio decreased 0.7 percentage points in 2020 primarily due to lower business expenses from continued expense management control, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, lower employee benefit-related expenses and the favorable impact of higher net premiums earned.
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Policy benefits Policy benefits represent losses on contracts classified as long-duration and generally include accident and supplemental health products, term and whole life products, endowment products, and annuities. Refer to the Life Insurance segment operating results section for further discussion. Policy benefits were$784 million ,$740 million and$590 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which included separate account liabilities (gains) losses of$58 million ,$44 million and$(38) million , respectively. The offsetting movements of these liabilities are recorded in Other (income) expense on the Consolidated statements of operations. Excluding the separate account gains and losses, Policy benefits were$726 million in 2020 compared with$696 million , principally from new business from our expanded presence inChile and growth inAsia . Refer to the respective sections that follow for a discussion of Net investment income, Other (income) expense, Net realized gains (losses), Amortization of purchased intangibles, and Income tax expense.
Segment Operating Results - Years Ended
We operate through six business segments:North America Commercial P&C Insurance ,North America Personal P&C Insurance ,North America Agricultural Insurance ,Overseas General Insurance , Global Reinsurance, and Life Insurance. In addition, the results of our run-off Brandywine business, including all run-off asbestos and environmental (A&E) exposures, and the results ofWestchester specialty operations for 1996 and prior years are presented within Corporate.North America Commercial P&C Insurance The North America Commercial P&C Insurance segment comprises operations that provide property and casualty (P&C) and accident & health (A&H) insurance and services to large, middle market, and small commercial businesses in theU.S. ,Canada , andBermuda . This segment includes ourNorth America Major Accounts andSpecialty Insurance division (large corporate accounts and wholesale business), and theNorth America Commercial Insurance division (principally middle market and small commercial accounts). % Change (in millions ofU.S. dollars, except for percentages) 2020 2019 2018 2020 vs. 2019 2019 vs. 2018 Net premiums written$ 14,474 $ 13,375 $ 12,485 8.2 % 7.1 % Net premiums earned 13,964 12,922 12,402 8.1 % 4.2 % Losses and loss expenses 10,129 8,206 8,000 23.4 % 2.6 % Policy acquisition costs 1,942 1,831 1,829 6.1 % 0.2 % Administrative expenses 1,006 1,028 966 (2.2) % 6.4 % Underwriting income 887 1,857 1,607 (52.2) % 15.5 % Net investment income 2,061 2,109 2,061 (2.3) % 2.3 % Other (income) expense 23 24 3 (4.2) % NM Segment income$ 2,925 $ 3,942 $ 3,665 (25.8) % 7.5 % Loss and loss expense ratio: CAY loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses 64.2 % 65.3 % 64.9 % (1.1) pts 0.4 pts Catastrophe losses 13.4 % 3.3 % 4.7 % 10.1 pts (1.4) pts Prior period development (5.1) % (5.1) % (5.1) % - pts - pts Loss and loss expense ratio 72.5 % 63.5 % 64.5 % 9.0 pts (1.0) pt Policy acquisition cost ratio 14.0 % 14.2 % 14.7 % (0.2) pts (0.5) pts Administrative expense ratio 7.2 % 7.9 % 7.8 % (0.7) pts 0.1 pts Combined ratio 93.7 % 85.6 % 87.0 % 8.1 pts (1.4) pts NM - not meaningful 53
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Table of Contents Catastrophe Losses and PriorPeriod Development (in millions of U.S. dollars) 2020 2019 2018 Catastrophe losses (excludes reinstatement premiums)$ 1,868 $ 421 $ 579 Favorable prior period development$ 702 $ 649
Refer to the tables on pages 50 - 51 for detail of catastrophe losses and Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for detail on prior period development.
Premiums
Net premiums written increased$1,099 million , or 8.2 percent in 2020, comprising positive growth of 9.6 percent in commercial P&C lines and negative growth of 13.8 percent in consumer lines. The growth in commercial P&C lines reflects positive rate increases, strong renewal retention and new business written across a number of retail and wholesale lines, including property, financial lines, excess casualty, large risk casualty, and commercial multiple peril. Net premiums written in 2020 was depressed by economic contraction resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic including$160 million of exposure adjustments on in-force policies, and lower renewal exposures and new business market limitations that impacted several lines of business, including A&H, surety, entertainment, hospitality, retail, and construction. Net premiums earned increased$1,042 million , or 8.1 percent in 2020, due to the growth in net premiums written described above. The increase in net premiums earned was adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including$154 million of exposure adjustments on in-force policies in 2020. Combined Ratio The loss and loss expense ratio increased 9.0 percentage points in 2020 due principally to higher catastrophe losses, including losses related to COVID-19 pandemic claims. The CAY loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses decreased 1.1 percentage points in 2020 primarily due to margin improvements coming from earned rate exceeding loss cost trends.
The administrative expense ratio decreased 0.7 percentage points in 2020 primarily due to lower business expenses from continued expense management control, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, lower employee benefit-related expenses, and the favorable impact of higher net premiums earned.
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Table of ContentsNorth America Personal P&C Insurance The North America Personal P&C Insurance segment comprises operations that provide high net worth personal lines products, including homeowners and complementary products such as valuable articles, excess liability, automobile, and recreational marine insurance and services in theU.S. andCanada . % Change (in millions ofU.S. dollars, except for percentages) 2020 2019 2018 2020 vs. 2019 2019 vs. 2018 Net premiums written$ 4,920 $ 4,787 $ 4,674 2.8 % 2.4 % Net premiums earned 4,866 4,694 4,593 3.7 % 2.2 % Losses and loss expenses 3,187 3,043 3,229 4.7 % (5.8) % Policy acquisition costs 974 948 939 2.7 % 1.0 % Administrative expenses 270 286 269 (5.4) % 6.0 % Underwriting income 435 417 156 4.6 % 167.2 % Net investment income 260 258 236 0.5 % 9.2 % Other (income) expense 5 3 1 75.8 % 117.1 % Amortization of purchased intangibles 11 12 13 (5.0) % (11.1) % Segment income$ 679 $ 660 $ 378 2.8 % 74.7 % Loss and loss expense ratio: CAY loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses 53.1 % 55.1 % 55.8 % (2.0) pts (0.7) pts Catastrophe losses 11.0 % 11.6 % 13.6 % (0.6) pts (2.0) pts Prior period development 1.4 % (1.9) % 0.9 % 3.3 pts (2.8) pts Loss and loss expense ratio 65.5 % 64.8 % 70.3 % 0.7 pts (5.5) pts Policy acquisition cost ratio 20.0 % 20.2 % 20.4 % (0.2) pts (0.2) pts Administrative expense ratio 5.6 % 6.1 % 5.9 % (0.5) pts 0.2 pts Combined ratio 91.1 % 91.1 % 96.6 % - pts (5.5) pts Catastrophe Losses and PriorPeriod Development (in millions of U.S. dollars) 2020 2019
2018
Catastrophe losses (excludes reinstatement premiums)
$ 611 Favorable (unfavorable) prior period development$ (63) $ 95
Refer to the tables on pages 50 - 51 for detail of catastrophe losses and Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for detail on prior period development.
Premiums
Net premiums written increased
Net premiums earned increased
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Table of Contents Combined Ratio The loss and loss expense ratio increased 0.7 percentage points in 2020, primarily due to unfavorable prior period development in the current year compared to favorable prior period development in the prior year. The CAY loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses decreased 2.0 percentage points in 2020 due to better underlying claims experience reflecting indirect COVID-19 benefits and lower than expected claims frequency of weather and water losses in our homeowners line.
The administrative expense ratio decreased 0.5 percentage points in 2020 primarily due to lower employee benefit-related expenses and lower business expenses from continued expense management control, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by normal inflationary increases.
The North America Agricultural Insurance segment comprises our North American based businesses that provide a variety of coverages in theU.S. andCanada including crop insurance, primarilyMultiple Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) and crop-hail throughRain and Hail Insurance Service, Inc. (Rain and Hail ) as well as farm and ranch and specialty P&C commercial insurance products and services through our Chubb Agribusiness unit. % Change (in millions ofU.S. dollars, except for percentages) 2020 2019 2018 2020 vs. 2019 2019 vs. 2018 Net premiums written$ 1,846 $ 1,810 $ 1,577 2.0 % 14.8 % Net premiums earned 1,822 1,795 1,569 1.5 % 14.4 % Losses and loss expenses 1,544 1,616 1,114 (4.5) % 45.1 % Policy acquisition costs 123 84 79 45.7 % 6.8 % Administrative expenses 9 6 (9) 67.2 % NM Underwriting income 146 89 385 65.3 % (77.0) % Net investment income 30 30 28 - 5.0 % Other (income) expense 1 1 2 - (33.6) % Amortization of purchased intangibles 27 28 28 (2.1) % (2.0) % Segment income$ 148 $ 90 $ 383 65.1 % (76.6) % Loss and loss expense ratio: CAY loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses 83.7 % 93.5 % 76.7 % (9.8) pts 16.8 pts Catastrophe losses 2.0 % 0.5 % 1.3 % 1.5 pts (0.8) pts Prior period development (1.0) % (3.9) % (7.0) % 2.9 pts 3.1 pts Loss and loss expense ratio 84.7 % 90.1 % 71.0 % (5.4) pts 19.1 pts Policy acquisition cost ratio 6.8 % 4.7 % 5.0 % 2.1 pts (0.3) pts Administrative expense ratio 0.5 % 0.3 % (0.5) % 0.2 pts 0.8 pts Combined ratio 92.0 % 95.1 % 75.5 % (3.1) pts 19.6 pts NM - not meaningful Catastrophe Losses and PriorPeriod Development (in millions of U.S. dollars) 2020 2019
2018
Catastrophe losses (excludes reinstatement premiums)
$ 21 Favorable prior period development$ 10 $ 80
Refer to the tables on pages 50 - 51 for detail of catastrophe losses and Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for detail on prior period development.
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Table of Contents For 2020, prior period development included$19 million of favorable incurred losses, partially offset by$6 million of higher acquisition costs due to lower than expectedMPCI losses for the 2019 crop year and a$3 million decrease in net premiums earned related to theMPCI profit and loss calculation formula. For 2019, prior period development included$103 million of favorable incurred losses and$13 million of lower acquisition costs due to lower than expectedMPCI losses for the 2018 crop year, partially offset by a$36 million decrease in net premiums earned related to theMPCI profit and loss calculation formula.
Premiums
Net premiums written increased$36 million , or 2.0 percent in 2020, primarily due to growth in our Chubb Agribusiness unit, principally farm and specialty P&C, partly offset by a decrease inMPCI premiums. Net premiums earned increased$27 million , or 1.5 percent in 2020 reflecting the growth in net premiums written described above. Combined Ratio The loss and loss expense ratio decreased 5.4 percentage points in 2020, reflecting a more average crop loss year in 2020. In addition, the current year had lower underlying losses in our Chubb Agribusiness unit, partially offset by lower favorable prior period development. The CAY loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses decreased 9.8 percentage points in 2020 reflecting the factors described above.
The policy acquisition cost ratio increased 2.1 percentage points in 2020, primarily due to higher agent profit sharing commission in the current year as a result of higher underwriting margin.
Overseas General Insurance segment comprisesChubb International and Chubb Global Markets (CGM).Chubb International comprises our international commercial P&C traditional and specialty lines serving large corporations, middle market and small customers; A&H and traditional and specialty personal lines business serving local territories outside theU.S. ,Bermuda , andCanada . CGM, ourLondon -based international commercial P&C excess and surplus lines business, includesLloyd's of London (Lloyd's) Syndicate 2488. Chubb provides funds at Lloyd's to support underwriting by Syndicate 2488 which is managed byChubb Underwriting Agencies Limited . % Change (in millions ofU.S. dollars, except for percentages) 2020 2019 2018 2020 vs. 2019 2019 vs. 2018 Net premiums written$ 9,335 $ 9,262 $ 8,902 0.8 % 4.0 % Net premiums written - constant dollars 2.9 % 8.4 % Net premiums earned 9,285 8,882 8,612 4.5 % 3.1 % Losses and loss expenses 5,255 4,606 4,429 14.1 % 4.0 % Policy acquisition costs 2,568 2,501 2,346 2.7 % 6.6 % Administrative expenses 1,034 1,033 1,014 0.1 % 1.9 % Underwriting income 428 742 823 (42.4) % (9.8) % Net investment income 534 588 622 (9.2) % (5.3) % Other (income) expense 13 12 3 4.5 % NM Amortization of purchased intangibles 45 45 41 - 8.3 % Segment income$ 904 $ 1,273 $ 1,401 (29.0) % (9.2) % Loss and loss expense ratio: CAY loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses 50.7 % 51.2 % 51.5 % (0.5) pts (0.3) pts Catastrophe losses 7.5 % 1.8 % 2.4 % 5.7 pts (0.6) pts Prior period development (1.6) % (1.1) % (2.5) % (0.5) pts 1.4 pts Loss and loss expense ratio 56.6 % 51.9 % 51.4 % 4.7 pts 0.5 pts Policy acquisition cost ratio 27.7 % 28.1 % 27.2 % (0.4) pts 0.9 pts Administrative expense ratio 11.1 % 11.6 % 11.8 % (0.5) pts (0.2) pts Combined ratio 95.4 % 91.6 % 90.4 % 3.8 pts 1.2 pts NM - not meaningful 57
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Catastrophe Losses and PriorPeriod Development (in millions of U.S. dollars) 2020 2019
2018
Catastrophe losses (excludes reinstatement premiums)
$ 206 Favorable prior period development$ 150 $ 92
Refer to the tables on pages 50 - 51 for detail of catastrophe losses and Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for detail on prior period development. Net Premiums Written by Region % Change (in millions of U.S. dollars, C$ C$ 2020 vs. 2019 vs. except for percentages) 2020 2019 2018 2019 2020 vs. 2019 2019 2018 Region Europe$ 4,099 $ 3,631 $ 3,508 $ 3,655 12.9 % 12.1 % 3.5 % Latin America 1,928 2,277 2,181 2,066 (15.3) % (6.7) % 4.4 % Asia 2,965 3,021 2,884 3,022 (1.9) % (1.9) % 4.7 % Other (1) 343 333 329 329 3.2 % 4.2 % 1.1 % Net premiums written$ 9,335 $ 9,262 $ 8,902 $ 9,072 0.8 % 2.9 % 4.0 % 2020 2019 2018 % of Total % of Total % of Total Region Europe 43 % 38 % 39 % Latin America 21 % 25 % 25 % Asia 32 % 33 % 32 % Other (1) 4 % 4 % 4 % Net premiums written 100 % 100 % 100 % (1) Comprises Combined International, Eurasia and Africa region, and other international. Premiums Net premiums written increased$73 million in 2020, or$263 million on a constant-dollar basis, reflecting growth in commercial P&C lines of 10.8 percent across all regions resulting from new business, retention, and positive rate increases, partially offset by a decline in consumer lines of 6.4 percent. Net premiums written in 2020 were depressed by economic contraction resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic including$24 million of exposure adjustments on in-force policies, and lower premiums in several lines, mainly in consumer lines inLatin America , primarily automobile, and A&H inAsia , resulting from less travel volume and lower exposures.
Net premiums earned increased
Combined Ratio The loss and loss expense ratio increased 4.7 percentage points in 2020 due to higher catastrophe losses, primarily related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CAY loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses decreased 0.5 percentage points in 2020 primarily due to a decrease in the underlying loss ratio from earned rate changes modestly above loss cost trends and a benefit from lower current accident year losses resulting from a decrease in exposures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by lower premiums earned from A&H lines inLatin America andAsia , which have a lower loss ratio. The policy acquisition cost ratio decreased 0.4 percentage points in 2020 primarily due to a change in the mix of business, including less premiums earned from A&H lines that have a lower acquisition cost ratio, reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The administrative expense ratio decreased 0.5 percentage points in 2020 primarily due to lower business expenses from continued expense management control, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the favorable impact of higher net premiums earned in the current year.
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Table of Contents Global Reinsurance The Global Reinsurance segment represents our reinsurance operations comprising Chubb Tempest Re Bermuda,Chubb Tempest Re USA ,Chubb Tempest Re International , and Chubb Tempest Re Canada. Global Reinsurance markets its reinsurance products worldwide primarily through reinsurance brokers under the Chubb Tempest Re brand name and provides a broad range of traditional and non-traditional reinsurance coverage to a diverse array of primary P&C companies. % Change (in millions ofU.S. dollars, except for percentages) 2020 2019 2018 2020 vs. 2019 2019 vs. 2018 Net premiums written$ 731 $ 649 $ 671 12.6 % (3.2) % Net premiums written - constant dollars 12.1 % (1.7) % Net premiums earned 698 654 670 6.7 % (2.3) % Losses and loss expenses 435 352 479 23.5 % (26.5) % Policy acquisition costs 174 169 162 3.0 % 4.2 % Administrative expenses 37 35 41 5.2 % (12.7) % Underwriting income (loss) 52 98 (12) (46.8) % NM Net investment income 307 279 289 10.1 % (3.7) % Other (income) expense 2 1 - NM NM Segment income$ 357 $ 376 $ 277 (5.0) % 35.7 % Loss and loss expense ratio: CAY loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses 49.1 % 50.6 % 50.5 % (1.5) pts 0.1 pts Catastrophe losses 17.0 % 7.6 % 29.2 % 9.4 pts (21.6) pts Prior period development (3.8) % (4.3) % (8.1) % 0.5 pts 3.8 pts Loss and loss expense ratio 62.3 % 53.9 % 71.6 % 8.4 pts (17.7) pts Policy acquisition cost ratio 24.9 % 25.7 % 24.2 % (0.8) pts 1.5 pts Administrative expense ratio 5.3 % 5.4 % 6.0 % (0.1) pts (0.6) pts Combined ratio 92.5 % 85.0 % 101.8 % 7.5 pts (16.8) pts NM - not meaningful Catastrophe Losses and PriorPeriod Development (in millions of U.S dollars) 2020 2019
2018
Catastrophe losses (excludes reinstatement premiums)
$ 205 Favorable prior period development$ 29 $ 29
Refer to the tables on pages 50 - 51 for detail of catastrophe losses and Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for detail on prior period development.
Premiums
Net premiums written increased$82 million in 2020 primarily from new business in casualty lines, rate increases in property catastrophe lines and favorable premium adjustments. Net premiums earned increased$44 million in 2020 reflecting the increase in net premiums written described above.
Combined Ratio The loss and loss expense ratio increased 8.4 percentage points in 2020 primarily due to higher catastrophe losses.
The CAY loss ratio excluding catastrophe losses decreased 1.5 percentage points in 2020 primarily from a shift in mix of business towards catastrophe lines which have a lower loss ratio.
The policy acquisition cost ratio decreased 0.8 percentage points in 2020 primarily due to a shift in mix of business towards lines which have lower acquisition costs and favorable expense adjustments on prior period development.
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Table of Contents Life InsuranceThe Life Insurance segment comprises Chubb's international life operations,Chubb Tempest Life Re (Chubb Life Re ), and the North American supplemental A&H and life business ofCombined Insurance . We assess the performance of our life business based on Life Insurance underwriting income, which includes Net investment income and (Gains) losses from fair value changes in separate account assets that do not qualify for separate account reporting under GAAP. % Change 2019 vs.
(in millions of
2019 2018 2020 vs. 2019 2018 Net premiums written$ 2,514 $ 2,392 $ 2,270 5.1 % 5.3 % Net premiums written - constant dollars 5.6 % 6.4 % Net premiums earned 2,482 2,343 2,218 5.9 % 5.6 % Losses and loss expenses 724 757 766 (4.4) % (1.1) % Policy benefits 726 696 628 4.3 % 10.8 % Policy acquisition costs 766 620 557 23.6 % 11.2 % Administrative expenses 320 323 310 (1.0) % 4.5 % Net investment income 385 373 341 3.3 % 9.2 % Life Insurance underwriting income 331 320 298 3.6 % 6.9 % Other (income) expense (74) (48) (12) 53.1 % NM Amortization of purchased intangibles 4 2 2 100.0 % - Segment income$ 401 $ 366 $ 308 9.8 % 18.6 % NM - not meaningful Premiums Net premiums written increased$122 million in 2020, or$134 million on a constant-dollar basis, primarily reflecting growth in our international life operations of 23.4 percent, principally driven by our expanded presence inChile and growth inAsia , partially offset by a decline in ourNorth America Combined Insurance business of 6.1 percent.
Deposits
The following table presents deposits collected on universal life and investment contracts:
% Change
(in millions of U.S. dollars, except for C$ 2020 vs. 2019 vs.
percentages) 2020 2019 2018 2020 vs. 2019 2019 2018
Deposits collected on universal life and
investment contracts $ 1,559 $ 1,463 $ 1,538 6.5 % 3.7 % (4.9) %
Deposits collected on universal life and investment contracts (life deposits)
are not reflected as revenues in our Consolidated statements of operations in
accordance with GAAP. New life deposits are an important component of
production, and although they do not significantly affect current period income
from operations, they are key to our efforts to grow our business. Life deposits
collected increased $96 million , or $56 million on a constant-dollar basis, in
2020, due to growth in Taiwan that more than offset the declines in other Asian
markets, principally Hong Kong and Korea , as a result of competitive market
conditions and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Life Insurance underwriting income and Segment income
Life Insurance underwriting income increased $11 million in 2020, primarily due
to a favorable reserve development in the current year which more than offset
COVID-19 related losses of $24 million . Segment income increased $35 million
primarily due to higher life insurance underwriting income and $26 million of
higher other income, principally due to our share of net income from our
investment in Huatai Life , our partially-owned life insurance entity in China .
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Corporate
Corporate results primarily include the results of our non-insurance companies,
income and expenses not attributable to reportable segments and loss and loss
expenses of asbestos and environmental (A&E) liabilities and certain other
non-A&E run-off exposures.
% Change
(in millions of U.S. dollars, except for
percentages) 2020 2019 2018 2020 vs. 2019 2019 vs. 2018
Losses and loss expenses $ 435 $ 158 $ 53 176.4 % 203.0 %
Administrative expenses 303 319 295 (5.0) % 8.1 %
Underwriting loss 738 477 348 54.8 % 36.6 %
Net investment income (loss) (87) (125) (209) (30.8) % (40.5) %
Interest expense 516 552 641 (6.4) % (13.9) %
Net realized gains (losses) (499) (522) (649) (4.6) % (19.7) %
Other (income) expense (791) (459) (406) 72.7 % 12.6 %
Amortization of purchased intangibles 203 218 255 (6.9) % (14.3) %
Chubb integration expenses - 23 59 NM (61.7) %
Income tax expense 629 795 695 (20.8) % 14.4 %
Net loss $ (1,881) $ (2,253) $ (2,450) (16.5) % (8.1) %
NM - not meaningful
Losses and loss expenses were primarily from adverse development relating to our
Brandywine asbestos and environmental exposures, non-A&E run-off casualty
exposure, including workers' compensation, and unallocated loss adjustment
expenses of the A&E claims operations. Losses and loss expenses in 2020 included
unfavorable prior period development of $254 million for U.S. child molestation
claims, predominantly reviver statute-related. Refer to Note 7 of the
Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Administrative expenses decreased $16 million in 2020, primarily due to lower
employee benefit-related expenses, and lower travel-related costs relating to
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Refer to the respective sections that follow for a discussion of Net realized
gains (losses), Net investment income, Other (income) expense, Amortization of
purchased intangibles, and Income tax expense.
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)
We take a long-term view with our investment strategy, and our investment
managers manage our investment portfolio to maximize total return within certain
specific guidelines designed to minimize risk. The majority of our investment
portfolio is available for sale and reported at fair value. Our held to maturity
investment portfolio is reported at amortized cost, net of valuation allowance.
The effect of market movements on our fixed maturities portfolio impacts Net
income (through Net realized gains (losses)) when securities are sold, when we
write down an asset, or when we record a change to the valuation allowance for
expected credit losses. For a further discussion related to how we assess the
valuation allowance for expected credit losses and the related impact on Net
income, refer to Note 1 e) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Additionally, Net income is impacted through the reporting of changes in the
fair value of equity securities, private equity funds where we own less than
three percent, and derivatives, including financial futures, options, swaps, and
GLB reinsurance. Changes in unrealized appreciation and depreciation on
available for sale securities, resulting from the revaluation of securities
held, changes in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment, and
unrealized postretirement benefit obligations liability adjustment, are reported
as separate components of Accumulated other comprehensive income in
Shareholders' equity in the Consolidated balance sheets.
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The following table presents our net realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Year Ended December 31
2020 2019 2018
Net Net Net Net Net
Realized Unrealized Realized Unrealized Realized
Gains Gains Net Gains Gains Net Gains
(in millions of U.S. dollars) (Losses) (Losses) Impact (Losses) (Losses) Impact (Losses)
Fixed maturities $ (281) $ 2,604 $ 2,323 $ (31) $ 3,738 $ 3,707 $ (302)
Fixed income and equity derivatives 81 - 81 (435) - (435) (75)
Public equity
Sales 455 - 455 58 - 58 70
Mark-to-market 131 - 131 46 - 46 (129)
Private equity (less than 3 percent
ownership)
Sales - - - (5) - (5) 121
Mark-to-market (32) - (32) (15) - (15) (126)
Total investment portfolio 354 2,604 2,958 (382) 3,738 3,356 (441)
Variable annuity reinsurance derivative transactions, net of applicable hedges (310) - (310) (142) - (142) (252) Other derivatives 1 - 1 (8) - (8) (3) Foreign exchange (483) 306 (177) 7 13 20 131 Other (1) (60) (244) (304) (5) (79) (84) (87) Net gains (losses), pre-tax$ (498) $ 2,666 $ 2,168 $ (530) $ 3,672 $ 3,142 $ (652)
(1) Net unrealized gains (losses) includes our postretirement programs of
The$2,958 million gain in our investment portfolio was principally a result of narrowing of credit spreads in our corporate bond portfolio and a decline in interest rates, partially offset by$170 million of impairments for securities we intended to sell, and securities written to market entering default. The realized losses relating to the variable annuity reinsurance derivative transactions in 2020 and 2019 reflected an increase in the fair value of GLB liabilities due to lower interest rates and changes made to our valuation model relating to policyholder behavior, partially offset by higher global equity markets. Included in the realized loss are derivative instruments that decrease in fair value when the S&P 500 index increases. During the years endedDecember 31, 2020 and 2019, we experienced realized losses of$108 million and$138 million respectively, related to these derivative instruments. Effective income tax rate Our effective income tax rate was 15.1 percent in both 2020 and 2019 and 14.9 percent in 2018. Our effective income tax rate reflects a mix of income or losses in jurisdictions with a wide range of tax rates, permanent differences betweenU.S. GAAP and local tax laws, and the impact of discrete items. A change in the geographic mix of earnings could impact our effective tax rate. The effective income tax rate in 2020 was impacted by the higher level of catastrophe losses, principally COVID-19, and lower realized losses compared to the prior year. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017 Tax Act) included provisions for Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) under which taxes may be imposed on income ofU.S. -owned foreign subsidiaries and for a Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax (BEAT) under which ourU.S. companies could be subject to additional tax as a result, among other things, of certain payments to affiliated non-U.S. companies. There remain substantial uncertainties in the interpretation of GILTI and BEAT and portions of the formal guidance issued to date are still in part in proposed form. Finalization of the proposed guidance, and changes to the interpretations and assumptions related to these provisions may impact amounts recorded with respect to the international provisions of the 2017 Tax Act, which may be material in the period the adjustment is recorded. Refer to Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
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Table of Contents Non-GAAP Reconciliation In presenting our results, we included and discussed certain non-GAAP measures. These non-GAAP measures, which may be defined differently by other companies, are important for an understanding of our overall results of operations and financial condition. However, they should not be viewed as a substitute for measures determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Book value per common share, is shareholders' equity divided by the shares outstanding. Tangible book value per common share, is shareholders' equity less goodwill and other intangible assets, net of tax, divided by the shares outstanding. We believe that goodwill and other intangible assets are not indicative of our underlying insurance results or trends and make book value comparisons to less acquisitive peer companies less meaningful. The calculation of tangible book value per share does not consider the embedded goodwill attributable to our investments in partially-owned insurance companies until we attain majority ownership and consolidate. We provide financial measures, including net premiums written, net premiums earned, and underwriting income on a constant-dollar basis. We believe it is useful to evaluate the trends in our results exclusive of the effect of fluctuations in exchange rates between theU.S. dollar and the currencies in which our international business is transacted, as these exchange rates could fluctuate significantly between periods and distort the analysis of trends. The impact is determined by assuming constant foreign exchange rates between periods by translating prior period results using the same local currency exchange rates as the comparable current period. P&C performance metrics comprise consolidated operating results (including Corporate) and exclude the operating results of the Life Insurance segment. We believe that these measures are useful and meaningful to investors as they are used by management to assess the company's P&C operations which are the most economically similar. We exclude the Life Insurance segment because the results of this business do not always correlate with the results of our P&C operations. P&C combined ratio is the sum of the loss and loss expense ratio, policy acquisition cost ratio and the administrative expense ratio excluding the life business and including the realized gains and losses on the crop derivatives. These derivatives were purchased to provide economic benefit, in a manner similar to reinsurance protection, in the event that a significant decline in commodity pricing impacts underwriting results. We view gains and losses on these derivatives as part of the results of our underwriting operations. CAY P&C combined ratio excluding catastrophe losses (CATs) excludes CATs and prior period development (PPD) from the P&C combined ratio. We exclude CATs as they are not predictable as to timing and amount and PPD as these unexpected loss developments on historical reserves are not indicative of our current underwriting performance. The combined ratio numerator is adjusted to exclude CATs, net premiums earned adjustments on PPD, prior period expense adjustments and reinstatement premiums on PPD, and the denominator is adjusted to exclude net premiums earned adjustments on PPD and reinstatement premiums on CATs and PPD. In periods where there are adjustments on loss sensitive policies, these adjustments are excluded from PPD and net premiums earned when calculating the ratios. We believe this measure provides a better evaluation of our underwriting performance and enhances the understanding of the trends in our P&C business that may be obscured by these items. This measure is commonly reported among our peer companies and allows for a better comparison. Reinstatement premiums are additional premiums paid on certain reinsurance agreements in order to reinstate coverage that had been exhausted by loss occurrences. The reinstatement premium amount is typically a pro rata portion of the original ceded premium paid based on how much of the reinsurance limit had been exhausted. Net premiums earned adjustments within PPD are adjustments to the initial premium earned on retrospectively rated policies based on actual claim experience that develops after the policy period ends. The premium adjustments correlate to the prior period loss development on these same policies and are fully earned in the period the adjustments are recorded. Prior period expense adjustments typically relate to adjustable commission reserves or policyholder dividend reserves based on actual claim experience that develops after the policy period ends. The expense adjustments correlate to the prior period loss development on these same policies. The following tables present the calculation of combined ratio, as reported for each segment to P&C combined ratio, adjusted for catastrophe losses (CATs) and PPD: 63
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Table of Contents For the Year Ended December 31, 2020 North America North America North America (in millions of U.S. dollars Commercial P&C Personal P&C Agricultural Overseas General Global except for ratios) Insurance Insurance Insurance Insurance Reinsurance Corporate Total P&C Numerator Losses and loss expenses A$ 10,129 $ 3,187 $ 1,544 $ 5,255 $ 435 $ 435 $ 20,985 Catastrophe losses and related adjustments Catastrophe losses, net of related adjustments (1,871) (534) (36) (705) (113) - (3,259) Reinstatement premiums collected (expensed) on catastrophe losses (3) (1) (1) (15) 10 - (10) Catastrophe losses, gross of related adjustments (1,868) (533) (35) (690) (123) - (3,249) PPD and related adjustments PPD, net of related adjustments - favorable (unfavorable) 702 (63) 10 150 29 (433) 395 Net premiums earned adjustments on PPD - unfavorable (favorable) 32 - 3 - - - 35 Expense adjustments - unfavorable (favorable) (1) - 6 - (2) - 3 PPD reinstatement premiums - unfavorable (favorable) - (18) - - (1) - (19) PPD, gross of related adjustments - favorable (unfavorable) 733 (81) 19 150 26 (433) 414 CAY loss and loss expense ex CATs B$ 8,994 $ 2,573 $ 1,528 $ 4,715 $ 338 $ 2 $ 18,150 Policy acquisition costs and administrative expenses Policy acquisition costs and administrative expenses C$ 2,948 $ 1,244 $ 132$ 3,602 $ 211 $ 303 $ 8,440 Expense adjustments - favorable (unfavorable) 1 - (6) - 2 - (3) Policy acquisition costs and administrative expenses, adjusted D$ 2,949 $ 1,244 $ 126$ 3,602 $ 213 $ 303 $ 8,437 Denominator Net premiums earned E$ 13,964 $ 4,866 $ 1,822 $ 9,285 $ 698 $ 30,635 Reinstatement premiums (collected) expensed on catastrophe losses 3 1 1 15 (10) 10 Net premiums earned adjustments on PPD - unfavorable (favorable) 32 - 3 - - 35 PPD reinstatement premiums - unfavorable (favorable) - (18) - - (1) (19) Net premiums earned excluding adjustments F$ 13,999 $ 4,849 $ 1,826 $ 9,300 $ 687 $ 30,661 P&C Combined ratio Loss and loss expense ratio A/E 72.5 % 65.5 % 84.7 % 56.6 % 62.3 % 68.5 % Policy acquisition cost and administrative expense ratio C/E 21.2 % 25.6 % 7.3 % 38.8 % 30.2 % 27.6 % P&C Combined ratio 93.7 % 91.1 % 92.0 % 95.4 % 92.5 % 96.1 % CAY P&C Combined ratio ex CATs Loss and loss expense ratio, adjusted B/F 64.2 % 53.1 % 83.7 % 50.7 % 49.1 % 59.2 % Policy acquisition cost and administrative expense ratio, adjusted D/F 21.1 % 25.6 % 6.8 % 38.7 % 31.0 % 27.5 % CAY P&C Combined ratio ex CATs 85.3 % 78.7 % 90.5 % 89.4 % 80.1 % 86.7 % Combined ratio Combined ratio 96.1 % Add: impact of gains and losses on crop derivatives - P&C Combined ratio 96.1 %
Note: The ratios above are calculated using whole
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Table of Contents For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 North America North America North America (in millions of U.S. dollars Commercial P&C Personal P&C Agricultural Overseas General Global except for ratios) Insurance Insurance Insurance Insurance Reinsurance Corporate Total P&C Numerator Losses and loss expenses A$ 8,206 $ 3,043 $ 1,616 $ 4,606 $ 352 $ 158 $ 17,981 Catastrophe losses and related adjustments Catastrophe losses, net of related adjustments (421) (554) (8) (156) (48) - (1,187) Reinstatement premiums collected (expensed) on catastrophe losses - (11) - (4) 3 - (12) Catastrophe losses, gross of related adjustments (421) (543) (8) (152) (51) - (1,175) PPD and related adjustments PPD, net of related adjustments - favorable (unfavorable) 649 95 80 92 29 (153) 792 Net premiums earned adjustments on PPD - unfavorable (favorable) 38 - 36 - 1 - 75 Expense adjustments - unfavorable (favorable) (3) - (13) - (1) - (17) PPD reinstatement premiums - unfavorable (favorable) (1) (4) - 1 (1) - (5) PPD, gross of related adjustments - favorable (unfavorable) 683 91 103 93 28 (153) 845 CAY loss and loss expense ex CATs B$ 8,468 $ 2,591 $ 1,711 $ 4,547 $ 329 $ 5 $ 17,651 Policy acquisition costs and administrative expenses Policy acquisition costs and administrative expenses C$ 2,859 $ 1,234 $ 90$ 3,534 $ 204 $ 319 $ 8,240 Expense adjustments - favorable (unfavorable) 3 - 13 - 1 - 17 Policy acquisition costs and administrative expenses, adjusted D$ 2,862 $ 1,234 $ 103$ 3,534 $ 205 $ 319 $ 8,257 Denominator Net premiums earned E$ 12,922 $ 4,694 $ 1,795 $ 8,882 $ 654 $ 28,947 Reinstatement premiums (collected) expensed on catastrophe losses - 11 - 4 (3) 12 Net premiums earned adjustments on PPD - unfavorable (favorable) 38 - 36 - 1 75 PPD reinstatement premiums - unfavorable (favorable) (1) (4) - 1 (1) (5) Net premiums earned excluding adjustments F$ 12,959 $ 4,701 $ 1,831 $ 8,887 $ 651 $ 29,029 P&C Combined ratio Loss and loss expense ratio A/E 63.5 % 64.8 % 90.1 % 51.9 % 53.9 % 62.1 % Policy acquisition cost and administrative expense ratio C/E 22.1 % 26.3 % 5.0 % 39.7 % 31.1 % 28.5 % P&C Combined ratio 85.6 % 91.1 % 95.1 % 91.6 % 85.0 % 90.6 % CAY P&C Combined ratio ex CATs Loss and loss expense ratio, adjusted B/F 65.3 % 55.1 % 93.5 % 51.2 % 50.6 % 60.8 % Policy acquisition cost and administrative expense ratio, adjusted D/F 22.1 % 26.3 % 5.6 % 39.7 % 31.5 % 28.4 % CAY P&C Combined ratio ex CATs 87.4 % 81.4 % 99.1 % 90.9 % 82.1 % 89.2 % Combined ratio Combined ratio 90.6 % Add: impact of gains and losses on crop derivatives - P&C Combined ratio 90.6 %
Note: The ratios above are calculated using whole
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Table of Contents For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 North America North America North America (in millions of U.S. dollars Commercial P&C Personal P&C Agricultural Overseas General Global except for ratios) Insurance Insurance Insurance Insurance Reinsurance Corporate Total P&C Numerator Losses and loss expenses A$ 8,000 $ 3,229 $ 1,114 $ 4,429 $ 479 $ 53 $ 17,304 Catastrophe losses and related adjustments Catastrophe losses, net of related adjustments (579) (637) (21) (206) (183) - (1,626) Reinstatement premiums collected (expensed) on catastrophe losses - (26) - - 22 - (4) Catastrophe losses, gross of related adjustments (579) (611) (21) (206) (205) - (1,622) PPD and related adjustments PPD, net of related adjustments - favorable (unfavorable) 610 (41) 110 212 50 (45) 896 Net premiums earned adjustments on PPD - unfavorable (favorable) 29 - 40 - 8 - 77 Expense adjustments - unfavorable (favorable) 7 - (10) - (1) - (4) PPD reinstatement premiums - unfavorable (favorable) 7 1 - 4 - - 12 PPD, gross of related adjustments - favorable (unfavorable) 653 (40) 140 216 57 (45) 981 CAY loss and loss expense ex CATs B$ 8,074 $ 2,578 $ 1,233 $ 4,439 $ 331 $ 8 $ 16,663 Policy acquisition costs and administrative expenses Policy acquisition costs and administrative expenses C$ 2,795 $ 1,208 $ 70$ 3,360 $ 203 $ 295 $ 7,931 Expense adjustments - favorable (unfavorable) (7) - 10 - 1 - 4 Policy acquisition costs and administrative expenses, adjusted D$ 2,788 $ 1,208 $ 80$ 3,360 $ 204 $ 295 $ 7,935 Denominator Net premiums earned E$ 12,402 $ 4,593 $ 1,569 $ 8,612 $ 670 $ 27,846 Reinstatement premiums (collected) expensed on catastrophe losses - 26 - - (22) 4 Net premiums earned adjustments on PPD - unfavorable (favorable) 29 - 40 - 8 77 PPD reinstatement premiums - unfavorable (favorable) 7 1 - 4 - 12 Net premiums earned excluding adjustments F$ 12,438 $ 4,620 $ 1,609 $ 8,616 $ 656 $ 27,939 P&C Combined ratio Loss and loss expense ratio A/E 64.5 % 70.3 % 71.0 % 51.4 % 71.6 % 62.1 % Policy acquisition cost and administrative expense ratio C/E 22.5 % 26.3 % 4.5 % 39.0 % 30.2 % 28.5 % P&C Combined ratio 87.0 % 96.6 % 75.5 % 90.4 % 101.8 % 90.6 % CAY P&C Combined ratio ex CATs Loss and loss expense ratio, adjusted B/F 64.9 % 55.8 % 76.7 % 51.5 % 50.5 % 59.6 % Policy acquisition cost and administrative expense ratio, adjusted D/F 22.4 % 26.1 % 4.9 % 39.0 % 31.1 % 28.4 % CAY P&C Combined ratio ex CATs 87.3 % 81.9 % 81.6 % 90.5 % 81.6 % 88.0 % Combined ratio Combined ratio 90.6 % Add: impact of gains and losses on crop derivatives - P&C Combined ratio 90.6 %
Note: The ratios above are calculated using whole
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Table of Contents Net Investment Income (in millions of U.S. dollars, except for percentages) 2020 2019 2018 Average invested assets$ 109,766 $ 104,074 $ 101,453 Net investment income (1)$ 3,375 $ 3,426 $ 3,305 Yield on average invested assets 3.1 % 3.3 % 3.3 % Market yield on fixed maturities 1.7 % 2.7 % 3.7 % (1)Includes$116 million ,$161 million and$248 million of amortization expense related to the fair value adjustment of acquired invested assets related to theChubb Corp acquisition in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Net investment income is influenced by a number of factors including the amounts and timing of inward and outward cash flows, the level of interest rates, and changes in overall asset allocation. Net investment income decreased 1.5 percent in 2020 compared with 2019, primarily due to lower reinvestment rates on new and reinvested assets, partially offset by higher average invested assets, higher dividends on public equities, and an increase in income from corporate bonds called before maturity. Refer to Note 1 e) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. For private equities where we own less than three percent, investment income is included within Net investment income in the table above. For private equities where we own more than three percent, investment income is included within Other income (expense) in the Consolidated statements of operations. Excluded from Net investment income is the mark-to-market movement for private equities, which is recorded within either Other income (expense) or Net realized gains (losses) based on our percentage of ownership. The total mark-to-market movement for private equities excluded from Net investment income was as follows: (in millions of U.S. dollars) 2020 2019
2018
Total mark-to-market gain on private equity, pre-tax
$ 298
Amortization of Purchased Intangibles and Other Amortization
Amortization expense related to purchased intangibles was$290 million ,$305 million , and$339 million for the years endedDecember 31, 2020 , 2019, and 2018, respectively, and principally relates to theChubb Corp acquisition. The amortization of purchased intangibles expense in 2021 is expected to be$286 million , or approximately$72 million each quarter. Refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 for more information. Reduction of deferred tax liability associated with intangible assets related to Other intangible assets (excluding the fair value adjustment on Unpaid losses and loss expense) AtDecember 31, 2020 , the deferred tax liability associated with the Other intangible assets (excluding the fair value adjustment on Unpaid losses and loss expenses) was$1,295 million . The following table presents atDecember 31, 2020 , the expected reduction to the deferred tax liability associated with Other intangible assets (which reduces as agency distribution relationships and renewal rights, and other intangible assets amortize), at current foreign currency exchange rates for the next five years: Reduction to deferred tax liability For the Years Ending December 31 associated with (in millions of U.S. dollars) intangible assets 2021 $ 68 2022 67 2023 61 2024 56 2025 52 Total $ 304 67
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Table of Contents Amortization of the fair value adjustment on acquired invested assets and assumed long-term debt The following table presents atDecember 31, 2020 , the expected amortization expense of the fair value adjustment on acquired invested assets, at current foreign currency exchange rates, and the expected amortization benefit from the fair value adjustment on assumed long-term debt for the next five years: Amortization
(expense) benefit of the fair
value adjustment on
For the Years Ending December 31 Acquired invested Assumed long-term
(in millions of U.S. dollars) assets (1) debt (2)
2021 $ (110) $ 21
2022 (103) 21
2023 - 21
2024 - 21
2025 - 21
Total $ (213) $ 105
(1) Recorded as a reduction to Net investment income in the Consolidated
statements of operations.
(2) Recorded as a reduction to Interest expense in the Consolidated statements
of operations.
The estimate of amortization expense of the fair value adjustment on acquired
invested assets could vary materially based on current market conditions, bond
calls, overall duration of the acquired investment portfolio, and foreign
exchange.
Investments
Our investment portfolio is invested primarily in publicly traded, investment
grade, fixed income securities with an average credit quality of A/Aa as rated
by the independent investment rating services Standard and Poor's (S&P)/ Moody's
Investors Service (Moody's). The portfolio is externally managed by independent,
professional investment managers and is broadly diversified across geographies,
sectors, and issuers. Other investments principally comprise direct investments,
investment funds, and limited partnerships. We hold no collateralized debt
obligations in our investment portfolio, and we provide no credit default
protection. We have long-standing global credit limits for our entire portfolio
across the organization. Exposures are aggregated, monitored, and actively
managed by our Global Credit Committee, comprising senior executives, including
our Chief Financial Officer, our Chief Risk Officer , our Chief Investment
Officer, and our Treasurer. We also have well-established, strict contractual
investment rules requiring managers to maintain highly diversified exposures to
individual issuers and closely monitor investment manager compliance with
portfolio guidelines.
The average duration of our fixed income securities, including the effect of
options and swaps, was 4.0 years and 3.8 years at December 31, 2020 and 2019,
respectively. We estimate that a 100 basis point (bps) increase in interest
rates would reduce the valuation of our fixed income portfolio by approximately
$4.3 billion at December 31, 2020 .
We established credit loss valuation allowances as a result of our adoption of
guidance on Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses
on Financial Instruments (CECL) on January 1, 2020 . The COVID-19 global pandemic
and related economic conditions adversely impacted our investment portfolio in
the first half of the year. This adverse impact was mitigated by the overall
high credit quality of the portfolio and the stabilization of the valuation of
securities due to measures announced by the U.S. Federal Reserve , including
programs to support corporate and asset backed securities. Overall, the
valuation allowance decreased in 2020. Refer to Notes 1 and 3 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on expected credit
losses.
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Table of Contents The following table shows the fair value and cost/amortized cost, net of valuation allowance, of our invested assets:
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Cost/ Cost/
Fair Amortized Fair Amortized
(in millions of U.S. dollars) Value Cost, Net Value Cost
Fixed maturities available for sale $ 90,699 $ 85,168 $ 85,488 $ 82,580
Fixed maturities held to maturity 12,510 11,653 13,005 12,581
Short-term investments 4,345 4,349 4,291 4,291
107,554 101,170 102,784 99,452
Equity securities 4,027 4,027 812 812
Other investments 7,945 7,945 6,062 6,062
Total investments $ 119,526 $ 113,142 $ 109,658 $ 106,326
The fair value of our total investments increased $9.9 billion during the year
ended December 31, 2020 , primarily due to the investing of operating cash flow
and unrealized appreciation. This increase was partially offset by the payment
of $1.6 billion , including collateralized deposits, to acquire additional
ownership interest in Huatai Group , the payments of dividends on our Common
Shares, and share repurchases.
The following tables present the fair value of our fixed maturities and
short-term investments at
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
(in millions of
% of Total Fair Value % of Total
U.S. Treasury / Agency $ 4,122 4 % $ 4,630 5 %
Corporate and asset-backed securities 38,769 36 % 34,259 33 %
Mortgage-backed securities 20,616 19 % 21,588 21 %
Municipal 11,943 11 % 12,824 12 %
Non-U.S. 27,759 26 % 25,192 25 %
Short-term investments 4,345 4 % 4,291 4 %
Total $ 107,554 100 % $ 102,784 100 %
AAA $ 15,622 15 % $ 15,714 15 %
AA 36,125 33 % 37,504 37 %
A 19,712 18 % 19,236 19 %
BBB 17,542 16 % 13,650 13 %
BB 9,699 9 % 9,474 9 %
B 8,267 8 % 6,897 7 %
Other 587 1 % 309 -
Total $ 107,554 100 % $ 102,784 100 %
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Table of Contents Corporate and asset-backed securities The following table presents our 10 largest global exposures to corporate bonds by fair value atDecember 31, 2020 : (in millions of U.S. dollars) Fair Value Wells Fargo & Co$ 764 Bank of America Corp 689 JP Morgan Chase & Co 646 Comcast Corp 528 Morgan Stanley 466 Citigroup Inc 443 Verizon Communications Inc 418 AT&T Inc 415 Goldman Sachs Group Inc 405 HSBC Holdings Plc 387 Mortgage-backed securities
The following table shows the fair value and amortized cost, net of valuation allowance, of our mortgage-backed securities:
Amortized
S&P Credit Rating Fair Value Cost, Net
December 31, 2020 BB and
(in millions of U.S. dollars) AAA AA A BBB below Total Total
Agency residential mortgage-backed (RMBS)$ 126 $ 16,886 $
- $ - $ -
123 39 84 20 10 276 272
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 2,878 284 151 12 3 3,328 3,151
Total mortgage-backed securities
Municipal
As part of our overall investment strategy, we may invest in states, municipalities, and other political subdivisions fixed maturity securities (Municipal). We apply the same investment selection process described previously to our Municipal investments. The portfolio is highly diversified primarily in state general obligation bonds and essential service revenue bonds including education and utilities (water, power, and sewers).
Non-
Our exposure to the Euro results primarily fromChubb European Group SE which is headquartered inFrance and offers a broad range of coverages throughout theEuropean Union , Central, andEastern Europe . Chubb primarily invests in Euro denominated investments to support its local currency insurance obligations and required capital levels. Chubb's local currency investment portfolios have strict contractual investment guidelines requiring managers to maintain a high quality and diversified portfolio to both sector and individual issuers. Investment portfolios are monitored daily to ensure investment manager compliance with portfolio guidelines. Our non-U.S. investment grade fixed income portfolios are currency-matched with the insurance liabilities of our non-U.S. operations. The average credit quality of our non-U.S. fixed income securities is A and 48 percent of our holdings are ratedAAA or guaranteed by governments or quasi-government agencies. Within the context of these investment portfolios, our government and corporate bond holdings are highly diversified across industries and geographies. Issuer limits are based on credit rating (AA-two percent, A-one percent, BBB-0.5 percent of the total portfolio) and are monitored daily via an internal compliance system. We manage our indirect exposure using the same credit rating based investment approach. Accordingly, we do not believe our indirect exposure is material.
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Table of Contents The following table summarizes the fair value and amortized cost, net of valuation allowance, of our non-U.S. fixed income portfolio by country/sovereign for non-U.S. government securities atDecember 31, 2020 : (in millions of U.S. dollars) Fair Value Amortized Cost, Net Republic of Korea$ 1,085 $ 976 Canada 992 950 United Kingdom 907 870 Province of Ontario 728 686 Kingdom of Thailand 637 544 United Mexican States 558 534 Province of Quebec 530 493 Federative Republic of Brazil 509 496 Commonwealth of Australia 471 423 Socialist Republic of Vietnam 394 267 Other Non-U.S. Government Securities 5,744 5,335 Total$ 12,555 $ 11,574 The following table summarizes the fair value and amortized cost, net of valuation allowance, of our non-U.S. fixed income portfolio by country/sovereign for non-U.S. corporate securities atDecember 31, 2020 : (in millions of U.S. dollars) Fair Value Amortized Cost, Net United Kingdom$ 2,422 $ 2,274 Canada 1,834 1,723 United States (1) 1,240 1,172 France 1,183 1,109 Australia 916 857 Netherlands 634 593 Germany 625 589 Japan 602 576 Switzerland 560 514 China 459 435 Other Non-U.S. Corporate Securities 4,729 4,460 Total$ 15,204 $ 14,302
(1) The countries that are listed in the non-
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Below-investment grade corporate fixed income portfolio Below-investment grade securities have different characteristics than investment grade corporate debt securities. Risk of loss from default by the borrower is greater with below-investment grade securities. Below-investment grade securities are generally unsecured and are often subordinated to other creditors of the issuer. Also, issuers of below-investment grade securities usually have higher levels of debt and are more sensitive to adverse economic conditions, such as recession or increasing interest rates, than investment grade issuers. AtDecember 31, 2020 , our corporate fixed income investment portfolio included below-investment grade and non-rated securities which, in total, comprised approximately 15 percent of our fixed income portfolio. Our below-investment grade and non-rated portfolio includes over 1,400 issuers, with the greatest single exposure being$176 million . We manage high-yield bonds as a distinct and separate asset class from investment grade bonds. The allocation to high-yield bonds is explicitly set by internal management and is targeted to securities in the upper tier of credit quality (BB/B). Our minimum rating for initial purchase is BB/B. Fourteen external investment managers are responsible for high-yield security selection and portfolio construction. Our high-yield managers have a conservative approach to credit selection and very low historical default experience. Holdings are highly diversified across industries and generally subject to a 1.5 percent issuer limit as a percentage of high-yield allocation. We monitor position limits daily through an internal compliance system. Derivative and structured securities (e.g., credit default swaps and collateralized loan obligations) are not permitted in the high-yield portfolio.
Asbestos and Environmental (A&E)
Asbestos and environmental (A&E) reserving considerations For asbestos, Chubb faces claims relating to policies issued to manufacturers, distributors, installers, and other parties in the chain of commerce for asbestos and products containing asbestos. Claimants will generally allege damages across an extended time period which may coincide with multiple policies covering a wide range of time periods for a single insured.
Environmental claims present exposure for remediation and defense costs associated with the contamination of property as a result of pollution.
The following table presents count information for asbestos claims by causative agent and environmental claims by account, for direct policies only:
Asbestos (by causative agent) Environmental (by account)
2020 2019 2020 2019
Open at beginning of year 1,724 1,838 1,217 1,361
Newly reported/reopened 192 173 130 140
Closed or otherwise disposed 193 287 113 284
Open at end of year 1,723 1,724 1,234 1,217
Survival ratios are calculated by dividing the asbestos or environmental loss
and allocated loss adjustment expense (ALAE) reserves by the average asbestos or
environmental loss and ALAE payments for the three most recent calendar years
(3-year survival ratio). The 3-year survival ratios for gross and net Asbestos
loss and ALAE reserves were 5.9 years and 6.3 years, respectively. The 3-year
survival ratios for gross and net Environmental loss and ALAE reserves were 4.9
years and 25.5 years, respectively. The net 3-year survival ratios were impacted
by favorable reinsurance settlements in 2018. Excluding the settlements, the
3-year survival ratio for net Asbestos loss and ALAE reserves and net
Environmental loss and ALAE reserves were 6.0 years and 5.2 years, respectively.
The survival ratios provide only a very rough depiction of reserves and are
significantly impacted by a number of factors such as aggressive settlement
practices, variations in gross to ceded relationships within the asbestos or
environmental claims, and levels of coverage provided. Therefore, we urge
caution in using these very simplistic ratios to gauge reserve adequacy.
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Table of Contents Catastrophe Management We actively monitor and manage our catastrophe risk accumulation around the world, including setting risk limits based on probable maximum loss (PML) and purchasing catastrophe reinsurance. The table below presents our modeled pre-tax estimates of natural catastrophe PML, net of reinsurance, atDecember 31, 2020 , for Worldwide,U.S. hurricane andCalifornia earthquake events, based on our in-force portfolio atOctober 1, 2020 and reflecting theApril 1, 2020 reinsurance program (see Natural Catastrophe Property Reinsurance Program section) as well as inuring reinsurance protection coverages. According to the model, for the 1-in-100 return period scenario, there is a one percent chance that our pre-tax annual aggregate losses incurred in any year fromU.S. hurricane events could be in excess of$2,725 million (or 4.6 percent of our total shareholders' equity atDecember 31, 2020 ). These estimates assume that reinsurance recoverable is fully collectible.
Modeled Net Probable Maximum Loss (PML) Pre-tax
Worldwide (1) U.S. Hurricane (2) California Earthquake (3)
Annual Aggregate Annual Aggregate Single Occurrence
(in millions of U.S. % of Total % of Total % of Total
dollars, except for Shareholders' Shareholders' Shareholders'
percentages) Chubb Equity Chubb Equity Chubb Equity
1-in-10 $ 1,880 3.2 % $ 1,099 1.8 % $ 142 0.2 %
1-in-100 $ 3,982 6.7 % $ 2,725 4.6 % $ 1,302 2.2 %
1-in-250 $ 6,604 11.1 % $ 4,918 8.3 % $ 1,475 2.5 %
(1) Worldwide losses are comprised of losses arising only from hurricanes,
typhoons, convective storms and earthquakes and do not include "non-modeled"
perils such as wildfire and flood.
(2) U.S. Hurricane losses include losses from wind and storm-surge and exclude
rainfall.
(3) California earthquakes include fire-following perils.
The above estimates of Chubb's loss profile are inherently uncertain for many
reasons, including the following:
•While the use of third-party catastrophe modeling packages to simulate
potential hurricane and earthquake losses is prevalent within the insurance
industry, the models are reliant upon significant meteorology, seismology, and
engineering assumptions to estimate catastrophe losses. In particular, modeled
catastrophe events are not always a representation of actual events and ensuing
additional loss potential;
•There is no universal standard in the preparation of insured data for use in
the models, the running of the modeling software and interpretation of loss
output. These loss estimates do not represent our potential maximum exposures
and it is highly likely that our actual incurred losses would vary materially
from the modeled estimates;
•The potential effects of climate change add to modeling complexity; and
•Changing climate conditions could impact our exposure to natural catastrophe
risks, including U.S. hurricane. Published studies by leading government,
academic and professional organizations predict an increase in the expected
annual frequency of Atlantic -basin hurricanes and sea level rise through the end
of the century over observed historical averages. These studies contemplate
expected multi-decadal impacts of climate change on sea surface temperatures,
sea levels and other factors contributing to the frequency and intensity of
hurricanes. Based on preliminary stress tests conducted against the Chubb
portfolio, the impacts of climate change are not expected to materially impact
our reported U.S. hurricane PML over the next 12 months. These tests reflect
current exposures only and excludes potential mitigating factors, such as
changes to building codes, public or private risk mitigation, regulation and
public policy.
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Natural Catastrophe Property Reinsurance Program
Chubb's core property catastrophe reinsurance program provides protection
against natural catastrophes impacting its primary property operations (i.e.,
excluding our
We regularly review our reinsurance protection and corresponding property catastrophe exposures. This may or may not lead to the purchase of additional reinsurance prior to a program's renewal date. In addition, prior to each renewal date, we consider how much, if any, coverage we intend to buy and we may make material changes to the current structure in light of various factors, including modeled PML assessment at various return periods, reinsurance pricing, our risk tolerance and exposures, and various other structuring considerations. Chubb renewed its Global Property Catastrophe Reinsurance Program for our North American and International operations effectiveApril 1, 2020 throughMarch 31, 2021 , with no material changes in coverage from the expiring program. The program consists of three layers in excess of losses retained by Chubb on a per occurrence basis. In addition, Chubb also renewed its terrorism coverage (excluding nuclear, biological, chemical and radiation coverage, with an inclusion of coverage for biological and chemical coverage for personal lines) forthe United States fromApril 1, 2020 throughMarch 31, 2021 with the same limits and retention and percentage placed except that the majority of terrorism coverage is on an aggregate basis above our retentions without a reinstatement. Loss Location Layer of Loss Comments Notes United States$0 million - Losses retained by Chubb (a) (excluding Alaska and Hawaii)$1.0 billion United States$1.0 billion - All natural perils and terrorism (b) (excluding Alaska and Hawaii)$1.15 billion United States$1.15 billion - All natural perils and terrorism (c) (excluding Alaska and Hawaii)$2.15 billion United States$2.15 billion - All natural perils and terrorism (d) (excluding Alaska and Hawaii)$3.5 billion International$0 million - Losses retained by Chubb (a) (including Alaska and Hawaii)$175 million International$175 million - All natural perils and terrorism (c) (including Alaska and Hawaii)$1.175 billion Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada$1.175 billion - All natural perils and terrorism (d)$2.525 billion (a) Ultimate retention will depend upon the nature of the loss and the interplay between the underlying per risk programs and certain other catastrophe programs purchased by individual business units. These other catastrophe programs have the potential to reduce our effective retention below the stated levels. (b) These coverages are partially placed with Reinsurers. (c) These coverages are both part of the same Second layer within the Global Catastrophe Program and are fully placed with Reinsurers. (d) These coverages are both part of the same Third layer within the Global Catastrophe Program and are fully placed with Reinsurers.Political Risk and Credit Insurance Political risk insurance is a specialized coverage that provides clients with protection against unexpected, catastrophic political or macroeconomic events, primarily in emerging markets. We participate in this market through ourBermuda based wholly-owned subsidiarySovereign Risk Insurance Ltd. (Sovereign), and through a unit of ourLondon -based CGM operation. Chubb is one of the world's leading underwriters of political risk and credit insurance, has a global portfolio spread across more than 150 countries and is also a member ofThe Berne Union . Our clients include financial institutions, national export credit agencies, leading multilateral agencies, private equity firms and multinational corporations. CGM writes political risk and credit insurance business out of underwriting offices inLondon, United Kingdom ;Hamburg, Germany ;Sao Paulo, Brazil ;Singapore ;Tokyo, Japan ; and in theU.S. in the following locations:Chicago ,New York ,Los Angeles andWashington, D.C.
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Our political risk insurance products provide protection to commercial lenders against defaults on cross border loans, covers investors against equity losses, and protects exporters against defaults on contracts. Commercial lenders, our largest client segment, are covered for missed scheduled loan repayments due to acts of confiscation, expropriation or nationalization by the host government, currency inconvertibility or exchange transfer restrictions, or war or other acts of political violence. In addition, in the case of loans to government-owned entities or loans that have a government guarantee, political risk policies cover scheduled payments against risks of non-payment or non-honoring of government guarantees. Private equity investors and corporations cover their equity investments against financial losses, such as expropriatory events, inability to repatriate dividends, and physical damage to their operations caused by covered political risk events. Our export contracts product provides coverage for both exporters and their financing banks against the risk of contract frustration due to government actions, including non-payment by governmental entities. CGM's credit insurance businesses cover losses due to insolvency, protracted default, and political risk perils including export and license cancellation. Our credit insurance product provides coverage to larger companies that have sophisticated credit risk management systems, with exposure to multiple customers and that have the ability to self-insure losses up to a certain level through excess of loss coverage. It also provides coverage to trade finance banks, exporters, and trading companies, with exposure to trade-related financing instruments. CGM also has limited capacity for Specialist Credit insurance products which provide coverage for project finance and working capital loans for large corporations and banks. We have implemented structural features in our policies in order to control potential losses within the political risk and credit insurance businesses. These include basic loss sharing features such as co-insurance and deductibles, and in the case of trade credit, the use of non-qualifying losses that drop smaller exposures deemed too difficult to assess. Ultimate loss severity is also limited by using waiting periods to enable the insurer and insured to mitigate losses and to agree on recovery strategies if a claim does materialize. We have the option to pay claims over the original loan repayment schedule, rather than in a lump sum, in order to provide insureds and the insurer additional time to remedy problems and work towards full recoveries. It is important to note that political risk and credit policies are named peril conditional insurance contracts, not financial guarantees, and claims are only paid after conditions and warranties are fulfilled. Political risk and credit insurance policies do not cover currency devaluations, bond defaults, movements in overseas equity markets, transactions deemed illegal, situations where corruption or misrepresentation has occurred, or debt that is not legally enforceable. In addition to assessing and mitigating potential exposure on a policy-by-policy basis, we also have specific risk management measures in place to manage overall exposure and risk. These measures include placing country, credit, and individual transaction limits based on country risk and credit ratings, combined single loss limits on multi-country policies, the use of quota share and excess of loss reinsurance protection as well as quarterly modeling and stress-testing of the portfolio. We have a dedicated Country and Credit Risk management team that are responsible for the portfolio.
We are, and have been since the 1980s, one of the leading writers of crop insurance in theU.S. and have conducted that business through a managing general agent subsidiary ofRain and Hail . We provide protection throughout theU.S. on a variety of crops and are therefore geographically diversified, which reduces the risk of exposure to a single event or a heavy accumulation of losses in any one region. Our crop insurance business comprises two components -Multiple Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) and crop-hail insurance. TheMPCI program, offered in conjunction with theU.S. Department of Agriculture's Risk Management Agency (RMA), is a federal subsidized insurance program that covers revenue shortfalls or production losses due to natural causes such as drought, excessive moisture, hail, wind, freeze, insects, and disease. These revenue products are defined as providing both commodity price and yield coverages. Policies are available for various crops in different areas of theU.S. and generally have deductibles generally ranging from 10 percent to 50 percent of the insured's risk. TheUSDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) sets the policy terms and conditions, rates and forms, and is also responsible for setting compliance standards. As a participant in theMPCI program, we report all details of policies to the RMA and are party to a Standard Reinsurance Agreement (SRA). The SRA sets out the relationship between private insurance companies and theFederal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) concerning the terms and conditions regarding the risks each will bear including the pro-rata and state stop-loss provisions, which allows companies to limit the exposure of any one state or group of states on their underwriting results. In addition to the pro-rata and excess of loss reinsurance protections inherent in the SRA, we also purchase third-party proportional and stop-loss reinsurance
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for our
Each year the RMA issues a final SRA for the subsequent reinsurance year (i.e., the 2021 SRA covers the 2021 reinsurance year fromJuly 1, 2020 throughJune 30, 2021 ). There were no significant changes in the terms and conditions from the 2020 SRA and therefore, the new SRA does not impact Chubb's outlook on the crop program relative to 2021. We recognize net premiums written as soon as estimable on ourMPCI business, which is generally when we receive acreage reports from the policyholders on the various crops throughout theU.S. This allows us to best determine the premium associated with the liability that is being planted. TheMPCI program has specific timeframes as to when producers must report acreage to us and in certain cases, the reporting occurs after the close of the respective reinsurance year. Once the net premium written has been recorded, the premium is then earned over the growing season for the crops. A majority of the crops that are covered in the program are typically subject to the SRA in effect at the beginning of the year. Given the major crops covered in the program, we typically see a substantial written and earned premium impact in the second and third quarters. The pricing ofMPCI premium is determined using a number of factors including commodity prices and related volatility (i.e., both impact the amount of premium we can charge to the policyholder). For example, in most states, the pricing for theMPCI revenue product for corn (i.e., insurance coverage for lower than expected crop revenue in a given season) includes a factor based on the average commodity price in February. If corn commodity prices are higher in February, compared to the February price in the prior year, and all other factors are the same, the increase in price will increase the corn premium year-over-year. Pricing is also impacted by volatility factors, which measure the likelihood commodity prices will fluctuate over the crop year. For example, if volatility is set at a higher rate compared to the prior year, and all other factors are the same, the premium charged to the policyholder will be higher year-over-year for the same level of coverage. Losses incurred on theMPCI business are determined using both commodity price and crop yield. With respect to commodity price, there are two important periods on a large portion of the business: The month of February when the initial premium base is set, and the month of October when the final harvest price is set. If the price declines from February to October, with yield remaining at normal levels, the policyholder may be eligible to recover on the policy. However, in most cases there are deductibles on these policies, therefore, the impact of a decline in price would have to exceed the deductible before a policyholder would be eligible to recover. We evaluate ourMPCI business at an aggregate level and the combination of all of our insured crops (both winter and summer) go into our underwriting gain or loss estimate in any given year. Typically, we do not have enough information on the harvest prices or crop yield outputs to quantify the preliminary estimated impact to our underwriting results until the fourth quarter. Our crop-hail program is a private offering. Premium is earned on the crop-hail program over the coverage period of the policy. Given the very short nature of the growing season, most crop-hail business is typically written in the second and third quarters and the recognition of earned premium is also more heavily concentrated during this timeframe. We use industry data to develop our own rates and forms for the coverage offered. The policy primarily protects farmers against yield reduction caused by hail and/or fire, and related costs such as transit to storage. We offer various deductibles to allow the grower to partially self-insure for a reduced premium cost. We limit our crop-hail exposures through the use of township liability limits and third-party reinsurance on our net retained hail business.
Liquidity
Liquidity is a measure of a company's ability to generate cash flows sufficient to meet short-term and long-term cash requirements. As a holding company,Chubb Limited possesses assets that consist primarily of the stock of its subsidiaries and other investments. In addition to net investment income,Chubb Limited's cash flows depend primarily on dividends and other statutorily permissible payments. Historically, dividends and other statutorily permitted payments have come primarily from Chubb'sBermuda -based operating subsidiaries, which we refer to as ourBermuda subsidiaries. Our consolidated sources of funds consist primarily of net premiums written, fees, net investment income, and proceeds from sales and maturities of investments. Funds are used at our various companies primarily to pay claims, operating expenses, and dividends; to service debt; to purchase investments; and to fund acquisitions. We anticipate that positive cash flows from operations (underwriting activities and investment income) should be sufficient to cover cash outflows under most loss scenarios for the near term. Should the need arise, we generally have access to capital
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Table of Contents markets and available credit facilities. Refer to "Credit Facilities" below for additional information. Our access to funds under the existing credit facility is dependent on the ability of the bank that is a party to the facility to meet its funding commitments. Should our existing credit provider experience financial difficulty, we may be required to replace credit sources, possibly in a difficult market. If we cannot obtain adequate capital or sources of credit on favorable terms, on a timely basis, or at all, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected. To date, we have not experienced difficulty accessing our credit facility. To further ensure the sufficiency of funds to settle unforeseen claims, we hold certain invested assets in cash and short-term investments. In addition, for certain insurance, reinsurance, or deposit contracts that tend to have relatively large and reasonably predictable cash outflows, we attempt to establish dedicated portfolios of assets that are duration-matched with the related liabilities. With respect to the duration of our overall investment portfolio, we manage asset durations to both maximize return given current market conditions and provide sufficient liquidity to cover future loss payments. AtDecember 31, 2020 , the average duration of our fixed maturities (4.0 years) is less than the average expected duration of our insurance liabilities (4.7 years). Despite our safeguards, if paid losses accelerate beyond our ability to fund such paid losses from current operating cash flows, we might need to either liquidate a portion of our investment portfolio or arrange for financing. Potential events causing such a liquidity strain could include several significant catastrophes occurring in a relatively short period of time, large uncollectible reinsurance recoverables on paid losses (as a result of coverage disputes, reinsurers' credit problems, or decreases in the value of collateral supporting reinsurance recoverables) or increases in collateral postings under our variable annuity reinsurance business. Because each subsidiary focuses on a more limited number of specific product lines than is collectively available from theChubb Group of Companies , the mix of business tends to be less diverse at the subsidiary level. As a result, the probability of a liquidity strain, as described above, may be greater for individual subsidiaries than when liquidity is assessed on a consolidated basis. If such a liquidity strain were to occur in a subsidiary, we could be required to liquidate a portion of our investments, potentially at distressed prices, as well as be required to contribute capital to the particular subsidiary and/or curtail dividends from the subsidiary to support holding company operations. The payment of dividends or other statutorily permissible distributions from our operating companies are subject to the laws and regulations applicable to each jurisdiction, as well as the need to maintain capital levels adequate to support the insurance and reinsurance operations, including financial strength ratings issued by independent rating agencies. During 2020, we were able to meet all our obligations, including the payments of dividends on our Common Shares, with our net cash flows. We assess which subsidiaries to draw dividends from based on a number of factors. Considerations such as regulatory and legal restrictions as well as the subsidiary's financial condition are paramount to the dividend decision.Chubb Limited received dividends of$1.9 billion and$200 million from itsBermuda subsidiaries in 2020 and 2019, respectively.Chubb Limited also received cash dividends of$110 million and non-cash dividends of$734 million from a Swiss subsidiary in 2020. There were no dividends received in 2019. The payment of any dividends from CGM or its subsidiaries is subject to applicableU.K. insurance laws and regulations. In addition, the release of funds by Syndicate 2488 to subsidiaries of CGM is subject to regulations promulgated by theSociety of Lloyd's .Chubb Limited received no dividends from CGM in 2020 and 2019. TheU.S. insurance subsidiaries ofChubb INA Holdings Inc. (Chubb INA ) may pay dividends, without prior regulatory approval, subject to restrictions set out in state law of the subsidiary's domicile (or, if applicable, commercial domicile).Chubb INA's international subsidiaries are also subject to insurance laws and regulations particular to the countries in which the subsidiaries operate. These laws and regulations sometimes include restrictions that limit the amount of dividends payable without prior approval of regulatory insurance authorities.Chubb Limited received no dividends fromChubb INA in 2020 and 2019. Debt issued byChubb INA is serviced by statutorily permissible distributions byChubb INA's insurance subsidiaries toChubb INA as well as other group resources.Chubb INA received dividends of$1.2 billion and$3.7 billion from its subsidiaries in 2020 and 2019, respectively. AtDecember 31, 2020 , the amount of dividends available to be paid toChubb INA in 2021 from its subsidiaries without prior approval of insurance regulatory authorities totals$2.7 billion .
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Table of Contents Cash Flows Our insurance and reinsurance operations provide liquidity in that premiums are received in advance, sometimes substantially in advance, of the time claims are paid. Generally, cash flows are affected by claim payments that, due to the nature of our operations, may comprise large loss payments on a limited number of claims and which can fluctuate significantly from period to period. The irregular timing of these loss payments can create significant variations in cash flows from operations between periods. Refer to "Contractual Obligations and Commitments" for our estimate of future claim payments by period. Sources of liquidity include cash from operations, routine sales of investments, and financing arrangements. The following is a discussion of our cash flows for 2020, 2019, and 2018.
Operating cash flows reflect Net income for each period, adjusted for non-cash items and changes in working capital.
Operating cash flows were$9.8 billion in 2020, compared to$6.3 billion and$5.5 billion in 2019 and 2018, respectively. Operating cash flow increased$3.5 billion in 2020 compared to 2019, principally reflecting higher premiums collected and reduced payment activity due to the economic slowdown related to COVID-19 pandemic. Cash used for investing was$7.5 billion in 2020, compared to$5.9 billion and$2.9 billion in 2019 and 2018, respectively. The current year included payment, including a deposit, of$1.6 billion for the purchase of an additional 16.2 percent ownership inHuatai Group . This compares to the prior year purchase of an additional 10.9 percent ownership interest inHuatai Group for$580 million . Refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. In addition, the current year included higher private equity contributions, net of distributions received, of$1.1 billion . Cash used for financing was$2.1 billion in 2020, compared to$151 million and$2.0 billion in 2019 and 2018, respectively. Cash used for financing was higher by$1.9 billion in 2020 compared to 2019 primarily due to lower net proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt (net of repayments) of$2.6 billion , partially offset by fewer shares repurchased in the current year. Refer to Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on share repurchases. Both internal and external forces influence our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Claim settlements, premium levels, and investment returns may be impacted by changing rates of inflation and other economic conditions. In many cases, significant periods of time, ranging up to several years or more, may lapse between the occurrence of an insured loss, the reporting of the loss to us, and the settlement of the liability for that loss. We use repurchase agreements as a low-cost funding alternative. AtDecember 31, 2020 , there were$1.4 billion in repurchase agreements outstanding with various maturities over the next eight months. In addition to cash from operations, routine sales of investments, and financing arrangements, we have agreements with a third-party bank provider which implemented two international multi-currency notional cash pooling programs to enhance cash management efficiency during periods of short-term timing mismatches between expected inflows and outflows of cash by currency. The programs allow us to optimize investment income by avoiding portfolio disruption. In each program, participating Chubb entities establish deposit accounts in different currencies with the bank provider. Each day the credit or debit balances in every account are notionally translated into a single currency (U.S. dollars) and then notionally pooled. The bank extends overdraft credit to all participating Chubb entities as needed, provided that the overall notionally pooled balance of all accounts in each pool at the end of each day is at least zero. Actual cash balances are not physically converted and are not commingled between legal entities. Chubb entities may incur overdraft balances as a means to address short-term liquidity needs. Any overdraft balances incurred under this program by a Chubb entity would be guaranteed byChubb Limited (up to$300 million in the aggregate). Our syndicated letter of credit facility allows for same day drawings to fund a net pool overdraft should participating Chubb entities withdraw contributed funds from the pool.
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Table of Contents Capital Resources
Capital resources consist of funds deployed or available to be deployed to support our business operations.
December 31 December 31
(in millions of U.S. dollars, except for percentages) 2020 2019
Short-term debt $ - $ 1,299
Long-term debt 14,948 13,559
Total financial debt 14,948 14,858
Trust preferred securities 308 308
Total shareholders' equity 59,441 55,331
Total capitalization $ 74,697 $ 70,497
Ratio of financial debt to total capitalization 20.0 % 21.1 %
Ratio of financial debt plus trust preferred securities to total
capitalization 20.4 % 21.5 %
Repurchase agreements are excluded from the table above and are disclosed
separately from short-term debt in the Consolidated balance sheets. The
repurchase agreements are collateralized borrowings where we maintain the right
and ability to redeem the collateral on short notice, unlike short-term debt
which comprises the current maturities of our long-term debt instruments.
On September 17, 2020 , Chubb INA issued $1.0 billion of 1.375 percent senior
notes due September 2030 . Chubb INA's $1.3 billion of 2.3 percent senior notes
due November 2020 was paid upon maturity. Refer to Note 9 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements for details about the debt issued and debt redeemed.
We believe our financial strength provides us with the flexibility and capacity
to obtain available funds externally through debt or equity financing on both a
short-term and long-term basis. Our ability to access the capital markets is
dependent on, among other things, market conditions and our perceived financial
strength. We have accessed both the debt and equity markets from time to time.
We generally maintain the ability to issue certain classes of debt and equity
securities via an unlimited Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) shelf
registration which is renewed every three years. This allows us capital market
access for refinancing as well as for unforeseen or opportunistic capital needs.
In October 2018 , we filed an unlimited shelf registration which allows us to
issue certain classes of debt and equity. This shelf registration expires in
October 2021 .
Securities Repurchases
From time to time, we repurchase shares as part of our capital management
program. The Board of Directors (Board) has authorized share repurchase programs
as follows:
•$1.0 billion of Chubb Common Shares from January 1, 2018 through December 31,
2018
•$1.5 billion of Chubb Common Shares from December 1, 2018 through December 31,
2019
•$1.5 billion of Chubb Common Shares from November 21, 2019 through December 31,
2020
•$1.5 billion of Chubb Common Shares from November 19, 2020 through December 31,
2021 Subsequently, in
Share repurchases may be made in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, block trades, accelerated repurchases and/or through option or other forward transactions. In 2020, 2019, and 2018 we repurchased$516 million ,$1.53 billion , and$1.02 billion , respectively, of Common Shares in a series of open market transactions under the Board share repurchase authorizations. OnApril 22, 2020 , we suspended share repurchases, given the economic environment and to preserve capital for both risk and opportunity. Subsequently we announced and then resumed share repurchases onOctober 29, 2020 . The$1.5 billion November 2019 authorization remained effective throughDecember 31, 2020 . Repurchases throughDecember 31, 2020 were made under this authorization. For the periodJanuary 1 through February 24, 2021 , we repurchased 1,971,000 Common Shares for a total of$327 million in a series of open market transactions under the share repurchase program authorized inNovember 2020 . AtFebruary 24, 2021 ,$2.17 billion in share repurchase authorization remained throughDecember 31, 2021 . 79
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Common Shares Our Common Shares had a par value ofCHF 24.15 each atDecember 31, 2020 .
As of
Under Swiss law, dividends must be stated in Swiss francs though dividend
payments are made by Chubb in
At ourMay 2019 annual general meeting, our shareholders approved an annual dividend for the following year of up to$3.00 per share, which was paid in four quarterly installments of$0.75 per share at dates determined by the Board after the annual general meeting by way of distribution from capital contribution reserves, transferred to free reserves for payment. At ourMay 2020 annual general meeting, our shareholders approved an annual dividend for the following year of up to$3.12 per share, expected to be paid in four quarterly installments of$0.78 per share after the annual general meeting by way of distribution from capital contribution reserves, transferred to free reserves for payment. The Board will determine the record and payment dates at which the annual dividend may be paid until the date of the 2021 annual general meeting, and is authorized to abstain from distributing a dividend at its discretion. The first three quarterly installments each of$0.78 per share, have been distributed by the Board as expected.
Dividend distributions on Common Shares amounted to
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
The following table presents our future payments due by period under contractual
obligations at
Payments Due By Period
2022 2024
(in millions of U.S. dollars) Total 2021 and 2023 and 2025 Thereafter
Payment amounts determinable from the
respective contracts
Deposit liabilities (1) $ 2,323 $ 34 $ 104 $ 148 $ 2,037
Purchase obligations (2) 470 240 230 - -
Investments, including Limited Partnerships
(3) 3,805 1,429 1,713 459 204
Operating leases 550 150 219 106 75
Repurchase agreements 1,405 1,405 - - -
Long-term debt (4) 14,705 - 1,475 2,346 10,884
Trust preferred securities 309 - - - 309
Interest on debt obligations (4) 5,925 468 902 804 3,751
Total obligations in which payment amounts are
determinable from the respective contracts 29,492 3,726 4,643 3,863 17,260
Payment amounts not determinable from the
respective contracts
Estimated gross loss payments under insurance
and reinsurance contracts 67,851 19,587 18,599 9,439 20,226
Estimated payments for future policy benefits
and GLB 22,006 1,034 2,183 1,653 17,136
Total contractual obligations and commitments
(1)Refer to Note 1 k) to the Consolidated Financial Statements. (2)Primarily comprises agreements with vendors to purchase system software administration and maintenance services, and audit fees. (3)Funding commitment primarily related to limited partnerships. The timing of the payments of these commitments is uncertain and may differ from the estimated timing in the table. (4)Subject to foreign exchange fluctuations on interest expense and principal.
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Table of Contents The contractual obligations and commitments table excludes the following items:
•Pension obligations: Minimum funding requirements for our pension obligations are immaterial. Subsequent funding commitments are apt to vary due to many factors and are difficult to estimate at this time. Refer to Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. •Liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits: The liability for unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and offsetting tax credits, was$76 million atDecember 31, 2020 . AtDecember 31, 2020 , we had accrued$16 million in liabilities for income tax-related interest and penalties in our Consolidated balance sheet. Other than settlement of a liability inJanuary 2021 for$23 million , including interest, we are unable to make a reliable estimate for the timing of cash settlement of these liabilities. Refer to Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. We have no other significant contractual obligations or commitments not reflected in the table above. We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources. Estimated gross loss payments under insurance and reinsurance contracts We are obligated to pay claims under insurance and reinsurance contracts for specified loss events covered under those contracts. Such loss payments represent our most significant future payment obligation as a P&C insurance and reinsurance company. In contrast to other contractual obligations, cash payments are not determinable from the terms specified within the contract. For example, we do not ultimately make a payment to our counterparty for many insurance and reinsurance contracts (i.e., when a loss event has not occurred) and if a payment is to be made, the amount and timing cannot be determined from the contract. In the table above, we estimate payments by period relating to our gross liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses included in the Consolidated balance sheet atDecember 31, 2020 , and do not take into account reinsurance recoverable. These estimated loss payments are inherently uncertain and the amount and timing of actual loss payments are likely to differ from these estimates and the differences could be material. Given the numerous factors and assumptions involved in both estimates of loss and loss expense reserves and related estimates as to the timing of future loss and loss expense payments in the table above, differences between actual and estimated loss payments will not necessarily indicate a commensurate change in ultimate loss estimates. The liability for Unpaid losses and loss expenses presented in our balance sheet is discounted for certain structured settlements, for which the timing and amount of future claim payments are reliably determinable, and certain reserves for unsettled claims. Our loss reserves are not discounted for the time value of money. Accordingly, the estimated amounts in the table exceed the liability for Unpaid losses and loss expenses presented in our balance sheet. Refer to Note 1 h) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. Estimated payments for future policy benefits We establish reserves for future policy benefits for life, long-term health, and annuity contracts. The amounts in the table are gross of fees or premiums due from the underlying contracts. The liability for Future policy benefits for life, long-term health, and annuity contracts presented in our balance sheet is discounted and reflected net of fees or premiums due from the underlying contracts. Accordingly, the estimated amounts in the table exceed the liability for Future policy benefits presented in our balance sheet. Payment amounts related to these reserves must be estimated and are not determinable from the contract. Due to the uncertainty with respect to the timing and amount of these payments, actual results could materially differ from the estimates in the table. Credit Facilities As ourBermuda subsidiaries are non-admitted insurers and reinsurers in theU.S. , the terms of certainU.S. insurance and reinsurance contracts require them to provide collateral, which can be in the form of letters of credit (LOCs). LOCs may also be used for general corporate purposes. Should the need arise, we generally have access to capital markets and to credit facilities with letter of credit capacity of$4.0 billion with a sub-limit of$1.9 billion for revolving credit. AtDecember 31, 2020 , our usage under these facilities was$1.7 billion in LOCs, of which$1.1 billion related to our variable annuity reinsurance program. Our access to credit under these facilities is dependent on the ability of the banks that are a party to the facilities to meet their funding commitments. Should the existing credit providers on these facilities experience financial difficulty, we may be required to replace credit sources, possibly in a difficult market. If we cannot obtain adequate capital or sources of credit on favorable terms, on a timely basis, or at all, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected. To date, we have not experienced difficulty accessing our credit facilities or establishing additional facilities when needed.
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In the event we are required to provide alternative security to clients, the security could take the form of additional insurance trusts supported by our investment portfolio or funds withheld using our cash resources. The value of LOCs required is driven by, among other things, statutory liabilities reported by variable annuity guarantee reinsurance clients, loss development of existing reserves, the payment pattern of such reserves, the expansion of business, and loss experience of such business.
The facilities noted above require that we maintain certain financial covenants,
all of which have been met at
(i)a minimum consolidated net worth of not less than
AtDecember 31, 2020 , (a) the minimum consolidated net worth requirement under the covenant described in (i) above was$34.985 billion and our actual consolidated net worth as calculated under that covenant was$56.6 billion and (b) our ratio of debt to total capitalization, as calculated under the covenant which excludes the fair value adjustment of debt acquired through theChubb Corp acquisition, was 0.20 to 1, which is below the maximum debt to total capitalization ratio of 0.35 to 1 as described in (ii) above. Our failure to comply with the covenants under any credit facility would, subject to grace periods in the case of certain covenants, result in an event of default. This could require us to repay any outstanding borrowings or to cash collateralize LOCs under such facility. Our failure to repay material financial obligations, as well as our failure with respect to certain other events expressly identified, would result in an event of default under the facility. RatingsChubb Limited and its subsidiaries are assigned credit and financial strength (insurance) ratings from internationally recognized rating agencies, including S&P,A.M. Best , Moody's, and Fitch. The ratings issued on our companies by these agencies are announced publicly and are available directly from the agencies. Our Internet site (investors.chubb.com, under Shareholder Resources/Rating Agency Ratings) also contains some information about our ratings, but such information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this report. Financial strength ratings reflect the rating agencies' opinions of a company's claims paying ability. Independent ratings are one of the important factors that establish our competitive position in the insurance markets. The rating agencies consider many factors in determining the financial strength rating of an insurance company, including the relative level of statutory surplus necessary to support the business operations of the company. These ratings are based upon factors relevant to policyholders, agents, and intermediaries and are not directed toward the protection of investors. Such ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold securities. Credit ratings assess a company's ability to make timely payments of principal and interest on its debt. It is possible that, in the future, one or more of the rating agencies may reduce our existing ratings. If one or more of our ratings were downgraded, we could incur higher borrowing costs, and our ability to access the capital markets could be impacted. In addition, our insurance and reinsurance operations could be adversely impacted by a downgrade in our financial strength ratings, including a possible reduction in demand for our products in certain markets. Also, we have insurance and reinsurance contracts which contain rating triggers. In the event the S&P orA.M. Best financial strength ratings of Chubb fall, we may be faced with the cancellation of premium or be required to post collateral on our underlying obligation associated with this premium. We estimate that atDecember 31 , 2020, a one-notch downgrade of our S&P orA.M. Best financial strength ratings would result in an immaterial loss of premium or requirement for collateral to be posted. 82
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