The Insurance Performance Measure: Assembling the Property & Casualty Profitability Puzzle

Abstract

The property and casualty insurance industry has historically focused on the underwriting or combined ratio as the primary measure of operating performance. Many dramatic changes have occurred in this industry and its operating environment over the past thirty years, which have moderated the importance of the underwriting ratio. An alternative performance measurement system, the Insurance Performance Measure (IPM), is presented and illustrated. The IPM integrates all areas P&C operating activity into a measure more comprehensive (and economic) that the underwriting ratio.

Keywords: insurance, economic profit, value based management

JEL Classification: G22, G30, M21