Farm Insurance :: News

Share this news item!

Swiss Re Outpaces Expectations with Strategic Renewals and Diminished Catastrophe Claims

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

Swiss Re has reported a significant surge in net income, reaching $US2.1 billion ($3.09 billion) for the first half of 2024.

This impressive performance has been largely attributed to favorable factors including reduced natural catastrophe claims, robust investment earnings, and strategic underwriting approaches.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Share this news item:

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

What Bushfire Resilience Ratings Mean for Farmers

07 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

More Australian insurers are now recognising household bushfire resilience ratings, a development rural and regional property owners should watch closely as risk-based pricing becomes more visible across the insurance market. NAB and CommBank insurance brands have joined the program, alongside existing participants including NRMA Insurance and Suncorp, meaning a significant share of the home insurance market is now engaging with assessed bushfire mitigation. - read more

Cyclone Pool Delivers Relief, But Farmers Still Need to Check Cover

30 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission�s final monitoring report on the cyclone reinsurance pool has delivered a mixed message for rural and regional northern Australia. The pool appears to have helped ease some premium pressure for medium to high cyclone-risk areas, including reductions across home, strata and small business building and contents cover. For farm families and agribusinesses in cyclone-exposed regions, that is welcome news after years of rising costs and limited choice. - read more

El Niño Outlook Puts Farm Risk Planning Back in Focus

23 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s latest El Niño declaration has turned seasonal risk planning into an immediate priority for many rural and regional businesses. The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed El Niño conditions in mid-June, with forecasts indicating the tropical Pacific is likely to keep warming through the coming months and remain a factor until at least the end of the year. - read more

NRMA's Departure from Farm Insurance: What It Means for Australian Farmers

16 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant shift within the Australian insurance landscape, NRMA has announced its withdrawal from the farm insurance market, ceasing the sale of new policies as of July 1, 2025. This decision affects both Hobby Farm Insurance and Rural Farm Insurance offerings, leaving many farmers in search of alternative coverage options to safeguard their livelihoods. - read more

New Partnership Strengthens Risk Management in Australia's Protected Cropping Sector

16 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

Protected Cropping Australia (PCA) and Achmea Farm Insurance have announced a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering risk mitigation and resilience within Australia's protected cropping sector. This collaboration seeks to empower growers by providing tailored insurance solutions and promoting best practices in risk management. - read more

ABARES Report Highlights Insurance as a Key Tool for Managing Agricultural Risks

16 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) has released a comprehensive report examining the role of insurance as a risk management tool for Australian farmers. The report emphasises that while insurance cannot protect against inevitable events like climate change, it can be instrumental in managing the variability and unpredictability inherent in farming. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Farm Insurance Articles

Agribusiness Risk: Liability Issues Facing Australian Farmers Today

The agricultural sector in Australia carves a significant portion of the country's economy, contributing to its GDP and providing employment across rural and suburban areas. Thus, navigating the complexities of agribusiness is not just a matter of crop cultivation and livestock management, but also of understanding the intricate web of liability risks that come with the terrain. - read more

Preparing for the Worst: Developing a Comprehensive Disaster Response Plan for Your Farm

As a farmer, you know that unexpected events can have a significant impact on your farm and your livelihood. Natural disasters, such as floods, fires, droughts, and storms, can occur at any time and have devastating consequences. That's why it's crucial to have a comprehensive disaster response plan in place to protect your property, assets, and, most importantly, your loved ones and livestock. - read more

How to Choose the Right Farm Insurance Policy for Your Needs

Farm insurance is a type of coverage designed specifically for the unique risks and operations involved in farming. It encompasses protection for farm dwellings, equipment, livestock, and crops, offering a tailored approach that reflects the diverse needs of farm owners. This coverage can help safeguard your livelihood against unforeseen events that could disrupt farm operations or result in significant financial losses. - read more

The Farmer's Handbook to Quick and Effective Insurance Claims

Insurance is a vital part of safeguarding any farming operation. As a farmer, protecting your property, equipment, and livelihood from unexpected events like natural disasters, theft, or accidents is crucial. Adequate insurance coverage ensures that you can recover quickly from setbacks without enduring overwhelming financial strain. - read more

Essential Coverage vs. Optional Add-ons: Balancing Protection and Costs

For Australian farmers, having the right insurance coverage isn't just a safety net—it's an integral part of sustaining their livelihood. Natural disasters, unpredictable climate conditions, and the inherent risks of agricultural production underline the critical importance of robust insurance for the agricultural community. As farmers navigate the complexities of insurance, understanding the basics becomes the first step toward securing their assets and ensuring the continuity of their operations. - read more

Navigating Farm Succession: A Step-by-Step Guide for Rural Australian Families

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on navigating farm succession for rural Australian families. The journey of passing on a family farm from one generation to the next is both a critical and challenging milestone. Recognizing that every farm has its unique story and set of circumstances is fundamental to the process. - read more

Need a Quote?

Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.

Knowledgebase

Insurance Policy Excess:
The amount you will have to contribute when you make a claim.

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust) 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228, A.C.N. 010281008.

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.

IMPORTANT: We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party brokers, insurers, and lenders. We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should independently verify the credentials and licensing of any adviser or provider you engage. Visit the ASIC website for further information.