Investment - Articles - European P and C insurers face pressure on profitability

 "Persistently low yields will erode the investment returns of P&C insurers, weighing on their profitability and, to a lesser extent, their solvency," said Dominic Simpson, VP-Senior Credit Officer at Moody's. "At the same time, claims inflation has largely offset the P&C sector's efforts to raise prices, casting doubt over the sustainability of current reserve releases, a key contributor to earnings." 

 In Germany, UK, France and the Netherlands – the largest European non-life insurance markets - 10 year government bond yields have fallen on average by around 35 basis points (bps) during 2020 from already historically low levels. The decline has been especially marked in the UK, where 10 year gilt yields have fallen by 65 bps during 2020 to a near record low of 0.17% as at 26 June, 2020.

 P&C insurers' reliance on investment returns is greater in France than in all other European markets with the exception of the Netherlands. This is because the French P&C industry's underwriting profit, despite recent improvements, is weaker, as reflected in its high combined ratio (claims and costs as a percentage of premiums) of 98% in 2018. French P&C insurers face intense competition, exacerbated by the large market share of mutual insurers, which generally have lower profitability targets. The Dutch market’s reliance on investment income reflects its even higher combined ratio of 100%.

  Full Moody's Report - Non-Life Insurers Europe