Natural catastrophes and man-made disasters cost a total of $US62 billion ($68 billion) during a relatively benign 2009, according to Swiss Re.

Figures from the global reinsurer’s Sigma report – which build on preliminary figures issued in January – show natural and man-made disasters claimed 15,000 lives during the year and caused insured losses of $US26 billion ($28 billion).

Earlier figures from rival reinsurer Munich Re put insured losses at $US36 billion ($39 billion).

Swiss Re says natural catastrophes cost insurers $US22 billion ($24 million), with Winter storm Klaus the most costly event at $US3.37 billion ($4 billion).

Victoria’s Black Saturday was the fifth most costly disaster, causing $US1.08 billion ($1.2 billion) in losses.

Swiss Re has judged 2009 a “low loss” period with a total of 133 natural catastrophes and 155 man-made disasters.

“The probability that we will see nat cat losses in 2010 as low as those in 2009 is less than 35%,” Swiss Re Chief Economist Thomas Hess.

Subsequent events such as Winter storm Xynthia and earthquakes in Chile and Haiti were evidence of high-loss volatility from one year to the next, he said.

“The industry is therefore well advised to prepare for much higher losses.”