Increased losses due to catastrophes have become the common thread as more insurers and reinsurers report their half-year figures.

Arch Capital Group has reported catastrophe losses of $US95 million ($86.5 million), net of reinsurance, for the six months ending June 30. 

Brit Insurance has reported catastrophe losses of £95.4 million ($142 million) for the six-month period while Beazley recorded losses of $US154 million ($140 million) but this excludes another $US29 million ($26 million) for the US tornadoes in April.

Arch has reported a six-month profit of $US111.2 million ($101 million), down 75.2% on the $US447.5 million ($407.6 million) for the first half of 2010.

Brit’s half-year profit was £6.8 million ($10 million) compared to £77.5 million ($115.3 million) in the corresponding period last year.

Beazley reported a $US24.2 million ($22 million) loss for this half year compared to a $US115.5 million ($105.2 million) profit in the six months ending June 30, 2010.

Despite the poor results, two of the three insurers did report stronger premium revenue for the six months.

Arch reported gross written premium of $US1.87 billion ($1.7 billion) compared to $US1.77 billion ($1.6 billion) in 2010.

Brit’s gross written premium was up 2.1% to £845.3 million ($1.25 billion), but Beazley’s gross written premium was down from $US940.6 million ($856.8 million) in the 2010 half to $US924.8 million ($842 million) this year.