Berkshire Hathaway’s extensive insurance businesses have reported $US10.2 billion ($10.3 billion) of total premiums earned in the third quarter ending September 30.

This compared to $US8 billion ($8.1 billion) for the corresponding period last year.

Geico earned premiums of $US3.6 billion ($3.65 billion) during the September quarter, while General Re’s premium income was $US1.3 billion ($1.32 billion) compared to $US1.4 billion ($1.42 billion) in the third quarter last year.

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance wrote premiums of $US434 million ($440 million) during the quarter compared to $US442 million ($449 million) during the three months ending September last year.

Earnings before tax for the insurance business was $US1.5 billion ($1.52 billion) for the latest quarter.

This was down on last year’s corresponding quarter, where pre-tax earnings were $US1.9 billion ($1.93 billion).

Geico reported strong profits during the quarter, up $US89 million ($90 million) on the corresponding period last year to $US289 million ($293 million) while General Re also reported strong profits of $US201 million ($204 million) compared to $US186 million ($188 million) last year.

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance delivered a massive rise in pre-tax profits, up from $US7 million ($7.11 million) in the third quarter last year to $US52 million ($52.8 million) this year.