GREENLIGHT CAPITAL RE LTD

Gross Premiums Written

We record our property and casualty reinsurance premiums as premiums written based on our best estimate of the ultimate premiums for the contract period. Our estimates are based on actuarial pricing models and information received from ceding companies. Further, we record reinsurance premiums so long as they meet the risk transfer criteria under U.S. GAAP (see “Deposit Contracts” below).

Excess of loss reinsurance contracts typically state premiums as a percentage of the subject premiums written by the client, subject to a minimum and deposit premium. The minimum and deposit premium is generally based on an estimate of subject premiums expected to be written by the client during the contract term. The minimum and deposit premium is reported initially as premiums written and adjusted, if necessary, in subsequent periods once the actual subject premium is known.

For quota share (also known as proportional) contracts, we record premiums in the same periods in which the underlying insurance contracts are written, based on cession statements from cedents. We typically receive these statements monthly or quarterly, depending on the terms specified in each contract. For any reporting lag, we estimate premiums written based on the portion of the estimated ultimate premiums relating to the risks bound during the lag period.

For multi-year contracts, reinsurance premiums are recorded at the inception of the contract based on our best estimate of total premiums to be received. Premiums are recognized on an annual basis for multi-year contracts where the cedants have the ability to unilaterally commute or cancel coverage within the term of the contract.

We regularly review premium estimates. Such review includes our experience with the ceding companies, managing general underwriters, familiarity with each market, the timing of the reported information, a comparison of reported premiums to expected ultimate premiums, along with a review of the aging and collection of premiums. We evaluate the appropriateness of the premium estimates on the basis of these reviews and record any adjustments to these estimates in the period in which they are determined. Changes in premium estimates, including premium receivable on both excess of loss and quota share contracts, are not unusual and may result in significant adjustments in any period. A portion of amounts included in “Reinsurance balances receivable” in the consolidated balance sheets represent estimated premiums written, net of commissions and brokerage, that are not currently due based on the terms of the underlying contracts. Additional premiums due on a contract with no remaining coverage period are earned in full when written.

Certain contracts provide for reinstatement premiums in the event of a loss. Reinstatement premiums are written and earned when a triggering loss event occurs.

Net Premiums Earned

We earn premiums over the risk coverage period. Unearned premiums represent the unexpired portion of reinsurance provided. Changes in circumstances subsequent to the inception of contracts can impact the earnings period. For instance, when exposure limits for a reinsurance contract are reached, any associated unearned premiums are fully earned.

Excess of loss reinsurance contracts are generally written on a “losses occurring” or “claims made” basis over the term of the policy. Accordingly, premiums are earned evenly over the contract term, which is generally 12 months.

Line slip or proportional insurance/reinsurance contracts are generally written on a “risks attaching” basis, covering claims that relate to the underlying policies written during the terms of these contracts. As the underlying business incepts throughout the contract term, which is generally one year, and the underlying business generally has a one year coverage period, these premiums are generally earned evenly over a 24-month period from inception.

Deposit Contracts

If we determine that a reinsurance contract does not transfer sufficient risk to merit reinsurance accounting treatment, we report the premium we receive as a deposit liability. Similarly, we report the premium we pay as a deposit asset for ceded contracts that do not transfer sufficient risk to merit reinsurance accounting. Any income and expense on deposit-accounted contracts is calculated using the interest method and recorded in the consolidated statements of operations under “Other income (expense)” and “Deposit interest expense,” respectively.