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Time variation in the price of catastrophe reinsurance

Research output: Working paper

Published
  • A Keswani
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Publication date2000
Place of PublicationLancaster University
PublisherThe Department of Accounting and Finance
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Publication series

NameAccounting and Finance Working Paper Series

Abstract

It has been shown that the price of catastrophe reinsurance varies considerably over time. In particular, prices tend to rise after catastrophes and drift down between catastrophes. We construct a dynamic model to explain these stylised features. The model has three sets of players; households, insurers and a reinsurer. As catastrophe losses are undiversifiable, insurers must set aside capital or buy reinsurance to cover losses in the eventuality of a catastrophe. This is costly because of alternative investment opportunities. We show that imperfections in the capital market are crucial for generating time variation in the price of catastrophe reinsurance.