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Ratings

The rating agencies most relevant to the insurance industry have awarded Hannover Re very strong insurer financial strength ratings:

Standard & Poor's

AA- ("Very Strong"), stable outlook

[ 2010-06-24 ]
Hannover Re Group Full Analysis Report
(PDF, 520 KB)

A.M. Best

A ("Excellent"), stable outlook

[ 2009-07-30 ]
Hannover Re Group Rating Report
(PDF, 169 KB)

The importance of good ratings

Very good financial strength ratings from major rating agencies is one of the most important prerequisites for a reinsurer to be able to participate in the reinsurance market.

Primary insurers depend to a great extent on these ratings in their assessment of the security of the reinsurer, influencing the formers' decision to place business with the latter or not (and to what extent/in which lines of business). Rating agencies such as Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best therefore provide current opinions about reinsurers.

They observe the reinsurers' ability to pay claims on their policies and contracts in accordance with the terms agreed with the cedents. The main focus of the rating agencies' assessment lies on financial performance, strategic positioning and long-term ability to cover damages.

A first class rating is now more important than ever to be a key player in the international reinsurance market. Hannover Re has an interactive rating agreement with Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best, which means that these two rating agencies have access to confidential information about our company. Key positive by the above mentioned rating agencies are among others:

  • Very strong operating performance
  • Strong enterprise risk management
  • Strong management team with clear, consistent strategy and absence of operational mistakes
  • Very strong capital adequacy

(Quotes by Standard & Poor's media release, 22 May 2007)