The weekly intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1891-1901, 1894-02-24
FIRE LOSSES AND PREMIUMS IN

FIRE LOSSES N PREMIUMS IN
MISSOURI.
The following are extracts from the last
report Qss2) Of the superintendent OF the
insurance department of Missouri, touch
Ing the business OF fire insurance in the
state:
The total losses by fire in the United
States, by the stock companies doing
business in Missouri, were:
For 1891 49,. 81. As per cent of premiums
received.
For 1892 . g. % per cent of premiums
received.
For both years. go. 6i.ss per cent of
premiums received.
The Losses paid in Missouri were:
In 1891 $50. TAOS per cent OF premiums
ta fn 1s On the state: "a e. mar ran, y, ,,.um.
taken In the state.
For both years .....75.39 per cent OF
premiums taken in the state.
A difference OF 2l.s3 per cent greater
loss in Missouri than in the country at
large. The losses paid in Missouri:
In 1889 and 1890 we're. .... 1894 per cent
OF premiums.
In 1891 and 1892 las above) 1893 per cent
OF premiums.
An increase OF fire waste OF 27.9s pc.
cent.
The average premium on fire risks,
written in Missouri, was:
From 1873 to 1882, inclusive ..... s124 As
per u, 900.
From 1883 to 1892. inclusive .... .si2.si
per 81 900.
Average for 1889 and 1890. &c.. .sl2.2I
per $l,OOO-
Average for 1891 and 1892 zee. .sli.sl
per 1900.
A reduction OF the average rate of
thirty-three cents per Thousand dollars of
risk, in the last two years, in the face OF
the enormous increase in the loss
account.
OF the 122 fire companies of other states
and countries, doing business in Missouri,
eighty-seven lost more than sixty per
cent of their premiums In this state;
eighteen lost more each than their total
receipts; three of these paid twice, and
two paid three times the total premiums
on the risks written by them.
Taking thirty-five per cent of premiums
as "a low average Of expense, including
taxes, the stock fire companies were out
OF pocket an average of FAST 500 for each
OF the last two years on their business In
Missouri.
The subIoined table, made by Actuary
A. K. Harvey, OF the state insurance
department, show that the year 1898 wa.
a most disastrous one for fire insurance
companies doing business In his state
There was a falling off in premiums 70
last year over 1892 Of 500 0 and a,
increase in losses to the extent OF on
million dollars. In companies doiul
business In Missouri, there is, compare
lively speaking, 10 margin left for cur
rent and other expenses in manyc cases
The table tells the tale so pointedly tina
discussion is unnecessary.
Total premiums received, S5,02G, 5SS.5 so.
Total losses incurred, Si,s75, 29s. O6.
Percentage OF losses incurred to prem
iums received, 81
Assistant superintendent o.. h, Ciard
says that the number OF licenses issued I
companies to 10 u fire business in TIL
state for the ensuing year is e~ighty-nin,
a decrease OF fourteen over 1888.
From n careful perusal of these figur,
every thinking man must readily con
ciude that there must be an advance i
premium rates or QUIT THE EUsINES,
To offer reliable and safe indemnity q
increase in premiums is absolutel
necessary.
The above is offered as a justification Il
the recent advance In rates in this tow
and county.
THE FIRE UNDERWRITERS
nE Mo