In order to improve outcomes, we have taken the following actions related to E&S claims:
Growth in 2016 and 2015 premium was primarily due to direct new business increases as outlined in the table above. Both reporting periods also had positive improvements in NPW and NPE from strong retention and improved renewal pure price increases.
A more proactive case management in areas of medical, pharmaceutical, and physical therapy treatments.
The effective duration of the fixed income securities portfolio as of December 31, 2016 was 3.6 years, including short-term investments, compared to the Insurance Subsidiaries’ liability duration of approximately 4.0 years. The current duration of the fixed income securities portfolio is within our historical range, and is monitored and managed to maximize yield while managing interest rate risk at an acceptable level. We maintain a well-diversified portfolio across sectors, credit quality, and maturities that affords us ample liquidity. Every purchase or sale is made with the intent of maximizing risk-adjusted investment returns in the current market environment while balancing capital preservation.
Other investments may include alternative investments and other securities. Alternative investments are accounted for using the equity method. Our share of distributed and undistributed net income from alternative investments is included in "Net investment income earned" on our Consolidated Statement of Income. Other securities are primarily comprised of tax credit investments. Low income housing tax credits are accounted for under the proportional amortization method and all other tax credits are accounted for using the equity method. Under the proportional amortization method, our share of the investment’s performance is recorded in our Consolidated Statement of Income as a component of “Federal income tax expense.” Under the equity method, our share of distributed and undistributed net income is included in "Net investment income earned" on our Consolidated Statement of Income. For federal income tax credits accounted for under the equity method, we use the deferral method for recognizing the benefit of the tax credit with the related deferred revenue being recognized in our Consolidated Statement of Income as a component of "Federal income tax expense" ratably over the life of the investment.
Certain property catastrophe events may be low in frequency and high in severity. These events may affect many insureds simultaneously. Due to the unique nature of these events, ultimate liabilities are estimated for each event, based on surveys of our portfolio of exposures, in conjunction with individual claims estimates. While generally short-tailed, the liabilities associated with these events are subject to a higher degree of uncertainty. We maintain significant reinsurance protection that greatly limits the impact that these extreme events have on net loss and loss adjustment expenses.
investments must be included as a reconciling line item so that the total fair value amount of investments in the disclosure is
reporting periods within that annual period, with early adoption permitted. ASU 2016-02 requires the application of a modified
payment transactions including: (i) income tax consequences; (ii) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; (iii)
measurement of expected losses that is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current
Quantitative information regarding unrealized losses on our AFS portfolio is provided below. Our HTM portfolio had $0.2 million in unrealized/unrecognized losses at December 31, 2016 and no unrealized/unrecognized losses at December 31, 2015.
Energy & Power Generation: This strategy makes energy and power generation investments in cash flow generating infrastructure assets. Energy investments are made in a variety of industries including oil, natural gas, and coal. These investments are diversified across the energy supply chain and include assets in the exploration and production, pipeline, and refining sectors. Power generation includes investments in: (i) conventional power, such as natural gas and oil; (ii) renewable power, such as wind and solar; and (iii) electric transmission and distribution.
In 2016, we experienced overall net favorable loss development of $65.8 million, compared to $69.0 million in 2015, and $59.3 million in 2014. The following table summarizes the prior year development by line of business:
The following table details our losses and loss expense reserves for various asbestos and environmental claims:
The information about incurred and paid claims development for the years ended December 31, 2007 to 2015 is presented as supplementary information.
(4) In the fourth quarter of 2015, SICA and Selective Insurance Company of New York ("SICNY") joined, and invested in, the FHLBNY, which provides them with access to additional liquidity. The aggregate investment for both subsidiaries was $2.8 million at December 31, 2016 and $0.5 million at December 31, 2015. Our investment provides us the ability to borrow approximately 20 times the total amount of the FHLBNY common stock purchased with additional collateral, at comparatively low borrowing rates. In August 2016, SICA borrowed $25 million from the FHLBNY. The unpaid principal amount accrues interest of 1.56%. The principal amount is due on August 16, 2021.