What the 2017 CSO Life Insurance Tables Represent
The 2017 CSO (Central Statistics Office) life insurance tables are statistical compilations that detail premiums, policy counts, and claim payouts for Irish life insurance providers during that calendar year. Wikipedia cites these tables to illustrate market size, growth trends, and regulatory context for the sector. They are derived from mandatory filings submitted by insurers to the CSO, which aggregates the data for public reporting.
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Key Data Points Included
Each table typically breaks down information by:
- Insurance company name
- Total gross premiums written (in euros)
- Number of active policies
- Claims paid and outstanding reserves
- Market share percentages
Some tables also differentiate between individual and group policies, as well as between term and whole‑life products.
How Wikipedia Uses the Tables
On the Wikipedia page for "Life insurance in Ireland," the 2017 CSO tables are referenced in the "Market overview" section. Editors embed summary figures—such as total industry premiums of €2.3 billion—to give readers a snapshot of the sector's scale. Citations link directly to the CSO's PDF releases, ensuring verifiability.
Interpreting the Numbers
When reading the tables, consider the following:
- Premium trends: Compare the 2017 figures with previous years to gauge growth or contraction.
- Policy mix: A higher proportion of term policies may indicate consumer preference for lower‑cost coverage.
- Claims ratio: Dividing claims paid by premiums written gives an insight into profitability and risk exposure.
These metrics help analysts, regulators, and consumers assess the health of the market.
Limitations and Contextual Factors
The CSO tables reflect only reported data; they do not capture informal or unregistered arrangements. Additionally, exchange‑rate fluctuations can affect the euro‑denominated values when comparing with international benchmarks. Regulatory changes introduced in 2018, such as the Solvency II framework, may also alter how later data are presented.
Accessing the Original Sources
The full 2017 CSO life insurance dataset is available on the CSO website under the "Insurance Statistics" archive. Wikipedia editors typically link to the PDF titled "Life Insurance – 2017" which includes all tables, methodological notes, and explanatory footnotes.
Comparative Overview of 2015‑2017 CSO Life Insurance Data
| Year | Total Premiums (€bn) | Active Policies (millions) | Claims Paid (€bn) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 0.45 |
| 2016 | 2.2 | 1.9 | 0.48 |
| 2017 | 2.3 | 2.0 | 0.50 |
This three‑year snapshot shows steady premium growth and a modest rise in policy volume, aligning with the narrative presented on Wikipedia.