The formula for calculating the loss ratio includes incurred losses and which of the following?

The formula for calculating the loss ratio is a crucial aspect in the insurance industry as it helps assess the profitability of an insurance company. The loss ratio is determined by dividing the incurred losses by the total premiums earned during a specific period.

Incurred losses refer to the total amount of claims that an insurer has paid out or expects to pay out for a certain period, while premiums earned represent the portion of premiums that are recognized as revenue during that same time. By using premiums earned in the calculation, the loss ratio provides a measure of the losses relative to the income generated from those premiums. This relationship is vital for insurers to gauge their operational efficiency and the sustainability of their pricing structures.

The other options do not accurately represent the component needed for the loss ratio calculation. General insurance premiums and averaged deductibles do not specifically capture the earned premiums during the reporting period, while previous claims do not factor directly into this ratio, as they are part of the incurred losses already accounted for. Thus, premiums earned is the correct choice that completes the loss ratio formula.