The Hanover Reports $11M Q4 Loss

February 2, 2023

The Hanover Insurance Group reported a fourth quarter 2022 loss of $11.6 million, driven by widespread catastrophic losses from Winter Storm Elliott.

Results were in comparison to net income of $163.5 million in the prior-year quarter. The Hanover experienced catastrophe losses of $189.6 million for Q4, including the impact from the winter storm of $165 million. P&C combined ratio for the quarter was 108.0%, and 94.1% excluding catastrophes.

The Hanover core commercial line finished with an unprofitable Q4 combined ratio of 117.2%, compared to 92.4% in Q4 2021. Winter Storm Elliott was the primary driver of catastrophe losses across core commercial. Excluding catastrophes, core commercial current accident year combined ratio increased 1.5 points to 93.1% in the fourth quarter, from 91.6% in the prior-year quarter.

In specialty, The Hanover saw combined ratio of 90.5% for the quarter, compared to 87.7% in Q4 202, while personal lines combined ratio was 109.1%, compared to 96.2% in the prior-year quarter.

Premiums written during Q4 were $1.3 billion, up 9.1% compared to the prior year quarter, as premiums written in personal lines were up 12.2% in Q4.

The Hanover reported rates increases of 7.2% in core commercial, 8.2% in specialty and 5.4% in personal lines for the quarter.

“Despite the disappointing impact of Winter Storm Elliott, we are pleased with the progress we made in the fourth quarter toward recapturing margins in property lines and we are proud of the advancements we made in 2022 on our long-term strategic and business priorities,” said John C. Roche, president and chief executive officer at The Hanover, in a statement.