In 2002 losses from natural catastrophes and man-made losses cost non-life insurers USD 13.5 bilion across the globe. This was markedly below the previous year´s level of USD 35 billion. While natural catastrophes caused losses of USD 11.4 billion, property losses from man-made disasters...

In 2000, catastrophes claimed more than 17'400 lives and caused overall financial losses - not counting indirect economic damage - of almost USD 50 billion. According to Swiss Re's definitive statistics, the burden on the insurance industry was comparatively low at USD 10.6 billion.