General Reinsurance Corporation (Gen Re) is a global reinsurer offering property, casualty, life, and health reinsurance solutions. In 2023, it reported $14.5 billion in net premiums written and held $19.2 billion in capital.
Gen Re began in 1921 in the United States. It started as a specialist in underwriting quality. Two years later, the company took on its current name and expanded its reach.
Other important moments in its long reinsurance history include:
1846: Cologne Re was founded in Germany as the world’s first reinsurance company
1950s: the firm was first to offer excess-of-loss facultative reinsurance in the US
1994: General Reinsurance Corporation formed a global alliance with Cologne Re
1998: Berkshire Hathaway acquired the reinsurer as part of its insurance investments
2003: Gen Re and Cologne Re started using the Gen Re brand globally
The company marked two major anniversaries in 2021: Gen Re marked 100 years, while Cologne Re turned 175.
General Reinsurance Corporation supports insurers across major risk areas with tailored reinsurance solutions and insights:
property, engineering, marine: covers risk from fires, disasters, construction losses, and global marine exposure
casualty: helps reinsure liability claims including injury, workplace accidents, and legal payouts
auto/motor: protects insurers from large losses tied to vehicle crashes and claims
specialty lines: supports niche risks like cyber, personal accident, and professional indemnity
claims: provides expert guidance on managing large and complex reinsurance claims
Gen Re Consulting: offers pricing and actuarial support for commercial and personal reinsurance programs
mortality: reinsures life coverage for death risk across standard and custom plans
longevity: helps carriers manage annuities and retirement payouts over time
disability: supports reinsurance for income loss from short- and long-term disability
critical illness/dread disease: protects against cancer, stroke, and other major illnesses
health: covers reinsurance for hospital stays, surgeries, and high-cost medical events
long term care: helps insurers manage aging-related care costs in long-duration policies
Gen Re understands tough risks because it takes these on too. Its goal is practical protection that works.
General Reinsurance Corporation is built on shared purpose, learning, and inclusion. The company helps people grow through trust, resilience, and a culture that values ideas.
The firm’s environment supports personal and team success through health, safety, and targeted employee development. The company offers tools to help employees succeed at work and in life:
work/life balance: flexible hours, remote options, and hybrid models for most positions
paid time off: vacation days, public holidays, and personal leave that match local standards
financial wellness: includes cash compensation and extra financial programs for employees and families
mental health support: access to virtual wellness classes and mental health resources
targeted training: learning programs shaped by department needs and employee roles
team coaching: support to improve group performance, transitions, and work habits
professional designation: financial help for insurance and reinsurance education programs
General Reinsurance Corporation shapes its culture around care, growth, and flexibility that helps people do their best every day.
Gen Re builds its workplace around fairness, openness, and a global mindset that welcomes every voice. Leaders and teams continue to grow through DEI learning, goal-setting, and shared responsibility:
senior leadership role: first Global DEI Officer appointed in 2022 to lead inclusion strategy
leader accountability: executives support DEI progress through training, open dialogue, and reporting
employee resource groups: ERGs connect staff with shared interests, backgrounds, and leadership support
focus on intersectionality: programs address how overlapping identities shape employee experiences
multicultural alliance: global ERG promotes cultural awareness and inclusion through shared community
At General Reinsurance Corporation, DEI supports the company’s goal to be the most valued reinsurer in the world.
Their environmental work includes sustainable growth and carbon footprint reduction. Its social focus supports health, safety, inclusion, and community impact through development and volunteerism. And its governance includes legal business practices, fairness, and full compliance in all jurisdictions.
The company’s financial strength and global stability were reaffirmed by a top rating agency in recent years. Its teams continue to deliver underwriting strength, smart investment choices, and steady long-term results. Risk oversight, business diversity, and employee focus help the firm stay strong through any market shift.
Gen Re’s disability survey tracked individual disability insurance across Non-Cancelable, Guaranteed Renewable, and Buy-Sell products. Its data showed rising new sales and in-force premiums across occupation-based product segments. This supports General Reinsurance Corporation’s goal to guide reinsurance decisions with clear, real-world insights.
This guide provides an overview of what facultative obligatory reinsurance is, how it works, and why it matters in the US insurance market
Stable outlook highlights strong balance sheet, operating performance, and risk management
