XML 21 R8.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.22.4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies General Mercury General Corporation ("Mercury General") and its subsidiaries (referred to herein collectively as the "Company") are primarily engaged in writing personal automobile insurance through 12 Insurance Companies in 11 states, principally California. The Company also writes homeowners, commercial automobile, commercial property, mechanical protection, fire, and umbrella insurance. The private passenger automobile line of insurance business was more than 64% of the Company’s direct premiums written in 2022, 2021, and 2020, and approximately 82%, 87%, and 88% of the private passenger automobile premiums were written in California in 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. Premiums written represents the premiums charged on policies issued during a fiscal period, which is a statutory measure designed to determine production levels. Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Mercury General Corporation and its subsidiaries:
Insurance Companies |  |
Mercury Casualty Company ("MCC") |  | American Mercury Insurance Company
Mercury Insurance Company ("MIC") |  | American Mercury Lloyds Insurance Company(1)
California Automobile Insurance Company ("CAIC") |  | Mercury County Mutual Insurance Company(2)
California General Underwriters Insurance Company, Inc. |  | Mercury Insurance Company of Florida ("MICFL")(3)
Mercury Insurance Company of Illinois |  | Mercury Indemnity Company of America
Mercury Insurance Company of Georgia |  | Orion Indemnity Company
Mercury Indemnity Company of Georgia |  |
Non-Insurance Companies |  |
Mercury Select Management Company, Inc. |  | AIS Management LLC
Mercury Insurance Services LLC |  | Auto Insurance Specialists LLC
Animas Funding LLC ("AFL")(4) |  | PoliSeek AIS Insurance Solutions, Inc.
Fannette Funding LLC ("FFL")(4) |  | Mercury Plus Insurance Services LLC
__________ (1)American Mercury Lloyds Insurance Company is not owned but is controlled by the Company through its attorney-in-fact, Mercury Select Management Company, Inc. (2)Mercury County Mutual Insurance Company is not owned but is controlled by the Company through a management contract. (3)MICFL was dissolved in November 2022. (4)Special purpose investment vehicle. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), which differ in some respects from those filed in reports to insurance regulatory authorities. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. The Company did not have other comprehensive income (loss) in 2022, 2021 and 2020. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates require the Company to apply complex assumptions and judgments, and often the Company must make estimates about effects of matters that are inherently uncertain and will likely change in subsequent periods. The most significant assumptions in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements relate to reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Investments and Other Financial Instruments Financial instruments recorded in the consolidated balance sheets include investments, note receivable, other receivables, accounts payable, options sold, and notes payable. The Company’s investments include securities issued by the U.S. government and its agencies, securities issued by states and municipal governments and agencies, certain corporate and other debt securities, equity securities, and exchange traded funds. The Company applies the fair value option to all fixed maturity and equity securities and short-term investments at the time an eligible item is first recognized. The primary reasons for electing the fair value option were simplification and cost benefit considerations as well as the expansion of the use of fair value measurement by the Company consistent with the long-term measurement objectives of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") for accounting for financial instruments. Gains and losses due to changes in fair value for items measured at fair value pursuant to application of the fair value option are included in net realized investment gains in the Company's consolidated statements of operations, while interest and dividend income on investment holdings are recognized on an accrual basis on each measurement date and are included in net investment income in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s fixed maturity and equity securities are classified as “trading” and carried at fair value as required when applying the fair value option. The majority of equity holdings, including preferred stocks, are actively traded on national exchanges or trading markets, and are valued at the last transaction price on the balance sheet date. The fair value of a financial instrument is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Due to their short-term maturity, the carrying values of other receivables and accounts payable approximate their fair values. 98.2% of the fair value of its investments at December 31, 2022 is based on observable market prices, observable pricing parameters, or is derived from such prices or parameters. The availability of observable market prices and pricing parameters can vary by financial instrument. Observable market prices and pricing parameters of a financial instrument, or a related financial instrument, are used to derive a price without requiring significant judgment. The Company may hold or acquire financial instruments that lack observable market prices or pricing parameters because they are less actively traded currently or in future periods. The fair value of such instruments is determined using techniques appropriate for each particular financial instrument. These techniques may involve some degree of judgment. The price transparency of the particular financial instrument will determine the degree of judgment involved in determining the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments. Price transparency is affected by a wide variety of factors, including the type of financial instrument, whether it is a new financial instrument and not yet established in the marketplace, and the characteristics particular to the transaction. Financial instruments for which actively quoted prices or pricing parameters are available or for which fair value is derived from actively quoted prices or pricing parameters will generally have a higher degree of price transparency. By contrast, financial instruments that are thinly traded or not quoted will generally have diminished price transparency. Even in normally active markets, the price transparency for actively quoted financial instruments may be reduced during periods of market dislocation. Alternatively, in thinly quoted markets, the participation of market makers willing to purchase and sell a financial instrument provides a source of transparency for products that otherwise are not actively quoted. For a further discussion, see Note 4. Fair Value Measurements. Fixed maturity securities include debt securities, which may have fixed or variable principal payment schedules, may be held for indefinite periods of time, and may be used as a part of the Company’s asset/liability strategy or sold in response to changes in interest rates, anticipated prepayments, risk/reward characteristics, liquidity needs, tax planning considerations, or other economic factors. Premiums and discounts on fixed maturities are amortized using first call date and are adjusted for anticipated prepayments. Premiums and discounts on mortgage-backed securities are adjusted for anticipated prepayment using the retrospective method, with the exception of some beneficial interests in securitized financial assets, which are accounted for using the prospective method. Equity securities consist of preferred stocks, common stocks on which dividend income is partially tax-sheltered by the 50% corporate dividend received deduction, and private equity funds. Short-term investments include money market accounts, options, and short-term bonds that are highly rated short duration securities and redeemable within one year. In the normal course of investing activities, the Company either forms or enters into relationships with variable interest entities ("VIEs"). A VIE is an entity that either has investors that lack certain essential characteristics of a controlling financial interest, such as simple majority kick-out rights, or lacks sufficient funds to finance its own activities without financial support provided by other entities. The Company performs ongoing qualitative assessments of the VIEs to determine whether the Company has a controlling financial interest in the VIE and therefore is the primary beneficiary. The Company is deemed to have a controlling financial interest when it has both the ability to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Based on the Company's assessment, if it determines it is the primary beneficiary, the Company consolidates the VIE in its consolidated financial statements. From time to time, the Company forms special purpose investment vehicles to facilitate its investment activities involving derivative instruments such as total return swaps, or limited partnerships such as private equity funds. These special purpose investment vehicles are consolidated VIEs as the Company has determined it is the primary beneficiary of such VIEs. Creditors have no recourse against the Company in the event of default by these VIEs. The Company had no implied or unfunded commitments to these VIEs at December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Company's financial or other support provided to these VIEs and its loss exposure are limited to its collateral and original investment. The Company invests, directly or indirectly through its consolidated VIEs, in limited partnerships or limited liability companies such as private equity funds. These investments are non-consolidated VIEs as the Company has determined it is not the primary beneficiary of such VIEs. The Company's maximum exposure to loss with respect to these VIEs is limited to the total carrying value that is included in equity securities in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had approximately $9 million and $32 million, respectively, in unfunded commitments to these VIEs. Securities on Deposit As required by statute, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries have securities deposited with the departments of insurance or similar governmental agencies in the states in which they are licensed to operate ("DOI") with fair values totaling approximately $14 million and $15 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Deferred policy acquisition costs consist of commissions paid to outside agents, premium taxes, salaries, and certain other underwriting costs that are incremental or directly related to the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts and are amortized over the life of the related policy in proportion to premiums earned. Deferred policy acquisition costs are limited to the amount that will remain after deducting from unearned premiums and anticipated investment income, the estimated losses and loss adjustment expenses, and the servicing costs that will be incurred as premiums are earned. The Company’s deferred policy acquisition costs are further limited by excluding those costs not directly related to the successful acquisition of insurance contracts. The Company does not defer advertising expenditures but expenses them as incurred. The table below presents a summary of deferred policy acquisition cost amortization and net advertising expense:
| Year Ended December 31,
| 2022 |  | 2021 |  | 2020
| (Amounts in millions)
Deferred policy acquisition cost amortization | $ | 654.6 |  |  | $ | 633.4 |  |  | $ | 627.8 |
Net advertising expense | 11.8 |  |  | 50.1 |  |  | 37.7 |
Fixed Assets Fixed assets are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. A fixed asset classified as held for sale is measured at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell, and is presented separately from other fixed assets. The useful life for buildings is 40 years. Furniture, equipment, and purchased software are depreciated on a combination of straight-line and accelerated methods over 3 to 7 years. The Company has capitalized certain consulting costs, payroll, and payroll-related costs for employees related to computer software developed for internal use, which are amortized on a straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the software, generally not exceeding 7 years. In accordance with applicable accounting standards, capitalization ceases no later than the point at which a computer software project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the useful life of the assets or the life of the associated lease. The Company periodically assesses long-lived assets or asset groups including building and equipment, for recoverability when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If the Company identifies an indicator of impairment, the Company assesses recoverability by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and the eventual disposal of the asset. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount is not recoverable and is measured as the excess of carrying value over fair value. There were no impairment charges during 2022, 2021, and 2020. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and other intangible assets arise as a result of business acquisitions and consist of the excess of the cost of the acquisitions over the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed and identifiable intangible assets acquired. Identifiable intangible assets consist of the value of customer relationships, trade names, software and technology, and favorable leases, which are all subject to amortization, and an insurance license which is not subject to amortization. The Company evaluates goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of goodwill and other intangible assets may exceed their implied fair values. The Company qualitatively determines whether, more likely than not, the fair value exceeds the carrying amount of a reporting unit. There are numerous assumptions and estimates underlying the qualitative assessments including future earnings, long-term strategies, and the Company’s annual planning and forecasting process. If these planned initiatives do not accomplish the targeted objectives, the assumptions and estimates underlying the qualitative assessments could be adversely affected and have a material effect upon the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the Company evaluates other intangible assets using methods similar to those used for goodwill described above. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, goodwill and other intangible impairment assessments indicated that there was no impairment. Premium Revenue Recognition Premium revenue is recognized on a pro-rata basis over the terms of the policies in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided. Premium revenue includes installment and other fees for services which are recognized in the periods in which the services are rendered. Unearned premiums represent the portion of the written premium related to the unexpired policy term. Unearned premiums are predominantly computed monthly on a pro-rata basis and are stated gross of reinsurance deductions, with the reinsurance deduction recorded in other assets. The Company evaluates its unearned premiums periodically for premium deficiencies by comparing the sum of expected claim costs, unamortized acquisition costs and maintenance costs, partially offset by investment income, to related unearned premiums. To the extent that any of the Company’s lines of insurance business become unprofitable, a premium deficiency reserve may be required. Net premiums written, a statutory measure designed to determine production levels, was $3.98 billion, $3.86 billion, and $3.61 billion in 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. The Company's net premiums written in 2020 was reduced by approximately $128 million due to premium refunds and credits to its eligible policyholders associated with the "Mercury Giveback" program for reduced driving and business activities following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are determined in amounts estimated to cover incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses and established based upon the Company’s assessment of claims pending and the development of prior years’ loss liabilities. These amounts include liabilities based upon individual case estimates for reported losses and loss adjustment expenses and estimates of such amounts that are incurred but not reported. Changes in the estimated liability are charged or credited to operations as the losses and loss adjustment expenses are re-estimated. The liability is stated net of anticipated salvage and subrogation recoveries, and gross of reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses. Estimating loss reserves is a difficult process as many factors can ultimately affect the final settlement of a claim and, therefore, the loss reserve that is required. A key assumption in estimating loss reserves is the degree to which the historical data used to analyze reserves will be predictive of ultimate claim costs on incurred claims. Changes in the regulatory and legal environments, results of litigation, medical costs, the cost of repair materials, and labor rates, among other factors, can impact this assumption. In addition, time can be a critical part of reserving determinations since the longer the span between the incidence of a loss and the payment or settlement of a claim, the more variable the ultimate settlement amount could be. Accordingly, short-tail claims, such as property damage claims, tend to be more reasonably predictable than long-tail liability claims, such as those involving the Company’s bodily injury ("BI") coverages. Management believes that the liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses is adequate to cover the ultimate net cost of losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred to date. However, since the provisions for loss reserves are necessarily based upon estimates, the ultimate liability may be more or less than such provisions. The Company analyzes loss reserves quarterly primarily using the incurred loss, paid loss, average severity coupled with the claim count development methods, and the generalized linear model ("GLM") described below. When deciding among methods to use, the Company evaluates the credibility of each method based on the maturity of the data available and the claims settlement practices for each particular line of insurance business or coverage within a line of insurance business. The Company may also evaluate qualitative factors such as known changes in laws or legal ruling that could affect claims handling or other external environmental factors or internal factors that could affect the settlement of claims. When establishing the loss reserve, the Company will generally analyze the results from all of the methods used rather than relying on a single method. While these methods are designed to determine the ultimate losses on claims under the Company’s policies, there is inherent uncertainty in all actuarial models since they use historical data to project outcomes. The Company believes that the techniques it uses provide a reasonable basis in estimating loss reserves. •The incurred loss method analyzes historical incurred case loss (case reserves plus paid losses) development to estimate ultimate losses. The Company applies development factors against current case incurred losses by accident period to calculate ultimate expected losses. The Company believes that the incurred loss method provides a reasonable basis for evaluating ultimate losses, particularly in the Company’s larger, more established lines of insurance business which have a long operating history. •The paid loss method analyzes historical payment patterns to estimate the amount of losses yet to be paid. •The average severity method analyzes historical loss payments and/or incurred losses divided by closed claims and/or total claims to calculate an estimated average cost per claim. From this, the expected ultimate average cost per claim can be estimated. The average severity method coupled with the claim count development method provides meaningful information regarding inflation and frequency trends that the Company believes is useful in establishing loss reserves. The claim count development method analyzes historical claim count development to estimate future incurred claim count development for current claims. The Company applies these development factors against current claim counts by accident period to calculate ultimate expected claim counts. •The GLM determines an average severity for each percentile of claims that have been closed as a percentage of estimated ultimate claims. The average severities are applied to open claims to estimate the amount of losses yet to be paid. The GLM utilizes operational time, determined as a percentile of claims closed rather than a finite calendar period, which neutralizes the effect of changes in the timing of claims handling. The Company analyzes catastrophe losses separately from non-catastrophe losses. For catastrophe losses, the Company generally determines claim counts based on claims reported and development expectations from previous catastrophes and applies an average expected loss per claim based on loss reserves established by adjusters and average losses on previous similar catastrophes. For catastrophe losses on individual properties that are expected to be total losses, the Company typically establishes reserves at the policy limits. Derivative Financial Instruments The Company accounts for all derivative instruments, other than those that meet the normal purchases and sales exception, as either an asset or liability, measured at fair value, which is based on information obtained from independent parties. In addition, changes in fair value are recognized in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. See Note 9. Derivative Financial Instruments. Earnings (Loss) Per Share Basic earnings (loss) per share excludes dilution and reflects net income (loss) divided by the weighted average shares of common stock outstanding during the periods presented. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is based on the weighted average shares of common stock and potential dilutive securities outstanding during the periods presented. At December 31, 2022, potentially dilutive securities consisted of outstanding stock options. See Note 17. Earnings (Loss) Per Share, for the required disclosures relating to the calculation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share. Income Taxes Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial reporting basis and the respective tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities, and expected benefits of utilizing net operating loss, capital loss, and tax-credit carryforwards. The Company assesses the likelihood that its deferred tax assets will be realized and, to the extent management does not believe these assets are more likely than not to be realized, a valuation allowance is established. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates or laws is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company’s deferred income taxes usually include a combination of ordinary and capital deferred tax benefits and expenses. At December 31, 2022, the Company’s deferred income taxes were in a net asset position mainly due to deferred tax assets generated by unearned premiums, loss reserve discounting, and net unrealized losses on securities carried at fair value. These deferred tax assets were substantially offset by deferred tax liabilities resulting from deferred policy acquisition costs. In assessing the Company's ability to realize deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized, and to the extent management does not believe these assets are more likely than not to be realized, a valuation allowance is established. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon generating sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character within the carryback and carryforward periods available under the tax law. Management considers the reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income of an appropriate nature, and tax-planning strategies in making this assessment. Management’s recoverability assessment of the Company’s deferred tax assets which are ordinary in character takes into consideration the Company’s strong history of generating ordinary taxable income and a reasonable expectation that it will continue to generate ordinary taxable income in the future. Further, the Company has the capacity to recoup its ordinary deferred tax assets through tax loss carryback claims for taxes paid in prior year. The Company also has various deferred tax liabilities that represent sources of future ordinary taxable income. Management’s recoverability assessment with regard to its capital deferred tax assets is based on estimates of anticipated capital gains, tax-planning strategies available to generate future taxable capital gains, and the Company's capacity to absorb capital losses carried back to prior years, each of which would contribute to the realization of deferred tax benefits. The Company has significant unrealized gains in its investment portfolio that could be realized through asset dispositions, at management’s discretion. In addition, the Company expects to hold certain debt securities, which are currently in loss positions, to recovery or maturity. Management believes unrealized losses related to these debt securities, which represent a portion of the unrealized loss positions at December 31, 2022, are fully realizable at maturity. Management believes its long-term time horizon for holding these securities allows it to avoid any forced sales prior to maturity. Further, the Company has the capability to generate additional realized capital gains by entering into sale-leaseback transactions using one or more of its appreciated real estate holdings. The realized gains on the real estate holdings could be used to realize both ordinary and capital deferred tax assets. The Company also has the capacity to recoup capital deferred tax assets through tax capital loss carryback claims for taxes paid within permitted carryback periods. The Company has the capability to implement tax planning strategies as it has a steady history of generating positive cash flows from operations and believes that its liquidity needs can be met in future periods without the forced sale of its investments. This capability assists management in controlling the timing and amount of realized losses generated during future periods. By prudent utilization of some or all of these strategies, management has the intent and believes that it has the ability to generate capital gains and minimize tax losses in a manner sufficient to avoid losing the benefits of its deferred tax assets. Management will continue to assess the need for a valuation allowance on a quarterly basis. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company’s deferred tax assets will be realized. Contingent Liabilities The Company has known, and may have unknown, potential liabilities which include claims, assessments, lawsuits, or regulatory fines and penalties relating to the Company’s business. The Company continually evaluates these potential liabilities and accrues for them and/or discloses them in the notes to the consolidated financial statements where required. In addition, the Company accrues for anticipated legal defense costs associated with lawsuits, claims or regulatory actions. The Company does not believe that the ultimate resolution of currently pending legal or regulatory proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or cash flows. See Note 18. Commitments and Contingencies, for the required disclosures relating to contingent liabilities. Reinsurance Liabilities for unearned premiums and unpaid losses are stated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements before deductions for ceded reinsurance. Unpaid losses and unearned premiums that are ceded to reinsurers are carried in reinsurance recoverables and other assets, respectively, in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses are estimated based upon assumptions consistent with those used in establishing the liabilities related to the underlying contracts. Most of the Company's reinsurance premiums are recognized ratably over the contract period to the extent coverage remains available. Net premiums earned and losses and loss adjustment expenses are stated net of deductions for ceded reinsurance. The Company is the assuming reinsurer under a Catastrophe Portfolio Participation Reinsurance Contract ("Contract") effective through December 31, 2025. The Company reimburses up to $30 million in losses for a proportional share of a portfolio of catastrophe losses under the Contract, to the extent the actual loss ratio exceeds the threshold loss ratio of 73.5%. The Company is party to a Catastrophe Reinsurance Treaty ("Treaty") covering a wide range of perils that is effective through June 30, 2023. The Treaty provides $936 million of coverage on a per occurrence basis after covered catastrophe losses exceed the $60 million Company retention limit. The Treaty specifically excludes coverage for any Florida business and for California earthquake losses on fixed property policies, such as homeowners, but does cover losses from fires following an earthquake. The Treaty provides for one full reinstatement of coverage limits with a minor exception at certain upper layers of coverage, and includes some additional minor territorial and coverage restrictions. The effect of reinsurance on property and casualty premiums written and earned was as follows:
| Year Ended December 31,
| 2022 |  | 2021 |  | 2020
| (Amounts in thousands)
Premiums Written |  |  |  |  |
Direct | $ | 4,018,057 |  |  | $ | 3,877,476 |  |  | $ | 3,624,965 |
Ceded | (81,256) |  |  | (65,521) |  |  | (50,630) |
Assumed | 10,743 |  |  | 13,361 |  |  | 8,012 |
Net | $ | 3,947,544 |  |  | $ | 3,825,316 |  |  | $ | 3,582,347 |
Premiums Earned |  |  |  |  |
Direct | $ | 3,993,771 |  |  | $ | 3,764,626 |  |  | $ | 3,574,898 |
Ceded | (80,950) |  |  | (65,017) |  |  | (56,212) |
Assumed | 10,821 |  |  | 13,301 |  |  | 8,067 |
Net | $ | 3,923,642 |  |  | $ | 3,712,910 |  |  | $ | 3,526,753 |
The Company recognized ceded premiums earned of approximately $81 million, $65 million, and $56 million in 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively, which are included in net premiums earned in its consolidated statements of operations, and ceded losses and loss adjustment expenses of approximately $(13) million, $(10) million, and $(28) million in 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively, which are included in losses and loss adjustment expenses in its consolidated statements of operations. The negative ceded losses and loss adjustment expenses in each of 2022 and 2021 was primarily the result of favorable development on prior years' catastrophe losses that had previously been ceded to the Company's reinsurers. The negative ceded losses and loss adjustment expenses in 2020 was mainly due to the reimbursements from Pacific Gas and Electric Corporation ("PG&E") Subrogation Trust Fund to the Company for claims paid to its policyholders related to certain wildfires. These loss recoveries from PG&E were ceded to the Company's reinsurers as the original losses had previously been ceded to its reinsurers under the Treaty. The Insurance Companies, as primary insurers, are required to pay losses to the extent reinsurers are unable to discharge their obligations under the reinsurance agreements. Share-Based Compensation Share-based compensation expenses for all stock options granted or modified are based on their estimated grant-date fair values. The Company recognizes these compensation costs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is the option vesting term of four years. The Company estimates forfeitures expected to occur in determining the amount of compensation cost to be recognized in each period. The fair value of stock option awards is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the grant-date assumptions and weighted-average fair values. See Note 16. Share-Based Compensation for additional disclosures. Revenue from Contracts with Customers The Company's revenue from contracts with customers that are in scope of Topic 606 represents the commission income that the Company's 100% owned insurance agencies, Auto Insurance Specialists LLC ("AIS") and PoliSeek AIS Insurance Solutions, Inc. ("Poliseek"), earned from third-party insurers. The Company's commission income from third-party insurers was approximately $18.2 million, $20.2 million and $18.0 million, with related expenses of approximately $11.0 million, $12.8 million and $11.8 million, for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Due to the immateriality of the Company's commission income and its related expenses to the overall consolidated financial statements, the commission income, net of related expenses, is included in other revenues in the Company's consolidated statements of operations, and in other income of the Property and Casualty business segment in the Company's segment reporting in accordance with Topic 280, Segment Reporting (see Note 19. Segment Information). AIS and PoliSeek are primarily engaged in the marketing and sales of insurance policies in private passenger automobile, commercial automobile and homeowners lines of business. Their revenues primarily consist of commission income received from property and casualty insurers. The primary performance obligation of AIS and Poliseek in return for the commission income from the insurers is to complete the sale of the policy and deliver the control of the policy to the insurer prior to the policy effective date. The total revenue from the sale of a policy is recognized when the sale is complete and the policy is effective as all the material aspects of the performance obligation are satisfied and the insurer is deemed to obtain control of the insurance policy at that time. The commission income is constrained such that the revenue is recognized only to the extent that the commission income received is not likely to be returned to the insurers due to policy cancellations. Any commission income not received when the sale is complete is recognized as commission income receivable, which is included in other receivables in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Commission income receivable at December 31, 2022 and 2021 was approximately $1.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively. A refund liability is recorded for the expected amount of the commission income that has to be returned to the insurers based on estimated policy cancellations. The refund liability is computed for the entire portfolio of contracts as a practical expedient, using the expected value method based on all relevant information, including historical data. The refund liability at December 31, 2022 and 2021 was approximately $0.8 million and $0.9 million, respectively, which was included in other liabilities in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had no contract assets and contract liabilities, and no remaining performance obligations associated with unrecognized revenues. Capitalized Implementation Costs for Cloud Computing Arrangements On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2018-15, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40), Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract," on a prospective basis, which provides guidance that requires capitalizing and amortizing certain of the implementation costs. The majority of the Company's cloud computing arrangements relate to service contracts with third parties that host the Company's data and computing infrastructure that are used in providing services to and supporting transactions with its existing or potential policyholders and insurance agents. The balance of capitalized implementation costs for cloud computing arrangements, net of accumulated amortization, was $1.1 million and $2.8 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, which is included in other assets in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The accumulated amortization was $4.7 million and $6.0 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The total amortization expense related to such capitalized implementation costs was $2.8 million, $3.9 million, $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively, which is included in other operating expenses in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. Allowance for Credit Losses On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) along with certain additional ASUs on Topic 326 using a modified retrospective transition method, and recognized the cumulative-effect adjustment of approximately $2 million to the beginning retained earnings of 2020. The cumulative-effect adjustment primarily resulted from re-estimating credit losses on the outstanding balances of the Company's premiums receivable and reinsurance recoverables at the adoption date. Topic 326 replaced the "incurred loss" methodology for recognizing credit losses with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses for financial assets that are not accounted for at fair value through net income. The Company's investment portfolio, not including accrued investment income, was not affected by Topic 326 as it applies the fair value option to all of its investments. Premiums Receivable The majority of the Company's premiums receivable are short-term in nature and are due within a year, consistent with the policy term of its insurance policies sold. Generally, premiums are collected prior to providing risk coverage, minimizing the Company's exposure to credit risk. The Company monitors the credit risk associated with premiums receivable, taking into consideration the fact that credit risk is reduced by the Company's right to offset unearned premiums against premiums receivable. The Company has established an allowance for uncollectible premiums receivable related to credit risk, and the estimated allowance is reviewed quarterly and adjusted as appropriate based on evaluations of balances due from insureds, management’s experience, historical data, current economic conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions that affect the collectibility of the reported amounts. In estimating an allowance for uncollectible premiums receivable, the Company assesses customer balances and write-offs by state, line of business, and the year the premiums were written. The estimated allowance is based on historical write-off percentages adjusted for the effects of current trends and reasonable and supportable forecasts, as well as expected recoveries of amounts written off. Evaluating the current trends or economic conditions that impact the Company's ability to collect premiums receivable and projecting those into the remaining life of premiums receivable in order to develop a reasonable and supportable forecast of the ultimate collectibility involve significant judgment and assumptions about future economic conditions. The Company monitors the overall credit risk of premiums receivable by regularly reviewing macroeconomic indicators such as trends in unemployment, inflation and interest rates, regulatory developments such as restrictions on cancellation of policies for nonpayment of premiums, and insurance policy specific indicators such as trends in policy cancellations. The improving economy and declining unemployment rate contributed to the reduction in allowance for credit losses in 2021. However, the rising inflation and interest rates had negative impacts on the allowance for credit losses in 2022, mostly offsetting the positive impacts of some improvements in the economy. The following table presents a summary of changes in allowance for credit losses on premiums receivable:
|  | Year Ended December 31,
|  | 2022 |  | 2021 |  | 2020
Beginning balance |  | $ | 6,000 |  |  | $ | 10,000 |  |  | $ | 1,445 |
Cumulative effect of adopting ASU 2016-13 |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,855 |
Beginning balance, as adjusted |  | 6,000 |  |  | 10,000 |  |  | 3,300 |
Provision during the period for expected credit losses |  | 4,213 |  |  | (893) |  |  | 10,294 |
Write-off amounts during the period |  | (5,027) |  |  | (3,693) |  |  | (4,406) |
Recoveries during the period of amounts previously written off |  | 614 |  |  | 586 |  |  | 812 |
Ending balance |  | $ | 5,800 |  |  | $ | 6,000 |  |  | $ | 10,000 |
Accrued Interest Receivables The Company made certain accounting policy elections for its accrued interest receivables on the adoption date of Topic 326 as allowed: a) an election to present accrued interest receivable balances separately from the associated financial assets on the balance sheet, and b) an election not to measure an allowance for credit losses on accrued interest receivable amounts and instead write off uncollectible accrued interest amounts in a timely manner by reversing interest income. As a general policy, the Company writes off the accrued interest receivable balance when it receives a default notice or when the scheduled interest payment is not received, unless management determines that the default is temporary considering all of the relevant information. The Company believes that for the majority of its investment securities, writing off the uncollectible interest receivable balance within a year from the due date is considered timely. In all cases, the Company writes off the accrued interest receivable immediately if management determines that it is not reasonably expected that the payment will be received. The Company did not have any cumulative-effect adjustment as a result of adopting Topic 326 for its accrued interest receivables. The Company's accrued interest receivable balances are included in accrued investment income receivables in its consolidated balance sheets. There were no accrued interest receivable amounts considered uncollectible or written off for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting." ASU 2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments in this ASU apply only to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or other interbank offered rates expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. ASU 2020-04 was effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848," which defers the sunset date of Topic 848 from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2024. The Company does not expect any material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures resulting from applying these ASUs.

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126899994&loc=d3e18726-107790 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -URI https://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2122369 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | dtr-types:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration