Growth is measured by the policies an insurer puts on the books. Written premium is the total premium charged on policies issued or renewed during a reporting period, before any consideration of how much of that premium has been earned by the passage of time.

It is a top-line volume measure. Gross written premium includes the full amount before reinsurance; net written premium subtracts ceded premium. Rapid growth in written premium increases unearned premium reserves and can strain surplus if not supported by adequate capital.

Analysts compare written premium trends with earned premium and with surplus to judge expansion pace and leverage. A company can write large amounts of premium and still lose money if pricing or underwriting is weak. Written premium alone does not measure profitability, but it shows the scale of business being accepted.

• Total premium on policies issued in a period
• Gross or net of reinsurance
• Measure of business volume
• Affects unearned premium and capital needs