Abstract

Journal of Actuarial Practice

Volume 12, 2005


Modeling Clusters of Extreme Losses

Beatriz Vaz de Melo Mendes and Juliana Freire de Lima

Abstract

We model extreme losses from an excess of loss reinsurance contract under the assumption of the existence of a subordinated process generating sequences of large claims. We characterize clusters of extreme losses and aggregate the excess losses within clusters. The number of clusters is modeled using the usual discrete probability models, and the severity of the sum of excesses within clusters is modeled using a   flexible extension of the generalized Pareto distribution.    We illustrate the methodology using a Danish fire insurance claims data set.  Maximum likelihood point estimates and bootstrap confidence intervals are obtained for the parameters and statistical premium.  The results suggest that this cluster approach may provide a better fit for the extreme tail of the annual excess losses amount when compared to classical models of risk theory.

Key words and phrases: reinsurance, excess of loss, cluster of extremes, extreme value theory

Corresponding Author:

Beatriz Vaz de Melo Mendes

Rua Marquesa de Santos, 22, apt. 1204,

Rio de Janeiro, 22221-080, RJ

BRAZIL

E-mail: beatriz@im.ufrj.br


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