Gross written premiums of Europe's largest insurance groups 2018, by country

Measuring the value of gross written premiums from the largest insurance groups of each of Europe's countries is a good indication of the total size of the countries’ insurance industries. In 2018, Credit Agricole, who was the largest insurer in France had premiums written of approximately 26.3 billion euros respectively. France is in the top three largest insurance markets in Europe.

Gross written premiums

Gross written premiums are used as an accounting term by insurers to display the total amount owed by clients and customers in exchange for the coverage offered by insurance companies. Written premiums can be accounted in gross and net premiums. Gross premiums written does not factor in any deductions made via expenses, for example fees to agents or salaries. In terms of total insurance premiums made (gross) in Europe, 2018 was the best year on record.

Key players

Europe is home to some of the world's largest insurers. The French insurer AXA operates across 61 countries to over one hundred million customers and holds assets of over 900 billion euros. Allianz of Germany has over 140 thousand employees and operates across 70 countries worldwide.