In this paper we use a case study of a non-life insurance portfolio to demonstrate how recent research in ruin theory can be applied to solvency problems. By approximating the aggregate claims distribution for the portfolio by a translated gamma distribution, we estimate ruin probabilities through a recursive procedure when the insurer earns investment income on its surplus. We also show the results of applying simulation techniques to this problem, and discuss some advantages and disadvantages of simulation as a means of assessing ruin probabilities. Finally we discuss the calculation of the probability of ruin at the end of a specified time period.

In this paper we consider a discrete time insurance risk model with interest income. Using the recursive calculation method of De Vylder & Goovaerts (1988), recursive equations for the finite time ruin probabilities and the distribution of the time of ruin are derived. Fredholm type integral equations for the ultimate ruin probability, the distribution of the severity of ruin, the joint distribution of surplus before and after ruin, and the probability of absolute ruin are obtained. Numerical results are included.

In this paper we review three algorithms to calculate the probability of ruin/survival in finite time for the classical risk model. We discuss the computational aspects of these algorithms and consider the question of which algorithm should be preferred.

In this paper we extend the work of Reinhard and Snoussi (2000) by developing a recursive system for finding the distribution of the surplus prior to ruin in a discrete semi-Markov risk model.

In Mack (1993), a formula for the standard error or chain ladder reserve estimates has been derived. In the present communication, a very intuitive and easily programmable recursive way of calculating the formula is given. Moreover, this recursive way shows how a tail factor can be implemented in the calculation of the standard error.

In this paper we present a stable recursive algorithm for the calculation of the probability of ultimate ruin in the classical risk model. We also present stable recursive algorithms for the calculation of the joint and marginal distributions of the surplus prior to ruin and the severity of ruin. In addition we present bounds for these distributions.

We show how ruin probabilities for the classical continuous time compound Poisson model can be approximated by ruin probabilities for a compound binomial model. We also discuss ruin related results for a compound binomial model with geometric claim amounts.

In this paper we present algorithms to calculate the probability and severity of ruin in both finite and infinite time for a discrete time risk model. We show how the algorithms can be applied to give approximate values for the same quantities in the classical continuous time risk model.