AUTOMATIC/FACULTATIVE YRT REINSURANCE AGREEMENT (hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement”) Between
AUTOMATIC/FACULTATIVE YRT
REINSURANCE AGREEMENT
(hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement”)
Between
MINNESOTA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(Agreement 202-18) I912815US-17
And
SECURIAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(Agreement 602-7) I912858US-17
of St Xxxx, Minnesota
(hereinafter referred to as the “Ceding Company”)
and
SWISS RE LIFE & HEALTH AMERICA INC.
of Jefferson City, Missouri
(hereinafter referred to as the “Reinsurer”)
EFFECTIVE DATE OF AGREEMENT: NOVEMBER 1, 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE 1 – PREAMBLE | 5 | |||||
1.1 |
PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT | 5 | ||||
1.2 |
CHOICE OF LAW AND FORUM | 5 | ||||
1.3 |
ENTIRE AGREEMENT | 5 | ||||
1.4 |
ASSIGNMENT OR TRANSFER | 5 | ||||
1.5 |
EXPENSE OF ORIGINAL POLICY | 5 | ||||
ARTICLE 2 – AUTOMATIC REINSURANCE | 6 | |||||
2.1 |
GENERAL CONDITIONS | 6 | ||||
2.2 |
UNDERWRITING EXCEPTIONS | 7 | ||||
2.3 |
CHANGES TO UNDERWRITING GUIDELINES | 7 | ||||
ARTICLE 3 – FACULTATIVE REINSURANCE | 8 | |||||
ARTICLE 4 – COMMENCEMENT OF LIABILITY | 9 | |||||
4.1 |
AUTOMATIC REINSURANCE | 9 | ||||
4.2 |
FACULTATIVE REINSURANCE | 9 | ||||
4.3 |
BACKDATING TO SAVE AGE | 9 | ||||
4.4 |
CONDITIONAL RECEIPT OR TEMPORARY INSURANCE AGREEMENT | 9 | ||||
ARTICLE 5 – PREMIUM ACCOUNTING | 11 | |||||
5.1 |
PREMIUMS | 11 | ||||
5.2 |
PAYMENT OF PREMIUMS | 11 | ||||
5.3 |
DELAYED PAYMENT | 11 | ||||
5.4 |
FAILURE TO PAY PREMIUMS | 11 | ||||
5.5 |
PREMIUM RATE GUARANTEE | 12 | ||||
ARTICLE 6 – POLICY TERMINATIONS, CHANGES AND REINSTATEMENTS | 13 | |||||
6.1 |
REDUCTIONS | 13 | ||||
6.2 |
TERMINATIONS | 13 | ||||
6.3 |
INCREASES | 14 | ||||
6.4 |
RISK CLASSIFICATION CHANGES | 14 | ||||
6.5 |
REINSTATEMENT | 14 | ||||
6.6 |
NONFORFEITURE BENEFITS | 14 | ||||
ARTICLE 7 – CONVERSIONS, EXCHANGES AND REPLACEMENTS | 15 |
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ARTICLE. 8 – CLAIMS | 16 | |||||
8.1 |
NOTICE | 16 | ||||
8.2 |
PROOFS | 16 | ||||
8.3 |
AMOUNT AND PAYMENT OF REINSURANCE BENEFITS | 16 | ||||
8.4 |
DISPUTED CLAIMS | 17 | ||||
8.5 |
CLAIM EXPENSES | 17 | ||||
8.6 |
MISREPRESENTATION OR SUICIDE | 17 | ||||
8.7 |
MISSTATEMENT OF AGE OR GENDER | 17 | ||||
8.8 |
EXTRA-CONTRACTUAL DAMAGES | 18 | ||||
ARTICLE 9 – RETENTION LIMIT CHANGES | 19 | |||||
ARTICLE 10 – RECAPTURE | 20 | |||||
ARTICLE 11 – REINSURED NET AMOUNT AT RISK | 21 | |||||
ARTICLE 12 – GENERAL PROVISIONS | 22 | |||||
12.1 |
CURRENCY | 22 | ||||
12.2 |
PREMIUM TAX | 22 | ||||
12.3 |
INSPECTION OF RECORDS | 22 | ||||
12.4 |
COMPLIANCE OF LAWS | 23 | ||||
12.5 |
THE FOREIGN ACCOUNT TAX COMPLIANCE ACT (FATCA) | 23 | ||||
12.6 |
INTEREST RATE FOR BALANCES IN DEFAULT | 23 | ||||
12.7 |
SEVERABILITY | 23 | ||||
12.8 |
WAIVER | 24 | ||||
ARTICLE 13 – DAC TAX | 25 | |||||
ARTICLE 14 – RESERVES | 26 | |||||
14.1 |
RESERVE REPORTING | 26 | ||||
14.2 |
RESERVE CREDIT | 26 | ||||
ARTICLE 15 – OFFSET | 28 | |||||
ARTICLE 16 – INSOLVENCY | 29 | |||||
16.1 |
INSOLVENCY OF A PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT | 29 | ||||
16.2 |
INSOLVENCY OF THE CEDING COMPANY | 29 | ||||
16.3 |
INSOLVENCY OF THE REINSURER | 30 | ||||
ARTICLE 17 – ERRORS AND OMISSIONS | 31 |
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ARTICLE 18 – ARBITRATION | 32 | |||||
18.1 |
GENERAL | 32 | ||||
18.2 |
ISSUE RESOLUTION | 32 | ||||
18.3 |
NOTICE OF ARBITRATION | 32 | ||||
18.4 |
PROCEDURE | 32 | ||||
18.5 |
PLACE OF ARBITRATION | 33 | ||||
18.6 |
ARBITRATION COSTS | 33 | ||||
18.7 |
ARBITRATION SETTLEMENT | 33 | ||||
18.8 |
INJUCTIVE RELIEF | 33 | ||||
18.9 |
CONFIDENTALITY OF ARBITRATION | 34 | ||||
ARTICLE 19 – DURATION OF AGREEMENT | 35 | |||||
ARTICLE 20 – REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES | 36 | |||||
ARTICLE 21– CONFIDENTALITY | 37 | |||||
21.1 |
DEFINITIONS | 37 | ||||
21.2 |
NONDISCLOSURE SECURITY | 38 | ||||
21.3 |
DATA SECURITY SAFE GUARDS | 38 | ||||
21.4 |
EXCEPTIONS | 39 | ||||
21.5 |
RETURN, DESTRUCTION OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION | 39 | ||||
21.6 |
REPRESENTATIONS | 39 | ||||
ARTICLE 22 – DEFINITIONS | 40 | |||||
ARTICLE 23 – EXECUTION | 43 | |||||
EXHIBIT A – RETENTION SCHEDULE OF CEDING COMPANY | 44 | |||||
EXHIBIT B – BUSINESS COVERED AND ISSUE AGE LIMITS | 45 | |||||
EXHIBIT C – BINDING LIMITS | 47 | |||||
EXHIBIT D – REINSURANCE PREMIUMS | 50 | |||||
EXHIBIT E – DATA PROTECTION ADDENDUM | 61 | |||||
EXHIBIT F – SELF ADMINISTERED REPORTING | 65 |
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ARTICLE 1 – PREAMBLE
1.1 | PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT |
This Agreement will be construed to constitute a separate and distinct Agreement between each Company and the Reinsurer. The duties and obligations of each Company and the Reinsurer under this Agreement are several and not joint.
This Agreement is an indemnity reinsurance agreement solely between the Ceding Company and the Reinsurer. The acceptance of risks under this Agreement by the Reinsurer will create no right or legal relation between the Reinsurer and the insured, owner, beneficiary, or assignee of any insurance policy of the Ceding Company.
This Agreement will be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns including any rehabilitator, conservator, liquidator or statutory successor of either party. Neither party may effect any novation of this Agreement without the other party’s prior written consent.
Day or days, when used in this Agreement, will mean calendar days.
1.2 | CHOICE OF LAW AND FORUM |
This Agreement, will in all respects be governed by, and construed in accordance with the law and exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of Minnesota.
1.3 | ENTIRE AGREEMENT |
This Agreement and the Exhibits thereof constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties, with respect to the business being reinsured hereunder, and supersede any and all prior representations, warranties, prior agreements and understandings between the parties other than expressed in this Agreement and the Exhibits thereof. In the event of any express conflict between the Agreement and the Exhibits thereof, the Exhibits thereof will control. Any alterations to the provisions of this Agreement and the Exhibits thereof will be null and void unless made by written Amendment and signed by both parties. These documents will be regarded as part of this Agreement and will be equally binding
1.4 | ASSIGNMENT OR TRANSFER |
Neither this Agreement nor any new or inforce reinsurance under this Agreement, may be sold, reinsured or assigned in whole or in part by either the Ceding Company or the Reinsurer without the prior written approval of the other party. Nothing herein shall prohibit the Reinsurer from retroceding, financing or securitizing risks associated with the Agreement to other parties.
1.5 | EXPENSE OF THE ORIGINAL POLICY |
The ceding company will bear the expense of all medical examinations, inspection fees and other charges incurred in connection with the underwriting and issuance of the policy.
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ARTICLE 2 – AUTOMATIC REINSURANCE
2.1 | GENERAL CONDITIONS |
On and after the Effective Date of this Agreement, the Ceding Company will Automatically cede to the Reinsurer a portion of the life insurance policies, supplementary benefits, and riders listed in Exhibit B-Business Covered and Issue Age Limits.
The Reinsurer will Automatically accept its share of the above-referenced policies up to the limits shown in Exhibit C-Binding Limits, provided that, to the best of the Ceding Company’s knowledge:
a. | the Ceding Company keeps its Quota Share Retention, as specified in Exhibit A – Retention Schedule of the Ceding Company; |
b. | the Ceding Company applies the underwriting and reinstatement guidelines, practices, and procedures for risk selection conveyed to the Reinsurer prior to or at the time of pricing, or any Material Changes consented to in writing by the Reinsurer, which are still in use on the coverage commencement date; |
c. | the sum of the Ultimate Amount of reinsurance required including contractual increases, and any applicable riders, and the amount already reinsured on that life under this Agreement and all other agreements between the Reinsurer and the Ceding Company, does not exceed the Automatic Binding Limits set out in Exhibit C-Binding Limits; |
d. | the amount of life insurance in force in all companies, including any coverage to be replaced, plus the amount currently applied for on that life in all companies, does not exceed the Jumbo Limits stated in Exhibit C-Binding Limits; |
e. | the application is on a life that is not a Professional Athlete; and |
f. | the application is on a life that has not been submitted Facultatively to the Reinsurer or any other reinsurer within the last three (3) years, unless the reason for any prior Facultative submission was solely for capacity that may now be accommodated within the terms of this Agreement. |
g. | the insureds, at the time of the application, must be legal Residents of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, or Guam and issued in accordance with the Ceding Company’s underwriting guidelines. |
For purposes of this Agreement, “ultimate face amount” will mean, to the best of the Ceding Company’s knowledge, the projected maximum face amount at the time of underwriting, including any contractual increases, that could be reached based on reasonable assumptions made about the policy.
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2.2 | UNDERWRITING EXCEPTIONS |
It is understood and agreed that the Reinsurer will accept the Ceding Company’s underwriting decisions as long as the Ceding Company’s underwriters act in good faith and consistent with the Ceding Company’s underwriting guidelines, manual, age and amount requirements and control procedures (collectively, “the Underwriting Requirements”). Occasional mistakes in mortality assessment will be accepted for Automatic reinsurance by the Reinsurer provided such mistakes are not systemic or part of a pattern that evidences disregard for the Ceding Company’s underwriting guidelines. Reasonable underwriter discretion, which may deviate from the underwriting guidelines or other requirements when deemed warranted and appropriate by the Ceding Company underwriter exercising his or her professional judgment, will also be accepted for automatic reinsurance by the Reinsurer provided that the final underwriting assessment is consistent with the Ceding Company’s expected mortality level of that underwriting classification.
Business Exceptions occur where the Underwriting Requirements are deviated from based on business considerations rather than underwriting judgement. Business Exceptions will be accepted for Automatic reinsurance only with the approval of the Reinsurer.
2.3 | CHANGES TO UNDERWRITING GUIDELINES |
The Ceding Company reserves the right to revise the underwriting guidelines from time to time. For any Material change to the underwriting guidelines, the Ceding Company agrees to provide written notice to the Reinsurer, and the Reinsurer agrees to provide its decision in writing with regard to the proposed change within twenty (20) days. The Reinsurer’s failure to respond within twenty (20) days will constitute its acceptance of these changes.
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ARTICLE 3 – FACULTATIVE REINSURANCE
The Ceding Company may submit any application on a Policy identified in Exhibit B – Business Covered and Issue Age Limits to the Reinsurer for its consideration on a Facultative basis including, but not limited to, Policies with amounts in excess of the Automatic Binding Limits.
The Ceding Company shall apply for reinsurance on a Facultative basis by sending to the reinsurer a mutually acceptable application for Facultative reinsurance. In addition to the Facultative application, the Ceding Company shall provide all underwriting evidence that is available for risk assessment including, but not limited to, copies of the application for insurance, medical examiners’ reports, attending physicians’ statements, inspection reports, and any other information bearing on the insurability of the risk. The Ceding Company also shall notify the Reinsurer of any outstanding underwriting requirements at the time of the Facultative submission. Any subsequent information received by the Ceding Company that is pertinent to the risk assessment shall be immediately transmitted to the Reinsurer.
After consideration of the Facultative application and related information, Reinsurer shall promptly inform the Ceding Company of its underwriting decision. If the Reinsurer makes an offer, the Ceding Company must accept Reinsurer’s offer during the lifetime of the insured and within the (i) time period specified in Reinsurer’s offer or (ii) one hundred and twenty (120) days after the Ceding Company’s receipt of such offer. The Ceding Company shall accept Reinsurer’s offer by (i) written notification or (ii) reporting such risk on the periodic reports it provides to Reinsurer pursuant to Section 7.2.
If the Ceding Company fails to accept the Reinsurer’s offer as set forth above, Reinsurer’s offer shall expire and no reinsurance coverage shall exist on the risk.
For Joint Second to Die products submitted on a Facultative other basis, the Ceding Company will send the application and other underwriting information for the substandard life or lives. The Ceding Company will provide the name, date of birth, rating (standard or preferred), and smoking status of the unimpaired life on the reinsurance cover sheet. If the Joint Second to Die policy is Facultative due to amount, then the Ceding Company will send the application and other underwriting information for both lives.
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ARTICLE 4 – COMMENCEMENT OF LIABILITY
4.1 | AUTOMATIC REINSURANCE |
For Automatic reinsurance, the Reinsurer’s liability will commence at the same time as the Ceding Company’s liability.
4.2 | FACULTATIVE REINSURANCE |
For Facultative reinsurance, the Reinsurer’s liability will commence at the same time as the Ceding Company’s liability, provided that the Reinsurer has made a binding Facultative offer and that offer was accepted, during the lifetime of the insured, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
4.3 | BACKDATING TO SAVE AGE |
The Ceding Company will have the right to backdate policies up to six (6) months for the purpose of saving age. Such backdated policies will be covered by this Agreement even if the backdated issue date precedes the Effective Date of this Agreement.
4.4 | CONDITIONAL RECEIPT OR TEMPORARY INSURANCE AGREEMENT |
Reinsurance coverage under a Conditional Receipt or Temporary Insurance Agreement is limited to the Reinsurer’s share of amounts within the Conditional Receipt or Temporary Insurance Agreement specified in Exhibit C-Binding Limits. Reinsurance coverage is limited to one Conditional Receipt or Temporary Insurance Agreement per application on a life regardless of how many receipts are issued or initial premiums are accepted by the Ceding Company. The Reinsurer will accept liability provided that:
a. | The Reinsurer has reviewed and approved the Conditional Receipt form or Temporary Insurance Agreement form; and |
b. | The risk is eligible for Automatic reinsurance or if the Reinsurer’s Facultative offer has been accepted or would have been accepted according to normal facultative rules as agreed to by both parties. The Reinsurer’s liability under a Conditional Receipt or a Temporary Insurance Agreement will begin simultaneously with the Ceding Company’s contractual liability. The Reinsurer’s liability is limited to its share, as shown in Exhibit C-Binding Limits or amounts accepted within the Ceding Company’s usual cash-with-application procedures for temporary coverage. |
c. | if the proposed insured dies prior to the completion of the underwriting process, the Reinsurer will continue underwriting the risk to determine if a Facultative offer would have been made on the risk. If so, the Reinsurer will accept liability for the risk, subject to the limits specified in Exhibit C-Binding Limits. |
d. | The Reinsurer has no liability for Facultative applications that the Ceding Company has not submitted to the Reinsurer. |
e. | The Ceding Company, its agents, or representatives have followed its normal cash-with-application procedures for such coverage. |
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After a policy has been issued, no reinsurance benefits are payable under this pre-issue coverage provision.
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ARTICLE 5 – PREMIUM ACCOUNTING
5.1 | PREMIUMS |
Reinsurance premium rates paid by the Ceding Company for life insurance and other benefits reinsured under this Agreement are shown in Exhibit D-Reinsurance Premiums. The rates will be applied to the Net Amount at Risk reinsured under this agreement.
5.2 | PAYMENT OF PREMIUMS |
Reinsurance Premiums will be paid annually in advance. The Ceding Company will self-administer all reinsurance under this Agreement. Renewal Premium and any adjustments will be due within sixty (60) days of receipt of the transaction reports as described in Exhibit G. New business Premium is due within one hundred twenty (120) days of the date the risk is issued and paid.
5.3 | DELAYED PAYMENT |
When balances are in default, each party reserves the right to charge interest at the prime rate plus 2% as stated in the Wall Street Journal on January 1, prior to the due date of the Premium when Premium is delinquent.
5.4 | FAILURE TO PAY PREMIUMS |
The payment of reinsurance premiums is a condition precedent to the liability of the Reinsurer for reinsurance covered by this Agreement. In the event that reinsurance premiums are not paid within sixty (60) days after they are due pursuant to Article 5.2 above, the Reinsurer will have the right to terminate the reinsurance for all policies having reinsurance premiums in arrears. If the Reinsurer elects to exercise its right of termination, it will give the Ceding Company sixty (60) days written notice of its intention. Such notice will be sent by certified mail or overnight courier service (e.g. Federal Express).
If all reinsurance premiums in arrears, including any that become in arrears during the sixty (60) day notice period, are not paid before the expiration of the notice period, the Reinsurer will be relieved of all liability under those policies as of the last date to which premiums have been paid for each policy. Reinsurance on policies on which reinsurance premiums subsequently fall due will automatically terminate as of the last date to which premiums have been paid for each policy, unless reinsurance premiums on those policies are paid on or before their due date pursuant to Article 5.2 above.
Terminated reinsurance may be reinstated, subject to approval by the Reinsurer, within thirty (30) days of the date of termination, and upon payment of all reinsurance premiums in arrears including any interest accrued thereon. The Reinsurer will have no liability for any claims incurred between the date of termination and the date of the reinstatement of the reinsurance. The right to terminate reinsurance will not prejudice the Reinsurer’s right to collect premiums for the period during which reinsurance was in force prior to the expiration of the sixty (60) day notice.
The Ceding Company will not force termination under the provisions of this Article to avoid the provisions regarding recapture in Article 11, nor to transfer the reinsured policies to another Reinsurer.
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5.5 | PREMIUM RATE GUARANTEE |
YRT
The Life Reinsurance Premium rates contained in this Agreement are guaranteed for the first policy year, and the Reinsurer anticipates continuing to accept Premiums on the basis of these rates indefinitely. If the reinsurer deems it necessary to increase rates, then it shall provide the Ceding Company with underlying basis for the rate increase. In no event will such increased premium rates be higher than the greater of (a) the rates in Exhibit D – Reinsurance Rates or (b)
For products that have not adopted the 2017 CSO Loaded Sex & Smoker Distinct, Select & Ultimate Age Nearest Birthday mortality table:
the valuation net premiums for annual renewable term insurance calculated using the applicable statutory minimum valuation ultimate mortality table and statutory maximum interest rate for the reinsured business for each year of issue; or
For products that have adopted the 2017 CSO Loaded Sex & Smoker Distinct, Select & Ultimate Age Nearest Birthday mortality table:
the valuation net premiums for annual renewable term insurance calculated using a multiple of 125% of the 2017 CSO Loaded Preferred Structure Sex & Smoker Distinct, Ultimate Only, Age Nearest Birthday mortality table and statutory maximum interest rate for the reinsured business for each year of issue.
An additional mortality load consistent with pricing will be applied to non-standard risks including but not limited to conversions, post-level term, and substandard policies.
For inforce blocks of business, if an increase in reinsurance rates occurs on a guaranteed product that is reinsured on non-guaranteed terms, the Ceding Company, with prior written notice to the Reinsurer has the right to recapture the business to which such increase applies as of the effective date of the increase in reinsurance rates.
For inforce blocks of business, if an increase in reinsurance rates occurs on a non-guaranteed product that is reinsured on non-guaranteed terms, the Ceding Company may elect at its sole discretion to investigate the possibility of increasing its direct pricing or charges to restore the product to previous profitability. If the Ceding Company determines that it cannot reasonably implement such a pricing increase, then, with prior written notice to the Reinsurer, it has the right to recapture the business to which such increase applies as of the effective date of the increase in reinsurance rates.
The foregoing notwithstanding, in the event the Ceding Company increases its premiums for existing business, the Reinsurer may raise insurance rates at the same time and up to the same percentage, in with case the Ceding Company shall not be afforded the right of recapture as previously described.
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ARTICLE 6 – POLICY TERMINATIONS , CHANGES AND REINSTATEMENTS
6.1 | REDUCTIONS |
Unless specified otherwise in this Agreement, if the amount of a reinsured Policy issued by the Ceding Company is reduced and the amount of reinsurance is on a quota share basis, then the amount of reinsurance on that Reinsured Policy will be reduced effective the same date by the same proportion as the reduction under the original Reinsured Policy.
For policies administered in Admin Server, the reduction will be on a Last in First Out basis (LIFO). The reduction will first apply to any reinsurance on the Reinsured Policy being reduced and then, if applicable, in chronological order according to policy date (“Last in, first out”) to any reinsurance on other policies in force on the life. However, the Ceding Company will not be required to assume a risk for an amount in excess of its regular retention for the age at issue and the mortality rating of the policy under which reinsurance is being terminated.
If the reinsurance for a Reinsured Policy has been placed with more than one reinsurer, the reduction will be applied to all reinsurers pro rata to the amounts originally reinsured with each reinsurer.
A reduction to one of the Ceding Company’s policies not reinsured hereunder will require that the Ceding Company maintain its required retention as specified in Exhibit A-Retention Schedule of the Ceding Company of this Agreement.
In the event of the reduction of a policy or policies reinsured under this Agreement, the Reinsurer will refund any unearned reinsurance premiums. The reinsured portion of any policy fee will be deemed earned for the entire policy year if the policy was reinsured during any portion of that policy year.
6.2 | TERMINATIONS |
When a policy issued by the Ceding Company terminates, the corresponding reinsurance on the Reinsured Policy will be terminated effective the same date. Unless specified otherwise in this Agreement, if a policy fully retained by the Ceding Company terminates, the terms of Article 6.1 will apply. Full retention shall be defined as specified in Exhibit A-Retention Schedule of the Ceding Company of this Agreement.
If a policy issued by the Ceding Company lapses and extended term insurance is elected under the terms of that policy, the corresponding reinsurance on the Reinsured Policy will continue on the same basis as the original Reinsured Policy until the expiry of the extended term period.
If a policy issued by the Ceding Company lapses and reduced paid-up insurance is elected under the terms of that policy, the amount of the corresponding reinsurance on the Reinsured Policy will be reduced according to the terms of Article 6.1.
If the Ceding Company allows the policy to remain in force under its automatic premium loan provision, the corresponding reinsurance on the Reinsured Policy will continue unchanged and in force as long as such provisions remain in effect, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement.
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In the event of the termination of a policy or policies reinsured under this Agreement, the Reinsurer will refund any unearned reinsurance premiums.
6.3 | INCREASES |
Non-Contractual
If the amount of insurance is increased as a result of an underwritten change, the increase will be considered new risk under this Agreement in accordance with Article A-Retention Schedule of Ceding Company. The Risk will not be automatically reinsured if the life was previously reviewed or underwritten on a facultative basis.
Contractual
Only reinsured riders that have Contractual increases as shown in Exhibit B-Business Covered and Issue Age Limits will reinsured. For policies reinsured on an automatic basis increases will be accepted up to the Pool Binding Limits as shown in Exhibit C-Retention Limits. For policies reinsured on a Facultative basis, reinsurance will follow the parameters outlined in the Reinsurer’s s Facultative offer. Reinsurance premiums for the additional reinsurance shall be calculated using point in scale reinsurance premium rates from the original issue age of the Risk Reinsured.
6.4 | RISK CLASSIFICATION CHANGES |
For automatic Risks, the Ceding Company may reduce the rating classification or change the tobacco classification in accordance with the Ceding Company underwriting guidelines. The Ceding Company will notify the Reinsurer of this change. For Facultative Risks, the Ceding Company will submit the rating classified changes and tobacco class changes under the Facultative provisions in Article 3.
6.5 | REINSTATEMENT |
Any Risk originally reinsured on an automatic basis or on a facultative basis where no underwriting is required, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, may be automatically reinstated with the Reinsurer. Any Risk originally reinsured with the Reinsurer on a Facultative basis that requires underwriting, will be submitted with the underwriting requirements and approved by the Reinsurer before the Risk is reinstated. The Ceding Company will pay the Reinsurer all reinsurance Premiums in the same manner as the Ceding Company received the insurance Premiums under the particular Policy.
6.6 | NONFORFEITURE BENEFITS |
a. | Extended Term: If the Policy changes to extended term insurance under the terms of the Policy, reinsurance will continue on the same basis as under the original policy until the expiry of the extended term. |
b. | Reduced Paid-Up: If the Policy changes to reduced paid-up insurance under the terms of the Policy, the amount reinsured will be reduced in accordance with Article 6, Section 1 above. |
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ARTICLE 7 – CONVERSIONS, EXCHANGES AND REPLACEMENTS
The Reinsurer will continue to reinsure the Risk resulting from the Contractual or Non-contractual Conversion of any coverage reinsured under this Agreement, in an amount not to exceed the original amount reinsured.
Contractual or Non-contractual Conversions will continue to be reinsured under this Agreement on a YRT basis following the parameters as outlined in Exhibit D-Reinsurance Premiums.
Reinsurance Premiums and any allowances for conversions will be on a point in scale basis from the original issue date.
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ARTICLE 8 – CLAIMS
8.1 | NOTICE |
When the Ceding Company is informed of a claim, it will promptly notify the Reinsurer of the claim. This notification will provide the Reinsurer with the following information: The Name, Policy Number, Issue Date, Date of Birth, Date of Death (if known), Face Amount and reinsured Net Amount At Risk.
8.2 | PROOFS |
The Ceding Company will examine and approve the claims and will send the Reinsurer notification of all paid claims. It is the sole decision of the Ceding Company to determine if the claim is payable. The Reinsurer agrees to accept the determination of the Ceding Company based on the Ceding Company’s standard claims practices and subject to the terms of this Agreement.
When the Ceding Company is requesting its share of the claim, the following proofs will be submitted to the Reinsurer with each claim. A copy of the death certificate, proof of the amount paid on such claim by the Ceding Company and a copy of the claimant’s statement. The Reinsurer will also pay its proportionate share of interest that the Ceding Company pays on the death benefit.
In every case of loss, copies of the proofs obtained by the Ceding Company will be taken by the Reinsurer as sufficient provided proofs are in accordance with the Ceding Company’s current claim practices.
The Reinsurer reserves the right to request, and the Ceding Company will send upon such request, documents on any claim reinsured under this Agreement.
8.3 | AMOUNT AND PAYMENT OF REINSURANCE BENEFITS |
As soon as the Reinsurer receives proper claim notice, proof of the claim and the Death Claim Benefit Request Form, the Reinsurer shall within sixty (60) days pay the reinsurance benefits due the Ceding Company. The claim benefits paid will be in a single sum, regardless of the Ceding Company’s settlement options.
When death claim benefits due from the Reinsurer are in default, the Ceding Company reserves the right to charge interest as per Article 13 on January 1, prior to the date of the death claim. Claims benefits in default are defined as claim benefits not reimbursed within ninety (90) days of the claim benefit request and are not in dispute.
For policies where the Ceding Company decides not to pay the claim, the procedures stated below under Section8.4, Disputed Claims will be followed.
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8.4 | DISPUTED CLAIMS |
The Ceding Company will promptly notify the Reinsurer of its intent to contest, compromise or litigate a claim reinsured under this Agreement. The Ceding Company will provide the Reinsurer with all papers for review. Within seven (7) days of receiving the papers, the Reinsurer must communicate its approval of the Ceding Company’s actions and agreement to be a party to the denial, contest, or compromise. Failure to respond to the Ceding Company within seven (7) days constitutes approval and agreement by the Reinsurer.
If the Reinsurer declines to be a party to such contest, compromise or litigation the Reinsurer will discharge all of its liability by paying its proportionate share of reinsurance due the Ceding Company as if there had been no contest, compromise or litigation. The Reinsurer will also pay its proportionate share of covered expenses incurred to the date it notifies the Ceding Company it declines to be a party.
8.5 | CLAIM EXPENSES |
The Reinsurer will pay its share of reasonable investigation and legal expenses connected with the litigation or settlement of contractual liability claims, unless the Reinsurer has discharged its liability as described in Section8.4 above, the Reinsurer will not participate in any expenses after the date of discharge.
Claim expenses do not include routine home office claim and administration expenses, including the Ceding Company’s expenses incurred by the Ceding Company as a result of a dispute arising out of conflicting claims of entitlement to policy proceeds or benefits.
8.6 | MISREPRESENTATION OR SUICIDE |
If the Ceding Company returns Premium to the policy owner or beneficiary as a result of fraud or misrepresentation within the policy contestable period or as a result of the suicide of the insured, the Reinsurer will refund net reinsurance Premiums received on that policy without interest to the Ceding Company.
8.7 | MISSTATEMENT OF AGE OR GENDER |
If the amount of insurance changes because of a misstatement of age or sex classification, the Reinsurer’s share of liability will change proportionately. Reinsurance Premiums will be adjusted from the inception of the policy and any differences will be settled without interest.
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8.8 | EXTRA-CONTRACTUAL DAMAGES |
Generally, the Reinsurer will not participate in and will not be liable to pay extra-contractual damages that are awarded against the Ceding Company as a result of an act, omission, or course of conduct committed solely by the Ceding Company, its agents, or representatives in connection with claims covered under this Agreement.
The parties recognize that circumstances may arise in which the Reinsurer would participate in extra-contractual damages. The Reinsurer will be liable for and reimburse the Ceding Company for the Reinsurer’s share of extra-contractual damages that result from actions approved in advance and in writing by the Reinsurer unless the Reinsurer had discharged all of its liability. In such situations, the Reinsurer and the Ceding Company will share such damages in proportion to the original amount reinsured.
For purposes of this Agreement, the term “extra-contractual damages” will include, by way of example and not limitation:
1. | Actual and consequential damages; |
2. | Damages for emotional distress or oppression; |
3. | Punitive, exemplary or compensatory damages; |
4. | Statutory damages, fines or penalties; |
5. | Amounts in excess of the reinsured hereunder that the Ceding Company pays to settle a dispute or claim; |
6. | Third-party attorney fees, cost and expenses |
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ARTICLE 9 – RETENTION LIMIT CHANGES
The Ceding Company may change its Quota Share Retention or its Maximum Retention Per Life as described in Exhibit A with respect to future new business at any time. The Ceding Company will notify the Reinsurer of such change at least ninety (90) days in advance of the effective date.
A change to the Ceding Company’s Quota Share Retention or its Maximum Retention Per Life as described in Exhibit A will not affect the reinsured policies inforce except as specifically provided elsewhere in this Agreement. Furthermore, unless agreed in writing between the parties, an increase in the Ceding Company’s Maximum Retention Per Life will not cause an increase in the Automatic Pool Binding Limits.
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ARTICLE 10 – RECAPTURE
If the Ceding Company increases its Maximum Retention Per Life, it shall have the right to recapture ceded reinsurance in accordance with the following rules:
1. The Risk has been reinsured under this Agreement and in force for the minimum period shown in Exhibit A-Retention Schedule of the Ceding Company.
2. The Ceding Company retained its Maximum Retention Per Life for the plan, age and mortality rating at the time the policy was issued under this Agreement and in accordance with Exhibit A, Retention Schedule of the Ceding Company.
3. All reinsurance eligible for Recapture under the provisions of this Article, must be Recaptured.
4. The Risk will be Recaptured on the anniversary date of the policy following the recapture notification letter unless agreed upon in writing by both parties.
5. If the Ceding Company elects recapture, the Ceding Company will recapture all individual life risks that are reinsured between the Reinsurer and the Ceding Company under any other reinsurance agreement which are eligible for recapture. In the event of the insolvency of the Reinsurer, this requirement will not apply.
To effect recapture, the Ceding Company must notify the Reinsurer of its intent to do so within ninety (90) days of the effective date of the increase in its Maximum Retention Per Life limits. The Ceding Company may apply the new limits of Maximum Retention Per Life to existing ceded reinsurance and reduce and Recapture reinsurance inforce.
The amount eligible for recapture will be the difference between the amount originally retained and the amount the Ceding Company would have retained on the same quota share basis as described in Exhibit A had the new Maximum Retention Per Life been in effect at the time of issue.
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ARTICLE 11 – REINSURED NET AMOUNT AT RISK
1. For the Level Death Benefit Option, the Cash Value will be applied to the reinsured amount proportionately. When multiple layers are reinsured, the Cash Value will be applied proportionately to each layer. If multiple companies exist on a layer, the Cash Value will be split proportionately among the Reinsurers.
The Reinsured Net Amount at Risk will be the difference between the reinsured face amount and the portion of the Cash Value corresponding to the reinsured face amount on the Policy.
2. For the Increasing or Sum of Premium Death Benefit Options the Reinsured Net Amount at Risk will be the proportionate reinsured death benefit. When multiple layers are reinsured, the reinsured death benefit will be applied proportionately to each layer. If multiple companies exist on a layer, the reinsured death benefit will be split proportionately among the Reinsurers.
3. Term Riders: the net amount at risk will equal the reinsured face amount. If multiple companies exist on a layer, the reinsured face amount will be split proportionately among the Reinsurers.
4. For the Additional Insurance Agreement the Cash Value will be applied to the reinsured amount proportionately. If multiple companies exist on a layer, the Cash Value will be split proportionately among the Reinsurers.
The Reinsured Net Amount at Risk will be the difference between the reinsured face amount and the portion of the Cash Value corresponding to the reinsured face amount on the Policy.
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ARTICLE 12 – GENERAL PROVISIONS
12.1 | CURRENCY |
All payments and reporting by all parties under this Agreement will be made in United States dollars.
12.2 | PREMIUM TAX |
The Reinsurer will not reimburse the Ceding Company for premium taxes.
12.3 | INSPECTION OF RECORDS |
The Reinsurer or its duly appointed representatives will have access to records of the Company, whether written or electronic, and including system view access, for the purpose of inspecting, and auditing those records.
The Reinsurer’s inspection, audit or photocopying of records will be limited to records related to the business reinsured under this Agreement, including but not limited to, underwriting, claims and administration and will not apply:
a) | To records related to the reinsurance bidding process for this Agreement; |
b) | To privileged information; or |
c) | During the pendency of any related arbitration. |
The Company or its duly appointed representatives will have access to records of the Reinsurer, whether written or electronic, and including system view access, for the purpose of inspecting and auditing those records. The Company’s inspection or auditing of records will be limited to records related to the administration of this Agreement and will not apply:
d) | To records related to facultative cessions for which no offer was made by the Reinsurer or accepted by the Company; |
e) | To privileged information; |
f) | During the pendency of any related arbitration; |
g) | To records related to the reinsurance bidding process for this Agreement; |
h) | To financial and other records related to the Agreement’s performance; |
i) | To records related to any retrocession, securitization, or structured, asset-backed or asset-based financing by the Reinsurer; or |
j) | To analysis related to the Company’s business procedures and practices. |
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Such access will be provided at the office of the party being inspected and will be during reasonable business hours. Subject to the limitations set forth above, assuming the party inspecting records has continued to perform its undisputed portion of its obligations under this Agreement, the party being inspected may not withhold access to information and records on the grounds that the inspecting party is in breach.
The right of access as specified above will survive until all of the obligations under this Agreement have terminated or been fully discharged.
12.4 | COMPLIANCE OF LAWS |
The Policy is issued and maintained in accordance with all laws and the Ceding Company assures the Policy does not involve individuals appearing on the OFAC Specifically Designated Nationals or Blocked Persons list or residing in a prohibited country. Neither the Ceding Company nor the Reinsurer shall be required to take any action under this Agreement that would result in it being in violation of said laws, including making any payments in violation of the law. Should either party discover a reinsurance payment has been made in violation of the law, it shall notify the other party and the parties shall cooperate in order to take any necessary corrective actions, including the return of the payment, unless prohibited by law.
12.5 | THE FOREIGN ACCOUNT TAX COMPLIANCE ACT (FATCA) |
Both the Reinsurer and the Ceding Company agree to provide all information necessary to demonstrate compliance with the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) consistent with Sections 1471 - 1474 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and any Treasury Regulations, or other guidance issued pursuant thereto, including, without limitation, as applicable, Forms X-0, Xxxxx X-0XXX-X, any information necessary for the parties to enter into an agreement described in Section 1471(b) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and to comply with the terms of that agreement or to comply with the terms of any inter-governmental agreements between the U.S. and any other jurisdictions relating to FATCA. This information will be provided promptly upon reasonable request by either party to this Agreement and promptly upon learning that any such information previously provided has become obsolete or incorrect.
The parties to this Agreement acknowledge that if they fail to supply such information on a timely basis, it may be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax imposed on payments of U.S. source income.
12.6 | INTEREST RATE FOR BALANCES IN DEFAULT |
When balances are in default, each party reserves the right to charge interest at the Prime Rate plus 2% as stated in the Wall Street Journal as of the date the balances become overdue.
12.7 | SEVERABILITY |
If any provision of this Agreement is determined by a court of law to be invalid or unenforceable, such determination will not impair or affect the validity or the enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement to the extent that enforcement of such remaining provisions, without the invalid or unenforceable provision, is consistent with the intent of the parties which is inferred from the provisions of the entire Agreement.
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12.8 | WAIVER |
Either party may choose to waive any provision or right under this Agreement under which performance is owed to them by the other party. Any waiver of provisions or rights by a party to this Agreement must be in writing signed by a duly authorized representative of the party granting the waiver. If either party so elects, it will not be considered to be a permanent waiver of such provision nor in any way affect the validity of this Agreement. The applicable party will still have the right to insist upon the strict adherence to that provision or any other provision of this Agreement in the future.
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ARTICLE 13 – DAC TAX
The Ceding Company and the Reinsurer hereby agree to the following, pursuant to Section 1.848-2(g)(8) of the Income Tax Regulations issued December 29, 1992, under Section 848 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
1. The term “party” will refer to either the Ceding Company or the Reinsurer as appropriate.
2. The terms used in this Article are defined by reference to Treasury Regulation Section 1.848-2 in effect as of December 29,1992. The term “net consideration” refers to net consideration as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.848-2(f).
3. The party with the net positive consideration for this Agreement for each taxable year will capitalize specified policy acquisition expenses with respect to this Agreement without regard to the general deductions limitation of IRS Section 848(c)(1).
4. The parties agree to exchange information pertaining to the amount of net consideration under this Agreement each year by April 1 to ensure consistency, or as otherwise required by the Internal Revenue Service.
5. Each party may contest such calculation by providing an alternative calculation by May 1 of the year following the end of the taxable year to the other party. If the Reinsurer does not contest the calculation of the Ceding Company, or if the parties fail to agree on the correct calculation, the Reinsurer shall be treated as having agreed with the Ceding Company’s calculation.
6. Each party will attach a schedule to its federal income tax return for the first taxable year ending on or after the Effective Date that identifies this Agreement as a reinsurance agreement for which the joint election under Regulation Section 1.848-2(g)(8) has been made.
7. Each party represents that it is subject to United States taxation under either Subchapter L or Subpart F of Part III of Subchapter N of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
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ARTICLE 14 – RESERVES
14.1 | Reserve Reporting |
The Ceding Company shall provide a reserve summary for the Policies reinsured under this Agreement to the Reinsurer within fifteen (15) days of the end of each quarter. Upon request, the Ceding Company will provide a detailed description of its statutory valuation basis as filed with the Ceding Company’s statutory annual statement.
The Ceding Company will calculate reserves based on the unearned premium. The amount of reserves held by the Reinsurer for business under this Agreement will be equal to the Reinsurer’s proportionate share of the reserve credit taken by the Ceding Company for the same Risks.
The Reinsurer will hold reinsurance reserves in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations that the Reinsurer deems controlling.
14.2 | Reserve Credit |
The parties intend that the Ceding Company will receive statutory reserve credit in its state of domicile for reinsurance provided under this Agreement. The parties agree to use reasonable efforts to ensure that such reserve credit will remain available to the Ceding Company. If the Ceding Company loses statutory reserve credit in part or in total due to a change in law or regulation (or a change in the interpretation or application of existing law or regulation by a regulator) or due to a failure by the Reinsurer to maintain in effect a required license or accreditation in the Ceding Company’s state of domicile (hereinafter a “Reserve Credit Event”), then the parties will take the steps specified below. The parties will provide prompt notice of the occurrence of any Reserve Credit Event.
Upon notification of the occurrence of any Reserve Credit Event, the Reinsurer will have the right to cure the Reserve Credit Event in a manner that eliminates the need for or enables the Company to continue to receive statutory reserve credit in its state of domicile for the reinsurance ceded under this Agreement. The Company will not unreasonably deny any cure proposal presented by the Reinsurer. Without limiting potential cure options, the Reinsurer’s cure may be implemented by:
a) Modifying the settlement terms of this Agreement during the Reserve Credit Event to provide for monthly settlements in arrears during the pendency of the Reserve Credit Event; or
b) Modifying the settlement terms of this Agreement during the Reserve Credit Event to provide for settlements on a funds withheld basis during the pendency of the Reserve Credit Event; or
c) Transferring the reinsurance provided under this Agreement to another reinsurer by assignment of this Agreement or otherwise, provided that the alternative reinsurer has an A.M. Best rating of (A) or better at the time of the transfer and that the alternative reinsurer accepts transfer by assignment of this Agreement (and all amendments) without any material modification to the substantive terms of the Agreement; or
d) A combination of the foregoing or comparable approaches.
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If the Company loses statutory reserve credit in part or in total due to a change in law or regulation (or a change in the interpretation or application of existing law or regulation by a regulator) and the Reserve Credit Event is not cured as set forth above within 120 days of notice of a Reserve Credit Event, then the Reinsurer will establish and maintain collateral. However, the cost of establishing and maintaining that collateral will be shared equally by the Company and the Reinsurer.
If the Company loses statutory reserve credit in part or in total due to a failure by the Reinsurer to maintain in effect a required license or accreditation in the Company’s state of domicile and the Reserve Credit Event is not cured as set forth above within 45 days of notice of a Reserve Credit Event, then the Reinsurer will establish and maintain collateral permitting the Company to receive statutory reserve credit in its state of domicile for reinsurance provided under this Agreement during the pendency of the Reserve Credit Event. However, the cost of establishing and maintaining that collateral will be borne solely by the Reinsurer.
If a Reserve Credit Event is not cured and the Reinsurer fails to establish or maintain collateral as set forth above, then the Company may recapture the business ceded under this Agreement. In that event, the Company and the Reinsurer will negotiate in good faith the terms of a mutually agreed recapture of the reinsurance provided hereunder, including payment of the appropriate amount of benefit reserves to be held in respect of the reinsured amounts being recaptured, determined as of the effective date of the recapture, based on U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) consistent with FASB Accounting Standard Codification Topic 944, Financial Services - Insurance computed using the Reinsurer’s original pricing assumptions without provision for adverse deviation, less any amount of unamortized deferred acquisition cost assets related thereto and excluding any provisions for adverse deviations or similar deficiency or special reserves.
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ARTICLE 15 – OFFSET
Any amounts due, by either of the parties to this Agreement, whether they arise out of this Agreement or out of any other reinsurance relationship between the parties, may be offset and only the balance will be allowed or paid. This right will continue to exist after the termination of this Agreement, or of any business relationship between the parties. This right to offset is not diminished by the insolvency of either party.
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ARTICLE 16 – INSOLVENCY
16.1 | INSOLVENCY OF A PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT |
A Party to this Agreement will be deemed “insolvent” when it:
a) Applies for or consents to the appointment of a receiver, rehabilitator, conservator, liquidator or statutory successor (hereinafter referred to as the Authorized Representative) of its properties or assets; or
b) Is adjudicated as bankrupt or insolvent; or
c) Files or consents to the filing of a petition in bankruptcy, seeks reorganization or an arrangement with creditors to avoid bankruptcy or takes advantage of any bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation, rehabilitation, conservation or similar law or statute; or
d) Becomes the subject of an order to rehabilitate or an order to liquidate as defined by the insurance code of the jurisdiction of the party’s domicile.
16.2 | INSOLVENCY OF THE CEDING COMPANY |
In the event that the Ceding Company is deemed insolvent, all reinsurance death claims payable hereunder will be payable by the Reinsurer directly to the Ceding Company, its liquidator, receiver or statutory successor on the basis of the liability of the Ceding Company for benefits under the Reinsured Policy, without diminution because of the insolvency of the Ceding Company.
It is understood, however, that in the event of such insolvency, the liquidator, receiver or statutory successor of the Ceding Company will give written notice to the Reinsurer of the pendency of a death claim against the Ceding Company on a Risk reinsured hereunder within a reasonable time after such death claim is filed in the insolvency proceeding.
Such notice will indicate the policy reinsured and whether the death claim could involve a possible liability on the part of the Reinsurer. The Reinsurer will be liable only for benefits reinsured as benefits become due under the terms of the Reinsured Policies and will not be or become liable for any amounts or reserves to be held by the Ceding Company as to the Reinsured Policies or for any damages or payments resulting from the termination or restructure of the Policies that are not otherwise expressly covered by this Agreement.
During the pendency of such claim, the Reinsurer may investigate such death claim and interpose, at its own expense, in the proceeding where such death claim is to be adjudicated, any defense or defenses it may deem available to the Ceding Company, its liquidator, receiver or statutory successor. It is further understood that the expense thus incurred by the Reinsurer will be chargeable, subject to court approval, against the Ceding Company as part of the expense of liquidation to the extent of a proportionate share of the benefit that may accrue to the Ceding Company solely as a result of the defense undertaken by the Reinsurer.
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16.3 | INSOLVENCY OF THE REINSURER |
In the event of the insolvency of the Reinsurer, the Ceding Company may cancel this Agreement for new business by promptly providing the Reinsurer or its Authorized Representative with written notice of cancellation, to be effective as of the date on which the Reinsurer’s insolvency is established by the authority responsible for such determination. Any requirement for a notification period prior to the cancellation of the Agreement would not apply under such circumstances.
In addition, in the event of the insolvency of the Reinsurer, the Ceding Company may provide the Reinsurer or its Authorized Representative with written notice of its intent to recapture all reinsurance in force under this Agreement regardless of the duration the reinsurance has been in force or the amount retained by the Ceding Company on the Reinsured Policies. The effective date of a recapture due to insolvency will be at the election of the Ceding Company but may not be earlier than the date on which the Reinsurer’s insolvency is established by the authority responsible for such determination. If the Ceding Company elects to recapture reinsurance under this Article, the appropriate amount of benefit reserves to be held in respect of the reinsured amounts being recaptured will be paid by the party with the positive balance, determined as of the effective date of the recapture, based on U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) consistent with FASB Accounting Standard Codification Topic 944, Financial Services – Insurance computed using the Reinsurer’s original pricing assumptions without provision for adverse deviation, less any amount of unamortized deferred acquisition cost assets related thereto and excluding any provisions for adverse deviations or similar deficiency or special reserves, net of outstanding balances.
In the event of the insolvency of either party, the rights or remedies of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect.
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ARTICLE 17 – ERRORS AND OMISSIONS
It is expressly understood and agreed that if failure to comply with any terms of this Agreement is hereby shown to be the result of an unintentional error, misunderstanding or omission, on the part of either the Ceding Company or the Reinsurer, both the Ceding Company and the Reinsurer, will be restored to the position they would have occupied, had no such error, misunderstanding or omission occurred, subject always to the correction of the error, misunderstanding or omission. In the event a payment is corrected, the party receiving the payment may charge interest. Should it not be possible to restore both parties to this position, the party responsible for the oversight or clerical error will be responsible for any resulting liabilities and expenses.
This provision applies only to oversights, misunderstanding or clerical errors relating to the administration of reinsurance covered by this Agreement. This provision does not apply to the administration of the insurance provided by the Ceding Company to its insured or any other errors or omissions committed by the Ceding Company with regard to the policy reinsured hereunder, including the underwriting of the Risk.
If the Ceding Company has failed to cede as provided under this Agreement or has failed to comply with reporting requirements with respect to business ceded hereunder, the Ceding Company may be obligated to audit its records for similar errors and take all reasonable action necessary to correct errors and avoid similar errors if required by the Reinsurer.
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ARTICLE 18 – ARBITRATION
18.1 | GENERAL |
The parties agree to act with the highest good faith. However, if the parties cannot mutually resolve a dispute or claim, which arises out of, or in connection with this Agreement, including its formation and validity, and whether arising during, or after the period of this Agreement and the dispute cannot be resolved through Issue Resolution as described below, the dispute will be decided through arbitration.
As a condition to the parties’ right to arbitration under this Agreement, either the Ceding Company or the Reinsurer will give written notification to the other party of any dispute relating to or arising from this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the formation or breach thereof.
18.2 | ISSUE RESOLUTION |
In the event of a dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the parties agree to the following process of issue resolution. Within fifteen (15) days of notification, both parties must designate an officer of their respective companies to attempt to resolve the dispute. The officers will meet at a mutually agreeable location as soon as possible and as often as necessary to attempt to negotiate a resolution of the dispute. The format for discussions will be determined mutually by the officers.
If these officers are unable to resolve the dispute within thirty (30) days of their first meeting, the parties may agree in writing to extend the negotiation period for an additional thirty (30) days. If the matter is not resolved within thirty (30) days of the first meeting or the additional thirty (30) day period, if any, then either party may demand arbitration as documented below. The discussions and all information exchanged for the purposes of such discussions will be confidential and without prejudice.
If a resolution cannot be reached using the process described above, the dispute or claim shall be referred to arbitration.
18.3 | NOTICE OF ARBITRATION |
To initiate arbitration, either party will notify the other party by certified mail of its desire to arbitrate, stating the nature of the dispute and the remedy sought (the “Arbitration Notice”). The party, to which the Arbitration Notice is sent, shall respond to in writing, within twenty (20) days of its receipt. Failure to respond in a timely manner to the Arbitration Notice will be deemed a breach of this Agreement, enforceable within an applicable court of law.
18.4 | PROCEDURE |
Arbitration shall be conducted before a three-person arbitration panel (the “Arbitration Panel”) appointed as follows: Each party shall appoint one arbitrator, and the two arbitrators so appointed shall then appoint a neutral umpire before proceeding. If either party fails to appoint an arbitrator within thirty (30) days after it receives the Arbitration Notice, the Party who initially sent the Arbitration Notice may appoint both arbitrators. Should the two arbitrators fail to choose an umpire within thirty (30) days of the appointment of the second arbitrator, the parties shall appoint the umpire pursuant to the XXXXX•U.S. Umpire Selection Procedure.
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The arbitrators and umpire shall be either present or former executive officers of insurance or reinsurance companies, or arbitrators certified by XXXXX●U.S. The arbitrators and umpire shall not be under the control of either party, and shall have no financial interest in the outcome of the arbitration.
The parties shall be entitled to engage in reasonable discovery, including requests for production of relevant non-privileged documents. The umpire may order depositions and interrogatories upon a showing of need. It is the parties’ intent that the discovery proceedings be conducted in a cost-effective manner.
18.5 | PLACE OF ARBITRATION |
Any mutually agreeable location for example, the home office of the Ceding Company.
18.6 | ARBITRATION COSTS |
Unless the arbitrators decide otherwise, each party will bear the expense of its own arbitration activities, including any outside attorney or witness fees Unless the Arbitration Panel orders otherwise, each party shall pay: (1) the fees and expenses of its own arbitrator; and (2) an equal share of the fees and expenses of the umpire and of the other expenses of the arbitration, such as hearing rooms, court reporters, etc.
18.7 | ARBITRATION SETTLEMENT |
The decision of a majority of the Arbitration Panel shall be final and binding, except to the extent otherwise provided in the Federal Arbitration Act. The Arbitration Panel shall render its award in writing. The Arbitration Panel shall have no power to award consequential, special, or punitive damages. Judgment upon the award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction, pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act. The arbitrators will base their decision on the terms and conditions of this Agreement plus, as necessary, on the customs and practices of the insurance and reinsurance industry rather than solely on a strict interpretation of the applicable law or rules of evidence.
There will be no appeal from their decision, and any court having jurisdiction of the subject matter, and the parties, may reduce that decision to judgement.
Each party hereby consents to the entry of a judgement confirming or enforcing the award in any court of competent jurisdiction. It is the intent of the parties that these arbitration provisions replace and be in lieu of any statutory arbitration provision, if permitted by law.
Each party will bear its own fees and expenses in connection with the arbitration, including outside counsel and witness fees.
18.8 | INJUNCTIVE RELIEF |
Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent the parties, prior to appointment of the Arbitration Panel, from applying to a court of competent jurisdiction for provisional or interim measures or injunctive relief as may be necessary to safeguard the property or rights that are the subject matter of the arbitration.
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Once the Arbitration Panel has been selected, the Arbitration Panel shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear applications for such relief, except that any interim measures or injunctive relief ordered by the Arbitration Panel may be immediately and specifically enforced by a court of competent jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of any breach or. threatened breach of the Confidentiality Section or any other privacy or confidentiality provisions of this Agreement, without limiting any other rights and remedies, the parties may seek an injunction either by applying to a court of competent jurisdiction or by applying to the Arbitration Panel, if such panel has been selected.
18.9 | CONFIDENTIALITY OF ARBITRATION |
Unless otherwise agreed by the parties or required by law, the parties, the Arbitration Panel, and XXXXX●U.S shall maintain the confidentiality of all documents, communications, proceedings, and awards provided, produced, or exchanged pursuant to an arbitration conducted under this Article.
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ARTICLE 19 – DURATION OF AGREEMENT
This Agreement will be in effect for an indefinite period and may be terminated as to new reinsurance by the Reinsurer by giving ninety (90) days’ written notice of termination or by the Ceding Company by providing written notice. The day the notice is mailed to the other party’s Home Office, or, if the mail is not used, the day it is delivered to the other party’s Home Office or to an Officer of the other party will be the first day of the notice period. During the notice period, this Agreement will continue to operate in accordance with its terms.
The Reinsurer remains liable for all Reinsured Policies in force as of the date of the termination, until their natural expiration, unless the parties mutually decide otherwise or as specified otherwise in this Agreement. All provisions of this Agreement will survive its termination to the extent necessary to carry out its purpose.
If the Reinsurer has made a Facultative offer prior to the termination date of this Agreement and the Ceding Company has accepted that Facultative offer before the termination of this Agreement or the termination of the Reinsurer’s offer whichever comes later, the Reinsurer will be liable even if the effective date of the policy falls beyond the termination date of this Agreement.
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ARTICLE 20 – REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
All matters with respect to this Agreement require the good faith of both parties.
The Reinsurer represents and warrants the following:
1. | That it is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Missouri. |
2. | That it is subject to U.S. Federal income taxation as a domestic corporation. |
3. | That no United States federal excise tax is payable with respect to reinsurance premiums paid by the Ceding Company hereunder. |
4. | That it has obtained and will maintain, at all times during the effect of this Agreement, all consents, authorizations, licenses, approvals, and registrations required to perform its obligations under this Agreement. |
Each party represents and warrants to the other party that it is solvent on a statutory basis in all states in which it does business or is licensed. Each party will promptly notify the other if it is subsequently financially impaired.
The Reinsurer and the Ceding Company have entered into this Agreement in reliance upon each other’s representations and warranties. The Ceding Company and the Reinsurer each affirms that it has and will continue to disclose all matters material to this Agreement. Material for purposes of this Article will mean information that a prudent actuary would consider as reasonably likely to affect the Reinsurer’s experience under this Agreement. Examples of such matters are a Material Change in underwriting, claims or issue practices or philosophy This Agreement will not extend to policies issued pursuant to such changes unless the Reinsurer has consented in writing to accept policies subject to such changes.
If reinsured policies are not covered due to an unapproved material change, all payments between the Company and the Reinsurer with respect to the affected policies shall be refunded, excluding items relating to reserves or interest on reserves. No liability shall remain with the Reinsurer with respect to such policies.
Any outsourcing by the Ceding Company of material functions concerning the Policies will be deemed material. The Ceding Company will secure the Reinsurer’s right to audit any outsourcing of any material Ceding Company functions concerning the Policies.
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ARTICLE 21 – CONFIDENTIALITY
21.1 | Confidentiality Definitions. |
“Confidential Information” means all information, regardless of when received, concerning Disclosing Party’s business, Customer Information, Personal Information, finances or operations, whether oral, written or otherwise; all analyses, compilations, studies, or documents relating to such information prepared by Receiving Party containing or based in whole or in part on such information; and all reproductions of such information. The term “Confidential Information” does not include information that: (a) is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of disclosure in breach of this Agreement by Receiving Party; (b) was available to Receiving Party on a non-confidential basis prior to its disclosure to Receiving Party; (c) becomes available to Receiving Party on a non-confidential basis from a source other than Disclosing Party, provided that such source is not known by Receiving Party to be prohibited from transmitting the information to Receiving Party by a contractual, legal, fiduciary or other obligation; or (d) was or is independently developed by Receiving Party.
“Customer Information” means non-public personal information as defined under the Xxxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Act of 2001 and its corresponding regulations.
“Disclosing Party” means the party and its Affiliates that disclose Confidential Information under this Agreement.
“Person” means any corporation, company, entity, partnership, individual, or governmental entity or body.
“Personal Information” means an individual’s first name and last name or first initial and last name in combination with any one or more of his or her: (a) Social Security number; (b) driver’s license number or state-issued identification card number; or (c) financial account number, or credit or debit card number, with or without any required security code, access code, personal identification number or password, that would permit access to a resident’s financial account. Personal Information does not include information that is lawfully obtained from publicly available information, or from federal, state, or local government records lawfully made available to the general public.
“Receiving Party” means the party and its Affiliates and Representatives that receive Confidential Information under this Agreement.
“Representatives” means a party’s and its Affiliates’ directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, consultants, and advisors.
“Unauthorized Access” means any access to or disclosure or use of any of Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information in violation of this Agreement or applicable law.
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21.2 | Nondisclosure; Security. |
The Receiving Party: (a) shall keep Confidential Information confidential; (b) shall not, without the prior written consent of Disclosing Party, disclose Confidential Information to any Person in any manner whatsoever, except as expressly authorized herein; and (c) shall not use Confidential Information for any commercial or competitive purpose other than for the ordering, use, and the provision of Services pursuant to this Agreement. Receiving Party further agrees to disclose the Confidential Information only to those of its Representatives who need to know such information for the purposes of the ordering, use, and the provision of Services pursuant to this Agreement. Receiving Party shall advise its Representatives of the confidential nature of such information. Receiving Party is responsible for any breach of this Agreement by its Representatives.
The parties shall maintain information security policies and procedures that include administrative, technical and physical safeguards designed to: (a) ensure the security and confidentiality of Confidential Information; (b) protect against anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of Confidential Information; (c) protect against Unauthorized Access to Confidential Information; (d) ensure the proper disposal of Confidential Information; and (e) ensure the secure transmission of Confidential Information and all other information exchanged between the parties. The parties shall mutually agree upon data transfer methods and technologies in order to ensure that information exchanged between the parties is done so in a confidential and secure manner. Notwithstanding anything else in this Agreement, Disclosing Party shall not have any obligation to exchange any information with Receiving Party unless and until the Disclosing Party is satisfied, in its reasonable discretion, that such information will be exchanged in a secure manner reasonably acceptable to the Disclosing Party.
Receiving Party shall promptly notify the Disclosing Party of any Unauthorized Access to Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information, and take appropriate action to prevent further Unauthorized Access, and shall cooperate with Disclosing Party to provide any notices and information regarding such Unauthorized Access as required by applicable law or Disclosing Party.
The parties agree that if either has access to Personal Information, each shall comply with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations regarding the safeguarding and treatment of such information, including but not limited to the Xxxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Act and similar state law equivalents.
Each party shall implement and maintain appropriate security measures to protect Personal Information in the party’s possession. The Reinsurer will notify the Ceding Company, prior to the exterritorial migration of the Ceding Company’s data storage outside the U.S. or Switzerland.
21.3 | Data Security Safeguards. |
The Reinsurer shall maintain data security safeguards that meet or exceed those set forth in Exhibit F – Data Protection Addendum.
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21.4 | Exceptions. |
Receiving Party may disclose Confidential Information that is, in the reasonable opinion of counsel to Receiving Party: (a) necessary to establish rights under this Agreement; (b) required by law or the rules and regulations of any stock exchange on which the securities of Receiving Party are traded or of any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over Receiving Party; or (c) in response to a valid subpoena or order of a court or other governmental body or other valid legal process; provided, however, that with respect to any disclosure pursuant to clause (b) or clause (c) of this sentence, Receiving Party shall first give notice to Disclosing Party and cooperate with Disclosing Party so that Disclosing Party may take legally available steps to resist or narrow any applicable request, subpoena, or order and obtain an appropriate protective order or other assurance that Confidential Information will continue to be handled confidentially to the extent allowed by law or regulation.
21.5 | Return, Destruction of Confidential Information. |
Promptly upon the written request of Disclosing Party, Receiving Party shall, at Receiving Party’s option, return or destroy all tangible (including all data maintained in any computer memory, storage media, or similar form) Confidential Information and will not retain any copies, extracts, or other reproductions, in whole or in part, of such Confidential Information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Receiving Party may retain Confidential Information as required by applicable law. Receiving Party is not required to destroy electronic data maintained on backup tapes or other archives, provided that any Confidential Information contained on such backup tapes or archives shall continue to be subject to the restrictions contained in this Agreement for as long as such Confidential Information is retained.
21.6 | Representations. |
Each party represents and warrants that it has the right to disclose the Confidential Information disclosed to the other party pursuant to this Agreement and that it knows of no patent, copyright, trade secret or other intellectual property claim of any third party that would limit, restrict, or prevent such disclosure. Neither party makes any other representation or warranty, express or implied, with respect to any Confidential Information. The Reinsurer acknowledges that a breach of its obligations under this Confidentiality Section would result in irreparable harm to the Ceding Company, the extent of which would be difficult to ascertain, and in any event, money damages would be inadequate in the event of such a breach. Accordingly, in the event of any breach or threatened breach of this Confidentiality Section, without limiting any other rights and remedies, the Ceding Company may seek an injunction (or other equitable relief as a court may deem appropriate) against the Reinsurer.
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ARTICLE 22 – DEFINITIONS
Account Value/Cash Value - The amount of money, which the policy owner may receive if the policy owner cancels the coverage and returns the policy to the Ceding Company.
Age Basis – The method used, as specified in Exhibit D.3, Reinsurance Premiums to determine the age of the insured (nearest/next/last) when applying limits, such as retention limits, binding limits, jumbo limits and for determining reinsurance premiums.
Automatic – A reinsurance agreement under which the Reinsurer is obligated to accept or assume risks that meet certain specific criteria based on the Ceding Company’s underwriting.
Automatic Pool Binding Limit – The amount of Risk over the Ceding Company’s Retention, which can be ceded automatically to the pool if all automatic conditions are met.
Cede – To transfer an insurance Risk from the ceding company originally issuing the policy to another insurance company known as the Reinsurer.
Ceding Company – An insurer which underwrites and issues an original, principal policy to an insured and contractually Cedes a portion of the Risk to the Reinsurer.
Coinsurance – Indemnity life reinsurance under which the reserves as well as the Risk are transferred to the Reinsurer; the Ceding Company retains its liability to the contractual relationship with the insured. Under the Coinsurance method, the Ceding Company will pay the Reinsurer a proportionate part of the Premiums it receives. In return, the Reinsurer agrees to pay the Ceding Company a proportionate part of the claim and participate in all other policy benefits explicitly stated in this Agreement.
Contractual Conversion – A conversion privilege as defined within the policy form not requiring evidence of insurability.
Effective Date of this Agreement – The date on which this Agreement becomes binding on the Ceding Company and the Reinsurer. Policies with an application date on or after this date are eligible for reinsurance coverage under this Agreement.
Excess Reinsurance – A form of reinsurance under which recoveries are available when a given loss exceeds the Ceding Company’s Retention (Excess of loss reinsurance) as defined in the Agreement.
Facultative – Reinsurance under which the Ceding Company has the option (faculty) of submitting and the Reinsurer has the option of accepting or declining individual risks.
First Dollar Quota Share (FDQS) – An Agreement which provides that a fixed percentage of each Risk issued will be reinsured.
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Flat Extra - An additional premium amount per $1,000 of insurance that is charged to cover any extra hazard or special risk such as aviation or hazardous activities as assessed by the underwriter of the policy application. The additional premium paid to the Reinsurer is calculated based on the reinsured face amount. Payment of the flat extra will be on either a temporary or permanent basis.
Material Change – A change that is likely to impact the Reinsurer’s financial experience under this Agreement or would cause the Reinsurer to alter or revise a risk classification or underwriting recommendation or claims decision, reconsider or adjust reinsurance pricing, or take similar actions.
Maximum Retention Per Life – The maximum amount of risk that the Ceding Company may hold on an individual insured according to its published Retention schedule.
New Business – Policies on which the Ceding Company (1) has obtained the same new underwriting information it would obtain in absence of the Original Policy, (2) pays the same commissions in the first year that it would have paid in absence of the Original Policy and (3) the suicide and contestable period provisions are as long as those contained in other new policies issued by the Ceding Company.
Non-Contractual Conversion – An internal company practice or reasonable discretionary procedure which allows coverage to exchange or replace from one product to another for which no evidence of insurability is required.
Policy - An insurance contract issued by the Ceding Company on an insured that is reinsured under this Agreement
Professional Athlete – An individual who is a team member in any of the four major U.S. professional sports – National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB) or National Hockey League (NHL).
Quota Share Retention – Specified percentage Retention on every policy up to the Full Retention on a life.
Recapture – The process by which the Ceding Company recovers the liabilities transferred to the Reinsurer.
Reinsurer – A company which contractually assumes all or part of the Ceding Company’s Risk.
Risk - Insurance on an individual life.
Self Administration - A reinsurance arrangement where the Ceding Company provides the Reinsurer with periodic reports for reinsurance Ceded giving Premium, inforce, reserve, and any other information required by the Reinsurer for its financial reports. Self-Administration is also known as Bulk or Bordereaux.
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Ultimate Amount – The projected maximum Policy Death Benefit that a policy could achieve based on reasonable assumptions made about the operation of certain characteristics of the policy form.
Yearly Renewable Term (YRT) – A form of reinsurance under which the Risks, but not the permanent plan reserves, are transferred to the Reinsurer for a Premium that varies each year with the amount at Risk and the ages of the insureds. Under the YRT method, the Ceding Company will transfer to the Reinsurer the mortality Risk on either a net amount at Risk basis or on an approximation of the net amount at Risk basis.
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ARTICLE 23-EXECUTION This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument. In witness whereof, we have caused this Agreement to be executed in duplicate at the dates and places shown below, by our respective officers authorized to do so. MINNESOTA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY SECURIAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY Date: Date: Place: St Xxxx, MN Place: St Xxxx, MN . . By: By: Name: Xxxxxx Xxxxx Name: Xxxxxx Xxxxx Title: Vice President, Life Operations Title: Vice President, Life Operations Attest: Attest: Title:Supervisor,Reinsurance Admin. Title: Supervisor, Reinsurance Admin. NAIC#: 66168 NAIC#: 93742 Federal ID #: 00-0000000 Federal ID #: 00-0000000 SWISS RE LIFE & HEALTH AMERICA INC. Date: Place: By: Name: Title: Name: Title: NAIC#: Federal ID #: