Germany's Munich Re Group on Friday set its estimated pre-taxlosses from Winter Storm Kyrill at 600 euros ($778 million)--itsbiggest individual loss being the container ship MSC Napoli, whichwent aground off the south coast of England.

Munich Re put its loss for the ship claim in "the low-to-mediumtwo-digit million range." Separately, Swiss Re said its entireestimate of overall pre-tax losses was a much lower figure of 140million euros ($182 million).

The country hit worst by the winter storm was Germany, Munich Resaid. Although there were also high losses in other countriesincluding the United Kingdom and, to a lesser extent, Switzerland,Munich Re's expected loss burden reflects its large share of thereinsurance and primary insurance market in its home market ofGermany.

Munich Re said it estimates insured marketwide losses of 5-to-7billion euros, roughly $6.5-to-$9 billion.

Munich Re said it used several methods to derive its estimateloss figure, adding that because of the extremely large number ofsmall and midsized losses still to be evaluated, establishing adefinitive loss amount will requires considerable effort andtime.

For this reason, any forecasts regarding expected losses fromthe winter storm continue to be uncertain at this time, thereinsurer said in a statement.

Separately, Swiss Re announced its $182 million estimate ofKyrill pre-tax claims, net of the benefits of its successfulhedging strategy, while putting the industry cost at 3.5 billioneuros, or more than $4.5 billion.

Swiss Re credited its low share of industry losses to its strictunderwriting selection and successful hedging strategy.