The overall net combined ratio for the workers' compensation insurance industry dipped under 100 for the first time in recent memory last year, with the latest National Underwriter aggregate estimate coming in at 95.4 for calendar-year 2006.

Since post-9/11 pricing gains started putting the line back on the road to recovery in 2002, data compiled by NU shows workers' comp net incurred losses grew just over 20 percent, while earned premiums jumped more than twice as much.

The difference meant a 12-point drop in the net pure loss ratio--the ratio of net incurred losses to net earned premiums--to 59.7 in 2006 from 71.6 in 2002, accounting for the bulk of a 16-point combined ratio improvement over the same period.

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