[[Actuarial Notes Wiki|Wiki]] / [[Exam 5 (CAS)]] / **Reserve Adequacy**
## Definition
==Reserve Adequacy== is the measure of whether loss reserves are sufficient to cover the ultimate cost of unpaid claims, assessed through various testing and monitoring techniques.
## Assessment Methods
### Loss Ratio Tests
```
Reserve Adequacy Ratio = Actual Loss Ratio / Expected Loss Ratio
> 1.0: Potentially inadequate
< 1.0: Potentially redundant
≈ 1.0: Adequate
```
### Development Tests
```
Compare:
- Actual development vs. expected
- Prior estimates vs. current
- Emerging patterns
```
### Diagnostic Indicators
- Increasing loss ratios by AY
- Consistent adverse development
- Paid-to-incurred ratios
- Case adequacy metrics
## Related Concepts
- [[Indicated Unpaid Losses#Definition]]
- [[Actual vs Expected Analysis#Definition]]
- [[Roll Forward Analysis#Definition]]
## References
- Friedland, Chapter 11
- ASOP 43