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Abstract
This study assesses the pre and post 2006 recapitalization impact on the underwriting and claims management of selected insurance companies in Nigeria. The study is descriptive in nature and used secondary data contained in the annual reports and accounts of the selected insurance companies. Regression analysis was employed in analyzing the data. The findings from the study revealed that recapitalization has not impacted significantly on the underwriting and claims management of the selected insurance companies in Nigeria both before and after the 2006 recapitalization. Even though there are some indications for improvements in absolute average profit figures during the post recapitalization, the increase of the share capital base of insurance companies in Nigeria does not commensurate with the level of profitability achieved as a measure of underwriting and claims management by the companies. It is recommended that insurance companies should be more professional in designing insurance policies that will meet the need of average Nigerians with affordable cost and also be aggressive towards securing bigger and better insurance contracts so that the increased share capital base could be efficiently and effectively utilized. In addition, the insurance regulatory body in Nigeria should always consider the risks, uncertainties, and opportunities surrounding the insurance industry and employ scientific procedure in arriving at a particular recapitalization policy. Keywords: Recapitalization, underwriting and claims management, selected insurance companies, share capital, reserves