Quarterly Survey of Insurance Transactions by U.S. Insurance Companies with Foreign Persons (Form BE-45)

Description

This survey collects information on insurance transactions been U.S. insurance companies and foreign persons. The survey is conducted on a sample of firms. In order to reduce the reporting burden, the sample does not include small firms. Instead, BEA imputes data for these firms by extrapolating forward their data from the most recent benchmark survey on the basis of the movement of the sample data and, where applicable, the firm's future response.

Detailed Methodology

Sample

Firm level cutoff sample surveys with above size-exemption levels. However, restricted access data includes BEA imputations for firms below the cutoff by extrapolating forward or backward their data from a benchmark survey on the basis of the movement of the sample data. Data are also reconciled with related responses to the benchmark surveys.

Method of Data Collection

Survey (self- or interviewer-administered)

Frequency of Data Collection

Every quarter

Reference Date

Previous calendar quarter

Data Collection Notes

Microdata are based almost entirely based on responses to enterprise level surveys administered by BEA, although other information is used to adjust some observations and variables.

Number of Cases

Varies by year. For example, data are available for about 400 firms in 2006 and about 900 firms in 2020.

Number of Variables

Data are available for about 20 columns, but values are stacked by direction of transactions, service type, affiliation, and country of transaction.

Linkage Capabilities

These linkage capabilities are for linking specific firms in two different data sets. Additional linkages of more general firm characteristics of (ex. location or industry specific information) can also be made to the extent the information is available in the survey. See "Crosswalks involving BEA microdata" ( https://www.bea.gov/system/files/2023-01/ssrp-bea-crosswalks-microdata.pdf ) for a description of crosswalks available between different BEA data sets and the Census Business Register. Data may also be matched to firm level data with name, EIN, and other identification fields as part of research proposal for approved data sources. Typically only the primary EIN for the enterprise is available.

Linkage Variables