Bayesian analysis of loss reserving using dynamic models with generalized beta distribution

A Bayesian approach is presented in order to model long tail loss reserving data using the generalized beta distribution of the second kind (GB2) with dynamic mean functions and mixture model representation. The proposed GB2 distribution provides a flexible probability density function, which nests various distributions with light and heavy tails, to facilitate accurate loss reserving in insurance applications. Extending the mean functions to include the state space and threshold models provides a dynamic approach to allow for irregular claims behaviors and legislative change which may occur during the claims settlement period. The mixture of GB2 distributions is proposed as a mean of modeling the unobserved heterogeneity which arises from the incidence of very large claims in the loss reserving data. It is shown through both simulation study and forecasting that model parameters are estimated with high accuracy. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.