is a provision in claims and losses already reported but which have not yet been paid in full for potential increases in the value of these claims when they are ultimately paid; decreases can occur, although infrequently. It is created because reported claims reserves tend to increase from the time a claim occurs until the claim is settled. Changes in insurance company case reserves, during the accounting period and established by judgment and/or formula, often result from a lag in information on liability and damages.
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UK: An expression used by insurers when referring to the inadequate reserving of past claims.