In terms of insurance, how is catastrophic loss generally understood?

Catastrophic loss is typically understood as a major, unexpected financial burden that can arise from events such as natural disasters, large-scale accidents, or significant liability claims. These losses are characterized by their severity and the widespread impact they may have on individuals, insurers, and the market as a whole. They are not easy to predict or manage, often exceeding the normal capacity of a single insurer to handle, leading to substantial financial implications.

In the context of insurance, catastrophic losses can result in high claim amounts and can strain the resources of insurance companies, making it crucial for them to implement proper risk management strategies, such as reinsurance or diversification of risk to mitigate the effects of such events.