Co-operators General Insurance Co. is reporting weaker earnings for the second quarter ended June 30. The property and casualty insurer reports consolidated net income for the quarter was $11.5 million, compared to the $15.7 million earned during the same period in 2000.

Gross written premium in the second quarter increased 7.3% to $445 million, compared to $415 million in the second quarter last year. The claims ratio for the second quarter was 72.7%, compared to 71.8% during the same period in 2000.

The combined ratio of claims and operating expenses was 103.0%, compared to 103.7% for the second quarter of 2000. Investment income of $30.6 million was down from the $37.4 million recorded during the same quarter in 2000.

Gross written premium on a year-to-date basis was $766 million, reflecting an increase of 5% over last year. Earned premium at $621 million was slightly above the previous year. A net loss of $8.5 million was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2001, compared to net income of $17.7 million a year ago. Investment income at $71.3 million shows a decrease from the $76.4 million for the comparable six month period in 2000.

Earnings per common share were 43¢ for the quarter, compared to 63¢ for the same period last year. The loss per common share year-to-date was 64¢, compared to earnings of 66¢ for the same period ended June 30, 2000.