10. Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are accounted for using the cost model.

Gains on the disposal of property, plant and equipment are recorded under the item “Other insurance income”, while losses are recorded under “Other technical expenses”.

If the use of a property changes and an owner-occupied property becomes an investment property, the property is reclassified as investment land and buildings with the carrying amount at the date of the change.

Property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight line basis over a useful life for buildings of 5 to 80 years and for technical systems and operating and office equipment of 2 to 20 years. Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed on every reporting date and adjusted if necessary. The depreciation charges for property, plant and equipment are recognised in profit/(loss) for the period on the basis of allocated operating expenses under the items “Insurance benefits”, “Operating expenses” and “Net investment income” so that the expenses and earnings are distributed on the basis of their causation.

The fair values of the land and buildings for own use are derived from expert reports and are comprised as follows:

Other property, plant and equipment refers mainly to technical systems and operating and office equipment.