For  the  first  9  months  of  1998 JSC "Balta" has LVL 11,948 million

written  in  gross  premiums; this is an 10.1% increase compared to the

previous  year.  Of  this,  LVL  5,928 million were voluntary insurance

premiums,  and LVL 5,779 million were received as mandatory third party

motor  liability insurance premiums. Total insurance compensations paid

out  during  the  period  are LVL 3,309 million. During the 9 months of

1998  there  has  been  a  considerable  increase in property insurance

expenses,  which  amounted  to  LVL  746  thousand.  The largest single

compensation paid out this year was LVL 69,700 (to PVAS "Latvenergo").