RNR RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd

DESCRIPTION OF OUR CAPITAL SHARES

The following is a summary of certain provisions of our Memorandum of Association (the “Memorandum”) and Bye-Laws, and the applicable Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights for our Series F Preference Shares and Series G Preference Shares. Because this summary is not complete, you should refer to our Memorandum and Bye-Laws and the applicable certificate of designation for complete information regarding the provisions of these governing documents, including the definitions of some of the terms used below. Copies of these governing documents are incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Whenever we refer to particular sections or defined terms of the Memorandum, the Bye-Laws or the certificates of designation, such sections or defined terms are incorporated herein by reference and the statement in connection with such reference is made is qualified in its entirety by such reference.

COMMON SHARES

Our common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RNR.” The common shares currently issued and outstanding are fully paid and non-assessable (as such is understood under Bermuda law). We have authorized the issuance of 225,000,000 common shares, and 43,931,597 common shares were issued and outstanding at March 31, 2023. Any common shares offered by a prospectus supplement, upon issuance against full consideration, will be fully paid and non-assessable (as such is understood under Bermuda law). There are no provisions of Bermuda law or our Memorandum and Bye-Laws which impose any limitation on the rights of shareholders to hold or vote common shares by reason of their not being residents of Bermuda.

A more detailed description of our common shares is set forth in our registration statement filed under the Exchange Act on Form 8-A on July 24, 1995, including any amendment or report for the purpose of updating such description.

SERIES F PREFERENCE SHARES

Currently, 10,000 of our 5.750% Series F Preference Shares (equivalent to 10,000,000 Depositary Shares) are outstanding. The 10,000,000 Depositary Shares, each representing 1/1,000th of an interest in a share of 5.750% Series F Preference Shares, are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RNRPRF”. The Series F Preference Shares (and the Depositary Shares) currently issued and outstanding are fully paid and non-assessable (as such is understood under Bermuda law). Because the following summary of the terms of the Series F Preference Shares is not complete, you should refer to the Memorandum, the Bye-Laws and the applicable Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights for complete information regarding the terms of the Series F Preference Shares.

General. The holders of Series F Preference Shares have no preemptive rights with respect to any of our common shares or any of our other securities convertible into or carrying rights or options to purchase any such shares. The Series F Preference Shares are not subject to any sinking fund or other obligation on our part to redeem or retire the Series F Preference Shares. Unless we redeem them, the Series F Preference Shares will have a perpetual term with no maturity. The Series F Preference Shares rank pari passu to our Series G Preference Shares and senior to our common shares with respect to payment of dividends and amounts upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up.

Dividends. Dividends on the Series F Preference Shares (and the Depositary Shares) are payable from the date of original issuance on a non-cumulative basis, only when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors, quarterly in arrears, in an amount per share equal to 5.750% of the liquidation preference per annum.

No dividends will be paid upon any shares of any class or series of shares of RenaissanceRe ranking on a parity with the Series F Preference Shares with respect to the payment of dividends and amounts upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up (for purposes of this section, “Parity Shares”) (other than partial dividends to be shared

9

pro rata by the holders of Parity Shares and Series F Preference Shares) for any period unless there will have been paid or declared and set apart for payment dividends to be paid to the holders of the Series F Preference Shares for the current dividend period. No dividends will be paid upon any class or series of shares of RenaissanceRe ranking junior to the Series F Preference Shares with respect to either the payment of dividends or amounts upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up (for purposes of this section, “Junior Shares”) for any period unless there will have been paid or declared and set apart for payment dividends to be paid to the holders of the Series F Preference Shares and Parity Shares for the current dividend period, subject to certain exceptions.

Under Bermuda law, a company may not declare or pay a dividend, or make a distribution out of contributed surplus, if there are reasonable grounds for believing that (i) the company is, or would after the payment be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due; or (ii) the realisable value of the company’s assets would thereby be less than its liabilities. “Contributed surplus” is defined for purposes of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda (as amended, the “Act”) to include the proceeds arising from donated shares, credits resulting from the redemption or conversion of shares at less than the amount set up as nominal capital and donations of cash and other assets to the company. These dividend rights are therefore subject to these requirements of the Act.

Liquidation. In case of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of Series F Preference Shares will be entitled to receive from our assets legally available for distribution to shareholders a liquidation preference of $25,000 per 5.750% Series F Preference Share (equivalent to $25 per Depositary Share), plus declared and unpaid dividends, if any, to the date of liquidation, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends and without interest.

It is possible that, in case of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, our assets could be insufficient to pay the holders of all of the classes or series of preference shares then outstanding the full, or any, amounts to which they may be entitled. In that circumstance, the holders of Series F Preference Shares and any Parity Shares will share ratably in such assets in accordance with the respective amounts that would be payable on such Series F Preference Shares and such Parity Shares if all amounts payable thereon were paid in full.

Our amalgamation, consolidation or merger with or into any other corporation, or a sale of all or substantially all of our assets, or a statutory share exchange, will not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

Redemption. On and after June 30, 2023, we may redeem the Series F Preference Shares, in whole or in part, at any time upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice, at a redemption price of $25,000 per 5.750% Series F Preference Share (equivalent to $25 per Depositary Share), plus an amount equal to the portion of the quarterly dividend attributable to the then-current dividend period to, but excluding, the date of redemption; provided that no redemption may occur prior to June 30, 2028 unless (1) we have sufficient funds in order to meet the Bermuda Monetary Authority’s (the “BMA”) Enhanced Capital Requirement and the BMA (or its successor, if any) approves of the redemption or (2) we replace the capital represented by preference shares to be redeemed with capital having equal or better capital treatment as the preference shares under the Enhanced Capital Requirement. The Series F Preference Shares have no stated maturity, are not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption and are not convertible into or exchangeable for any of our other securities. We may not redeem the Series F Preference Shares before June 30, 2023, except that we may redeem the Series F Preference Shares before that date at a redemption price of $26,000 per share (equivalent to $26 per Depositary Share), plus declared and unpaid dividends, if any, to, but excluding, the date of redemption, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends and without interest, if we submit a proposal to our common shareholders concerning an amalgamation or submit any proposal for any other matter that requires, as a result of a change in Bermuda law, the approval of the holders of the Series F Preference Shares, whether voting as a separate series or together with any other series of preference shares as a single class. In addition, at any time upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice following the occurrence of a “tax event” or within 90 days under certain circumstances following the occurrence of a “capital redemption trigger date,” we may

10

redeem the Series F Preference Shares, in whole or in part, at a redemption price of $25,000 per 5.750% Series F Preference Share (equivalent to $25 per Depositary Share), plus declared and unpaid dividends, if any, to, but excluding, the date of redemption, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends and without interest.

Unless there will have been paid or declared and set apart for payment full dividends for the holders of the Series F Preference Shares and the holders of any Parity Shares for the latest completed dividend period:

(1) we may not purchase any Series F Preference Shares or Parity Shares except in accordance with a purchase or offer made in writing to all holders of Series F Preference Shares and Parity Shares upon such terms as the Board, in its sole discretion after consideration of the respective annual dividend rate and other relative rights and preferences of the respective classes or series, will determine (which determination will be final and conclusive) will result in fair and equitable treatment among the respective classes or series; and

(2) we may not redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire, or permit any subsidiary to purchase or acquire, any Junior Shares, subject to certain exceptions.

Reissuance of Shares. Any Series F Preference Shares reacquired in any manner by RenaissanceRe will have the status of authorized but unissued preference shares, and may be reissued as part of the same class or series or may be reclassified and reissued by the Board in the same manner as any other authorized and unissued preference shares.

Voting. Except as indicated below or as otherwise required by applicable law, the holders of Series F Preference Shares will have no voting rights.

Pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of the Series F Preference Shares, whenever dividends payable on the Series F Preference Shares or on any Parity Shares are in arrears in an aggregate amount equivalent to six full quarterly dividends on all of such Series F Preference Shares or Parity Shares, as applicable, then outstanding, the holders of Series F Preference Shares, together with the holders of Parity Shares, will have the right, voting together as a single class regardless of class or series, to elect two directors of our Board. We will use our best efforts to increase the number of directors constituting the Board to the extent necessary to effectuate such right. Whenever all arrearages in dividends on the Series F Preference Shares and the Parity Shares shall have been paid and dividends thereon for the current quarterly dividend period shall have been declared and paid or set apart for payment, the rights of such holders of Series F Preference Shares and the Parity Shares to elect members of the Board will cease, subject to revesting in the event of each and every subsequent default in an aggregate amount equivalent to six full quarterly dividends.

Pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of the Series F Preference Shares, the rights attached to the Series F Preference Shares may only be varied with the consent in writing of the holders of three-quarters of the outstanding Series F Preference Shares, or with the sanction of a resolution approved by at least a majority of the votes cast by the holders of the Series F Preference Shares at a separate meeting in which a quorum is present; provided, however, that the terms of the Series F Preference Shares may also be varied under certain circumstances in connection with a “tax event” or a “capital redemption disqualification event.” The rights attached to Series F Preference Shares will not be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of any shares or any securities convertible into or evidencing the right to purchase shares ranking prior to or equally with the Series F Preference Shares with respect to the payment of dividends or of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. Holders of Series F Preference Shares are not entitled to vote on any sale of all or substantially all of our assets.

On any item on which the holders of the Series F Preference Shares are entitled to vote pursuant to the terms of its Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights, such holders will be entitled to one vote for each Series F Preference Share held.

11

Currently, under Bermuda law each share (including preference shares) of an amalgamating or merging company carries the right to vote in respect of an amalgamation or merger whether or not it otherwise carries the right to vote. The provisions of Bermuda law, and thus these voting rights as to amalgamations and mergers, are subject to change at any time.

A more detailed description of the Series F Preference Shares is set forth in our registration statement filed under the Exchange Act on Form 8-A on June 18, 2018, including any amendment or report for the purpose of updating such description. If we issue preference shares in the future, they may, or may not, be on terms similar to the Series F Preference Shares.

SERIES G PREFERENCE SHARES

Currently, 20,000 of our 4.20% Series G Preference Shares (equivalent to 20,000,000 Depositary Shares) are outstanding. The 20,000,000 Depositary Shares, each representing 1/1,000th of an interest in a share of 4.20% Series G Preference Shares, are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RNRPRG.” The Series G Preference Shares (and the Depositary Shares) currently issued and outstanding are fully paid and nonassessable within the meaning of applicable Bermuda law. Because the following summary of the terms of the Series G Preference Shares is not complete, you should refer to the Memorandum, the Bye-Laws and the applicable Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights for complete information regarding the terms of the Series G Preference Shares.

General. The holders of Series G Preference Shares have no preemptive rights with respect to any of our common shares or any of our other securities convertible into or carrying rights or options to purchase any such shares. The Series G Preference Shares are not subject to any sinking fund or other obligation on our part to redeem or retire the Series G Preference Shares. Unless we redeem them, the Series G Preference Shares will have a perpetual term with no maturity. The Series G Preference Shares rank pari passu to our Series F Preference Shares and senior to our common shares with respect to payment of dividends and amounts upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up.

Dividends. Dividends on the Series G Preference Shares (and the Depositary Shares) are payable from the date of original issuance on a non-cumulative basis, only when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors, quarterly in arrears, in an amount per share equal to 4.20% of the liquidation preference per annum.

No dividends will be paid upon any shares of any class or series of our shares ranking on a parity with the Series G Preference Shares with respect to the payment of dividends and amounts upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up (for purposes of this section, “Parity Shares”) (other than partial dividends to be shared pro rata by the holders of Parity Shares and Series G Preference Shares) for any period unless there will have been paid or declared and set apart for payment dividends to be paid to the holders of the Series G Preference Shares for the current dividend period. No dividends will be paid upon any class or series of our shares ranking junior to the Series G Preference Shares with respect to either the payment of dividends or amounts upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up (for purposes of this section, “Junior Shares”) for any period unless there will have been paid or declared and set apart for payment dividends to be paid to the holders of the Series G Preference Shares and Parity Shares for the current dividend period, subject to certain exceptions.

Under Bermuda law, a company may not declare or pay a dividend, or make a distribution out of contributed surplus, if there are reasonable grounds for believing that (i) the company is, or would after the payment be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due; or (ii) the realisable value of the company’s assets would thereby be less than its liabilities. “Contributed surplus” is defined for purposes of the Act to include the proceeds arising from donated shares, credits resulting from the redemption or conversion of shares at less than the amount set up as nominal capital and donations of cash and other assets to the company. These dividend rights are therefore subject to these requirements of the Act.

12

Liquidation. In case of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of Series G Preference Shares will be entitled to receive from our assets legally available for distribution to shareholders a liquidation preference of $25,000 per 4.20% Series G Preference Share (equivalent to $25 per Depositary Share), plus declared and unpaid dividends, if any, to the date of liquidation, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends and without interest.

It is possible that, in case of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, our assets could be insufficient to pay the holders of all of the classes or series of preference shares then outstanding the full, or any, amounts to which they may be entitled. In that circumstance, the holders of Series G Preference Shares and any Parity Shares will share ratably in such assets in accordance with the respective amounts that would be payable on such Series G Preference Shares and such Parity Shares if all amounts payable thereon were paid in full.

Our amalgamation, consolidation or merger with or into any other corporation, or a sale of all or substantially all of our assets, or a statutory share exchange, will not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

Redemption. On and after July 15, 2026, we may redeem the Series G Preference Shares, in whole or in part, at any time upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice, at a redemption price of $25,000 per 4.20% Series G Preference Share (equivalent to $25 per Depositary Share), plus an amount equal to the portion of the quarterly dividend attributable to the then-current dividend period to, but excluding, the date of redemption.

The Series G Preference Shares have no stated maturity, are not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption and are not convertible into or exchangeable for any of our other securities. We may not redeem the Series G Preference Shares before July 15, 2026, except that we may redeem the Series G Preference Shares in whole, but not in part, before that date at a redemption price of $26,000 per share (equivalent to $26 per Depositary Share), plus declared and unpaid dividends, if any, to, but excluding, the date of redemption, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends and without interest, if we submit a proposal to our common shareholders concerning an amalgamation or merger or submit any proposal for any other matter that requires, as a result of a change in Bermuda law, the approval of the holders of the Series G Preference Shares, whether voting as a separate series or together with any other series of preference shares as a single class. In addition, at any time upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice following the occurrence of a “tax event” or within 90 days under certain circumstances following the occurrence of a “capital redemption trigger date,” we may redeem the Series G Preference Shares, in whole or in part, at a redemption price of $25,000 per 4.20% Series G Preference Share (equivalent to $25 per Depositary Share), plus declared and unpaid dividends, if any, to, but excluding, the date of redemption, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends and without interest. Further, we may redeem the Series G Preference Shares at any time, in whole or in part, within 90 days after any “rating agency event,” at a redemption price equal to $25,500 per 4.20% Series G Preference Share (equivalent to $25.50 per Depository Share), plus declared and unpaid dividends, if any, to, but excluding, the date of redemption, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends and without interest.

In general, the Series G Preference Shares may not be redeemed at any time unless (1) we have sufficient funds in order to meet the BMA’s Enhanced Capital Requirement or we replace the capital represented by Series G Preference Shares to be redeemed with capital having equal or better capital treatment as the Series G Preference Shares under the BMA’s Group Rules and (2) and the BMA (or its successor, if any) approves of the redemption. Unless there will have been paid or declared and set apart for payment full dividends for the holders of the Series G Preference Shares and the holders of any Parity Shares for the latest completed dividend period: (1) we may not purchase any Series G Preference Shares or Parity Shares except in accordance with a purchase or exchange offer made in writing to all holders of Series G Preference Shares and Parity Shares upon such terms as the Board, in its sole discretion after consideration of the respective annual dividend rate and other relative rights and preferences of the respective classes or series, will determine (which determination will be final and conclusive) will result in fair and equitable treatment among the respective classes or series; and (2) we may not redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire, or permit any subsidiary to purchase or acquire, any Junior Shares, subject to certain exceptions.

13

Reissuance of Shares. Any Series G Preference Shares reacquired in any manner by us will have the status of authorized but unissued preference shares, and may be reissued as part of the same class or series or may be reclassified and reissued by the Board in the same manner as any other authorized and unissued preference shares.

Voting. Except as indicated below or as otherwise required by applicable law, the holders of Series G Preference Shares will have no voting rights.

Pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of the Series G Preference Shares, whenever dividends payable on the Series G Preference Shares or on any Parity Shares are have not been paid in an aggregate amount equivalent to six full quarterly dividends on all of such Series G Preference Shares or Parity Shares, as applicable, then outstanding, the holders of Series G Preference Shares, together with the holders of Parity Shares, will have the right, voting together as a single class regardless of class or series, to elect two directors of our Board. We will use our best efforts to increase the number of directors constituting the Board to the extent necessary to effectuate such right. Whenever all unpaid dividends on the Series G Preference Shares and the Parity Shares shall have been paid and dividends thereon for the current quarterly dividend period shall have been declared and paid or set apart for payment, the rights of such holders of Series G Preference Shares and the Parity Shares to elect members of the Board will cease, subject to revesting in the event of each and every subsequent default in an aggregate amount equivalent to six full quarterly dividends.

Pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of the Series G Preference Shares, the rights attached to the Series G Preference Shares may only be varied with the consent in writing of the holders of three-quarters of the outstanding Series G Preference Shares, or with the sanction of a resolution approved by at least a majority of the votes cast by the holders of the Series G Preference Shares at a separate meeting in which a quorum is present; provided, however, that the terms of the Series G Preference Shares may also be varied under certain circumstances in connection with a “tax event” or a “capital redemption disqualification event”. The rights attached to Series G Preference Shares will not be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of any shares or any securities convertible into or evidencing the right to purchase shares ranking prior to or equally with the Series G Preference Shares with respect to the payment of dividends or of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. Holders of Series G Preference Shares are not entitled to vote on any sale of all or substantially all of our assets.

On any item on which the holders of the Series G Preference Shares are entitled to vote pursuant to the terms of its Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights, such holders will be entitled to one vote for each Series G Preference Share held.

Currently, under Bermuda law each share (including preference shares) of an amalgamating or merging company carries the right to vote in respect of an amalgamation or merger whether or not it otherwise carries the right to vote. The provisions of Bermuda law, and thus these voting rights as to amalgamations and mergers, are subject to change at any time.

A more detailed description of the Series G Preference Shares is set forth in our registration statement filed under the Exchange Act on Form 8-A on July 12, 2021, including any amendment or report for the purpose of updating such description. If we issue preference shares in the future, they may, or may not, be on terms similar to the Series G Preference Shares.

OTHER PREFERENCE SHARES

Our Bye-Laws divide our share capital into 225,000,000 common shares and 100,000,000 preference shares. Currently, 10,000 of our 5.750% Series F Preference Shares (equivalent to 10,000,000 Depositary Shares) are outstanding and 20,000 of our 4.20% Series G Preference Shares (equivalent to 20,000,000 Depositary Shares) are outstanding. From time to time, pursuant to the authority granted by the Bye-Laws, our Board may create and

14

issue one or more series of preference shares. The preference shares, upon issuance against full consideration, will be fully paid and non-assessable (as such is understood under Bermuda law). The particular rights and preferences of the preference shares offered by any prospectus supplement will be described in the prospectus supplement.

A prospectus supplement will specify the terms of a particular class or series of preference shares as follows:

TRANSFER AGENT

Our registrar and transfer agent for each of our common shares, Series F Preference Shares, Series G Preference Shares, Depositary Shares (each representing 1/1,000th interest in a Series F Preference Share) and Depositary Shares (each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a Series G Preference Share) is Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

TRANSFER OF SHARES

Our Bye-Laws contain various provisions affecting the transferability of our shares. Under the Bye-Laws, the Board has absolute discretion to decline to register a transfer of shares:

(1) unless the appropriate instrument of transfer is submitted along with such evidence as the Board may reasonably require showing the right of the transferor to make the transfer; or

(2) unless all applicable consents and authorizations of any governmental body or agency in Bermuda have been obtained.

In addition, our Bye-laws provide that no Person shall be permitted to own or control shares in RenaissanceRe to the extent such ownership would result in such Person or any other any Person being considered to own or

15

control Controlled Shares, as our Board of Directors may determine in its sole discretion, and such ownership of Controlled Shares (i) would render any Person a Ten Percent Shareholder, (ii) cause RenaissanceRe to become a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of section 957 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or (iii) cause RenaissanceRe to become a “foreign personal holding company” within the meaning of section 552 of the Code. Our Board of Directors has the right to waive these restrictions in its sole discretion and may decline to register any transfer of shares if the transfer, in the discretion of the Board, would have any of the effects described in clauses (i)-(iii) above. These limits may have the effect of deterring purchases of large blocks of common shares or proposals to acquire us, even if some or a majority of the shareholders might deem these purchases or acquisition proposals to be in their best interests. With respect to this issue, also see the provisions discussed below under “Anti-Takeover Effects of Certain Bye-Law Provisions.”

“Controlled Shares” in reference to any Person means (i) all capital shares of RenaissanceRe such Person is deemed to own directly, indirectly or by attribution (within the meaning of Section 958 of the Code) and (ii) all capital shares of RenaissanceRe directly, indirectly or beneficially owned by such Person (within the meaning of section 13(d) of the Exchange Act).

“Ten Percent Shareholder” means a Person who our Board of Directors determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, owns or controls Controlled Shares representing more than 9.9% of the total voting rights of all of our issued and outstanding capital shares.

“Person” means an individual, partnership, joint-stock company, corporation, trust or unincorporated organization, limited liability company, a government, agency or political subdivision thereof, an entity or arrangement treated as one of the foregoing for U.S. income tax purposes, or a “group” within the meaning of section 13(d) of the Exchange Act.

Our Bermuda counsel has advised us that, while the precise form of the restrictions on transfers contained in the Bye-Laws is untested, as a matter of general principle, restrictions on transfers are enforceable under Bermuda law and are not uncommon.

16

ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECTS OF CERTAIN BYE-LAW PROVISIONS

Our Bye-Laws contain certain provisions that make it more difficult to acquire control of us by means of a tender offer, open market purchase, a proxy fight or otherwise. These provisions are designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to negotiate with our directors. We believe that, as a general rule, the interests of our shareholders would be best served if any change in control results from negotiations with our directors. These provisions could have the effect of discouraging a prospective acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us. In addition, these Bye-Law provisions could prevent the removal of our current Board of Directors and management.

In addition to those provisions of the Bye-Laws discussed above under “Transfers of Shares,” set forth below is a description of certain other provisions of the Bye-Laws. Because the following description is intended as a summary only and is therefore not complete, you should refer to the Bye-Laws, which are incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, for complete information regarding these provisions.

BOARD OF DIRECTOR PROVISIONS

Our Bye-Laws provide for a classified board, to which approximately one-third of the Board is elected each year at our annual general meeting of shareholders. Accordingly, our directors serve three-year terms rather than one-year terms. Moreover, our Bye-Laws provide that each director may be removed by the shareholders only for cause upon the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than 66 2/3% of the voting rights attached to all issued and outstanding capital shares entitled to vote for the election of that director. Further, our Bye-Laws fix the size of the Board at eight directors although the incumbent Board may increase its size to eleven members; there are currently eleven members of the Board. In addition, shareholders may only nominate persons for election as director at an annual or special general meeting of shareholders called for the purpose of electing directors only if, among other things, a satisfactory written notice signed by not less than 20 shareholders holding in the aggregate not less than 10% of our outstanding paid-up share capital is timely submitted.

We believe that these Bye-Law provisions enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of the Board and in the policies formulated by the Board. We believe these provisions assist our Board to represent more effectively the interests of all shareholders, including taking action in response to demands or actions by a minority shareholder or group.

Our classified Board makes it more difficult for shareholders to change the composition of our Board even if some or a majority of the shareholders believe such a change would be desirable. Moreover, these Bye-Law provisions may deter changes in the composition of the Board or certain mergers, tender offers or other future takeover attempts which some or a majority of holders of our securities may deem to be in their best interest. In addition, because the classification provisions may discourage accumulations of large blocks of our shares by purchasers whose objective is to take control of RenaissanceRe and remove a majority of our Board of Directors, the classification of our Board of Directors could tend to reduce the likelihood of fluctuations in the market price of the shares that might result from accumulation of large blocks for such a purpose. Accordingly, shareholders could be deprived of certain opportunities to sell their shares at a higher price than might otherwise be the case.

VOTING RIGHTS LIMITATIONS

Our Bye-Laws provide that to the extent a Person shall be deemed by our Board of Directors in its sole discretion to own or control Controlled Shares which represent in excess of 9.9% of the voting rights attached to all of our issued and outstanding capital shares, then all such excess Controlled Shares shall carry no voting rights and the voting rights of such excess Controlled Shares shall be allocated to the other holders of shares pro rata based on the number of shares held by all such other holders of shares, subject to certain exceptions designed to avoid having such allocation cause any other shareholder to become a Ten Percent Shareholder. Our Board of Directors has the right to waive these restrictions in its sole discretion.

17

RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN SHAREHOLDER ACTIONS

Our Bye-Laws restrict the ability of our shareholders to take certain actions. These restrictions, among other things, limit the power of our shareholders to:

Generally, the Bye-Laws prohibit shareholders from taking these actions unless certain requirements specified in the Bye-Laws are met. These requirements include giving written notice, specifying information that must be provided in connection with the notice or in relation to the requested action, taking specified actions within specified time periods, and requiring a minimum number of holders to act.

These requirements regulating shareholder nominations and proposals may have the effect of deterring a contest for the election of directors or the introduction of a shareholder proposal if the procedures summarized above are not followed. They may also discourage or deter a third party from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or to introduce a proposal. For a more complete description of these provisions, you should refer to the Bye-Laws, which are incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

SUPERMAJORITY REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN AMENDMENTS

Our Bye-Laws require the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the voting rights attached to all of our issued and outstanding capital shares to amend, repeal or adopt any provision inconsistent with several provisions of the Bye-Laws. The provisions include, among others things, those relating to: the size of our Board and its division into classes, the removal of directors, the powers of shareholders to nominate directors, to call shareholder meetings and to propose matters to be acted on at shareholder meetings. This supermajority requirement could make it more difficult for shareholders to propose and adopt changes to the Bye-Laws intended to facilitate the acquisition or exercise of control over us.

AVAILABILITY OF SHARES FOR FUTURE ISSUANCES; SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN

We have a large number of authorized but unissued shares available for issuance. Generally, these shares may be issued by action of our directors without further action by shareholders (except as may be required by applicable stock exchange requirements). The availability of these shares for issue could be viewed as enabling the directors to make a change in our control more difficult. For example, the directors could determine to issue warrants or rights to acquire shares. In addition, we have authorized a sufficient amount of our shares such that we could put in place a shareholder rights plan without further action by shareholders. A shareholder rights plan could serve to dilute or deter stock ownership of persons seeking to obtain control of us.

Our ability to take these actions makes it more difficult for a third party to acquire us without negotiating with the Board, even if some or a majority of the shareholders desired to pursue a proposed transaction. Moreover, these powers could discourage or defeat unsolicited stock accumulation programs and acquisition proposals.

18

DESCRIPTION OF THE DEPOSITARY SHARES

GENERAL

We may, at our option, elect to offer depositary shares, each representing a fraction (to be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to our common shares or a particular series of preference shares) of a share of a common share or a particular series of preference shares as described below. In the event we elect to do so, depositary receipts evidencing depositary shares will be issued to the public.

The shares of common shares or a class or series of preference shares represented by depositary shares will be deposited under a deposit agreement among us, a depositary selected by us and the holders of the depositary receipts. The depositary will be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the U.S. and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, each owner of a depositary share will be entitled, in proportion to the applicable fraction of a common share or preference share represented by such depositary share, to all of the rights and preferences of the common shares or preference shares represented thereby (including dividend, voting, redemption and liquidation rights).

The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the deposit agreement. Depositary receipts will be distributed to those persons purchasing the fractional shares of the common shares or related class or series of preference shares in accordance with the terms of the offering described in the related prospectus supplement. If we issue depositary shares, we will file copies of the forms of deposit agreement and depositary receipt as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

Pending the preparation of definitive depositary receipts, the depositary may, upon our written order, issue temporary depositary receipts substantially identical to (and entitling the holders thereof to all of the rights pertaining to) the definitive depositary receipts but not in definitive form. Definitive depositary receipts will be prepared thereafter without unreasonable delay, and temporary depositary receipts will be exchangeable for definitive depositary receipts without charge to the holder thereof.

The following description of the depositary shares sets forth the material terms and provisions of the depositary shares to which any prospectus supplement may relate. The particular terms of the depositary shares offered by any prospectus supplement, and the extent to which the general provisions described below may apply to the offered securities, will be described in the prospectus supplement.

For a description of the depositary shares currently outstanding, see “Description of Our Capital Shares — Series F Preference Shares” and “Description of Our Capital Shares — Series G Preference Shares.”

DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS

The depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other distributions received in respect of the related common shares or class or series of preference shares to the record holders of depositary shares relating to such common shares or class or series of preference shares in proportion to the number of such depositary shares owned by such holders.

In the event of a distribution other than in cash, the depositary will distribute property received by it to the record holders of depositary shares entitled thereto, unless the depositary determines that it is not feasible to make such distribution, in which case the depositary may, with our approval, sell such property and distribute the net proceeds from such sale to such holders.

WITHDRAWAL OF SHARES

Upon surrender of the depositary receipts at the corporate trust office of the depositary (unless the related depositary shares have previously been called for redemption), the holder of the depositary shares evidenced

19

thereby is entitled to delivery of the number of whole shares of the related common shares or class or series of preference shares and any money or other property represented by such depositary shares. Holders of depositary shares will be entitled to receive whole shares of the related common shares or class or series of preference shares on the basis set forth in the prospectus supplement for such common shares or class or series of preference shares, but holders of such whole common shares or preference shares will not thereafter be entitled to exchange them for depositary shares. If the depositary receipts delivered by the holder evidence a number of depositary shares in excess of the number of depositary shares representing the number of whole common shares or preference shares to be withdrawn, the depositary will deliver to such holder at the same time a new depositary receipt evidencing such excess number of depositary shares. In no event will fractional common shares or preference shares be delivered upon surrender of depositary receipts to the depositary.

REDEMPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

Whenever we redeem common shares or preference shares held by the depositary, the depositary will redeem as of the same redemption date the number of depositary shares representing shares of common shares or the related class or series of preference shares so redeemed. The redemption price per depositary share will be equal to the applicable fraction of the redemption price per share payable with respect to such class or series of the common shares or preference shares. If less than all of the depositary shares are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot or pro rata as may be determined by the depositary.

VOTING THE COMMON SHARES OR PREFERENCE SHARES

Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the common shares or preference shares are entitled to vote, the depositary will mail the information contained in such notice of meeting to the record holders of the depositary shares relating to such common shares or preference shares. Each record holder of such depositary shares on the record date (which will be the same date as the record date for the common shares or preference shares, as applicable) will be entitled to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the amount of the class or series of preference shares or common shares represented by such holder’s depositary shares. The depositary will endeavor, insofar as practicable, to vote the number of the common shares or preference shares represented by such depositary shares in accordance with such instructions, and we will agree to take all action which the depositary deems necessary in order to enable the depositary to do so. The depositary will abstain from voting common shares or preference shares to the extent it does not receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary shares representing such common shares or preference shares. The depositary will abstain from voting common shares or preference shares to the extent it does not receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary shares representing such common shares or preference shares.

AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT

The form of depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares and any provision of the deposit agreement may at any time be amended by agreement between us and the depositary. However, any amendment which materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders of depositary receipts will not be effective unless such amendment has been approved by the holders of depositary receipts representing at least a majority (or, in the case of amendments relating to or affecting rights to receive dividends or distributions or voting or redemption rights, 66 2/3%, unless otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement) of the depositary shares then outstanding. The deposit agreement may be terminated by us or the depositary only if (1) all outstanding depositary shares have been redeemed, (2) there has been a final distribution in respect of the common shares or the related class or series of preference shares in connection with our liquidation, dissolution or winding up and such distribution has been distributed to the holders of depositary receipts or if (3) upon the consent of holders of depositary receipts representing not less than 66 2/3% of the depositary shares outstanding.

CHARGES OF DEPOSITARY

We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. We will also pay charges of the depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the

20

related common shares or class or series of preference shares and any redemption of such common shares or preference shares. Holders of depositary receipts will pay all other transfer and other taxes and governmental charges and such other charges as are expressly provided in the deposit agreement to be for their accounts.

The depositary may refuse to effect any transfer of a depositary receipt or any withdrawal of shares of common shares or a class or series of preference shares evidenced thereby until all such taxes and charges with respect to such depositary receipt or such common shares or preference shares are paid by the holders thereof.

MISCELLANEOUS

The depositary will forward all reports and communications from us which are delivered to the depositary and which we are required to furnish to the holders of the common shares or preference shares.

Neither we nor the depositary will be liable if either of us is prevented or delayed by law or any circumstance beyond our control in performing our obligations under the deposit agreement. Our obligations and the obligations of the depositary under the deposit agreement will be limited to performance in good faith of their duties thereunder and neither we nor the depositary will be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any depositary shares or class or series of preference shares unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. We and the depositary may rely on written advice of counsel or accountants, or information provided by persons presenting preference shares for deposit, holders of depositary shares or other persons believed to be competent and on documents believed to be genuine.

RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL OF DEPOSITARY

The depositary may resign at any time by delivering to us notice of its election to do so, and we may at any time remove the depositary. Any such resignation or removal of the depositary will take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary, which successor depositary must be appointed within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal and must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the U.S. and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000.

21

DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES

We and RenaissanceRe Finance may offer debt securities. The following description sets forth the material terms and provisions of the debt securities to which any prospectus supplement may relate. Our senior debt securities are to be issued under a senior indenture between us and a financial institution, as trustee, the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and is incorporated by reference and RenaissanceRe Finance’s senior debt securities are to be issued under a senior indenture between RenaissanceRe Finance and a financial institution, as trustee (the “RenaissanceRe Finance Senior Indenture”), the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and is incorporated by reference. Our subordinated debt securities are to be issued under a subordinated indenture between us and a financial institution, as trustee, the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and is incorporated by reference and RenaissanceRe Finance’s subordinated debt securities are to be issued under a subordinated indenture between RenaissanceRe Finance and a financial institution, as trustee (the “RenaissanceRe Finance Subordinated Indenture”), the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and is incorporated by reference. In addition, we and RenaissanceRe Finance may issue junior subordinated debt securities, including to the Capital Trust in connection with the issuance of preferred securities and common securities by the Capital Trust. Our junior subordinated debt securities are to be issued under a junior subordinated indenture between us and a financial institution, as trustee, the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and is incorporated by reference and RenaissanceRe Finance’s junior subordinated debt securities are to be issued under a junior subordinated indenture between RenaissanceRe Finance and a financial institution, as trustee (the “RenaissanceRe Finance Junior Subordinated Indenture”), the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and is incorporated by reference. The senior indentures, the subordinated indentures and the junior subordinated indentures are sometimes referred to herein collectively as the “indentures” and each individually as an “indenture.” The particular terms of the debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement, and the extent to which the general provisions described below may apply to the offered debt securities, will be described in the prospectus supplement. The indentures are subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act.

Because the following summaries of the material terms and provisions of the indentures and the related debt securities are not complete, you should refer to the forms of the indentures and the debt securities for complete information regarding the terms and provisions of the indentures, including the definitions of some of the terms used below, and the debt securities. Wherever we refer to particular articles, sections or defined terms of an indenture, those articles, sections or defined terms are incorporated herein by reference. Whenever we refer to particular articles, sections or defined terms of an indenture, without specific reference to an indenture, those articles, sections or defined terms are contained in all indentures. The senior indentures and the subordinated indentures are substantially identical, except for provisions relating to subordination. The subordinated indentures and the junior subordinated indenture are substantially identical, except for certain rights and covenants of ours or RenaissanceRe Finance, as applicable, and provisions relating to the issuance of securities to the Capital Trust.

GENERAL

The indentures do not limit the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities that we or RenaissanceRe Finance may issue thereunder and provide that we or RenaissanceRe Finance, as applicable, may issue the debt securities thereunder from time to time in one or more series. Unless otherwise described in a prospectus supplement regarding any debt securities, the indentures do not limit the amount of other indebtedness or the debt securities which we or our subsidiaries may issue.

Unless otherwise provided in a prospectus supplement, our and RenaissanceRe Finance’s senior debt securities will be unsecured obligations of the respective issuer and will rank equally with all of such issuer’s other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The subordinated debt securities will be unsecured obligations of

22

the issuer, subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all senior indebtedness of such issuer as described below under “Subordination of the Subordinated Debt Securities of RenaissanceRe,” “Subordination of the Subordinated Debt Securities of RenaissanceRe Finance” and in the applicable prospectus supplement. The junior subordinated debt securities will be unsecured obligations of the issuer, subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of such issuer’s senior and subordinated indebtedness, as described below under “Certain Provisions of the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities Issued to the Capital Trust” and in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Because we are a holding company, our rights and the rights of our creditors (including the holders of our debt securities and the holders of RenaissanceRe Finance’s debt securities who are creditors of RenaissanceRe by virtue of our guarantee of the debt securities issued by RenaissanceRe Finance) and shareholders to participate in any distribution of assets of any of our subsidiaries upon that subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization or otherwise would be subject to the prior claims of that subsidiary’s creditors, including claims against our reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries of their respective policyholders, except to the extent that we may ourselves be a creditor with recognized claims against that subsidiary or our creditor may have the benefit of a guaranty from our subsidiary. Our revolving credit agreement requires that under the circumstances specified in such agreement certain of our existing and future subsidiaries become guarantors of the loans made to us under such agreement. The existing guarantor is RenaissanceRe Finance . Other than the lenders under our revolving credit agreement, none of our creditors has the benefit of a guaranty from any of our subsidiaries. The rights of our creditors (including the holders of our debt securities and the holders of RenaissanceRe Finance’s debt securities who are creditors of RenaissanceRe by virtue of our guarantee of the debt securities issued by RenaissanceRe Finance) to participate in the distribution of stock owned by us in certain of our subsidiaries, including our insurance subsidiaries, may also be subject to approval by certain insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over such subsidiaries.

In the event that we or RenaissanceRe Finance issue junior subordinated debt securities to the Capital Trust in connection with the issuance of preferred securities and common securities by the Capital Trust, such junior subordinated debt securities subsequently may be distributed pro rata to the holders of such preferred securities and common securities in connection with the dissolution of the Capital Trust upon the occurrence of certain events. These events will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such preferred securities and common securities. Only one series of our junior subordinated debt securities will be issued by us or RenaissanceRe Finance, as applicable, to the Capital Trust in connection with the issuance of preferred securities and common securities by the Capital Trust.

The prospectus supplement relating to the particular debt securities offered thereby will include specific terms relating to the offering. The terms will include, among other things, some or all of the following, as applicable:

23

24

The issuer will have the ability under the indentures to “reopen” a previously issued series of the debt securities and issue additional debt securities of that series or establish additional terms of that series. The issuer is also permitted to issue debt securities with the same terms as previously issued debt securities.

Unless otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement, principal, premium, interest and additional amounts, if any, with respect to any debt securities will be payable at the office or agency maintained by us or RenaissanceRe Finance, as applicable, for such purposes (initially the corporate trust office of the trustee). In the case of debt securities issued in registered form, interest may be paid by check mailed to the persons entitled thereto at their addresses appearing on the security register or by transfer to an account maintained by the payee with a bank located in the United States. A security issued in “registered form” is a security for which the issuer or the paying agent keeps a record of all the current holders. Interest on debt securities issued in registered form will be payable on any interest payment date to the persons in whose names the debt securities are registered at the close of business on the regular record date with respect to such interest payment date. Interest on such debt securities which have a redemption date after a regular record date, and on or before the following interest payment date, will also be payable to the persons in whose names the debt securities are so registered. All paying agents initially designated by us or RenaissanceRe Finance, as applicable, for the debt securities will be named in the related prospectus supplement. The issuer may at any time designate additional paying agents or rescind the designation of any paying agent or approve a change in the office through which any paying agent acts, except that the issuer will be required to maintain a paying agent in each place where the principal of, any premium or interest on or any additional amounts with respect to the debt securities are payable.

Unless otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement, the debt securities may be presented for transfer (duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer, if so required by us or the security registrar) or exchanged for other debt securities of the same series (containing identical terms and provisions, in any authorized denominations, and of a like aggregate principal amount) at the office or agency maintained by the issuer for such purposes (initially the corporate trust office of the trustee). Such transfer or exchange will be made without service charge, but the issuer may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge and any other expenses then payable. The issuer will not be required to (1) issue, register the transfer of, or exchange, the debt securities during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of mailing of a notice of redemption of any such debt securities and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing, (2) register the transfer of or exchange any debt security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any debt security being redeemed in part, or (3) register the transfer of or exchange any debt security which, in accordance with its terms, has been surrendered for repayment at the option of the older, except the portion, if any, of such debt security not to be so repaid.

We or RenaissanceRe Finance, as applicable, will appoint the trustee as security registrar. Any transfer agent (in addition to the security registrar) initially designated by the issuer for any debt securities will be named in the related prospectus supplement. The issuer may at any time designate additional transfer agents or rescind the designation of any transfer agent or approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts, except that the issuer will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place where the principal of, any premium or interest on, or any additional amounts with respect to the debt securities are payable.

25

Unless otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be issued only in fully registered form without coupons in minimum denominations of $2,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000. The debt securities may be represented in whole or in part by one or more global debt securities registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee and, if so represented, interests in such global debt security will be shown on, and transfers thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by the designated depositary and its participants as described below.

The debt securities may be issued as original issue discount securities (bearing no interest or bearing interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market rates) to be sold at a substantial discount below their principal amount and may for various other reasons be considered to have original issue discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In general, original issue discount is included in the income of holders on a yield-to-maturity basis. Accordingly, depending on the terms of the debt securities, holders may be required to include amounts in income prior to the receipt thereof. Special U.S. federal income tax and other considerations applicable to original issue discount securities will be described in the related prospectus supplement.

If the purchase price of any debt securities is payable in one or more foreign currencies or currency units or if any debt securities are denominated in one or more foreign currencies or currency units or if the principal of, or any premium or interest on, or any additional amounts with respect to, any debt securities are payable in one or more foreign currencies or currency units, the restrictions, elections, certain U.S. federal income tax considerations, specific terms and other information with respect to such debt securities and such foreign currency or currency units will be set forth in the related prospectus supplement.

The issuer will comply with Section 14(e) under the Exchange Act, and any other tender offer rules under the Exchange Act which may then be applicable, in connection with any obligation of the issuer to purchase debt securities at the option of the holders. Any such obligation applicable to a series of debt securities will be described in the related prospectus supplement.

Unless otherwise described in a prospectus supplement relating to any debt securities, the indentures do not contain any provisions that would limit the issuer’s ability to incur indebtedness or that would afford holders of the debt securities protection in the event of a sudden and significant decline in the issuer’s credit quality or a takeover, recapitalization or highly leveraged or similar transaction involving us or RenaissanceRe Finance. Accordingly, we or RenaissanceRe Finance could in the future enter into transactions that could increase the amount of indebtedness outstanding at that time or otherwise affect our or RenaissanceRe Finance’s capital structure or credit rating.

You should refer to the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of the debt securities for information regarding any deletions from, modifications of, or additions to the Events of Defaults described below or the issuer’s covenants contained in the respective indenture, including any addition of a covenant or other provisions providing event risk or similar protection.

CONVERSION AND EXCHANGE

The terms, if any, on which debt securities of any series are convertible into or exchangeable for common shares, preference shares or other securities (whether issued by us), property or cash, or a combination of any of the foregoing, will be set forth in the related prospectus supplement. Such terms may include provisions for conversion or exchange, either mandatory, at the option of the holder, or at our or RenaissanceRe Finance’s option, as applicable, in which the securities, property or cash to be received by the holders of the debt securities would be calculated according to the factors and at such time as described in the related prospectus supplement. Any such conversion or exchange will comply with applicable law and the issuer’s organizational documents.

CONSOLIDATION, AMALGAMATION, MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS

Unless otherwise described in a prospectus supplement, each indenture provides that the issuer may not (1) consolidate or amalgamate with or merge into any Person (other than, in the case of RenaissanceRe Finance,

26

another subsidiary of ours) or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to any Person (other than, in the case of RenaissanceRe Finance, another subsidiary of ours), or (2) permit any Person (other than, in the case of RenaissanceRe Finance, another subsidiary of ours) to consolidate or amalgamate with or merge into the issuer, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to the issuer, unless, among other things, (a) in the case of (1) above, such Person is a Corporation organized and existing under the laws of the U.S., any state thereof or the District of Columbia, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands or any country which is, on the date of the indenture, a member of the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development or the EU and expressly assumes, by supplemental indenture duly executed by the successor Person and delivered to the trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of, any premium and interest on and any additional amounts with respect to all of the debt securities issued thereunder, and the performance of the issuer’s obligations under such indenture and the debt securities issued thereunder, and provides for conversion or exchange rights in accordance with the provisions of the debt securities of any series that are convertible or exchangeable into common shares or other securities; (b) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which after notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default, will have occurred and be continuing under such indenture; and (c) certain other conditions are met. Each indenture provides similar restrictions for the guarantor, if any.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

Unless the issuer provides other or substitute Events of Default in a prospectus supplement, the following events will constitute an Event of Default under the applicable indenture with respect to any series of debt securities issued thereunder (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it will be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):

(1) default in the payment of any interest on any debt security of such series, or any additional amounts payable with respect thereto, when such interest becomes or such additional amounts become due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 90 days;

(2) default in the payment of the principal of or any premium on any debt security of such series, or any additional amounts payable with respect thereto, when such principal, premium or such additional amounts become due and payable either at maturity, upon any redemption, by declaration of acceleration or otherwise;

(3) default by the issuer or the guarantor (if any) in the performance, or breach, of any other covenant or warranty of the issuer or the guarantor (if any) contained in the applicable indenture for the benefit of such series or in the debt securities of such series, and the continuance of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after there has been given written notice as provided in such indenture; and

(4) certain events relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the issuer or the guarantor (if any).

If an Event of Default with respect to the debt securities of any series (other than an Event of Default described in clause (4) of the preceding paragraph) occurs and is continuing, either the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series by written notice as provided in the applicable indenture may declare the principal amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the debt securities of such series) of all outstanding debt securities of such series to be due and payable immediately. At any time after a declaration of acceleration has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of money has been obtained by the trustee, and subject to applicable law and certain other provisions of the applicable indenture, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of such series may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration. An Event of Default described in clause (4) of the preceding paragraph will cause the principal amount and accrued interest (or such lesser amount as provided for in the debt securities of such series) to become immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act by the trustee or any holder.

27

Each indenture provides that, within 90 days after the occurrence of any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to the debt securities of any series, the trustee will transmit, in the manner set forth in such indenture and subject to the exceptions described below, notice of such default to the holders of the debt securities of such series, unless such default has been cured or waived. However, except in the case of a default in the payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on, or additional amounts or any sinking fund with respect to, any debt security of such series, the trustee may withhold such notice if and so long as the trustee in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the best interest of the holders of the debt securities of such series.

If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to the debt securities of any series, the trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the holders of the debt securities of such series by all appropriate judicial proceedings. Each indenture provides that, subject to the duty of the trustee during any default to act with the required standard of care, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under such indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of the debt securities, unless such holders shall have offered to the trustee reasonable indemnity. Subject to such provisions for the indemnification of the trustee, and subject to applicable law and certain other provisions of the applicable indenture, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee, with respect to debt securities of such series.

MODIFICATION AND WAIVER

The issuer and the trustee may modify or amend any indenture with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected thereby; provided, however, that no such modification or amendment may, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security affected thereby:

28

In addition, no supplemental indenture may directly or indirectly modify or eliminate the subordination provisions of the subordinated indenture or the junior subordinated indenture in any manner which might terminate or impair the subordination of the subordinated debt securities, or the junior subordinated debt securities to Senior Indebtedness without the prior written consent of the holders of the Senior Indebtedness.

The issuer and the trustee may modify or amend any indenture and debt securities of any series without the consent of any holder in order to, among other things:

The holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of debt securities of any series may, on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series, waive compliance by the issuer with certain restrictive provisions of the applicable indenture. The holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may, on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series, waive any past default and its consequences under the applicable indenture with respect to debt securities of that series, except a default (1) in the payment of principal of, any premium or interest on or any additional amounts with respect to debt securities of that series or (2) in respect of a covenant or provision of the applicable indenture that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each debt security of any series.

Under each indenture, the issuer is required to deliver to the trustee annually a statement as to its performance of certain of its obligations under that indenture and as to any default in such performance. The issuer is also required to deliver to the trustee, within five days after occurrence thereof, written notice of any Event of Default or any event which after notice or lapse of time or both would constitute an Event of Default under certain provisions of the indentures.

29

DISCHARGE, DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

The issuer may discharge certain obligations to holders of any series of debt securities that have not already been delivered to the trustee for cancellation and that either have become due and payable or will become due and payable within one year (or scheduled for redemption within one year) by depositing with the trustee, in trust, funds in U.S. dollars or in the Foreign Currency (as defined below) in which such debt securities are payable in an amount sufficient to pay the entire indebtedness on such debt securities with respect to principal and any premium, interest and additional amounts to the date of such deposit (if such debt securities have become due and payable) or with respect to principal and any premium and interest to the maturity or redemption date thereof, as applicable.

Each indenture provides that, unless the provisions of Section 4.2 thereof are made inapplicable to debt securities of or within any series pursuant to Section 3.1 thereof, the issuer may elect either (1) to defease and be discharged from any and all obligations with respect to such debt securities (except for, among other things, the obligation to pay additional amounts, if any, upon the occurrence of certain events of taxation, assessment or governmental charge with respect to payments on such debt securities, if the debt securities of a series provide for the payment of such additional amounts, and other obligations to register the transfer or exchange of such debt securities, to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities, to maintain an office or agency with respect to such debt securities and to hold moneys for payment in trust) (“defeasance”) or (2) to be released from its obligations with respect to such debt securities under certain covenants as described in the related prospectus supplement, and any omission to comply with such obligations will not constitute a default or an Event of Default with respect to such debt securities (“covenant defeasance”). Defeasance or covenant defeasance, as applicable, will be conditioned upon the irrevocable deposit by us with the trustee, in trust, of an amount in U.S. dollars or in the Foreign Currency in which such debt securities are payable at stated maturity, or Government Obligations, or both, applicable to such debt securities which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount sufficient (without reinvestment) to pay the principal of, any premium and interest on such debt securities on the scheduled due dates or any prior redemption date.

Such a trust may only be established if, among other things:

(1) the applicable defeasance or covenant defeasance does not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or instrument to which the issuer is a party or by which it is bound;

(2) no Event of Default or event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default with respect to the debt securities to be defeased will have occurred and be continuing on the date of establishment of such a trust after giving effect to such establishment and, with respect to defeasance only, no bankruptcy proceeding will have occurred and be continuing at any time during the period ending on the 91st day after such date;

(3) the issuer has delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel (as specified in each indenture) to the effect that the holders of such debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance or covenant defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred, and such opinion of counsel, in the case of defeasance, must refer to and be based upon a letter ruling of the IRS received by the issuer, a Revenue Ruling published by the IRS or a change in applicable U.S. federal income tax law occurring after the date of the applicable indenture; and

(4) with respect to defeasance, the issuer has delivered to the trustee an officers’ certificate as to solvency and the absence of intent of preferring holders over other creditors.

“Foreign Currency” means any currency, currency unit or composite currency, including, without limitation, the euro, issued by the government of one or more countries other than the United States of America or by any

30

recognized confederation or association of such governments. “Government Obligations” means debt securities which are (1) direct obligations of the United States of America or the government or governments or confederation or association of governments which issued the Foreign Currency in which the debt securities of a particular series are payable, in each case, for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (2) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America or such government or governments or confederation or association of governments which issued the Foreign Currency in which the debt securities of such series are payable, in each case, the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America or such other government or governments or confederation or association of governments, which, in the case of clauses (1) and (2), are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer or issuers thereof, and will also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian with respect to any such Government Obligation or a specific payment of interest on or principal of or any other amount with respect to any such Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such depository receipt, provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian with respect to the Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of or any other amount with respect to the Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt.

If, after the issuer has deposited funds and/or Government Obligations to effect defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to debt securities of any series, (1) the holder of a debt security of that series is entitled to, and does, elect pursuant to Section 3.1 of the applicable indenture or the terms of such debt security to receive payment in a currency other than that in which such deposit has been made in respect of such debt security, or (2) a Conversion Event (as defined below) occurs in respect of the Foreign Currency in which such deposit has been made, the indebtedness represented by such debt security will be deemed to have been, and will be, fully discharged and satisfied through the payment of the principal of, any premium and interest on, if any, and any additional amounts, if any, with respect to, such debt security as such debt security becomes due out of the proceeds yielded by converting the amount or other properties so deposited in respect of such debt security into the currency in which such debt security becomes payable, as a result of such election or such Conversion Event based on (a) in the case of payments made pursuant to clause (1) above, the applicable market exchange rate for such currency in effect on the second business day prior to such payment date, or (b) with respect to a Conversion Event, the applicable market exchange rate for such Foreign Currency in effect (as nearly as feasible) at the time of the Conversion Event.

“Conversion Event” means the cessation of use of (1) a Foreign Currency both by the government of the country or countries which issued such Foreign Currency and for the settlement of transactions by a central bank or other public institutions of or within the international banking community or (2) any currency unit or composite currency for the purposes for which it was established.

In the event the issuer effects covenant defeasance with respect to any debt securities and such debt securities are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any Event of Default other than an Event of Default with respect to any covenant as to which there has been covenant defeasance, the amount in such Foreign Currency in which such debt securities are payable, and Government Obligations on deposit with the trustee, will be sufficient to pay amounts due on such debt securities at the time of the stated maturity or redemption date but may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on such debt securities at the time of the acceleration resulting from such Event of Default. However, the issuer would remain liable to make payment of such amounts due at the time of acceleration.

REDEMPTION

Unless otherwise described in a prospectus supplement relating to any debt securities, other than as described under “Certain Provisions of the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities Issued to the Capital Trust,” the issuer may, at its option, redeem any series of debt securities, in whole or in part, at any time at the redemption price. Unless

31

otherwise described in a prospectus supplement, debt securities will not be subject to sinking fund or other mandatory redemption or to redemption or repurchase at the option of the holders upon a change of control, a change in management, an asset sale or any other specified event. Neither we nor RenaissanceRe Finance currently have any debt securities outstanding that are subject to redemption or repurchase at the option of the holders. We will include appropriate risk factor disclosure in any prospectus supplement prepared in connection with the issuance of debt securities that are subject to redemption or repurchase at the option of the holders.

In the case where debt securities of a series or the guarantee of such debt securities provides for the payment of additional amounts, the issuer or the guarantor may redeem such debt securities at its option, in whole but not in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts, if any, to the date fixed for redemption, if at any time it receives an opinion of counsel stating that, as a result of any change to the laws of any relevant taxing jurisdiction, any action taken by the relevant taxing jurisdiction which action is applied with respect to it, or a decision rendered by a court of such relevant taxing jurisdiction, there is a substantial probability that it will be required to pay additional amounts as of the next interest payment date and such requirements cannot be avoided by the use of reasonable measures then available. Any such redemption will be subject to the redemption provisions in each indenture.

Except as otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement, in the case of any series of junior subordinated debt securities issued by us or RenaissanceRe Finance to the Capital Trust, if an Investment Company Event or a Tax Event (each, a “Special Event”) shall occur and be continuing, we or RenaissanceRe Finance, as applicable, may, at the option of such issuer, redeem such series of junior subordinated debt securities, in whole but not in part, at any time within 90 days of the occurrence of the Special Event, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such junior subordinated debt securities then outstanding plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date fixed for redemption.

For purposes of the junior subordinated indenture, “Investment Company Event” means, in respect of the Capital Trust, the receipt by the Capital Trust of an opinion of counsel rendered by an independent law firm experienced in such matters to the effect that, as a result of the occurrence of a change in law or regulation or a written change in the interpretation or application of law or regulation by any legislative body, court or governmental agency or regulatory authority, there is more than an insubstantial risk that the Capital Trust is or will be considered an investment company or a company controlled by an investment company that is required to be registered under the Investment Company Act, which change becomes effective on or after the date of original issuance of the preferred securities of the Capital Trust.

“Tax Event” means, in respect of the Capital Trust, the receipt by us or RenaissanceRe Finance, as applicable, or the Capital Trust of an opinion of counsel rendered by an independent law firm experienced in such matters to the effect that, as a result of any amendment to, or change (including any announced prospective change) in, the laws (or any regulation thereunder) of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, or as a result of any official administrative pronouncement or judicial decision interpreting or applying such laws or regulations, which amendment or change is effective or which pronouncement or decision is announced on or after the date of original issuance of the preferred securities of the Capital Trust, there is more than an insubstantial risk that (i) the Capital Trust is, or will be within 90 days of the date of such opinion, subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to income received or accrued on the corresponding series of junior subordinated debt securities, (ii) interest payable by us or RenaissanceRe Finance, as applicable, on such junior subordinated debt securities is not, or within 90 days of the date of such opinion will not be, deductible by us or RenaissanceRe Finance, as applicable, in whole or in part, for U.S. federal income tax purposes or (iii) the Capital Trust is, or will be within 90 days of the date of such opinion, subject to more than a de minimis amount of taxes, duties or other governmental charges.

Unless otherwise described in a prospectus supplement, a notice of redemption may not be conditioned and a notice of any redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of debt securities to be redeemed at its registered address. Unless the issuer defaults in payment of

32

the redemption price, on and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the debt securities or portions thereof called for redemption.

GLOBAL SECURITIES

The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global debt securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depositary identified in the prospectus supplement relating to such series.

The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to a series of the debt securities will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such series. We or RenaissanceRe Finance anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depositary arrangements.

Upon the issuance of a global security, the depositary for such global security or its nominee will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the debt securities represented by such global security to the participants’ accounts. Such accounts will be designated by the underwriters or agents with respect to such debt securities or by us if such debt securities are offered and sold directly by us. Ownership of beneficial interests by participants in a global security will be limited to participants and persons that may hold interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in such global security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary or its nominee (with respect to interests of participants) and on the records of participants (with respect to interests of persons other than participants). The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such limits and such laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global security.

So long as the depositary for a global security, or its nominee, is the registered owner of such global security, such depositary or such nominee, as applicable, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the debt securities represented by such global security for all purposes under the applicable indenture. Except as described below, owners of beneficial interests in a global security will not be entitled to have the debt securities of the series represented by such global security registered in their names and will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the debt securities of that series in definitive form and will not be considered owners or holders thereof under the indenture under which the debt securities are issued. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a global security must rely on the procedures of the depositary. Persons who are not participants must rely on the procedures of the participant through which they own their interest. We understand that under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders or if any owner of a beneficial interest in a global security desires to give or take any action which a holder is entitled to give or take under the applicable indenture, the depositary would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take such action, and such participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through such participants to give or take such action or would otherwise act upon the instruction of beneficial owners holding through them.

Principal of, any premium and interest on, and any additional amounts with respect to, the debt securities registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as applicable, as the registered owner of the global security representing such debt securities. None of the trustee, any paying agent, the security registrar, us or RenaissanceRe Finance will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests of the global security for such debt securities or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

We and RenaissanceRe Finance expect that the depositary for a series of the debt securities or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment with respect to such debt securities, will credit immediately participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the global

33

security for such debt securities as shown on the records of such depositary or its nominee. We and RenaissanceRe Finance also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in such global security held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of such participants.

The indentures provide that if:

(1) the depositary for a series of the debt securities notifies the issuer that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or if such depositary ceases to be eligible under the applicable indenture and a successor depositary is not appointed by us within 90 days of written notice;

(2) the issuer determines that the debt securities of a particular series will no longer be represented by global securities and executes and delivers to the trustee a company order to such effect; or

(3) an Event of Default with respect to a series of the debt securities has occurred and is continuing,

the global securities will be exchanged for the debt securities of such series in definitive form of like tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in authorized denominations.

Such definitive debt securities will be registered in such name or names as the depositary shall instruct the trustee. It is expected that such instructions may be based upon directions received by the depositary from participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in global securities.

PAYMENT OF ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS

If the debt securities of a series provide for the payment of additional amounts on account of taxes, fees, assessments or governmental charges as will be described in the related prospectus supplement, the issuer will pay to the holder of the debt securities of such series the additional amounts as described therein and, except as otherwise provided therein, the following provisions with respect to the payment of additional amounts shall apply.

The issuer will make all payments of principal of and premium, if any, interest and any other amounts on, or in respect of, the debt securities of any series without withholding or deduction at source for, or on account of, any present or future taxes, fees, duties, assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature imposed or levied by or on behalf of any jurisdiction in which it is organized (a “taxing jurisdiction”) or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, unless such taxes, fees, duties, assessments or governmental charges are required to be withheld or deducted by (x) the laws (or any regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder) of a taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein or (y) an official position regarding the application, administration, interpretation or enforcement of any such laws, regulations or rulings (including, without limitation, a holding by a court of competent jurisdiction or by a taxing authority in a taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof). If a withholding or deduction at source is required, the issuer will, subject to certain limitations and exceptions described below, pay to the holder of any such debt security such additional amounts as may be necessary so that every net payment of principal, premium, if any, interest or any other amount made to such holder, after the withholding or deduction, will not be less than the amount provided for in such debt security and the applicable indenture to be then due and payable.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the issuer will not be required to pay any additional amounts for or on account of: (1) any tax, fee, duty, assessment or governmental charge of whatever nature which would not have been imposed but for the fact that such holder (a) was a resident, domiciliary or national of, or engaged in business or maintained a permanent establishment or was physically present in, the relevant taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof or otherwise had some connection with the relevant taxing jurisdiction other than by

34

reason of the mere ownership of, or receipt of payment under, such debt security, (b) presented such debt security for payment in the relevant taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof, unless such debt security could not have been presented for payment elsewhere, or (c) presented such debt security for payment more than 30 days after the date on which the payment in respect of such debt security became due and payable or provided for, whichever is later, except to the extent that the holder would have been entitled to such additional amounts if it had presented such debt security for payment on any day within that 30-day period;

(2) any estate, inheritance, gift, sale, transfer, personal property or similar tax, assessment or other governmental charge;

(3) any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed or withheld by reason of the failure by the holder or the beneficial owner of such debt security to comply with any reasonable request by the issuer addressed to the holder within 90 days of such request (a) to provide information concerning the nationality, residence or identity of the holder or such beneficial owner or (b) to make any declaration or other similar claim or satisfy any information or reporting requirement, which is required or imposed by statute, treaty, regulation or administrative practice of the relevant taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof as a precondition to exemption from all or part of such tax, assessment or other governmental charge; or

(4) any combination of items (1), (2) and (3).

In addition, the issuer will not pay additional amounts with respect to any payment of principal of, or premium, if any, interest or any other amounts on, any such debt security to any holder who is a fiduciary or partnership or other than the sole beneficial owner of such debt security to the extent such payment would be required by the laws of the relevant taxing jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or relevant taxing authority thereof or therein) to be included in the income for tax purposes of a beneficiary, partner or settlor with respect to such fiduciary or a member of such partnership or a beneficial owner who would not have been entitled to such additional amounts had it been the holder of the debt security.

As further described above under “— Redemption”, in certain cases where debt securities of a series or the guarantee of such debt securities provides for the payment of additional amounts, the issuer or the guarantor may redeem such debt securities at its option, in whole but not in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts, if any, to the date fixed for redemption.

NEW YORK LAW TO GOVERN

The indentures and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements made or instruments entered into and, in each case, performed in that state.

CERTAIN PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES

SUBORDINATION OF THE SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES ISSUED BY US

Our subordinated debt securities will, to the extent set forth in the subordinated indenture, be subordinate in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all our Senior Indebtedness. As of March 31, 2023, we had an aggregate of $400.0 million principal amount of outstanding Senior Indebtedness in the form of senior notes. In addition, we have guaranteed outstanding senior notes issued by RenaissanceRe Finance in an aggregate principal amount of $600.0 million and have also agreed to guarantee the reimbursement obligations of certain of our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries under their letter of credit facilities. If certain events occur, including:

(1) any insolvency or bankruptcy case or proceeding, or any receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar case or proceeding in connection therewith, relative to us or to our creditors, as such, or to our assets;

35

(2) any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of ours, whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy; or

(3) any assignment for the benefit of creditors or any other marshalling of assets and liabilities of ours, then and in any such event the holders of our Senior Indebtedness will be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due or to become due on or in respect of all such Senior Indebtedness, or provision will be made for such payment in cash, before the holders of the subordinated debt securities are entitled to receive or retain any payment on account of principal of, or any premium or interest on, or any additional amounts with respect to, subordinated debt securities, and to that end the holders of our Senior Indebtedness will be entitled to receive, for application to the payment thereof, any payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, including any such payment or distribution which may be payable or deliverable by reason of the payment of any other Indebtedness (as defined in the applicable indenture) of ours being subordinated to the payment of our subordinated debt securities, which may be payable or deliverable in respect of our subordinated debt securities in any such case, proceeding, dissolution, liquidation or other winding up event.

By reason of such subordination, in the event of our liquidation or insolvency, holders of our Senior Indebtedness and holders of other obligations of ours that are not subordinated to our Senior Indebtedness may recover more, ratably, than the holders of our subordinated debt securities.

Subject to the payment in full of all of our Senior Indebtedness, the rights of the holders of our subordinated debt securities will be subrogated to the rights of the holders of our Senior Indebtedness to receive payments or distributions of cash, property or securities of ours applicable to such Senior Indebtedness until the principal of, any premium and interest on, and any additional amounts with respect to, our subordinated debt securities have been paid in full.

No payment of principal (including redemption and sinking fund payments) of or any premium or interest on or any additional amounts with respect to our subordinated debt securities, or payments to acquire such securities (other than pursuant to their conversion), may be made (1) if any Senior Indebtedness of ours is not paid when due and any applicable grace period with respect to such default has ended and such default has not been cured or waived or ceased to exist, or (2) if the maturity of any Senior Indebtedness of ours has been accelerated because of a default.

Our subordinated indenture does not limit or prohibit us from incurring additional Senior Indebtedness, which may include Indebtedness that is senior to our subordinated debt securities, but subordinate to our other obligations. The senior debt securities issued by us will constitute Senior Indebtedness under our subordinated indenture.

For purposes of this section, the term “Senior Indebtedness” means all Indebtedness of ours outstanding at any time, except:

(1) the subordinated debt securities and any guarantees thereof (other than in respect of our junior subordinated debt securities);

(2) Indebtedness as to which, by the terms of the instrument creating or evidencing the same, it is provided that such Indebtedness is subordinated to or ranks equally with our subordinated debt securities;

(3) any liability for income, franchise, real estate or other taxes owed or owing;

(4) interest accruing after the filing of a petition initiating any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar proceeding unless such interest is an allowed claim enforceable against us in a proceeding under federal or state bankruptcy laws;

36

(5) trade accounts payable; and

(6) under any junior subordinated indenture, any Indebtedness, including all guarantees, initially issued to (x) the Capital Trust or (y) any trust, partnership or other entity affiliated with us which is a financing vehicle of ours or any Affiliate of ours in connection with an issuance by such entity of preferred securities or other securities which are similar to the preferred securities described under “Description of the Trust Preferred Securities” below.

Such Senior Indebtedness will continue to be Senior Indebtedness and be entitled to the benefits of the subordination provisions irrespective of any amendment, modification or waiver of any term of such Senior Indebtedness.

Our subordinated indenture provides that the foregoing subordination provisions, insofar as they relate to any particular issue of our subordinated debt securities, may be changed prior to such issuance. Any such change would be described in the related prospectus supplement.

SUBORDINATION OF THE SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES ISSUED BY RENAISSANCERE FINANCE

Subordinated debt securities issued by RenaissanceRe Finance will, to the extent set forth in the subordinated indenture of RenaissanceRe Finance, be subordinate in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness of RenaissanceRe Finance. As of March 31, 2023, RenaissanceRe Finance had $600.0 million of outstanding senior notes. In the event of:

(1) any insolvency or bankruptcy case or proceeding, or any receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar case or proceeding in connection therewith, relative to RenaissanceRe Finance or to its creditors, as such, or to its assets; or

(2) any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of RenaissanceRe Finance, whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy; or

(3) any assignment for the benefit of creditors or any other marshalling of assets and liabilities of RenaissanceRe Finance,

then and in any such event the holders of Senior Indebtedness of RenaissanceRe Finance will be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due or to become due on or in respect of all Senior Indebtedness of RenaissanceRe Finance, or provision will be made for such payment in cash, before the holders of the subordinated debt securities of RenaissanceRe Finance are entitled to receive or retain any payment on account of principal of, or any premium or interest on, or any additional amounts with respect to, subordinated debt securities of RenaissanceRe Finance, and to that end the holders of Senior Indebtedness of RenaissanceRe Finance will be entitled to receive, for application to the payment thereof, any payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, including any such payment or distribution which may be payable or deliverable by reason of the payment of any other Indebtedness of RenaissanceRe Finance being subordinated to the payment of subordinated debt securities of RenaissanceRe Finance, which may be payable or deliverable in respect of such subordinated debt securities in any such case, proceeding, dissolution, liquidation or other winding up event. By reason of such subordination, in the event of the liquidation or insolvency of RenaissanceRe Finance, holders of Senior Indebtedness and holders of other obligations of RenaissanceRe Finance that are not subordinated to such Senior Indebtedness may recover more, ratably, than the holders of subordinated debt securities of RenaissanceRe Finance.

Subject to the payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness of RenaissanceRe Finance, the rights of the holders of subordinated debt securities of RenaissanceRe Finance will be subrogated to the rights of the holders of such

37

Senior Indebtedness to receive payments or distributions of cash, property or securities of RenaissanceRe Finance applicable to such Senior Indebtedness until the principal of, any premium and interest on, and any additional amounts with respect to, such subordinated debt securities have been paid in full.

No payment of principal (including redemption and sinking fund payments) of or any premium or interest on or any additional amounts with respect to the subordinated debt securities of RenaissanceRe Finance, or payments to acquire such securities (other than pursuant to their conversion), may be made (1) if any Senior Indebtedness of RenaissanceRe Finance is not paid when due and any applicable grace period with respect to such default has ended and such default has not been cured or waived or ceased to exist, or (2) if the maturity of any Senior Indebtedness of RenaissanceRe Finance has been accelerated because of a default.

The RenaissanceRe Finance subordinated indenture does not limit or prohibit RenaissanceRe Finance from incurring additional Senior Indebtedness, which may include Indebtedness that is senior to subordinated debt securities, but subordinate to RenaissanceRe Finance’s other obligations. The senior debt securities issued by RenaissanceRe Finance will constitute Senior Indebtedness under the RenaissanceRe Finance subordinated indenture.

For purposes of this section, the term “Senior Indebtedness” means all Indebtedness of RenaissanceRe Finance outstanding at any time, except:

(1) the subordinated debt securities issued by RenaissanceRe Finance (other than in respect of the junior subordinated debt securities of RenaissanceRe Finance);

(2) Indebtedness of RenaissanceRe Finance as to which, by the terms of the instrument creating or evidencing the same, it is provided that such Indebtedness is subordinated to or ranks equally with the subordinated debt securities;

(3) any liability for income, franchise, real estate or other taxes owed or owing;

(4) interest accruing after the filing of a petition initiating any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar proceeding unless such interest is an allowed claim enforceable against RenaissanceRe Finance in a proceeding under federal or state bankruptcy laws;

(5) trade accounts payable; and

(6) under the junior subordinated indenture, any Indebtedness, including all other debt securities and guarantees in respect of those debt securities, initially issued to (x) the Capital Trust or (y) any trust, partnership or other entity affiliated with RenaissanceRe Finance which is a financing vehicle of RenaissanceRe Finance or any of its Affiliates in connection with an issuance by such entity of preferred securities or other securities which are similar to the preferred securities described under “Description of the Trust Preferred Securities” below.

Such Senior Indebtedness will continue to be Senior Indebtedness of RenaissanceRe Finance and be entitled to the benefits of the subordination provisions irrespective of any amendment, modification or waiver of any term of such Senior Indebtedness. The RenaissanceRe Finance subordinated indenture provides that the foregoing subordination provisions, insofar as they relate to any particular issue of subordinated debt securities of RenaissanceRe Finance, may be changed prior to such issuance. Any such change would be described in the related prospectus supplement.

38

CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES ISSUED TO THE CAPITAL TRUST

OPTION TO EXTEND INTEREST PAYMENT DATE

Unless provided otherwise in the related prospectus supplement, we or RenaissanceRe Finance, as applicable, will have the right at any time and from time to time during the term of any series of junior subordinated debt securities issued to the Capital Trust to defer payment of interest for such number of consecutive interest payment periods as may be specified in the related prospectus supplement (referred to as an “extension period”), subject to the terms, conditions and covenants, if any, specified in such prospectus supplement, provided that such extension period may not extend beyond the stated maturity of such series of junior subordinated debt securities. Certain U.S. federal income tax consequences and special considerations applicable to such junior subordinated debt securities will be described in the related prospectus supplement.

OPTION TO EXTEND MATURITY DATE

Unless provided otherwise in the related prospectus supplement, we or RenaissanceRe Finance, as applicable, will have the right to:

(1) change the stated maturity of the principal of the junior subordinated debt securities of any series issued to the Capital Trust upon the liquidation of the Capital Trust and the exchange of the junior subordinated debt securities for the preferred securities of the Capital Trust; and

(2) extend the stated maturity of the principal of the junior subordinated debt securities of any series, provided that (a) it is not in bankruptcy, otherwise insolvent or in liquidation, (b) it has not defaulted on any payment on such junior subordinated debt securities and no deferred interest payments have accrued, (c) the Capital Trust is not in arrears on payments of distributions on the Capital Trust’s preferred securities and no deferred distributions have accumulated, (d) the junior subordinated debt securities of such series are rated investment grade by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or another nationally recognized statistical rating organization, and (e) the extended stated maturity is no later than the 49th anniversary of the initial issuance of the preferred securities of the Capital Trust.

If we or RenaissanceRe Finance, as applicable, exercise our or its right to liquidate the Capital Trust and exchange the junior subordinated debt securities for the preferred securities of the Capital Trust as described above, any changed stated maturity of the principal of the junior subordinated debt securities shall be no earlier than the date that is five years after the initial issue date of the preferred securities and no later than the date 30 years (plus an extended term of up to an additional 19 years if the conditions described above are satisfied) after the initial issue date of the preferred securities of the Capital Trust.

PAYMENT OF ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS

If junior subordinated debt securities issued to the Capital Trust in connection with the issuance of preferred securities and common securities by the Capital Trust provide for the payment by us or RenaissanceRe Finance, as applicable, of certain taxes, assessments or other governmental charges imposed on the holder of any such debt security, we or RenaissanceRe Finance, as applicable, will pay to the holder of any such debt security such additional amounts as provided in the related junior subordinated indenture.

CERTAIN COVENANTS

RenaissanceRe or RenaissanceRe Finance, as applicable, as issuer, and RenaissanceRe, as guarantor (if applicable), will each covenant, as to each series of our or RenaissanceRe Finance’s junior subordinated debt securities issued to the Capital Trust in connection with the issuance of preferred securities and common

39

securities by the Capital Trust, that the issuer of the junior subordinated debentures will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, (1) declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of its outstanding capital stock or (2) make any payment of principal, or interest or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt security of the issuer of the junior subordinated debentures or RenaissanceRe that ranks equal to or junior in interest to the junior subordinated debt securities or the related guarantee, as applicable, or make any guarantee payments with respect to any guarantee by the issuer of the junior subordinated debentures or RenaissanceRe, as applicable, of the debt securities of any Subsidiary of the issuer of the junior subordinated debentures or RenaissanceRe, as applicable, if such guarantee ranks equal to or junior in interest to the junior subordinated debt securities or the guarantee in respect thereof, as applicable (with certain exceptions, including (a) dividends or distributions in our common shares or rights to acquire our common shares, (b) redemptions or purchases of any rights outstanding under a shareholder rights plan of RenaissanceRe, or the declaration of a dividend of such rights or the issuance of shares under such plan in the future and (c) purchases of common shares related to the issuance of common shares under any of our benefit plans for our directors, officers or employees) if at such time (i) there shall have occurred any event of which we or RenaissanceRe Finance, as applicable, have actual knowledge that (A) with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default under the applicable junior subordinated indenture and (B) in respect of which RenaissanceRe or RenaissanceRe Finance, as applicable, shall not have taken reasonable steps to cure, (ii) RenaissanceRe shall be in default with respect to its payment of obligations under the preferred securities guarantee relating to such preferred securities or (iii) the issuer of the junior subordinated debt securities shall have given notice of its election to begin an Extension Period as provided in the applicable junior subordinated indenture with respect to the junior subordinated debt securities of such series and shall not have rescinded such notice, or such Extension Period, or any extension thereof, shall be continuing.

In the event we or RenaissanceRe Finance, as applicable, issue junior subordinated debt securities to the Capital Trust in connection with the issuance of preferred securities and common securities of the Capital Trust, for so long as such series of junior subordinated debt securities remain outstanding, we or RenaissanceRe Finance, as applicable, will also covenant:

(1) to maintain ownership by RenaissanceRe Finance, directly or indirectly, of 100% ownership of the common securities of the Capital Trust; provided, however, that any permitted successor of RenaissanceRe Finance under the applicable junior subordinated indenture may succeed to ownership of such common securities;

(2) not to voluntarily dissolve, wind-up or liquidate such trust, except in connection with the distribution of its junior subordinated debt securities to the holders of preferred securities and common securities in liquidation of the Capital Trust, the redemption of all of the preferred securities and common securities of the Capital Trust, or certain mergers, consolidations or amalgamations, each as permitted by the restated trust agreement of the Capital Trust; and

(3) to use reasonable efforts, consistent with the terms of the related trust agreement, to cause the Capital Trust to remain classified as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

If an Event of Default with respect to a series of junior subordinated debt securities issued to the Capital Trust has occurred and is continuing and such event is attributable to a default in the payment of interest or principal on the related junior subordinated debt securities on the date such interest or principal is otherwise payable, a holder of preferred securities of the Capital Trust may institute a legal proceeding directly against us as issuer or guarantor or RenaissanceRe Finance, as applicable, which we refer to in this prospectus as a “Direct Action,” for enforcement of payment to such holder of the principal of or interest on such related junior subordinated debt securities having a principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of the related preferred securities of such holder. Neither we nor RenaissanceRe Finance, as applicable, may amend the applicable junior subordinated indenture to remove the foregoing right to bring a Direct Action without the prior written consent of

40

the holders of each preferred security then outstanding. If the right to bring a Direct Action is removed, the Capital Trust may become subject to the reporting obligations under the Exchange Act. We or RenaissanceRe Finance, as applicable, will have the right under the junior subordinated indenture to set-off any payment made to such holder of preferred securities by us or RenaissanceRe Finance, as applicable, in connection with a Direct Action. The holders of preferred securities will not be able to exercise directly any other remedy available to the holders of the related junior subordinated debt securities.

The holders of the preferred securities would not be able to exercise directly any remedies other than those set forth in the preceding paragraph available to the holders of the junior subordinated debt securities unless there shall have been an event of default under the applicable restated trust agreement. See “Description of the Trust Preferred Securities — Events of Default; Notice.”

any distribution of assets of any of our subsidiaries upon that subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization or otherwise would be subject to the prior claims of that subsidiary’s creditors and policyholders, including any claims against our reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries of their respective policyholders, except to the extent that we may ourselves be a creditor with recognized claims against that subsidiary or our creditor may have the benefit of a guaranty from our subsidiary. Our revolving credit agreement requires that under the circumstances specified in such agreement certain of our existing and future subsidiaries become guarantors of the loans made to us under such agreement. The existing guarantor is RenaissanceRe Finance. Other than the lenders under our revolving credit agreement, none of our creditors has the benefit of a guaranty from any of our subsidiaries. The rights of our creditors (including the holders of our debt securities and the holders of RenaissanceRe Finance’s debt securities who are creditors of RenaissanceRe by virtue of our guarantee of the debt securities issued by RenaissanceRe Finance) to participate in the distribution of stock owned by us in certain of our subsidiaries, including our insurance subsidiaries, may also be subject to approval by certain insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over such subsidiaries.

Except to the extent otherwise provided in the applicable guarantee, we will make all payments of principal of and premium, if any, interest and any other amounts on, or in respect of, the debt securities of any series without withholding or deduction at source for, or on account of, any present or future taxes, fees, duties, assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature imposed or levied by or on behalf of any jurisdiction in which it is organized (a “taxing jurisdiction”) or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, unless such taxes, fees, duties, assessments or governmental charges are required to be withheld or deducted by (x) the laws (or any regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder) of a taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein or (y) an official position regarding the application, administration, interpretation or enforcement of any such laws, regulations or rulings (including, without limitation, a holding by a court of competent jurisdiction or by a taxing authority in a taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof). If a withholding or deduction at source is required, the issuer will, subject to certain limitations and exceptions described below, pay to the holder of any such debt security such additional amounts as may be necessary so that every net payment of principal, premium, if any, interest or any other amount made to such holder, after the withholding or deduction, will not be less than the amount provided for in such debt security and the applicable indenture to be then due and payable.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, except to the extent otherwise provided in the applicable guarantee, we will not be required to pay any additional amounts for or on account of:

(1) any tax, fee, duty, assessment or governmental charge of whatever nature which would not have been imposed but for the fact that such holder (a) was a resident, domiciliary or national of, or engaged in business or maintained a permanent establishment or was physically present in, the relevant taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof or otherwise had some connection with the relevant taxing jurisdiction other than by reason of the mere ownership of, or receipt of payment under, such debt security, (b) presented such debt security for payment in the relevant taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof, unless such debt security could not have been presented for payment elsewhere, or (c) presented such debt security for payment more than 30 days after the date on which the payment in respect of such debt security became due and payable or provided for, whichever is later, except to the extent that the holder would have been entitled to such additional amounts if it had presented such debt security for payment on any day within that 30-day period;

(2) any estate, inheritance, gift, sale, transfer, personal property or similar tax, assessment or other governmental charge;

(3) any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed or withheld by reason of the failure by the holder or the beneficial owner of such debt security to comply with any reasonable request by the issuer addressed to the holder within 90 days of such request (a) to provide information concerning the nationality, residence or identity of the holder or such beneficial owner or (b) to make any declaration or other similar claim or satisfy any information or reporting requirement, which is required or imposed by statute, treaty, regulation or

42

administrative practice of the relevant taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof as a precondition to exemption from all or part of such tax, assessment or other governmental charge; or

(4) any combination of items (1), (2) and (3).

In addition, we will not pay additional amounts with respect to any payment of principal of, or premium, if any, interest or any other amounts on, any such debt security to any holder who is a fiduciary or partnership or other than the sole beneficial owner of such debt security to the extent such payment would be required by the laws of the relevant taxing jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or relevant taxing authority thereof or therein) to be included in the income for tax purposes of a beneficiary or partner or settlor with respect to such fiduciary or a member of such partnership or a beneficial owner who would not have been entitled to such additional amounts had it been the holder of the debt security.

AMENDMENTS

Any senior debt securities guarantee or subordinated debt securities guarantee may only be amended in writing with the prior approval of the holders of not less than a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the applicable debt securities. In addition, certain amendments affecting the obligations of RenaissanceRe may only be made in writing with the prior approval of each holder.

Any junior subordinated debt securities guarantee may only be amended in writing with the prior approval of the holders of at least a majority in liquidation preference of the then outstanding preferred securities issued by the Capital Trust. In addition, certain amendments affecting the obligations of RenaissanceRe may only be made in writing with the prior approval of each holder of the then outstanding preferred securities issued by the Capital Trust.

No consent of the holders of RenaissanceRe Finance’s senior, subordinated or junior subordinated debt securities is required to amend the applicable guarantee in a way that does not adversely affect in any material respect the rights of such holders.

INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE

RenaissanceRe and RenaissanceRe Finance may from time to time borrow from, maintain deposit accounts with and conduct other banking transactions with the trustee and its affiliates in the ordinary course of business.

Under each indenture, the trustee is required to transmit annual reports to all holders regarding its eligibility and qualifications as trustee under the applicable indenture and related matters.

43

DESCRIPTION OF THE WARRANTS TO PURCHASE COMMON SHARES OR PREFERENCE SHARES

The following statements with respect to the common share warrants and preference share warrants are summaries of, and subject to, the detailed provisions of a share warrant agreement to be entered into by us and a share warrant agent to be selected at the time of issue. The particular terms of any warrants offered by any prospectus supplement, and the extent to which the general provisions described below may apply to the offered securities, will be described in the prospectus supplement. If we issue warrants, we will file a copy of the form of warrant agreement as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and the following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to such exhibit.

GENERAL

The share warrants, evidenced by share warrant certificates, may be issued under the share warrant agreement independently or together with any other securities offered by any prospectus supplement and may be attached to or separate from such other offered securities. If share warrants are offered, the related prospectus supplement will describe the designation and terms of the share warrants, including without limitation the following:

The common shares or preference shares issuable upon exercise of the share warrants will, when issued in accordance with the share warrant agreement, be fully paid and non-assessable (as such is understood under Bermuda law).

EXERCISE OF STOCK WARRANTS

Share warrants may be exercised by surrendering to the share warrant agent the share warrant certificate with the form of election to purchase on the reverse thereof duly completed and signed by the warrantholder, or its duly authorized agent (such signature to be guaranteed by a bank or trust company, by a broker or dealer which is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) or by a member of a national securities exchange), indicating the warrantholder’s election to exercise all or a portion of the share warrants evidenced by the certificate. Surrendered share warrant certificates shall be accompanied by payment of the aggregate exercise price of the share warrants to be exercised, as set forth in the related prospectus supplement, in lawful money of the United States, unless otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement. Upon receipt thereof by the share warrant agent, the share warrant agent will requisition from the transfer agent for the common shares or the

44

preference shares, as the case may be, for issuance and delivery to or upon the written order of the exercising warrantholder, a certificate representing the number of common shares or preference shares purchased. If less than all of the share warrants evidenced by any share warrant certificate are exercised, the share warrant agent shall deliver to the exercising warrantholder a new share warrant certificate representing the unexercised share warrants.