American International Group sells commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, along with life insurance and retirement products, one of the largest insurance companies in the world with a global footprint spanning many countries. Its commercial insurance business provides coverage for large corporations facing complex risks, while its personal insurance products serve individual consumers with home, auto and other coverage needs. AIG faced severe financial distress during the 2008 financial crisis due to losses on credit default swaps and other complex financial instruments, requiring an unprecedented U.S. government bailout, an episode that led to significant restructuring and a more conservative risk management approach in subsequent years. The company's profitability depends on collecting sufficient premiums relative to the claims it eventually pays out across its various insurance lines, a relationship tracked through the combined ratio, along with investment income earned on its substantial premium reserves.