Private mortgage insurer Radian Group (RDN) reported a net loss of $1.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2010, widening from a $91.9 million loss a year ago. Losses for 2010 reached $1.8 billion, ballooning from $147.9 million in losses for 2009. Radian said the widening losses stemmed from an accounting charge of $841.5 million, related to valuation allowance requirements on all of the company’s assets. A valuation allowance is a fund established to cover probable loan losses, and it was primarily the result of the company’s continued history of losses. The company reported $3.8 billion in delinquent loans, down 4% in the fourth quarter. It’s fourth straight quarter of declines. New mortgage insurance written in the fourth quarter totaled $3.8 billion in loans, up 18% from the previous quarter. The company said it maintained a 21% market share. Radian paid $329.9 million in mortgage insurance claims during the quarter and $1.3 billion for the year. That number is expected to go up. Radian said it should pay roughly $1.7 billion in claims for 2011. “We were encouraged by the fourth straight quarter of declining mortgage insurance delinquencies, continued signs of credit trend stabilization in our businesses, and a steady 21 percent market share in an environment where private mortgage insurance continues to regain business from the FHA,” CEO S.A. Ibrahim said. “We are confident that our capital, financial flexibility and solid customer base position Radian for future success.” Write to Jon Prior. Follow him on Twitter: @JonAPrior