CORRECTED-Australia's QBE posts $254mln annual loss on US blowout

(Corrects to show previous net profit figure is US$, not A$)

SYDNEY, Feb 25 (Reuters) - QBE Insurance Group , Australia's biggest insurer by premium income, posted an annual net loss of $254 million as its North American arm experienced a significant increase in claims and writedowns.

The loss for the year to Dec. 31 compares with a $761 million net profit the previous year. QBE shares were flat on Monday, having fallen a quarter since Dec. 4 when the company warned problems at its U.S. arm would bring a $250 million annual loss.

(Reporting by Byron Kaye; editing by Andrew Roche)

((byron.kaye@thomsonreuters.com)(+612 9373 1815))

Keywords: AUSTRALIA EARNS/QBE