AM Best


A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Markel Corporation and Its Domestic Subsidiaries


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Rick Barracato

Senior Financial Analyst

(908) 439-2200, ext. 5787

richard.barracato@ambest.com



Joseph Roethel

Assistant Vice President

(908) 439-2200, ext. 5630

joseph.roethel@ambest.com


Rachelle Morrow

Senior Manager, Public Relations

(908) 439-2200, ext. 5378

rachelle.morrow@ambest.com

Jim Peavy

Assistant Vice President, Public Relations

(908) 439-2200, ext. 5644

james.peavy@ambest.com


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OLDWICK, N.J. - NOVEMBER 13, 2012 12:00 AM (EST)
A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of "a+" of the members of the Markel North America Insurance Group (Markel). Concurrently, A.M. Best has affirmed the FSR of B++ (Good) and ICR of “bbb+” of FirstComp Insurance Company (FirstComp) (Omaha, NE). Additionally, A.M. Best has affirmed the FSR of A- (Excellent) and ICR of “a-” of Deerfield Insurance Company (Deerfield) (Deerfield, IL), as well as the ICR of “bbb+” and all debt ratings of the publicly traded parent, Markel Corporation (MKL) (Glen Allen, VA) [NYSE: MKL]. The outlook for all ratings is stable. (See below for a detailed listing of the companies and ratings.)

The rating affirmations of Markel recognize its well-established market position as one of the leading excess and surplus lines organizations in the United States, its sustained operating profitability and solid risk-adjusted capitalization. Additionally, these ratings acknowledge Markel's excellent operating cash flow, adequate liquidity and the financial flexibility afforded by MKL.

While Markel continues to benefit from its long-standing reputation among U.S. wholesalers and retailers, Markel's recent underwriting performance continues to be adversely affected by prevailing soft market conditions as well as increased expenses. Markel has long maintained underwriting leverage higher than the average of the surplus lines composite. However, this is tempered by Markel’s conservative loss reserving practices and the release of prior years' loss reserves, which has served Markel well in terms of risk adjusted capital and lower earnings volatility.

Acquired by MKL in October 2010, the ratings for FirstComp recognize its strategic role within the group but also take into consideration its relatively narrow business profile, competitive market pressures and the challenges related to today's current macroeconomic factors. The ratings of FirstComp also consider its adequate risk-adjusted capitalization, favorable historical and prospective underwriting performance and the explicit support provided by Markel and its affiliate, Evanston Insurance Company, through quota share reinsurance, which covers 50% of all business written on and after November 1, 2010. FirstComp has become one of the leading providers of workers' compensation coverage in the United States, specializing in small, main street businesses in underserved rural markets across 28 states.

The ratings for Deerfield acknowledge its low underwriting leverage and the partial rating enhancement it receives through the implied support of Markel.

MKL's financial leverage remains supportive of its current ratings. MKL’s total debt-to-capital ratio as of September 30, 2012 was 28%, increasing to 35% when debt is measured relative to adjusted tangible capital. Markel’s financial leverage is expected to improve following repayment of the $250 million unsecured senior notes at their maturity on February 15, 2013.

Potential upward movement in Markel’s ratings could result from improved performance measures and operating conditions as well as sustained risk-adjusted capitalization. Downward movement could result from a material decline in its capitalization, negative trends in claim frequency or severity that could materially impair underwriting results, a significant decline in equity capital markets and its impact on the organization’s investment portfolio and capitalization, as well as any unforeseen material increase in operating expenses. Markel’s losses from Hurricane Sandy are unknown at this time and losses that exceed A.M. Best’s expectations may unfavorably impact its ratings.

The FSR of A (Excellent) and ICR of "a+" have been affirmed for the following members of Markel North America Insurance Group:

· Associated International Insurance Company

· Essex Insurance Company

· Evanston Insurance Company

· Markel American Insurance Company

· Markel Insurance Company


The following debt ratings have been affirmed:

Markel Corporation—

- "bbb+" on $250 million, 5.35% senior unsecured notes, due 2021

- "bbb+" on $250 million, 6.80% senior unsecured notes, due 2013

- "bbb+" on $350 million, 7.125% senior unsecured notes, due 2019

- "bbb+" on $200 million, 7.35% senior unsecured notes, due 2034

- "bbb+" on $350 million, 4.90% senior unsecured notes, due 2022

The following indicative ratings have been affirmed under the existing shelf registration:

Markel Corporation—

- "bbb-" on preferred securities

- "bbb" on subordinated debt

- "bbb+" on senior unsecured debt

The methodology used in determining these ratings is Best’s Credit Rating Methodology, which provides a comprehensive explanation of A.M. Best’s rating process and contains the different rating criteria employed in the rating process. Best’s Credit Rating Methodology can be found at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology.

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is the world’s oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source.

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