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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OLDWICK, N.J. - JUNE 09, 2009 12:00 AM (EDT)
A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of B++ (Good) and upgraded the issuer credit rating (ICR) to "bbb+" from "bbb" of 1st Choice Auto Insurance Company, Inc. (1st Choice Auto). The outlook for these ratings has been revised to positive from stable. Concurrently, A.M. Best has upgraded the FSR to B++ (Good) from B+ (Good) and ICR to "bbb" from "bbb-" of Ever-Greene Mutual Insurance Company (Ever-Greene). The outlook for these ratings is stable. In addition, A.M. Best has affirmed the FSR of B++ (Good) and ICR of "bbb+ of ECM Insurance Group (Group) and its member, Everett Cash Mutual Insurance Company, which is 1st Choice Auto's parent company and an affiliate of Ever-Greene. The outlook for these ratings is positive. All companies are domiciled in Everett, PA.
The ratings of 1st Choice Auto recognize its continued underwriting profitability, favorable risk-adjusted capitalization and strategic affiliation with the Group. Partially offsetting these positive rating factors are the company's limited geographic concentration of risk and limited product offering. In addition, the positive outlook reflects A.M. Best's expectation that underwriting performance and risk-adjusted capitalization will continue to trend favorably in the near term.
The ratings of Ever-Greene are indicative of its modest underwriting leverage, profitable operating performance, favorable risk-adjusted capitalization and affiliation with the Group, and are somewhat offset by the company's limited business profile.
The rating actions on the Group reflect its favorable risk-adjusted capitalization, solid underwriting and operating performance in its niche of farm owners/small commercial coverages and its conservative investment portfolio. These positive rating factors are somewhat offset by the Group's tight geographic concentration of risk and modestly elevated premium leverage measures. In addition, the outlook reflects A.M. Best's expectation that underwriting performance and risk-adjusted capitalization will continue to trend favorably in the near term.
For Best's Credit Ratings, an overview of the rating process and rating methodologies, please visit Best's Ratings & Analysis.
The principal methodologies used in determining these ratings, including any additional methodologies and factors that may have been considered, can be found at Best's Credit Rating Methodology.
Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is a global full-service credit rating organization dedicated to serving the financial and health care service industries, including insurance companies, banks, hospitals and health care system providers.