AM Best


A.M. Best Comments on Hurricane Florence's Potential Impact on Argus Group, BF&M Ltd and Colonial Group


CONTACTS:

Analyst(s)

Joel Silverthorn

(908) 439-2200, ext. 5120

joel.silverthorn@ambest.com

Peter Dickey

(908) 439-2200, ext. 5053

peter.dickey@ambest.com
Public Relations

Jim Peavy

(908) 439-2200, ext. 5644

james.peavy@ambest.com

Rachelle Striegel

(908) 439-2200, ext. 5378

rachelle.striegel@ambest.com


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OLDWICK, N.J. - SEPTEMBER 11, 2006 12:00 AM (EDT)
A.M. Best Co. has begun assessing the potential affects of Hurricane Florence on the financial strength ratings of the Argus Group, BF&M Ltd and the Colonial Group. All of the companies are located in Bermuda, which Hurricane Florence has impacted.

A.M. Best will monitor each company's losses as they are tabulated and review each company's situation in the near term. The inclusion of any company in this press release does not necessarily indicate the possibility of a rating action, but merely indicates A.M. Best's plan to analyze each company's gross and net exposure to potential losses from Hurricane Florence.

The Argus Group and its following subsidiaries have a financial strength rating of A (Excellent) with a stable outlook:

- Argus Insurance Company Limited

- Bermuda Life Insurance Company Limited

- Somers Isles Insurance Company Ltd


BF&M Ltd and its following subsidiaries have a financial strength rating of A (Excellent) with a stable outlook:

- BF&M General Insurance Company Ltd

- BF&M Life Insurance Company Limited


The Colonial Group and its following subsidiaries have financial strength ratings of A- (Excellent) with a stable outlook:

- Atlantic Medical Insurance Limited

- Colonial Life Assurance Company Limited

- Colonial Insurance Company Limited

- Colonial Medical Insurance Company Ltd

- Security & General Insurance Company Ltd

- British Caymanian Insurance Company Limited


For Best's Ratings, an overview of the rating process and rating methodologies, please visit Best's Rating Center.

For current Best's Ratings, independent data and analysis on more than 3,000 individual property/casualty companies and A.M. Best groups, please visit Best's Property/Casualty Center.

A.M. Best Co., established in 1899, is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source.

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