AM Best


Best’s Special Report: Stress Testing of AM Best-Rated Insurance Companies Indicates Most Can Withstand Pandemic


CONTACTS:

Mahesh Mistry
Senior Director
+44 20 7397 0325
mahesh.mistry@ambest.com

Stephen Irwin
Managing Director, Credit Rating Criteria,
Research and Analytics
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5454
stephen.irwin@ambest.com

George Hansen
Senior Industry Research Analyst
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5469
george.hansen@ambest.com
Christopher Sharkey
Manager, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Jim Peavy
Director, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OLDWICK - MAY 18, 2020 07:59 AM (EDT)
Initial stress testing conducted by AM Best to gauge the preliminary impact from the COVID-19 pandemic on its rated insurance companies’ financial strength found that most insurers’ capital levels provided an adequate buffer against a potential shock to their balance sheets. Sensitivity to the pandemic was greater for life/health insurers with high asset and mortality risks; insurers with material exposures to mortgage loans; carriers operating in domiciles in higher country-risk tiers; and companies with smaller capital bases.

As detailed in its new Best’s Special Report, “Stress Testing Rated Companies for COVID-19,” the stress test analysis covered approximately 1,400 rating units worldwide, and focused on the impact of COVID-19 on underwriting and assets. Overall results showed that the median Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR) score at VaR 99.6 of the rated population declined to 43% from an estimated year-end 2019 BCAR of 49%, demonstrating the resilience of the insurance industry. Property/casualty insurers in the United States and Canada performed relatively well, compared with life/annuity and health insurers.

“Insurers are likely to see a significant hit to earnings in 2020, rather than a material decline in risk-adjusted capitalization,” said Mahesh Mistry, senior director, AM Best Rating Services. “Reputational risk in certain markets may also be a problem, as any legal disputes become more visible to consumers, policyholders, regulators and legislators.” The stress test did not take into account a scenario in which contracts could be voided.

The unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on the industry and its effect on global economic volatility imply that companies that have performed well on AM Best’s stress test could still face credit rating pressure if conditions deteriorate beyond the prescribed scenarios. These include a second wave of mortality losses arising from a resurgence of the pandemic; a significant spike in claims experience for commercial lines segments, such as event cancellation, business interruption or trade credit insurance; rulings on contract clauses, results of litigation and government decisions; and further deterioration of financial markets resulting in material investment losses or writedowns of assets.

To access the full copy of this special report, please visit http://www3.ambest.com/bestweek/purchase.asp?record_code=297213 .

A brief video discussion about the stress test results with Mistry is available at http://www.ambest.com/v.asp?v=ambstresstest520 .

On Tuesday, May 19, 2020, at 10 a.m. EDT, a panel of AM Best analysts will examine the results of the stress test in a webinar and discuss next steps and potential future assessments. To register for the complimentary event, please go to http://www.ambest.com/webinars/stress .

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City.