Best’s News & Research Service - October 05, 2016 07:54 AM (EDT)
A.M. Best Revises Outlooks to Negative for Texas Farm Bureau Casualty Ins. Co. and Farm Bureau County Mutual Ins. Co. of Texas
- October 05, 2016 07:54 AM (EDT)
Oldwick //BestWire// - A.M. Best has revised the outlooks to negative from stable and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of “a” of Texas Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company (Texas Casualty) and its subsidiary, Farm Bureau County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas (both companies are domiciled in Waco, Texas). These two companies comprise the Texas Farm Bureau Casualty Group (the Group).
The revised Credit Rating (rating) outlooks reflect the Group’s volatility in operating performance driven by continued underwriting losses in the personal auto book of business, which has deteriorated in recent years. The auto book’s loss ratio, which is considerably higher than the composite average, has been pressured by increased frequency and severity. Although business is diversified throughout Texas, operating in a single state continues to expose the Group’s earnings to competitive pressures and regulatory concerns.
Partially offsetting these negative rating factors are the Group’s excellent risk-adjusted capitalization, local market knowledge and strong market presence as one of the leading personal lines insurance organizations in Texas. In addition, the Group maintains a sustainable competitive advantage due to its exclusive agency network and low cost structure. The ratings also acknowledge the benefits from its sponsorship by the Texas Farm Bureau Organization, which enhances its customer loyalty and affinity.
This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on A.M. Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see A.M. Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Best’s Credit Ratings.
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