Best’s News & Research Service - April 18, 2018 08:12 AM (EDT)
A.M. Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Safety Insurance Group, Inc. and its Subsidiaries
- April 18, 2018 08:12 AM (EDT)
Oldwick //BestWire// - A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “a+” of Safety Insurance Company, Safety Indemnity Insurance Company and Safety Property and Casualty Company, collectively referred to as Safety Group (Safety). Concurrently, A.M. Best has affirmed the Long-Term ICR of “bbb+” of Safety Insurance Group, Inc. (Delaware) [NASDAQ/GS: SAFT], the publicly-traded parent of Safety. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. All companies are domiciled in Boston, MA, except where specified.
The ratings reflect Safety’s balance sheet strength, which A.M. Best categorizes as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).
The very strong balance sheet strength is derived from risk-adjusted capitalization also being at the very strong level, favorable loss reserve development trends and sound liquidity measures. Safety also benefits from the financial flexibility afforded by its publicly-traded parent, which has a debt-free balance sheet and the ability to access the public debt and equity markets to raise capital if needed.
Safety’s operating performance has been favorable, supported by both favorable net underwriting income and net investment income. Above-average profitability has supported capital growth and is derived from management’s ability to successfully manage the challenges in Massachusetts, where it writes the majority of its business.
The business profile is considered neutral due to its leading market positions and diverse product offerings, partially offset by its concentration in Massachusetts, which exposes the group to above-average economic, regulatory and legislative risks. ERM is considered appropriate for the group’s size and the complexity of its underwriting, investment and other risks based on its ERM framework and controls.
A.M. Best anticipates that the group will continue to produce favorable earnings in non-catastrophe affected years and that its strong surplus position and comprehensive reinsurance program will continue to keep the balance sheet very strong.
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. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and A.M. Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and A.M. Best Rating Action Press Releases.
A.M. Best is the world’s oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source.