AM Best Revises Outlook to Stable for Members of Illinois’ IFG Companies

AM Best has revised the outlooks to stable from positive and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICRs) of “a+” (Excellent) for the members of Chicago-based IFG Companies (IFG).

These ratings reflect IFG’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).

The revision of the outlooks to stable from positive is driven by IFG’s operating performance, which has recently been impacted by increased underwriting variability, production declines and reserve strengthening. Overall operating performance metrics have been adversely impacted as a result. The decline in IFG’s production reflected management’s decision to reduce habitational business and fully exit the liquor liability line given the severity-challenged underwriting/claim conditions.

IFG’s balance sheet strength assessment remains well-supported by its risk-adjusted capitalization, which is at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). Additionally, the group maintains favorable levels of liquidity, moderate underwriting leverage, a low dependence on reinsurance that further solidifies its balance sheet position and a recently strengthened management team. The group’s ERM is assessed as appropriate given the organization’s strong risk management capabilities, which supports the group’s overall risk profile.

The FSR of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICRs of ‘a+” (Excellent) have been affirmed with the outlooks revised to stable from positive for the following members of IFG:

· First Financial Insurance Company

· Alamance Insurance Company

· Burlington Insurance Company

· Guilford Insurance Company

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AM Best
Illinois