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A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Crusader Insurance Company

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  Published in Business and Finance on Monday, December 6th 2010 at 7:05 GMT by Market Wire
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OLDWICK, N.J.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit rating (ICR) of aa-a of Crusader Insurance Company (Crusader). Concurrently, A.M. Best has affirmed the ICR of abbb-a of Crusadera™s parent holding company, Unico American Corporation (Unico) (both of Woodland Hills, CA) (NASDAQ: UNAM). The outlook for all ratings is stable.

"Risk Management and the Rating Process for Insurance Companies"

These rating actions reflect Crusadera™s excellent capitalization, solid underwriting and operating performance, strong regional market presence, as well as the financial flexibility afforded it through Unico.

These positive rating factors are somewhat offset by Crusadera™s geographic concentration of risk, which exposes the companya™s results to legislative and regulatory changes, as well as competitive market pressures. Despite these concerns, the outlook reflects Crusadera™s favorable operating profitability and strong capitalization.

The principal methodology used in determining these ratings is [ Besta™s Credit Rating Methodology -- Global Life and Non-Life Insurance Edition ], which provides a comprehensive explanation of A.M. Besta™s rating process and highlights the different rating criteria employed. Additional key criteria utilized include: aRisk Management and the Rating Process for Insurance Companiesa; aUnderstanding BCAR for Property/Casualty Insurersa; aNatural Catastrophe Stress Testa; and aThe Treatment of Terrorism Risk in the Rating Evaluation.a Methodologies can be found at [ www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology ].

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit [ www.ambest.com ].

Copyright © 2010 by A.M. Best Company, Inc.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.