A.M. Best Places Ratings of New Zealand Local Government Insurance Corporation Limited Under Review

HONG KONG--()--A.M. Best Co. has placed under review with negative implications the financial strength rating of A (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of “a” of New Zealand Local Government Insurance Corporation Limited (Civic Assurance) (New Zealand).

The rating actions reflect A.M. Best’s concerns over the downgrading of one of Civic Assurance’s reinsurers and the resultant impact on Civic Assurance’s capitalization. The company’s ratings are expected to remain under review while A.M. Best’s discussions continue with management regarding further reinsurance arrangements, loss development and capital management.

The principal methodology used in determining these ratings is Best’s Credit Rating Methodology - Global Life and Non-Life Insurance Edition, which provides a comprehensive explanation of A.M. Best’s rating process and highlights the different rating criteria employed. Additional key criteria utilized include “Natural Catastrophe Stress Test Methodology.” 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 © 2011 by A.M. Best Company, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Contacts

A.M. Best Co.
Philip Chung, CFA, +852-2827-3409
Senior Financial Analyst
philip.chung@ambest.com
or
Moungmo Lee, +852-2827-3402
General Manager
moungmo.lee@ambest.com
or
Rachelle Morrow, +(1) 908-439-2200, ext. 5378
Senior Manager, Public Relations
rachelle.morrow@ambest.com
or
Jim Peavy, +(1) 908-439-2200, ext. 5644
Assistant Vice President, Public Relations
james.peavy@ambest.com

Contacts

A.M. Best Co.
Philip Chung, CFA, +852-2827-3409
Senior Financial Analyst
philip.chung@ambest.com
or
Moungmo Lee, +852-2827-3402
General Manager
moungmo.lee@ambest.com
or
Rachelle Morrow, +(1) 908-439-2200, ext. 5378
Senior Manager, Public Relations
rachelle.morrow@ambest.com
or
Jim Peavy, +(1) 908-439-2200, ext. 5644
Assistant Vice President, Public Relations
james.peavy@ambest.com