July 15, 2022 by matray

AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A++ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of “aa+” (Superior) of the members of MedPro Group. These Credit Ratings apply to The Medical Protective Co. and its affiliates: Princeton Insurance Co., PLICO Inc., Wellfleet Insurance Co, and Wellfleet New York Insurance Co; as well as MedPro’s two reinsured affiliates, MedPro RRG Risk Retention Group and AttPro RRG Reciprocal Risk Retention Group. The outlook of these Credit Ratings is stable.

The ratings reflect MedPro’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its strong operating performance, favorable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

The ratings also acknowledge MedPro’s risk-adjusted capitalization being at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), long-term profitable operating performance and the leading market position it maintains in the medical professional liability (MPL) sector. Additionally, the ratings consider the group’s substantial distribution capabilities, prudent claims-handling philosophy and culture of holistic risk management. The group consistently outperforms peers by most metrics, illustrated by substantial returns on equity, low operating ratios and solid net underwriting income. Furthermore, the ratings benefit from the explicit and implicit financial support provided by its affiliate, National Indemnity Co., and MedPro’s ultimate parent, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., which includes reinsurance programs, investment opportunities and capital support.

Partially offsetting these positive rating factors are the inherent challenges associated with the MPL line of business, particularly as it relates to price competition, changing market dynamics, potential changes in legislation (i.e., tort reform), increasing loss cost trends and regulatory risk. At the same time, AM Best recognizes the organization’s strong management team, diversified premium base and jurisdictional diversity, which have contributed to MedPro outperforming its peers over the longer term.

The group’s large allocation to common stocks exposes it to significant volatility during periods when the equity markets experience sharp declines. The group has historically demonstrated its ability to absorb this occasional volatility due to its low underwriting leverage and the investment managers’ historical trend of success in turbulent markets.