Insurance companies are rated by five major rating services. Each service uses its own criteria to issue a “report card” for the companies it rates. Although each service uses an alphabetical rating scale, an A+ from one service may not mean the same as an A+ from another. The following chart lists the ratings available from the five companies and groups them by rating strength.
|
Rating Description
|
Rating Service
|
||||
|
A.M. Best
|
Fitch
|
Moody’s
|
Standard & Poor’s
|
TheStreet.com
|
|
|
Superior:
Minimal risk of financial instability, most able to meet claim obligations. |
A++
A+ |
AAA
|
Aaa
|
AAA
|
A+
|
|
Excellent:
financially strong with excellent claims-paying ability. |
A
A- |
AA+
AA A- |
Aa1
Aa2 Aa3 |
AA+ |
A
A- |
|
Good:
good claims-paying ability, stronger than the average company. |
B++
B+ |
A+
A A- |
A1
A2 A3 |
A+
A A- |
B+
B B- |
|
Adequate:
higher risk than “good” rating. |
B B- |
BBB+
BBB BBB- |
Baa1
Baa2 Baa3 |
BBB+
BBB BBB- |
C+
C C- |
|
Below Average:
below-average claims-paying ability and financial strength. |
C++
C+ |
BB+
BB BB- |
Ba1
Ba2 Ba3 |
BB+
BB BB- |
D+
D D- |
|
Financially Weak:
high degree of risk, vulnerable to default. |
C |
B+
B B- |
B1
B2 B3 |
B+
B B- |
E+
E E- |
|
Nonviable:
extremely risky, in or near default |
E |
CCC |
Caa
Ca C |
CCC
CC R |
F
|
To get rating information, visit the rating services’ websites or call their customer service departments. Most rating services provide free rating information to consumers, although you may have to pay if you need more than a few ratings. Ratings can be found in books and magazines available at your local library. You can also ask your insurance agent or broker for rating information.
If you have questions or need assistance, contact the insurance experts at Henssler Financial: 770-429-9166 or experts@henssler.com.
Disclosures:
The following information is reprinted with permission from Forefield, a division of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. All material presented is compiled from sources believed to be reliable and current, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The contents are intended for general information purposes only. Information provided should not be the sole basis in making any decisions and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional, such as a tax consultant, insurance adviser or attorney. Although this material is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with respect to the subject matter, it may not apply in all situations. Readers are urged to consult with their adviser concerning specific situations and questions. This is not to be construed as an offer to buy or sell any financial instruments. It is not our intention to state, indicate or imply in any manner that current or past results are indicative of future profitability or expectations. As with all investments, there are associated inherent risks. Please obtain and review all financial material carefully before investing.
