News Details

A.M. Best Assigns and Affirms Ratings of Physicians Insurance Company of Wisconsin, Inc.; Removes Rating From Under Review

December 5, 2007

OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

A.M. Best Co. has assigned an issuer credit rating of "a-" and affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A- (Excellent) of Physicians Insurance Company of Wisconsin, Inc. (PIC Wisconsin) (Madison, WI). The FSR has been removed from under review with negative implications, and both ratings have been assigned a stable outlook.

These rating actions follow regulatory approval and subsequent implementation of a stop-loss reinsurance agreement between PIC Wisconsin and The Medical Assurance Company Inc. (TMAC), both of which are subsidiaries of ProAssurance Corporation (both of Birmingham, AL) (NYSE: PRA). This agreement, which covers accident year 2006 and prior claims, successfully addresses A.M. Best's concern over PIC Wisconsin's risk-adjusted capital position, which previously was not supportive of the FSR.

For Best's Ratings, an overview of the rating process and rating methodologies, please visit www.ambest.com/ratings.

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is a global full-service credit rating organization dedicated to serving the financial and health care service industries, including insurance companies, banks, hospitals and health care system providers. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Source: A.M. Best Co.

Contact: A.M. Best Co. Analysts Gregory Williams, 908-439-2200, ext. 5815 gregory.williams@ambest.com Joseph Roethel, 908-439-2200, ext. 5630 joseph.roethel@ambest.com or Public Relations Jim Peavy, 908-439-2200, ext. 5644 james.peavy@ambest.com Rachelle Morrow, 908-439-2200, ext. 5378 rachelle.morrow@ambest.com