Demotech Completes Review of First Quarter 2013 Title Underwriter Data

Columbus, Ohio, May 24, 2013:  Demotech, Inc. has affirmed the Financial Stability Ratings® (FSRs) assigned to Title underwriters based on its review of first quarter 2013 statutory financial information.  All FSRs were affirmed, there were no upgrades or downgrades.

Douglas A. Powell, Senior Financial Analyst, states “Title underwriters aggregately have continued to report underwriting results and net income reminiscent of the pre-economic crisis years.  An overwhelming majority of underwriters, 37 out of 42, reported a net operating gain in the first quarter 2013.”

In examining direct premium written in the first quarter 2013, Powell noted, “Title underwriters have reported direct premium written of $2.8 billion, more than 25 percent over first quarter 2012.  This is the highest level of direct premium written in the first quarter since 2008.  Moreover, while increasing direct premium written, Title underwriters have aggregately maintained a sufficient level of policyholders’ surplus.”

In forecasting 2013, Powell added, “There is always a fair amount of uncertainty in making projections based on first quarter data, but a sustained housing recovery should result in Title underwriter premium exceeding $10 billion in 2013.”

FSRs are a leading indicator of the financial stability of Title underwriters and present Demotech’s opinion of the ability of the insurer to meet its insurance related obligations based upon the assessment of financial information.  FSRs are not an endorsement of any particular insurer or its products.  Insureds and agents need to independently evaluate their relationship with a particular insurer as well as the applicability of that insurer’s products to the needs of the insured or agent.

Visit www.demotech.com for the current FSRs assigned to Title underwriters.

About Demotech, Inc.

Demotech, Inc. is a financial analysis firm specializing in evaluating the financial stability of regional and specialty insurers.  Since 1985, Demotech has served the insurance industry by assigning accurate, reliable and proven Financial Stability Ratings® (FSRs) for Property & Casualty insurers and Title underwriters.  FSRs are a leading indicator of financial stability, providing an objective baseline of the future solvency of an insurer.  Demotech’s philosophy is to review and evaluate insurers based on their area of focus and execution of their business model rather than solely on financial size.  Visit www.demotech.com for more information.