A.M. Best Upgrades Ratings of Vermont Mutual Insurance Group to A+ Superior

Montpelier, VT, December 10, 2014 --(PR.com)-- A.M. Best Company, the global rating agency for the insurance industry, has upgraded the financial strength rating to A+ (Superior) from A (Excellent) and the issuer credit ratings to “aa‐“ from “a+” of Vermont Mutual Insurance Company (Vermont Mutual) and its two fully reinsured subsidiaries, Northern Security Insurance Company, Inc. and Granite Mutual Insurance Company. These companies are members of Vermont Mutual Insurance Group and are all domiciled in Montpelier, VT.

A.M Best stated that “the rating actions reflect Vermont Mutual’s favorable underwriting and operating results, which have consistently outperformed the industry composite in recent years. In addition, Vermont Mutual continues to maintain solid risk‐adjusted capitalization, a well established market presence in the New England states and knowledge of local insurance issues.”

William A. Catto, President and CEO commented, “We are very pleased that A.M. Best has acknowledged our exemplary performance over the past decade by upgrading our Financial Security Rating to A+. Certainly, none of the growth, profitability and stability that led to this upgrade would have been possible without the loyalty, dedication and commitment of our employees and Independent Agency partners. While we often reflect on the virtues of the Independent Agency system and the value agents bring to each community that they serve, this is truly a time when we recognize just how fortunate we are to enjoy so many wonderful partnerships throughout our territory and appreciate how much we can accomplish by working together.”

“Our independent agents and our employees partner each day to provide comprehensive and cost effective solutions to people and businesses throughout the northeast. This upgrade to A+ from A.M. Best is recognition of those efforts and confirmation that our policyholders have chosen the right agent and company for peace of mind and quality insurance protection,” noted Executive Vice President Dan Bridge.

Chartered in 1828, Vermont Mutual Insurance Company is one of the ten oldest mutual property/casualty insurers in the United States. They have operated continuously since that time in Montpelier, VT. Along with the wholly owned subsidiary, Northern Security Insurance Company, Inc. and the affiliated Granite Mutual Insurance Company, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group provides coverage throughout New England and New York. Through more than 500 independent agencies, the Group insures approximately 285,000 policyholders with a direct written premium of more than $350,000,000. In addition to its upgrade to A+ by A. M. Best, Vermont Mutual Insurance Company has been named to Ward’s Top 50 performing property/casualty companies in the United States for the past six consecutive years.

For additional information on A. M. Best and insurance ratings visit www.ambest.com. For additional information about Vermont Mutual please contact pclark@vermontmutual.com or visit www.vermontmutual.com.