OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A.M. Best Co. has upgraded the financial strength rating (FSR) to B (Good) from B (Good) and assigned issuer credit ratings (ICR) of "bbb" to ECM Insurance Group (Group) and its member, Everett Cash Mutual Insurance Company. The outlook for the FSR is stable, while the outlook for the ICRs is positive. Concurrently, A.M. Best has affirmed the FSR of B (Good) and assigned an ICR of "bbb-" to Ever-Greene Mutual Insurance Company (Ever-Greene). Additionally, A.M. Best has assigned an FSR of B (Good) and an ICR of "bbb" to 1st Choice Auto Insurance Company (1st Choice Auto). The outlook for these ratings is stable. All companies are domiciled in Everett, PA.

The rating actions on the Group reflect its favorable risk-adjusted capitalization, solid underwriting and operating performance in its niche of farmowners/small commercial coverages and profitable conservative investment portfolio. These positive rating factors are somewhat offset by the group's tight geographic concentration of risk. In addition, the ratings reflect A.M. Best's expectation that underwriting performance and capitalization will continue to trend favorably.

The rating actions on 1st Choice Auto recognize its favorable risk-adjusted capitalization, improved underwriting results and strategic affiliation with the Group. Partially offsetting these positive rating factors are the company's limited geographic concentration of risk and limited product offering.

The rating actions on Ever-Greene are indicative of its modest underwriting leverage and favorable risk-adjusted capitalization, which is somewhat offset by the company's limited business profile.

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 full-service credit rating organization dedicated to serving the financial services industries, including the banking and insurance sectors. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

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Source: A.M. Best Company