AM Best Removes Negative Implications, Expects Continued Profitability for Pie Insurance

AM Best has removed from under review with negative implications and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” (Excellent) of The Pie Insurance Company (Columbus, OH) and its pooled affiliate, Pie Casualty Insurance Company (Chicago, IL), collectively referred to as Pie Insurance Group (Pie). The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect Pie’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

The ratings were initially placed under review with negative implications on March 8, 2024, following the organization’s 2023 results, which included material underwriting losses brought on by adverse reserve development in its New York book of business (see related press release). The reserves have stabilized since third-quarter 2023 and management has derisked the balance sheet significantly through commutation of their reserves.

The ratings have been removed from under review with negative implications as AM Best has completed its assessment of the impact of the commutation on the rated entities and consolidated risk-adjusted capitalization. Post-commutation, Pie’s risk-adjusted capitalization for year-end 2024, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), was at the strongest level and is expected to remain at the strongest level for the next couple years.

Sufficient capitalization and liquidity are expected at the consolidated level in the near to midterm, supporting Pie’s very strong balance sheet assessment. Pie achieved profitability in fiscal-year 2024 and expects to remain profitable in the coming years. The ratings also consider the execution risk inherent in startup organizations and the potential challenges management faces to execute on the business plan. As is customary, AM Best will monitor Pie’s actual results relative to its plan.

The stable outlooks reflect AM Best’s expectation that Pie will maintain its current balance sheet strength assessment, supported by its strongest level of risk-adjusted capitalization. as well as sufficient capitalization and liquidity at the consolidated level, while meeting its operating performance targets.

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