A.M. Best Revises Outlook to Positive for Doctors Company Insurance Group and Its Members

OLDWICK, N.J.--(Business Wire)--
A.M. Best Co. has revised the outlook to positive from stable and affirmed the
financial strength rating (FSR) of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings
(ICR) of "a-" of Doctors Company Insurance Group (TDC) (Napa, CA) and its
members. (See below for a detailed listing of the companies.)

The ratings reflect TDC`s strong operating performance, excellent risk-adjusted
capitalization, improved reserve development, appropriate cycle management and
leading position within the medical professional liability sector. A.M. Best
also recognizes the group`s geographic diversification, which has been supported
by the successful integration of recent acquisition driven growth.

Partially offsetting these strengths are the challenges associated with the
medical professional liability insurance sector as it relates to price
competition, legislative (tort) reform, loss cost trends and regulatory
challenges. An additional factor is the history of moderate fluctuations in
TDC`s earlier operating results, driven by adverse reserve development in prior
accident years. However, reserve development since 2004 has been favorable,
reflecting management`s corrective actions and general market conditions.

In addition, A.M. Best has affirmed FSRs of B+ (Good) and ICRs of "bbb-" to
SCPIE Indemnity Company (Los Angeles, CA), American Healthcare Specialty
Insurance Company, (Little Rock, AK) and American Healthcare Indemnity Company
(Wilmington, DE). The outlook for these ratings is stable.

These companies were acquired by TDC on June 30, 2008. Prior to January 1, 2009,
these three entities were rated by A.M. Best under a pooled affiliation.
Currently, the pooling agreement is no longer in place, and each of these
companies is rated separately. Support for these ratings is provided by the
companies` appropriate risk-adjusted capital positions.

Concurrent with this structural change, A.M. Best has withdrawn the FSR of B+
(Good) and ICRs of "bbb-" and assigned a category NR-5 to the FSR and an "nr" to
the ICRs of the previously existing group, The SCPIE Companies.

The FSR of A- (Excellent) and ICRs of "a-" have been affirmed with a revised
outlook to positive from stable for Doctors Company Insurance Group and its
following members:

* Doctors Company Interinsurance Exchange
* Underwriter for the Professions
* Professional Underwriters Liability Company
* OHIC Insurance Company
* Northwest Physicians Insurance Company

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

The principal methodologies used in determining these ratings, including any
additional methodologies and factors that may have been considered, can be found
at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology.

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.

A.M. Best Co.
Analysts
Robert Raber, 908-439-2200, ext. 5696
robert.raber@ambest.com
or
Henry Witmer, 908-439-2200, ext. 5097
henry.witmer@ambest.com
or
Public Relations
Jim Peavy, 908-439-2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com
or
Rachelle Morrow, 908-439-2200, ext. 5378
rachelle.morrow@ambest.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009