A.M. Best Upgrades Ratings of ECM Insurance Group and 1st Choice Auto Insurance Company, Inc.

OLDWICK, N.J.--(Business Wire)--
A.M. Best Co. has upgraded the financial strength ratings (FSR) to A-
(Excellent) from B++ (Good) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) to "a-" from "bbb+"
of ECM Insurance Group (Group), its member, Everett Cash Mutual Insurance
Company (Everett Cash Mutual) and 1st Choice AutoInsurance Company, Inc. (1st
Choice Auto), the direct subsidiary of Everett Cash Mutual. The outlook for
these ratings is being revised to stable from positive.

In addition, A.M. Best has affirmed the FSR of B++ (Good) and ICR of "bbb" of
Ever-Greene Mutual Insurance Company (Ever-Greene), an affiliate of Everett Cash
Mutual. The outlook for these two ratings is stable. All companies are domiciled
in Everett, PA.

The rating actions on the Group reflect its excellent risk-adjusted
capitalization, solid underwriting and operating performance in its niche market
of farm owners/small commercial coverages and its conservative investment
portfolio. The rating upgrades also reflect A.M. Best`s expectation that
underwriting performance and risk-adjusted capitalization will continue to trend
favorably. These positive rating factors are somewhat offset by the Group`s
current tight geographic concentration of risk.

The ratings of 1st Choice Auto recognize its continued underwriting
profitability and solid risk-adjusted capitalization as a strategic subsidiary
of Everett Cash Mutual. Partially offsetting these positive rating factors are
1st Choice Auto`s limited geographic concentration of risk and limited product
offering.

The ratings of Ever-Greene are indicative of its modest underwriting leverage,
profitable operating performance, favorable risk-adjusted capitalization and
affiliation with the Group, and are somewhat offset by Ever-Greene`s limited
business profile.

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
Raymond Thomson, 908-439-2200, ext. 5621
raymond.thomson@ambest.com
or
Jeffrey Mango, CPA, 908-439-2200, ext. 5204
jeffrey.mango@ambest.com
or
Public Relations
Rachelle Morrow, 908-439-2200, ext. 5378
rachelle.morrow@ambest.com
or
Jim Peavy, 908-439-2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com

Copyright Business Wire 2010