A.M. Best Upgrades Rating of Consumers Insurance USA, Inc.

OLDWICK, N.J.--(Business Wire)--A.M. Best Co. has upgraded the financial strength rating to B++
(Good) from B+ (Good) and assigned an issuer credit rating of "bbb+"
to Consumers Insurance USA, Inc. (Consumers Insurance) (Murfreesboro,
TN). The outlook for both ratings is stable.

The ratings reflect Consumer Insurance's solid operating results
over the past several years and its strengthened risk-adjusted capital
position. The company's recent operating profitability has been driven
by management's underwriting discipline, enhanced systems technology
and local market knowledge.

Partially offsetting these positive rating factors is Consumer
Insurance's elevated expense structure and historical modest
unfavorable loss reserve development. In addition, the company's
geographic concentration primarily in two states and limited product
offerings, make it susceptible to judicial, regulatory and market
changes as well as weather related loss activity.

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 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:
Michael Venezia, 908-439-2200, ext. 5034
michael.venezia@ambest.com
or
Jeffrey Mango, CPA, 908-439-2200, ext. 5204
jeffrey.mango@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 2008