A.M. Best Upgrades Ratings of Patrons Mutual Group of Connecticut

OLDWICK, N.J.--(Business Wire)--A.M. Best Co. has upgraded the financial strength rating (FSR) to
A- (Excellent) from B++ (Good) and the issuer credit ratings (ICR) to
"a-" from "bbb" for Patrons Mutual Group of Connecticut (Patrons)
(Glastonbury, CT) and its members. All ratings have been removed from
under review with positive implications and assigned a positive
outlook. (See below for a detailed list of the companies and ratings.)

The rating upgrades reflect the improved financial flexibility
achieved through Patrons' recent affiliation with State Automobile
Mutual Insurance Company (SAMI). SAMI is a member of the highly-rated
State Auto Insurance Companies (State Auto) (both domiciled in
Columbus, OH).

The positive outlook indicates that the ratings are expected to
further improve over the near term due to improved net leverage and
risk-adjusted capitalization through anticipated additional support
from State Auto.

The FSR has been upgraded to A- (Excellent) from B++ (Good) and
the ICRs have been upgraded to "a-" from "bbb" for Patrons Mutual
Group of Connecticut and its following members. All ratings have been
removed from under review with positive implications and assigned a
positive outlook.

-- Patrons Mutual Insurance Company of Connecticut

-- Litchfield Mutual Fire Insurance Company

-- Patrons Fire Insurance Company of Rhode Island

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 T. 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