A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Universal Underwriters Life Insurance Company.

OLDWICK, N.J. -- A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of "a-" of Universal Underwriters Life Insurance Company (UULIC) (Overland Park, KS). The outlook for both ratings is stable.

UULIC is owned by property/casualty writer, Universal Underwriters Insurance Company (Overland Park, KS), whose ultimate parent is Zurich Financial Services (ZFS) (Switzerland).

The ratings of UULIC reflect its favorable absolute and risk-adjusted capital position and positive earnings.

Offsetting rating factors are UULIC's declining premium trends and uncertainty in executing a new business strategy. In 2007, UULIC discontinued marketing its credit life and credit accident and health products. The company's new business strategy consists of marketing individual life and leveraging opportunities with other ZFS distribution channels targeted to niche markets.

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.