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

OLDWICK, N.J. -- 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.