A.M. Best to Host Conference Call on New Rating Methodology: Catastrophe Analysis in A.M. Best Ratings.

OLDWICK, N.J. -- A.M. Best Co. will host a conference call to discuss the recent enhancements to its analysis of capitalization and risk management designed to address the emerging risk brought about by changes in the environment. All interested parties are welcome to join the call; however, there will be limited space - so register early by clicking on the link below.

"Catastrophe Analysis in A.M. Best Ratings"

                Thursday, Dec. 1, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. EST

www.ambest.com/events/rd0001.html (If you have any difficulty with registration, call Customer Service at [phone], ext. 5742.)

A.M. Best Co. considers catastrophic loss, both natural and man-made, to be the number one threat to the financial strength and credit quality of property and casualty insurers due to the significant, rapid and unexpected impact that can occur.

Hear a panel of A.M. Best's senior property and casualty ratings officers discuss why the rapid escalation in insured exposure and loss damage has become an increasing concern for insurer financial strength and how A.M. Best is refining its analytical methodology to stress test capitalization for severe events.

Who should attend:

     Insurers                           Investors
     Reinsurers                         Consultants
     Risk managers                      Credit Analysts
     Brokers                            Bankers
     Agents                             Regulators


Panelists:

     Matthew Mosher, Group Vice President, Property & Casualty Ratings
     Karen A. Horvath, Vice President, Ratings Criteria
     Robert DeRose, Assistant Vice President, Reinsurance Ratings

For more information on A.M. Best's catastrophe analysis, please access the full methodology report at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology.asp.

A.M. Best Co., established in 1899, is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit A.M. Best's Web site at www.ambest.com.