AM Best Rating Services
The world's only global credit rating agency exclusively dedicated to the insurance industry.
Overview
AM Best Rating Services, Inc. (AMBRS) is the credit rating division of A.M. Best Company, Inc., a privately held firm founded in 1899 and the world's first credit rating agency specializing exclusively in insurance. Headquartered in Oldwick, New Jersey, AM Best operates across more than 100 countries through offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mexico City, and a Washington, D.C. news bureau. In December 2024, the company celebrated its 125th anniversary.
The division issues Best's Credit Ratings on more than 16,000 insurance companies worldwide, serving as the industry's primary benchmark for financial strength and creditworthiness. AM Best Rating Services holds Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (NRSRO) designation from the U.S. SEC, is recognized by the NAIC as a Credit Rating Provider, and operates regulated rating subsidiaries under the EU's ESMA, the UK's FCA, and regulators in Australia, Singapore, and numerous other jurisdictions.
Beyond traditional credit ratings, the division also issues Best's Performance Assessments for Delegated Underwriting Authority Enterprises (DUAEs) -- covering MGAs, coverholders, and program administrators -- a product that has seen strong adoption in the insurtech MGA space since its launch.
Products & Services
Best's Financial Strength Rating (FSR)
An independent opinion on an insurer's ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations. The FSR is the most widely referenced benchmark in the industry for assessing insurer creditworthiness.
Key Features
- Letter-grade scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor)
- Includes rating outlook (Positive, Stable, Negative) and under-review designations
- Covers life/health, P&C, title, and composite insurers worldwide
- Continuously monitored and updated via ongoing surveillance
Target Users: Policyholders, regulators, reinsurers, investors
Best's Issuer Credit Rating (ICR)
An opinion of an entity's overall creditworthiness and ability to meet its senior financial obligations. Issued on both long-term and short-term horizons.
Key Features
- Aligned with FSR analysis for insurance companies
- Also covers holding companies and issuers of insurance-linked securities
- Supports capital market and debt financing decisions
Target Users: Debt investors, holding companies, banks, capital markets
Best's Performance Assessment for DUAEs
A non-credit opinion on a Delegated Underwriting Authority Enterprise's ability to perform services on behalf of its insurance company partners. Introduced to address the growing MGA and program business market.
Key Features
- 5-point descriptive scale: PA-1 (Exceptional) to PA-5 (Weak)
- Evaluates five components: Underwriting Capabilities, Governance and Internal Controls, Financial Condition, Organizational Talent, and Depth and Breadth of Relationships
- Includes outlook (Positive, Stable, Negative) over a 36-month horizon
- Applicable to MGAs, coverholders, program administrators, and other DUAEs
Target Users: Carrier partners, capacity providers, MGA management, reinsurers
Best's Credit Reports
Detailed analytical reports providing rating rationale, financial data, and commentary on rated insurance entities.
Key Features
- Includes rating history, financial exhibits, and analytical narrative
- Available for individual companies or in bulk via data licensing
- Supports due diligence, regulatory review, and market research
Target Users: Investors, regulators, corporate development teams
Best's Credit Rating Center
The online platform at ratings.ambest.com for searching and accessing AM Best ratings data.
Key Features
- Search by company name, NAIC number, FEIN, or AIIN identifier
- Filter by rating range, outlook, geography, and line of business
- Access to current ratings, rating histories, and recent rating actions
- Financial size category filtering
Target Users: All rated entities, policyholders, agents, regulators
At a Glance
- Founded
- 1899
- Headquarters
- Oldwick, New Jersey, USA
- Employees
- 501-1000
- Funding
- Bootstrapped
Category & Focus
- Category
- Data & Analytics
- Subcategories
- Insurance Credit Ratings Financial Strength Ratings Performance Assessments Industry Data
- Insurance Verticals
- Life & Annuity P&C Personal P&C Commercial Health Group Benefits Specialty/E&S Reinsurance Title Workers Compensation
- Target Customers
- Carriers, MGAs/MGUs, Reinsurers, Brokers, Agents/Agencies, Regulators, Investors
Customers
- Insurance carriers and reinsurers (16,000+ rated globally)
- MGAs, coverholders, and program administrators seeking DUAE assessments
- Investors and lenders evaluating insurer debt and securities
- Regulators and supervisory bodies requiring NRSRO-recognized ratings
- Insurance agents and brokers verifying carrier financial strength
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Last updated: 2026-04-09