Tester 'll Never " Satisfied "

The affirmation of the ratings on White Mountains and its subsidiaries follows today's announcement of the company's planned reorganization, whereby White Mountains Re Bermuda Ltd. (WMRe Bermuda) (Hamilton, Bermuda) will be contributed to Sirius, with its business and infrastructure transferred to Sirius' newly established Bermuda branch, and White MountainsReinsurance Company of America's (WMRe America) (New York, NY) property quota share to WMRe Bermuda will be novated to Sirius. This planned reorganization and ongoing efforts by management to modify the capital structure throughout the organization are expected to enhance financial flexibility, improve near-term liquidity at the parent level and reduce financial leverage on a consolidated basis.

Offsetting these positive factors is the longer-term potential of a reduced capacity for distributions from Sirius to support parental and affiliate needs, given the expected reduction in Sirius' risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), and Sirius' assumption and guaranty of select higher risk and higher volatility businesses of WMRe Bermuda, WMRe America and other entities. As such, A.M. Best will be monitoring medium-term and longer-term parent level liquidity. An additional offset includes management's appetite for seeking higher returns by entering higher risk and higher volatility businesses that have required support and are expected to require future support.


The stable outlook for White Mountains and its subsidiaries (excluding Sirius) takes into account A.M. Best's expectation that management will maintain sufficient liquidity at the parent level and maintain adequate capital on a consolidated basis. In addition, A.M. Best expects management to continue its efforts to reduce financial leverage both on a consolidated basis and at intermediate holding company, OneBeacon Insurance Group, Ltd. (OneBeacon, Ltd.) (Hamilton, Bermuda) [NYSE: OB]. Also, White Mountains' regulated subsidiaries are expected to maintain sufficient risk-adjusted capital levels.

White Mountains is globally engaged, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, in property/casualty insurance and reinsurance activities. White Mountains' primary business segments include OneBeacon, White Mountains Re and Esurance. White Mountains also has an investment advisory business, as well as variable annuity guaranty reinsurance and weather derivatives businesses, both of which are in run-off

A.M. Best Co. released ratings updates. The following are some of the most recent:

Allianz Insurance plc
A.M. Best Co. affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and the issuer credit rating (ICR) of “aa” of Allianz Insurance plc (AZI). The outlook on both ratings remains stable.

Allianz Holdings plc, AZI’s immediate holding company in the UK, is expected to maintain excellent consolidated risk-adjusted capitalization during 2009 and 2010, despite likely dividend payments to its parent company, Allianz Societas Europaea (Allianz SE). AZI’s ratings continue to reflect reinsurance support provided by Allianz group subsidiaries and financial flexibility provided by Allianz SE, which maintains superior risk-adjustedcapitalization.

A.M. Best anticipates a solid combined ratio in 2009 toward the upper end of the 95% to 100% range (2008: 99.7%), taking into account weak rating conditions for AZI’s core commercial lines of business. The company’s underwriting profit at year-end 2009 is likely to be supported by prior year reserve releases, albeit at a lower level than in 2008 (GBP 201 million). A solid net investment yield is anticipated at a comparable level to the 5% achieved in 2008 (including realized and unrealized gains).


Hannover Re
The rating agency revised the outlook to stable from positive for the ratings of Hannover Rueckversicherung AG (Hannover Re) and its rated subsidiaries. At the same time, A.M. Best has affirmed Hannover Re’s FSR of A (Excellent) and ICR of “a+” and the debt ratings either issued or guaranteed by Hannover Re.

A.M. Best expects Hannover Re’s consolidated risk-adjusted capitalization to remain excellent, underpinned by the company’s decision not to pay a dividend during 2009. The change in the rating outlook reflects A.M. Best’s view that the improvement in risk-adjusted capitalization that supported the positive outlook is unlikely to materialize in the current trading environment.


Manulife Financial Corp. and Its Subsidiaries
A.M. Best Co. downgraded the FSR to A+ (Superior) from A++ (Superior) and ICR to “aa” from “aa+” for The Manufacturers Life Insurance Co. (MLI), John Hancock Life Insurance Co. (JHLIC) and their affiliates. Additionally, A.M. Best has downgraded the ICR to “a” from “aa-” and all debt ratings ofManulife Financial Corp. as well as the enterprise. The outlook for all ratings has been revised to stable from negative.

The downgrading of the debt ratings reflects a revision to standard notching for the group in accordance with A.M. Best’s published debt rating methodology.


Munich Re and Its Subsidiaries
A.M. Best Co. affirmed the FSR of A+ (Superior) and ICR of “aa-” of Munich Reinsurance Co. (Munich Re) and its subsidiaries. Concurrently, the rating agency affirmed the debt ratings of “a+” on GBP 300 million 7.625% subordinated bonds, EUR 1.5 billion fixed/floating rate undated subordinated bonds and EUR 3 billion 6.75% subordinated eurobonds issued by Munich Re. The outlook for these ratings remains stable.

In addition, A.M. Best has affirmed the ICR and senior debt ratings of “bbb+” of Munich Re America Corp. The outlook for these ratings remains positive.

Munich Re’s risk-adjusted capitalization is likely to remain strong, despite a significant reduction in equity reserves in 2008. A.M. Best expects Munich Re to effectively manage the impact of the continuing uncertaint in the financial markets for the rest of 2009 as it shifts its investment portfolio towards lower risk fixed interest securities and loans. By year-end 2008, Munich Re had significantly reduced its dependency on the stock market through disposals or by means of suitable hedging instruments. In first quarter 2009, the company incurred additional reductions in equity reserves, but these were more than offset by an increase in foreign currency translation reserves.

Why do I need to buy life insurance?

If someone depends on you financially, the likelihood is that you need life insurance. Its is easy and quick to purchase a no exam term life insurance policy. Life insurance provides cash to your family after you die. The money your beneficiary receives can be an important financial resource. It can help cover daily living expenses, pay the mortgage and other outstanding loans, fund tuition, and ensure that your family is not burdened with debt. Having a life insurance policy could mean your spouse or children wouldn’t have to sell assets to pay bills or taxes. Another advantage is that beneficiaries won’t have to pay federal income taxes on the money they receive.

Group Life insurance is policy that insures a group of people. Its a type of insurance in which a group of people are covered- if you are part of the group.
Group Life Insurance is often provided by employers as an employee benefit because it is an economical way for employers to provide a quality benefit that employees value. Employees can usually be insured without medical examination as a group of people under a master policy.
The amount of coverage can vary from $10,000 to $100,000. Coverage ceases at the age of 70. Upon the termination of employment, the insured employee may continue coverage through an individual term policy without evidence of insurability for as long as the insured person continues to pay premiums.
Full-time employees may purchase additional life insurance for themselves, their spouse and eligible dependent children and have premiums deducted from their paycheck.
Life Insurance Premiums are the dollar amount you pay into a life insurance policy. You can pay premiums on a monthly basis or less often if you choose.
If you are over 50’s, there are affordable ways to prepare for the future.
With over 50s life insurance cover there is guaranteed acceptance- and in most cases there is no need for a medical check up. Its easy to find coverage as you can apply online to get a quote.
Can can choose the plan that you an afford and the coverage depends on the level of cover you want. Monthly payments are clear and premiums are always the same month to month, and are guaranteed never to rise once your plan starts.
It is one of the simplest ways to leave your family a guaranteed tax-free cash lump sum after you die to put towards funeral expenses and outstanding debts.
The key benefits in having a Life Cover for over 50’s:
1. No Medical or health questions
2. Monthly payments stay the same after you sign the policy
3. Guaranteed tax-free cash lump sum
4. All application will usually be processed within 71 hours
5. You have have peace of mind.
Insurance Premiums are the dollar amount you pay into a life insurance policy. You can pay premiums on a monthly basis or less often if you choose. All policies contain a 31-day grace period for late payments, therefore if you are late paying your premiums, you policy still stays in effect for 31-days, until you pay your premium.
A basic type of permanent life insurance is when the premiums are paid, to cover the policyholder over the course of their entire life.
With reference to your Group Life Insurance, your employer will deduct your premiums with your permission from you pay check.
Insurance Companies will base your life insurance premiums on several factors:
• Age
• Health problems
• Occupation
• Hobbies
• Habits
If a Insurance Company turns you down for a policy, try another company.
Each Insurance Company uses different methods and factors to decide whether or not to insure you.
Here is a good example. If you have high blood pressure that you control with medication, one company might reject you while another company may accept you. Just don’t give up searching.
If you have a medical problem it’s a good idea to talk it over with your doctor. Treatment may improve your condition enough to meet company standards or the company may qualify you as a special risk at an adjusted premium.
You should also want to check on group life insurance. Some group plans do not require a medical exam or health histories from your doctor.
Insurance Companies are part of the free enterprise system and within certain limit they can select those individuals they want to insure.
However they are not free to turn down coverage without a valid reason.
Insurers cannot refuse insurance to anyone based on:
• sex
• martial status
• race
• creed
• color
• national origin
It is also against the law to deny coverage to domestic violence victims, people with a sensory, mental or physical problem.

Only a few insurance companies sell life insurance policies through the mail. If you choose to purchase your policy through the mail, all you have to do is mail in your completed application directly to the insurance company. The company who sells life insurance through the mail usually does not have an agent in your hometown.
The internet has become a very popular way to purchase life insurance policies. Remember all state laws and regulations regarding selling insurance apply to the Internet and insurance-based Web sites. Do some research and make sure the company is authorized to do business. Call the Insurance Consumer hotline before signing any policy.
Most people prefer to buy life insurance through an agent or broker.
Agents represent one or more companies. The agents job, is commission based to sell your policies of the company they represent.
Brokers represent and work for you. You would describe to the broker the type of coverage you want and the amount you want to spend. The brokers job is to survey the market and bring back options for you to review. The broker also receives a commission of the sales they arrange.
It is very wise to choose your agent or broker carefully.. Choose some who is an established business person in your community. If you have concerns about an insurance provider contact the Insurance Consumer Hotline.
Certain steps should be taken to resolve a dispute with your insurance company.
You do not need a lawyer to resolve disputes in most cases, most insurance companies will generally be willing to work with your to straighten out any problems.
First contact your insurance agent. If your concerns are not addressed contact the company’s customer service office. If customer service fails short of your expectation ask about the company’s procedure for appealing decisions.
If your self-help efforts fall short then the next step is to contact the Department Of Insurance Office of Consumer Services, and speak to a life insurance analyst. Your analyst will answer your questions over the phone and explain any additional steps you should take to resolve your problems. The staff will give you an honest and unbiased answers to all your questions.
If this explanation does not satisfy you, you can then request a complaint form which your insurance analyst will mail to you with instructions of how to fill the complaint form. Your analyst will review all the facts to make sure the company follows its contract with you as well as Insurance Regulations.
The most frequent complaints about Life Insurance are:
1. Misrepresentation
2. Information requested
3. Coverage question
4. Claim denial
One of the most important thing to know is if the insurance company you buy from will be able to pay death benefits when you die.
• Choose a company with a good reputation and past history.
• Choose a company that offers the product and features that meet your needs
• Find out what state the insurance company is licensed. Be sure to know the full name, home office location and affiliation of any company you are considering.
• Choose a company that is likely to be financially sound for many years, by using ratings from independent rating agencies.
• Choose a life insurance company that will communicate with you and who is attentive to your needs.
• Check the national database to see what complaint information it has on the insurance company.The state insurance department will be able to tell you if there has been many consumer complaints about its service relative to the number of policies it sold.
• The premium and cost of your insurance contract is important so you should compare similar insurance plans based on: Your age, the type of policy, the policy features and the amount of insurance you are purchasing
Visit the State Department of Insurance web site to get the information you need about any insurance company.
When you purchase cheap life insurance through a good agent they can guide you through the process of buying life insurance by explaining the options and identifying what best match your personal needs. Life insurance can get very complicated.
Most agents are very professional and honest but remember a dishonest agent can confuse you with a sales pitch designed for high sales commission with little regard to the impact it might have on you financially.
A good agent can be your best ally and advocate if you have a problem with the insurance company.
It is always good to get recommendations from friends, business acquaintances, banker or lawyer about finding the best agent you want to buy your life insurance from.
Insurance agents are all required to be licensed. But I personally look for an agent with extensive education beyond the bare minimum required for a license. These agents may use initials after their names to let you know you are dealing with a well-trained professional. Some examples:
CLU: Chartered Life Underwriter
ChFC: Chartered Financial Consultant
FLMI: Fellow of Life Management Institute
CFP: Certified Financial Planner
If you do not sell your life insurance policy, and you should die, the beneficiary you named on your policy must file a claim to collect the death benefit. The insurance company has 60 days to pay the claim or notify the beneficiary.
The beneficiary should get a claim form from the insurance company. The insurance company will need, the name of the insured, a policy number and a certified copy of the death.
The beneficiary will have choice of ways to receive a death benefit. Settlement options could include the following:
• A lump sum payment
• An installment payment usually with interest
• A checking account where the beneficiary receives a check book and can withdraw money when need
• The insurance company could hold the benefits and pay interest
You generally do not have to pay income tax on death benefits.
Get advice from your lawyer or account on this matter.

Types of Life Insurance: Which One Is Right For You?
The Difference Between Term and Whole Life Insurance
Term vs. Whole Life insurance... What's the difference? What are the advantages of each? If you are trying to decide whether you need Whole Life or Term Life insurance, read this list of commonly asked questions.
What are the different types of life insurance?
SBLI USA offers the two basic types of life insurance: Term Life and Whole Life. Each offers its own set of advantages.

What is the difference between Term and Whole Life insurance?

Term Life insurance is a type of life insurance product that provides coverage for a specific period of time only. While it is generally the least expensive type of life insurance, Term Life premiums can increase as you grow older. With SBLI USA Term Life policies , you can renew your coverage up to a certain age (designated in the policy) and convert your coverage to an eligible SBLI USA Whole Life insurance policy at any time your policy is in inforce.

Whole Life insurance - often called "permanent" life insurance - is a type of life insurance that provides coverage your whole life through. While premiums may initially be higher than those of Term Life, they stay level throughout the duration of your coverage. Whole Life also features cash value that builds over time, tax-deferred. This value may be borrowed against for a variety of purposes.?

The Basic Differences Between Term and Whole Life Insurance
Term Life Insurance Whole Life Insurance
This insurance is best for: People who are seeking affordable "pure" life insurance. With Term Life insurance, the entire premium goes toward the death benefit. Term Life insurance is particularly useful in the early stages of life when people have many obligations and few assets. Click here to get help choosing a product that meets your needs. Anyone who is looking for a lifetime of protection. The protection never decreases† and the premiums never increase. Click here to get help choosing a productthat meets your needs.
Coverage Terms Term Life insurance policies range from 1 year to 30 years.* At the end of the term, the policy can be renewed or converted to an eligible Whole Life policy. If converted to Whole Life, no medical exam is necessary. Coverage amounts are available from $100,000 to $1,000,000 and more.** Whole Life insurance is permanent life insurance. The coverage is active as long as the premium is paid when due. Whole Life policies are available in amounts from $5,000 to $1,000,000.**
Cash Value Term Life insurance policies have no cash value. SBLI USA's Whole Life insurance policies build tax-deferred cash value; borrow against it for any reason.


Which type of insurance is best for me -- Whole Life or Term Life insurance?
The type of life insurance that is best for you and your family is determined by your goals, budget and life stage. For instance, if you are just starting out, a Whole Life policy or a 30-year renewable and convertible Term Life insurance policy might be your optimal choice. Browse through our Plan Your Life section for more information on how specific life events can affect your life insurance choice. And be sure to check out the handy Which is Better: Term Life or Whole Life? calculator.

Of course, the fastest and easiest way to determine what life insurance policy matches your needs, is to call one of our Sales Advisors toll free at 1-866-SUSA-WEB (787-2932). They will explain the difference between Term and Whole Life insurance and give you friendly, honest suggestions on how to make the right life insurance choice. You can also fill out the convenient Help Me Choose form.



Juvenile Life Insurance FAQ
Buying a juvenile life insurance policy for a child or grandchild is a thoughtful and practical endeavor. Before purchasing a juvenile life insurance policy, educate yourself and read the following commonly asked questions.
Why does a child need life insurance?
No one knows what the future holds. That is why investing in your peace of mind -- and your child's financial security -- with a juvenile life insurance policy makes sense.

SBLI USA's juvenile life insurance premiums are reasonable and are guaranteed convertible to an eligible Whole Life policy at age 21. This means that in the unfortunate event that your child develops a medical condition or has an accident, they would be guaranteed affordable life insurance protection.

Juvenile life insurance can also provide a financial nest egg for your child in adulthood. Once the insurance policy is converted to Whole Life, your child will be building cash value. They will be able to borrow against the policy in years to come.

Does SBLI USA offer juvenile life insurance options?
SBLI USA offers a number of life insurance policies that are available for children. Most of our Whole Life options, for instance, provide coverage for children 15 days old and older. We offer Children's Single Premium Term Life, a juvenile life insurance policy that provides up to $15,000 in coverage for one affordable premium payment. Children's Single Premium Term may be converted to Whole Life coverage at up to five times the policy's original face value. For more information, visit ourchild life insurance page.

What are the benefits of purchasing a juvenile life insurance policy from SBLI USA?
A juvenile life insurance policy from SBLI USA is an easy and affordable way to help give your child a financial foundation for his or her future. It can help to guarantee their insurability for life. Plus, juvenile life insurance is convertible to Whole Life when they are 21, enabling your child to start building cash value from a young age.

I am not quite ready to apply yet. Does SBLI USA offer free quotes on their juvenile life insurance products?
Yes. SBLI USA's free juvenile life insurance online quote gives you a rough estimate on monthly costs and is based on your answers to a few simple questions. To speak with someone in person, contact a friendly Sales Advisor.

I am interested in purchasing life insurance for my child. What is the first step?
The fastest and easiest way to purchase one of SBLI USA's juvenile life insurancepolicies is to call a Sales Advisor toll free at 1-866-SUSA-WEB (787-2932). They will help determine what type of life insurance policy and coverage will work best for you and your family. You can also fill out our convenient Help Me Choose online form. If you already know what type of child life insurance you want to buy, fill out ourQuotes form. In minutes you will be on your way to protecting your child with valuable coverage that will grow along with them!

Learn More About SBLI USA Juvenile Life Insurance

For more information on how SBLI USA juvenile life insurance can help prepare your loved ones for the future, visit our child life insurance page or contact a Sales Advisor today at 1-866-SUSA-WEB (787-2932).





Life Insurance Coverage FAQ
With SBLI USA, applying for life insurance coverage online is easy, affordable and fast. To make sure you are buying the right amount, read some commonly asked questions below.
How much life insurance coverage do I need?
How much life insurance coverage you require depends upon your personal needs and preferences. A general rule that many people follow is to buy a life insurance policy equal to five to seven times your annual gross income. To do a ballpark calculation of how much life insurance coverage your family needs, check our handyonline Life Insurance Calculators. You can also learn more at our onlineEducation/Information section.

What's the maximum amount of life insurance coverage I can get?
SBLI USA life insurance policies offer coverage amounts as high as $1 million or more (subject to underwriting requirements and reinsurance availability) depending on the policy.

If I have life insurance coverage, can I extend my policy to cover my spouse, as well?
SBLI USA does offer a policy rider for Spouse Coverage that provides supplemental Term Life insurance coverage for your spouse up to the value of your original policy, with premiums that stay level for ten years. The Spouse Coverage rider is available with certain policies. Visit our Life Insurance Products section for more information, or talk to a Sales Advisor right now.

I am not quite ready to apply for life insurance coverage yet. Does SBLI USA offer free life insurance quotes?
Yes. SBLI USA's free life insurance coverage online quote gives you an estimate on costs and is based on your answers to a few simple questions. To speak with someone in person, contact a friendly Sales Advisor. Your actual rates may differ based on medical information obtained during underwriting.

I am interested in purchasing life insurance coverage online. What is the first step?
SBLI USA makes buying life insurance coverage simple and quick. Just fill out our convenient Help Me Choose form. If you already know what type of life insurance you want to buy, fill out our Quotes form and in minutes you?ll be on your way to securing the financial future of your family!



Buying Life Insurance FAQ
Never had life insurance? Read ths list of commonly asked questions on the importance of buying life insurance.
I am interested in buying life insurance, but never had it before. Which kind should I apply for?
Buying life insurance is a great first step towards security and peace of mind! The kind of life insurance you should buy depends upon your specific situation.

If you're a young adult on a limited budget, SBLI USA Term Life insurance might be right for you - it provides high coverage amounts (as much as $1 million or more*) at affordable rates, with options for "locking in" your premium costs for as long as 30 years.

As your family grows and you become more financially secure, you may want to consider SBLI USA Whole Life coverage.

For detailed information about SBLI USA Life Insurance options, visit our Productssection or call a friendly and knowledgeable Sales Advisors.

Why is buying life insurance so important?
Life insurance can help provide financial protection for your loved ones in the event that something should happen to you. People commonly purchase life insurance coverage to ensure that their survivors will be able to:
• pay off mortgages, loans, or credit card debt(s)
• replace your contribution to household expenses
• set up investment or retirement accounts
• cover college and other educational costs
• pay for your final expenses
• establish a nest egg for family emergencies
How do I know if I am eligible for life insurance?
Every life insurance policy has its own eligibility guidelines. Depending on what your age or health history, there may be something for just about everyone. Call a Sales Advisor for more information or check out our individual Products section.

I am ready to buy life insurance. What is the first step I should take?
SBLI USA makes buying life insurance simple and quick. The fastest and easiest way to get started is to call one of our Sales Advisors toll free at 1-866-SUSA-WEB. They will help determine what type of life insurance policy and coverage will work best for you and your family. You can also fill out our convenient Help Me Chooseform. If you already know what type of life insurance you want to buy, fill out ourQuotes form and in minutes you'll be on your way to helping secure the financial future of your family!




Life Insurance for Men and Women Over 55
Enjoy the peace of mind and financial protection that only life insurance can provide. Read below for commonly asked questions about SBLI USA's life insurance products designed especially for people over 55.
Why do I need life insurance if I am over 55?
When you are over age 55, there are plenty of reasons to purchase life insurance:
• To preserve the resources upon which you and your loved ones now rely
• To ensure financial protection for your spouse
To leave a financial gift to children and grandchildren
• To cover your final expenses
• To leave a bequest to a charity
Do you offer life insurance for people over 55?
SBLI USA offers a life insurance product for men and women aged 55 to 75. It's called SeniorLife, and it features lifetime coverage, level premiums, cash value, and guaranteed acceptance. If you're between the ages of 55 and 75, you can't be turned down for coverage for any reason.

Does SeniorLife require a medical exam?
SeniorLife is a life insurance policy that requires no medical exam, tests or health questions.

Does the SBLI USA SeniorLife policy build tax-deferred cash value?
Yes, SeniorLife is a Whole Life insurance policy for people over 55 that builds tax-deferred cash value, that can be borrowed against for any reason.*

Who could benefit from SeniorLife insurance?
SeniorLife is a life insurance product created for the needs of men and women age 55 and over. It is a common option chosen by individuals aged 55 -- 75 who:
• Are planning their estate
• Just retired
• Recently lost a loved one
• Have adult children who need continued financial assistance
• Are raising their grandchildren
• Are no longer covered by an employee-sponsored life insurance plan
Besides SeniorLife are there any other life insurance options for people over 55?
Two of SBLI USA's other popular life insurance choices for this age group are:

Single Premium Whole Life Policy. This policy is available to anyone 70 years or younger. Single Premium Whole Life gives you a lifetime of coverage with only one single payment (policy matures at age 100).

SmartLife. This is a Whole Life insurance policy that requires a simple application and generally no medical exam is required.**

Depending on your age, needs, health and budget, additional life insurance options may be available. To find out which life insurance product may be best for you, browse our Products section, fill out the simple How To Choose online form, or call a friendly and knowledgeable Sales Advisor.

I am not quite ready to apply yet. Does SBLI USA offer free life insurance quotes?
Yes. SBLI USA's free life insurance quote gives you an estimate on costs and is based on your answers to a few simple questions. To speak with someone in person, contact a friendly Sales Advisor. Your actual rates may differ based on medical information obtained during underwriting.

I am interested in purchasing SeniorLife insurance. What is the first step?
SBLI USA makes buying life insurance simple and quick. The fastest and easiest way to get started is to call one of our Sales Advisors toll free at 1-866-SUSA-WEB. They will help determine what type of life insurance policy and coverage will work best for you and your family. You can also fill out our convenient Help Me Choose form. If you already know what type of life insurance you want to buy, fill out our Quotesform. You are never too old to make smart financial decisions!