Insurance-company rating guides helps consumers choose.

How can we know if the insurance company is able to keep its promises? We rely on the financial stability of the insurance companies themselves.

A.M. Best Co. (www.ambest.com) was the first company in the world to report on the financial condition of insurance companies. Best takes a proactive role in the companies it rates through analysis of financial data and frequent interaction with insurance company management Their goal is to have a financially stable insurance industry.

Best uses the following ratings:

* A++ to A- are superior to excellent ratings.

* B++ to B+ are very good; B to B- are fair. C++ to C- are marginal to weak.

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