OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A.M. Best Co. has removed from under review with negative implications and affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of "a-" of Trinidad & Tobago Insurance Limited (TATIL) (Trinidad). The outlook assigned to both ratings is stable.

TATIL's ratings were placed under review on June 24, 2009 due to delays surrounding receipt of critical information necessary to conclude A.M. Best's rating process. However, TATIL has since complied with all requests for information.

The affirmation of the ratings reflects TATIL's historically profitable operating performance, adequate capitalization and support and commitment of its ultimate parent, ANSA McAL Limited (AMCL), one of the largest and most prominent regional groups. TATIL's adherence to its prudent underwriting philosophy and conservative risk management strategy has historically resulted in favorable underwriting results. This has enabled the company to continue to record stable and consistent earnings, which has enhanced TATIL's risk-adjusted capitalization.

As an important strategic focus within the group's financial services, the company has the support and commitment of AMCL and benefits from group synergies and access to AMCL's considerable resources including information technology and financial and investment management.

Partially offsetting these strengths is the geographic concentration of TATIL's operations, the challenges to maintain market share and earnings in extremely competitive markets and the potential impact of increased exposure to weather-related events.

For Best's Credit Ratings, an overview of the rating process and rating methodologies, please visit www.ambest.com/ratings.

The principal methodologies used in determining these ratings, including any additional methodologies and factors that may have been considered, can be found at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology.

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.

A.M. Best Company

Analysts

Ricardo Longchallon

(908) 439-2200, ext. 5676

ricardo.longchallon@ambest.com

or

Henry Witmer

(908) 439-2200, ext. 5097

henry.witmer@ambest.com

or

Public Relations

Jim Peavy

(908) 439-2200, ext. 5644

james.peavy@ambest.com

or

Rachelle Morrow

(908) 439-2200, ext. 5378

rachelle.morrow@ambest.com

Source: A.M. Best Co.