SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP INC

Previous wording

Certain risk factors can significantly impact our business, liquidity, capital resources, results of operations, financial condition, and debt ratings. These risk factors might affect, alter, or change actions in executing our long-term capital strategy. Examples include, without limitation, contributing capital to any or all of our ten property and casualty insurance subsidiaries ("Insurance Subsidiaries"), issuing additional debt and/or equity securities, repurchasing our existing debt and/or equity securities, or increasing or decreasing common stockholders' dividends. We operate in a continually changing business environment, and new risk factors that we cannot predict or assess may emerge at any time. Consequently, we can neither predict such new risk factors nor assess the potential future impact on our business.

Current wording

Certain risk factors can significantly impact our business, liquidity, capital resources, results of operations, financial condition, and debt ratings. These risk factors might affect, alter, or change actions we take to execute our long-term capital strategy. Examples include, without limitation, contributing capital to any or all of our ten property and casualty insurance subsidiaries ("Insurance Subsidiaries"), issuing additional debt and/or equity securities, repurchasing our existing debt and/or equity securities, or increasing or decreasing common stockholders' dividends. We operate in a continually changing business environment, and new risk factors that we cannot predict or assess may emerge at any time. Consequently, we cannot predict these new risk factors or assess their potential future impact on our business.

Previous wording

Losses from natural and human-made catastrophes can negatively impact our financial results. Examples include hurricanes, tornadoes, windstorms, earthquakes, hail, thunderstorms, severe winter weather, derechos, floods, and fires, some related to climate change, and criminal and terrorist acts, including cyber-attacks, civil unrest, and explosions. The frequency and severity of these catastrophes are inherently unpredictable, and the frequency and severity of catastrophe losses have increased globally in recent years. In many cases, the increase in catastrophe losses relate to small- to- medium-sized events that primary insurers retain and do not cede to reinsurers. We use sophisticated catastrophe modeling techniques to manage our exposure, but actual exposure and loss experience can materially differ from catastrophe model estimates. For example, catastrophe models did not fully estimate the potential for some recent catastrophe loss activity (such as Winter Storm Elliott freeze losses in December 2022) and the concurrent economic inflation on construction costs.

Current wording

Losses from natural and human-made catastrophes can negatively impact our financial results. Examples include hurricanes, tornadoes, windstorms, earthquakes, hail, thunderstorms, severe winter weather, derechos, floods, and fires, some of which are related to climate change, as well as criminal and terrorist acts, including cyber-attacks, civil unrest, and explosions. The frequency and severity of these catastrophes are inherently unpredictable, and both have increased globally in recent years. In many cases, the increase in catastrophe losses relates to small- to- medium-sized events that primary insurers retain rather than cede to reinsurers. We use sophisticated catastrophe modeling techniques to manage our exposure, but actual exposure and loss experience can materially differ from catastrophe model estimates. For example, catastrophe models did not fully estimate the potential for some recent catastrophe losses (such as Winter Storm Elliott freeze losses in December 2022) and the concurrent economic inflation on construction costs.

Previous wording

Our most significant natural and/or human-made catastrophe exposures are (i) hurricanes impacting the Eastern U.S., (ii) severe convective storms, including hailstorms and tornadoes, (iii) winter storms, (iv) earthquakes, and (v) terrorism events. Single storms could adversely impact our financial results, but it is also possible that we experience more than one severe catastrophic event in any given calendar year. We track our severe weather and catastrophe losses using definitions and information we obtain from Insurance Services Office, Inc.'s ("ISO") Property Claim Services unit, an internationally recognized authority on insured property losses from catastrophes in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Current wording

Our most significant natural and/or human-made catastrophe exposures are (i) hurricanes impacting the Eastern U.S., (ii) severe convective storms, including hailstorms and tornadoes, (iii) winter storms, (iv) wildfires, (v) earthquakes, and (vi) terrorism events. Single storms could adversely impact our financial results; however, we could experience more than one severe catastrophic event in any given calendar year. We track our severe weather and catastrophe losses using definitions and information from Insurance Services Office, Inc.'s ("ISO") Property Claim Services unit, an internationally recognized authority on insured property losses from catastrophes in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Previous wording

Temperature changes can impact weather patterns and the frequency and/or severity of catastrophes, including hurricanes, severe convective storms, wildfires, and flooding – all of which could cause our catastrophe losses to increase relative to historical levels.

Current wording

Temperature changes can affect weather patterns and the frequency and/or severity of catastrophes, including hurricanes, severe convective storms, wildfires, and flooding – all of which could increase our catastrophe losses relative to historical levels.

Previous wording

The risk of a wide-scale criminal or terrorist cyber-attack has become more significant and has drawn increased attention from IT and national security experts, U.S. policymakers, the U.S. military, and the insurance industry. There is general recognition that a wide-scale cyber-attack that simultaneously impacts multiple victims is more likely, and insurance industry systemic risk has increased. We have identified three primary sources of potential insured exposure to cyber losses: (i) cyber-specific policies designed to cover both first-party and third-party losses; (ii) affirmative cyber coverage grants included in other types of policies, such as commercial property or businessowners' policies; and (iii) "silent cyber" exposures, otherwise known as non-affirmative cyber exposures, which describes cyber risk that is neither expressly covered nor excluded in insurance policies. This exposure may exist if courts, regardless of intent, interpret policy forms without specific related coverage exclusions to provide coverage for a cyber-related incident.

Current wording

The risk of a wide-scale criminal or terrorist cyber-attack has become more significant and has drawn increased attention from IT and national security experts, U.S. policymakers, the U.S. military, and the insurance industry. There is general recognition that a wide-scale cyber-attack simultaneously impacting multiple victims is more likely, and systemic risk in the insurance industry has increased. We have identified three primary sources of potential insured exposure to cyber losses: (i) cyber-specific policies designed to cover both first-party and third-party losses; (ii) affirmative cyber coverage grants included in other types of policies, such as commercial property or businessowners' policies; and (iii) "silent cyber" exposures, otherwise known as non-affirmative cyber exposures, which describes cyber risk that is neither expressly covered nor excluded in insurance policies. This exposure may exist if courts, regardless of intent, interpret policy forms without specific related coverage exclusions to provide coverage for a cyber-related incident.

Previous wording

We provide cyber-specific policies to our commercial lines and personal lines customers through 100% reinsured solutions with highly-rated specialty cyber markets. These solutions allow us to meet our customers' needs for cyber insurance while mitigating our underwriting risk as we develop our expertise in the cyber insurance market.

Current wording

Our cyber-specific policies for commercial lines and personal lines customers are 100% reinsured with highly-rated specialty cyber markets. These solutions allow us to meet our customers' cyber insurance needs while mitigating our underwriting risk as we develop our expertise in the cyber insurance market.

Previous wording

•Our base property forms typically include a $2,000 or $10,000 cyber coverage grant. Most of our property policies also contain an affirmative endorsement providing "virus and harmful code" coverage subject to a sub-limit. Over 90% of our policies with virus/harmful code coverage on commercial property, businessowners', commercial output policy, or inland marine forms have sub-limits of $25,000 or lower. For policies effective October 1, 2022 and later, we implemented cyber incident exclusions that exclude malicious cyber except for the sub-limited coverage provided in the base ISO coverage forms and our property and businessowners' property “virus and harmful code” extension endorsements. These exclusions clarify coverage and have no premium impact.

Current wording

•We offer limited first-party affirmative cyber coverage in our commercial property and businessowners' policy forms. Our base property and businessowners' forms typically include a $2,500 or $10,000 cyber coverage grant that includes "virus and harmful code." Over 90% of our policies with virus/harmful code coverage on commercial property, businessowners', commercial output policy, or inland marine forms have sub-limits of $25,000 or lower. In addition, we apply cyber incident exclusions that eliminate coverage for malicious cyber except for the sub-limited coverage in the base ISO coverage forms and our property and businessowners' property “virus and harmful code” extension endorsements.

Previous wording

•Most of our general liability and businessowners' policies exclude cyber-related liability losses, except for "bodily injury." Our specific cyber-exclusion and liability forms' lack of affirmative sub-limited cyber coverage, effectively limit most "silent cyber" exposure.

Current wording

•Most of our general liability and businessowners' policies exclude cyber-related liability losses, except for "bodily injury." Our specific cyber-exclusion and liability forms' lack of affirmative sub-limited cyber coverage effectively limits most "silent cyber" exposure. For new and renewal policies effective October 1, 2025, and later, we implemented ISO's cyber incident exclusion for general liability, which eliminates coverage for "bodily injury" and "property damage."

Previous wording

•By statute, workers compensation policies do not have cyber exclusions, and a cyber-attack-related workplace injury could trigger coverage.

Current wording

•By statute, workers compensation policies cannot include cyber exclusions, and a cyber-attack-related workplace injury could trigger coverage.

Previous wording

We are required to participate in TRIPRA, now extended to December 31, 2027, for our Standard Commercial Lines and E&S Lines business. TRIPRA rescinded all previously approved coverage exclusions for terrorism and requires private insurers and the U.S. government to share the risk of loss on future acts of terrorism certified by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. Under TRIPRA, each participating insurer must pay a significant deductible of specified losses before federal assistance is available. Our $619 million deductible is based on a percentage of our prior year’s applicable Standard Commercial Lines and E&S Lines premiums. In 2025, the federal government will pay 80% of losses above the deductible, with the insurer retaining 20%. Although TRIPRA will mitigate some of our loss exposure to a large-scale terrorist attack, the size of our deductible and 20% co-participation could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings. If the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury does not certify specific terrorist events, we could be required to pay terrorism-related covered losses without TRIPRA's risk-sharing benefits. We also could be required to pay terrorism-related losses for customers who declined terrorism coverage.

Current wording

We are required to participate in TRIPRA, now extended to December 31, 2027, for our Standard Commercial Lines and E&S Lines business. TRIPRA rescinded all previously approved coverage exclusions for terrorism and requires private insurers and the U.S. government to share the risk of loss on future acts of terrorism certified by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. Under TRIPRA, each participating insurer must pay a significant deductible of specified losses before federal assistance is available. Our $684 million deductible is based on a percentage of our prior year’s applicable Standard Commercial Lines and E&S Lines premiums. In 2026, the federal government will pay 80% of losses above the deductible, with the insurer retaining 20%. Although TRIPRA will mitigate some of our loss exposure to a large-scale terrorist attack, the size of our deductible and 20% co-participation could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings. If the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury does not certify specific terrorist events, we could be required to pay terrorism-related covered losses without TRIPRA's risk-sharing benefits. We could also be required to pay terrorism-related losses for customers who declined terrorism coverage.

Previous wording

Our primary workers compensation policies are required to cover terrorism risk, so TRIPRA applies to those policies. Insureds with non-workers compensation commercial policies can accept or decline our terrorism coverage or negotiate with us for other terms. In 2024, 84% of our Standard Commercial Lines non-workers compensation policyholders purchased terrorism coverage that included nuclear, biological, chemical, and radioactive ("NBCR") events. TRIPRA also applies to cyber liability insurance policies reported under a Terrorism Risk Insurance Program-eligible line of insurance.

Current wording

Our primary workers compensation policies are required to cover terrorism risk, so TRIPRA applies to those policies. Insureds with non-workers compensation commercial policies can accept or decline our terrorism coverage or negotiate with us for other terms. In 2025, 83% of our Standard Commercial Lines non-workers compensation policyholders purchased terrorism coverage that included nuclear, biological, chemical, and radioactive ("NBCR") events. TRIPRA also applies to cyber liability insurance policies reported under a Terrorism Risk Insurance Program-eligible line of insurance.

Previous wording

An increase in natural or man-made catastrophe losses, including a systemic cyber-attack that produces an aggregation of property and/or casualty cyber losses, will reduce our net income and stockholders’ equity and could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial strength, and debt ratings. The closer a catastrophe occurs to the end of a reporting period, the more likely we have limited information to estimate loss and loss expense reserves, increasing the uncertainty of our estimates. More comprehensive claims information available after a reporting period may result in reserve changes in subsequent periods.

Current wording

An increase in natural or man-made catastrophe losses, including a systemic cyber-attack that results in an aggregation of property and/or casualty cyber losses, will reduce our net income and stockholders’ equity and could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial strength, and debt ratings. The closer a catastrophe occurs to the end of a reporting period, the more likely we are to have limited information to estimate loss and loss expense reserves, increasing the uncertainty of our estimates. More comprehensive claims information available after a reporting period may result in reserve changes in subsequent periods.

Previous wording

We maintain reserves for our estimated liability for loss and loss expense associated with reported and unreported insurance claims. Estimating loss and loss expense reserves is inherently uncertain, and there is no method for precisely estimating the ultimate liability for the settlement of claims. We base our loss and loss expense reserve estimates on our internal in-depth reserve review, which uses our loss experience, claims payment and reporting patterns, and our view of underlying claims frequency and severity trends. We supplement the estimates with other subjective considerations, including projected impacts from economic, political, social, and legal developments or trends, such as inflation, judicial trends and tort decisions, and various state legislative initiatives. We cannot predict the timing or impact of these developments or trends with certainty, and we cannot be sure the reserves we establish are adequate or will be so in the future.

Current wording

We maintain reserves for our estimated liability for loss and loss expense associated with reported and unreported insurance claims. Estimating loss and loss expense reserves is inherently uncertain, and there is no method for precisely determining the ultimate liability for claims settlement. We base our loss and loss expense reserve estimates on our internal in-depth reserve review, which uses our loss experience, claims payment and reporting patterns, and our assessment of underlying claims frequency and severity trends. We supplement the estimates with other subjective considerations, including projected impacts from economic, political, social, and legal developments or trends, such as inflation, judicial trends and tort decisions, and various state legislative initiatives. We cannot predict the timing or impact of these developments or trends with certainty; nor can we be certain that the reserves we establish are adequate or will remain so in the future.

Previous wording

We review our reserve position quarterly and adjust the reserve position accordingly. An increase in reserves (i) reduces net income and stockholders' equity, and (ii) could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial strength, and debt ratings. As we underwrite new business and renew existing business, we estimate future loss cost trends in pricing our products to generate an adequate risk-adjusted return. If our future loss cost trend estimates prove to be understated, our pricing of future new and renewal business could be inadequate to cover actual loss costs, and our future loss and loss expense reserves could be understated.

Current wording

We review our reserve position quarterly and adjust it as determined appropriate. An increase in reserves (i) reduces net income and stockholders' equity, and (ii) could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial strength, and debt ratings. As we underwrite new business and renew existing business, we estimate future loss cost trends to inform our product pricing, aimed at generating an adequate risk-adjusted return. If our future loss cost trend estimates prove to be understated, our pricing of future new and renewal business could be inadequate to cover actual loss costs, and our future loss and loss expense reserves could be understated.

Previous wording

•If economic inflation, including medical inflation, is higher than our assumptions, our loss and loss expense reserves for our longer tail lines of business could be insufficient. For example, 2022 inflation rates reflected in the overall consumer price index ("CPI"), the Core CPI, and the Producer Price Index, were higher than in 2021. While inflation moderated in 2023 and 2024, it remains elevated relative to the Federal Reserve’s long-term 2% target. The workers compensation line of business is particularly susceptible to inflation because of its extended payment pattern and exposure to medical care services and commodities. While medical inflation has been low for several years, our workers compensation medical severity trend has risen recently. If this trend continues and medical care costs increase significantly or persist at a higher level for an extended period, our overall loss and loss expense reserves could be materially impacted. Our short-tail property lines of business are also susceptible to inflation because of their exposure to increased labor and material costs.

Current wording

•If economic inflation, including medical inflation, is higher than our assumptions, our loss and loss expense reserves for our longer tail lines of business could be insufficient. For example, 2022 inflation rates reflected in the overall consumer price index ("CPI"), the Core CPI, and the Producer Price Index, were higher than in 2021. While inflation moderated in subsequent years, it remains elevated relative to the Federal Reserve’s long-term 2% target. The workers compensation line of business is particularly susceptible to inflation due to its extended payment pattern and exposure to medical care services and commodities. While medical inflation has been low for several years, it has risen recently and, in combination with rising utilization, is driving increases in workers compensation medical severities. If this trend continues and medical care costs increase significantly or persist at a higher level for an extended period, our overall loss and loss expense reserves could be materially impacted. Our short-tail property lines of business are also susceptible to inflation due to their exposure to increased labor and material costs.

Previous wording

•Social inflation refers to the phenomenon where societal factors, such as attitudes, perceptions, and cultural changes, contribute to increased insurance claims costs and litigation. It often leads to higher payouts in legal settlements and jury awards, and impacts insurance premiums for businesses and individuals. This inflation is driven by various factors, including changing jury attitudes, increased litigation funding, larger awards in court cases, increased willingness to undergo surgery, and novel interpretations of liability. Social inflation can affect all lines of business. However, the automobile liability, general liability, and corresponding umbrella lines of business involving third-party claimants tend to be more susceptible to social inflationary impacts. Our reserve for loss and loss expense could be insufficient if impacts from social inflation exceed our assumptions.

Current wording

•Social inflation refers to the phenomenon where societal factors, such as attitudes, perceptions, and cultural changes, contribute to increased insurance claims costs and litigation. It often results in higher payouts in legal settlements and jury awards, and affects insurance premiums for businesses and individuals. This inflation is driven by various factors, including changing jury attitudes, increased litigation funding, larger awards in court cases, legal system abuse, insurance coverage gaps, increased willingness to undergo surgery, and novel interpretations of liability. Social inflation can affect all lines of business. However, the automobile liability, general liability, and corresponding umbrella lines of business involving bodily injury to third-party claimants tend to be more susceptible to social inflationary impacts. Our reserve for loss and loss expense could be insufficient if impacts from social inflation exceed our assumptions.

Previous wording

•Various states have expanded or could expand the statute of limitations for civil actions alleging sexual abuse. By retroactively permitting previously time-barred claims, these "reviver" laws may result in insurance claims that could significantly increase loss costs and require re-evaluating previously established reserves or creating new reserves. Since reviver statutes have been enacted, we have received some notices of claims or potential claims for acts alleged to have occurred, some dating as far back as the 1950s. Without prior experience, we cannot estimate how many "reviver" claims notices we may receive. Most notices (i) are blanket notices sent by attorneys representing claimants unsure of the alleged assailant or supervising entity's insurer or policy (if any) and (ii) may not implicate any of our or a predecessor's insurance policies. For those we determine implicate one of our or a predecessor's policy, we (i) have investigated or are investigating facts, (ii) have evaluated policy terms, (iii) believe we have appropriate coverage defenses to most of these claims and/or sufficient reinsurance protections, and (iv) have considered these factors in establishing our reserves, which we believe provide a reasonable estimate of the aggregate ultimate net exposure for these claims. We face related litigation risks because policyholders and claimants may challenge our coverage positions. We discuss these risks further below in the Risk Factor entitled, "We are engaged in ordinary routine legal proceedings incidental to our insurance operations that are inherently unpredictable and could impact our reputation and/or have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods."

Current wording

•Various states have expanded or could expand the statute of limitations for civil actions alleging sexual abuse. By retroactively permitting previously time-barred claims, these "reviver" laws may result in insurance claims that could significantly increase loss costs and require new reserves or re-evaluation of previously established reserves. Since reviver statutes have been enacted, we have received some notices of claims or potential claims for alleged acts, some that may have occurred several decades ago. Without prior experience, we cannot estimate the number of "reviver" claims notices we may receive. Most notices (i) are blanket notices sent by attorneys representing claimants unsure of the alleged assailant or supervising entity's insurer or policy (if any) and (ii) may not implicate any of our or a predecessor's insurance policies. For those we determine implicate one of our or a predecessor's policy, we (i) have investigated or are investigating facts, (ii) have evaluated policy terms, (iii) believe we have appropriate coverage defenses to most of these claims and/or sufficient reinsurance protections, and (iv) have considered these factors in establishing our reserves, which we believe provide a reasonable estimate of the aggregate ultimate net exposure for these claims. We face related litigation risks because policyholders and claimants may challenge our coverage positions. We discuss these risks further below in the Risk Factor entitled, "We are engaged in ordinary routine legal proceedings incidental to our insurance operations that are inherently unpredictable and could impact our reputation and/or have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods."

Previous wording

We transfer a significant portion of our underwriting risk to third parties through reinsurance, which are primarily annual contracts that reimburse us for losses exceeding specified thresholds on a per-loss or an aggregate basis. Typically, our reinsurance coverages align with the coverages in our primary insurance policies, including coverages for catastrophes. Historically, commercial property and homeowners losses have accounted for most of our catastrophe-related reinsurance claims. We determine the amount of reinsurance we purchase by analyzing historical losses and using various modeling software programs that analyze our Insurance Subsidiaries' risks, particularly for catastrophes. Insufficient reinsurance could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings.

Current wording

We transfer a significant portion of our underwriting risk to third parties through reinsurance, primarily in the form of annual contracts that reimburse us for losses exceeding specified thresholds on a per-loss or aggregate basis. Typically, our reinsurance coverages align with the coverages in our primary insurance policies, including coverages for catastrophes. Historically, commercial property and homeowners losses have accounted for most of our catastrophe-related reinsurance claims. We determine the amount of reinsurance we purchase by analyzing historical losses and outputs from various modeling software programs that analyze our Insurance Subsidiaries' risks, particularly for catastrophes. Insufficient reinsurance could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings.

Previous wording

Reinsurance availability; retentions; coverage limits, terms, conditions, and exclusions; and cost depend on market conditions influenced by traditional direct- and broker-placed reinsurance, retrocessional reinsurance, and catastrophe bond market capacity. These market factors can cause fluctuations in reinsurance costs that do not necessarily correlate to our loss experience. State insurance regulators generally permit us to consider catastrophe reinsurance expense in our filed rates and rating plans. However, the conditions and timing of regulatory approval may not align with the actual reinsurance expense. Reinsurance expense increases that are not considered or approved in our filed rates and rating plans will reduce our earnings. If we cannot negotiate desired reinsurance amounts or terms, we may experience increased reinsurance expense and increased risk retention on individual or aggregate claim losses that could limit our ability to write future business.

Current wording

Reinsurance availability, retentions, coverage limits, terms, conditions, exclusions, and cost depend on market conditions, which are influenced by traditional direct- and broker-placed reinsurance, retrocessional reinsurance, and catastrophe bond market capacity. These market factors can cause reinsurance costs to fluctuate, which may not correlate with our loss experience. State insurance regulators generally permit us to consider catastrophe reinsurance expense in our filed rates and rating plans. However, the conditions and timing of regulatory approval may not align with the actual reinsurance expense. Reinsurance expense increases that are not considered or approved in our filed rates and rating plans will reduce our earnings. If we cannot negotiate desired reinsurance amounts or terms, we may experience increased reinsurance expenses and increased risk retention on individual or aggregate claim losses, which could limit our ability to write future business.

Previous wording

The reinsurance market became increasingly challenging and expensive since January 1, 2023, as monetary and social inflation-driven demand for increased reinsurance coverages coincided with reduced reinsurance capacity from poor reinsurance loss experience, particularly for general liability and catastrophe and non-catastrophe property losses, increased reinsurer investment losses, and foreign exchange rate impacts. While reinsurance market conditions have since stabilized, as pricing has moderated and capacity has increased, reinsurance purchasers continue to face higher pricing and more restrictive coverage appetite from reinsurers than they did before January 1, 2023. Our Insurance Subsidiaries face increased underwriting risk and loss exposure for specific primary policy perils, like cyber and communicable diseases, which our reinsurance policies now principally exclude. Our reinsurance contracts also restrict our ability to cede certain types of potential terrorism-related losses. Increased underwriting risk from these and other risks could increase our net loss and loss expense and the volatility of our underwriting results. Decreased reinsurance availability would also increase our underwriting risk if we cannot fully place our targeted reinsurance treaty coverage on renewal.

Current wording

Our Insurance Subsidiaries face increased underwriting risk and loss exposure for specific primary policy perils, like cyber and communicable diseases, which our reinsurance policies now principally exclude. Our reinsurance contracts also restrict our ability to cede certain types of potential terrorism-related losses. Increased underwriting risk from these and other risks could lead to higher net loss and loss expense and underwriting results volatility. Decreased reinsurance availability would also increase our underwriting risk if we cannot fully place our targeted reinsurance treaty coverage on renewal.

Previous wording

We face credit risk in several areas of our insurance operations, including from third parties:

Current wording

We encounter credit risk in various areas of our insurance operations, particularly from third parties:

Previous wording

•Our reinsurers, which are obligated to make us payments under our reinsurance agreements. Reinsurance credit risk can fluctuate over time, increasing during periods of high industry catastrophe and liability losses. Reinsurers generally manage their significant loss exposure through their own reinsurance programs, or retrocessions, and we do not have complete details about them. If our reinsurers experience difficulty collecting on their retrocession programs or reinstating retrocession coverage after a large loss, we may not receive timely or full payment of our reinsurance claims. Consequently, we have direct and indirect counterparty credit risk to our reinsurers and the reinsurance industry, which is a global but concentrated market.

Current wording

•Our reinsurers, which have payment obligations under our reinsurance agreements. Reinsurance credit risk can fluctuate over time, increasing during periods of high industry catastrophe and liability losses. Reinsurers generally manage their significant loss exposure through their own reinsurance programs, or retrocessions, and we do not have complete details about them. If our reinsurers have trouble collecting on their retrocession programs or reinstating retrocession coverage after a large loss, we may not receive timely or full payment of our reinsurance claims. Consequently, we have direct and indirect counterparty credit risk to our reinsurers and the reinsurance industry, which is a global yet concentrated market.

Previous wording

•Some of our independent distribution partners, who collect premiums for us from policyholders.

Current wording

•Some of our independent distribution partners who collect our premiums from policyholders.

Previous wording

•Some policyholders, who are directly obligated to us for premium and/or deductible payments, the timing of which may be impacted by mandated payment moratoriums.

Current wording

•Some policyholders, who are directly obligated to us for premium and/or deductible payments, may have their payment timing altered by regulator-granted payment moratoriums.

Previous wording

We market and sell our insurance products through independent, non-employee distribution partners. Independent distribution partners have – and we expect they will continue to have – a significant role in overall insurance industry premium production. While our customers find advantages in using independent distribution partners, our reliance on independent distribution partners presents risks and challenges, including:

Current wording

We market and sell our insurance products through independent, non-employee distribution partners. Independent distribution partners have – and we expect they will continue to have – a significant role in the overall production of insurance industry premium. While our customers find advantages in using independent distribution partners, our reliance on independent distribution partners presents risks and challenges, including:

Previous wording

•Competition in our distribution channel, as we must market our products and services to independent distribution partners who can access multiple carriers and markets.

Current wording

•Competition within our distribution channel, as we must market our products and services to independent distribution partners who can access multiple carriers and markets.

Previous wording

•Our market share growth is tied to our distribution partners' market share. Consequently, growth in our Standard Personal Lines could be more limited than in our Standard Commercial Lines. Competitors have focused on lower-cost "direct-to-customer" distribution models emphasizing digital ease and efficiencies to grow standard personal lines business market share. Continued advancements in "direct-to-customer" distribution models may impact our independent distribution partners' overall market share, make it more difficult for us to grow, or require us to establish relationships with more distribution partners.

Current wording

•Our market share growth is tied to our distribution partners' market share. Consequently, growth in our Standard Personal Lines could be more limited than in our Standard Commercial Lines. Competitors have focused on lower-cost "direct-to-customer" distribution models emphasizing digital ease and efficiencies to grow market share in standard personal lines. Continued advancements in "direct-to-customer" distribution models may impact our independent distribution partners' overall market share, make it more difficult for us to grow, or require us to establish relationships with more distribution partners.

Previous wording

•Aggregation and consolidation of our independent distribution partners and their market share. Some publicly traded and private equity-backed independent distribution partners have deployed consolidation strategies to acquire other independent distribution partners and increase their market share ("Aggregators") over the last decade. If more of our independent distribution partners become Aggregators or Aggregators acquire them, Aggregator demands and influence on our business could increase. For example, Aggregators could develop and implement strategies to consolidate their business with fewer insurers and demand higher base and supplemental commissions. Aggregators accounted for approximately 46% of our DPW at December 31, 2024, up from 36% three years ago. No one distribution partner is responsible for 10% or more of our combined insurance operations' premium.

Current wording

•Aggregation and consolidation of our independent distribution partners and their market share. Some publicly traded and private equity-backed independent distribution partners have deployed consolidation strategies to acquire other independent distribution partners and increase their market share ("Aggregators") over the last decade. If more of our independent distribution partners become Aggregators or Aggregators acquire them, the demands and influence of Aggregators on our business could increase. For example, certain aggregators are pursuing strategies to consolidate their business with fewer insurers and demanding customized compensation agreements. Aggregators accounted for approximately 51% of our DPW at December 31, 2025, up from 46% in the prior year. No single distribution partner is responsible for 10% or more of our combined insurance operations' premium.

Previous wording

Our financial condition and results of operations are impacted by our independent distribution partners' success in marketing and selling our products and services.

Current wording

Our financial condition and results of operations are impacted by the success of our independent distribution partners in marketing and selling our products and services.

Previous wording

Unfavorable economic developments, such as a decline in economic growth or increased inflation levels, could adversely affect our earnings if our policyholders need less insurance coverage, cancel existing insurance policies, modify coverage, or choose not to renew with us. Inflation could significantly impact our claims severity across multiple lines of business and could result in adverse reserve development. An economic downturn could also lead to increased credit and premium receivable risk, failure of reinsurance counterparties and other financial institutions, limits on our ability to issue new debt, reduced liquidity, and declines in our investments' fair value and financial strength ratings. These potential events and other economic factors could adversely and materially affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and growth. During 2024, 25% of DPW in our Standard Commercial Lines business was based on payroll or sales of our underlying policyholders. An economic downturn in which our policyholders have declining revenue or employee count could adversely affect our total written premium, including audit and endorsement premium.

Current wording

Unfavorable economic developments, such as a decline in economic growth or an increase in inflation levels, could adversely affect our earnings if our policyholders require less insurance coverage, cancel existing insurance policies, modify coverage, or choose not to renew with us. Inflation could significantly affect our claims severity across multiple lines of business potentially leading to adverse reserve development. An economic downturn could also lead to increased credit and premium receivable risk, failure of reinsurance counterparties and other financial institutions, limitations on our ability to issue new debt, reduced liquidity, and declines in the fair value and financial strength ratings of our investments. These potential events and other economic factors could adversely and materially affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and growth. During 2025, 24% of DPW in our Standard Commercial Lines business was based on payroll or sales of our underlying policyholders. An economic downturn in which our policyholders have declining revenue or employee count could adversely affect our total written premium, including audit and endorsement premiums.

Previous wording

We write business domestically in the United States, and our insurance operations do not have direct exposure to businesses or individuals in Russia, Ukraine, and the Middle East. We do not have material exposure to investments subject to embargoes or Russian reinsurance counterparties. However, ongoing wars and conflicts continue to impact global economic, banking, commodity, and financial markets by exacerbating ongoing economic challenges, including inflation and supply chain disruption, which influence insurance loss costs, premiums, and investment valuation.

Current wording

We write business domestically in the United States, and our insurance operations do not have direct exposure to insureds in Russia, Ukraine, or the Middle East. We do not have material exposure to investments subject to embargoes or Russian reinsurance counterparties. However, ongoing wars and conflicts continue to impact global economic, banking, commodity, and financial markets by exacerbating economic challenges, including inflation and supply chain disruptions, which influence insurance loss costs, premiums, and investment valuations.

Previous wording

A significant financial strength rating downgrade, particularly from AM Best Company ("AM Best"), would affect our ability to write new or renewal business. Most policyholders are required by various third-party agreements, primarily with lenders, to maintain insurance policies from a carrier with a minimum rating from AM Best or Standard & Poor's Global Ratings. Credit rating downgrades could also make it more expensive to access capital markets. We cannot predict rating actions issued by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations that might adversely affect our business or potential responses. Any significant downgrade in our financial strength and credit ratings below an "A-" could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings. For additional information on our current financial strength and credit ratings, refer to "Overview" in Item 1. "Business." of this Form 10-K.

Current wording

A significant downgrade in our financial strength rating, particularly from AM Best Company ("AM Best"), would impact our ability to write new or renewal business. Most policyholders are required by various third-party agreements, primarily with lenders, to maintain insurance policies from a carrier with a minimum rating from AM Best or Standard & Poor's Global Ratings. Credit rating downgrades could also make it more expensive to access capital markets. We cannot predict rating actions issued by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations that might adversely affect our business or potential responses. Any significant downgrade in our financial strength and credit ratings below an "A-" could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, financial strength, and debt ratings. For additional information on our current financial strength and credit ratings, refer to "Overview" in Item 1. "Business." of this Form 10-K.

Previous wording

Markets for insurance products and services are highly competitive and subject to rapid technological change, and we may be unable to compete effectively.

Current wording

Markets for insurance products and services are highly competitive and subject to rapid technological advancement, and we may struggle to compete effectively.

Previous wording

We offer our insurance products and services in a highly competitive market characterized by (i) consumer and business price sensitivity and (ii) aggressive price competition and improvements based on performance characteristics and large data sets. These factors can compact underwriting margins, new products and services, evolving industry standards, and rapid adoption of technological advancements. Our ability to compete depends heavily on our timely and consistent introduction of innovative new products and services.

Current wording

We offer our insurance products and services in a highly competitive market characterized by (i) consumer and business price sensitivity and (ii) aggressive price competition based on performance characteristics, insights gained through larger data sets, and rapid adoption of technological advancements. These factors can compress underwriting margins, impact new products and services, and evolve industry standards. Our ability to compete depends heavily on our timely and consistent introduction of innovative new products and services.

Previous wording

The Internet has emerged as a significant competitive digital marketplace for existing and new competitors. Established insurance competitors are beginning to explore broader digital Internet offerings and implement artificial intelligence ("AI"). New competitors with variations on traditional business models have emerged. Because the Internet makes it easier and less expensive to bundle products and services, it is also possible that non-insurance companies conducting business on the Internet could enter the insurance business or form strategic alliances with insurers. Changes in competitors and competition, particularly on the Internet, could cause changes in the supply or demand for insurance and adversely affect our business.

Current wording

The Internet is a significant competitive digital marketplace for existing and new competitors. Established insurance competitors are exploring broader digital Internet offerings and artificial intelligence ("AI") tools. New competitors with variations on traditional business models have emerged. Because the Internet makes it easier and less expensive to bundle products and services, it is also possible that non-insurance companies conducting business online could enter the insurance business or form strategic alliances with insurers. Changes in competitors and the competitive landscape, particularly on the Internet, could shift the supply or demand for insurance and adversely affect our business.

Previous wording

The increasing importance of the Internet, technology, AI, and digital strategies in our industry also demands that we attract and retain employees in difficult-to-fill data science, advanced analytics, and information technology ("IT") roles. If we cannot attract and retain such employees, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Current wording

The increasing importance of the Internet, technology, AI, and digital strategies in our industry also demands that we attract and retain employees in difficult-to-fill data science, advanced analytics, and IT roles. If we cannot attract and retain such employees, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Insurers depend on access to reliable data about their policyholders and loss experience to build complex analytics and predictive models that assess risk profitability, reserve adequacy, adverse claim development potential, recovery opportunities, fraudulent activities, and customer buying habits. Because we use and depend on the aggregated industry loss data assembled by rating bureaus under the antitrust exemptions of the McCarran-Ferguson Act, we likely would be at a competitive disadvantage to larger insurers if Congress repealed the McCarran-Ferguson Act.

Current wording

Insurers depend on access to reliable data about their policyholders and loss experience to build complex analytics and predictive models that assess loss costs, expected profitability, reserve adequacy, adverse claim development potential, recovery opportunities, fraudulent activities, and customer buying habits.

Previous wording

We expect the importance of data science and analytics to increase, becoming more complex and accurate with larger sets of relevant data. Some larger competitors have significantly more data about the performance of their underwritten risks. In comparison, we may not have sufficient volumes of loss experience data to accurately and granularly analyze and project our future costs. We supplement our data with industry loss experience from Verisk, American Association of Insurance Services, Inc., the National Council on Compensation Insurance, Inc., and other publicly available sources. While relevant, industry data may not correlate specifically to the performance of our underwritten risks or be as predictive as data on a larger book of our own business.

Current wording

We expect the importance of data science and analytics to increase, becoming more complex and accurate as larger sets of more relevant data become available. Some larger competitors have significantly more data about the performance of their underwritten risks. In comparison, we may not have sufficient volumes of loss experience data to accurately and granularly analyze and project our future costs. We supplement our data with industry loss experience from Verisk, AAIS, NCCI, and other publicly available sources. While relevant, industry data may not correlate specifically to the performance of our underwritten risks or be as predictive as data on a larger book of our own business. Because we use and depend on the aggregated industry loss data assembled by rating bureaus under the antitrust exemptions of the McCarran-Ferguson Act, we likely would be at a competitive disadvantage to larger insurers if Congress repealed the McCarran-Ferguson Act.

Previous wording

We rely on complex financial and other statistical models, developed internally and by third parties, to predict (i) underwriting results on individual risks and our overall portfolio, (ii) claims fraud and other claims impacts, such as escalation, (iii) impacts from catastrophes, (iv) enterprise risk management capital scenarios, and (v) investment portfolio changes. We rely on these financial and other statistical models to analyze historical loss costs and pricing, claims severity and frequency trends, catastrophe losses, reinsurance attachment and exhaustion points, investment performance, portfolio risk, and our economic capital position. Flaws or limitations in financial and statistical models and their embedded assumptions could increase losses. For example, a significant component of climate change risk is that the frequency and severity of extreme weather events may evolve differently relative to historical levels – leading to greater model uncertainty. In addition, increasing insurance regulatory interest in data and model use, combined with any potential restrictions on traditional rating factors or model use, could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results. Our statistical models are extremely useful in monitoring and controlling risk, but are no substitute for senior management's experience or judgment.

Current wording

We rely on complex financial and other statistical models, developed internally and by third parties, to predict (i) underwriting results on individual risks and our overall portfolio, (ii) claims fraud and other claims impacts, such as escalation, (iii) impacts from catastrophes, (iv) enterprise risk management capital scenarios, and (v) investment portfolio changes. We rely on these financial and other statistical models to analyze historical loss costs and pricing, claims severity and frequency trends, catastrophe losses, reinsurance attachment and exhaustion points, investment performance, portfolio risk, and our economic capital position. Flaws or limitations in financial and statistical models, as well as their embedded assumptions could understate estimated losses. For example, a significant component of climate change risk is that the frequency and severity of extreme weather events may evolve differently relative to historical levels – leading to greater model uncertainty. In addition, increasing insurance regulatory interest in data and model use, combined with any potential restrictions on traditional rating factors or model use, could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results. In recognition of this risk, management's experience and sound business judgment must be used to interpret and apply model results.

Previous wording

We depend on income from our investment portfolio for a significant portion of our revenue and earnings. Our investments can be negatively affected by (i) liquidity, (ii) credit deterioration, (iii) financial results, (iv) public equity and/or debt market changes, (v) economic conditions, including heightened levels of economic inflation, (vi) political risk, (vii) sovereign risk, (viii) interest rate fluctuations, or (ix) other factors, including civil unrest and other catastrophic events, some of which may be impacted by climate change risk.

Current wording

We depend on income from our investment portfolio for a significant portion of our revenue and earnings. Our investments can be negatively affected by (i) liquidity, (ii) credit deterioration, (iii) financial results, (iv) public and private market volatility, (v) economic conditions, including heightened levels of economic inflation, (vi) political risk, (vii) sovereign risk, (viii) interest rate fluctuations, (ix) international trade policies and tariffs, or (x) other factors, including civil unrest and other catastrophic events, some of which may be impacted by climate change risk.