AM Best Comments on Credit Ratings of Crusader Insurance Company and Its Parent, Unico American Corporation, Following Leadership Change Announcement

OLDWICK, N.J.--()--AM Best has commented that the Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “bbb” of Crusader Insurance Company are unchanged by the recent announcement regarding the appointment of Michael Budnitsky, on an interim basis, to the positions of president and CEO, effective Feb. 11, 2021. Concurrently, the Long-Term ICR of “bb” of Unico American Corporation (Unico) [NASDAQ: UNAM] remains unchanged. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is negative. All companies are headquartered in Calabasas, CA.

AM Best acknowledges Mr. Budnitsky’s extensive industry experience and history at Crusader, having served in various roles since 2016. He will continue in his current role as chief financial officer, treasurer and secretary. AM Best does not foresee any immediate rating actions as a result of this leadership change. We will continue to monitor the company’s overall capitalization, underwriting performance and execution of strategic operating changes management is implementing.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2021 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Contacts

Christine DePalma
Financial Analyst
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5649
christine.depalma@ambest.com

Robert Raber
Director
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5696
robert.raber@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey
Manager, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Jim Peavy
Director, Communications
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com

Contacts

Christine DePalma
Financial Analyst
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5649
christine.depalma@ambest.com

Robert Raber
Director
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5696
robert.raber@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey
Manager, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Jim Peavy
Director, Communications
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com