SEC Company Response from ASSURANCEAMERICA CORP (CIK 0000008497) — Aug 10, 2005
ASSURANCEAMERICA CORP (CIK 0000008497)
Date: Aug. 10, 2005 · CIK: 0000008497 · Accession: 0000950144-05-008534
AI Filing Summary & Sentiment
File numbers found in text: 000-06334
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August 9, 2005
Mr. Jim B. Rosenberg, Senior Assistant Chief Accountant
Division of Corporation Finance
United States Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549
RE: Letter dated 7/26/05; File Number 000-06334
Dear Mr. Rosenberg,
We are in receipt of the above referenced letter and are pleased to present our
response to your inquiry. We acknowledge that:
- The Company is responsible for the adequacy and accuracy of the
disclosure in the filings;
- Staff comments or changes to disclosure in response to staff comments
do not foreclose the Commission from taking any action with respect to
the filing; and
- The Company may not assert staff comments as a defense in any
proceeding initiated by the Commission or any person under the federal
securities laws of the United States.
Financial Statements
Report of Independent Public Accountants, page F-2
1. We have been advised that Miller Ray Houser & Stewart LLP and the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board acknowledged and confirmed a
name change for the registered firm from "Miller Ray & Houser LLP" to
"Miller Ray Houser & Stewart LLP" effective January 1, 2005.
(6) Unpaid Losses and loss Adjustment Expenses, page F-9
2. Additional disclosures required by paragraph 11 of SOP 94-5 are
attached as Exhibit 1
Should you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to
call. I have enclosed my business card for your files. Many thanks for your time
and consideration.
Most sincerely,
/s/ Renee A. Pinczes
Renee A. Pinczes
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
cc: Lawrence Stumbaugh, Chief Executive Officer
Guy Millner, Chairman of the Board
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EXHIBIT 1 - ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES REQUIRED BY PARAGRAPH 11 OF SOP 94-5
LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
The estimated liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE")
include the accumulation of estimates for losses for claims reported prior to
the balance sheet dates, estimates (based upon actuarial analysis of historical
data) of losses for claims incurred but not reported and for the development of
case reserves to ultimate values, and estimates of expenses for investigating,
adjusting and settling all incurred claims. Amounts reported are estimates of
the ultimate costs of settlement, net of estimated salvage and subrogation.
These estimated liabilities are subject to the outcome of future events, such as
changes in medical and repair costs as well as economic and social conditions
that impact the settlement of claims. Management believes that, given the
inherent variability in any such estimates, the aggregate reserves are within a
reasonable and acceptable range of adequacy. The methods of making such
estimates and for establishing the resulting reserves are reviewed and updated
quarterly and any adjustments resulting therefrom are reflected in current
operations.
Activity in the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses is
summarized as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
2004 2003
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<S> <C> <C>
Balance at January 1 4,499,152 -
Less reinsurance recoverables on unpaid 3,149,408 -
losses
Net balance at January 1 1,349,744 -
Add Losses and LAE incurred, net, related to:
Current year 6,824,530 2,780,457
Prior years (178,041) -
Net Losses and LAE incurred in the current year 6,646,489 2,780,457
Deduct Losses and LAE paid, net, related to:
Current year 4,004,441 1,430,713
Prior years 796,619 -
Net claim payments in the current year 4,801,060 1,430,713
Net balance at December 31 3,195,173 1,349,744
Plus reinsurance recoverables on unpaid 7,460,452 3,149,408
losses
Balance at December 31 10,655,625 4,499,152
</Table>
As a result of changes in estimates of insured events in prior years, the claims
and claim adjustment expenses (net of reinsurance recoveries of $15,508,474 and
$6,487,733 in 2004 and 2003, respectively) decreased by $0.2 million in 2004
reflecting lower than anticipated losses.
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