Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization	*Organization* AMERISAFE, Inc. is an insurance holding company incorporated in the state of Texas. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AMERISAFE and its subsidiaries: American Interstate Insurance Company (“AIIC”) and its insurance subsidiaries, Silver Oak Casualty, Inc. (“SOCI”) and American Interstate Insurance Company of Texas (“AIIC-TX”), Amerisafe Risk Services, Inc. (“RISK”) and Amerisafe General Agency, Inc. (“AGAI”). AIIC and SOCI are property and casualty insurance companies organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska. In 2013, AIIC and SOCI were re-domesticated to Nebraska from Louisiana. AIIC-TX is a property and casualty insurance company organized under the laws of the state of Texas. RISK, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is a claims and safety service company servicing only affiliated insurance companies. AGAI, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is a general agent for the Company. AGAI sells insurance, which is underwritten by AIIC, SOCI and AIIC-TX, as well as by nonaffiliated insurance carriers. The assets and operations of AGAI are not significant to that of the consolidated entity. The terms “AMERISAFE,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to AMERISAFE, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, as the context requires. The Company provides workers’ compensation for companies primarily in special trade groups, including construction, trucking, manufacturing, oil and gas and agriculture. Assets and revenues of AIIC represent at least 95% of comparable consolidated amounts of the Company for each of 2013, 2012 and 2011.
Basis of Presentation	*Basis of Presentation* The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications	*Reclassifications* Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.
Investments	*Investments* The Company has the ability and positive intent to hold certain investments until maturity. Therefore, fixed maturity securities classified as held-to-maturity are recorded at amortized cost. Equity securities and fixed maturity securities classified as available-for-sale are recorded at fair value. Temporary changes in the fair value of these securities are reported in shareholders’ equity as a component of other comprehensive income, net of deferred income taxes. Investment income is recognized as it is earned. The discount or premium on fixed maturity securities is amortized using the “constant yield” method. Anticipated prepayments, where applicable, are considered when determining the amortization of premiums or discounts. Realized investment gains and losses are determined using the specific identification method. The Company regularly reviews the fair value of its investments. Impairment of an investment security results in a reduction of the carrying value of the security and the realization of a loss when the fair value of the security declines below the cost or amortized cost, as applicable, for the security and the impairment is deemed to be other-than-temporary. The Company regularly reviews its investment portfolio to evaluate the existence of other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of investments. The Company considers various factors in determining if a decline in the fair value of an individual security is other-than-temporary, including but not limited to a reduction or interruption in scheduled cash flows, the financial condition of the issuer, how long and by how much the fair value has been below amortized cost, losses due to credit concerns, downgrades and the Company’s intent to sell or ability to hold the security. Other-than-temporary impairment losses on equity securities are recognized in net income and are measured as the difference between cost and fair value. Impairment losses on fixed maturities are recognized in the financial statements depending on the facts and circumstances related to the specific security. If we intend to sell a security or it is more likely than not that we would be required to sell a security before the recovery of its amortized cost, less any current period credit loss, an other-than-temporary impairment would be recognized in net income for the difference between amortized cost and fair value. If we do not expect to recover the amortized cost basis, we do not plan to sell the security and if it is not more likely than not that we would be required to sell a security before the recovery of its amortized cost, less any current period credit loss, the recognition of the other-than-temporary impairment is bifurcated. The credit loss portion would be recognized in net income and the noncredit loss portion in other comprehensive income.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	*Cash and Cash Equivalents* Cash equivalents include short-term money market funds and corporate bonds with an original maturity of three months or less.
Short-Term Investments	*Short-Term Investments* Short-term investments include municipal securities, corporate bonds and certificates of deposit with an original maturity greater than three months but less than one year.
Other Investments	*Other Investments* Other investments consist of a limited partnership (“LP”) interest that is accounted for under the equity method valued using the net asset value provided by the general partner of the LP, which approximates the fair value of the interest. The LP’s objective is to generate absolute returns by investing long and short in publicly-traded global securities. Redemptions are allowed monthly following a sixty day notice with no lock up periods. The Company has no unfunded commitments related to the LP.
Premiums Receivable	*Premiums Receivable* Premiums receivable consist primarily of premium-related balances due from policyholders. The Company considers premiums receivable as past due based on the payment terms of the underlying policy. The balance is shown net of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Receivables due from insureds are charged off when a determination has been made by management that a specific balance will not be collected. An estimate of amounts that are likely to be charged off is established as an allowance for doubtful accounts as of the balance sheet date. The estimate is primarily comprised of specific balances that are considered probable to be charged off after all collection efforts have ceased, as well as historical trends and an analysis of the aging of the receivables. Effective December 31, 2013, Amerisafe determined that to better reflect the collectability of accounts receivable balances, the Company decreased the allowance for doubtful accounts based on an analysis of historical write-offs. This change in estimate was accounted for prospectively and lowered underwriting and certain other operating costs by $1.7 million, increased income tax expense $0.6 million for a net income statement impact of $1.1 million or approximately $0.06 per share.
Property and Equipment	*Property and Equipment* The Company’s property and equipment, including certain costs incurred to develop or obtain software for internal use, are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated primarily by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, generally 39 years for buildings and three to seven years for all other fixed assets.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	*Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs* The direct costs of successfully acquiring and renewing business are capitalized to the extent recoverable and are amortized over the effective period of the related insurance policies in proportion to premium revenue earned. These capitalized costs consist mainly of sales commissions, premium taxes and other underwriting costs. The Company evaluates deferred policy acquisition costs for recoverability by comparing the unearned premiums to the estimated total expected claim costs and related expenses, offset by anticipated investment income. The Company would reduce the deferred costs if the unearned premiums were less than expected claims and expenses after considering investment income, and report any adjustments in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs. There were no adjustments necessary in 2013, 2012 or 2011.
Reserves for Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses	*Reserves for Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses* Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses represent the estimated ultimate cost of all reported and unreported losses incurred through December 31. The Company does not discount loss and loss adjustment expense reserves. The reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses are estimated using individual case-basis valuations, statistical analyses and estimates based upon experience for unreported claims and their associated loss and loss adjustment expenses. Such estimates may be more or less than the amounts ultimately paid when the claims are settled. The estimates are subject to the effects of trends in loss severity and frequency. Although considerable variability is inherent in these estimates, management believes that the reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses are adequate. The estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as necessary as experience develops or new information becomes known. Any adjustments are included in current operations. Subrogation recoverables, as well as deductible recoverables from policyholders, are estimated using individual case-basis valuations and aggregate estimates. Deductibles that are recoverable from policyholders and other recoverables from state funds decrease the liability for loss and loss adjustment expenses. The Company funds its obligations under certain settled claims where the payment pattern and ultimate cost are fixed and determinable on an individual claim basis through the purchase of annuities. These annuities are purchased from unaffiliated carriers and name the claimant as payee. The cost of purchasing the annuity is recorded as paid loss and loss adjustment expenses. To the extent the annuity funds estimated future claims, reserves for loss and loss adjustment expense are reduced.
Premium Revenue	*Premium Revenue* Premiums on workers’ compensation insurance are based on actual payroll costs or production during the policy term and are normally billed monthly in arrears or annually. However, the Company generally requires a deposit at the inception of a policy. Premium revenue is earned on a pro rata basis over periods covered by the policies. The reserve for unearned premiums on these policies is computed on a daily pro rata basis. The Company estimates the annual premiums to be paid by its policyholders when the Company issues the policies and records those amounts on the balance sheet as premiums receivable. The Company conducts premium audits on all of its voluntary business policyholders annually, upon the expiration of each policy, including when the policy is renewed. The purpose of these audits is to verify that policyholders have accurately reported their payroll expenses and employee job classifications, and therefore have paid the Company the premium required under the terms of the policies. The difference between the estimated premium and the ultimate premium is referred to as “earned but unbilled” premium, or EBUB premium. EBUB premium can be higher or lower than the estimated premium. EBUB premium is subject to significant variability and can either increase or decrease earned premium based upon several factors, including changes in premium growth, industry mix and economic conditions. Due to the timing of audits and other adjustments, ultimate premium earned is generally not determined for several months after the expiration of the policy. The Company estimates EBUB premiums on a quarterly basis using historical data and applying various assumptions based on the current market and records an adjustment to premium, related losses, and expenses as warranted.
Reinsurance	*Reinsurance* Reinsurance premiums, losses and allocated loss adjustment expenses are accounted for on a basis consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers include balances currently owed to the Company for losses and allocated loss adjustment expenses that have been paid to policyholders, amounts that are currently reserved for and will be recoverable once the related expense has been paid and experience-rated commissions recoverable upon commutation. Upon management’s determination that an amount due from a reinsurer is uncollectible due to the reinsurer’s insolvency or other matters, the amount is written off. Ceding commissions are earned from certain reinsurance companies and are intended to reimburse the Company for policy acquisition costs related to those premiums ceded to the reinsurers. Ceding commission income is recognized over the effective period of the related insurance policies in proportion to premium revenue earned and is reflected as a reduction in underwriting and certain other operating costs. Experience-rated commissions are earned from certain reinsurance companies based on the financial results of the applicable risks ceded to the reinsurers. These commission revenues on reinsurance contracts are recognized during the related reinsurance treaty period and are based on the same assumptions used for recording loss and allocated loss adjustment expenses. These commissions are reflected as a reduction in underwriting and certain other operating costs and are adjusted as necessary as experience develops or new information becomes known. Any such adjustments are included in current operations. Experience-rated commissions reduced underwriting and certain other operating costs by $9.3 million in 2013, $11.1million in 2012 and $5.7 million in 2011. In January 2013, the Company commuted reinsurance agreements with Clearwater Insurance Company, covering portions of accident years 1990 through 1995. The Company received cash of $0.3 million in exchange for releasing these reinsurers from their reinsurance obligations under the commuted agreements. Clearwater Insurance Company remains obligated to the Company’s insurance subsidiaries under other reinsurance agreements. As a result of the commutation, the effect on the Company’s net income in the year ended December 31, 2013 was immaterial. On September 15, 2013, we commuted certain reinsurance agreements with Hannover Reinsurance (Ireland) Limited (“Hannover Re”) and Aspen Insurance Limited (“Aspen”) covering portions of the 2008 through 2010 accident years. Hannover Re and Aspen remain obligated to subsidiaries of the Company under other reinsurance agreements. We received cash of $14.9 million and an additional $17.6 million payment effectuated solely through offset against the balance of the funds withheld account under the reinsurance agreement in exchange for releasing Hannover Re and Aspen from their reinsurance obligations under the commuted agreements. As a result of the commutation, there was no effect on the Company’s net income in the year ended December 31, 2013.
Fee and Other Income	*Fee and Other Income* The Company recognizes income related to commissions earned by AGAI as the related services are performed.
Advertising	*Advertising* All advertising expenditures incurred by the Company are charged to expense in the period to which they relate and are included in underwriting and certain other operating costs in the consolidated statements of income. Total advertising expenses incurred were $491,000 in 2013, $444,000 in 2012 and $421,000 in 2011.
Income Taxes	*Income Taxes* The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method. The provision for income taxes has two components, amounts currently payable or receivable and deferred amounts. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company considers deferred tax assets to be recoverable if it is probable that the related tax losses can be offset by future taxable income. The Company includes reversal of existing temporary differences, tax planning strategies available and future operating income in this assessment. To the extent the deferred tax assets exceed the amount expected to be recovered in future years, the Company records a valuation allowance for the amount determined unrecoverable.
Insurance-Related Assessments	*Insurance-Related Assessments* Insurance-related assessments are accrued in the period in which they have been incurred. The Company is subject to a variety of assessments related to insurance commerce, including those by state guaranty funds and workers’ compensation second-injury funds. State guaranty fund assessments are used by state insurance oversight agencies to cover losses of policyholders of insolvent or rehabilitated insurance companies and for the operating expenses of such agencies. The Company has a premium tax benefit accrued of $3.6 million and $3.4 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, for mandatory assessments that may be recovered through a reduction in future premium taxes in certain states. Assessments based on premiums are generally paid one year after the calendar year in which the premium is written, while assessments based on losses are generally paid within one year of when the loss is paid.
Policyholder Dividends	*Policyholder Dividends* The Company writes certain policies for which the policyholder may participate in favorable claims experience through a dividend. An estimated provision for workers’ compensation policyholders’ dividends is accrued as the related premiums are earned. Dividends do not become a fixed liability unless and until declared by the respective Boards of Directors of AMERISAFE’s insurance subsidiaries. The dividend to which a policyholder may be entitled is set forth in the policy and is related to the amount of losses sustained under the policy. Dividends are calculated after the policy expiration. The Company is able to estimate the policyholder dividend liability because the Company has information regarding the underlying loss experience of the policies written with dividend provisions and can estimate future dividend payments from the policy terms.
Variable Interest Entities	*Variable Interest Entities* In December 2003, the Company formed Amerisafe Capital Trust I (“ACT I”) for the sole purpose of issuing $10.0 million in trust preferred securities. ACT I used the proceeds from the sale of these securities and the Company’s initial capital contribution to purchase $10.3 million of subordinated debt securities from the Company. In July 2011, the Company redeemed all $10.3 million of subordinated debt securities from ACT I and the trust was canceled. The debt securities had been the sole assets of ACT I, and the payments under the debt securities were the sole revenues of ACT I. In April 2004, the Company formed Amerisafe Capital Trust II (“ACT II”) for the sole purpose of issuing $25.0 million in trust preferred securities. ACT II used the proceeds from the sale of these securities and the Company’s initial capital contribution to purchase $25.8 million of subordinated debt securities from the Company. In May 2012, the Company redeemed $12.9 million of the $25.8 million aggregate principal amount of subordinated debt securities. The Company redeemed the remaining $12.9 million of subordinated debt securities from ACT II in August 2012 and the trust was canceled. The debt securities had been the sole assets of ACT II, and the payments under the debt securities were the sole revenues of ACT II.
Earnings Per Share	*Earnings Per Share* The Company computes earnings per share (EPS) in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 260, Earnings Per Share. Additionally, for periods after December 31, 2012, the Company applied the “two-class method” in computing basic and diluted earnings per share. Under the two-class method, net income available to common and participating common shareholders is reduced by the amount of dividends declared in the current period and by the contractual amount of dividends that must be paid for the current period related to the Company’s common and participating common shares. Participating common shares include unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends, whether paid or unpaid. Any remaining undistributed earnings are allocated to the common and participating common shareholders to the extent that each security shares in earnings as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. The amount of earnings allocable to each security is divided by the number of outstanding shares of the security to which the earnings are allocated to determine the EPS for the security. In a period of loss, no losses are allocated to the participating common shareholders. Instead, all such losses are allocated to the common shareholders. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The diluted EPS calculation includes potential common shares assumed issued under the treasury stock method, which reflects the potential dilution that would occur if any outstanding options or warrants were exercised or restricted stock becomes vested, and includes the “if converted” method for participating securities if the effect is dilutive. We determine diluted EPS as the more dilutive result of either the treasury method or the two-class method.
Stock-Based Compensation	*Stock-Based Compensation* The Company recognizes the impact of its share-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation. All share-based grants are recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period. The target value of long-term incentive awards are recognized as compensation over the performance period.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	*Recent Accounting Pronouncements* In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued updated guidance to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The guidance requires an entity to present, either on the face of the statement of income or in the notes, separately for each component of comprehensive income, the current period reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income affected by the reclassification. The updated guidance is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted the updated guidance effective January 1, 2013. This adoption did not have any effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Organization

AMERISAFE, Inc. is an insurance holding company incorporated in the state of Texas. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AMERISAFE and its subsidiaries: American Interstate Insurance Company (“AIIC”) and its insurance subsidiaries, Silver Oak Casualty, Inc. (“SOCI”) and American Interstate Insurance Company of Texas (“AIIC-TX”), Amerisafe Risk Services, Inc. (“RISK”) and Amerisafe General Agency, Inc. (“AGAI”). AIIC and SOCI are property and casualty insurance companies organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska. In 2013, AIIC and SOCI were re-domesticated to Nebraska from Louisiana. AIIC-TX is a property and casualty insurance company organized under the laws of the state of Texas. RISK, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is a claims and safety service company servicing only affiliated insurance companies. AGAI, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is a general agent for the Company. AGAI sells insurance, which is underwritten by AIIC, SOCI and AIIC-TX, as well as by nonaffiliated insurance carriers. The assets and operations of AGAI are not significant to that of the consolidated entity.

The terms “AMERISAFE,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to AMERISAFE, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, as the context requires.

The Company provides workers’ compensation for companies primarily in special trade groups, including construction, trucking, manufacturing, oil and gas and agriculture. Assets and revenues of AIIC represent at least 95% of comparable consolidated amounts of the Company for each of 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.

Investments

Investments

The Company has the ability and positive intent to hold certain investments until maturity. Therefore, fixed maturity securities classified as held-to-maturity are recorded at amortized cost. Equity securities and fixed maturity securities classified as available-for-sale are recorded at fair value. Temporary changes in the fair value of these securities are reported in shareholders’ equity as a component of other comprehensive income, net of deferred income taxes.

Investment income is recognized as it is earned. The discount or premium on fixed maturity securities is amortized using the “constant yield” method. Anticipated prepayments, where applicable, are considered when determining the amortization of premiums or discounts. Realized investment gains and losses are determined using the specific identification method.

The Company regularly reviews the fair value of its investments. Impairment of an investment security results in a reduction of the carrying value of the security and the realization of a loss when the fair value of the security declines below the cost or amortized cost, as applicable, for the security and the impairment is deemed to be other-than-temporary. The Company regularly reviews its investment portfolio to evaluate the existence of other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of investments. The Company considers various factors in determining if a decline in the fair value of an individual security is other-than-temporary, including but not limited to a reduction or interruption in scheduled cash flows, the financial condition of the issuer, how long and by how much the fair value has been below amortized cost, losses due to credit concerns, downgrades and the Company’s intent to sell or ability to hold the security.

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on equity securities are recognized in net income and are measured as the difference between cost and fair value. Impairment losses on fixed maturities are recognized in the financial statements depending on the facts and circumstances related to the specific security. If we intend to sell a security or it is more likely than not that we would be required to sell a security before the recovery of its amortized cost, less any current period credit loss, an other-than-temporary impairment would be recognized in net income for the difference between amortized cost and fair value. If we do not expect to recover the amortized cost basis, we do not plan to sell the security and if it is not more likely than not that we would be required to sell a security before the recovery of its amortized cost, less any current period credit loss, the recognition of the other-than-temporary impairment is bifurcated. The credit loss portion would be recognized in net income and the noncredit loss portion in other comprehensive income.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents include short-term money market funds and corporate bonds with an original maturity of three months or less.

Short-Term Investments

Short-Term Investments

Short-term investments include municipal securities, corporate bonds and certificates of deposit with an original maturity greater than three months but less than one year.

Other Investments

Other Investments

Other investments consist of a limited partnership (“LP”) interest that is accounted for under the equity method valued using the net asset value provided by the general partner of the LP, which approximates the fair value of the interest. The LP’s objective is to generate absolute returns by investing long and short in publicly-traded global securities. Redemptions are allowed monthly following a sixty day notice with no lock up periods. The Company has no unfunded commitments related to the LP.

Premiums Receivable

Premiums Receivable

Premiums receivable consist primarily of premium-related balances due from policyholders. The Company considers premiums receivable as past due based on the payment terms of the underlying policy. The balance is shown net of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Receivables due from insureds are charged off when a determination has been made by management that a specific balance will not be collected. An estimate of amounts that are likely to be charged off is established as an allowance for doubtful accounts as of the balance sheet date. The estimate is primarily comprised of specific balances that are considered probable to be charged off after all collection efforts have ceased, as well as historical trends and an analysis of the aging of the receivables.

Effective December 31, 2013, Amerisafe determined that to better reflect the collectability of accounts receivable balances, the Company decreased the allowance for doubtful accounts based on an analysis of historical write-offs. This change in estimate was accounted for prospectively and lowered underwriting and certain other operating costs by $1.7 million, increased income tax expense $0.6 million for a net income statement impact of $1.1 million or approximately $0.06 per share.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment

The Company’s property and equipment, including certain costs incurred to develop or obtain software for internal use, are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated primarily by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, generally 39 years for buildings and three to seven years for all other fixed assets.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

The direct costs of successfully acquiring and renewing business are capitalized to the extent recoverable and are amortized over the effective period of the related insurance policies in proportion to premium revenue earned. These capitalized costs consist mainly of sales commissions, premium taxes and other underwriting costs. The Company evaluates deferred policy acquisition costs for recoverability by comparing the unearned premiums to the estimated total expected claim costs and related expenses, offset by anticipated investment income. The Company would reduce the deferred costs if the unearned premiums were less than expected claims and expenses after considering investment income, and report any adjustments in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs. There were no adjustments necessary in 2013, 2012 or 2011.

Reserves for Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Reserves for Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses represent the estimated ultimate cost of all reported and unreported losses incurred through December 31. The Company does not discount loss and loss adjustment expense reserves. The reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses are estimated using individual case-basis valuations, statistical analyses and estimates based upon experience for unreported claims and their associated loss and loss adjustment expenses. Such estimates may be more or less than the amounts ultimately paid when the claims are settled. The estimates are subject to the effects of trends in loss severity and frequency. Although considerable variability is inherent in these estimates, management believes that the reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses are adequate. The estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as necessary as experience develops or new information becomes known. Any adjustments are included in current operations.

Subrogation recoverables, as well as deductible recoverables from policyholders, are estimated using individual case-basis valuations and aggregate estimates. Deductibles that are recoverable from policyholders and other recoverables from state funds decrease the liability for loss and loss adjustment expenses.

The Company funds its obligations under certain settled claims where the payment pattern and ultimate cost are fixed and determinable on an individual claim basis through the purchase of annuities. These annuities are purchased from unaffiliated carriers and name the claimant as payee. The cost of purchasing the annuity is recorded as paid loss and loss adjustment expenses. To the extent the annuity funds estimated future claims, reserves for loss and loss adjustment expense are reduced.

Premium Revenue

Premium Revenue

Premiums on workers’ compensation insurance are based on actual payroll costs or production during the policy term and are normally billed monthly in arrears or annually. However, the Company generally requires a deposit at the inception of a policy.

Premium revenue is earned on a pro rata basis over periods covered by the policies. The reserve for unearned premiums on these policies is computed on a daily pro rata basis.

The Company estimates the annual premiums to be paid by its policyholders when the Company issues the policies and records those amounts on the balance sheet as premiums receivable. The Company conducts premium audits on all of its voluntary business policyholders annually, upon the expiration of each policy, including when the policy is renewed. The purpose of these audits is to verify that policyholders have accurately reported their payroll expenses and employee job classifications, and therefore have paid the Company the premium required under the terms of the policies. The difference between the estimated premium and the ultimate premium is referred to as “earned but unbilled” premium, or EBUB premium. EBUB premium can be higher or lower than the estimated premium. EBUB premium is subject to significant variability and can either increase or decrease earned premium based upon several factors, including changes in premium growth, industry mix and economic conditions. Due to the timing of audits and other adjustments, ultimate premium earned is generally not determined for several months after the expiration of the policy.

The Company estimates EBUB premiums on a quarterly basis using historical data and applying various assumptions based on the current market and records an adjustment to premium, related losses, and expenses as warranted.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance

Reinsurance premiums, losses and allocated loss adjustment expenses are accounted for on a basis consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts.

Amounts recoverable from reinsurers include balances currently owed to the Company for losses and allocated loss adjustment expenses that have been paid to policyholders, amounts that are currently reserved for and will be recoverable once the related expense has been paid and experience-rated commissions recoverable upon commutation.

Upon management’s determination that an amount due from a reinsurer is uncollectible due to the reinsurer’s insolvency or other matters, the amount is written off.

Ceding commissions are earned from certain reinsurance companies and are intended to reimburse the Company for policy acquisition costs related to those premiums ceded to the reinsurers. Ceding commission income is recognized over the effective period of the related insurance policies in proportion to premium revenue earned and is reflected as a reduction in underwriting and certain other operating costs.

Experience-rated commissions are earned from certain reinsurance companies based on the financial results of the applicable risks ceded to the reinsurers. These commission revenues on reinsurance contracts are recognized during the related reinsurance treaty period and are based on the same assumptions used for recording loss and allocated loss adjustment expenses. These commissions are reflected as a reduction in underwriting and certain other operating costs and are adjusted as necessary as experience develops or new information becomes known. Any such adjustments are included in current operations. Experience-rated commissions reduced underwriting and certain other operating costs by $9.3 million in 2013, $11.1million in 2012 and $5.7 million in 2011.

In January 2013, the Company commuted reinsurance agreements with Clearwater Insurance Company, covering portions of accident years 1990 through 1995. The Company received cash of $0.3 million in exchange for releasing these reinsurers from their reinsurance obligations under the commuted agreements. Clearwater Insurance Company remains obligated to the Company’s insurance subsidiaries under other reinsurance agreements. As a result of the commutation, the effect on the Company’s net income in the year ended December 31, 2013 was immaterial.

On September 15, 2013, we commuted certain reinsurance agreements with Hannover Reinsurance (Ireland) Limited (“Hannover Re”) and Aspen Insurance Limited (“Aspen”) covering portions of the 2008 through 2010 accident years. Hannover Re and Aspen remain obligated to subsidiaries of the Company under other reinsurance agreements. We received cash of $14.9 million and an additional $17.6 million payment effectuated solely through offset against the balance of the funds withheld account under the reinsurance agreement in exchange for releasing Hannover Re and Aspen from their reinsurance obligations under the commuted agreements. As a result of the commutation, there was no effect on the Company’s net income in the year ended December 31, 2013.

Fee and Other Income

Fee and Other Income

The Company recognizes income related to commissions earned by AGAI as the related services are performed.

Advertising

Advertising

All advertising expenditures incurred by the Company are charged to expense in the period to which they relate and are included in underwriting and certain other operating costs in the consolidated statements of income. Total advertising expenses incurred were $491,000 in 2013, $444,000 in 2012 and $421,000 in 2011.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method. The provision for income taxes has two components, amounts currently payable or receivable and deferred amounts. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company considers deferred tax assets to be recoverable if it is probable that the related tax losses can be offset by future taxable income. The Company includes reversal of existing temporary differences, tax planning strategies available and future operating income in this assessment. To the extent the deferred tax assets exceed the amount expected to be recovered in future years, the Company records a valuation allowance for the amount determined unrecoverable.

Insurance-Related Assessments

Insurance-Related Assessments

Insurance-related assessments are accrued in the period in which they have been incurred. The Company is subject to a variety of assessments related to insurance commerce, including those by state guaranty funds and workers’ compensation second-injury funds. State guaranty fund assessments are used by state insurance oversight agencies to cover losses of policyholders of insolvent or rehabilitated insurance companies and for the operating expenses of such agencies. The Company has a premium tax benefit accrued of $3.6 million and $3.4 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, for mandatory assessments that may be recovered through a reduction in future premium taxes in certain states. Assessments based on premiums are generally paid one year after the calendar year in which the premium is written, while assessments based on losses are generally paid within one year of when the loss is paid.

Policyholder Dividends

Policyholder Dividends

The Company writes certain policies for which the policyholder may participate in favorable claims experience through a dividend. An estimated provision for workers’ compensation policyholders’ dividends is accrued as the related premiums are earned. Dividends do not become a fixed liability unless and until declared by the respective Boards of Directors of AMERISAFE’s insurance subsidiaries. The dividend to which a policyholder may be entitled is set forth in the policy and is related to the amount of losses sustained under the policy. Dividends are calculated after the policy expiration. The Company is able to estimate the policyholder dividend liability because the Company has information regarding the underlying loss experience of the policies written with dividend provisions and can estimate future dividend payments from the policy terms.

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities

In December 2003, the Company formed Amerisafe Capital Trust I (“ACT I”) for the sole purpose of issuing $10.0 million in trust preferred securities. ACT I used the proceeds from the sale of these securities and the Company’s initial capital contribution to purchase $10.3 million of subordinated debt securities from the Company. In July 2011, the Company redeemed all $10.3 million of subordinated debt securities from ACT I and the trust was canceled. The debt securities had been the sole assets of ACT I, and the payments under the debt securities were the sole revenues of ACT I.

In April 2004, the Company formed Amerisafe Capital Trust II (“ACT II”) for the sole purpose of issuing $25.0 million in trust preferred securities. ACT II used the proceeds from the sale of these securities and the Company’s initial capital contribution to purchase $25.8 million of subordinated debt securities from the Company. In May 2012, the Company redeemed $12.9 million of the $25.8 million aggregate principal amount of subordinated debt securities. The Company redeemed the remaining $12.9 million of subordinated debt securities from ACT II in August 2012 and the trust was canceled. The debt securities had been the sole assets of ACT II, and the payments under the debt securities were the sole revenues of ACT II.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share

The Company computes earnings per share (EPS) in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 260, Earnings Per Share. Additionally, for periods after December 31, 2012, the Company applied the “two-class method” in computing basic and diluted earnings per share.

Under the two-class method, net income available to common and participating common shareholders is reduced by the amount of dividends declared in the current period and by the contractual amount of dividends that must be paid for the current period related to the Company’s common and participating common shares. Participating common shares include unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends, whether paid or unpaid. Any remaining undistributed earnings are allocated to the common and participating common shareholders to the extent that each security shares in earnings as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. The amount of earnings allocable to each security is divided by the number of outstanding shares of the security to which the earnings are allocated to determine the EPS for the security. In a period of loss, no losses are allocated to the participating common shareholders. Instead, all such losses are allocated to the common shareholders.

Basic EPS is calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The diluted EPS calculation includes potential common shares assumed issued under the treasury stock method, which reflects the potential dilution that would occur if any outstanding options or warrants were exercised or restricted stock becomes vested, and includes the “if converted” method for participating securities if the effect is dilutive. We determine diluted EPS as the more dilutive result of either the treasury method or the two-class method.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes the impact of its share-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation. All share-based grants are recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period. The target value of long-term incentive awards are recognized as compensation over the performance period.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued updated guidance to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The guidance requires an entity to present, either on the face of the statement of income or in the notes, separately for each component of comprehensive income, the current period reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income affected by the reclassification.

The updated guidance is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted the updated guidance effective January 1, 2013. This adoption did not have any effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.