COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	(9) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Management has a responsibility to continually measure and monitor its commitments and its contingencies. The nature of the Company's commitments and contingencies can be grouped into three major categories: insured claim activity, assessment related activities and operational matters. (A) Insured Claim Activity We are involved in claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The amount of liability for these claims and lawsuits is uncertain. Revisions to our estimates are based on our analysis of subsequent information that we receive regarding various factors, including: (i) per claim information; (ii) company and industry historical loss experience; (iii) legislative enactments, judicial decisions, legal developments in the awarding of damages; and (iv) trends in general economic conditions, including the effects of inflation. Management revises its estimates based on the results of its analysis. This process assumes that experience, adjusted for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends, is an appropriate basis for estimating the ultimate settlement of all claims. There is no precise method for subsequently evaluating the impact of any specific factor on the adequacy of the reserves, because the eventual redundancy or deficiency is affected by multiple factors. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters may have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or liquidity. The Company's subsidiaries are, from time to time, named as defendants in various lawsuits incidental to their insurance operations. Legal actions relating to claims made in the ordinary course of seeking indemnification for a loss covered by the insurance policy are considered by the Company in establishing loss and LAE reserves. The Company also faces, in the ordinary course of business, lawsuits that seek damages beyond policy limits, commonly known as bad faith claims. During 2010, one such suit was brought against one of the Company's affiliates. This suit was dismissed and the dismissal is currently under appeal. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. The Company continually evaluates potential liabilities and reserves for litigation of these types using the criteria established by FASB issued guidance. Under this guidance, reserves for a loss are recorded if the likelihood of occurrence is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If a loss, while not probable, is judged to be reasonably possible, management will make an estimate of a possible range of loss or state that an estimate cannot be made. Management considers each legal action using this guidance and records reserves for losses as warranted. (B) Assessment Related Activity We operate in a regulatory environment where certain entities and organizations have the authority to require us to participate in assessments. Currently these entities and organizations include, but are not limited to, FIGA, Citizens, FHCF and JUA. As a direct premium writer in the state of Florida, we are required to participate in certain insurer solvency associations under Florida Statutes Section 631.57(3) (a), administered by FIGA. Participation in these pools is based on our written premium by line of business to total premiums written statewide by all insurers. Participation has resulted in assessments against us, as it had in 2006 and 2007, and again on October 30, 2009. There were no assessments made during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2010 or 2011. Through 2007, we were assessed $6.6 million and in 2009 we were assessed an additional $0.6 million in connection with the insolvencies of domestic insurance companies. For statutory accounting these assessments were not charged to operations, in contrast, GAAP treatment was to charge current operations for the assessments. If new assessments occur, we will be required to treat these assessments consistent with GAAP since accounting difference with Statutory accounting no longer exists as of January 1, 2011. Through policyholder surcharges, as approved by the Florida OIR, we have since fully recouped $7.2 million in connection with these assessments. The State Board of Administration ("SBA") and the FHCF Financing Corporation agreed to a resolution that would authorize the issuance and sale of FHCF post-event revenue bonds not to exceed $710 million. The proceeds of the bonds would be used for the reimbursement of insurance companies for additional claims due to hurricanes during the 2005 season. These bonds will have fixed interest rates, be exempt from federal income taxes and be secured by not yet implemented emergency assessments and reimbursement premiums. The inability to issue these bonds could result in the FHCF's need to accelerate additional assessments. We have not recorded any liability in connection with this initiative. During its regularly scheduled meeting on August 17, 2005, the Board of Governors of Citizens determined a 2004 plan year deficit existed in the High Risk Account. Citizens decided that a $515 million Regular Assessment was in the best interest of Citizens and consistent with Florida Statutes. On this basis, Citizens certified for a Regular Assessment. Federated National's participation in this assessment totaled $2.0 million. The Florida OIR issued Information Memorandum OIR-06-008M, titled Notice of Anticipated Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund Assessment, and dated May 4, 2006, to all property and casualty insurers, surplus lines insurers, and surplus lines agents in the state of Florida placing them on notice of an anticipated FHCF assessment. Sighting the unprecedented hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005, the FHCF exhausted nearly all of the $6 billion in reserves it had accumulated since its inception in 1993. The Florida SBA issued its directive to levy an emergency assessment upon all property and casualty business in the state of Florida. There is no statutory requirement that policyholders be notified of the FHCF assessment. The FHCF and Florida OIR are, however, recommending that insurers include the FHCF assessment in a line item on the declaration page for two reasons: (1) this is a multi-year assessment and (2) there may be concurrent assessments and the insureds should know what amount is for which assessment. The assessment became effective on all policies effective after January 1, 2007 and was remitted to the administrator of the assessment as collected. Florida OIR issued an Order April 29, 2010, levying an increase to the emergency assessment to 1.3% from 1.0%, of direct written premium on all property and casualty lines of business written in the state of Florida for the benefit of the FHCF. The assessment was approved by the Florida SBA to fund FHCF losses stemming from the 2005 hurricane season. This order requires insurers to begin collecting the emergency assessment for policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2011. The FHCF emergency assessment is being remitted to the administrator of the assessment as collected and therefore accounted for in a manner such that amounts collected or receivable are not recorded as revenues and amounts due or paid are not expensed. Previously and still in effect, the Florida OIR issued a similar order dated January 11, 2007, levying an emergency assessment of 1.4% of direct written premium on all property and casualty lines of business written in the state of Florida for the benefit of Citizens' High Risk Account. This order requires insurers to collect the emergency assessment for policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2007. Similar to the FHCF assessment discussed above, the Citizens emergency assessment is remitted to the administrator of the assessment as collected and therefore accounted for in a manner such that amounts collected or receivable are not recorded as revenues and amounts due or paid are not expensed. Federated National and American Vehicle are also required to participate in an insurance apportionment plan under Florida Statutes Section 627.351, which is referred to as a JUA Plan. The JUA Plan provides for the equitable apportionment of any profits realized, or losses and expenses incurred, among participating automobile insurers. In the event of an underwriting deficit incurred by the JUA Plan which is not recovered through the policyholders in the JUA Plan, such deficit shall be recovered from the companies participating in the JUA Plan in the proportion that the net direct written premiums of each such member during the preceding calendar year bear to the aggregate net direct premiums written in this state by all members of the JUA Plan. Neither Federated National nor American Vehicle was assessed by the JUA Plan during 2011, 2010 or 2009. Future assessments by this association are undeterminable at this time. (C) Operational Matters The Company's consolidated federal and state income tax returns for 2005-2010 are open for review by the IRS and various state taxing authorities. The federal income tax returns for 2003 and 2002 have been examined by the IRS. The IRS concluded its examination for 2003 and 2002 and there were no material changes in the tax liability for those years. The 2005 and 2006 income tax returns and net operating loss carry-back from tax year 2009 have been reviewed by the Joint Committee on Taxation. The Joint Committee on Taxation completed its consideration in September 2011 and took no exception to the conclusions reached by the IRS regarding the net operating loss carry-back from tax year 2009. The Company has recorded a net deferred tax asset of $8.6 million and $7.9 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Realization of net deferred tax asset is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income in future periods. Management believes that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized and as such no valuation allowance has been recorded against the net deferred tax asset. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. At December 31, 2011, based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences. When assessing the need for valuation allowances, the Company considers future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. Should a change in circumstances lead to a change in judgment about the realizability of deferred tax assets in future years, the Company would record valuation allowances as deemed appropriate in the period that the change in circumstances occurs, along with a corresponding increase or charge to net income. The resolution of tax reserves and changes in valuation allowances could be material to the Company's results of operations for any period, but is not expected to be material to the Company's financial position. The Company is not currently involved in any material legal actions arising from the ordinary course of business that are not related to insured claims activity.

(9) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Management has a responsibility to continually measure and monitor its commitments and its contingencies. The nature of the Company's commitments and contingencies can be grouped into three major categories: insured claim activity, assessment related activities and operational matters.

(A) Insured Claim Activity

We are involved in claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The amount of liability for these claims and lawsuits is uncertain. Revisions to our estimates are based on our analysis of subsequent information that we receive regarding various factors, including: (i) per claim information; (ii) company and industry historical loss experience; (iii) legislative enactments, judicial decisions, legal developments in the awarding of damages; and (iv) trends in general economic conditions, including the effects of inflation. Management revises its estimates based on the results of its analysis. This process assumes that experience, adjusted for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends, is an appropriate basis for estimating the ultimate settlement of all claims. There is no precise method for subsequently evaluating the impact of any specific factor on the adequacy of the reserves, because the eventual redundancy or deficiency is affected by multiple factors. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters may have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

The Company's subsidiaries are, from time to time, named as defendants in various lawsuits incidental to their insurance operations. Legal actions relating to claims made in the ordinary course of seeking indemnification for a loss covered by the insurance policy are considered by the Company in establishing loss and LAE reserves.

The Company also faces, in the ordinary course of business, lawsuits that seek damages beyond policy limits, commonly known as bad faith claims. During 2010, one such suit was brought against one of the Company's affiliates. This suit was dismissed and the dismissal is currently under appeal. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. The Company continually evaluates potential liabilities and reserves for litigation of these types using the criteria established by FASB issued guidance. Under this guidance, reserves for a loss are recorded if the likelihood of occurrence is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If a loss, while not probable, is judged to be reasonably possible, management will make an estimate of a possible range of loss or state that an estimate cannot be made. Management considers each legal action using this guidance and records reserves for losses as warranted.

(B) Assessment Related Activity

We operate in a regulatory environment where certain entities and organizations have the authority to require us to participate in assessments. Currently these entities and organizations include, but are not limited to, FIGA, Citizens, FHCF and JUA.

As a direct premium writer in the state of Florida, we are required to participate in certain insurer solvency associations under Florida Statutes Section 631.57(3) (a), administered by FIGA. Participation in these pools is based on our written premium by line of business to total premiums written statewide by all insurers. Participation has resulted in assessments against us, as it had in 2006 and 2007, and again on October 30, 2009. There were no assessments made during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2010 or 2011. Through 2007, we were assessed $6.6 million and in 2009 we were assessed an additional $0.6 million in connection with the insolvencies of domestic insurance companies. For statutory accounting these assessments were not charged to operations, in contrast, GAAP treatment was to charge current operations for the assessments. If new assessments occur, we will be required to treat these assessments consistent with GAAP since accounting difference with Statutory accounting no longer exists as of January 1, 2011. Through policyholder surcharges, as approved by the Florida OIR, we have since fully recouped $7.2 million in connection with these assessments.

The State Board of Administration ("SBA") and the FHCF Financing Corporation agreed to a resolution that would authorize the issuance and sale of FHCF post-event revenue bonds not to exceed $710 million. The proceeds of the bonds would be used for the reimbursement of insurance companies for additional claims due to hurricanes during the 2005 season. These bonds will have fixed interest rates, be exempt from federal income taxes and be secured by not yet implemented emergency assessments and reimbursement premiums. The inability to issue these bonds could result in the FHCF's need to accelerate additional assessments. We have not recorded any liability in connection with this initiative.

During its regularly scheduled meeting on August 17, 2005, the Board of Governors of Citizens determined a 2004 plan year deficit existed in the High Risk Account. Citizens decided that a $515 million Regular Assessment was in the best interest of Citizens and consistent with Florida Statutes. On this basis, Citizens certified for a Regular Assessment. Federated National's participation in this assessment totaled $2.0 million.

The Florida OIR issued Information Memorandum OIR-06-008M, titled Notice of Anticipated Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund Assessment, and dated May 4, 2006, to all property and casualty insurers, surplus lines insurers, and surplus lines agents in the state of Florida placing them on notice of an anticipated FHCF assessment. Sighting the unprecedented hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005, the FHCF exhausted nearly all of the $6 billion in reserves it had accumulated since its inception in 1993. The Florida SBA issued its directive to levy an emergency assessment upon all property and casualty business in the state of Florida. There is no statutory requirement that policyholders be notified of the FHCF assessment. The FHCF and Florida OIR are, however, recommending that insurers include the FHCF assessment in a line item on the declaration page for two reasons: (1) this is a multi-year assessment and (2) there may be concurrent assessments and the insureds should know what amount is for which assessment. The assessment became effective on all policies effective after January 1, 2007 and was remitted to the administrator of the assessment as collected.

Florida OIR issued an Order April 29, 2010, levying an increase to the emergency assessment to 1.3% from 1.0%, of direct written premium on all property and casualty lines of business written in the state of Florida for the benefit of the FHCF. The assessment was approved by the Florida SBA to fund FHCF losses stemming from the 2005 hurricane season. This order requires insurers to begin collecting the emergency assessment for policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2011. The FHCF emergency assessment is being remitted to the administrator of the assessment as collected and therefore accounted for in a manner such that amounts collected or receivable are not recorded as revenues and amounts due or paid are not expensed. Previously and still in effect, the Florida OIR issued a similar order dated January 11, 2007, levying an emergency assessment of 1.4% of direct written premium on all property and casualty lines of business written in the state of Florida for the benefit of Citizens' High Risk Account. This order requires insurers to collect the emergency assessment for policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2007. Similar to the FHCF assessment discussed above, the Citizens emergency assessment is remitted to the administrator of the assessment as collected and therefore accounted for in a manner such that amounts collected or receivable are not recorded as revenues and amounts due or paid are not expensed.

Federated National and American Vehicle are also required to participate in an insurance apportionment plan under Florida Statutes Section 627.351, which is referred to as a JUA Plan. The JUA Plan provides for the equitable apportionment of any profits realized, or losses and expenses incurred, among participating automobile insurers. In the event of an underwriting deficit incurred by the JUA Plan which is not recovered through the policyholders in the JUA Plan, such deficit shall be recovered from the companies participating in the JUA Plan in the proportion that the net direct written premiums of each such member during the preceding calendar year bear to the aggregate net direct premiums written in this state by all members of the JUA Plan. Neither Federated National nor American Vehicle was assessed by the JUA Plan during 2011, 2010 or 2009. Future assessments by this association are undeterminable at this time.

The Company's consolidated federal and state income tax returns for 2005-2010 are open for review by the IRS and various state taxing authorities. The federal income tax returns for 2003 and 2002 have been examined by the IRS. The IRS concluded its examination for 2003 and 2002 and there were no material changes in the tax liability for those years. The 2005 and 2006 income tax returns and net operating loss carry-back from tax year 2009 have been reviewed by the Joint Committee on Taxation. The Joint Committee on Taxation completed its consideration in September 2011 and took no exception to the conclusions reached by the IRS regarding the net operating loss carry-back from tax year 2009.

The Company has recorded a net deferred tax asset of $8.6 million and $7.9 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Realization of net deferred tax asset is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income in future periods. Management believes that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized and as such no valuation allowance has been recorded against the net deferred tax asset. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. At December 31, 2011, based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences. When assessing the need for valuation allowances, the Company considers future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. Should a change in circumstances lead to a change in judgment about the realizability of deferred tax assets in future years, the Company would record valuation allowances as deemed appropriate in the period that the change in circumstances occurs, along with a corresponding increase or charge to net income. The resolution of tax reserves and changes in valuation allowances could be material to the Company's results of operations for any period, but is not expected to be material to the Company's financial position.

The Company is not currently involved in any material legal actions arising from the ordinary course of business that are not related to insured claims activity.