EXHIBIT 1



                             Joint Filing Agreement


The undersigned persons agree and consent to the joint filing on their behalf of
this Schedule 13G in connection with their beneficial ownership of Amwest
Insurance Group, Inc. at March 31, 2001.



WILLIAM J. NASGOVITZ

By: /s/   PAUL T. BESTE
       ----------------
       Paul T. Beste
As Attorney in Fact for William J. Nasgovitz



HEARTLAND ADVISORS, INC.


By:  /s/ PAUL T. BESTE
         -------------
       Paul T. Beste
       Chief Operating Officer