Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting Policies	1.Accounting Policies: General Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. (“Hallmark” and, together with subsidiaries, the “Company”, “we,” “us” or “our”) is an insurance holding company engaged in the sale of property/casualty insurance products to businesses and individuals. Our business involves marketing, distributing, underwriting and servicing our insurance products, as well as providing other insurance related services. We market, distribute, underwrite and service our property/casualty insurance products primarily through subsidiaries whose operations are organized into product-specific operating units that are supported by our insurance company subsidiaries. Our Contract Binding operating unit handles primarily commercial insurance products and services and is comprised of Hallmark Specialty Underwriters, Inc. (“HSU”), Pan American Acceptance Corporation (“PAAC”) and TGA Special Risk, Inc. (“TGASRI”). Our Specialty Commercial operating unit offers (i) general aviation insurance products and services, (ii) low and middle market commercial umbrella and excess liability insurance, (iii) medical and financial professional liability insurance products and services, (iv) satellite launch insurance products, and (v) primary/excess commercial property coverages for both catastrophe and non-catastrophe exposures. Certain specialty programs are also managed by our Specialty Commercial operating unit. Our Specialty Commercial operating unit is comprised of Aerospace Insurance Managers, Inc. (“Aerospace Insurance Managers”), Aerospace Special Risk, Inc. (“ASRI”), Aerospace Claims Management Group, Inc. (“ACMG”), Heath XS, LLC (“HXS”) and Hardscrabble Data Solutions, LLC (“HDS”). Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit handles commercial insurance products and services and is comprised of American Hallmark Insurance Services, Inc. (“American Hallmark Insurance Services”) and Effective Claims Management, Inc. (“ECM”). Our Workers Compensation operating unit specializes in small and middle market workers compensation business and is comprised of TBIC Holding Corporation, Inc. (“TBIC Holding”), Texas Builders Insurance Company (“TBIC”) and TBIC Risk Management (“TBICRM”). Effective July 1, 2015, this operating unit ceased marketing or retaining any risk on new or renewal policies. Our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit handles personal insurance products and services and is comprised of American Hallmark General Agency, Inc. (“AHGA”) and Hallmark Claims Services, Inc. (“HCS”). Our insurance company subsidiaries supporting these operating units are American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas (“AHIC”), Hallmark Insurance Company (“HIC”), Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company (“HSIC”), Hallmark County Mutual Insurance Company (“HCM”), Hallmark National Insurance Company (“HNIC”) and TBIC. These operating units are segregated into three reportable industry segments for financial accounting purposes. The Specialty Commercial Segment includes our Contract Binding operating unit and our Specialty Commercial operating unit. The Standard Commercial Segment includes our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit and our Workers Compensation operating unit. The Personal Segment consists solely of our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit. Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of Hallmark and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) which, as to our insurance company subsidiaries, differ from statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted for insurance companies by insurance regulatory authorities. Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements Our preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and our reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Since future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment may be reflected in the financial statements in future periods. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair value estimates are made at a point in time, based on relevant market data as well as the best information available about the financial instruments. Fair value estimates for financial instruments for which no or limited observable market data is available are based on judgments regarding current economic conditions, credit and interest rate risk. These estimates involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision. As a result, such calculated fair value estimates may not be realizable in a current sale or immediate settlement of the instrument. In addition, changes in the underlying assumptions used in the fair value measurement technique, including discount rate and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect these fair value estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents: The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for these instruments approximate their fair values. Restricted Cash: The carrying amount for restricted cash reported in the balance sheet approximates the fair value. Revolving Credit Facility Payable: Our revolving credit facility with Frost Bank had a carried value of $30.0 million and a fair value of $30.2 million as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. This revolving credit facility would be included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy if it was reported at fair value. Subordinated debt securities: Our trust preferred securities are reported at carry value of $55.8 million and $55.8 million, and had a fair value of $45.6 million and $43.7 million, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and would be included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy if they were reported at fair value. For reinsurance balances, premiums receivable, federal income tax payable, other assets and other liabilities, the carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of such financial instruments. Investments Debt securities available for sale are reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are recorded as a component of stockholders’ equity, net of related tax effects. Debt securities that are determined to have other-than-temporary impairment are recognized as a loss on investments in the consolidated statements of operations for the portion that is related to credit deterioration with the remaining portion recognized in other comprehensive income. Debt security premiums and discounts are amortized into earnings using the effective interest method. Maturities of debt securities and sales of equity securities are recorded in receivable for securities until the cash is settled. Purchases of debt and equity securities are recorded in payable for securities until the cash is settled. Equity securities are reported at fair value. On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”. ASU 2016-01 requires equity securities to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. As a result of the new standard, equity securities with readily determinable fair values are no longer required to be evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-01, unrealized gains and losses on equity securities were recorded as a component of stockholders’ equity, net of related tax effects. Other investments consists of an equity warrant which is reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are reported in the statement of operations as a component of net realized gains (losses). Realized investment gains and losses are recognized in operations on the first in-first out method. Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Restricted Cash Restricted cash represents amounts required to be set aside by a contractual agreement with a third-party insurer and amounts pledged for the benefit of various state insurance departments. Premiums Receivable Premiums receivable represent amounts due from policyholders or independent agents for premiums written and uncollected. These balances are carried at net realizable value. Reinsurance We are routinely involved in reinsurance transactions with other companies. Reinsurance premiums, losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) are accounted for on bases consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. (See Note 7.) Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Policy acquisition costs (mainly commission, underwriting and marketing expenses) that are directly related to the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts are deferred and charged to operations over periods in which the related premiums are earned. The method followed in computing deferred policy acquisition costs limits the amount of such deferred costs to their estimated realizable value. In determining estimated realizable value, the computation gives effect to the premium to be earned, expected investment income, losses and LAE and certain other costs expected to be incurred as the premiums are earned. If the computation results in an estimated net realizable value less than zero, a liability will be accrued for the premium deficiency. During 2018 and 2017, we deferred $35.7 million and $31.1 million of policy acquisition costs and amortized $37.4 million and $34.3 million of deferred policy acquisition costs, respectively. Therefore, the net (amortization) deferrals of policy acquisition costs were ($1.7) million and ($3.2) million for 2018 and 2017, respectively. Business Combinations We account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, “Business Combinations.” The base cash purchase price plus the estimated fair value of any non-cash or contingent consideration given for an acquired business is allocated to the assets acquired (including identified intangible assets) and liabilities assumed based on the estimated fair values of such assets and liabilities. The excess of the fair value of the total consideration given for an acquired business over the aggregate net fair values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. Contingent consideration is recognized as a liability at fair value as of the acquisition date with subsequent fair value adjustments recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. The valuation of contingent consideration requires assumptions regarding anticipated cash flows, probabilities of cash flows, discount rates and other factors. Significant judgment is employed in determining the propriety of these assumptions as of the acquisition date and for each subsequent period. Accordingly, future business and economic conditions, as well as changes in any of the assumptions, can materially impact the amount of contingent consideration expense we record in any given period. Indirect and general expenses related to business combinations are expensed as incurred. Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net We account for our goodwill and intangible assets according to ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.” Under ASC 350, intangible assets with a finite life are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset. Goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized. Goodwill and intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. For goodwill, we may perform a qualitative test to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The first step of the quantitative test is to identify if a potential impairment exists by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill (“Step 1”). If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered to have a potential impairment and the second step is not necessary. However, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step (“Step 2”) is performed to determine if goodwill is impaired and to measure the amount of impairment loss to recognize, if any. Step 2 compares the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of goodwill. If the implied value of goodwill is less than the carrying amount of goodwill, it is written down to its fair value with a corresponding expense reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The implied goodwill is calculated based on a hypothetical purchase price allocation, similar to the requirements in the accounting guidance for business combinations, whereby the implied fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to the fair value of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. We have elected to perform our goodwill impairment test on the first day of the fourth quarter, October 1, of each year. Leases We have several leases, primarily for office facilities and computer equipment, which expire in various years through 2032. Some of these leases include rent escalation provisions throughout the term of the lease. We expense the average annual cost of the lease with the difference to the actual rent invoices recorded as deferred rent which is classified in accounts payable and other accrued expenses on our consolidated balance sheets. Property and Equipment Property and equipment (including leasehold improvements), aggregating $27.0 million and $24.9 million, at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which is included in other assets, is recorded at cost and is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets (three to ten years) or the life of the lease, whichever is shorter. Depreciation expense for 2018 and 2017 was $2.7 million and $2.2 million, respectively. Accumulated depreciation was $20.0 million and $17.3 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Variable Interest Entities On June 21, 2005, we formed Hallmark Statutory Trust I (“Trust I”), an unconsolidated trust subsidiary, for the sole purpose of issuing $30.0 million in trust preferred securities. Trust I used the proceeds from the sale of these securities and our initial capital contribution to purchase $30.9 million of subordinated debt securities from Hallmark. The debt securities are the sole assets of Trust I, and the payments under the debt securities are the sole revenues of Trust I. On August 23, 2007, we formed Hallmark Statutory Trust II (“Trust II”), an unconsolidated trust subsidiary, for the sole purpose of issuing $25.0 million in trust preferred securities. Trust II used the proceeds from the sale of these securities and our initial capital contribution to purchase $25.8 million of subordinated debt securities from Hallmark. The debt securities are the sole assets of Trust II, and the payments under the debt securities are the sole revenues of Trust II. We evaluate on an ongoing basis our investments in Trust I and Trust II (collectively, the “Trusts”) and we do not have variable interests in the Trusts. Therefore, the Trusts are not consolidated in our consolidated financial statements. We are also involved in the normal course of business with variable interest entities primarily as a passive investor in mortgage-backed securities and certain collateralized corporate bank loans issued by third party variable interest entities. The maximum exposure to loss with respect to these investments is limited to the investment carrying values included in the consolidated balance sheets. Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Losses and LAE represent the estimated ultimate net cost of all reported and unreported losses incurred through December 31, 2018 and 2017. The reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are estimated using individual case-basis valuations and statistical analyses. These estimates are subject to the effects of trends in loss severity and frequency. Although considerable variability is inherent in such estimates, we believe that the reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are adequate. The estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as experience develops or new information becomes known. Such adjustments are included in current operations. Recognition of Premium Revenues Insurance premiums are earned pro rata over the terms of the policies. Insurance policy fees are earned as of the effective date of the policy. Upon cancellation, any unearned premium is refunded to the insured. Insurance premiums written include gross policy fees of $6.5 million and $7.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Insurance premiums on monthly reporting workers’ compensation policies are earned on the conclusion of the monthly coverage period. Deposit premiums for workers’ compensation policies are earned upon the expiration of the policy. Finance Charges We receive premium installment fees for each direct bill payment from policyholders. Installment fee income is classified as finance charges on the consolidated statement of operations and is recognized as the fee is invoiced. Agent Commissions We pay monthly commissions to agents based on written premium produced, but generally recognize the expense pro rata over the term of the policy. If the policy is cancelled prior to its expiration, the unearned portion of the agent commission is refundable to us. The unearned portion of commissions paid to agents is included in deferred policy acquisition costs. We annually pay a profit sharing commission to our independent agency force based upon the results of the business produced by each agent. We estimate and accrue this liability to commission expense in the year the business is produced. Commission expense is classified as operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Income Taxes We file a consolidated federal income tax return. Deferred federal income taxes reflect the future tax consequences of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year end. Deferred taxes are recognized using the liability method, whereby tax rates are applied to cumulative temporary differences based on when and how they are expected to affect the tax return. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for tax rate changes in effect for the year in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) was enacted. Among many changes resulting from TCJA, the new law (i) reduces the corporate tax rate to 21% effective January 1, 2018, (ii) eliminates the corporate alternative minimum tax for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, (iii) allows businesses to immediately expense, for tax purposes, the cost of new investments in certain qualified depreciable assets, (iv) modifies the computation of loss reserve discounting for tax purposes, (v) modifies the recognition of income rules by requiring the recognition of income for certain items no later than the tax year in which an item is taken into account as income on an applicable financial statement and (vi) significantly modifies the United States international tax system. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2017 included a charge of $1.3 million from the revaluation of deferred tax balances from a 35% statutory tax rate to the new 21% statutory tax rate as a result of TCJA. Earnings Per Share The computation of earnings per share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the effect of common shares potentially issuable (in periods in which they have a dilutive effect), primarily from stock options. (See Notes 11 and 13.) Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements On February 14, 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018‑02, “Income Statement- Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)” providing updated guidance that allows a reclassification of the stranded tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) resulting from the TCJA. Prior guidance required the effect of a change in tax laws or rates on deferred tax balances to be reported in income from continuing operations in the accounting period that included the period of enactment, even if the related income tax effects were originally charged or credited directly to AOCI. The amount of the reclassification would have included the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate on the gross deferred tax amounts and related valuation allowances, if any, at the date of the enactment of TCJA related to items in AOCI. The updated guidance was effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and is applied retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the TCJA related to items remaining in AOCI is recognized or at the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company adopted the updated guidance effective January 1, 2018. The reclassification of the stranded tax effects out of AOCI and into retained earnings was $2.6 million. The adoption did not affect the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or liquidity. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017‑01, “Clarifying the Definition of a Business (Topic 715)”. ASU 2017‑01 is intended to assist entities in evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. ASU 2017‑01 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Subtopic 825-10)”. ASU 2016-01 requires equity investments that are not consolidated or accounted for under the equity method of accounting to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. ASU 2016-01 also requires us to assess the ability to realize our deferred tax assets (“DTAs”) related to an available-for-sale debt security in combination with our other DTAs. ASU 2016-01 was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this guidance resulted in the recognition of $17.0 million of net after-tax unrealized gains on equity investments as a cumulative effect adjustment that increased retained earnings as of January 1, 2018 and decreased AOCI by the same amount. The Company reports changes in the fair value of equity investments in investment gains and (losses) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. At December 31, 2017, equity investments were classified as available-for-sale on the Company's balance sheet. However, upon adoption, the updated guidance eliminated the available-for-sale balance sheet classification for equity investments. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (Topic 230)”. ASU 2016-15 will reduce diversity in practice on how eight specific cash receipts and payments are classified on the statement of cash flows. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those years. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted this new guidance, which did not have a material impact on our financial results or disclosures. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash.” The purpose of ASU 2016-18 is to eliminate the diversity in classifying and presenting changes in restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance requires restricted cash to be combined with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and ending balances of cash on the statement of cash flows, thereby no longer requiring transactions such as transfers between restricted and unrestricted cash to be treated as a cash flow activity. Further, the new guidance requires the nature of the restrictions to be disclosed, as well as a reconciliation between the balance sheet and the statement of cash flows on how restricted and unrestricted cash are segregated. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within that fiscal year, with early adoption permitted. Effective January 1, 2018, we retrospectively adopted this new guidance which did not have a material impact on our financial results or disclosures. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, guidance which revises the criteria for revenue recognition. Under the guidance, the transaction price is attributed to underlying performance obligations in the contract and revenue is recognized as the entity satisfies the performance obligations and transfers control of a good or service to the customer. Incremental costs of obtaining a contract may be capitalized to the extent the entity expects to recover those costs. Revenue from insurance contracts is excluded from the scope of this new guidance. While insurance contracts are excluded from this guidance, policy fee income, billing and other fees and fee income related to business written as a cover-holder through a Lloyds Syndicate is subject to this updated guidance. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted this new guidance which did not have a material impact on our financial results or disclosures. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017‑08, “Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Securities (Subtopic 310‑20)”. ASU 2017‑08 is intended to enhance the accounting for amortization of premiums for purchased callable debt securities. The guidance amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium. Securities that contain explicit, noncontingent call features that are callable at fixed prices and on preset dates should shorten the amortization period for the premium to the earliest call date (and if the call option is not exercised, the effective yield is reset using the payment terms of the debt security). The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018, and is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings. We have evaluated the impact of adopting ASU 2017‑08 and have determined that it will be immaterial to our financial results and disclosures. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (Topic 350)”. ASU 2017-04 requires only a one-step quantitative impairment test, whereby a goodwill impairment loss will be measured as the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value (not to exceed the total goodwill allocated to that reporting unit). It eliminates Step 2 of the current two-step goodwill impairment test, under which a goodwill impairment loss is measured by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill. The ASU is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2017-04 will have on our financial results and disclosures. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326)”. ASU 2016-13 requires organizations to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including receivables and available-for-sale debt securities, by introducing an approach based on expected losses. The expected loss approach will require entities to incorporate considerations of historical information, current information and reasonable and supportable forecasts. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. ASU 2016-13 requires a modified retrospective transition method and early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on our financial results and disclosures, but do not anticipate that any potential impact would be material. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”. ASU 2016-02 requires organizations that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. Additionally, ASU 2016-02 modifies current guidance for lessors' accounting. ASU 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. During 2018, the FASB issued several amendments and targeted improvements to ease with the application of the standard, including the addition of a transition approach that gives the Company the option of applying the standard at either the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented or the beginning of the period of adoption. We plan to adopt the standard on its effective date of January 1, 2019. We will also elect certain practical expedients that allow us not to reassess existing leases under the new guidance. Based on our analysis, the majority of the Company’s lease obligation pertain to office leases utilized in the operation of our businesses. We expect the primary impact of adoption to be the recognition of a right of use asset and a lease liability for operating leases representing approximately two percent of the Company’s total assets and total liabilities, respectively. We do not expect the standard to have a material effect on our reported consolidated results of operations, cash flows or required disclosures.

1.Accounting Policies:

General

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. (“Hallmark” and, together with subsidiaries, the “Company”, “we,” “us” or “our”) is an insurance holding company engaged in the sale of property/casualty insurance products to businesses and individuals. Our business involves marketing, distributing, underwriting and servicing our insurance products, as well as providing other insurance related services.

We market, distribute, underwrite and service our property/casualty insurance products primarily through subsidiaries whose operations are organized into product-specific operating units that are supported by our insurance company subsidiaries. Our Contract Binding operating unit handles primarily commercial insurance products and services and is comprised of Hallmark Specialty Underwriters, Inc. (“HSU”), Pan American Acceptance Corporation (“PAAC”) and TGA Special Risk, Inc. (“TGASRI”). Our Specialty Commercial operating unit offers (i) general aviation insurance products and services, (ii) low and middle market commercial umbrella and excess liability insurance, (iii) medical and financial professional liability insurance products and services, (iv) satellite launch insurance products, and (v) primary/excess commercial property coverages for both catastrophe and non-catastrophe exposures. Certain specialty programs are also managed by our Specialty Commercial operating unit. Our Specialty Commercial operating unit is comprised of Aerospace Insurance Managers, Inc. (“Aerospace Insurance Managers”), Aerospace Special Risk, Inc. (“ASRI”), Aerospace Claims Management Group, Inc. (“ACMG”), Heath XS, LLC (“HXS”) and Hardscrabble Data Solutions, LLC (“HDS”). Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit handles commercial insurance products and services and is comprised of American Hallmark Insurance Services, Inc. (“American Hallmark Insurance Services”) and Effective Claims Management, Inc. (“ECM”). Our Workers Compensation operating unit specializes in small and middle market workers compensation business and is comprised of TBIC Holding Corporation, Inc. (“TBIC Holding”), Texas Builders Insurance Company (“TBIC”) and TBIC Risk Management (“TBICRM”). Effective July 1, 2015, this operating unit ceased marketing or retaining any risk on new or renewal policies. Our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit handles personal insurance products and services and is comprised of American Hallmark General Agency, Inc. (“AHGA”) and Hallmark Claims Services, Inc. (“HCS”). Our insurance company subsidiaries supporting these operating units are American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas (“AHIC”), Hallmark Insurance Company (“HIC”), Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company (“HSIC”), Hallmark County Mutual Insurance Company (“HCM”), Hallmark National Insurance Company (“HNIC”) and TBIC.

These operating units are segregated into three reportable industry segments for financial accounting purposes. The Specialty Commercial Segment includes our Contract Binding operating unit and our Specialty Commercial operating unit. The Standard Commercial Segment includes our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit and our Workers Compensation operating unit. The Personal Segment consists solely of our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of Hallmark and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) which, as to our insurance company subsidiaries, differ from statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted for insurance companies by insurance regulatory authorities.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

Our preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and our reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Since future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment may be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value estimates are made at a point in time, based on relevant market data as well as the best information available about the financial instruments. Fair value estimates for financial instruments for which no or limited observable market data is available are based on judgments regarding current economic conditions, credit and interest rate risk. These estimates involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision. As a result, such calculated fair value estimates may not be realizable in a current sale or immediate settlement of the instrument. In addition, changes in the underlying assumptions used in the fair value measurement technique, including discount rate and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect these fair value estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for these instruments approximate their fair values.

Restricted Cash: The carrying amount for restricted cash reported in the balance sheet approximates the fair value.

Revolving Credit Facility Payable: Our revolving credit facility with Frost Bank had a carried value of $30.0 million and a fair value of $30.2 million as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. This revolving credit facility would be included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy if it was reported at fair value.

Subordinated debt securities: Our trust preferred securities are reported at carry value of $55.8 million and $55.8 million, and had a fair value of $45.6 million and $43.7 million, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and would be included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy if they were reported at fair value.

For reinsurance balances, premiums receivable, federal income tax payable, other assets and other liabilities, the carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of such financial instruments.

Investments

Debt securities available for sale are reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are recorded as a component of stockholders’ equity, net of related tax effects. Debt securities that are determined to have other-than-temporary impairment are recognized as a loss on investments in the consolidated statements of operations for the portion that is related to credit deterioration with the remaining portion recognized in other comprehensive income. Debt security premiums and discounts are amortized into earnings using the effective interest method. Maturities of debt securities and sales of equity securities are recorded in receivable for securities until the cash is settled. Purchases of debt and equity securities are recorded in payable for securities until the cash is settled.

Equity securities are reported at fair value. On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”. ASU 2016-01 requires equity securities to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. As a result of the new standard, equity securities with readily determinable fair values are no longer required to be evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-01, unrealized gains and losses on equity securities were recorded as a component of stockholders’ equity, net of related tax effects.

Other investments consists of an equity warrant which is reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are reported in the statement of operations as a component of net realized gains (losses).

Realized investment gains and losses are recognized in operations on the first in-first out method.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash represents amounts required to be set aside by a contractual agreement with a third-party insurer and amounts pledged for the benefit of various state insurance departments.

Premiums Receivable

Premiums receivable represent amounts due from policyholders or independent agents for premiums written and uncollected. These balances are carried at net realizable value.

Reinsurance

We are routinely involved in reinsurance transactions with other companies. Reinsurance premiums, losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) are accounted for on bases consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. (See Note 7.)

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Policy acquisition costs (mainly commission, underwriting and marketing expenses) that are directly related to the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts are deferred and charged to operations over periods in which the related premiums are earned. The method followed in computing deferred policy acquisition costs limits the amount of such deferred costs to their estimated realizable value. In determining estimated realizable value, the computation gives effect to the premium to be earned, expected investment income, losses and LAE and certain other costs expected to be incurred as the premiums are earned. If the computation results in an estimated net realizable value less than zero, a liability will be accrued for the premium deficiency. During 2018 and 2017, we deferred $35.7 million and $31.1 million of policy acquisition costs and amortized $37.4 million and $34.3 million of deferred policy acquisition costs, respectively. Therefore, the net (amortization) deferrals of policy acquisition costs were ($1.7) million and ($3.2) million for 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Business Combinations

We account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, “Business Combinations.” The base cash purchase price plus the estimated fair value of any non-cash or contingent consideration given for an acquired business is allocated to the assets acquired (including identified intangible assets) and liabilities assumed based on the estimated fair values of such assets and liabilities. The excess of the fair value of the total consideration given for an acquired business over the aggregate net fair values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. Contingent consideration is recognized as a liability at fair value as of the acquisition date with subsequent fair value adjustments recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. The valuation of contingent consideration requires assumptions regarding anticipated cash flows, probabilities of cash flows, discount rates and other factors. Significant judgment is employed in determining the propriety of these assumptions as of the acquisition date and for each subsequent period. Accordingly, future business and economic conditions, as well as changes in any of the assumptions, can materially impact the amount of contingent consideration expense we record in any given period. Indirect and general expenses related to business combinations are expensed as incurred.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net

We account for our goodwill and intangible assets according to ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.” Under ASC 350, intangible assets with a finite life are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset. Goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized. Goodwill and intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. For goodwill, we may perform a qualitative test to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The first step of the quantitative test is to identify if a potential impairment exists by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill (“Step 1”). If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered to have a potential impairment and the second step is not necessary. However, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step (“Step 2”) is performed to determine if goodwill is impaired and to measure the amount of impairment loss to recognize, if any. Step 2 compares the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of goodwill. If the implied value of goodwill is less than the carrying amount of goodwill, it is written down to its fair value with a corresponding expense reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The implied goodwill is calculated based on a hypothetical purchase price allocation, similar to the requirements in the accounting guidance for business combinations, whereby the implied fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to the fair value of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. We have elected to perform our goodwill impairment test on the first day of the fourth quarter, October 1, of each year.

Leases

We have several leases, primarily for office facilities and computer equipment, which expire in various years through 2032. Some of these leases include rent escalation provisions throughout the term of the lease. We expense the average annual cost of the lease with the difference to the actual rent invoices recorded as deferred rent which is classified in accounts payable and other accrued expenses on our consolidated balance sheets.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment (including leasehold improvements), aggregating $27.0 million and $24.9 million, at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which is included in other assets, is recorded at cost and is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets (three to ten years) or the life of the lease, whichever is shorter. Depreciation expense for 2018 and 2017 was $2.7 million and $2.2 million, respectively. Accumulated depreciation was $20.0 million and $17.3 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Variable Interest Entities

On June 21, 2005, we formed Hallmark Statutory Trust I (“Trust I”), an unconsolidated trust subsidiary, for the sole purpose of issuing $30.0 million in trust preferred securities. Trust I used the proceeds from the sale of these securities and our initial capital contribution to purchase $30.9 million of subordinated debt securities from Hallmark. The debt securities are the sole assets of Trust I, and the payments under the debt securities are the sole revenues of Trust I.

On August 23, 2007, we formed Hallmark Statutory Trust II (“Trust II”), an unconsolidated trust subsidiary, for the sole purpose of issuing $25.0 million in trust preferred securities. Trust II used the proceeds from the sale of these securities and our initial capital contribution to purchase $25.8 million of subordinated debt securities from Hallmark. The debt securities are the sole assets of Trust II, and the payments under the debt securities are the sole revenues of Trust II.

We evaluate on an ongoing basis our investments in Trust I and Trust II (collectively, the “Trusts”) and we do not have variable interests in the Trusts. Therefore, the Trusts are not consolidated in our consolidated financial statements.

We are also involved in the normal course of business with variable interest entities primarily as a passive investor in mortgage-backed securities and certain collateralized corporate bank loans issued by third party variable interest entities. The maximum exposure to loss with respect to these investments is limited to the investment carrying values included in the consolidated balance sheets.

Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Losses and LAE represent the estimated ultimate net cost of all reported and unreported losses incurred through December 31, 2018 and 2017. The reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are estimated using individual case-basis valuations and statistical analyses. These estimates are subject to the effects of trends in loss severity and frequency. Although considerable variability is inherent in such estimates, we believe that the reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are adequate. The estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as experience develops or new information becomes known. Such adjustments are included in current operations.

Recognition of Premium Revenues

Insurance premiums are earned pro rata over the terms of the policies. Insurance policy fees are earned as of the effective date of the policy. Upon cancellation, any unearned premium is refunded to the insured. Insurance premiums written include gross policy fees of $6.5 million and $7.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Insurance premiums on monthly reporting workers’ compensation policies are earned on the conclusion of the monthly coverage period. Deposit premiums for workers’ compensation policies are earned upon the expiration of the policy.

Finance Charges

We receive premium installment fees for each direct bill payment from policyholders. Installment fee income is classified as finance charges on the consolidated statement of operations and is recognized as the fee is invoiced.

Agent Commissions

We pay monthly commissions to agents based on written premium produced, but generally recognize the expense pro rata over the term of the policy. If the policy is cancelled prior to its expiration, the unearned portion of the agent commission is refundable to us. The unearned portion of commissions paid to agents is included in deferred policy acquisition costs. We annually pay a profit sharing commission to our independent agency force based upon the results of the business produced by each agent. We estimate and accrue this liability to commission expense in the year the business is produced.

Commission expense is classified as operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Income Taxes

We file a consolidated federal income tax return. Deferred federal income taxes reflect the future tax consequences of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year end. Deferred taxes are recognized using the liability method, whereby tax rates are applied to cumulative temporary differences based on when and how they are expected to affect the tax return. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for tax rate changes in effect for the year in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) was enacted. Among many changes resulting from TCJA, the new law (i) reduces the corporate tax rate to 21% effective January 1, 2018, (ii) eliminates the corporate alternative minimum tax for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, (iii) allows businesses to immediately expense, for tax purposes, the cost of new investments in certain qualified depreciable assets, (iv) modifies the computation of loss reserve discounting for tax purposes, (v) modifies the recognition of income rules by requiring the recognition of income for certain items no later than the tax year in which an item is taken into account as income on an applicable financial statement and (vi) significantly modifies the United States international tax system. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2017 included a charge of $1.3 million from the revaluation of deferred tax balances from a 35% statutory tax rate to the new 21% statutory tax rate as a result of TCJA.

Earnings Per Share

The computation of earnings per share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the effect of common shares potentially issuable (in periods in which they have a dilutive effect), primarily from stock options. (See Notes 11 and 13.)

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

On February 14, 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018‑02, “Income Statement- Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)” providing updated guidance that allows a reclassification of the stranded tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) resulting from the TCJA. Prior guidance required the effect of a change in tax laws or rates on deferred tax balances to be reported in income from continuing operations in the accounting period that included the period of enactment, even if the related income tax effects were originally charged or credited directly to AOCI. The amount of the reclassification would have included the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate on the gross deferred tax amounts and related valuation allowances, if any, at the date of the enactment of TCJA related to items in AOCI. The updated guidance was effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and is applied retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the TCJA related to items remaining in AOCI is recognized or at the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company adopted the updated guidance effective January 1, 2018. The reclassification of the stranded tax effects out of AOCI and into retained earnings was $2.6 million. The adoption did not affect the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017‑01, “Clarifying the Definition of a Business (Topic 715)”. ASU 2017‑01 is intended to assist entities in evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. ASU 2017‑01 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Subtopic 825-10)”. ASU 2016-01 requires equity investments that are not consolidated or accounted for under the equity method of accounting to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. ASU 2016-01 also requires us to assess the ability to realize our deferred tax assets (“DTAs”) related to an available-for-sale debt security in combination with our other DTAs. ASU 2016-01 was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this guidance resulted in the recognition of $17.0 million of net after-tax unrealized gains on equity investments as a cumulative effect adjustment that increased retained earnings as of January 1, 2018 and decreased AOCI by the same amount. The Company reports changes in the fair value of equity investments in investment gains and (losses) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. At December 31, 2017, equity investments were classified as available-for-sale on the Company's balance sheet. However, upon adoption, the updated guidance eliminated the available-for-sale balance sheet classification for equity investments.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (Topic 230)”. ASU 2016-15 will reduce diversity in practice on how eight specific cash receipts and payments are classified on the statement of cash flows. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those years. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted this new guidance, which did not have a material impact on our financial results or disclosures.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash.” The purpose of ASU 2016-18 is to eliminate the diversity in classifying and presenting changes in restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance requires restricted cash to be combined with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and ending balances of cash on the statement of cash flows, thereby no longer requiring transactions such as transfers between restricted and unrestricted cash to be treated as a cash flow activity. Further, the new guidance requires the nature of the restrictions to be disclosed, as well as a reconciliation between the balance sheet and the statement of cash flows on how restricted and unrestricted cash are segregated. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within that fiscal year, with early adoption permitted. Effective January 1, 2018, we retrospectively adopted this new guidance which did not have a material impact on our financial results or disclosures.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, guidance which revises the criteria for revenue recognition. Under the guidance, the transaction price is attributed to underlying performance obligations in the contract and revenue is recognized as the entity satisfies the performance obligations and transfers control of a good or service to the customer. Incremental costs of obtaining a contract may be capitalized to the extent the entity expects to recover those costs. Revenue from insurance contracts is excluded from the scope of this new guidance. While insurance contracts are excluded from this guidance, policy fee income, billing and other fees and fee income related to business written as a cover-holder through a Lloyds Syndicate is subject to this updated guidance. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted this new guidance which did not have a material impact on our financial results or disclosures.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017‑08, “Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Securities (Subtopic 310‑20)”. ASU 2017‑08 is intended to enhance the accounting for amortization of premiums for purchased callable debt securities. The guidance amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium. Securities that contain explicit, noncontingent call features that are callable at fixed prices and on preset dates should shorten the amortization period for the premium to the earliest call date (and if the call option is not exercised, the effective yield is reset using the payment terms of the debt security). The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018, and is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings. We have evaluated the impact of adopting ASU 2017‑08 and have determined that it will be immaterial to our financial results and disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (Topic 350)”. ASU 2017-04 requires only a one-step quantitative impairment test, whereby a goodwill impairment loss will be measured as the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value (not to exceed the total goodwill allocated to that reporting unit). It eliminates Step 2 of the current two-step goodwill impairment test, under which a goodwill impairment loss is measured by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill. The ASU is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2017-04 will have on our financial results and disclosures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326)”. ASU 2016-13 requires organizations to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including receivables and available-for-sale debt securities, by introducing an approach based on expected losses. The expected loss approach will require entities to incorporate considerations of historical information, current information and reasonable and supportable forecasts. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. ASU 2016-13 requires a modified retrospective transition method and early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on our financial results and disclosures, but do not anticipate that any potential impact would be material.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”. ASU 2016-02 requires organizations that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. Additionally, ASU 2016-02 modifies current guidance for lessors' accounting. ASU 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. During 2018, the FASB issued several amendments and targeted improvements to ease with the application of the standard, including the addition of a transition approach that gives the Company the option of applying the standard at either the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented or the beginning of the period of adoption. We plan to adopt the standard on its effective date of January 1, 2019. We will also elect certain practical expedients that allow us not to reassess existing leases under the new guidance. Based on our analysis, the majority of the Company’s lease obligation pertain to office leases utilized in the operation of our businesses. We expect the primary impact of adoption to be the recognition of a right of use asset and a lease liability for operating leases representing approximately two percent of the Company’s total assets and total liabilities, respectively. We do not expect the standard to have a material effect on our reported consolidated results of operations, cash flows or required disclosures.