7. Fair Value

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability, i.e., exit price, in an orderly transaction between market participants. The Company emphasizes the use of observable market data whenever available in determining fair value. Fair values presented for certain financial instruments are estimates which, in many cases, may differ significantly from the amounts that could be realized upon immediate liquidation. A hierarchy of the three broad levels of fair value are as follows, with the highest priority given to Level 1 as these are the most reliable, and the lowest priority given to Level 3:

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.

Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar assets in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data, including model-derived valuations.

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity.

When more than one level of input is used to determine fair value, the financial instrument is classified as Level 2 or 3 according to the lowest level input that has a significant impact on the fair value measurement.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments and have not changed since last year.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Fixed Maturities

Level 1 securities generally include U.S. Treasury issues and other securities that are highly liquid and for which quoted market prices are available. Level 2 securities are valued using pricing for similar securities and pricing models that incorporate observable inputs including, but not limited to yield curves and issuer spreads. Level 3 securities include issues for which little observable data can be obtained, primarily due to the illiquid nature of the securities, and for which significant inputs used to determine fair value are based on the Company's own assumptions. Non-binding broker quotes are also included in Level 3.

The Company utilizes a third party pricing service for the valuation of the majority of its fixed maturity securities and receives one quote per security. When quoted market prices in an active market are available, they are provided by the pricing service as the fair value and such values are classified as Level 1. Since fixed maturities other than U.S. Treasury securities generally do not trade on a daily basis, the pricing service prepares estimates of fair value for those securities using pricing applications based on a market approach. Inputs into the fair value pricing common to all asset classes include: benchmark U.S. Treasury security yield curves; reported trades of identical or similar fixed maturity securities; broker/dealer quotes of identical or similar fixed maturity securities and structural characteristics such as maturity date, coupon, mandatory principal payment dates, frequency of interest and principal payments, and optional redemption features. Inputs into the fair value applications that are unique by asset class include, but are not limited to:

•

U.S. government agencies – determination of direct versus indirect government support and whether any contingencies exist with respect to the timely payment of principal and interest.

•

Foreign government – estimates of appropriate market spread versus underlying related sovereign treasury curve(s) dependent on liquidity and direct or contingent support.

•

Municipals – overall credit quality, including assessments of the level and variability of: sources of payment such as income, sales or property taxes, levies or user fees; credit support such as insurance; state or local economic and political base; natural resource availability; and susceptibility to natural or man-made catastrophic events such as hurricanes, earthquakes or acts of terrorism.

•

Corporate fixed maturities – overall credit quality, including assessments of the level and variability of: industry economic sensitivity; company financial policies; quality of management; regulatory environment; competitive position; restrictive covenants; and security or collateral.

•

Residential mortgage-backed securities – estimates of prepayment speeds based upon: historical prepayment rate trends; underlying collateral interest rates; geographic concentration; vintage year; borrower credit quality characteristics; interest rate and yield curve forecasts; U.S. government support programs; tax policies; delinquency/default trends; and, in the case of non-agency collateralized mortgage obligations, severity of loss upon default and length of time to recover proceeds following default.

•

Commercial mortgage-backed securities – overall credit quality, including assessments of the level and variability of: collateral type such as office, retail, residential, lodging, or other; geographic concentration by region, state, metropolitan statistical area and locale; vintage year; historical collateral performance including defeasance, delinquency, default and special servicer trends; and capital structure support features.

•

Asset-backed securities – overall credit quality, including assessments of the underlying collateral type such as credit card receivables, auto loan receivables, equipment lease receivables and real property lease receivables; geographic diversification; vintage year; historical collateral performance including delinquency, default and casualty trends; economic conditions influencing use rates and resale values; and contract structural support features.

Generally, all prices provided by the pricing service, except actively traded securities with quoted market prices, are reported as Level 2.

The Company holds privately placed fixed maturity securities and certain other fixed maturity securities that do not have an active market and for which the pricing service cannot provide fair values. The Company determines fair values for these securities using either matrix pricing utilizing the market approach or broker quotes. The Company will use observable market data as inputs into the fair value applications, as discussed in the determination of Level 2 fair values, to the extent it is available, but is also required to use a certain amount of unobservable judgment due to the illiquid nature of the securities involved. Unobservable judgment reflected in the Company's matrix model accounts for estimates of additional spread required by market participants for factors such as issue size, structural complexity, high bond coupon, long maturity term or other unique features. These matrix-priced securities are reported as Level 2 or Level 3, depending on the significance of the impact of unobservable judgment on the security's value. Additionally, the Company may obtain non-binding broker quotes which are reported as Level 3.

Equity Securities

Level 1 includes publicly traded securities valued at quoted market prices. Level 2 includes securities that are valued using pricing for similar securities and pricing models that incorporate observable inputs. Level 2 also includes fair values obtained from net asset values provided by mutual fund investment managers, upon which subscriptions and redemptions can be executed. Level 3 consists of common or preferred stock of private companies for which observable inputs are not available.

The Company utilizes a third party pricing service for the valuation of the majority of its equity securities and receives one quote for each equity security. When quoted market prices in an active market are available, they are provided by the pricing service as the fair value and such values are classified as Level 1. Generally, all prices provided by the pricing service, except quoted market prices, are reported as Level 2. The company holds certain equity securities that have been issued by privately-held entities that do not have an active market and for which the pricing service cannot provide fair values. Generally, the Company estimates fair value for these securities based on the issuer's book value and market multiples. These securities are reported as Level 3 as market multiples represent significant unobservable inputs.

Mortgage Loans

Fair values are estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and are reported as Level 2.

Other Investments

Fair values of overseas trust funds are provided by the investment manager based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets and are reported as Level 2.

Debt

The fair value of debt was estimated based on quoted market prices. If a quoted market price is not available, fair values are estimated using discounted cash flows that are based on current interest rates and yield curves for debt issuances with maturities and credit risks consistent with the debt being valued. Debt is reported as Level 2.

The estimated fair values of the financial instruments were as follows:


(in millions)	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011

	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	628.3	$	628.3	$	820.4	$	820.4
Fixed maturities		6,470.6		6,470.6		6,284.7		6,284.7
Equity securities		334.1		334.1		246.4		246.4
Mortgage loans		4.5		4.8		4.7		5.0
Other investments		149.6		149.4		135.1		135.1

Total financial assets	$	7,587.1	$	7,587.2	$	7,491.3	$	7,491.6


Financial Liabilities
Debt	$	918.1	$	997.6	$	911.1	$	1,014.9

The Company has processes designed to ensure that the values received from its third party pricing service are accurately recorded, that the data inputs and valuation techniques utilized are appropriate and consistently applied and that the assumptions are reasonable and consistent with the objective of determining fair value. The Company performs a review of the fair value hierarchy classifications and of prices received from its pricing service on a quarterly basis. The Company reviews the pricing services' policies describing its methodology, processes, practices and inputs, including various financial models used to value securities. Also, the Company reviews the portfolio pricing. Securities with changes in prices that exceed a defined threshold are verified to independent sources if available. If upon review, the Company is not satisfied with the validity of a given price, a pricing challenge would be submitted to the pricing service along with supporting documentation for its review. The Company does not adjust quotes or prices obtained from the pricing service unless the pricing service agrees with the Company's challenge. During 2012 and 2011, the Company did not adjust any prices received from brokers or its pricing service.

Changes in the observability of valuation inputs may result in a reclassification of certain financial assets or liabilities within the fair value hierarchy. Reclassifications between levels of the fair value hierarchy are reported as of the beginning of the period in which the reclassification occurs. As previously discussed, the Company utilizes a third party pricing service for the valuation of the majority of its fixed maturities and equity securities. The pricing service has indicated that it will only produce an estimate of fair value if there is objectively verifiable information to produce a valuation. If the pricing service discontinues pricing an investment, the Company will use observable market data to the extent it is available, but may also be required to make assumptions for market based inputs that are unavailable due to market conditions.

The following tables provide, for each hierarchy level, the Company's assets and liabilities at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Financial instruments not carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets include cash and cash equivalents, Federal Home Loan Bank common stock of $9.7 million, mortgage loans and debt at March 31, 2012 and Federal Home Loan Bank common stock of $9.4 million at December 31, 2011.

March 31, 2012

(in millions)

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Fixed maturities:

U.S. Treasury and government agencies

231.0

89.2

141.8

Foreign governments

273.8

55.0

218.8

Municipal

1,005.0

988.0

17.0

Corporate

3,545.6

3,516.9

28.7

Residential mortgage-backed, U.S. agency backed

653.0

Residential mortgage-backed, non-agency

158.4

157.7

0.7

Commercial mortgage-backed

387.4

382.9

4.5

Asset-backed

216.4

192.1

24.3

Total fixed maturities

6,470.6

144.2

6,251.2

75.2

Cash and cash equivalents

628.3

Equity securities

334.1

255.3

57.4

21.4

Mortgage loans

4.8

Other investments

149.4

Total investment assets at fair value

7,587.2

1,027.8

6,462.8

96.6

Debt

997.6

Total liabilities at fair value

997.6


	December 31, 2011
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury and government agencies	$	269.3	$	147.3	$	122.0	$	-
Foreign governments		239.0		-		239.0		-
Municipal		1,028.0		-		1,014.4		13.6
Corporate		3,375.6		-		3,351.8		23.8
Residential mortgage-backed, U.S. agency backed		663.3		-		663.3		-
Residential mortgage-backed, non-agency		185.3		-		180.1		5.2
Commercial mortgage-backed		379.1		-		374.4		4.7
Asset-backed		145.1		-		116.9		28.2

Total fixed maturities		6,284.7		147.3		6,061.9		75.5
Equity securities		237.0		177.4		36.2		23.4
Other investments		135.1		-		135.1		-

Total investment assets at fair value	$	6,656.8	$	324.7	$	6,233.2	$	98.9

The table below provides a reconciliation for all assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).


	Fixed Maturities

(in millions)	Municipal			Corporate			Residential mortgage- backed, non- agency			Commercial mortgage- backed			Asset- backed			Total			Equity Securities			Total Assets

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
Balance January 1, 2012	$	13.6		$	23.8		$	5.2		$	4.7		$	28.2		$	75.5		$	23.4		$	98.9
Transfers into Level 3		-			4.3			-			-			-			4.3			0.1			4.4
Transfers out of Level 3		-			-			-			-			(7.7	)		(7.7	)		-			(7.7	)
Total gains (losses):
Included in earnings		-			0.1			-			-			(0.1	)		-			(0.2	)		(0.2	)
Included in other comprehensive income - net appreciation on available for sale securities		0.6			0.8			0.1			-			(1.0	)		0.5			(1.2	)		(0.7	)
Purchases and sales:
Purchases		3.0			-			-			-			5.2			8.2			-			8.2
Sales		(0.2	)		(0.3	)		(4.6	)		(0.2	)		(0.3	)		(5.6	)		(0.7	)		(6.3	)

Balance March 31, 2012	$	17.0		$	28.7		$	0.7		$	4.5		$	24.3		$	75.2		$	21.4		$	96.6


Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
Balance January 1, 2011	$	16.6		$	28.2		$	0.8		$	5.5		$	13.5		$	64.6		$	2.9		$	67.5
Transfers into Level 3		-			3.7			-			-			-			3.7			-			3.7
Total (losses) gains:
Included in earnings		-			-			-			-			-			-			(0.5	)		(0.5	)
Included in other comprehensive income		(0.4	)		0.1			-			-			-			(0.3	)		0.5			0.2
Purchases and sales:
Purchases		-			2.9			-			-			-			2.9			-			2.9
Sales		(0.3	)		(0.6	)		(0.2	)		(0.2	)		(0.1	)		(1.4	)		-			(1.4	)

Balance March 31, 2011	$	15.9		$	34.3		$	0.6		$	5.3		$	13.4		$	69.5		$	2.9		$	72.4

During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company transferred fixed maturities between Level 2 and Level 3 primarily as a result of assessing the significance of unobservable inputs on the fair value measurement. There were no transfers out of Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2011. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2012 or 2011.

The following table summarizes gains and losses due to changes in fair value that are recorded in net income for Level 3 assets.


	Three Months Ended March 31,


				2012						2011

(in millions)	Other-than- temporary impairments			Net realized investment gains (losses)			Total			Other-than- temporary impairments			Net realized investment gains		Total

Level 3 Assets:
Fixed maturities:
Corporate	$	-		$	0.1		$	0.1		$	-		$	-	$	-
Asset-backed		(0.1	)		-			(0.1	)		-			-		-

Total fixed maturities		(0.1	)		0.1			-			-			-		-
Equities		-			(0.2	)		(0.2	)		(0.5	)		-		(0.5	)

Total assets	$	(0.1	)	$	(0.1	)	$	(0.2	)	$	(0.5	)	$	-	$	(0.5	)

The following table provides additional information about significant unobservable inputs used in the fair valuations of Level 3 assets as of March 31, 2012:


	Fair Value (in millions)		Valuation Technique	Significant Unobservable Inputs	Range (Wtd Average)

Fixed maturities:
Municipal	$	17.0	Discounted cash flow	Discount for: Small issue size Long maturity Above-market coupon	1.0-4.0% (3.1%) 0.5% (0.5%) 0.3-1.0% (0.5%)

Corporate		28.7	Discounted cash flow	Discount for: Credit stress Above-market coupon Small issue size Long maturity	2.0-3.0% (2.0%) 0.3-2.0% (0.8%) 0.3-3.0% (0.5%) 0.5% (0.5%)

Commercial mortgage-backed		4.5	Discounted cash flow	Discount for: Credit stress Small issue size Above-market coupon	1.0% (1.0%) 0.5% (0.5%) 0.5% (0.5%)

Asset-backed		24.3	Discounted cash flow	Discount for: Long maturity Small issue size Above-market coupon Lease structure	0.5-0.8% (0.7%) 0.3-0.5% (0.5%) 0.3-1.0% (0.4%) 0.3% (0.3%)

Equities		21.4	Market comparables	Net tangible asset market multiples	0.87% (0.87%)

Significant increases (decreases) in any of the above inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. There are no interrelationships between these inputs which might magnify or mitigate the effect of changes in unobservable inputs on the fair value measurement.