Note 14 -- Variable Interest Entities

The Company holds variable interests in two reciprocal insurance exchanges, CORE and Tailrow. The reciprocal insurance exchanges are owned by their policyholders, referred to as subscribers, who gain ownership by buying an insurance policy and making a surplus contribution. The Company is required to assess whether it has a controlling financial interest in its variable interest entities. A controlling financial interest exists if an entity has both: 1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and 2) the obligation to absorb losses from or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Under U.S. GAAP, an entity meeting these requirements is considered to be the primary beneficiary of a VIE and is required to consolidate the VIE.

CORE was organized to offer commercial residential multiple peril and wind insurance products and Tailrow was organized to provide commercial residential multiple peril insurance. Based on management’s current evaluation, CORE and Tailrow are considered variable interest entities (VIEs), and the Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of both entities.

Tailrow’s and CORE’s assets are legally restricted for the purpose of fulfilling their obligations. The creditors of the VIEs have no legal right to pursue additional sources of payment from the Company.