Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark one)

 

þ

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011

 

¨

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (D) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                  to                 

Commission File Number: 0-06334

 

 

AssuranceAmerica Corporation

(Exact name of smaller reporting company as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Nevada   87-0281240
(State of Incorporation)   (IRS Employer ID Number)
5500 Interstate North Parkway, Suite 600   30328
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

 

(770) 952-0200

(Issuer’s telephone number, including area code)

Check whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    YES   þ     NO  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer ¨

     Accelerated filer                     ¨ 

Non-accelerated filer ¨   (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

     Smaller reporting company    þ 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    YES  ¨    NO   þ

There were 65,759,060 shares of the Registrant’s $.01 par value Common Stock outstanding as of May 10, 2011.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

ASSURANCEAMERICA CORPORATION

Index to Form 10-Q

 

         Page  
  PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1

 

Financial Statements

  
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010

     3   
 

Consolidated Statements of Operations For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 and March  31, 2010

     4   
 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income For the Three Months Ended March  31, 2011 and March 31, 2010

     5   
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 and March  31, 2010

     6   
 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     7   

Item 2

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     18   

Item 3

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     24   

Item 4

 

Controls and Procedures

     24   
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1A

 

Risk Factors

     25   

Item 2

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     25   

Item 3

 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

     25   

Item 4

 

Removed and Reserved

     25   

Item 5

 

Other Information

     25   

Item 6

 

Exhibits

     26   

Signatures

     27   

 

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Table of Contents

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

ASSURANCEAMERICA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     (Unaudited)
March  31,
2011
    December 31,
2010
 
ASSETS     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 10,769,939      $ 8,379,014   

Cash restricted

     1,803,622        1,802,990   

Short-term investments

     145,085        145,085   

Long-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost $8,023,217 and $8,561,245)

     8,121,035        8,630,776   

Marketable equity securities, at fair value (cost $1,999,757 and $1,978,166)

     2,361,340        2,243,235   

Other long-term investments

     704,369        727,288   

Investment income due and accrued

     121,730        180,487   

Receivable from insureds

     36,730,212        33,120,082   

Reinsurance recoverable (including $17,654,323 and $10,602,969 on paid losses)

     41,727,238        34,013,415   

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     24,063,583        23,643,822   

Deferred acquisition costs

     3,229,094        2,286,118   

Property and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $5,303,602 and $5,135,550)

     2,190,403        2,152,632   

Other receivables

     1,422,629        1,776,332   

Prepaid expenses

     596,121        660,028   

Intangibles (net of accumulated amortization of $3,524,928 and $3,428,671)

     5,872,959        5,969,215   

Security deposits

     109,543        109,543   

Prepaid income tax

     106,288        106,864   

Deferred tax assets

     1,822,667        1,837,551   
                

Total assets

   $ 141,897,857      $ 127,784,477   
                
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 9,209,312      $ 8,797,715   

Unearned premium

     38,776,028        34,217,108   

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

     34,674,051        33,311,067   

Reinsurance payable

     36,502,526        29,426,944   

Provisional commission reserve

     3,834,295        3,289,272   

Funds withheld from reinsurers

     1,875,000        1,875,000   

Revolving line of credit

     1,500,000        1,500,000   

Notes and interest payable

     161,361        175,420   
                

Total liabilities

     126,532,573        112,592,526   
                

Commitments and Contingencies

    

Common stock, $.01 par value (authorized 120,000,000 and outstanding 65,759,060 and 65,494,357)

     657,590        654,943   

Surplus-paid in

     18,043,251        17,875,779   

Accumulated deficit

     (3,622,683     (3,547,896

Accumulated other comprehensive gains:

    

Net unrealized gains on investment securities, net of taxes

     287,126        209,125   
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     15,365,284        15,191,951   
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 141,897,857      $ 127,784,477   
                

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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ASSURANCEAMERICA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Unaudited) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2011     2010  

Revenue:

    

Gross premiums written

   $ 30,233,932      $ 32,379,713   

Gross premiums ceded

     (17,066,393     (22,026,028
                

Net premiums written

     13,167,539        10,353,685   

Increase in unearned premiums, net of prepaid reinsurance premiums

     (4,139,159     (1,921,706
                

Net premiums earned

     9,028,380        8,431,979   

Commission income

     5,038,756        6,479,576   

Managing general agent fees

     2,956,230        2,983,212   

Net investment income

     69,545        131,973   

Net investment gains on securities

     30,210        10,544   

Other fee income

     125,531        138,455   
                

Total revenue

     17,248,652        18,175,739   
                

Expenses:

    

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

     6,954,792        5,957,458   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     9,985,041        10,354,218   

Stock option expense

     90,708        89,495   

Depreciation and amortization expense

     296,947        278,406   

Interest expense

     3,572        97,481   
                

Total operating expenses

     17,331,060        16,777,058   
                

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (82,408     1,398,681   

Income tax (benefit) expense

     (7,621     560,077   
                

Net income (loss)

   $ (74,787   $ 838,604   
                

Earnings (loss) per common share

    

Basic

   $ (0.001   $ 0.013   

Diluted

   $ (0.001   $ 0.013   

Weighted average shares outstanding-basic

     65,556,121        65,385,468   

Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted

     65,556,121        65,948,319   

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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ASSURANCEAMERICA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Unaudited) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2011     2010  

Net income (loss)

   $ (74,787   $ 838,604   
                

Other comprehensive income:

    

Change in unrealized gains of investments:

    

Unrealized gains arising during the period

     155,011        194,098   

Reclassification adjustment for realized gains recognized during the period

     (30,210     (10,544
                

Net change in unrealized gains

     124,801        183,554   

Deferred income taxes on above changes

     (46,800     (68,835
                

Other comprehensive income

     78,001        114,719   
                

Comprehensive income

   $ 3,214      $ 953,323   
                

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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ASSURANCEAMERICA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Unaudited) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2011     2010  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income (loss)

   $ (74,787   $ 838,604   

Adjustments to net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities

    

Net investment gains on securities

     (30,210     (10,544

Depreciation and amortization

     352,366        297,227   

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

     3,084        0   

Stock-based compensation

     90,708        89,495   

Deferred tax provision (benefit)

     (31,916     15,345   

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Investment income due and accrued

     58,757        77,964   

Receivables

     (3,256,427     (5,156,474

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     63,906        648   

Unearned premiums

     4,558,920        6,382,104   

Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses

     1,362,984        (6,006,563

Ceded reinsurance payable

     7,075,582        8,222,153   

Reinsurance recoverable

     (7,713,823     (1,461,070

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     (419,761     (4,460,398

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     411,597        890,061   

Prepaid income taxes/federal income taxes payable

     576        541,747   

Deferred acquisition costs

     (942,976     (450,478

Provisional commission reserve

     545,023        392,223   
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     2,053,603        202,044   
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchases of property and equipment, net

     (241,545     (181,142

Change in short-investments

     0        (417

Proceeds from sales, call and maturities of investments

     699,694        628,676   

Purchases of investments

     (185,547     (102,897

Transfer of cash to restricted cash

     (632     (1,048
                

Net cash provided by investing activities

     271,970        343,172   
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Repayment of notes payable

     (14,059     (298,808

Net change in revolving line of credit

     0        (300,000

Stock issued, net of expenses

     79,411        105,000   
                

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

     65,352        (493,808
                

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     2,390,925        51,408   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     8,379,014        6,253,643   
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 10,769,939      $ 6,305,051   
                

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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ASSURANCEAMERICA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2011 and 2010

(1) Description of Business

AssuranceAmerica Corporation, a Nevada corporation (the “Company”) is an insurance holding company whose business is comprised of AssuranceAmerica Insurance Company (“AAIC”), AssuranceAmerica Managing General Agency, LLC (“MGA”) and TrustWay Insurance Agencies, LLC (“TrustWay”), each wholly-owned. The Company solicits and underwrites non-standard private passenger automobile insurance. The Company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation and Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. In our opinion, the financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim period. For further information, please refer to our audited consolidated financial statements appearing in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Basis of Investments and Presentation

Valuation of available-for-sale investments. Our available for sale investment portfolio is recorded at fair value, which is typically based on publicly-available quoted prices. From time to time, the carrying value of our investments may be temporarily impaired because of the inherent volatility of publicly-traded investments.

We conduct regular reviews to assess whether our investments are impaired and if any impairment is other than temporary. Factors considered by us in assessing whether an impairment is other than temporary include the credit quality of the investment, the duration of the impairment, our ability and intent to hold the investment until recovery or maturity and overall economic conditions. If we determine that the value of any investment is other-than-temporarily impaired, we record a charge against earnings in the amount of the impairment. The credit loss component of an impairment charge is recognized in net earnings while the non-credit component is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Gains and losses realized on the disposition of available for sale investment securities are determined on the specific identification basis and credited or charged to income. Premiums and discounts on available for sale investment securities are amortized and accreted using the interest method and charged or credited to investment income.

Other long-term investments. Our other long-term investment consists of low income federal housing tax credits, which are being amortized over the life of the credits using the amortized cost method. The credits will be utilized over 10 years as required by the federal government and will be offset against the Company’s federal income tax expenses.

Estimates

A discussion of our significant accounting policies and the use of estimates is included in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the 2010 Form 10-K.

New Accounting Standards Adopted

In December 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-29 (“ASU 2010-29”), under topic 805 Business Combinations; the objective of this update is to address diversity in practice about the interpretation of the pro forma revenue and earnings disclosure requirements for business combinations. Paragraph 805-10-50-2(h) requires a public entity to disclose pro forma information for business combinations that occurred in the current reporting period. The disclosures include pro forma revenue and earnings of the combined entity for the current reporting period as though the acquisition date for all business combinations that occurred during the year had been as of the beginning of the annual reporting period. If comparative financial statements are presented, the pro forma revenue and earnings of the combined entity for the comparable prior reporting period should be reported as though the acquisition date for all business combinations that occurred during the current year had been as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period. The amendments in this update affect any public entity as defined by Topic 805 that enters

 

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into business combinations that are material on an individual or aggregate basis. The update also specifies that if a public entity presents comparative financial statements, the entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination(s) that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period only. The amendments are effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010. The Company adopted the amendments and they did not have any impact to its financial statements and related disclosures.

In December 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-28 (“ASU 2010-28”), under Topic 350 on goodwill and other intangible assets. When a goodwill impairment test is performed (either on an annual or interim basis), an entity must assess whether the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value (Step 1). If it does, an entity must perform an additional test to determine whether goodwill has been impaired and to calculate the amount of that impairment (Step 2). The objective of this update is to address questions about entities with reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts because some entities concluded that Step 1 of the test is passed in those circumstances because the fair value of their reporting unit will generally be greater than zero. As a result of that conclusion, some constituents raised concerns that Step 2 of the test is not performed despite factors indicating that goodwill may be impaired. The amendments in this update do not provide guidance on how to determine the carrying amount or measure the fair value of the reporting unit. The amendments in this update affect all entities that have recognized goodwill and have one or more reporting units whose carrying amount for purposes of performing Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test is zero or negative.

For those reporting units, an entity is required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. In determining whether it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists, an entity should consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist. The qualitative factors are consistent with the existing guidance and examples in paragraph 350-20-35-30, which requires that goodwill of a reporting unit be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Upon adoption of the amendments, an entity with reporting units that have carrying amounts that are zero or negative is required to assess whether it is more likely than not that the reporting units’ goodwill is impaired. If the entity determines that it is more likely than not that the goodwill of one or more of its reporting units is impaired, the entity should perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test for those reporting unit(s). For public entities, the amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2010. The Company adopted the amendments and they did not have any impact to its financial statements and related disclosures.

(3) Investments

All of the Company’s marketable equity and long-term investment securities have been classified as available-for-sale. The Company’s long-term securities are available to be sold in response to the Company’s liquidity needs, changes in market interest rates, asset-liability management strategies, and other economic factors. Investments available-for-sale are stated at fair value on the balance sheet. The other long-term investments consist of low income federal housing tax credits, which are being amortized over the life of the credits using the amortized cost method. Unrealized gains and losses are excluded from earnings and are reported as a component of other comprehensive income within stockholders’ equity net of related deferred income taxes.

A decline in the fair value of an available-for-sale security below cost that is deemed other than temporary results in a charge to income, resulting in the establishment of a new cost basis for the security. Net unrealized gains as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were $459,401 and 209,125, respectively.

Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted, respectively, over the life of the related fixed maturity security as an adjustment to yield using a method that approximates the effective interest method. Dividends and interest income are recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses are included in earnings and are derived using the specific-identification method for determining the cost of securities sold.

A summary of investments follows as of:

 

     March 31,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 

Short-term investments and bank certificates of deposit

   $ 145,085       $ 145,085   

U.S. government sponsored enterprises

     4,081,213         4,617,953   

Corporate debt securities

     4,039,822         4,012,823   

Marketable equity securities

     2,361,340         2,243,235   

Other long-term investments

     704,369         727,288   
                 

Total

   $ 11,331,829       $ 11,746,384   
                 

 

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The amortized cost, fair value and gross unrealized gains or losses of U.S. sponsored enterprises and corporate debt securities available-for-sale at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, by contractual maturity, is shown below:

 

Years to Maturity — March 31, 2011

   Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Fair
Value
 

Within one year

   $ 1,259,154       $ 14,901       $ 0       $ 1,274,055   

One to five years

     5,302,088         116,204         5,422         5,412,870   

Five to ten years

     547,578         0         34,532         513,046   

Over ten years

     914,397         13,738         7,071         921,064   
                                   

Total

   $ 8,023,217       $ 144,843       $ 47,025       $ 8,121,035   
                                   

 

Years to Maturity — December 31, 2010

   Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Fair
Value
 

Within one year

   $ 1,022,943       $ 0       $ 9,980       $ 1,012,963   

One to five years

     5,365,295         136,961         91,481         5,410,775   

Five to ten years

     1,005,508         20,740         5,106         1,021,142   

Over ten years

     1,167,499         18,477         80         1,185,896   
                                   

Total

   $ 8,561,245       $ 176,178       $ 106,647       $ 8,630,776   
                                   

The amortized cost, fair value and gross unrealized gains or losses of securities available-for-sale at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, by security type, is shown below:

 

Security Type — March 31, 2011

   Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Fair
Value
 

U.S. government sponsored enterprises

   $ 3,981,740       $ 106,544       $ 7,071       $ 4,081,213   

Corporate debt securities

     4,041,477         38,299         39,954         4,039,822   

Marketable equity securities

     1,999,757         430,718         69,135         2,361,340   
                                   

Total

   $ 10,022,974       $ 575,561       $ 116,160       $ 10,482,375   
                                   

 

Security Type — December 31, 2010

   Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Fair
Value
 

U.S. government sponsored enterprises

   $ 4,493,940       $ 129,199       $ 5,186       $ 4,617,953   

Corporate debt securities

     4,067,305         46,979         101,461         4,012,823   

Marketable equity securities

     1,978,166         350,552         85,483         2,243,235   
                                   

Total

   $ 10,539,411       $ 526,730       $ 192,130       $ 10,874,011   
                                   

As of March 31, 2011, the Company has determined that all of the unrealized losses in available-for-sale securities were temporary.

There were no fundamental issues with any of these securities and the Company has the ability and intent to hold the securities until there is a recovery in fair value. The carrying amounts of individual assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date to assess whether the fair values have declined below the carrying amounts. The Company considers internal and external information, such as credit ratings, in concluding that the impairments are not other than temporary. The decline in value of investments (bonds) is principally driven by rate.

 

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The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair value of securities, aggregated by category and length of time that securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

 

     Less Than Twelve Months      Over Twelve Months  
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Estimated
Market
Fair Value
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Estimated
Market
Fair Value
 

March 31, 2011:

           

U.S. government sponsored enterprises

   $ 7,071       $ 656,895       $ 0       $ 0   

Corporate debt securities

     5,422         758,083         34,532         513,046   

Marketable equity securities

     23,771         208,792         45,364         216,431   
                                   
   $ 36,264       $ 1,623,770       $ 79,896       $ 729,477   
                                   

December 31, 2010:

           

U.S. government sponsored enterprises

   $ 5,186       $ 1,165,156       $ 0       $ 0   

Corporate debt securities

     11,306         1,368,312         90,155         457,325   

Marketable equity securities

     12,570         154,679         72,913         368,369   
                                   
   $ 29,062       $ 2,688,147       $ 163,068       $ 825,694   
                                   

The total proceeds received on sales, maturities and calls on investments amounted to $699,694 and $628,676 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company had realized gains and losses of $39,569 and $9,359, respectively, during 2011 and $16,906 and $6,362, respectively, during 2010.

(4) Fair Value Disclosures

The fair value of our investments in fixed income and equity securities is based on observable market quotations, other market observable data, or is derived from such quotations and market observable data. The Company utilizes third party pricing servicers, brokers and internal valuation models to determine fair value. Management gains assurance of the overall reasonableness and consistent application of the assumptions and methodologies and compliance with accounting standards for fair value determination through our ongoing monitoring of the fair values received or derived internally.

Level 1 inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments at the measurement date (e.g., U.S. Treasury securities and active exchange-traded equity securities). Level 2 securities are comprised of securities whose fair value was determined by a nationally recognized pricing service using observable market inputs. Level 3 securities are comprised of (i) securities for which the pricing service is unable to provide a fair value, (ii) securities whose fair value is determined by the pricing service based on unobservable inputs and (iii) securities, other than securities backed by the U.S. Government, that are not rated by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

The following table illustrates the recurring fair value measurements as of March 31, 2011:

 

     Total      Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Other
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Available-for-sale securities:

           

U.S. government sponsored enterprises

   $ 4,081,213       $ 4,081,213       $ 0       $ 0   

Corporate debt securities

     4,039,822         0         4,039,822         0   

Marketable equity securities

     2,361,340         2,361,340         0         0   
                                   

Total

   $ 10,482,375       $ 6,442,553       $ 4,039,822       $ 0   
                                   

 

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The following table illustrates the recurring fair value measurements as of December 31, 2010:

 

     Total      Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Other
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Available-for-sale securities:

           

U.S. government sponsored enterprises

   $ 4,617,953       $ 4,617,953       $ 0       $ 0   

Corporate debt securities

     4,012,823         0         4,012,823         0   

Marketable equity securities

     2,243,235         2,243,235         0         0   
                                   

Total

   $ 10,874,011       $ 6,861,188       $ 4,012,823       $ 0   
                                   

(5) Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

The estimated liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses include the accumulation of estimates for losses for claims reported prior to the balance sheet dates (“case reserves”), estimates (based upon actuarial analysis of historical data) of losses for claims incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) and for the development of case reserves to ultimate values, and estimates of expenses for investigating, adjusting and settling all incurred claims. Amounts reported are estimates of the ultimate costs of settlement, net of estimated salvage and subrogation. These estimated liabilities are subject to the outcome of future events, such as changes in medical and repair costs as well as economic and social conditions that impact the settlement of claims. Management believes that, given the inherent variability in any such estimates, the aggregate reserves are reasonably adequate. The methods of making such estimates and for establishing the resulting reserves are reviewed and updated quarterly and any resulting adjustments are reflected in current operations.

A summary of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance ceded, is as follows:

 

     March 31,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 

Case basis

   $ 5,415,545       $ 5,180,252   

IBNR

     5,185,591         4,720,369   
                 

Total

   $ 10,601,136       $ 9,900,621   
                 

 

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(6) Reinsurance

In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to reduce its overall risk levels by obtaining reinsurance from other insurance enterprises or reinsurers. Reinsurance premiums and reserves on reinsured business are accounted for on a basis consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts.

Effective January 1, 2011, the Company entered into a new quota share agreement with Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation for the 2011 treaty year business. The Company has agreed to cede 75.0% of the bodily injury liability coverage and 82.5% of physical damage and other automobile liability coverages. The reinsurance contract will cover all states except Florida. The losses incurred are ceded on a similar basis. The agreement includes a loss corridor of 75.0%-79.0%, whereby the Company shall retain the amount by which losses and LAE incurred exceed 75% of collected net premiums earned, subject to a maximum additional retention equal to 4% of collected net premiums earned. Further, the Company shall retain the amount by which losses and LAE incurred, after the application of the loss corridor, exceeds 120% of collected net premiums earned Loss Ratio Cap.

The Company will receive a 21% ceding commission on ceded premiums earned if the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio as a percentage of earned premium is 73.5% or greater. If the loss ratio is 73.5%, but not less than 71.5% then the ceding commission shall be 21.0%, plus the difference in percentage points between 73.5% and the actual loss ratio. If the loss ratio is 71.5% or less, then the ceding commission rate will be 23.0%. The Company receives a provisional commission rate of 23% in advance, which is subject to adjustment once the final loss ratio is known.

Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company from its obligations to policyholders. The Company periodically reviews the financial condition of its reinsurers to minimize its exposure to losses from reinsurer insolvencies.

Reinsurance assets include balances due from other insurance companies under the terms of reinsurance agreements. Amounts applicable to ceded unearned premiums, ceded loss payments and ceded claims liabilities are reported as assets in the accompanying balance sheets. Under the reinsurance agreements the Company has four reinsurers that are required to collateralize the reinsurance recoverable. As of March 31, 2011 all four reinsurers have provided a letter of credit or secured trust accounts to provide security sufficient to satisfy AAIC’s obligations under the reinsurance agreement. The Company believes the fair value of its reinsurance recoverable approximates its carrying amounts.

 

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The impact of reinsurance on the statements of operations for the three-month periods ended March 31, is as follows:

 

     2011     2010  

Premiums written:

    

Direct

   $ 30,233,932      $ 32,379,870   

Assumed

     0        (157

Ceded

     (17,066,393     (22,026,028
                

Net

   $ 13,167,539      $ 10,353,685   
                

Premiums earned:

    

Direct

   $ 25,675,540      $ 25,997,766   

Assumed

     (529     (157

Ceded

     (16,646,631     (17,565,630
                

Net

   $ 9,028,380      $ 8,431,979   
                

Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred:

    

Direct

   $ 21,968,469      $ 21,745,841   

Assumed

     (3,156     17,421   

Ceded

     (15,010,521     (15,805,804
                

Net

   $ 6,954,792      $ 5,957,458   
                

The impact of reinsurance on the balance sheets as of the date indicated is as follows:

 

     March 31,
2011
    December 31,
2010
 

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expense:

    

Direct

   $ 34,558,239      $ 33,188,235   

Assumed

     115,812        122,832   

Ceded

     (24,072,915     (23,410,446
                

Net

   $ 10,601,136      $ 9,900,621   
                

Unearned premiums:

    

Direct

   $ 38,775,499      $ 34,216,544   

Assumed

     529        564   

Ceded

     (24,063,583     (23,643,822
                

Net

   $ 14,712,445      $ 10,573,286   
                

The Company received $3,528,655 in commissions on premiums ceded during 2011. Had all of the Company’s reinsurance agreements been cancelled at March 31, 2011, the Company would have returned $5,193,022 in reinsurance commissions to its reinsurers and its reinsurers would have returned $24,063,583 in unearned premiums to the Company.

(7) Borrowings

Revolving Line of Credit

On June 30, 2010, the Company entered into a First Amendment Agreement (the “First Amendment”) to the Loan Agreement between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (as successor in interest by merger to Wachovia Bank, N.A.) (The “Lender”). The First Amendment amends the Loan Agreement, dated July 17, 2009, between the Company and the Lender (the “Loan Agreement”).

The First Amendment extends the maturity date for the facility to July 16, 2011. The proceeds of the facility may be used for funding certain permitted acquisitions, funding short-term loans to the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, AAIC, or for working capital or general corporate needs in the ordinary course of business. The credit facility is secured by a pledge of the Company’s ownership interests in two of the Company’s subsidiaries, TrustWay and MGA, and is guaranteed by the same entities. In addition, TrustWay pledged its ownership interest in TrustWay T.E.A.M., Inc., which is also a guarantor.

The Loan Agreement and the First Amendment include customary covenants, including financial covenants regarding minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and minimum net worth. As of March 31, 2011, management believes the Company was in compliance with all these covenants. The First Amendment provides that the facility shall be repaid in full and no loans under the facility may be

 

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outstanding for at least one period of 30 consecutive days during each 12-month period in which the Loan Agreement is in effect. In addition, the Company’s minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, which was 1.35 under the Loan Agreement, decreased to 1.10 for each of the fiscal quarters ended June 30, 2010 and September 30, 2010 and increased to 1.25 for each subsequent fiscal quarter. The interest rate is 3.00% plus 90-day LIBOR (3.3030% at March 31, 2011) due and payable monthly. As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, there is $1.5 million in borrowings outstanding under the credit agreement.

Notes Payable

The Company had two notes payable outstanding as of March 31, 2011. First, on January 14, 2008 the Company issued a note payable in the amount of $276,250 with Information Distribution & Marketing, Inc. for the purchase of a software package that grants the Company a perpetual license to the source code and the ability to develop derivatives and advance the product to meet business demands and react to changing market conditions. The note requires monthly principal and interest payments beginning in January 2008 and matures in November 2012 with an interest rate of 2.8871% per annum. The outstanding principal balance on the note at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was $101,420 and $115,480, respectively.

Second, as a result of the acquisition of First Choice Insurance Agency effective February 26, 2009 the Company issued an unsecured promissory note payable to the former owner in the amount of $115,200 which carries an interest rate of 5%, with four equal yearly installments of principal and interest payments beginning February 26, 2010. The outstanding balance on the note at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was $57,600. Further, the Company had accrued interest of $2,341 related to its line of credit as of March 31, 2011.

Scheduled Maturities of Long-term Debt

The aggregate annual maturities of payments due on long-term debt outstanding as of December 31, 2010 are as follows:

 

     Amount  

2011

   $ 45,311   

2012

     87,250   

2013

     28,800   
        

Total

   $ 161,361   
        

(8) Income Taxes

The provision for federal and state income taxes for the three-month periods ended March 31, are as follows:

 

     2011     2010  

Current taxes

   $ 24,295      $ 544,732   

Deferred

     (31,916     15,345   
                

Total income tax (benefit) expense

   $ (7,621   $ 560,077   
                

(9) Capital Stock

Common Stock

During the first three months of 2011 and 2010, the Company issued 264,703 and 350,000 shares of common stock, $.01 par value to its board of directors, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation

In April of 2010, the Company’s shareholders approved a new Stock Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”). The Company’s 2010 Plan provides for the granting of stock options to officers, key employees, directors, consultants, independent contractors and other agents at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The Company believes that such awards better align the interests of its associates with those of its shareholders. Options become exercisable at various dates, generally vesting over a five-year continuous period of service and have similar contractual terms. Certain employment agreements may provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control of the Company (as defined in the Plan). Generally, options are issued with exercise prices no less than the fair market value of the common stock at the time of the grant (or in the case of a ten-percent-or-greater stockholder, 110 percent of fair market value). The aggregate number of common shares authorized under the 2010 Plan is currently 2,000,000. The common

 

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stock is reserved and available for issuance pursuant to awards granted to participants under 2010 Plan. As of March 31, 2011, there were 1,452,000 shares of the Company’s common stock subject to outstanding awards under the 2010 Plan.

The Company’s Prior 2000 Incentive Plan (the “Prior Plan”) has an aggregate total of 8,500,000 authorized common shares, but no additional awards will be granted under this Plan, as it expired in June 2010. As of March 31, 2011, there were 6,142,855 shares of the Company’s common stock subject to outstanding awards under the Prior Plan.

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model using the assumptions noted in the following table. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatilities of the Company’s stock. The Company uses historical data to estimate expected term and option forfeitures within the valuation model. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The Company does not provide for any expected dividends or discount for post-vesting restrictions in the model.

The fair value of each option awarded during the three-months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model using the assumptions noted in the following table.

 

     2011   2010

Weighted average grant date fair value

   $0.1950   $0.2416

Expected volatility

   160% -163%   108% -109%

Weighted average volatility

   162%   109%

Risk-free interest rate

   2.53 -2.92%   2.47 -3.02%

Expected term (in years)

   6.51   9.72

Expected forfeitures

     7.1%     7.0%

A summary of all stock option activity during the three-months ending March 31, 2011 and 2010 follows:

 

     2011      2010  

Options Outstanding

   Number of
Shares
    Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
     Number of
Shares
     Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
 

Beginning of period

     7,598,555      $ 0.49         7,789,721       $ 0.53   

Add (deduct):

          

Granted

     870,000      $ 0.20         0       $ 0   

Forfeited

     (637,240   $ 0.23         0       $ 0   

Expired

     (236,460   $ 0.47         0       $ 0   
                      

End of period

     7,594,855      $ 0.50         7,789,721       $ 0.53   
                      

Exercisable, end of period

     3,562,501      $ 0.66         3,168,875       $ 0.68   
                      

The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted during the three-months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $0.1950 and $0.2416, respectively. There were no options exercised during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and of options exercisable at March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $8,500 and $64,352, respectively, and those options have weighted-average contractual terms of 6.51 years and 9.72 years, respectively. As of March 31, 2011 there was $848,678 of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options and this cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.

Total compensation cost for share-based payment arrangements recognized for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $90,708 and $89,495, respectively.

(10) Commitments and Contingencies

Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company is named as a defendant in lawsuits related to claims and other insurance policy issues. Some of the actions seek extra-contractual and/or punitive damages. These actions are vigorously defended unless a reasonable settlement appears appropriate. In the opinion of management, the ultimate outcome of known litigation is not expected to be material to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

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Contractual Commitments

AssuranceAmerica Corporation leases office space for its corporate headquarters located at RiverEdge One, Suite 600, 5500 Interstate North Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia 30328. Effective October 1, 2009 the Company signed an amendment to extend its lease until 2019 under more favorable lease terms. AssuranceAmerica Managing General Agency, LLC., leases a claims office in the state of Florida. The TrustWay retail operations leases retail office space at various locations in Georgia, Florida and Alabama under short to medium term commercial leases. The above mentioned companies lease office equipment for use in their various locations. The Company believes that its existing facilities in the various states are adequate for the Company’s current requirements and operations. Rent expense for long-term leases with predetermined minimum rental escalations is recognized on a straight-line basis, and the difference between the recognized rental expense and amounts payable under the leases, or deferred rent, is included in accrued expenses.

The Company has entered into leases primarily for office space and certain equipment, classified as operating leases. The future minimum rental payments required under long-term non-cancelable leases are summarized as follows:

 

Year ending December 31,

   Amount  

2011

   $ 1,187,339   

2012

     1,410,985   

2013

     750,175   

2014

     685,414   

2015

     640,953   

Thereafter

     2,371,595   
        
   $ 7,046,461   
        

Defined Contribution Plan

Effective January 1, 2011, associates will be automatically enrolled in the 401(k) defined contribution retirement plan at 3% of their salary. Associates have the option to opt-out of the plan. The Company contributed $40,256 and $29,868 to this plan during the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The plan currently matches 33.3% on the first 6% of employee earnings and the Company can elect to make discretionary contributions. The eligibility requirements are 21 years of age, 6 months of service and full time employment.

(11) Net Income (loss) Per Share

Basic and diluted income (loss) per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares not included in the calculations of net income (loss) per share for the three-months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive, are as follows:

 

     2011      2010  

Stock options

     7,594,855         4,740,845   
                 

The reconciliation of the amounts used in the computation of both basic earnings (loss) per share and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:

 

     Net
Income
    Average Shares
Outstanding
     Per Share
Amount
 

For the year ended March 31, 2011:

       

Net income (loss) — basic

   $ (74,787     65,556,121       $ (0.001
             

Effect of dilutive stock options

     0        0      
                   

Net income (loss) — diluted

   $ (74,787     65,556,121       $ (0.001
                         

For the year ended March 31, 2010:

       

Net income— basic

   $ 838,604        65,385,468       $ 0.013   
             

Effect of dilutive stock options

     0        562,851      
                   

Net income— diluted

   $ 838,604        65,948,319       $ 0.013   
                         

 

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(12) Supplemental Cash Flow Information

 

     2011      2010  

Cash paid during the year:

     

Interest

   $ 3,572       $ 99,317   

Income taxes paid

   $ 801       $ 2,985   

The Company recorded net unrealized gains on investment securities in the amount of $78,001 and $114,718, net of taxes, for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

(13) Segment Reporting

The Company’s subsidiaries are each unique operating entities performing a separate business function. AAIC, a property and casualty insurance company, focuses on writing nonstandard automobile business in the states of Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. MGA markets AAIC’s policies through more than 2700 independent agencies in these states. MGA provides all of the underwriting, accounting, product management, legal, policyholder administration and claims functions for AAIC and two unaffiliated carriers related to the non-standard automobile insurance policies produced in Florida and Texas. The Company also provides claims services for one unaffiliated MGA in Florida and receives a fronting fee on this business. MGA receives various fees related to insurance transactions that vary according to state insurance laws and regulations. TrustWay is comprised of 50 retail insurance agencies that focus on selling nonstandard automobile policies and related coverages in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. TrustWay receives commissions and various fees associated with the sale of the products and services from its appointing insurance carriers.

The Company evaluates profitability based on pretax income (loss). Pretax income (loss) for each segment is defined as the revenues less the segment’s operating expenses including depreciation, amortization, and interest. Following are the operating results for the Company’s various segments and an overview of segment assets:

 

     MGA      TrustWay     AAIC      Holding
Company
    Eliminations     Consolidated  
     (In thousands)  

FIRST QUARTER 2011

              

Revenues

              

External customer

   $ 6,497       $ 1,611      $ 9,141       $ 0      $ 0      $ 17,249   

Intersegment

     2,522         397        1,015         724        (4,658     0   

Income

              

Segment pretax income (loss)

     332         (452     11         27        0        (82

Assets

              

Segment assets

   $ 8,749       $ 7,480      $ 131,409       $ 21,959      $ (27,699   $ 141,898   

FIRST QUARTER 2010

              

Revenues

              

External customer

   $ 7,574       $ 1,951      $ 8,651       $ 0      $ 0      $ 18,176   

Intersegment

     2,144         575        1,039         848        (4,606     0   

Income

              

Segment pretax income (loss)

     986         (35     468         (20     0        1,399   

Assets

              

Segment assets

   $ 17,206       $ 11,359      $ 135,619       $ 24,408      $ (36,723   $ 151,869   

 

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations

The Company reported a net loss of $75 thousand for the three-months ended March 31, 2011 compared to net income of $0.8 million for the three-months ended March 31, 2010. The Company reported basic and fully diluted loss per common share of $0.001 for the three-months ended March 31, 2011, compared to earnings of $0.013 for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The pre-tax loss was $82 thousand for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 compared to pre-tax earnings of $1.4 million for the same period last year.

The pre-tax loss in 2011 as compared to 2010 pre-tax earnings primarily relates to lower earnings within the wholesale operation (AAIC and MGA) driven by a decline of $1.1 million in ceding commissions resulting from lower ceded premium volume, a higher loss ratio of 6.3 points or $0.6 million and lower commissions within the retail division of $0.4 million. The aforementioned decrease was offset by higher premiums earned on the retained volume of $0.6 million.

Revenues

Premiums

Gross premiums written for the three-months ended March 31, 2011 were $30.2 million compared to $32.4 million in gross premiums written for the same period in 2010. The reduction in gross premiums reflects actions taken by the Company during 2010 to improve profitability in underperforming market segments. In Florida, gross premiums written declined by $3.1 million, the result of rate increases, implementation of tighter underwriting guidelines and agency actions. In the states of Georgia and Louisiana, rate increases coupled with a challenging competitive environment, reduced premium volume by $0.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively. Partially offsetting these reductions was an increase of $1.7 million in gross premiums written from the state of Virginia, which the Company entered in early 2010. The Company also increased its market penetration in the states of Alabama and Texas, generating growth of $1.0 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The Company ceded approximately 56.4% or $17.1 million of its direct premiums written to its reinsurers during the first quarter of 2011 as compared to 68.0% or $22.0 million in 2010.

Policies in-force as of March 31, 2011 increased by approximately 3.5% when compared to the same date in 2010 despite the 7% decline in premium volume. This is due to a reduction in 12 month policies and the mix of volume by state, as the average premium per policy varies by state.

Premiums written refers to the total amount of premiums billed to the policyholder less the amount of premiums returned, generally as a result of cancellations, during a given period. Premiums written become premiums earned as the policy ages. Barring premium rate changes, if an insurance company writes the same mix of business each year, premiums written and premiums earned will be equal and the unearned premium reserve will remain constant. During periods of growth, the unearned premium reserve will increase, causing premiums earned to be less than premiums written. Conversely, during periods of decline, the unearned premium reserve will decrease, causing premiums earned to be greater than premiums written. The Company’s net premiums earned, after deducting reinsurance, was $9.0 million for the three-months ended March 31, 2011, compared to $8.4 million for the three-months ended March 31, 2010.

Commission and Fee Income

In our MGA operations, we receive managing general agent fees for agency, underwriting, policy administration, and claims adjusting services performed on behalf of insurers. We also receive commission and service fee income in TrustWay on other insurance products produced for unaffiliated insurance companies on which we do not bear underwriting risk. These products include travel protection, vehicle protection and hospital indemnity insurance policies. Commission rates vary between carriers and are applied to premiums written to determine commission income.

Commission income for the three-months ended March 31, 2011, was $5.0 million compared to $6.5 million for the same period ended March 31, 2010. The $1.5 million decrease in commissions is primarily driven by lower ceded premium volume of $0.7 million, $0.4 million due to a lower ceding commission rate, and lower commission revenue within the retail division of $0.4 million.

Also AAIC pays the MGA commission on premium, which AAIC retains and this amount is subsequently eliminated upon consolidation.

 

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Managing general agent fees for the period ended March 31, 2011 were essentially flat when compared to the same period of 2010. Other fee income for the period March 31, 2011 declined slightly when compared to the same period last year. The decrease is primarily due to lower revenue generated from towing and rental add-on products offered to insureds in the retail (Trustway) segment.

Net Investment Income and Investment Gains (losses)

Our investment portfolio is generally highly liquid and consists substantially of readily marketable, investment-grade debt and equity securities. Net investment income is primarily comprised of interest and dividends earned on these securities and related investment expenses. Net investment income and gains were $100 thousand and $143 thousand for the periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The lower investment performance was mainly due to interest income received on the trust preferred debt in the prior year, which was extinguished in December of 2010, partially offset by a slight increase in realized gains on the equity securities portfolio as investment market conditions continued to improve during the year.

Expenses

Insurance Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses include payments made to settle claims, estimates for future claim payments and changes in those estimates for current and prior periods, as well as loss adjustment expenses incurred in connection with settling claims. Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses are influenced by many factors, such as claims frequency and severity trends, the impact of changes in estimates for prior accident years, and increases in the cost of medical treatment and automobile repairs. The anticipated impact of inflation is considered when we establish our premium rates and set loss reserves. Our actuaries perform a rolling accident year actuarial analysis each quarter and establish or adjust (for prior accident quarters) reserves, based upon their estimate of the ultimate incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses to reflect loss development information and trends that have been updated for the most recent quarter’s activity. Each quarter their estimate of ultimate loss and loss adjustment expenses is evaluated by accident quarter, by major coverage group (e.g., bodily injury, physical damage) and changes in estimates are reflected in the period the additional information becomes known.

We have historically used reinsurance to manage our exposure to loss by ceding a portion of our gross losses and loss adjustment expenses to reinsurers. We remain obligated for amounts covered by reinsurance in the event that the reinsurers do not meet their obligations under the agreements due to, for example, disputes with the reinsurer or the reinsurer’s insolvency. Effective January 1, 2011, the Company entered into a new quota share agreement with Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation for the 2011 treaty year business. The Company has agreed to cede 75.0% of the bodily injury liability coverage and 82.5% of physical damage and other automobile liability coverages. The reinsurance contract will cover all states except Florida. The losses incurred are ceded on a similar basis. The agreement includes a loss corridor of 75.0%-79.0%, whereby the Company shall retain the amount by which losses and LAE incurred exceed 75% of collected net premiums earned, subject to a maximum additional retention equal to 4% of collected net premiums earned. Further, the Company shall retain the amount by which losses and LAE incurred, after the application of the loss corridor, exceeds 120% of collected net premiums earned Loss Ratio Cap.

As a result of the reinsurance agreement, the Company is currently ceding approximately 68% of its direct loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred to its reinsurers and the amount ceded for the three-months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $15.0 million and $15.8 million, respectively.

After making deductions for the effect of reinsurance, losses and loss adjustment expenses were $7.0 million for the three- months ended March 31, 2011, compared to $6.0 million for the same period in 2010. As a percentage of earned premiums, the loss ratio for the three-months ended March 31, 2011 was 77.0% and 70.7%, for the same period in 2010. The amount represents actual payments made and changes in estimated future payments to be made to or on behalf of AAIC’s policyholders, including the expenses associated with settling claims. The year-over-year increase in the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio of 6.3 percentage points is related to reserve strengthening and adjustments to the actuarial estimate for prior accident years related to the bodily injury and personal injury protection coverages.

Operating Expenses

The selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $0.4 million for the three-months ended March 31, 2011 when compared to the same period of 2010. The decrease in expenses primarily relates to an increase in the wholesale division’s deferred acquisition costs, which was driven by an increase in unearned premium for the Florida business, which is no longer ceded. The expenses as a percentage of revenue increased slightly to 57.9% for the three-months ended March 31, 2011 compared to 57.0% for the same period of 2010. The year over year percentage increase is mainly driven by a decrease in revenue due to lower ceding commissions. Depreciation and amortization expense remained flat year over year. Interest expense was lower in 2011 by $94

 

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thousand as compared to prior year, resulting from the 2010 interest expense on related party notes payable and interest expense on the trust preferred, which was extinguished in late 2010.

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense

The income tax benefit for the three-months ended March 31, 2011 was $8 thousand, and consists of federal and state income taxes at an effective rate of 9.2%. The Company had a tax expense of $560 thousand for the three-month period 2010, representing an effective tax rate of 40%. The effective tax rate decrease in 2011 as compared to 2010 is mainly due to the impact of the permanent difference for stock options in relation to the pre-tax loss for the quarter.

Financial Condition

As of March 31, 2011, the Company had investments and cash of $24.0 million, compared to $21.9 million as of December 31, 2010. The Company’s investment strategy is to be invested in highly liquid short-term investments and equity securities as well as investing in bonds with short durations in order to meet its insurance obligations. As of March 31, 2011, the Company had $12.7 million in cash and short-term investments, which included $1.8 million of cash restricted to provide security for certain reinsurance reserve obligations. The equity security portfolio amounted to $2.4 million and is diversified amongst various industries. The Company’s long term investments of $8.1 million are spread among direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury as well as those securities unconditionally guaranteed as to the payment of principal and interest by the United States government or any agency thereof and in corporate bonds. The other long term investments of $0.7 million represent low income housing tax credits, which will be used to offset the Company’s tax liability.

The Company’s investment activities are made in accordance with the Company’s investment policy. The objectives of the investment policy are to obtain favorable after-tax returns on investments through a diversified portfolio of fixed income and equity. The Company’s investment criteria and practices reflect the short-term duration of its contractual obligations with policyholders and regulators. Tax considerations include federal and state income tax as well as premium tax abatement and credit opportunities offered to insurance companies in the states where AAIC writes policies.

Receivable from insureds as of March 31, 2011, increased $3.6 million to $36.7 million compared to $33.1 million as of December 31, 2010. The balance represents amounts due from AAIC’s insured’s and the increase is directly attributable to the increase in AAIC’s premium writings during the first quarter of 2011. The Company’s policy is to write off receivable balances immediately upon cancellation or expiration, and the Company does not consider an allowance for doubtful accounts to be necessary.

Reinsurance recoverable as of March 31, 2011, increased $7.7 million, to $41.7 million compared to $34.0 million as of December 31, 2010. The increase is directly related to the timing of settlements with the reinsurers for AAIC’s ceded paid losses. AAIC maintains a quota-share reinsurance treaty with its reinsurers in which it ceded approximately 56% of premiums and 68% of losses through the first quarter of 2011. The $41.7 million represents the reinsurers’ portion of losses and loss adjustment expense, both paid and unpaid.

Prepaid reinsurance premiums as of March 31, 2011, increased $0.5 million to $24.1 million compared to $23.6 million as of December 31, 2010. The increase results from AAIC’s increase in premium during the first quarter of 2011 and represents premiums ceded to its reinsurers which have not been fully earned.

Property and equipment, net of depreciation remained at $2.2 million as of March 31, 2011, compared to the balance at December 31, 2010. Prepaid expenses as of March 31, 2011, decreased $64 thousand to $596 thousand as of March 31, 2011, compared to $660 thousand as of December 31, 2010. The decrease in prepaid was mainly due to a decline in prepaid insurance of $200 thousand, partially offset by prepaid rent expense of $80 thousand.

Other receivables as of March 31, 2011 decreased $0.4 million to $1.4 million when compared to December 31, 2010. The balances represent TrustWay receivables from third parties, which decreased $0.3 million, and $0.1 million decrease in collections for balances due to MGA from insurance carriers and agents for amounts owed in accordance with the terms of its managing general agency agreements.

Intangible assets as of March 31, 2011, decreased $0.1 million to $5.9 million from the balance of $6.0 million as of December 31, 2010. This decrease is mainly related to the amortization of the intangible.

Prepaid income taxes remained flat at $0.1 million as of March 31, 2011, when compared to the balance at December 31, 2010. Deferred tax assets remained at $1.8 million as of March 31, 2011, compared to the balance as of December 31, 2010.

Accounts payable and accrued expenses as of March 31, 2011, increased $0.4 million from December 31, 2010 to $9.2 million from $8.8 million. The increase is primarily due to $0.6 million in accounts payable and accrued expenses for payroll, partially offset by $0.2 million payments made to Trustway insurance carriers.

 

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Unearned premium as of March 31, 2011 increased $4.6 million to $38.8 million as of March 31, 2011 from $34.2 million as of December 31, 2010, and represents premiums written but not earned. This is directly attributable to an increase in AAIC’s premium writings during the first quarter of 2011.

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses increased $1.4 million to $34.7 million as of March 31, 2011 from $33.3 million at December 31, 2010. This amount represents management’s estimates of future amounts needed to pay claims and related expenses. The increase is primarily related to reserve strengthening and increases in current policies in force.

Reinsurance payable as of March 31, 2011 increased $7.1 million to $36.5 million, compared to $29.4 million as of December 31, 2010. The amount represents premiums owed to the Company’s reinsurers. AAIC maintains eight quota-share reinsurance treaties with its reinsurers in which it is currently ceding approximately 56% of premiums for all of its states, excluding Florida for 2011. The increase is mainly due to the increase in premiums during the quarter and the timing of settlements with reinsurers.

Provisional commission reserves represent the difference between our minimum ceding commission and the provisional amount paid by the reinsurers. These balances as of March 31, 2011 increased $0.5 million to $3.8 million, compared to the balance at December 31, 2010 of $3.3 million. The increase is related to AAIC premium writings during the first quarter of 2011.

Notes and interest payable as of March 31, 2011 remained at $0.2 million compared to December 31, 2010.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Net cash provided by operating activities for the three-months ended March 31, 2011, was $2.1 million compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $0.2 million for the same period of 2010. The increase is driven primarily by an increase in premiums collected related to the Florida business, which is no longer ceded.

Investing activities provided cash for the three-months ended March 31, 2011 of $272 thousand as compared to $343 thousand provided as of March 31, 2010. The decrease in the amount provided was mainly attributable to $60 thousand increase in purchases of computer software and hardware in our wholesale division.

Financing activities for the three-months ended March 31, 2011 provided cash of $65 thousand compared to $494 thousand of cash used in 2010. The year-over-year increase relates to $300 thousand of related party debt paid in the previous year and $300 thousand payment on the line of credit in 2010.

On June 30, 2010, the Company entered into a First Amendment Agreement (the “First Amendment”) to the Loan Agreement between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (as successor in interest by merger to Wachovia Bank, N.A.) (the “Lender”). The First Amendment amends the Loan Agreement, dated July 17, 2009, between the Company and the Lender (the “Loan Agreement”).

The First Amendment extends the maturity date for the facility to July 16, 2011. The proceeds of the facility may be used for funding certain permitted acquisitions, funding short-term loans to the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, AAIC, or for working capital or general corporate needs in the ordinary course of business. When the facility matures, the Company will still be able to meet its obligations if the line of credit is not renewed. The credit facility is secured by a pledge of the Company’s ownership interests in two of the Company’s subsidiaries, TrustWay and MGA, and is guaranteed by the same entities. In addition, TrustWay pledged its ownership interest in TrustWay T.E.A.M., Inc., which is also a guarantor.

The Loan Agreement includes customary covenants, including financial covenants regarding minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and minimum net worth. As of March 31, 2011, management believes the Company was in compliance with all these covenants. The First Amendment provides that the facility shall be repaid in full and no loans under the facility may be outstanding for at least one period of 30 consecutive days during each 12-month period in which the Loan Agreement is in effect. In addition, the Company’s minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, which was 1.35 under the Loan Agreement, decreases to 1.10 for each of the fiscal quarters ended June 30, 2010, and September 30, 2010 and increases to 1.25 for each subsequent fiscal quarter. The interest rate is 3.00% plus 90-day LIBOR (3.3030% March 31, 2011) due and payable monthly. As of March 31, 2011, there is $1.5 million in borrowings outstanding under the credit agreement. In addition to the Company’s line of credit, the liquidity and capital needs will be met through premiums, commissions and fee income.

To support Company growth, the Company maintains a highly liquid investment portfolio and closely manages capital requirements. AAIC is required by the state of South Carolina to maintain minimum Statutory Capital and Surplus of $3.0 million. As of March 31, 2011, AAIC’s statutory Capital and Surplus was $11.6 million.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company does have off balance sheet leasing arrangements. For further information, please refer to Note 10 in the financial statements.

 

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Loss and LAE Reserves

The Company is required to make certain estimates and assumptions when preparing its financial statements and accompanying notes in accordance with GAAP. One area which requires estimations and assumptions is the establishment of loss and LAE reserves. Loss and LAE reserves are established to reflect the estimated costs of paying claims and claims expenses under insurance policies we have issued. These reserves are an approximation of amounts necessary to settle all outstanding claims, including claims of which we are aware and claims that have been incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) as of the financial statement date.

At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we had $10.6 million and $9.9 million of net loss and LAE reserves, respectively, which included $5.4 million and $5.2 million of case reserves and $5.2 million and $4.7 million of IBNR reserves. During 2011, the Company’s case reserves increased $0.2 million and IBNR reserves increased $0.5 million. This increase in reserves is related to planned reserve strengthening and adjustments to the actuarial estimate for prior accident years related to the bodily injury and personal injury protection coverages.

GROSS RESERVES BY LINE OF BUSINESS

The following table presents the gross reserves by line of business as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

 

     2011      2010  

Personal Auto Liability

   $ 32,363,821       $ 31,638,391   

Personal Auto Physical Damage

     2,310,230         1,672,676   
                 

Total Gross Reserves-Unpaid Losses and LAE

   $ 34,674,051       $ 33,311,067   
                 

The increase in gross reserves was $1.4 million represented by an increase in the auto physical damage coverage of $0.6 million and $0.8 million in bodily injury and personal injury protection coverages.

Variability of Reserves for Loss and LAE

Management believes that there are no reasonably likely changes in the key factors and assumptions that materially affect the Company’s estimate of the reserve for loss and LAE that would materially impact the Company’s financial position, liquidity and results of operations. The Company’s low average policy limit and concentration on the nonstandard auto driver classification help stabilize fluctuations in frequency and severity, thereby limiting the potential variability the reserve level may have on reported results. For example, approximately 96% of policies included within the nonstandard book of business include only the state-mandated minimum policy limits for bodily injury and property damage, which mitigates the complexity of estimating average severity. These low limits tend to reduce the exposure of the loss reserves on this coverage to medical cost inflation on severe injuries since the minimum policy limits will limit the total payout.

The following table provides the estimated changes in the liability and related payments made for the three-months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:

 

     2011     2010  

Change in net loss and LAE reserves

   $ 700,515      $ (1,788,583

Paid losses and LAE

     6,254,277        7,746,041   
                

Total incurred losses and LAE

   $ 6,954,792      $ 5,957,458   
                

Loss and LAE ratio(1)

     77.0     70.7
                

 

(1)

The ratio was calculated by taking losses and LAE divided by the Net Premiums Earned.

Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (LAE)

The Company’s claims costs represent payments made and estimated future payments to be made to or on behalf of our policyholders, including expenses needed to adjust or settle claims. These costs relate to current costs under our non-standard state-mandated automobile insurance programs. Claims costs are impacted by loss severity and frequency and are influenced by inflation and driving patterns, among other factors. Accordingly, anticipated changes in these factors are taken into account when we establish premium rates and loss reserves.

 

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During the quarter ended March 31, 2011, our loss and LAE ratio increased 6.3%, as compared to 1.2% increase in the same period a year ago, which reflects reserve strengthening for prior year loss development. We continuously monitor internal and industry-wide severity trends and adjust rates as appropriate to compensate for the higher loss costs.

The table below presents the development experienced in the following periods:

 

     2011     2010  

Prior year incurred losses

   $ 1,217,001      $ 251,022   

Current year incurred losses and LAE

     5,737,791        5,706,436   
                

Total incurred losses and LAE

   $ 6,954,792      $ 5,957,458   
                

Increase to the calendar year loss and LAE ratio

     6.3     1.2
                

Ceded Reinsurance

The Company cedes a significant portion of its personal automobile premium to other reinsurers. The Company’s reinsurance strategy is to use quota share reinsurance to mitigate the financial impact of losses on its operations, while enabling premium growth within its capital base. Historically, the Company’s reinsurance contracts have been one or two years in duration, subject to renewal.

Effective January 1, 2011, the Company entered into a new quota share agreement with Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation for the 2011 treaty year business. The Company has agreed to cede 75.0% of the bodily injury liability coverage and 82.5% of physical damage and other automobile liability coverages.

The agreement includes a loss corridor of 75.0%-79.0%, whereby the Company shall retain the amount by which losses and LAE incurred exceed 75% of collected net premiums earned, subject to a maximum additional retention equal to 4% of collected net premiums earned. The reinsurance contract will cover all states except Florida. Further, the Company shall retain the amount by which losses and LAE incurred, after the application of the loss corridor, exceeds 120% of collected net premiums earned Loss Ratio Cap.

The Company will receive a 21% ceding commission on ceded premiums earned if the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio is 73.5% or greater. If the loss ratio is 73.5%, but not less than 71.5% then the ceding commission shall be 21.0%, plus the difference in percentage points between 73.5% and the actual loss ratio. If the loss ratio is 71.5% or less then the ceding commission rate will be 23.0%.

Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company from its obligations to policyholders. The Company periodically reviews the financial condition of its reinsurers to minimize its exposure to losses from reinsurer insolvencies. The Company has eight reinsurers, of which seven are A- rated or better based on the most recent A.M. Best ratings available. While the eighth reinsurer does not have a rating and the contract is in run-off. Further, the reinsurers cover up to $2,000,000 in aggregate claims for extra contractual obligations each policy year.

The impact of reinsurance on the income statement as of March 31 is as follows:

 

     2011      2010  

Premiums ceded written

   $ 17,066,393       $ 22,026,028   

Ceded commissions incurred

   $ 3,528,655       $ 5,087,537   

Ceded losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred

   $ 15,010,521       $ 15,805,804   

The impact of reinsurance on the balance sheets as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 is as follows:

 

     2011      2010  

Reinsurance recoverable

   $ 41,387,238       $ 34,013,415   

Ceded unpaid losses and loss adjustment expense

   $ 24,072,915       $ 23,410,446   

Ceded unearned premiums

   $ 24,063,583       $ 23,643,822   

Reinsurance payable

   $ 36,502,526       $ 29,426,944   

Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the reinsured policies. The Company reports as assets (a) the estimated reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, including an estimate for losses incurred but not reported, and (b) amounts paid to reinsurers applicable to the policies-in-force.

 

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During 2011, the Company ceded approximately 56% of its premium and 68% of losses during the first quarter of March 31, 2011 as compared to approximately 68% of its premium and 73% of losses were ceded to reinsurers for the prior year. The ceded premium and losses reflect the new contract terms entered into during 2011 as previously mentioned. The ceded premium under these reinsurance agreements for the three-months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 were $17.1 million and $22.0 million, respectively. The related ceding commission was approximately $3.5 million in 2011 and $5.1 million in 2010. The lower ceded premium and commission were mainly due to the state of Florida premiums, which are no longer ceded in 2011.

Ceded reinsurance for all programs reduced the Company’s incurred losses and LAE for the three-months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 by $15.0 million and $15.8 million, respectively.

Reinsurance assets include balances due from other contracted reinsurers under the terms of reinsurance agreements. Amounts applicable to ceded unearned premiums ceded loss payments and ceded claims liabilities are reported as assets in the accompanying balance sheets. Under the reinsurance agreements, the Company has four reinsurers that are required to collateralize the reinsurance recoverables. As of March 31, 2011, all reinsurers have provided a letter of credit or a secured trust account to provide security sufficient to satisfy the Company’s obligations under the reinsurance agreement. The Company believes the fair value of its reinsurance recoverables approximates their carrying amounts.

The Company’s reinsurance recoverable balances amounted to $41.7 million and $34.0 million as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The recoverable includes ceded unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses of $24.1 million and $23.4 million of the same periods, respectively. The ceded reserves from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the reinsured policies ceded. Reinsurance recoverable assets include paid loss balances due from other reinsurers under the terms of reinsurance agreements in the amount of $17.7 million and $10.6 million as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The paid loss recoverables are in good standing as of March 31, 2011.

The Company’s ceded prepaid premium relates to policies in force and is earned ratably over the policy period. As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the ceded prepaid premiums amounted to $24.1 million and $23.6 million, respectively. Reinsurance payable of $36.5 million and $29.4 million as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, represents the amounts due to reinsurers for ceded premiums net of commissions. The Company pays its reinsurers on a collected premium basis. Effective for the 2011 treaty year, the Company will receive ceding commissions on a ceded earned basis, whereas for prior treaty years ceding commissions were based on ceded written premiums. The Company does not have any balances that are in dispute through March 31, 2011.

The Company’s quota share reinsurance facility has a significant impact on its cash flows. Since the Company cedes a significant amount of its premium and losses, the Company relies heavily on its reinsurers to settle outstanding reinsurance balances due for loss payments net of premiums collected. The Company paid ceded premiums net of commissions of $6.5 million and $8.7 million and received reinsurance recoverables on paid loss and loss adjustment expenses of $7.4 million and $14.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The Company’s reinsurance strategies have not changed from previous years and the Company’s limited loss exposure is based on the existing quota share agreement. While the Company monitors conditions within the reinsurance market, adverse conditions could have an impact on the Company’s ability to secure reinsurance capacity, thereby limiting its ability to cede future losses.

ITEM 3. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

Not Applicable

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report on Form 10-Q, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures in accordance with Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Based on this evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and are effective to ensure that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

 

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Management’s Annual Report on Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2011. In making this assessment, management used the criteria described in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies and procedures may deteriorate. Based on this evaluation, management determined that, as of March 31, 2011, we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting, and there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting made during our most recent fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Not Applicable

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

For 2011, each non-officer director may choose between (i) an amount in cash equal to $15,000 plus the number of shares equal to $15,000 divided by the share price on December 31, of the prior year or (ii) the number of shares equal to $30,000 divided by the share price on December 31, of the prior year. During the first three-months of 2011, the Company issued 264,703 shares of common stock, $.01 par value, to members of its board of directors pursuant to this director compensation program. The shares were issued on March, 22, 2011 to directors, each an accredited investor, as a private placement exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Regulation D. The Company received no consideration for the common stock issued.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not Applicable

ITEM 4. REMOVED AND RESERVED

Not Applicable

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Not Applicable

 

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

(a)   

Exhibits.

31.1   

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2   

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1   

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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SIGNATURES

In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

ASSURANCEAMERICA CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Guy W. Millner

  Guy Millner
  Chairman and CEO

Date: May 13, 2011

 

By:

 

/s/ Sheree S. Williams

  Sheree S. Williams
  Chief Financial Officer

Date: May 13, 2011

 

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