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All of the rating firms require that you create an account, however none of them charge for their basic ratings service.
AM Best - AM Best focuses purely on the insurance industry. This makes them unique among the four major ratings firms and reflects an in-depth knowledge of the insurance industry that they developed over 100 years. AM Best's Financial Strength Ratings grade an insurance company's ability to meet its obligations to policyholders. You should look for a B++ or better, and a Fiancial Size Category of at least IX or higher.
Standard & Poors - Standard & Poors evaluates the financial health of companies in many industries. Take a look to see if the insurance company invests in high-risk assets.
Moodys - Moodys evaluates a company's ability to meet its short and long term debt obligations. Although Moody's website is cryptic, you can view the ratings for insurance companies. Look for a company with a rating of at least A or better (AAA is the highest). Moodys also offers an outlook for each company. Look for companies with a Positive (POS) or Stable (STA) outlook.
Fitch - Provides ratings similar to Standard & Poors and Moodys. Includes a letter rating of each insurer's financial strength and the outlook for the company.
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