NEWS ARTICLE
January 15, 2026
AM Best Upgrades Rating for Michigan Millers Following Western National Pooling
(Minneapolis, Minn.) Western National Insurance Group and Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Company announced today that AM Best Company has upgraded Michigan Millers’ Financial Strength Rating (FSR) from “A” (Excellent) to “A+” (Superior).
The upgraded rating follows Michigan Millers’ formal participation in the Western National Insurance Group pool, effective January 1, 2026. The rating reflects the Group’s strong balance sheet and operating performance, effective enterprise risk management, and the significant level of reinsurance support provided through the pooling arrangement. Michigan Millers will continue to operate as a key entity within the Western National Insurance Group, bringing expertise in commercial and specialty lines of business.
“This upgraded rating is an important milestone for Michigan Millers and a strong validation of the strategic alignment between our organizations,” said Rick Long, CEO of Western National Insurance Group. “It underscores our shared focus on long-term performance, financial stability, and commitment to our employees, policyholders, and partner agents”.
Founded in 1899, AM Best Company is a full-service credit rating organization dedicated to serving the insurance industry. The company is the world’s oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source.
Western National Insurance, headquartered in Edina, Minn., is a super-regional group of property-and-casualty insurance companies. The Group writes business through five active insurance companies—Western National Mutual Insurance Company, Western National Assurance Company, Pioneer Specialty Insurance Company, Umialik Insurance Company, and American Freedom Insurance Company — and is affiliated with Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Company. Together, the affiliated Group writes over $1 billion in personal and commercial direct premium in 20 states across the Northern and Midwestern U.S. as well as in Alaska; and surety bonds in 43 states. All of the companies’ products are sold exclusively through professional Independent Insurance Agents.
For further information, please contact:
Julia Jenson, AINS
Vice President – Communications & Business Transformation
(952) 303-8789
julia.jenson@wnins.com
