<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 7
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF MEDICAL ASSURANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1998
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE>                           657,404
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE>                                0
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE>                                  0
<EQUITIES>                                      44,124
<MORTGAGE>                                           0<F1>
<REAL-ESTATE>                                   11,619
<TOTAL-INVEST>                                 791,579
<CASH>                                           9,022
<RECOVER-REINSURE>                             179,890
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION>                               0<F1>
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,132,239
<POLICY-LOSSES>                                660,640
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS>                             76,229
<POLICY-OTHER>                                  42,596
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS>                                0
<NOTES-PAYABLE>                                      0<F1>
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        23,900
<OTHER-SE>                                     300,280
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,132,239
<PREMIUMS>                                     141,316
<INVESTMENT-INCOME>                             39,402
<INVESTMENT-GAINS>                              11,281
<OTHER-INCOME>                                   1,604
<BENEFITS>                                      93,893
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION>                     13,735
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER>                            19,776
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 66,202
<INCOME-TAX>                                    17,679
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             48,523
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                        1,123
<NET-INCOME>                                    47,400
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.01
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.01
<RESERVE-OPEN>                                 614,729
<PROVISION-CURRENT>                            141,201
<PROVISION-PRIOR>                              (47,308)
<PAYMENTS-CURRENT>                              (9,891)
<PAYMENTS-PRIOR>                               (67,383)
<RESERVE-CLOSE>                                660,640
<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY>                        (47,308)
<FN>
<F1>Deferred policy acquisition costs, amortization of deferred policy acquisition
costs and mortgage notes payable are not separately disclosed in the financial
statements included in Form 10-K because items are immaterial for individual
disclosure. Deferred policy acquisition costs are included as a component of
other assets; amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs is included as
a component of other underwriting expenses; mortgage notes payable are included
as a component of other liabilities.
</FN>
        

</TABLE>