Assurant, Inc. (AIZ, NYSE)
Industry: Insurance - Property & Casualty
Annual report, fiscal year 2012


## ASSURANT \( ^{®} $ 

2012 ANNUAL REPORT AND FORM 10-K



## Financial Highlights

<table><tr><td>(U.S. dollars in millions)</td><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td>2009</td><td>2008</td></tr><tr><td>Total Revenue</td><td>$8,508</td><td>$8,273</td><td>$8,528</td><td>$8,701</td><td>$8,601</td></tr><tr><td>Net Earned Premiums, Fees &amp; Other</td><td>7,712</td><td>7,530</td><td>7,766</td><td>8,033</td><td>8,226</td></tr><tr><td>Net Investment Income</td><td>713</td><td>690</td><td>703</td><td>699</td><td>774</td></tr><tr><td>Net Operating Income \( ^{(1)} \)</td><td>449</td><td>438</td><td>560</td><td>468</td><td>637</td></tr><tr><td>Stockholders’ Equity \( ^{(2)} \)</td><td>4,355</td><td>4,316</td><td>4,346</td><td>4,639</td><td>4,229</td></tr></table>

(1) Please see footnote 1 on page 4 of this report for more information on this non-GAAP financial measure and a reconciliation of net operating income to GAAP net income.

(2) Excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI)/accumulated other comprehensive loss. Please see footnote 4 on page 4 of this report for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to its most comparable GAAP measure.

2012 Net Operating Income by Segment \( ^{(3)} $ : $539 million



(3) Excludes Corporate and other, net realized gains on investments, amortization of deferred gains on disposal of businesses and interest expense.

2012 Net Earned Premiums, Fees and Other by Segment \( ^{(4)} $ : $7.7 billion



(4) Includes net earned premiums and other considerations and fees and other income of operating segments; excludes net investment income.

Cash Flow Generation \( ^{(5)} $  2008 - 2012 (in millions)



(5) Primarily represents gross dividends from subsidiaries, net of interest and other corporate expenses paid.

Book Value Per Diluted Share \( ^{(6)} $  2008 - 2012



(6) Excluding AOCI. Please see footnote 3 on page 4 for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to its most comparable GAAP measure.



# A Message to Our Shareholders

In 2012, our Assurant team accelerated action in key specialty areas critical to long-term, profitable growth. We did so while prudently managing our capital for shareholders and serving our customers with compassion and responsiveness.



Robert B. Pollock

President and Chief Executive Officer, Assurant

Assurant’s net earned premiums, fees and other income were $7.7 billion in 2012, a two percent increase from the previous year. Net operating income \( ^{(1)} $  increased to $449.3 million despite significant catastrophe losses. Operating return on equity, excluding Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) \( ^{(2)} \)  was 10.4 percent. Our book value per diluted share, excluding AOCI \( ^{(3)} \) , was up 13.8 percent year-over-year reflecting strong earnings and continued share repurchases.

Our strong capital position, risk management expertise and ability to generate free cash flow added to our solid financial foundation. We returned $472 million to shareholders through stock repurchases and common dividends. In fact, we have increased our dividend for nine consecutive years – every year since our initial public offering in 2004.

Overall, we made great progress in 2012. Looking ahead, we see many opportunities to grow profitability. In doing so, we will search for ways to compete differently - a cornerstone of our specialty strategy.

Consumer markets are changing quickly. Our profitable growth strategy outlines both opportunities we will consider as well as the ways we will approach new, attractive markets. Five trends are driving our actions and investments for the future:

• Dramatic expansion of mobile devices in everything the consumer does

• Shifts in consumer behavior toward rental versus ownership of housing in the United States

• Expectations of affordable access to health care insurance that can be customized to meet consumers’ needs

- Small businesses offering more voluntary benefits so that their employees can choose coverage best suited for their circumstances

• Growth beyond the U.S. in an emerging consumer middle-class, especially in Latin America.

We will build on our momentum of 2012 and strive to achieve steady improvements in all of our Assurant businesses in the year to come.

## ADAPTING TO AN EVOLVING LANDSCAPE

During 2012, regulators and policymakers continued to evolve rules affecting the insurance and financial services sectors. At both the state and federal levels, we expanded our outreach and engagement to help shape better outcomes for our customers and clients, as well as our company and shareholders.

Many aspects of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act are still being defined, even as the industry responds to shifting consumer needs and prepares for health insurance exchanges in January 2014. Several reforms have been enacted to improve the housing and mortgage markets in the U.S. We have taken the opportunity to refine and improve our processes and to offer new, more flexible products for the future. Economic pressures, especially in Europe, mandate operational rigor and restraint as markets find their footing and stabilize. All of these factors and more reinforce the importance of innovation and agility as we further reduce operating costs, realign resources and leverage shared efficiencies across the Assurant enterprise.

## 2012 RESULTS FROM OPERATIONS

## Assurant Solutions

Achieving a 14 percent operating return on equity by 2014 is the focus at Assurant Solutions, where we took many steps in 2012 towards achievement of that goal. For the year, net operating income was down significantly due to the impairment of certain intangible assets and charges for workforce restructuring to address challenges primarily affecting our domestic credit and European operations.

Net earned premiums, fees and other income improved year-over-year in several areas targeted for growth. Our pre-funded funeral insurance business remains an important contributor to Assurant Solutions' overall results with sizable increases both in fee income and sales. In 2012, service contract premiums in the U.S. improved as we benefited from the continuing rebound in the automotive sector. International credit and service contract premiums also increased during the year, predominantly in Latin America. We now service mobile customers in 16 countries, a reflection of our expanded capabilities, global footprint and phased rollout of our partnership with Telefónica.

By focusing on expense management and profitable growth, both in the U.S. and internationally, we expect modest earnings improvements in the year ahead and achievement of our longer-term ROE target in 2014.



## Assurant Specialty Property

Revenue at Assurant Specialty Property increased in 2012, reflecting expanding lender-placed loan portfolios from new and existing clients, and growth in our multifamily housing offerings. Net operating income was up slightly for the year despite increased catastrophe losses, especially from Superstorm Sandy. This was the largest flood event our company ever experienced, and it reaffirmed the importance of the investments we have made to serve homeowners and clients when disaster strikes. Our employees deployed our robust tools, processes and training to quickly pay claims and bring relief to policyholders devastated by the monumental storm.

In 2012, our multifamily housing business achieved double-digit revenue growth. With the SureDeposit resident bond products now fully integrated in our Assurant Specialty Property multifamily product portfolio, we are creating new opportunities to cross-sell our products to our clients and, in turn, their residents.

While recovery in the housing market likely will lead to a reduction in the returns at Assurant Specialty Property in the future, our disciplined execution and unparalleled capabilities will continue to provide attractive long-term value for shareholders.

## Assurant Health

Using its deep experience in the individual and small group medical insurance markets, Assurant Health continued its transformation by adapting to the changing U.S. health care landscape. A significant expansion of our provider network and tight management of expenses helped position the business for profitable growth. Results for 2012 also benefited from $13.8 million of additional investment income from a real estate joint venture partnership.

Our affordable choice and supplemental products helped Assurant Health serve a broader spectrum of individual and small group customers. In 2012, we increased the total number of insured lives by six percent – growth we expect will continue as more consumers seek out affordable access to healthcare.

While the rollout of additional elements of the Affordable Care Act will require further transformation that will reduce earnings, we continue to believe that the changing health insurance marketplace in the U.S. provides great opportunities for Assurant Health.

## Assurant Employee Benefits

The strategic shift launched a few years ago to focus on employee-funded voluntary benefits delivered improved and encouraging results at Assurant Employee Benefits. With a diversified product suite, improved distribution and enhanced enrollment and administrative platforms for small business customers, voluntary offerings drove nearly half of sales and more than a third of premiums in 2012. Assurant Employee Benefits also now offers the largest dental PPO network in many markets thanks to the expansion of Dental Health Alliance and a new agreement in 2012.
The U.S. economy still presents challenges for many small businesses, tempering job expansion and enthusiasm for additional employer-paid benefits coverage. We also expect lower investment income and a planned reduction in the reserve discount rate for new, long-term disability claims to reduce earnings in the year ahead. These lingering macroeconomic concerns reinforce the importance of ongoing operational excellence, outstanding service as well as disciplined management of both expenses and capital within Assurant Employee Benefits.

With a strong strategic focus on the small case voluntary market, we continue to believe Assurant Employee Benefits can provide attractive long-term returns.

## OUR LEGACY, OUR VALUES

In 2012, Assurant also embraced our legacy as we celebrated 120 years in business. In spite of the many changes rapidly transforming the ways people live and work, we are steadfast in our commitment to help protect what matters most to consumers.

Each day, four enduring values guide our actions:

• We embrace Common Sense as we take a fact-based approach to deliver value to our customers. Our specialty products are designed to fulfill unmet needs and help safeguard against risks.

• We act with Common Decency, treating all of our constituents in ways we would like to be treated. Our responsiveness to customers, our daily operations, and our community stewardship reflect high levels of ethics and integrity.

• We encourage Uncommon Thinking. We cultivate a work environment that is open and allows good ideas to flourish. Transparency and candor run deep.

• Our Uncommon Results are expressed as the products we offer bring value to our customers and above average returns for our shareholders.

I am proud and grateful for the commitment of our employees worldwide who are doing their part - every day - to serve our customers and help create long-term value for our shareholders.

Thanks for your investment in Assurant.

Sincerely,



Robert B. Pollock

President and Chief Executive Officer



# Assurant Management Committee
and Board of Directors



ASSURANT
MANAGEMENT
COMMITTEE,
from left to right:

Rob Pollock
John Roberts
Chris Pagano
Alan Colberg
Sylvia Wagner
Craig Lemasters
Bart Schwartz
Adam Lamnin
Mike Peninger
Gene Mergelmeyer

## MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Robert B. Pollock
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Assurant

Alan B. Colberg
Executive Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, Assurant

Adam D. Lamnin
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Assurant Health

## BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Date following name = Year joined Board

Elaine D. Rosen (2009)
Chair of the Board, Assurant;
Chair of the Board, The Kresge Foundation;
former President, UNUM Life Insurance
Company of America

Howard L. Carver (2002)
Former Office Managing Partner,

Ernst & Young LLP

Juan N. Cento (2006)
President, FedEx Express - Latin America & Caribbean Division

Elyse Douglas (2011)
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. and The Hertz Corporation

## S. Craig Lemasters

President and Chief Executive Officer,
Assurant Solutions

Gene E. Mergelmeyer
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Assurant Specialty Property

Christopher J. Pagano
Executive Vice President, Treasurer
and Chief Investment Officer, Assurant;
President, Assurant Asset Management

## Lawrence V. Jackson (2009)

Senior Advisor, New Mountain Capital, LLC; Chairman, SourceMark, LLC; former President and Chief Executive Officer, Global Procurement Division, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

David B. Kelso (2007)
Financial Advisor, Kelso Advisory Services;
former Executive Vice President, Strategy and Finance, Aetna, Inc.

Charles J. Koch (2005)
Former Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer,
Charter One Financial, Inc.

H. Carroll Mackin (1996)
Principal Owner, Great Northern
Manufacturing, LLC; former Executive Vice
President and Treasurer, Assurant
Michael J. Peninger

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Assurant

John S. Roberts
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Assurant Employee Benefits

Bart R. Schwartz

Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary, Assurant

Sylvia R. Wagner
Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Development, Assurant

Jean-Paul L. Montupet (2012)

Former Chair, Emerson Industrial Automation and former President, Emerson Europe

Robert B. Pollock (2006)
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Assurant

Paul J. Reilly (2011)
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Arrow Electronics, Inc.

Robert W. Stein (2011)
Former Global Managing Partner, Actuarial Services, Ernst & Young LLP

For more information on our executive officers and directors please see our 2013 Proxy Statement which accompanies this report and also is available online in the Investor Relations section of www.assurant.com



# Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Assurant uses the following non-GAAP financial measures to analyze the Company’s operating performance for the periods presented in this report. Because Assurant’s calculation of these measures may differ from similar measures used by other companies, investors should be careful when comparing Assurant’s non-GAAP financial measures to those of other companies.
(1) Assurant uses net operating income as an important measure of the Company's operating performance. As shown in the following reconciliation table, net operating income equals net income, excluding net realized gains (losses) on investments and other unusual and/or infrequent items. The Company believes net operating income provides investors a valuable measure of the performance of the Company's ongoing business because it excludes both the effect of net realized gains (losses) on investments that tend to be highly variable from period to period, and those events that are unusual and/or unlikely to recur.

<table><tr><td>(dollars in millions, net of tax)</td><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td>2009</td><td>2008</td></tr><tr><td>Assurant Solutions</td><td>$123.8</td><td>$136.1</td><td>$101.5</td><td>$122.1</td><td>$111.3</td></tr><tr><td>Assurant Specialty Property</td><td>305.0</td><td>303.7</td><td>424.5</td><td>405.5</td><td>403.3</td></tr><tr><td>Assurant Health</td><td>52.0</td><td>40.9</td><td>54.9</td><td>(29.1)</td><td>122.7</td></tr><tr><td>Assurant Employee Benefits</td><td>58.1</td><td>43.1</td><td>63.6</td><td>42.3</td><td>70.3</td></tr><tr><td>Corporate and other</td><td>(62.4)</td><td>(60.0)</td><td>(52.4)</td><td>(48.3)</td><td>(50.3)</td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of deferred gain on disposal of businesses</td><td>12.0</td><td>13.3</td><td>6.8</td><td>14.6</td><td>19.1</td></tr><tr><td>Interest expense</td><td>(39.2)</td><td>(39.2)</td><td>(39.4)</td><td>(39.4)</td><td>(39.6)</td></tr><tr><td>Net operating income</td><td>449.3</td><td>437.9</td><td>559.5</td><td>467.7</td><td>636.8</td></tr><tr><td>Adjustments:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net realized gains (losses) on investments</td><td>41.8</td><td>21.1</td><td>31.5</td><td>(34.8)</td><td>(278.6)</td></tr><tr><td>Tax benefit realized from the sale of an inactive subsidiary</td><td>-</td><td>-</td><td>-</td><td>-</td><td>89.0</td></tr><tr><td>Change in tax valuation allowance</td><td>-</td><td>80.0</td><td>(6.0)</td><td>-</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Change in tax liabilities</td><td>(7.4)</td><td>-</td><td>-</td><td>-</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Legal settlement, net of related expenses</td><td>-</td><td>-</td><td>-</td><td>83.5</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Goodwill impairment</td><td>-</td><td>-</td><td>(306.4)</td><td>(83.0)</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$483.7</td><td>$539.0</td><td>$278.6</td><td>$433.4</td><td>$447.2</td></tr></table>

(2) Assurant uses operating return on equity (ROE), excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI), as an important measure of the Company's operating performance. Operating ROE equals full-year net operating income divided by average stockholders' equity for the year, excluding AOCI. The Company believes operating ROE, excluding AOCI, provides investors a valuable measure of the performance of the Company's ongoing business because it excludes the effect of net realized gains (losses) on investments that tend to be highly variable from period to period, other AOCI items and those events that are unusual and/or unlikely to recur. The comparable GAAP measure would be GAAP ROE, defined as full-year net income divided by average stockholders' equity for the year. GAAP ROE for the year ended Dec. 31, 2012 was 9.6 percent, as shown in the following reconciliation table.

<table><tr><td></td><td>2012</td></tr><tr><td>Operating return on average equity (excluding AOCI)</td><td>10.4%</td></tr><tr><td>Net realized gains on investments</td><td>1.0%</td></tr><tr><td>Change in tax liabilities</td><td>(0.2)%</td></tr><tr><td>Change due to effect of including AOCI</td><td>(1.6)%</td></tr><tr><td>GAAP return on average equity</td><td>9.6%</td></tr></table>

(3) Assurant uses book value per diluted share, excluding AOCI, as an important measure of the Company's stockholder value. Book value per diluted share, excluding AOCI, equals total stockholders' equity excluding AOCI divided by diluted shares outstanding. The Company believes book value per diluted share, excluding AOCI, provides investors a valuable measure of stockholder value because it excludes the effect of unrealized gains (losses) on investments, which tend to be highly variable from period to period, and other AOCI items. The comparable GAAP measure would be book value per diluted share, defined as total stockholders' equity divided by diluted shares outstanding. Book value per diluted share was $64.14 as of Dec. 31, 2012 and, for prior periods, as shown in the following reconciliation table.

<table><tr><td></td><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td>2009</td><td>2008</td></tr><tr><td>Book value per diluted share (excluding AOCI)</td><td>$53.87</td><td>$47.34</td><td>$41.65</td><td>$39.22</td><td>$35.88</td></tr><tr><td>Changes due to effect of including AOCI</td><td>10.27</td><td>6.12</td><td>2.75</td><td>0.57</td><td>(5.65)</td></tr><tr><td>Book value per diluted share</td><td>$64.14</td><td>$53.46</td><td>$44.40</td><td>$39.79</td><td>$30.23</td></tr></table>

(4) A reconciliation of stockholders' equity, excluding AOCI, to GAAP equity is as shown below:

<table><tr><td>(dollars in millions)</td><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td>2009</td><td>2008</td></tr><tr><td>Stockholders&#x27; equity (excluding AOCI)</td><td>$4,355</td><td>$4,316</td><td>$4,346</td><td>$4,639</td><td>$4,229</td></tr><tr><td>AOCI</td><td>$830</td><td>$558</td><td>$287</td><td>$68</td><td>($666)</td></tr><tr><td>Total equity</td><td>$5,185</td><td>$4,874</td><td>$4,633</td><td>$4,707</td><td>$3,563</td></tr></table>



## FORM 10-K



## Table of Contents

PART I 3
ITEM 1 Business 3
ITEM 1A Risk Factors 14
ITEM 1B Unresolved Staff Comments 26
ITEM 2 Properties 26
ITEM 3 Legal Proceedings 26
ITEM 4 Mine Safety Disclosures 26

PART II 27
ITEM 5 Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 27
ITEM 6 Selected Financial Data 29
ITEM 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 30
ITEM 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 57
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 60
ITEM 9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 60
ITEM 9A Controls and Procedures 61
ITEM 9B Other Information 61

PART III 62
ITEM 10 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 62
ITEM 11 Executive Compensation 62
ITEM 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 62
ITEM 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 63
ITEM 14 Principal Accounting Fees and Services 63

PART IV 64
ITEM 15 Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 64
SIGNATURES 67



# UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

# FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012

OR

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ___ to ___

Commission file number 001-31978

## ASSURANT, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

<table><tr><td>DELAWARE</td><td>39-1126612</td></tr><tr><td>(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)</td><td>(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)</td></tr><tr><td>One Chase Manhattan Plaza, 41st Floor, New York, New York</td><td>10005</td></tr><tr><td>(Address of Principal Executive Offices)</td><td>(Zip Code)</td></tr></table>

(212) 859-7000

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

<table><tr><td colspan="3">SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:</td></tr><tr><td>Title of Each Class</td><td colspan="2">Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered</td></tr><tr><td>Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value</td><td colspan="2">New York Stock Exchange</td></tr></table>

<table><tr><td colspan="3">SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">NONE</td></tr></table>

<table><tr><td>Indicate by check mark</td><td>YES</td><td>NO</td></tr><tr><td>• if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.</td><td>✓</td><td>☐</td></tr><tr><td>• if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.</td><td>☐</td><td>✓</td></tr><tr><td>• Note—Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act from their obligations under those Sections.</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>• whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for 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.</td><td>✓</td><td>☐</td></tr><tr><td>• whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).</td><td>✓</td><td>☐</td></tr><tr><td>• if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant&#x27;s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.</td><td>☐</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>• whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of &quot;large accelerated filer,&quot; &quot;accelerated filer&quot; and &quot;smaller reporting company&quot; in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Large accelerated filer ✓</td><td>Accelerated filer ☐</td><td>Non-accelerated filer ☐ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)</td></tr><tr><td>• whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).</td><td>☐</td><td>✓</td></tr></table>

The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $2,844 million at June 30, 2012 based on the closing sale price of $34.84 per share for the common stock on such date as traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

The number of shares of the registrant's Common Stock outstanding at February 15, 2013 was 78,809,750.

## DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Certain information contained in the definitive proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 9, 2013 (2013 Proxy Statement) is incorporated by reference into Part III hereof.



Amounts are presented in United States of America (“U.S.”) dollars and all amounts are in thousands, except for number of shares, per share amounts, registered holders, number of employees, beneficial owners, number of securities in an unrealized loss position and number of loans.

## Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements under “Business,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in this report, particularly those anticipating future financial performance, business prospects, growth and operating strategies and similar matters, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by the fact that they may use words such as “will,” “may,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “targets,” “forecasts,” “potential,” “approximately,” or the negative version of those words and other words and terms with a similar meaning. Any forward-looking statements contained in this report are based upon our historical performance and on current plans, estimates and expectations. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the future plans, estimates or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. Our actual results might differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or other developments.

In addition to the factors described under “Critical Factors Affecting Results,” the following risk factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those currently estimated by management:

(i) actions by governmental agencies or government sponsored entities or other circumstances, including pending regulatory matters affecting our lender-placed insurance business, that could result in reductions of the premium rates we charge, increases in the claims we pay, fines or penalties, or other expenses;

(ii) the effects of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, and the rules and regulations thereunder, on our health and employee benefits businesses;

(iii) loss of significant client relationships, distribution sources and contracts;

(iv) unfavorable outcomes in litigation and/or regulatory investigations that could negatively affect our business and reputation;

(v) current or new laws and regulations that could increase our costs and decrease our revenues;

(vi) a decline in our credit or financial strength ratings (including the risk of ratings downgrades in the insurance industry);

(vii) deterioration in the Company’s market capitalization compared to its book value that could result in further impairment of goodwill;
(viii) risks related to outsourcing activities;

(ix) failure to attract and retain sales representatives or key managers;

(x) losses due to natural or man-made catastrophes;

(xi) general global economic, financial market and political conditions (including difficult conditions in financial, capital, credit and currency markets, the global economic slowdown, fluctuations in interest rates or a prolonged period of low interest rates, monetary policies, unemployment and inflationary pressure);

(xii) inadequacy of reserves established for future claims;

(xiii) failure to predict or manage benefits, claims and other costs;

(xiv) uncertain tax positions and unexpected tax liabilities;

(xv) fluctuations in exchange rates and other risks related to our international operations;

(xvi) unavailability, inadequacy and unaffordable pricing of reinsurance coverage;

(xvii) significant competitive pressures in our businesses;

(xviii) diminished value of invested assets in our investment portfolio (due to, among other things, volatility in financial markets; the global economic slowdown; credit, currency and liquidity risk; other than temporary impairments and increases in interest rates);

(xix) insolvency of third parties to whom we have sold or may sell businesses through reinsurance or modified co-insurance;

(xx) inability of reinsurers to meet their obligations;

(xxi) credit risk of some of our agents in Assurant Specialty Property and Assurant Solutions;

(xxii) cyber security threats and cyber attacks;

(xxiii) failure to effectively maintain and modernize our information systems;

(xxiv) data breaches compromising client information and privacy;

(xxv) failure to find and integrate suitable acquisitions and new ventures;

(xxvi) inability of our subsidiaries to pay sufficient dividends;

(xxvii) failure to provide for succession of senior management and key executives; and

(xxviii) cyclicality of the insurance industry.

For a more detailed discussion of the risk factors that could affect our actual results, please refer to “Critical Factors Affecting Results” in Item 7 and “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Form 10-K.



Information in this report for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008 has been revised, as applicable, for the retrospective application of the Company's adoption of the amendments to existing guidance on accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. See Note 2 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

Unless the context otherwise requires, references to the terms “Assurant,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to our consolidated operations.

## ITEM 1 Business

Assurant, Inc. is a Delaware corporation formed in connection with the initial public offering (“IPO”) of its common stock, which began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on February 5, 2004. Prior to the IPO, Fortis, Inc., a Nevada corporation, formed Assurant and merged into it on February 4, 2004.

Assurant is a provider of specialized insurance products and related services in North America and select worldwide markets. Our four operating segments—Assurant Solutions, Assurant Specialty Property, Assurant Health, and Assurant Employee Benefits—partner with clients who are leaders in their industries and build leadership positions in a number of specialty insurance market segments. These segments provide debt protection administration; credit-related insurance; warranties and service contracts; pre-funded funeral insurance; solar project insurance; lender-placed homeowners insurance; renters insurance and related products; manufactured housing homeowners insurance; individual health and small employer group health insurance; group dental insurance; group disability insurance; and group life insurance.

Assurant’s mission is to be the premier provider of specialized insurance products and related services in North America and select worldwide markets. To achieve this mission, we focus on the following areas:

## Building and managing a portfolio of specialty insurance businesses

Our four operating segments are focused on serving specific sectors of the insurance market. We continue to develop and add specialty market leadership positions where we can meet unserved consumers needs, achieve superior returns, and leverage enterprise resources. We believe that the diversity of our businesses helps us to maintain financial stability because our businesses will generally not be affected in the same way by the same economic and operating trends.

## Leveraging a set of core capabilities for competitive advantage

We pursue a strategy of building leading positions in specialized market segments for insurance products and related services by applying our core capabilities to create competitive advantages—managing risk; managing relationships with large distribution partners; and integrating complex administrative systems. These core capabilities represent areas of expertise that are advantages within each of our businesses. We seek to generate attractive returns by building on specialized market knowledge, well-established distribution relationships and, in some businesses, economies of scale.

## Managing targeted growth initiatives

Our approach to mergers, acquisitions and other growth opportunities reflects our prudent and disciplined approach to managing our capital. Our mergers, acquisitions and business development process targets new business that complements or supports our existing business model. We balance investing in our businesses with returning capital to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.

## Identifying and adapting to evolving market needs

Assurant’s businesses strive to adapt to changing market conditions by tailoring product and service offerings to specific client and customer needs. By understanding consumer dynamics in our core markets, we seek to design innovative products and services that will enable us to sustain long-term profitable growth and market leading positions.



## Competition

Assurant’s businesses focus on niche products and related services within broader insurance markets. Although we face competition in each of our businesses, we believe that no single competitor competes against us in all of our business lines. The business lines in which we operate are generally characterized by a limited number of competitors. Competition in each business is based on a number of factors, including quality of service, product features, price, scope of distribution, financial strength ratings and name recognition. The relative importance of these factors varies by product and market. We compete for customers and

## Segments

distributors with insurance companies and other financial services companies in our businesses.

Competitors of Assurant Solutions and Assurant Specialty Property include insurance companies and financial institutions. Assurant Health’s main competitors are other health insurance companies, Health Maintenance Organizations (“HMOs”) and the Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans in states where we write business. Assurant Employee Benefits’ competitors include other benefit and life insurance companies, dental managed care entities and not-for-profit dental plans.

For additional information on our segments, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations” and Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report.

## Assurant Solutions

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">For the Years Ended</td></tr><tr><td>December 31, 2012</td><td>December 31, 2011</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net earned premiums and other considerations for selected product groupings:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Domestic extended service contracts and warranties \( ^{(1)} \)</td><td>$ 1,260,578</td><td>$ 1,198,510</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>International extended service contracts and warranties \( ^{(1)} \)</td><td>556,207</td><td>495,853</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Preneed life insurance</td><td>80,978</td><td>101,722</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Domestic credit insurance</td><td>165,765</td><td>173,287</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>International credit insurance</td><td>425,078</td><td>391,124</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other</td><td>90,614</td><td>77,911</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 2,579,220</td><td>$ 2,438,407</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Segment net income</td><td>$ 123,753</td><td>$ 136,050</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Combined ratio \( ^{(2)} \) :</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Domestic</td><td>98.9%</td><td>97.3%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>International</td><td>104.8%</td><td>104.0%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Equity \( ^{(3)} \)</td><td>$ 1,335,819</td><td>$ 1,316,957</td><td></td></tr></table>

(1) Extended service contracts include warranty contracts for products such as mobile phones, personal computers, consumer electronics, appliances, automobiles and recreational vehicles.
(2) The combined ratio is equal to total benefits, losses and expenses divided by net earned premiums and other considerations and fees and other income excluding the preneed business.

(3) Equity excludes accumulated other comprehensive income.

## Products and Services

Assurant Solutions targets growth in three key product areas: domestic and international extended service contracts (“ESC”) and warranties; preneed life insurance; and international credit insurance.

## ESC and Warranties

Through partnerships with leading retailers and original equipment manufacturers, we underwrite and provide administrative services for ESC and warranties. These contracts provide consumers with coverage on mobile phones, personal computers, consumer electronics, appliances, automobiles and recreational vehicles, protecting them from certain covered losses. We pay the cost of repairing or replacing customers' property in the event of mechanical breakdown, accidental damage, and casualty losses such as theft, fire, and water damage. Our strategy is to provide service to our clients that addresses all aspects of the ESC or warranty, including program design and marketing strategy. We provide administration, claims handling and customer service. We believe that we maintain a differentiated position in this marketplace as a provider of both the required administrative infrastructure and insurance underwriting capabilities.

## Preneed Life Insurance

Preneed life insurance allows individuals to prepay for a funeral in a single payment or in multiple payments over a fixed number of years. The insurance policy proceeds are used to address funeral costs at death. These products are only sold in the U.S. and Canada and are generally structured as whole life insurance policies in the U.S. and annuity products in Canada.



## Credit Insurance

Our credit insurance products offer protection from life events and uncertainties that arise in purchasing and borrowing transactions. Credit insurance programs generally offer consumers the option to protect a credit card balance or installment loan in the event of death, involuntary unemployment or disability, and are generally available to all consumers without the underwriting restrictions that apply to term life insurance.

Regulatory changes have reduced the demand for credit insurance in the U.S. Consequently, we continue to experience a reduction in credit insurance domestic gross written premiums, a trend we expect to continue. Although there has been contraction in the domestic credit insurance market, several international markets are experiencing growth in the credit insurance business.

## Marketing and Distribution

Assurant Solutions focuses on establishing strong, long-term relationships with leading distributors of its products and services. We partner with some of the largest consumer electronics and appliance retailers and original equipment manufacturers to market our ESC and warranty products. In our preneed business, we have an exclusive relationship with Services Corporation International (“SCI”), the largest funeral provider in North America.

Several of our distribution agreements are exclusive. Typically these agreements have terms of one to five years and allow us to integrate our administrative systems with those of our clients. In addition to the domestic market, we operate in Canada, the United Kingdom (“U.K.”), Ireland, Argentina, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Chile, Germany, Spain, Italy, Mexico, China, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador. In these markets, we primarily sell ESC and credit insurance products through agreements with financial institutions, retailers and wireless service providers. Expertise gained in both our domestic credit insurance and ESC and warranty markets have enabled us to extend our administrative infrastructure internationally. Systems, training, computer hardware and our overall market development approach are customized to fit the particular needs of each targeted international market.

## Underwriting and Risk Management

We write a significant portion of our contracts on a retrospective commission basis. This allows us to adjust commissions based on claims experience. Under these commission arrangements, the compensation of our clients is based upon the actual losses incurred compared to premiums earned after a specified net allowance to us. We believe that these arrangements better align our clients' interests with ours and help us to better manage risk exposure.

Profits from our preneed life insurance programs are generally earned from interest rate spreads—the difference between the death benefit growth rates on underlying policies and the investment returns generated on the assets we hold related to those policies. To manage these spreads, we regularly adjust pricing to reflect changes in new money yields.

## Assurant Specialty Property

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">For the Years Ended</td></tr><tr><td>December 31, 2012</td><td>December 31, 2011</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net earned premiums and other considerations by major product grouping:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowners (lender-placed and voluntary)</td><td>$     1,418,061</td><td>$     1,274,485</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Manufactured housing (lender-placed and voluntary)</td><td>207,675</td><td>216,613</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other(1)</td><td>428,305</td><td>413,540</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$     2,054,041</td><td>$     1,904,638</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Segment net income</td><td>$     304,951</td><td>$     303,723</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Loss ratio(2)</td><td>46.2%</td><td>45.0%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Expense ratio(3)</td><td>39.2%</td><td>38.8%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Combined ratio(4)</td><td>83.3%</td><td>82.0%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Equity(5)</td><td>$     1,202,576</td><td>$     1,093,642</td><td></td></tr></table>

(1) Other primarily includes multi-family housing, lender-placed flood, and miscellaneous insurance products.

(2) The loss ratio is equal to policyholder benefits divided by net earned premiums and other considerations.

(3) The expense ratio is equal to selling, underwriting and general expenses divided by net earned premiums and other considerations and fees and other income. (Fees and other income are not included in the above table.)

(4) The combined ratio is equal to total benefits, losses and expenses divided by net earned premiums and other considerations and fees and other income. (Fees and other income are not included in the above table.)

(5) Equity excludes accumulated other comprehensive income.



## Products and Services

Assurant Specialty Property’s business strategy is to pursue long-term growth in lender-placed homeowners insurance, and adjacent markets with similar characteristics, such as renters insurance and resident bond products (collectively “multi-family housing insurance products”) and lender-placed flood insurance. Assurant Specialty Property also writes other specialty products.

## Lender-placed and voluntary homeowners insurance

The largest product line within Assurant Specialty Property is homeowners insurance, consisting principally of fire and dwelling hazard insurance offered through our lender-placed programs. The lender-placed program provides collateral protection to lenders, mortgage servicers and investors in mortgaged properties in the event that a homeowner does not maintain insurance on a mortgaged dwelling. Lender-placed insurance coverage is not limited to the outstanding loan balance; it provides structural coverage, similar to that of a standard homeowners policy. The amount of coverage is based on the last known insurance coverage under the prior policy for the property, and provides replacement cost coverage on the property and thus ensures that a home can be repaired or rebuilt in the event of damage. It protects both the lender's interest and the borrower's interest and equity. We also provide insurance on foreclosed properties managed by our clients. This type of insurance is Real Estate Owned ("REO") insurance. This market experienced significant growth in recent years as a result of the housing crisis, but is now stabilizing.

In the majority of cases, we use a proprietary insurance-tracking administration system linked with the administrative systems of our clients to monitor the clients' mortgage portfolios to verify the existence of insurance on each mortgaged property and identify those that are uninsured. We earn fee income for these administrative services. If there is a potential lapse in insurance coverage, we begin a process of notification and outreach to both the homeowner and the last-known insurance carrier or agent through phone calls and written correspondence. This process usually takes 75 days to complete. If coverage cannot be verified at the end of this process, the lender procures a lender-placed policy for which the homeowner is responsible for paying the related premiums. The percentage of insurance policies placed to loans tracked represents our placement rates. The homeowner is still encouraged, and always maintains the option, to obtain or renew the insurance of his or her choice.

To meet the changing needs of the lending and housing industries, we are working with regulators to introduce a next generation lender-placed homeowners product to address some of the unanticipated issues that developed during the housing crisis. This product combines flexibility and best practices to address the concerns of various parties. The product contains expanded geographic ratings within each state to further differentiate rates for properties more exposed to catastrophes from those where the risk is lower, added premium rating flexibility from deductible options that can be modified based on factors such as coverage amount and delinquency status, and continued enhancements to our already extensive customer notification process to make it more clear to borrowers when they have lender-placed insurance.

## Lender-placed and voluntary manufactured housing insurance

Manufactured housing insurance is offered on a lender-placed and voluntary basis. Lender-placed insurance is issued after an insurance tracking process similar to that described above. The tracking is performed by Assurant Specialty Property using a proprietary insurance tracking administration system, or by the lenders themselves. A number of manufactured housing retailers in the U.S. use our proprietary premium rating technology to assist them in selling property coverage at the point of sale.

## Other insurance

We believe there are opportunities to apply our lender-placed business model to other products and services. We have developed products in adjacent and emerging markets, such as the lender-placed flood and multi-family housing insurance products. We also act as an administrator for the U.S. Government under the voluntary National Flood Insurance Program, for which we earn a fee for collecting premiums and processing claims. This business is 100% reinsured to the U.S. Government.

## Marketing and Distribution

Assurant Specialty Property establishes long-term relationships with leading mortgage lenders and servicers. The majority of our lender-placed agreements are exclusive. Typically, these agreements have terms of three to five years and allow us to integrate our systems with those of our clients.

We offer our manufactured housing insurance programs primarily through manufactured housing lenders and retailers, along with independent specialty agents. The independent specialty agents distribute flood products and miscellaneous specialty property products. Multifamily housing products are distributed primarily through property management companies and affinity marketing partners.

## Underwriting and Risk Management

Our lender-placed homeowners insurance program and certain of our manufactured housing products are not underwritten on an individual policy basis. Contracts with our clients require us to issue these policies automatically when a borrower's insurance coverage is not maintained. These products are priced to factor in the lack of individual policy underwriting. We monitor pricing adequacy based on a variety of factors and adjust pricing as required, subject to regulatory constraints.

Because several of our product lines (such as homeowners, manufactured housing, and other property policies) are exposed to catastrophe risks, we purchase reinsurance coverage to protect the capital of Assurant Specialty Property and to mitigate earnings volatility. Our reinsurance program generally incorporates a provision to allow the reinstatement of coverage, which provides protection against the risk of multiple catastrophes in a single year.



## Assurant Health

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">For the Years Ended</td></tr><tr><td>December 31, 2012</td><td>December 31, 2011</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net earned premiums and other considerations:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Individual markets</td><td>$ 1,178,878</td><td>$ 1,251,447</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Small employer group</td><td>410,581</td><td>466,853</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 1,589,459</td><td>$ 1,718,300</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Segment net income</td><td>$ 52,000</td><td>$ 40,886</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Loss ratio \( ^{(1)} \)</td><td>73.9%</td><td>74.0%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Expense ratio \( ^{(2)} \)</td><td>26.0%</td><td>26.3%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Combined ratio \( ^{(3)} \)</td><td>98.5%</td><td>98.8%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Equity \( ^{(4)} \)</td><td>$ 304,166</td><td>$ 405,200</td><td></td></tr></table>

(1) The loss ratio is equal to policyholder benefits divided by net earned premiums and other considerations.

(2) The expense ratio is equal to selling, underwriting and general expenses divided by net earned premiums and other considerations and fees and other income. (Fees and other income are not included in the above table.)

(3) The combined ratio is equal to total benefits, losses and expenses divided by net earned premiums and other considerations and fees and other income. (Fees and other income are not included in the above table.)

(4) Equity excludes accumulated other comprehensive income.

## Products and Services

Assurant Health competes in the individual medical insurance market by offering major medical insurance, short-term medical insurance, and limited benefit coverages to individuals and families. Our products are offered with different plan options to meet a broad range of customer needs and levels of affordability. Assurant Health also offers medical insurance to small employer groups.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, and the rules and regulations thereunder (together, “the Affordable Care Act”) were signed into law in March 2010 and represent significant changes to the U.S. health care system. The legislation is far-reaching and is intended to expand access to health insurance coverage over time. The legislation includes requirements that most individuals obtain health insurance coverage beginning in 2014 and that most large employers offer coverage to their employees or they will be required to pay a financial penalty. In addition, the new laws encompass certain new taxes and fees, including limitations on the amount of executive compensation that is tax deductible and new fees which may not be deductible for income tax purposes. We believe that the Act will lead to sweeping and fundamental changes to the U.S. health care system and the health insurance industry.

The legislation will also impose new requirements and restrictions, including, but not limited to, guaranteed coverage requirements, prohibitions on some annual and all lifetime limits on amounts paid on behalf of or to our members, increased restrictions on rescinding coverage, the establishment of minimum medical loss ratio (“MLR”) requirements, the establishment of state insurance exchanges and essential benefit packages, and greater limitations on product pricing.

One provision of the Affordable Care Act, effective January 1, 2011, established a MLR designed to ensure that a minimum percentage of premiums is paid for clinical services or health care quality improvement activities. The Affordable Care Act established a MLR of 80% for individual and small group business and 85% for large group business. If the actual loss ratios, calculated in a manner prescribed by the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”), are less than the required MLR, premium rebates are payable to the policyholders by August 1 of the subsequent year. Although the HHS has issued final regulations to implement the MLR and rebate provisions of the Affordable Care Act, certain issues remain to be fully clarified, including further clarification on the state insurance exchanges, the risk mitigation programs, essential benefit package requirements, the actuarial value calculations, and the new fees to be enacted.

Although the dynamics and characteristics of the post-reform market will be different, we believe there are still significant opportunities for Assurant Health to sell individual medical insurance products. Specialty expertise will still be required and we believe that we can earn adequate profits in this business over the long-term, without making large commitments of capital. In order to achieve these goals, we have taken significant steps to reduce operating and distribution costs and modify our product lines. We have reduced operating costs significantly and redesigned our product portfolio to offer certain supplemental and affordable choice products, and we continue to build on these efforts. We may refine our strategy as new regulations are issued or additional regulatory agency actions are taken in the wake of the Affordable Care Act. The full impact of the Act will not be known for many years.

## Individual Medical

Our medical insurance products are sold to individuals, primarily between the ages of 18 and 64, and their families, who do not have employer-sponsored coverage. We offer a wide variety of benefit plans at different price points, which allow customers to tailor their coverage to fit their unique needs.

## Small Employer Group Medical

Our group medical insurance is primarily sold to small companies with two to fifty employees, although larger employer coverage is available. As of December 31, 2012, our average group size was approximately five employees.

Effective in March 2012 we entered into a new provider network arrangement with Aetna Signature Administrators \( ^{®} \) . This multi-year agreement provides our major medical customers with access to more



than one million health care providers and 7,500 hospitals nationwide. Access to this network has enhanced the competitiveness of Assurant Health for individuals, families, and small groups.

## Marketing and Distribution

Our health insurance products are principally marketed through a network of independent agents. We also market through a variety of exclusive and non-exclusive national account relationships and direct distribution channels. Since 2000, we have had an exclusive national marketing agreement with a major mutual insurance company whose captive agents market our individual health products. This agreement expires in September 2018 and allows either company to exit the agreement with six months notice. We provide many of our products through a well-known association’s administrator under an agreement that automatically renews annually.

## Assurant Employee Benefits

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">For the Years Ended</td></tr><tr><td>December 31, 2012</td><td>December 31, 2011</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net Earned Premiums and Other Considerations:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Group disability \( ^{(1)} \)</td><td>409,757</td><td>449,293</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Group dental</td><td>394,413</td><td>412,339</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Group life</td><td>188,246</td><td>193,914</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Group vision and supplemental products</td><td>21,848</td><td>8,477</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>1,014,264</td><td>1,064,023</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Segment net income</td><td>58,059</td><td>43,075</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Loss ratio \( ^{(2)} \)</td><td>68.3%</td><td>72.2%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Expense ratio \( ^{(3)} \)</td><td>37.4%</td><td>35.4%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Equity \( ^{(4)} \)</td><td>578,757</td><td>616,185</td><td></td></tr></table>

(1) Includes single premiums for closed blocks.

(2) The loss ratio is equal to policyholder benefits divided by net earned premiums and other considerations.

(3) The expense ratio is equal to selling, underwriting and general expenses divided by net earned premiums and other considerations and fees and other income. (Fees and other income are not included in the above table.)

(4) Equity excludes accumulated other comprehensive income.

## Products and Services

Assurant Employee Benefits offers group disability, dental, vision, life and supplemental products as well as individual dental products. The group products are offered with funding options ranging from fully employer-paid to fully employee-paid (voluntary). In addition, we reinsure disability and life products through our wholly owned subsidiary, Disability Reinsurance Management Services, Inc. (“DRMS”).

We focus on the needs of the small to mid-size employer. We believe that our group risk selection expertise, administrative systems, and strong relationships with brokers who work primarily with small to mid-size businesses give us a competitive advantage versus other carriers in this market.

## Group Disability

Group disability insurance provides partial replacement of lost earnings for insured employees who become disabled, as defined by their plan provisions. Our products include both short- and long-term disability coverage options. We also reinsure disability policies written by other carriers through our DRMS subsidiary.

## Underwriting and Risk Management

Following the passage of the Affordable Care Act, many of the traditional risk management techniques used to manage the risks of providing health insurance have become less relevant. The Affordable Care Act places several constraints on underwriting and mandates minimum levels of benefits for most medical coverage. It also imposes minimum loss ratio standards on many of our policies. Assurant Health has taken steps to adjust its products, pricing and business practices to comply with the new requirements.

Please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Assurant Health” and “Risk Factors—Risks Related to our Industry—Reform of the health insurance industry could materially reduce the profitability of certain of our businesses” for further details.

## Group Dental

Dental benefit plans provide funding for necessary or elective dental care. Customers may select a traditional indemnity arrangement, a PPO arrangement, or a prepaid or managed care arrangement. Coverage is subject to deductibles, coinsurance and annual or lifetime maximums. In a prepaid plan, members must use participating dentists in order to receive benefits.

Success in the group dental business is heavily dependent on a strong provider network. Assurant Employee Benefits owns and operates Dental Health Alliance, L.L.C. (“DHA”), a leading dental Preferred Provider Organization (“PPO”) network. An agreement with Aetna allows us to use Aetna’s Dental Access \( ^{®} \)  network, which we believe increases the attractiveness of our products in the marketplace. In 2012, we announced a new network access agreement with United Concordia Dental that provides Assurant members access to United Concordia’s Advantage Plus network of providers in conjunction with the DHA network, further increasing the overall network size and strength of Assurant Employee Benefits dental offering.



## Group Life

Group term life insurance provided through the workplace provides benefits in the event of death. We also provide accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Insurance consists primarily of renewable term life insurance with the amount of coverage provided being either a flat amount, a multiple of the employee’s earnings, or a combination of the two. We also reinsure life policies written by other carriers through DRMS.

## Group Vision and Supplemental Products

Fully-insured vision coverage is offered through our agreement with Vision Service Plan, Inc., a leading national supplier of vision insurance. Our plans cover eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses and are usually sold in combination with one or more of our other products. In addition to the traditional voluntary products, we provide group critical illness, cancer, accident, and gap insurance. These products are generally paid for by the employee through payroll deductions, and the employee is enrolled in the coverage(s) at the worksite.

## Marketing and Distribution

Our products and services are distributed through a group sales force located in 34 offices near major metropolitan areas. Our sales representatives distribute our products and services through independent brokers and employee-benefits advisors. Daily account management

## Ratings

Independent rating organizations periodically review the financial strength of insurers, including our insurance subsidiaries. Financial strength ratings represent the opinions of rating agencies regarding the ability of an insurance company to meet its financial obligations to policyholders and contractholders. These ratings are not applicable to our common stock or debt securities. Ratings are an important factor in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies.

Rating agencies also use an “outlook statement” of “positive,” “stable,” “negative” or “developing” to indicate a medium- or long-term trend in credit fundamentals which, if continued, may lead to a rating change. A rating may have a stable outlook to indicate that the rating is not expected to change; however, a stable rating does not preclude a rating agency from changing a rating at any time, without notice.
is provided through local sales offices, further supported by regional sales support centers and a home office customer service department. Broker compensation in some cases includes an annual performance incentive, based on volume and retention of business.

DRMS provides turnkey group disability and life insurance solutions to insurance carriers that want to supplement their core product offerings. Our services include product development, state insurance regulatory filings, underwriting, claims management, and other functions typically performed by an insurer’s back office. Assurant Employee Benefits reinsures the risks written by DRMS’ clients, with the clients generally retaining shares that vary by contract.

## Underwriting and Risk Management

The pricing of our products is based on the expected cost of benefits, calculated using assumptions for mortality, morbidity, interest, expenses and persistency, and other underwriting factors. Our block of business is diversified by industry and geographic location, which serves to limit some of the risks associated with changing economic conditions.

Disability claims management focuses on helping claimants return to work through a supportive network of services that may include physical therapy, vocational rehabilitation, and workplace accommodation. We employ or contract with a staff of doctors, nurses and vocational rehabilitation specialists, and use a broad range of additional outside medical and vocational experts to assist our claim specialists.

Most of our active domestic operating insurance subsidiaries are rated by the A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”). In addition, six of our domestic operating insurance subsidiaries are also rated by Moody’s Investor Services (“Moody’s”) and seven are rated by Standard & Poor’s Inc., a division of McGraw Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”).

For further information on the risks of ratings downgrades, see “Item 1A—Risk Factors—Risks Related to our Company—A.M. Best, Moody’s and S&P rate the financial strength of our insurance company subsidiaries, and a decline in these ratings could affect our standing in the insurance industry and cause our sales and earnings to decrease.”

The following table summarizes our financial strength ratings and outlook as of December 31, 2012:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2">Outlook</td><td>A.M. Best \( ^{(1)} \)</td><td>Moody’s \( ^{(2)} \)</td><td>Standard &amp; Poor’s \( ^{(3)} \)</td></tr><tr><td>Stable</td><td>(4)</td><td>(5)</td></tr><tr><td>COMPANY</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>American Bankers Insurance Company</td><td>A</td><td>A2</td><td>A-</td></tr><tr><td>American Bankers Life Assurance Company</td><td>A-</td><td>A3</td><td>A-</td></tr><tr><td>American Memorial Life Insurance Company</td><td>A-</td><td>N/A</td><td>A-</td></tr><tr><td>American Reliable Insurance Company</td><td>A</td><td>N/A</td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>American Security Insurance Company</td><td>A</td><td>A2</td><td>A-</td></tr><tr><td>Assurant Life of Canada</td><td>A-</td><td>N/A</td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>Caribbean American Life Assurance Company</td><td>A-</td><td>N/A</td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>Caribbean-American Property Insurance Company</td><td>A</td><td>N/A</td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>John Alden Life Insurance Company</td><td>A-</td><td>A3</td><td>BBB</td></tr><tr><td>Reliable Lloyds</td><td>A</td><td>N/A</td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>Standard Guaranty Insurance Company</td><td>A</td><td>N/A</td><td>N/A</td></tr></table>



<table><tr><td rowspan="2">Outlook</td><td>A.M. Best \( ^{(1)} \)</td><td>Moody&#x27;s \( ^{(2)} \)</td><td>Standard &amp; Poor&#x27;s \( ^{(3)} \)</td></tr><tr><td>Stable</td><td>(4)</td><td>(5)</td></tr><tr><td>Time Insurance Company</td><td>A-</td><td>A3</td><td>BBB</td></tr><tr><td>UDC Dental California</td><td>A-</td><td>N/A</td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>Union Security Dental Care New Jersey</td><td>A-</td><td>N/A</td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>Union Security Insurance Company</td><td>A-</td><td>A3</td><td>A-</td></tr><tr><td>Union Security Life Insurance Company of New York</td><td>A-</td><td>N/A</td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>United Dental Care of Arizona</td><td>A-</td><td>N/A</td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>United Dental Care Colorado</td><td>A-</td><td>N/A</td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>United Dental Care of Michigan</td><td>NR</td><td>N/A</td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>United Dental Care of Missouri</td><td>A-</td><td>N/A</td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>United Dental Care of New Mexico</td><td>A-</td><td>N/A</td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>United Dental Care Ohio</td><td>NR</td><td>N/A</td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>United Dental Care of Texas</td><td>A-</td><td>N/A</td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>United Dental Care of Utah</td><td>NR</td><td>N/A</td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>Voyager Indemnity Insurance Company</td><td>A</td><td>N/A</td><td>N/A</td></tr></table>

(1) A.M. Best financial strength ratings range from "A+" ("superior") to "S" ("suspended"). Ratings of A and A- fall under the "excellent" category, which is the second highest of ten ratings categories.

(2) Moody's insurance financial strength ratings range from "Aaa" (exceptional) to "C" (extreme) poor). A numeric modifier may be appended to ratings from "Aa" to "Caa" to indicate relative position within a category, with 1 being the highest and 3 being the lowest. Ratings of A2 and A3 are considered "good" and fall within the third highest of the nine ratings categories.

(3) S&P's insurer financial strength ratings range from "AAA" (extremely strong) to "R" (under regulatory supervision). A "+" or "-" may be appended to ratings from categories AA to CCC to indicate relative position within a category. Ratings of A- (strong) and BBB+ (adequate) are within the third and fourth highest of the nine ratings categories, respectively.

(4) Moody's has a stable outlook on all of the ratings of the above entities, except for John Alden Life Insurance Company and Time Insurance Company, which have a negative outlook.

(5) S&P has a positive outlook on all of the ratings of the above entities, except for John Alden Life Insurance Company, Time Insurance Company and Union Security Insurance Company, which have a stable outlook.

## Enterprise Risk Management

As an insurer, we are exposed to a wide variety of financial, operational and other risks, as described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors.” Enterprise risk management (“ERM”) is, therefore, a key component of our business strategies, policies, and procedures. Our ERM process is an iterative approach with the following key phases:

1. Risk identification;

2. High-level estimation of risk likelihood and severity;

3. Risk prioritization at the business and enterprise levels;

4. Scenario analysis and detailed modeling of likelihood and severity for key enterprise risks;

5. Utilization of quantitative results and subject matter expert opinion to help guide business strategy and decision making.

Through our ERM process and our enterprise risk quantification model we monitor a variety of risk metrics on an ongoing basis, with a particular focus on impact to net income (both GAAP and Statutory), company value and the potential need for capital infusions to subsidiaries under severe stress scenarios.

The Company’s ERM activities are coordinated by an Enterprise Risk Management Committee (“ERMC”), which includes managers from across the Company with knowledge of the Company’s business activities, including representation from Legal, Compliance, Actuarial, Audit, Finance, and Asset Management. The ERMC develops risk assessment and risk management policies and procedures. It facilitates the identification, reporting and prioritizing of risks faced by the Company, and is responsible for promoting a risk-aware culture throughout the organization. The ERMC also coordinates with each of the Company’s four Business Unit Risk Committees (“BURCs”), which meet regularly and are responsible for the identification of significant risks affecting their respective business units. Those risks which meet our internally-defined escalation criteria, including emerging risks, are then reported to the ERMC.

Our Board of Directors and senior management are responsible for overseeing significant enterprise risks. The ERMC reports regularly to the Chief Executive Officer and presents its work periodically to both the Board of Directors and the Finance and Investment Committee.

Through the use of regular committee meetings, business unit and enterprise risk inventory templates, business unit monthly risk reports, an enterprise risk dashboard, hypothetical scenario analysis, and quantitative modeling, the Company strives to identify, track, quantify, communicate and manage our key risks within prescribed tolerances.

Our ERM process continues to evolve, and, when appropriate, we incorporate methodology changes, policy modifications and emerging best practices on an ongoing basis.

## Regulation

The Company is subject to extensive federal, state and international regulation and supervision in the jurisdictions where it does business. Regulations vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The following is a summary of significant regulations that apply to our businesses and is not intended to be a comprehensive review of every regulation to which the Company is subject. For information on the risks associated with regulations applicable to the Company, please see Item 1A, "Risk Factors."



## U.S. Insurance Regulation

We are subject to the insurance holding company laws in the states where our insurance companies are domiciled. These laws generally require insurance companies within the insurance holding company system to register with the insurance departments of their respective states of domicile and to furnish reports to such insurance departments regarding capital structure, ownership, financial condition, general business operations and intercompany transactions. These laws also require that transactions between affiliated companies be fair and equitable. In addition, certain intercompany transactions, changes of control, certain dividend payments and transfers of assets between the companies within the holding company system are subject to prior notice to, or approval by, state regulatory authorities.

Like all U.S. insurance companies, our insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulation and supervision in the jurisdictions in which they do business. In general, this regulation is designed to protect the interests of policyholders, and not necessarily the interests of shareholders and other investors. To that end, the laws of the various states and other jurisdictions establish insurance departments with broad powers with respect to such things as:

• licensing and authorizing companies and intermediaries (including agents and brokers) to transact business;

• regulating capital, surplus and dividend requirements;

• regulating underwriting limitations;

• regulating companies’ ability to enter and exit markets or to provide, terminate or cancel certain coverages;

• imposing statutory accounting and annual statement disclosure requirements;

• regulating product types and approving policy forms and mandating certain insurance benefits;

• regulating premium rates, including the ability to disapprove or reduce the premium rates companies may charge;

• regulating claims practices, including the ability to require companies to pay claims on terms other than those mandated by underlying policy contracts;

• regulating certain transactions between affiliates;

• regulating the form and content of disclosures to consumers;

• regulating the type, amounts and valuation of investments;

• mandating annual tests to analyze adequacy of reserves;

• mandating assessments or other surcharges for guaranty funds and the ability to recover such assessments in the future through premium increases; and

• regulating market conduct and sales practices of insurers and agents.

## Dividend Payment Limitations

Our holding company’s assets consist primarily of the capital stock of our subsidiaries. Accordingly, our holding company’s future cash flows depend upon the availability of dividends and other statutorily permissible payments from our subsidiaries. The ability to pay such dividends and to make such other payments is regulated by the states in which our subsidiaries are domiciled. These dividend regulations vary from state to state and by type of insurance provided by the applicable subsidiary, but generally require our insurance subsidiaries to maintain minimum solvency requirements and limit the amount of dividends these subsidiaries can pay to the holding company. For more information, please see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Regulatory Requirements.”

## Risk Based Capital Requirements

In order to enhance the regulation of insurer solvency, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) has established certain risk-based capital standards applicable to life, health and property and casualty insurers. Risk-based capital, which regulators use to assess the sufficiency of an insurer’s statutory capital, is calculated by applying factors to various asset, premium, expense, liability and reserve items. Factors are higher for items which in the NAIC’s view have greater underlying risk. The NAIC periodically reviews the risk-based capital formula and changes to the formula could occur in the future.

## Investment Regulation

Insurance company investments must comply with applicable laws and regulations that prescribe the kind, quality and concentration of investments. These regulations require diversification of insurance company investment portfolios and limit the amount of investments in certain asset categories.

## Financial Reporting

Regulators closely monitor the financial condition of licensed insurance companies and our insurance subsidiaries are required to file periodic financial reports with insurance regulators. Moreover, states regulate the form and content of these statutory financial statements.

## Products and Coverage

Insurance regulators have broad authority to regulate many aspects of our products and services. For example, some jurisdictions require insurers to provide coverage to persons who would not be considered eligible insurance risks under standard underwriting criteria, dictating the types of insurance and the level of coverage that must be provided to such applicants. Additionally, certain non-insurance products and services, such as service contracts, may be regulated by regulatory bodies other than departments of insurance.

## Pricing and Premium Rates

Nearly all states have insurance laws requiring insurers to file price schedules and policy forms with the state’s regulatory authority. In many cases, these price schedules and/or policy forms must be approved prior to use, and state insurance departments have the power to disapprove increases or require decreases in the premium rates we charge.



## Market Conduct Regulation

Activities of insurers are highly regulated by state insurance laws and regulations, which govern the form and content of disclosure to consumers, advertising, sales practices and complaint handling. State regulatory authorities enforce compliance through periodic market conduct examinations.

## Guaranty Associations and Indemnity Funds

Most states require insurance companies to support guaranty associations or indemnity funds, which are established to pay claims on behalf of insolvent insurance companies. These associations may levy assessments on member insurers. In some states member insurers can recover a portion of these assessments through premium tax offsets and/or policyholder surcharges.

## Insurance Regulatory Initiatives

The NAIC, state regulators and professional organizations have considered and are considering various proposals that may alter or increase state authority to regulate insurance companies and insurance holding companies. Please see Item 1A, “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Industry—Changes in regulation may reduce our profitability and limit our growth” for a discussion of the risks related to such initiatives.

## Federal Regulation

## Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

Although health insurance is generally regulated at the state level, recent legislative actions were taken at the federal level that impose added restrictions on our business, in particular Assurant Health and Assurant Employee Benefits. In March 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. Provisions of the Affordable Care Act and related reforms have and will continue to become effective at various dates over the next several years. These provisions and related impacts include a requirement that we pay premium rebates to customers if the loss ratios for some of our product lines are less than specified percentages; the reduction of agent commissions, and the consequent risk that insurance producers may sell less of our products than they have in the past; changes in the benefits provided under some of our products; elimination of limits on lifetime and annual benefit maximums; a prohibition from imposing any pre-existing condition exclusion as it applies to enrollees under the age of 19 who apply for coverage; limits on our ability to rescind coverage for persons who have misrepresented or omitted material information when they applied for coverage and, after January 1, 2014, elimination of our ability to underwrite health insurance products with certain narrow exceptions; a requirement to offer coverage to any person who applies for such coverage; requirements to include the package of essential health benefits; increased costs to modify and/or sell our products; intensified competitive pressures that limit our ability to increase rates due to state insurance exchanges; significant risk of customer loss; new and higher taxes and fees and limitations on the deductibility of compensation and certain other payments; and the need to operate with a lower expense structure at both the business segment and enterprise level.

## Employee Retirement Income Security Act

Because we provide products and services for certain U.S. employee benefit plans, we are subject to regulation under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”). ERISA places certain requirements on how the Company may do business with employers that maintain employee benefit plans covered by ERISA. Among other things, regulations under ERISA set standards for certain notice and disclosure requirements and for claim processing and appeals. In addition, some of our administrative services and other activities may also be subject to regulation under ERISA.

## HIPAA, HITECH Act and Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, along with its implementing regulations (“HIPAA”), impose various requirements on health insurers, HMOs, health plans and health care providers. Among other things, Assurant Health and Assurant Employee Benefits are subject to HIPAA regulations requiring certain guaranteed issuance and renewability of health insurance coverage for individuals and small groups (generally groups with 50 or fewer employees) and limitations on exclusions based on pre-existing conditions. HIPAA also imposes administrative simplification requirements for electronic transactions.

HIPAA also imposes requirements on health insurers, health plans and health care providers to ensure the privacy and security of protected health information. These privacy and security provisions were further expanded by the privacy provisions contained in the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (the “HITECH Act”) and its accompanying Omnibus Rule enacted in January 2013, which enhances penalties for violations of HIPAA and requires regulated entities to provide notice of security breaches of protected health information to individuals and HHS. In addition, certain of our activities are subject to the privacy regulations of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which, along with regulations adopted thereunder, generally requires insurers to provide customers with notice regarding how their non-public personal health and financial information is used, and to provide them with the opportunity to “opt out” of certain disclosures, if applicable.

## Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

In July 2010, President Obama signed into law the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), which implements comprehensive changes to the regulation of financial services in the U.S. Among other things, Congress created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”). While the CFPB does not have direct jurisdiction over insurance products, it is possible that regulations promulgated by the CFPB may extend its authority more broadly to cover these products and thereby affect the Company or our clients.

In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act establishes a Federal Insurance Office within the Department of the Treasury, headed by a director appointed by the Secretary of the Treasury. While not having a general supervisory or regulatory authority over the business of insurance, the director of this office performs various functions with respect to insurance (other than health insurance) and is required to conduct a study on how to modernize and improve the system of insurance regulation in the U.S., including by increased national uniformity through either a federal charter or effective action by the states.



## International Regulation

We are subject to regulation and supervision of our international operations in various jurisdictions. These regulations, which vary depending on the jurisdiction, include anti-corruption laws; solvency and market conduct regulations; various privacy, insurance, tax, tariff and trade laws and regulations; and corporate, employment, intellectual property and investment laws and regulations.

In addition to the U.S., the Company operates in Canada, the U.K., Ireland, Argentina, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Chile, Germany, Spain, Italy, Mexico and China and our businesses are supervised by local regulatory authorities of these jurisdictions. We also have business activities in Peru, Ecuador and Colombia where we have gained access to these markets by registering certain entities to act as reinsurers.

Our operations in the U.K., for example, are currently subject to regulation by the Financial Services Authority (the “FSA”). Insurers authorized by the FSA are generally permitted to operate throughout the rest of the European Union, subject to satisfying certain FSA requirements and meeting additional local regulatory requirements. As part of recent regulatory reforms, in 2013 the FSA is expected to be replaced by two separate regulatory units. However, this change will not affect our ability to conduct business across the European Union.

We are also subject to certain U.S. and foreign laws applicable to businesses generally, including anti-corruption laws. The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (the “FCPA”) regulates U.S. companies in their dealings with foreign officials, prohibiting bribes and similar practices.

## Other Information

## Customer Concentration

No one customer or group of affiliated customers accounts for 10% or more of the Company’s consolidated revenues.

## Employees

We had approximately 14,600 employees as of February 15, 2013. Assurant Solutions has employees in Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Spain and Mexico that are represented by labor unions and trade organizations. We believe that employee relations are satisfactory.

## Sources of Liquidity

For a discussion of the Company’s sources and uses of funds, see “Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources,” and Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained elsewhere in this report.

## Taxation

For a discussion of tax matters affecting the Company and its operations, see Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained elsewhere in this report.
In addition, the U.K. Anti-Bribery Act, which became effective during 2011, has wide jurisdiction over certain activities that affect the U.K.

## Securities and Corporate Governance Regulation

As a company with publicly-traded securities, Assurant is subject to certain legal and regulatory requirements applicable generally to public companies, including the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) relating to public reporting and disclosure, accounting and financial reporting, and corporate governance matters. Additionally, Assurant, Inc. is subject to the corporate governance laws of Delaware, its state of incorporation.

## Environmental Regulation

Because we own and operate real property, we are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws. Potential environmental liabilities and costs in connection with any required remediation of such properties is an inherent risk in property ownership and operation. Under the laws of several states, contamination of a property may give rise to a lien on the property to secure recovery of the costs of the cleanup, which could have priority over the lien of an existing mortgage against the property and thereby impair our ability to foreclose on that property should the related loan be in default. In addition, under certain circumstances, we may be liable for the costs of addressing releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances at properties securing mortgage loans held by us.

## Financial Information about Reportable Business Segments

For financial information regarding reportable business segments of the Company, see “Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained elsewhere in this report.

## Available Information

Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, the Statements of Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Forms 3, 4 and 5 for our Directors and Officers and all amendments to such reports, filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are available free of charge through the SEC website at www.sec.gov. These documents are also available free of charge through the Investor Relations page of our website (www.assurant.com) as soon as reasonably practicable after filing. Other information found on our website is not part of this or any other report filed with or furnished to the SEC.



## ITEM 1A Risk Factors

Certain factors may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and you should carefully consider them. It is not possible to predict or identify all such factors.

## Risks Related to Our Company

Our revenues and profits may decline if we were unable to maintain relationships with significant clients, distributors and other parties important to the success of our business.

Our relationships and contractual arrangements with significant clients, distributors, original equipment manufacturers, mortgage lenders and loan servicers, and other parties with whom we do business are important to the success of our segments. Many of these arrangements are exclusive and some rely on preferred provider or similar relationships. For example, in Assurant Solutions, we have exclusive relationships with retailers and financial and other institutions through which we distribute our products, including an exclusive distribution relationship with SCI relating to the distribution of our preneed insurance policies. In Assurant Specialty Property, we have exclusive relationships with mortgage lenders and manufactured housing lenders, manufacturers and property managers, and we are eligible to insure loans of government-sponsored entities that are serviced by the mortgage loan servicers with whom we do business. In Assurant Health, we have exclusive distribution relationships for our individual health insurance products with a major mutual insurance company as well as a relationship with a well-known association through which we provide many of our individual health insurance products. We also have a new provider network arrangement with a national PPO network. We also maintain contractual relationships with several separate networks of health and dental care providers, each referred to as a PPO, through which we obtain discounts. In Assurant Employee Benefits, we have relationships through DRMS with group insurance carriers to reinsure their disability and life insurance product offerings. Typically, these relationships and contractual arrangements have terms ranging from one to five years.

Although we believe we have generally been successful in maintaining our clients, distribution and associated relationships, if these parties decline to renew or seek to terminate these arrangements or seek to renew these contracts on terms less favorable to us, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. For example, a loss of one or more of the discount arrangements with PPOs could lead to higher medical or dental costs and/or a loss of members to other medical or dental plans, and the loss of, or change in requirements for, eligibility to insure loans of one or more government-sponsored entities could affect our ability to do business with certain mortgage loan servicers, or the volume or profitability of such business. In addition, we are subject to the risk that these parties may face financial difficulties, reputational issues or problems with respect to their own products and services, which may lead to decreased sales of our products and services. Moreover, if one or more of our clients or distributors consolidate or align themselves with other companies, we may lose business or suffer decreased revenues.

## Sales of our products and services may be reduced if we are unable to attract and retain sales representatives or to develop and maintain distribution sources.

We distribute many of our insurance products and services through a variety of distribution channels, including independent employee benefits specialists, brokers, managing general agents, life agents, financial institutions, mortgage lenders and servicers, retailers, funeral homes, association groups and other third-party marketing organizations.

Our relationships with these distributors are significant both for our revenues and profits. We do not distribute our insurance products and services through captive or affiliated agents. In Assurant Health, we depend in large part on the services of independent agents and brokers and on associations in the marketing of our products. In Assurant Employee Benefits, independent agents and brokers who act as advisors to our customers market and distribute our products. Strong competition exists among insurers to form relationships with agents and brokers of demonstrated ability. We compete with other insurers for relationships with agents, brokers, and other intermediaries primarily on the basis of our financial position, support services, product features, and more generally through our ability to meet the needs of their clients, our customers. Independent agents and brokers are typically not exclusively dedicated to us, but instead usually also market the products of our competitors and therefore we face continued competition from our competitors' products. Moreover, our ability to market our products and services depends on our ability to tailor our channels of distribution to comply with changes in the regulatory environment in which we and such agents and brokers operate.

The minimum loss ratios imposed by the Affordable Care Act compelled health insurers to decrease broker commission levels beginning in 2011. Similarly, the Company decreased its commission levels for distribution channels that market Assurant Health’s individual medical and small employer group medical products. Although the Company believes that its revised commission schedules are competitive with those of other health insurers adapting to the new reform environment, this reduction caused uncertainty among agents during 2012 as they evaluated the effect of new commission levels on their business, which contributed to a decrease in sales. The reduction could pressure our relationship with the distribution channels that we rely on to market our Assurant Health products and/or our ability to attract new brokers and agents, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, many of the agents and brokers who distribute Assurant Employee Benefits products make a large part of their living from sales of health insurance. To the extent that some of them decide to pursue other occupations, the resulting loss of distribution could have a material adverse impact on the sales of Assurant Employee Benefits’ products.



We have our own sales representatives whose distribution process varies by segment. We depend in large part on our sales representatives to develop and maintain client relationships. Our inability to attract and retain effective sales representatives could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

## General economic, financial market and political conditions may materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial conditions. Particularly, difficult conditions in financial markets and the global economy may negatively affect the results of all of our business segments.

General economic, financial market and political conditions may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Limited availability of credit, deteriorations of the global mortgage and real estate markets, declines in consumer confidence and consumer spending, increases in prices or in the rate of inflation, continuing high unemployment, or disruptive geopolitical events could contribute to increased volatility and diminished expectations for the economy and the markets, including the market for our stock. These conditions could also affect all of our business segments. Specifically, during periods of economic downturn:

• individuals and businesses may (i) choose not to purchase our insurance products, warranties and other related products and services, (ii) terminate existing policies or contracts or permit them to lapse, (iii) choose to reduce the amount of coverage they purchase, and (iv) in the case of business customers of Assurant Health or Assurant Employee Benefits, have fewer employees requiring insurance coverage due to reductions in their staffing levels;

• clients are more likely to experience financial distress or declare bankruptcy or liquidation which could have an adverse impact on the remittance of premiums from such clients as well as the collection of receivables from such clients for items such as unearned premiums;

• disability insurance claims and claims on other specialized insurance products tend to rise;

• there is a higher loss ratio on credit card and installment loan insurance due to rising unemployment and disability levels;

• there is an increased risk of fraudulent insurance claims;

• insureds tend to increase their utilization of health and dental benefits if they anticipate becoming unemployed or losing benefits; and

• substantial decreases in loan availability and origination could reduce the demand for credit insurance that we write or debt cancellation or debt deferment products that we administer, and on the placement of hazard insurance under our lender-placed insurance programs.

In recent years, the global recession and disruption of the financial markets have heightened concerns over the sovereign debt crisis in Europe, particularly with respect to capital markets access and the solvency of certain European Union (“EU”) member states, including Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain, and of financial institutions that have significant direct or indirect exposure to debt issued by these countries. Certain major rating agencies have downgraded the sovereign debt of Greece, Portugal, Ireland, Italy and Spain. The issues arising out of the sovereign debt crisis may transcend Europe. In addition, uncertainty has arisen with respect to the euro and membership of the EU. Together, these issues could cause investors to lose confidence in European financial institutions and the stability of EU member economies, and likewise affect U.S. financial institutions, the stability of the global financial markets and any economic recovery. Additionally, in the U.S., continued uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy and the ongoing debate over the U.S. federal debt ceiling could adversely affect the U.S. and/or global economy.

General inflationary pressures may affect the costs of medical and dental care, as well as repair and replacement costs on our real and personal property lines, increasing the costs of paying claims. Inflationary pressures may also affect the costs associated with our preened insurance policies, particularly those that are guaranteed to grow with the Consumer Price Index (or “CPI”). Conversely, deflationary pressures may affect the pricing of our products.

## Our earnings and book value per share could be materially affected by an impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets.

Goodwill represented $640,714 of our $28,946,607 in total assets as of December 31, 2012. We review our goodwill annually in the fourth quarter for impairment or more frequently if circumstances indicating that the asset may be impaired exist. Such circumstances could include a sustained significant decline in our share price, a decline in our actual or expected future cash flows or income, a significant adverse change in the business climate, or slower growth rates, among others. Circumstances such as those mentioned above could trigger an impairment of some or all of the remaining goodwill on our balance sheet, which could have a material adverse effect on our profitability and book value per share. For more information on our annual goodwill impairment testing and the goodwill of our segments, please see “Item 7—MD&A—Critical Factors Affecting Results—Value and Recoverability of Goodwill.” In addition, other intangible assets collectively represented $262,994 of our total assets as of December 31, 2012, and an impairment of these other intangible assets could have a material adverse effect on our profitability and book value per share.

## Competitive pressures or regulators could force us to reduce our rates.

The premiums we charge are subject to review by regulators. If they consider our loss ratios to be too low, they could require us to reduce our rates. In addition, competitive conditions may put pressure on our rates. In either case, significant rate reductions could materially reduce our profitability. For more information about risks related to certain matters, please see “Risks Related to our Industry—Our business is subject to risks related to litigation and regulatory actions” contained elsewhere in this section.

## Catastrophe losses, including man-made catastrophe losses, could materially reduce our profitability and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Our insurance operations expose us to claims arising out of catastrophes, particularly in our homeowners, life and other personal lines of business. We have experienced, and expect to experience, catastrophe losses that materially reduce our profitability or have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Catastrophes can



be caused by various natural events, including, but not limited to, hurricanes, windstorms, earthquakes, hailstorms, severe winter weather, fires, epidemics and the long-term effects of climate change, or can be man-made catastrophes, including terrorist attacks or accidents such as airplane crashes. While the frequency and severity of catastrophes are inherently unpredictable, increases in the value and geographic concentration of insured property, the geographic concentration of insured lives, and the effects of inflation could increase the severity of claims from future catastrophes.

Catastrophe losses can vary widely and could significantly exceed our expectations. They may cause substantial volatility in our financial results for any fiscal quarter or year and could materially reduce our profitability or materially adversely affect our financial condition. Our ability to write new business also could be affected.

Accounting rules do not permit insurers to reserve for such catastrophic events before they occur. In addition, the establishment of appropriate reserves, including reserves for catastrophes, is an inherently uncertain and complex process. The ultimate cost of losses may vary materially from recorded reserves and such variance may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

If the severity of an event were sufficiently high (for example, in the event of an extremely large catastrophe), it could exceed our reinsurance coverage limits and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. We may also lose premium income due to a large-scale business interruption caused by a catastrophe combined with legislative or regulatory reactions to the event.

We use catastrophe modeling tools that help estimate our exposure to such events, but these tools are based on historical data and other assumptions that may provide projections that are materially different from the actual events.

Because Assurant Specialty Property’s lender-placed homeowners and lender-placed manufactured housing insurance products are designed to automatically provide property coverage for client portfolios, our concentration in certain catastrophe-prone states like Florida, California and Texas may increase in the future. Furthermore, the withdrawal of other insurers from these or other states may lead to adverse selection and increased use of our products in these areas and may negatively affect our loss experience.

The exact impact of the physical effects of climate change is uncertain. It is possible that changes in the global climate may cause long-term increases in the frequency and severity of storms, resulting in higher catastrophe losses, which could materially affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Our group life and health insurance operations could be materially impacted by catastrophes such as a terrorist attack, a natural disaster, a pandemic or an epidemic that causes a widespread increase in mortality or disability rates or that causes an increase in the need for medical care. In addition, with respect to our preened insurance policies, the average age of policyholders is approximately 73 years. This group is more susceptible to certain epidemics than the overall population, and an epidemic resulting in a higher incidence of mortality could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
A.M. Best, Moody's, and S&P rate the financial strength of our insurance company subsidiaries, and a decline in these ratings could affect our standing in the insurance industry and cause our sales and earnings to decrease.

Ratings are an important factor in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies. A.M. Best rates most of our domestic operating insurance subsidiaries. Moody's rates six of our domestic operating insurance subsidiaries and S&P rates seven of our domestic operating insurance subsidiaries. These ratings are subject to periodic review by A.M. Best, Moody's, and S&P, and we cannot assure that we will be able to retain them. Moody's currently has a negative outlook on two of our life and health insurance subsidiaries primarily citing the adverse revenue and earnings pressures of the Affordable Care Act on these subsidiaries.

Rating agencies may change their methodology or requirements for determining ratings, or they may become more conservative in assigning ratings. Rating agencies or regulators could also increase capital requirements for the Company or its subsidiaries. Any reduction in our ratings could materially adversely affect the demand for our products from intermediaries and consumers, and materially adversely affect our results. In addition, any reduction in our financial strength ratings could materially adversely affect our cost of borrowing.

As of December 31, 2012, contracts representing approximately 19% of Assurant Solutions' and 22% of Assurant Specialty Property's net earned premiums and fee income contain provisions requiring the applicable subsidiaries to maintain minimum A.M. Best financial strength ratings ranging from "A" or better to "B" or better, depending on the contract. Our clients may terminate these contracts or fail to renew them if the subsidiaries' ratings fall below these minimums. Under our marketing agreement with SCI, American Memorial Life Insurance Company ("AMLIC"), one of our subsidiaries, is required to maintain an A.M. Best financial strength rating of "B" or better throughout the term of the agreement. If AMLIC fails to maintain this rating for a period of 180 days, SCI may terminate the agreement.

Additionally, certain contracts in the DRMS business, representing approximately 5% of Assurant Employee Benefits' net earned premiums for the year ended December 31, 2012 contain provisions requiring the applicable subsidiaries to maintain minimum A.M. Best financial strength ratings of "A-" or better. DRMS clients may terminate the agreements and, in some instances, recapture in-force business if the ratings of applicable subsidiaries fall below "A-". Similarly, distribution and service agreements representing approximately 19% of Assurant Health's earned premiums gross of rebates for the year ended December 31, 2012 contain provisions requiring the applicable subsidiaries to maintain minimum A.M. Best financial strength ratings of "A-" or better, for the distribution agreements, or "B+" or better, for the service agreement. If the ratings of applicable Assurant Health subsidiaries fall below these threshold ratings levels, distribution and service partners could terminate their agreements. Termination or failure to renew these agreements could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.



Our actual claims losses may exceed our reserves for claims, and this may require us to establish additional reserves that may materially reduce our earnings, profitability and capital.

We maintain reserves to cover our estimated ultimate exposure for claims and claim adjustment expenses with respect to reported claims and incurred but not reported claims (“IBNR”) as of the end of each accounting period. Reserves, whether calculated under GAAP, Statutory Accounting Principles (“SAP”) or accounting principles required in foreign jurisdictions, do not represent an exact calculation of exposure. Reserving is inherently a matter of judgment; our ultimate liabilities could exceed reserves for a variety of reasons, including changes in macroeconomic factors (such as unemployment and interest rates), case development and other factors. We also adjust our reserves from time to time as these factors and our claims experience changes. Reserve development and paid losses exceeding corresponding reserves could have a material adverse effect on our earnings.

## Unfavorable conditions in the capital and credit markets may significantly and adversely affect our access to capital and our ability to pay our debts or expenses.

In previous years, the global capital and credit markets experienced extreme volatility and disruption. In many cases, companies' ability to raise money was severely restricted. Although conditions in the capital and credit markets have improved significantly, they could again deteriorate. Our ability to borrow or raise money is important if our operating cash flow is insufficient to pay our expenses, meet capital requirements, repay debt, pay dividends on our common stock or make investments. The principal sources of our liquidity are insurance premiums, fee income, cash flow from our investment portfolio and liquid assets, consisting mainly of cash or assets that are readily convertible into cash. Sources of liquidity in normal markets also include a variety of short- and long-term instruments.

If our access to capital markets is restricted, our cost of capital could go up, thus decreasing our profitability and reducing our financial flexibility. Our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and statutory capital position could be materially and adversely affected by disruptions in the capital markets.

## The value of our investments could decline, affecting our profitability and financial strength.

Investment returns are an important part of our profitability. Significant fluctuations in the fixed maturity market could impair our profitability, financial condition and/or cash flows. Our investments are subject to market-wide risks and fluctuations, as well as to risks inherent in particular securities. In addition, certain factors affecting our business, such as volatility of claims experience, could force us to liquidate securities prior to maturity, causing us to incur capital losses. See “Item 7A—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Interest Rate Risk.”

## Market conditions, changes in interest rates, and prolonged periods of low interest rates may materially affect our results.

Recent periods have been characterized by low interest rates. A prolonged period during which interest rates remain at historically low levels may result in lower-than-expected net investment income and larger required reserve increases. In addition, certain statutory capital requirements are based on formulas or models that consider interest rates, and a prolonged period of low interest rates may increase the statutory capital we are required to hold.

Changes in interest rates may materially adversely affect the performance of some of our investments. Interest rate volatility may increase or reduce unrealized gains or unrealized losses in our portfolios. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions and other factors beyond our control. Fixed maturity and short-term investments represented 83% of the fair value of our total investments as of December 31, 2012.

The fair market value of the fixed maturity securities in our portfolio and the investment income from these securities fluctuate depending on general economic and market conditions. Because all of our fixed maturity securities are classified as available for sale, changes in the market value of these securities are reflected in our consolidated balance sheets. Their fair market value generally increases or decreases in an inverse relationship with fluctuations in interest rates, while net investment income from fixed-maturity investments increases or decreases directly with interest rates. In addition, actual net investment income and/or cash flows from investments that carry prepayment risk, such as mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities, may differ from those anticipated at the time of investment as a result of interest rate fluctuations. An increase in interest rates will also decrease the net unrealized gains in our current investment portfolio.

We employ asset/liability management strategies to reduce the adverse effects of interest rate volatility and to increase the likelihood that cash flows are available to pay claims as they become due. Our asset/liability management strategies may fail to eliminate or reduce the adverse effects of interest rate volatility, and significant fluctuations in the level of interest rates may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. If our investment portfolio is not appropriately matched with our insurance liabilities, we could also be forced to liquidate investments prior to maturity at a significant loss to pay claims and policyholder benefits.

Our preneed insurance policies are generally whole life insurance policies with increasing death benefits. In extended periods of declining interest rates or rising inflation, there may be compression in the spread between the death benefit growth rates on these policies and the investment income that we can earn, resulting in a negative spread. As a result, declining interest rates or high inflation rates may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and our overall financial condition. See “Item 7A—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Inflation Risk” for additional information.

Assurant Employee Benefits calculates reserves for long-term disability and life waiver of premium claims using net present value calculations based on interest rates at the time reserves are established and expectations regarding future interest rates. Waiver of premium refers to a provision in a life insurance policy pursuant to which an insured with a disability



that lasts for a specified period no longer has to pay premiums for the duration of the disability or for a stated period, during which time the life insurance coverage continues. If interest rates decline, reserves for open and/or new claims in Assurant Employee Benefits would need to be calculated using lower discount rates, thereby increasing the net present value of those claims and the required reserves. Depending on the magnitude of the decline, such changes could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, investment income may be lower than that assumed in setting premium rates.

## Our investment portfolio is subject to various risks that may result in realized investment losses.

We are subject to credit risk in our investment portfolio, primarily from our investments in corporate bonds, preferred stocks, leveraged loans, municipal bonds, and commercial mortgages. Defaults by third parties in the payment or performance of their obligations could reduce our investment income and realized investment gains or result in the continued recognition of investment losses. The value of our investments may be materially adversely affected by increases in interest rates, downgrades in the corporate bonds included in the portfolio and by other factors that may result in the continued recognition of other-than-temporary impairments. Each of these events may cause us to reduce the carrying value of our investment portfolio.

Further, the value of any particular fixed maturity security is subject to impairment based on the creditworthiness of a given issuer. As of December 31, 2012, fixed maturity securities represented 80% of the fair value of our total invested assets. Our fixed maturity portfolio also includes below investment grade securities (rated “BB” or lower by nationally recognized securities rating organizations). These investments comprise approximately 6% of the fair value of our total investments as of December 31, 2012 and generally provide higher expected returns, but present greater risk and can be less liquid than investment grade securities. A significant increase in defaults and impairments on our fixed maturity investment portfolio could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. See “Item 7A—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Credit Risk” for additional information on the composition of our fixed maturity investment portfolio.

We currently invest in a small amount of equity securities (approximately 3% of the fair value of our total investments as of December 31, 2012). However, we have had higher percentages in the past and may make more such investments in the future. Investments in equity securities generally provide higher expected total returns, but present greater risk to preservation of capital than our fixed maturity investments.

If treasury rates or credit spreads were to increase, the Company may have additional realized and unrealized investment losses and increases in other-than-temporary impairments. The determination that a security has incurred an other-than-temporary decline in value requires the judgment of management. Inherently, there are risks and uncertainties involved in making these judgments. Changes in facts, circumstances, or critical assumptions could cause management to conclude that further impairments have occurred. This could lead to additional losses on investments. For further details on net investment losses and other-than-temporary-impairments, please see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report. Derivative instruments generally present greater risk than fixed maturity investments or equity investments because of their greater sensitivity to market fluctuations. Since August 1, 2003, we have been using derivative instruments to manage the exposure to inflation risk created by our preneeded insurance policies that are tied to the CPI. The protection provided by these derivative instruments begins at higher levels of inflation. However, exposure can still exist due to potential differences in the amount of business and the notional amount of the protection. This could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

## Our commercial mortgage loans and real estate investments subject us to liquidity risk.

Our commercial mortgage loans on real estate investments (which represented approximately 10% of the fair value of our total investments as of December 31, 2012) are relatively illiquid. If we require extremely large amounts of cash on short notice, we may have difficulty selling these investments at attractive prices and/or in a timely manner.

## The risk parameters of our investment portfolio may not assume an appropriate level of risk, thereby reducing our profitability and diminishing our ability to compete and grow.

In pricing our products and services, we incorporate assumptions regarding returns on our investments. Accordingly, our investment decisions and objectives are a function of the underlying risks and product profiles of each of our operating segments. Market conditions may not allow us to invest in assets with sufficiently high returns to meet our pricing assumptions and profit targets over the long term. If, in response, we choose to increase our product prices, our ability to compete and grow may be diminished.

## Environmental liability exposure may result from our commercial mortgage loan portfolio and real estate investments.

Liability under environmental protection laws resulting from our commercial mortgage loan portfolio and real estate investments may weaken our financial strength and reduce our profitability. For more information, please see Item 1, “Business—Regulation—Environmental Regulation.”

## We face risks associated with our international operations.

Our international operations face political, legal, operational and other risks that we may not face in our domestic operations. For example, we may face the risk of restrictions on currency conversion or the transfer of funds; burdens and costs of compliance with a variety of foreign laws; political or economic instability in countries in which we conduct business, including possible terrorist acts; foreign exchange rate fluctuations; diminished ability to legally enforce our contractual rights; differences in cultural environments and unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, including changes in regulatory treatment of certain products; exposure to local economic conditions and restrictions on the withdrawal of non-U.S. investment and earnings; and potentially substantial tax liabilities if we repatriate the cash generated by our international operations back to the U.S. If our business model is not successful in a particular country, we may lose all or most of



our investment in that country. As we continue to expand in select worldwide markets, our business becomes increasingly exposed to these risks identified above.

In addition, as we engage with international clients, we have made certain up-front commission payments, which we may not recover if the business does not materialize as we expect. These up-front payments are typically supported by various protections, such as letters of credit, but there can be no guarantee that we will recover fully or timely and amounts owed to us under such letters of credit or any other guaranties or contractual arrangements. As our international business grows, we rely increasingly on fronting carriers or intermediaries in other countries to maintain their licenses and product approvals, satisfy local regulatory requirements and continue in business.

For information on the significant international regulations that apply to our Company, please see Item 1, “Business—Regulation—International Regulation.”

## Fluctuations in the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar and other foreign currencies may materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

While most of our costs and revenues are in U.S. dollars, some are in other currencies. Because our financial results in certain countries are translated from local currency into U.S. dollars upon consolidation, the results of our operations may be affected by foreign exchange rate fluctuations. We do not currently hedge foreign currency risk. If the U.S. dollar weakens against the local currency, the translation of these foreign-currency-denominated balances will result in increased net assets, net revenue, operating expenses, and net income or loss. Similarly, our net assets, net revenue, operating expenses, and net income or loss will decrease if the U.S. dollar strengthens against local currency. These fluctuations in currency exchange rates may result in gains or losses that materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

## Unanticipated changes in tax provisions or exposure to additional income tax liabilities could materially and adversely affect our results.

In accordance with applicable income tax guidance, the Company must determine whether its ability to realize the value of its deferred tax asset in the future is classified as “more likely than not.” Under the income tax guidance, a deferred tax asset should be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of all available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The realization of deferred tax assets depends upon the existence of sufficient taxable income of the same character during the carryback or carryforward periods.

In determining the appropriate valuation allowance, management made certain judgments relating to recoverability of deferred tax assets, use of tax loss and tax credit carryforwards, levels of expected future taxable income and available tax planning strategies. The assumptions in making these judgments are updated periodically on the basis of current business conditions affecting the Company and overall economic conditions. These management judgments are therefore subject to change due to factors that include, but are not limited to, changes in our ability to realize sufficient taxable income of the same character in the same jurisdiction or in our ability to execute other tax planning strategies. Management will continue to assess and determine the need for, and the amount of, the valuation allowance in subsequent periods. Any change in the valuation allowance could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

## Failure to protect our clients’ confidential information and privacy could result in the loss of reputation and customers, reduce our profitability and/or subject us to fines, litigation and penalties, and the costs of compliance with privacy and security laws could adversely affect our business.

Our businesses are subject to a variety of privacy regulations and confidentiality obligations. If we do not properly comply with privacy and security laws and regulations that require us to protect confidential information, we could experience adverse consequences, including loss of customers and related revenue, regulatory problems (including fines and penalties), loss of reputation and civil litigation, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. As have other entities in the insurance industry, we have incurred and will continue to incur substantial costs in complying with the requirements of applicable privacy and security laws. For more information on the privacy and security laws that apply to us, please see Item 1, “Business—Regulation.”

## The failure to effectively maintain and modernize our information systems could adversely affect our business.

Our business is dependent upon our ability to maintain the effectiveness of existing technology systems, enhance technology to support the Company's business in an efficient and cost-effective manner, and keep current with technological advances, evolving industry and regulatory standards and customer needs. In addition, our ability to keep our systems integrated with those of our clients is critical to the success of our business. If we do not effectively maintain our systems and update them to address technological advancements, our relationships and ability to do business with our clients may be adversely affected. We could also experience other adverse consequences, including unfavorable underwriting and reserving decisions, internal control deficiencies and security breaches resulting in loss of data. System development projects may be more costly or time-consuming than anticipated and may not deliver the expected benefits upon completion.

## Failure to successfully manage outsourcing activities could adversely affect our business.

As we continue to improve operating efficiencies across the business, we have outsourced and may outsource selected functions to third parties. We take steps to monitor and regulate the performance of these independent third parties to whom the Company has outsourced these functions. If these third parties fail to satisfy their obligations to the Company as a result of their performance, changes in their operations, financial condition or other matters beyond our control, the Company's operations, information, service standards and data could be compromised. In addition, to the extent the Company outsources selected services or functions to third parties outside the United States, the Company is exposed to the risks that accompany operations in a foreign jurisdiction, including international economic and political conditions, foreign laws and fluctuations in currency values. For more information on the risks associated with outsourcing to international third parties, please see



Item 1A, “Risk Factors—Risks related to our business—We face risks associated with our international operations.” If third party providers do not perform as anticipated, we may not fully realize the anticipated economic and other benefits of these outsourcing projects, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

## System security risks, data protection breaches and cyber-attacks could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Our information technology systems are vulnerable to threats from computer viruses, natural disasters, unauthorized access, cyber attack and other similar disruptions. Although we have network security measures in place, experienced computer programmers and hackers may be able to penetrate our network and misappropriate or compromise confidential information, create system disruptions or cause shutdowns.

As an insurer, we receive and are required to protect confidential information from customers, vendors and other third parties that may include personal health or financial information. To the extent any disruption or security breach results in a loss or damage to our data, or inappropriate disclosure of our confidential information or that of others, it could cause significant damage to our reputation, affect our relationships with our customers and clients, lead to claims against the Company, result in regulatory action and ultimately harm our business. In addition, we may be required to incur significant costs to mitigate the damage caused by any security breach, or to protect against future damage.

## We may be unable to accurately predict and price for benefits, claims and other costs, which could reduce our profitability.

Our profitability could vary depending on our ability to predict and price for benefits, claims and other costs including, but not limited to, medical and dental costs, disability claims and the frequency and severity of property claims. This ability could be affected by factors such as inflation, changes in the regulatory environment, changes in industry practices, changes in legal, social or environmental conditions, new treatments or technologies. Political or economic conditions can also affect the availability of programs on which our business may rely to accurately predict benefits and claims. For example, Assurant Employee Benefits pays disability claims to insureds who may also be entitled to the payment of monthly disability benefits from the U.S. Social Security Administration (the “SSA”). Under the insurance policy, a portion, or the total amount, of the monthly benefit from the SSA may be offset from the monthly disability benefit payable to the insured.

The inability to accurately predict and price for benefits, claims and other costs could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

## Reinsurance may not be available or adequate to protect us against losses, and we are subject to the credit risk of reinsurers.

As part of our overall risk and capacity management strategy, we purchase reinsurance for certain risks underwritten by our various operating segments. Although the reinsurer is liable to us for claims properly ceded under the reinsurance arrangements, we remain liable to the insured as the direct insurer on all risks reinsured. Ceded reinsurance arrangements therefore do not eliminate our obligation to pay claims. We are subject to credit risk with respect to our ability to recover amounts due from reinsurers. The inability to collect amounts due from reinsurers could materially adversely affect our results of operations and our financial condition.

Reinsurance for certain types of catastrophes could become unavailable or prohibitively expensive for some of our businesses. In such a situation, we might also be adversely affected by state regulations that prohibit us from excluding catastrophe exposures or from withdrawing from or increasing premium rates in catastrophe-prone areas.

Our reinsurance facilities are generally subject to annual renewal. We may not be able to maintain our current reinsurance facilities and, even where highly desirable or necessary, we may not be able to obtain other reinsurance facilities in adequate amounts and at favorable rates. Inability to obtain reinsurance at favorable rates or at all could cause us to reduce the level of our underwriting commitments, to take more risk, or to incur higher costs. These developments could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

## We have sold businesses through reinsurance that could again become our direct financial and administrative responsibility if the purchasing companies were to become insolvent.

In the past, we have sold, and in the future we may sell, businesses through reinsurance ceded to third parties. For example, in 2001 we sold the insurance operations of our Fortis Financial Group (“FFG”) division to The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (“The Hartford”) and in 2000 we sold our Long Term Care (“LTC”) division to John Hancock Life Insurance Company (“John Hancock”), now a subsidiary of Manulife Financial Corporation. Most of the assets backing reserves coinsured under these sales are held in trusts or separate accounts. However, if the reinsurers became insolvent, we would be exposed to the risk that the assets in the trusts and/or the separate accounts would be insufficient to support the liabilities that would revert to us.

On September 27, 2012, The Hartford announced that it had reached an agreement to sell its Individual Life Operations to Prudential Financial, Inc. ("Prudential"). Included in this transaction are the individual life policies remaining in force that were originally transferred to The Hartford as part of the sale of FFG. The assets backing the reserves coinsured from The Hartford to Prudential continue to be held in trusts or separate accounts, and we are subject to the risk that the trust and/or separate account assets are insufficient to support the liabilities that would revert to us. In addition, we face risks related to any administrative system changes Prudential implements in administering the business.

The A.M. Best ratings of The Hartford and John Hancock are currently A and A+, respectively. A.M. Best currently maintains a stable outlook on John Hancock's financial strength ratings. The Hartford's rating is under review with negative implications.

We also face the risk of again becoming responsible for administering these businesses in the event of reinsurer insolvency. We do not currently have the administrative systems and capabilities to process these businesses. Accordingly, we would need to obtain those capabilities in the event of an insolvency of one or more of the reinsurers. We might be forced to obtain such capabilities on unfavorable terms with



a resulting material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, third parties to whom we have sold businesses in the past may in turn sell these businesses to other third parties, and we could face risks related to the new administrative systems and capabilities of these third parties in administering these businesses.

For more information on these arrangements, including the reinsurance recoverables and risk mitigation mechanisms used, please see “Item 7A—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks—Credit Risk.”

Due to the structure of our commission program, we are exposed to risks related to the creditworthiness and reporting systems of some of our agents, third party administrators and clients in Assurant Solutions and Assurant Specialty Property.

We are subject to the credit risk of some of the clients and/or agents with which we contract in Assurant Solutions and Assurant Specialty Property. For example, we advance agents' commissions as part of our preneed insurance product offerings. These advances are a percentage of the total face amount of coverage. There is a one-year payback provision against the agency if death or lapse occurs within the first policy year. If SCI, which receives the largest shares of such agent commissions, were unable to fulfill its payback obligations, this could have an adverse effect on our operations and financial condition.

In addition, some of our clients, third party administrators and agents collect and report premiums or pay claims on our behalf. These parties' failure to remit all premiums collected or to pay claims on our behalf on a timely and accurate basis could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

## We face significant competitive pressures in our businesses, which could reduce our profitability.

We compete for customers and distributors with many insurance companies and other financial services companies for business and individual customers, employer and other group customers, agents, brokers and other distribution relationships. Some of our competitors may offer a broader array of products than our subsidiaries or have a greater diversity of distribution resources, better brand recognition, more competitive pricing, lower costs, greater financial strength, more resources, or higher ratings.

Many of our insurance products, particularly our group benefits and group health insurance policies, are underwritten annually. There is a risk that group purchasers may be able to obtain more favorable terms from competitors, rather than renewing coverage with us. Competition may, as a result, adversely affect the persistency of our policies, as well as our ability to sell products.

Some of our competitors may have a lower target for returns on capital allocated to their business than we do, which may enable them to undercut our prices. In addition, in certain markets, we compete with organizations that have a substantial market share. In particular, certain large competitors of Assurant Health may be able to obtain favorable financial arrangements from health care providers that are unavailable to us, putting us at a competitive disadvantage and potentially adversely affecting our revenues and profits.
In addition, as financial institutions gain experience with debt protection administration, their reliance on third party administrators, such as Assurant Solutions may diminish, thereby reducing our revenues and profits.

New competition could also cause the supply of insurance to change, which could affect our ability to price our products at attractive rates and thereby adversely affect our underwriting results. Although there are some impediments facing potential competitors who wish to enter the markets we serve, the entry of new competitors into our markets can occur, affording our customers significant flexibility in moving to other insurance providers.

## We may be unable to grow our business as we would like if we cannot find suitable acquisition candidates at attractive prices or integrate them effectively.

Historically, acquisitions and new ventures have played a significant role in the growth of some of our businesses, and we expect them to continue to play an important role in our profitable growth strategy. We may not, however, be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates or new venture opportunities or to finance or complete such transactions on acceptable terms. Additionally, the integration of acquired businesses may result in significant challenges, and we may be unable to accomplish such integration smoothly or successfully.

There can be no assurance that any future acquisition will provide us with the benefits that we anticipate when entering into the transaction. Acquisitions entail a number of risks including, among other things, inaccurate assessment of liabilities; difficulties in realizing projected efficiencies, synergies and cost savings; difficulties in integrating systems and personnel; failure to achieve anticipated revenues, earnings or cash flow; an increase in our indebtedness; and a limitation in our ability to access additional capital when needed. Our failure to adequately address these acquisition risks could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

## The inability of our subsidiaries to pay sufficient dividends to the holding company could prevent us from meeting our obligations and paying future stockholder dividends.

As a holding company whose principal assets are the capital stock of our subsidiaries, Assurant, Inc. relies primarily on dividends and other statutorily permissible payments from our subsidiaries to meet our obligations for payment of interest and principal on outstanding debt obligations and to pay dividends to stockholders and corporate expenses. The ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends and to make such other payments in the future will depend on their statutory surplus, future statutory earnings and regulatory restrictions. Except to the extent that Assurant, Inc. is a creditor with recognized claims against our subsidiaries, claims of the subsidiaries' creditors, including policyholders, have priority over creditors' claims with respect to the assets and earnings of the subsidiaries. If any of our subsidiaries should become insolvent, liquidate or otherwise reorganize, our creditors and stockholders will have no right to proceed against their assets or to cause the liquidation, bankruptcy or winding-up of the subsidiary under applicable liquidation, bankruptcy or winding-up laws. The applicable insurance laws of the jurisdiction where each of our insurance subsidiaries is domiciled would govern any proceedings relating to that subsidiary, and the insurance authority of that jurisdiction would act



as a liquidator or rehabilitator for the subsidiary. Both creditors and policyholders of the subsidiary would be entitled to payment in full from the subsidiary’s assets before Assurant, Inc., as a stockholder, would be entitled to receive any distribution from the subsidiary.

The payment of dividends by any of our regulated domestic insurance company subsidiaries in excess of specified amounts (i.e., extraordinary dividends) must be approved by the subsidiary's domiciliary state department of insurance. Ordinary dividends, for which no regulatory approval is generally required, are limited to amounts determined by a formula, which varies by state. The formula for the majority of the states in which our subsidiaries are domiciled is based on the prior year's statutory net income or 10% of the statutory surplus as of the end of the prior year. Some states limit ordinary dividends to the greater of these two amounts, others limit them to the lesser of these two amounts and some states exclude prior year realized capital gains from prior year net income in determining ordinary dividend capacity. Some states have an additional stipulation that dividends may only be paid out of earned surplus. If insurance regulators determine that payment of an ordinary dividend or any other payments by our insurance subsidiaries to us (such as payments under a tax sharing agreement or payments for employee or other services) would be adverse to policyholders or creditors, the regulators may block such payments that would otherwise be permitted without prior approval. Future regulatory actions could further restrict the ability of our insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends. For more information on the maximum amount our subsidiaries could pay us in 2013 without regulatory approval, see “Item 5—Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities—Dividend Policy.”

Assurant, Inc.’s credit facilities also contain limitations on our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders if we are in default or such dividend payments would cause us to be in default of our obligations under the credit facilities.

Any additional material restrictions on the ability of insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends could adversely affect Assurant, Inc.’s ability to pay any dividends on our common stock and/or service our debt and pay our other corporate expenses.

The success of our business strategy depends on the continuing service of key executives and the members of our senior management team, and any failure to adequately provide for the succession of senior management and other key executives could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our business and results of operations could be adversely affected if we fail to adequately plan for the succession of our senior management and other key executives. Although we have succession plans for key executives, this does not guarantee that they will stay with us.

## Risks Related to Our Industry

## Reform of the health insurance industry could materially reduce the profitability of certain of our businesses.

In March 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. Provisions of the Affordable Care Act and related reforms have and will continue to become effective at various dates over the next several years and will make sweeping and fundamental changes to the U.S. health care system that are expected to significantly affect the health insurance industry. For more information on the Affordable Care Act and its impact on our Assurant Health and Assurant Employee Benefits segments, please see Item 1, “Business—Regulation—Federal Regulation—Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.”

Among other requirements, the Affordable Care Act requires Assurant Health, for some products, to increase benefits, to limit rescission to cases of intentional fraud and, eventually, to insure pre-existing conditions in all lines of insurance, among other things. If, for those products, Assurant Health’s actual loss ratios fall short of required minimum medical loss ratios (by state and legal entity), we are required to rebate the difference to consumers. Please see “Item 7—Management’s Discussion & Analysis—Critical Accounting Estimates—Health Insurance Premium Rebate Liability” for more information about the minimum medical loss ratio and the Company’s rebate estimate calculations. In addition, the Affordable Care Act imposes limitations on the deductibility of compensation and certain other payments.

Assurant Health has made, and continues to make, significant changes to its operations and products to adapt to the new environment. However, Assurant Health could be adversely affected if its plans for operating in the new environment are unsuccessful or if there is less demand than we expect for these products in the new environment. Uncertainty remains with respect to a number of provisions of the Affordable Care Act, including the mechanics of the public and private exchanges and the application of the Affordable Care Act’s requirements to various types of health insurance plans. In addition, the lack of clarity surrounding the mechanics of inclusion of pediatric dental coverage in the package of essential health benefits could disrupt revenues in our Assurant Employee Benefits business.

New guidance and regulations continue to be issued under the Affordable Care Act. If our businesses are unable to adapt to current and/or future requirements of the Affordable Care Act, or if significant uncertainty continues with respect to implementation of the Affordable Care Act, this could lead to a material reduction in their profitability.

## We are subject to extensive laws and regulations, which increase our costs and could restrict the conduct of our business.

Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to extensive regulation and supervision in the jurisdictions in which they do business. Such regulation is generally designed to protect the interests of policyholders. To that end, the laws of the various states and other jurisdictions establish insurance departments with broad powers over, among other things: licensing and authorizing the transaction of business; capital, surplus and dividends; underwriting limitations; companies' ability to enter and exit markets; statutory accounting and other disclosure requirements; policy forms; coverage; companies' ability to provide, terminate or cancel certain coverages; premium rates, including regulatory ability to disapprove or reduce the premium rates companies may charge; trade and claims practices; certain transactions between affiliates; content of



disclosures to consumers; type, amount and valuation of investments; assessments or other surcharges for guaranty funds and companies' ability to recover assessments through premium increases; and market conduct and sales practices.

For a discussion of various laws and regulations affecting our business, please see Item 1, “Business—Regulation.”

If regulatory requirements impede our ability to conduct certain operations, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. In addition, we may be unable to maintain all required licenses and approvals and our business may not fully comply with the wide variety of applicable laws and regulations, or the relevant regulators' interpretation of these laws and regulations. In such events, the insurance regulatory authorities could preclude or temporarily suspend us from operating, limit some or all of our activities, or fine us. These types of actions could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

## Our business is subject to risks related to litigation and regulatory actions.

From time to time, we may be subject to a variety of legal and regulatory actions relating to our current and past business operations, including, but not limited to:

• actions by regulatory authorities that may challenge our ability to increase or maintain our premium rates, require us to reduce premium rates, impose fine or penalties and/or result in other fees;

• disputes regarding our lender-placed insurance products including those relating to rates, agent compensation, consumer disclosure, continuous coverage requirements, loan tracking services and other services that we provide to mortgage servicers;

• disputes over coverage or claims adjudication including, but not limited to, pre-existing conditions in individual medical contracts and rescissions of policies;

• disputes over our treatment of claims, in which states or insureds may allege that we failed to make required payments or to meet prescribed deadlines for adjudicating claims;

• disputes regarding sales practices, disclosures, premium refunds, licensing, regulatory compliance, underwriting and compensation arrangements;

• disputes with agents, brokers or network providers over compensation and termination of contracts and related claims;

• disputes alleging bundling of credit insurance and warranty products with other products provided by financial institutions;

• disputes with tax and insurance authorities regarding our tax liabilities;

• disputes relating to customers’ claims that the customer was not aware of the full cost or existence of the insurance or limitations on insurance coverage; and

• industry-wide investigations regarding business practices including, but not limited to, the use and the marketing of certain types of insurance policies or certificates of insurance.

As previously disclosed, in fall 2011, Assurant, along with other insurers and with mortgage servicers, received a request for information from the New York Department of Financial Services (the "NYDFS") regarding its lender-placed insurance business. In February 2012, the Company and two of its wholly owned insurance subsidiaries, American Security Insurance Company ("ASIC") and American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida, received subpoenas from the NYDFS regarding the Company's lender-placed insurance business and related document retention practices. Over the next several months, the Company responded to the subpoenas, participated in depositions, responded to additional information requests from the NYDFS on the Company's lender-placed insurance program and, along with other companies in the industry, participated in public hearings conducted by the NYDFS. The Company was subsequently served with an order by the NYDFS requiring the Company to propose and justify amended rates for its lender-placed insurance products sold in the State of New York, to which it responded in early July 2012. The Company has since engaged in discussions with the NYDFS concerning its lender-placed insurance program in the State of New York. Proposed changes to the program would affect annual lender-placed hazard and real estate owned policies issued in the State of New York, which accounted for approximately $79,000 and $64,000 of Assurant Specialty Property's net earned premiums for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company's discussions with the NYDFS concerning this matter are continuing. While the Company cannot predict the outcome of these discussions, such outcome could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations of Assurant Specialty Property and/or the consolidated Company.

As the Company disclosed on October 22, 2012, ASIC reached an agreement with the California DOI to reduce premium rates for lender-placed hazard insurance products by 30.5%. This rate reduction reflects factors specific to California such as continued favorable loss experience in the state and different assumptions about future experience compared to our previous rate filing. The new rates in California began to apply to all policies issued or renewed with effective dates on or after January 19, 2013. ASIC recorded approximately $111,000 of net earned premiums ($154,000 of gross written premium) for full year 2012 for the type of policies subject to the rate reduction. The actual effect of the California rate decrease on the Company's net earned premiums and net income over the course of 2013 and beyond will depend on a variety of factors, including the Company's mix of lender-placed insurance products, lapse rates, rate and timing of renewals, placement rates, changes in client contracts and actual expenses incurred.

As previously disclosed, Assurant Specialty Property's business strategy has been to pursue long-term growth in lender-placed homeowners insurance and adjacent markets with similar characteristics, such as lender-placed flood insurance and lender-placed mobile home insurance. Lender-placed insurance products accounted for approximately 71% of Assurant Specialty Property's net earned premiums for full year 2012 and 70% for full year 2011. The approximate corresponding contributions to segment net income in these periods were 90% and 100%, respectively. The portion of total segment net income attributable to lender-placed products may vary substantially over time depending on the frequency, severity and location of catastrophic losses, the cost of catastrophe reinsurance and reinstatement coverage, the variability of claim processing costs and client acquisition costs, and other factors. In addition, we expect placement rates for these products to decline.

The Company files rates with the state departments of insurance in the ordinary course of business. As previously disclosed, in addition to this routine correspondence, the Company has been engaged in discussions and proceedings with certain state regulators regarding our lender-placed insurance business. Because assumptions used in



rate filings vary by state as a result of differing regulatory requirements, expected loss experience and catastrophe exposure, the results of such reviews may vary widely. It is possible that other state departments of insurance and regulatory authorities may choose to initiate or continue to review the appropriateness of the Company's premium rates for its lender-placed insurance products. If in the aggregate further reviews by state departments of insurance lead to significant decreases in premium rates for the Company's lender-placed insurance products, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Unfavorable outcomes in litigation or regulatory proceedings, or significant problems in our relationships with regulators, could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition, our reputation, our ratings, and our ability to continue to do business. They could also expose us to further investigations or litigations. In addition, certain of our clients in the mortgage and credit card and banking industries are the subject of various regulatory investigations and/or litigation regarding mortgage lending practices, credit insurance, debt-deferment and debt cancelation products, and the sale of ancillary products, which could indirectly affect our businesses.

## Changes in regulation may reduce our profitability and limit our growth.

Legislation or other regulatory reform that increases the regulatory requirements imposed on us or that changes the way we are able to do business may significantly harm our business or results of operations in the future. For example, some states have imposed new time limits for the payment of uncontested covered claims and require health care and dental service plans to pay interest on uncontested claims not paid promptly within the required time period. Some states have also granted their insurance regulatory agencies additional authority to impose monetary penalties and other sanctions on health and dental plans engaging in certain unfair payment practices. If we were unable for any reason to comply with these requirements, it could result in substantial costs to us and may materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

In addition, new interpretations of existing laws, or new judicial decisions affecting the insurance industry, could adversely affect our business.

Legislative or regulatory changes that could significantly harm our subsidiaries and us include, but are not limited to:

• imposed reductions on premium levels, limitations on the ability to raise premiums on existing policies, or new minimum loss ratios;

• increases in minimum capital, reserves and other financial viability requirements;

• enhanced or new regulatory requirements intended to prevent future financial crises or to otherwise ensure the stability of institutions;

• new licensing requirements;

• restrictions on the ability to offer certain types of insurance products;

• prohibitions or limitations on provider financial incentives and provider risk-sharing arrangements;

• more stringent standards of review for claims denials or coverage determinations;
• guaranteed-issue requirements restricting our ability to limit or deny coverage;

• new benefit mandates;

• increased regulation relating to lender-placed insurance;

• limitations on our ability to build appropriate provider networks and, as a result, manage health care and utilization due to “any willing provider” legislation, which requires us to take any provider willing to accept our reimbursement;

• limitations on the ability to manage health care and utilization due to direct access laws that allow insureds to seek services directly from specialty medical providers without referral by a primary care provider;

• new or enhanced regulatory requirements that require insurers to pay claims on terms other than those mandated by underlying policy contracts; and

• restriction of solicitation of insurance consumers by funeral board laws for prefunded funeral insurance coverage.

In recent years, significant attention has been focused on the procedures that life insurers follow to identify unreported death claims. In November 2011, the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (“NCOIL”) proposed a model rule that would govern unclaimed property policies for insurers and mandate the use of the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File (the “Death Master File”) to identify deceased policyholders and beneficiaries. Certain state insurance regulators have also focused on this issue. For example, the NYDFS issued a letter requiring life insurers doing business in New York to use data from the Death Master File to search proactively for deceased policyholders and to pay claims without the receipt of a valid claim by or on behalf of a beneficiary. In 2011, the Company evaluated the impact of the NCOIL model rule and established reserves for additional claim liabilities in certain of its businesses, including a $7,500 reserve increase in its preneed business for unreported claims. It is possible that existing reserves may be inadequate and need to be increased and/or that the Company may be required to establish reserves for businesses the Company does not currently believe are subject to the NCOIL model rule or any similar regulatory requirement. In addition, it is possible that these regulators or regulators in other states may adopt regulations similar to the NCOIL model rule or to the requirements imposed by the NYDFS.

Recently, regulators in certain states have hired third party auditors to audit the unclaimed property records of insurance companies operating in those states. Among other companies, the Company is currently subject to these audits in a number of states.

Several proposals are currently pending to amend state insurance holding company laws to increase the scope of insurance holding company regulation. These include model laws proposed by the International Association of Insurance Supervisors and the NAIC that provide for uniform standards of insurer corporate governance, group-wide supervision of insurance holding companies, adjustments to risk-based capital ratios, and additional regulatory disclosure requirements for insurance holding companies. In addition, the NAIC has proposed a “Solvency Modernization Initiative” that focuses on capital requirements, corporate governance and risk management, statutory accounting and financial reporting, and reinsurance. Similarly, the Solvency II Directive, which was adopted in the European Union on November 25, 2009



and is expected to become effective in the coming years, reforms the insurance industry’s solvency framework, including minimum capital and solvency requirements, governance requirements, risk management and public reporting standards.

We cannot predict the effect of these or any other regulatory initiatives on the Company at this time, but it is possible that they could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

The insurance and related businesses in which we operate may be subject to periodic negative publicity, which may negatively affect our financial results.

We communicate with and distribute our products and services ultimately to individual consumers. There may be a perception that some of these purchasers may be unsophisticated and in need of consumer protection. Accordingly, from time to time, consumer advocacy groups or the media may focus attention on our products and services, thereby subjecting us to negative publicity.

We may also be negatively affected if another company in one of our industries or in a related industry engages in practices resulting in increased public attention to our businesses. Negative publicity may

## Risks Related to Our Common Stock

Given the recent economic climate, our stock may be subject to stock price and trading volume volatility. The price of our common stock could fluctuate or decline significantly and you could lose all or part of your investment.

In recent years, the stock markets have experienced significant price and trading volume volatility. Company-specific issues and market developments generally in the insurance industry and in the regulatory environment may have caused this volatility. Our stock price could materially fluctuate or decrease in response to a number of events and factors, including but not limited to: quarterly variations in operating results; operating and stock price performance of comparable companies; changes in our financial strength ratings; limitations on premium levels or the ability to maintain or raise premiums on existing policies; regulatory developments and negative publicity relating to us or our competitors. In addition, broad market and industry fluctuations may materially and adversely affect the trading price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance.

Applicable laws, our certificate of incorporation and by-laws, and contract provisions may discourage takeovers and business combinations that some stockholders might consider to be in their best interests.

State laws and our certificate of incorporation and by-laws may delay, defer, prevent or render more difficult a takeover attempt that our stockholders might consider in their best interests. For example, Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware may limit the ability of an “interested stockholder” to engage in business combinations with us. An interested stockholder is defined to include persons owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock. These provisions may also make it difficult also result from judicial inquiries, unfavorable outcomes in lawsuits, or regulatory or governmental action with respect to our products, services and industry commercial practices. Negative publicity may cause increased regulation and legislative scrutiny of industry practices as well as increased litigation or enforcement action by civil and criminal authorities. Additionally, negative publicity may increase our costs of doing business and adversely affect our profitability by impeding our ability to market our products and services, constraining our ability to price our products appropriately for the risks we are assuming, requiring us to change the products and services we offer, or increasing the regulatory burdens under which we operate.

## The insurance industry can be cyclical, which may affect our results.

Certain lines of insurance that we write can be cyclical. Although no two cycles are the same, insurance industry cycles have typically lasted for periods ranging from two to ten years. In addition, the upheaval in the global economy in recent years has been much more widespread and has affected all the businesses in which we operate. We expect to see continued cyclicality in some or all of our businesses in the future, which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

for stockholders to replace or remove our directors, facilitating director enhancement that may delay, defer or prevent a change in control. Such provisions may prevent our stockholders from receiving the benefit from any premium to the market price of our common stock offered by a bidder in a takeover context. Even in the absence of a takeover attempt, the existence of these provisions may adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock if they are viewed as discouraging future takeover attempts.

Our certificate of incorporation or by-laws also contain provisions that permit our Board of Directors to issue one or more series of preferred stock, prohibit stockholders from filling vacancies on our Board of Directors, prohibit stockholders from calling special meetings of stockholders and from taking action by written consent, and impose advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals and nominations of directors to be considered at stockholder meetings.

Additionally, applicable state insurance laws may require prior approval of an application to acquire control of a domestic insurer. State statutes generally provide that control over a domestic insurer is presumed to exist when any person directly or indirectly owns, controls, has voting power over, or holds proxies representing, 10% or more of the domestic insurer's voting securities. However, the State of Florida, in which some of our insurance subsidiaries are domiciled, sets this threshold at 5%. Because a person acquiring 5% or more of our common stock would indirectly control the same percentage of the stock of our Florida subsidiaries, the insurance change of control laws of Florida would apply to such transaction and at 10% the laws of many other states would likely apply to such a transaction. Prior to granting such approval, a state insurance commissioner will typically consider such factors as the financial strength of the applicant, the integrity of the applicant's board of directors and executive officers, the applicant's plans for the future operations of the domestic insurer and any anti-competitive results that may arise from the consummation of the acquisition of control.



We may also, under some circumstances involving a change of control, be obligated to repay our outstanding indebtedness under our revolving credit facility and other agreements. We or any possible acquirer may not have available financial resources necessary to repay such indebtedness in those circumstances, which may constitute an event of default resulting in acceleration of indebtedness and potential cross-default under other

agreements. The threat of this could have the effect of delaying or preventing transactions involving a change of control, including transactions in which our stockholders would receive a substantial premium for their shares over then-current market prices, or which they otherwise may deem to be in their best interests.

## ITEM 1B Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

## ITEM 2 Properties

We own eight properties, including five buildings whose locations serve as headquarters for our operating segments, two buildings that serve as operation centers for Assurant Specialty Property and one building that serves as a claims training center for Assurant Specialty Property. Assurant Solutions and Assurant Specialty Property share headquarters buildings located in Miami, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia. Assurant Specialty Property has operations centers located in Florence, South Carolina and Springfield, Ohio. Assurant Solutions' preneed business also has a headquarters building in Rapid City, South Dakota.

## ITEM 3 Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved in litigation in the ordinary course of business, both as a defendant and as a plaintiff and may from time to time be subject to a variety of legal and regulatory actions relating to our current and past business operations. See Note 24 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of certain matters, which description is incorporated herein by reference. Although the Company cannot predict the outcome of any pending or future Assurant Employee Benefits has a headquarters building in Kansas City, Missouri. Assurant Health has a headquarters building in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We lease office space for various offices and service centers located throughout the U.S. and internationally, including our New York, New York corporate office and our data center in Woodbury, Minnesota. Our leases have terms ranging from month-to-month to twenty-five years. We believe that our owned and leased properties are adequate for our current business operations.

litigation, examination or investigation, it is possible that the outcome of such matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or cash flows for an individual reporting period. However, based on currently available information, management does not believe that any pending matter is likely to have a material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on the Company’s financial condition.

## ITEM 4 Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.



## ITEM 5 Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

## Stock Performance Graph

The following chart compares the total stockholder returns (stock price increase plus dividends paid) on our common stock from December 31, 2007 through December 31, 2012 with the total stockholder returns for the S&P 400 Midcap Index and the S&P 500 Index, as the broad equity market indexes, and the S&P 400 Multi-Line Insurance Index and S&P 500 Multi-Line Insurance Index, as the published industry indexes. The graph assumes that the value of the investment in the common stock and each index was $100 on December 31, 2007 and that all dividends were reinvested.

Comparison of Cumulative Total Return



TOTAL VALUES/RETURN TO STOCKHOLDERS (Includes reinvestment of dividends)

<table><tr><td rowspan="2">Company / Index</td><td colspan="2">Base Period</td><td colspan="4">Indexed Values Years Ending</td></tr><tr><td>12/31/07</td><td>12/31/08</td><td>12/31/09</td><td>12/31/10</td><td>12/31/11</td><td>12/31/12</td></tr><tr><td>Assurant, Inc.</td><td>100</td><td>45.42</td><td>45.67</td><td>60.79</td><td>66.00</td><td>57.05</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 500 Index</td><td>100</td><td>63.00</td><td>79.67</td><td>91.68</td><td>93.61</td><td>108.59</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 400 MidCap Index</td><td>100</td><td>63.77</td><td>87.61</td><td>110.94</td><td>109.02</td><td>128.51</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 500 Multi-line Insurance Index*</td><td>100</td><td>11.33</td><td>15.44</td><td>19.03</td><td>13.88</td><td>17.58</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 400 Multi-line Insurance Index*</td><td>100</td><td>70.93</td><td>81.94</td><td>96.01</td><td>104.25</td><td>125.00</td></tr></table>



## PART II

ITEM 5 Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

<table><tr><td></td><td colspan="5">Annual Return Percentage Years Ending</td></tr><tr><td>Company / Index</td><td>12/31/08</td><td>12/31/09</td><td>12/31/10</td><td>12/31/11</td><td>12/31/12</td></tr><tr><td>Assurant, Inc.</td><td>(54.58)</td><td>0.56</td><td>33.09</td><td>8.58</td><td>(13.56)</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 500 Index</td><td>(37.00)</td><td>26.46</td><td>15.06</td><td>2.11</td><td>16.00</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 400 MidCap Index</td><td>(36.23)</td><td>37.38</td><td>26.64</td><td>(1.73)</td><td>17.88</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 500 Multi-line Insurance Index*</td><td>(88.67)</td><td>36.35</td><td>23.23</td><td>(27.09)</td><td>26.70</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 400 Multi-line Insurance Index*</td><td>(29.07)</td><td>15.52</td><td>17.17</td><td>8.58</td><td>19.90</td></tr></table>

* S&P 400 Multi-line Insurance Index is comprised of mid-cap companies, while the S&P 500 Multi-line Insurance Index is comprised of large-cap companies.

## Common Stock Price

Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “AIZ.” The following table sets forth the high and low intraday sales prices per share of our common stock as reported by the NYSE for the periods indicated.

<table><tr><td>Year Ended December 31, 2012</td><td>High</td><td>Low</td><td>Dividends</td></tr><tr><td>First Quarter</td><td>$     44.39</td><td>$     38.05</td><td>$     0.18</td></tr><tr><td>Second Quarter</td><td>$     40.80</td><td>$     32.57</td><td>$     0.21</td></tr><tr><td>Third Quarter</td><td>$     38.16</td><td>$     33.06</td><td>$     0.21</td></tr><tr><td>Fourth Quarter</td><td>$     41.00</td><td>$     33.83</td><td>$     0.21</td></tr></table>

<table><tr><td>First Quarter</td><td>$     41.71</td><td>$     37.83</td><td>$     0.16</td></tr><tr><td>Second Quarter</td><td>$     40.03</td><td>$     34.48</td><td>$     0.18</td></tr><tr><td>Third Quarter</td><td>$     36.64</td><td>$     31.23</td><td>$     0.18</td></tr><tr><td>Fourth Quarter</td><td>$     41.38</td><td>$     34.07</td><td>$     0.18</td></tr></table>

## Holders

On February 15, 2013, there were approximately 275 registered holders of record of our common stock. The closing price of our common stock on the NYSE on February 15, 2013 was $41.84.

Please see Item 12 of this report for information about our equity compensation plans.

## Shares Repurchased

<table><tr><td>Period in 2012</td><td>Total Number of Shares Purchased</td><td>Average Price Paid Per Share</td><td>Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs \( ^{(1)} \)</td><td>Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that may yet be Purchased under the Programs</td></tr><tr><td>January 1 - January 31</td><td>978,000</td><td>39.50</td><td>978,000</td><td>266,777</td></tr><tr><td>February 1 - February 28</td><td>528,000</td><td>43.37</td><td>528,000</td><td>243,890</td></tr><tr><td>March 1 - March 31</td><td>912,000</td><td>41.47</td><td>912,000</td><td>206,083</td></tr><tr><td>Total first quarter</td><td>2,418,000</td><td>41.09</td><td>2,418,000</td><td>206,083</td></tr><tr><td>April 1 - April 30</td><td>912,800</td><td>39.58</td><td>912,800</td><td>169,973</td></tr><tr><td>May 1 - May 31</td><td>1,062,000</td><td>34.58</td><td>1,062,000</td><td>733,275</td></tr><tr><td>June 1 - June 30</td><td>2,581,021</td><td>33.83</td><td>2,581,021</td><td>646,017</td></tr><tr><td>Total second quarter</td><td>4,555,821</td><td>35.15</td><td>4,555,821</td><td>646,017</td></tr><tr><td>July 1 - July 31</td><td>1,444,639</td><td>34.52</td><td>1,444,639</td><td>596,170</td></tr><tr><td>August 1 - August 31</td><td>180,000</td><td>34.78</td><td>180,000</td><td>589,914</td></tr><tr><td>September 1 - September 30</td><td>1,449,000</td><td>37.07</td><td>1,449,000</td><td>536,235</td></tr><tr><td>Total third quarter</td><td>3,073,639</td><td>35.75</td><td>3,073,639</td><td>536,235</td></tr><tr><td>October 1 - October 31</td><td>852,000</td><td>39.15</td><td>852,000</td><td>502,900</td></tr><tr><td>November 1 - November 30</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>502,900</td></tr><tr><td>December 1 - December 31</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>502,900</td></tr><tr><td>Total fourth quarter</td><td>852,000</td><td>39.15</td><td>852,000</td><td>502,900</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL THROUGH DECEMBER 31</td><td>10,899,460</td><td>36.95</td><td>10,899,460</td><td>502,900</td></tr></table>

(1) Shares purchased pursuant to the January 18, 2011 publicly announced share repurchases authorization of up to $600,000 of outstanding common stock, which was increased by an authorization on May 14, 2012, for the repurchase of up to an additional $600,000 of outstanding common stock.



## Dividend Policy

On January 11, 2013, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.21 per common share payable on March 11, 2013 to stockholders of record as of February 25, 2013. We paid dividends of $0.21 on December 10, 2012, September 11, 2012 and June 12, 2012, and $0.18 per common share on March 12, 2012. We paid dividends of $0.18 on December 12, 2011, September 13, 2011 and June 7, 2011 and $0.16 per common share on March 14, 2011. Any determination to pay future dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will be dependent upon: our subsidiaries' payment of dividends and/or other statutorily permissible payments to us; our results of operations and cash flows; our financial position and capital requirements; general business conditions; any legal, tax, regulatory and contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends; and any other factors our Board of Directors deems relevant.

We are a holding company and, therefore, our ability to pay dividends, service our debt and meet our other obligations depends primarily on the ability of our regulated U.S. domiciled insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends and make other statutorily permissible payments to us. Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to significant regulatory and contractual restrictions limiting their ability to declare and pay dividends. See “Item 1A—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Company—The inability of our subsidiaries to pay sufficient dividends to us could prevent us from meeting our obligations and paying future stockholder dividends.” For the calendar year 2013, the maximum amount of dividends that our regulated U.S. domiciled insurance subsidiaries could pay to us under applicable laws and regulations without prior regulatory approval is approximately $524,000. Dividends or returns of capital paid by our subsidiaries, net of infusions, totaled $581,908 in 2012.

We may seek approval of regulators to pay dividends in excess of any amounts that would be permitted without such approval. However, there can be no assurance that we would obtain such approval if sought.

Payments of dividends on shares of common stock are subject to the preferential rights of preferred stock that our Board of Directors may create from time to time. There is no preferred stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2012. For more information regarding restrictions on the payment of dividends by us and our insurance subsidiaries, including pursuant to the terms of our revolving credit facilities, see “Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

In addition, our $350,000 revolving credit facility restricts payments of dividends if an event of default under the facility has occurred or a proposed dividend payment would cause an event of default under the facility.

## ITEM 6 Selected Financial Data

ASSURANT, INC.

FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="5">As of and for the years ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td>2009</td><td>2008</td></tr><tr><td>Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Revenues</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net earned premiums and other considerations</td><td>$ 7,236,984</td><td>$ 7,125,368</td><td>$ 7,403,039</td><td>$ 7,550,335</td><td>$ 7,925,348</td></tr><tr><td>Net investment income</td><td>713,128</td><td>689,532</td><td>703,190</td><td>698,838</td><td>774,347</td></tr><tr><td>Net realized gains (losses) on investments \( ^{(1)} \)</td><td>64,353</td><td>32,580</td><td>48,403</td><td>(53,597)</td><td>(428,679)</td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of deferred gain on disposal of businesses</td><td>18,413</td><td>20,461</td><td>10,406</td><td>22,461</td><td>29,412</td></tr><tr><td>Fees and other income</td><td>475,392</td><td>404,863</td><td>362,684</td><td>482,464</td><td>300,800</td></tr><tr><td>Total revenues</td><td>8,508,270</td><td>8,272,804</td><td>8,527,722</td><td>8,700,501</td><td>8,601,228</td></tr><tr><td>Benefits, losses and expenses</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Policyholder benefits \( ^{(2)} \)</td><td>3,655,404</td><td>3,749,734</td><td>3,635,999</td><td>3,863,447</td><td>4,020,259</td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of businesses acquired</td><td>1,403,215</td><td>1,327,788</td><td>1,401,569</td><td>1,467,141</td><td>1,522,312</td></tr><tr><td>Underwriting, general and administrative expenses</td><td>2,631,594</td><td>2,428,795</td><td>2,516,622</td><td>2,511,955</td><td>2,434,127</td></tr><tr><td>Interest expense</td><td>60,306</td><td>60,360</td><td>60,646</td><td>60,669</td><td>60,953</td></tr><tr><td>Goodwill impairment \( ^{(3)} \)</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>306,381</td><td>83,000</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Total benefits, losses and expenses</td><td>7,750,519</td><td>7,566,677</td><td>7,921,217</td><td>7,986,212</td><td>8,037,651</td></tr><tr><td>Income before provision for income taxes</td><td>757,751</td><td>706,127</td><td>606,505</td><td>714,289</td><td>563,577</td></tr><tr><td>Provision for income taxes \( ^{(4)} \)</td><td>274,046</td><td>167,171</td><td>327,898</td><td>280,929</td><td>116,411</td></tr><tr><td>NET INCOME</td><td>$ 483,705</td><td>$ 538,956</td><td>$ 278,607</td><td>$ 433,360</td><td>$ 447,166</td></tr></table>



## PART II

ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="6">As of and for the years ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td>2009</td><td>2008</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Earnings per share:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Basic</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>NET INCOME</td><td>$ 5.74</td><td>$ 5.58</td><td>$ 2.52</td><td>$ 3.67</td><td>$ 3.79</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Diluted</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>NET INCOME</td><td>$ 5.67</td><td>$ 5.51</td><td>$ 2.50</td><td>$ 3.66</td><td>$ 3.76</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>DIVIDENDS PER SHARE</td><td>$ 0.81</td><td>$ 0.70</td><td>$ 0.63</td><td>$ 0.59</td><td>$ 0.54</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Share data:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Weighted average shares outstanding used in basic per share calculations</td><td>84,276,427</td><td>96,626,306</td><td>110,632,551</td><td>118,036,632</td><td>118,005,967</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Plus: Dilutive securities</td><td>1,030,638</td><td>1,169,003</td><td>840,663</td><td>459,008</td><td>968,712</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES USED IN DILUTED PER SHARE CALCULATIONS</td><td>85,307,065</td><td>97,795,309</td><td>111,473,214</td><td>118,495,640</td><td>118,974,679</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cash and cash equivalents and investments</td><td>$ 15,885,722</td><td>$ 15,192,878</td><td>$ 14,670,364</td><td>$ 14,476,384</td><td>$ 13,107,476</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total assets</td><td>$ 28,946,607</td><td>$ 27,019,862</td><td>$ 26,345,501</td><td>$ 25,814,258</td><td>$ 24,468,894</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Policy liabilities(5)</td><td>$ 18,666,355</td><td>$ 17,278,342</td><td>$ 16,616,206</td><td>$ 15,969,204</td><td>$ 15,907,006</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Debt</td><td>$ 972,399</td><td>$ 972,278</td><td>$ 972,164</td><td>$ 972,058</td><td>$ 971,957</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 5,000</td><td>$ 8,160</td><td>$ 11,160</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total stockholders&#x27; equity</td><td>$ 5,185,366</td><td>$ 4,873,950</td><td>$ 4,633,136</td><td>$ 4,707,158</td><td>$ 3,563,042</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Per share data:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total book value per share(6)</td><td>$ 64.93</td><td>$ 54.31</td><td>$ 44.88</td><td>$ 40.03</td><td>$ 30.29</td><td></td></tr></table>

(1) Included in net realized gains (losses) are other-than-temporary impairments of $1,843, $7,836, $11,167, $38,660 and $340,153 for 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

(2) During 2012, we incurred losses of $250,206, mainly associated with Superstorm Sandy. During 2011, we incurred losses of $157,645 associated with Hurricane Irene, Tropical Storm Lee, wildfires in Texas and severe storms, including tornados in the southeast. During 2008, we incurred losses of $132,615 associated with Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Reportable catastrophe losses include only individual catastrophic events that generated losses to the Company in excess of $5,000, pre-tax and net of reinsurance.

(3) Following the completion of our annual goodwill impairment analysis, we recorded an impairment charge of $306,381 related to Assurant Employee Benefits and Assurant Health and a charge of $83,000 related to Assurant Employee Benefits during the fourth quarter of 2010 and 2009, respectively. The impairment charges resulted in a decrease to net income but did not have any related tax benefit.

(4) During 2011, we had an $80,000 release of a capital loss valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets. During 2008, we recorded a $84,864 tax benefit due to the sale of a non-operating subsidiary and the related deferred tax assets on a capital loss carryover.

(5) Policy liabilities include future policy benefits and expenses, unearned premiums and claims and benefits payable.

(6) Total stockholders' equity divided by the basic shares of common stock outstanding. At December 31, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008 there were 79,866,858, 89,743,761, 103,227,238, 117,591,250 and 117,640,936 shares, respectively, of common stock outstanding.

## ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes which appear elsewhere in this report. It contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those discussed below and elsewhere in this report, particularly under the headings “Item 1A—Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements.”



## General

We report our results through five segments: Assurant Solutions, Assurant Specialty Property, Assurant Health, Assurant Employee Benefits, and Corporate and Other. The Corporate and Other segment includes activities of the holding company, financing and interest expenses, net realized gains (losses) on investments and interest income earned from short-term investments held. The Corporate and Other segment also includes the amortization of deferred gains associated with the sales of FFG and LTC, through reinsurance agreements as described below.

## Executive Summary

Consolidated net income decreased $55,251, or 10%, to $483,705 for Twelve Months 2012 from $538,956 for Twelve Months 2011. The decrease is primarily due to an $80,000 release of a capital loss valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets during Twelve Months 2011. Partially offsetting this item was improved net income in our Assurant Health and Assurant Employee Benefits segments and an increase of $20,652 (after-tax) in net realized gains on investments. Twelve Months 2012 includes $162,634 (after-tax) of Assurant Specialty Property reportable catastrophe losses, primarily due to Superstorm Sandy, compared to $102,469 (after-tax) of reportable catastrophe losses in Twelve Months 2011. Higher catastrophe losses in Twelve Months 2012 were offset by growth in lender-placed homeowners net earned premiums and lower non-catastrophe losses.

Assurant Solutions net income decreased $12,297, or 9%, to $123,753 for Twelve Months 2012 from $136,050 for Twelve Months 2011. This decrease was largely due to a fourth quarter charge of $20,373 (after-tax) for the impairment of certain other intangible assets established primarily in connection with acquisitions of two U.K. mortgage insurance brokers in 2007, and a fourth quarter workforce restructuring charge of $7,724 (after-tax) primarily relating to our domestic credit and European operations. Twelve Months 2012 also included $6,362 (after-tax) of income from client related settlements.

Absent these items, international results improved primarily from continued growth and favorable experience in Latin America. Overall, Assurant Solutions' international combined ratio was 104.8%. In 2013, we expect this combined ratio to continue to improve primarily from expected profitable growth in Latin America and additional expense initiatives in Europe.

Domestic results declined primarily from the previously disclosed loss of a mobile client, effective October 2012, increased expenses in our mobile and vehicle services businesses to enhance our technology platform and support new business growth, and less favorable underwriting experience in our service contract business. These factors increased our domestic combined ratio to 98.9%. We expect the domestic combined ratio to remain near our target of 98.0% in 2013.

Fee income and sales from our preened business also improved during Twelve Months 2012, primarily due to our strong relationship with SCI.

Overall, we expect modest premium growth at Assurant Solutions in 2013. We also expect to continue our expense management initiatives in this segment.
The following discussion covers the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 (“Twelve Months 2012”), twelve months ended December 31, 2011 (“Twelve Months 2011”) and twelve months ended December 31, 2010 (“Twelve Months 2010”). Please see the discussion that follows, for each of these segments, for a more detailed analysis of the fluctuations.

Assurant Specialty Property net income increased $1,228, or less than 1%, to $304,951 for Twelve Months 2012 from $303,723 for Twelve Months 2011. The increase is due to increased lender-placed homeowners net earned premiums, growth in our multifamily housing business and lower non-catastrophe losses, mainly offset by an increase in reportable catastrophe losses of $60,165 (after-tax). The growth in net earned premiums was driven by lender-placed loan portfolio additions and increased placement rates.

Our placement rate for Twelve Months 2012 was 2.87% compared to 2.75% in Twelve Months 2011. The 2.87% placement rate is high, compared to historical standards, due to the impact of the new loan portfolios added throughout 2012. We expect placement rates in the near term to fluctuate, reflecting the state of the housing market and the changing composition of our tracked loan portfolios, but we expect placement rates to ultimately decline as the housing market stabilizes.

In late 2012, we began a multi-phased roll-out of our new next generation product to respond to the changed environment following the housing crisis. Features of the product include: expanded geographic rating, added premium rating flexibility and continued enhancements to our customer notification process. Our next generation product is available in 14 states and we expect to implement it in 14 more states by the end of the second quarter 2013, with a full roll-out to all other states by the end of 2013. As we have disclosed, we continue to engage in discussions with various state and federal regulatory departments regarding our lender-placed insurance program. For additional detail on certain of these discussions please refer to Assurant Specialty Property's results of operations section further below in this Item 7.

For 2013, we expect Assurant Specialty Property's revenue to increase slightly from 2012 due to growth in our lender-placed portfolio and multi-family housing products. We expect overall results to continue to be influenced by placement rate trends, premium rate changes, loan portfolio activity, client renewals, and catastrophe losses. We expect our expense ratio to remain approximately level with 2012 as we continue to improve efficiency while further improving client and customer service. We also expect our non-catastrophe loss ratio to increase due to anticipated higher frequency of such losses compared to a mild winter in 2012.

Assurant Health net income increased $11,114, or 27%, to $52,000 for Twelve Months 2012 from $40,886 for Twelve Months 2011. The increase was primarily attributable to $13,856 (after-tax) of additional investment income from a real estate joint venture partnership and lower expenses associated with organizational and operational expense reduction initiatives.



We expect ongoing changes related to health care reform to continue to affect this business in 2013. As such, we expect our loss ratio to increase, reflecting the continued impact of the MLR requirements on our pricing. In addition, we anticipate our effective tax rate to remain elevated due to limitations imposed by healthcare reform on the deductibility of compensation and certain other payments. We will continue to look for opportunities to further reduce our organizational and operational expenses to offset these pressures, but we expect the rate of reductions to be slower than in the past. We also expect net earned premiums and fees to decline, reflecting the continued shift to lower premium products in our individual medical business.

## Critical Factors Affecting Results

Our results depend on the appropriateness of our product pricing, underwriting and the accuracy of our methodology for the establishment of reserves for future policyholder benefits and claims, returns on and values of invested assets and our ability to manage our expenses. Factors affecting these items, including unemployment, difficult conditions in financial markets and the global economy, may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. For more information on these factors, see “Item 1A—Risk Factors.”

Management believes the Company will have sufficient liquidity to satisfy its needs over the next twelve months including the ability to pay interest on our Senior Notes and dividends on our common stock.

For Twelve Months 2012, net cash provided by operating activities, including the effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents, totaled $673,215; net cash used in investing activities totaled $449,883 and net cash used in financing activities totaled $480,641. We had $909,404 in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2012. Please see “—Liquidity and Capital Resources,” below for further details.

## Revenues

We generate revenues primarily from the sale of our insurance policies and service contracts and from investment income earned on our investments. Sales of insurance policies are recognized in revenue as earned premiums while sales of administrative services are recognized as fee income.

Under the universal life insurance guidance, income earned on preneed life insurance policies sold after January 1, 2009 are presented within policy fee income net of policyholder benefits. Under the limited pay insurance guidance, the consideration received on preneed policies sold prior to January 1, 2009 is presented separately as net earned premiums, with policyholder benefits expense being shown separately.

Our premium and fee income is supplemented by income earned from our investment portfolio. We recognize revenue from interest payments, dividends and sales of investments. Currently, our investment portfolio is primarily invested in fixed maturity securities. Both investment income and realized capital gains on these investments can be significantly affected by changes in interest rates.
Assurant Employee Benefits net income increased $14,984, or 35%, to $58,059 for Twelve Months 2012 from $43,075 for Twelve Months 2011. Results for Twelve Months 2012 were driven by favorable experience across most major product lines. Voluntary products, an area of focus, accounted for about 50% of Assurant Employee Benefits sales and over 35% of net earned premiums and fees, as small and mid-sized business benefit plans have shifted from employer-paid to employee-paid products.

We expect 2013 net earned premiums and fees at Assurant Employee Benefits to be consistent with 2012. We anticipate increased sales from our voluntary products to offset expected lower sales of traditional employer-paid products. We plan to lower our discount rate for new long-term disability claims incurred in 2013 by 50 basis points, to 4.25%, which we expect will reduce net income by approximately $4,000.

Interest rate volatility can increase or reduce unrealized gains or losses in our investment portfolios. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions and other factors beyond our control. Fluctuations in interest rates affect our returns on, and the market value of, fixed maturity and short-term investments.

The fair market value of the fixed maturity securities in our investment portfolio and the investment income from these securities fluctuate depending on general economic and market conditions. The fair market value generally increases or decreases in an inverse relationship with fluctuations in interest rates, while net investment income realized by us from future investments in fixed maturity securities will generally increase or decrease with interest rates. We also have investments that carry pre-payment risk, such as mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. Interest rate fluctuations may cause actual net investment income and/or cash flows from such investments to differ from estimates made at the time of investment. In periods of declining interest rates, mortgage prepayments generally increase and mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage obligations and bonds are more likely to be prepaid or redeemed as borrowers seek to borrow at lower interest rates. Therefore, in these circumstances we may be required to reinvest those funds in lower-interest earning investments.

## Expenses

Our expenses are primarily policyholder benefits, selling, underwriting and general expenses and interest expense.

Policyholder benefits are affected by our claims management programs, reinsurance coverage, contractual terms and conditions, regulatory requirements, economic conditions, and numerous other factors. Benefits paid or reserves required for future benefits could substantially exceed our expectations, causing a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Selling, underwriting and general expenses consist primarily of commissions, premium taxes, licenses, fees, amortization of deferred costs, general operating expenses and income taxes.

We incur interest expense related to our debt.



## Critical Accounting Estimates

Certain items in our consolidated financial statements are based on estimates and judgment. Differences between actual results and these estimates could in some cases have material impacts on our consolidated financial statements.

On January 1, 2012, the Company adopted the amendments to existing guidance on accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. This guidance was adopted retrospectively and has been applied to all prior period financial information contained in these consolidated financial statements. See Note 2 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

The following critical accounting policies require significant estimates. The actual amounts realized in these areas could ultimately be materially different from the amounts currently provided for in our consolidated financial statements.

## Health Insurance Premium Rebate Liability

The Affordable Care Act was signed into law in March 2010. One provision of the Act, effective January 1, 2011, established a minimum medical loss ratio (“MLR”) designed to ensure that a minimum percentage of premiums is paid for clinical services or health care quality improvement activities. The Affordable Care Act established an MLR of 80% for individual and small group business and 85% for large group business. If the actual loss ratios, calculated in a manner prescribed by the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”), are less than the required MLR, premium rebates are payable to the policyholders by August 1 of the subsequent year.

The Assurant Health loss ratio reported on page 46 (the “GAAP loss ratio”) differs from the loss ratio calculated under the MLR rules. The most significant differences include the fact that the MLR is calculated separately by state, legal entity and type of coverage (individual or group); the MLR calculation includes credibility adjustments for each state/entity/coverage cell, which are not applicable to the GAAP loss ratio; the MLR calculation applies only to some of our health insurance products, while the GAAP loss ratio applies to the entire portfolio, including products not governed by the Affordable Care Act; the MLR includes quality improvement expenses, taxes and fees; changes in reserves are treated differently in the MLR calculation; and the MLR premium rebate amounts are considered adjustments to premiums for GAAP reporting whereas they are reported as additions to incurred claims in the MLR rebate estimate calculations.
Assurant Health has estimated the 2012 impact of this regulation based on definitions and calculation methodologies outlined in the Interim Final Regulation from HHS released December 1, 2010 with Technical Corrections released December 29, 2010 and the HHS Final Regulation released December 7, 2011. An estimate was based on separate projection models for individual medical and small group business using projections of expected premiums, claims, and enrollment by state, legal entity and market for medical business subject to MLR requirements for the MLR reporting year. In addition, the projection models include quality improvement expenses, state assessments and taxes.

## Reserves

Reserves are established in accordance with GAAP using generally accepted actuarial methods and reflect judgments about expected future claim payments. Calculations incorporate assumptions about inflation rates, the incidence of incurred claims, the extent to which all claims have been reported, future claims processing, lags and expenses and future investment earnings, and numerous other factors. While the methods of making such estimates and establishing the related liabilities are periodically reviewed and updated, the calculation of reserves is not an exact process.

Reserves do not represent precise calculations of expected future claims, but instead represent our best estimates at a point in time of the ultimate costs of settlement and administration of a claim or group of claims, based upon actuarial assumptions and projections using facts and circumstances known at the time of calculation.

Many of the factors affecting reserve adequacy are not directly quantifiable and not all future events can be anticipated when reserves are established. Reserve estimates are refined as experience develops. Adjustments to reserves, both positive and negative, are reflected in the consolidated statement of operations in the period in which such estimates are updated.

Because establishment of reserves is an inherently complex process involving significant judgment and estimates, there can be no certainty that ultimate losses will not exceed existing claim reserves. Future loss development could require reserves to be increased, which could have a material adverse effect on our earnings in the periods in which such increases are made.



The following table provides reserve information for our major product lines for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:

<table><tr><td rowspan="3"></td><td colspan="5">December 31, 2012</td><td colspan="5">December 31, 2011</td></tr><tr><td colspan="5">Claims and Benefits Payable</td><td colspan="5">Claims and Benefits Payable</td></tr><tr><td>Future Policy Benefits and Expenses</td><td>Unearned Premiums</td><td>Incurred But Not Reported Reserves</td><td>Future Policy Benefits and Expenses</td><td>Unearned Premiums</td><td>Incurred But Reserves</td><td>Unearned Premiums</td><td>Case Reserves</td><td>Incurred But Not Reported Reserves</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Long Duration Contracts:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Preneed funeral life insurance policies and investment-type annuity contracts</td><td>$ 4,306,947</td><td>$ 154,998</td><td>$ 13,139</td><td>$ 7,297</td><td>$ 4,086,025</td><td>$ 120,067</td><td>$ 11,342</td><td>$ 7,555</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Life insurance no longer offered</td><td>445,347</td><td>574</td><td>3,110</td><td>4,437</td><td>456,860</td><td>626</td><td>1,428</td><td>4,487</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Universal life and other products no longer offered</td><td>210,037</td><td>127</td><td>825</td><td>5,133</td><td>229,726</td><td>132</td><td>988</td><td>6,534</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>FFG, LTC and other disposed businesses</td><td>3,424,511</td><td>35,862</td><td>713,258</td><td>55,661</td><td>3,491,994</td><td>38,039</td><td>641,238</td><td>55,151</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Medical</td><td>89,540</td><td>10,293</td><td>6,831</td><td>10,016</td><td>86,456</td><td>11,097</td><td>8,385</td><td>10,170</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>All other</td><td>37,123</td><td>455</td><td>15,786</td><td>8,904</td><td>8,145</td><td>352</td><td>46,138</td><td>6,993</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Short Duration Contracts:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Group term life</td><td>0</td><td>3,681</td><td>172,804</td><td>30,953</td><td>0</td><td>4,174</td><td>182,355</td><td>37,415</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Group disability</td><td>0</td><td>2,143</td><td>1,189,656</td><td>119,431</td><td>0</td><td>2,390</td><td>1,243,975</td><td>133,441</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Medical</td><td>0</td><td>111,351</td><td>99,549</td><td>148,209</td><td>0</td><td>135,557</td><td>97,964</td><td>170,970</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Dental</td><td>0</td><td>4,648</td><td>2,442</td><td>15,896</td><td>0</td><td>4,634</td><td>2,788</td><td>17,436</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Property and warranty</td><td>0</td><td>2,368,372</td><td>459,215</td><td>706,849</td><td>0</td><td>2,041,190</td><td>199,829</td><td>370,814</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Credit life and disability</td><td>0</td><td>300,824</td><td>41,711</td><td>54,624</td><td>0</td><td>286,631</td><td>50,645</td><td>59,949</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Extended service contracts</td><td>0</td><td>2,775,715</td><td>3,323</td><td>36,908</td><td>0</td><td>2,498,403</td><td>2,425</td><td>37,398</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>All other</td><td>0</td><td>423,217</td><td>11,643</td><td>22,980</td><td>0</td><td>338,725</td><td>9,999</td><td>19,307</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 8,513,505</td><td>$ 6,192,260</td><td>$ 2,733,292</td><td>$ 1,227,298</td><td>$ 8,359,206</td><td>$ 5,482,017</td><td>$ 2,499,499</td><td>$ 937,620</td><td></td><td></td></tr></table>

For a description of our reserving methodology, see Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report.

## Long Duration Contracts

Reserves for future policy benefits represent the present value of future benefits to policyholders and related expenses less the present value of future net premiums. Reserve assumptions reflect best estimates for expected investment yield, inflation, mortality, morbidity, expenses and withdrawal rates. These assumptions are based on our experience to the extent it is credible, modified where appropriate to reflect current trends, industry experience and provisions for possible unfavorable deviation. We also record an unearned revenue reserve which represents premiums received which have not yet been recognized in our consolidated statements of operations.

Historically, premium deficiency testing has not resulted in material adjustments to deferred acquisition costs or reserves. Such adjustments could occur, however, if economic or mortality conditions significantly deteriorated.

Risks related to the reserves recorded for certain discontinued individual life, annuity, and long-term care insurance policies have been 100% ceded via reinsurance. While the Company has not been released from the contractual obligation to the policyholders, changes in and deviations from economic and mortality assumptions used in the calculation of these reserves will not directly affect our results of operations unless there is a default by the assuming reinsurer.

## Short Duration Contracts

Claims and benefits payable reserves for short duration contracts include (1) case reserves for known claims which are unpaid as of the balance sheet date; (2) IBNR reserves for claims where the insured event has occurred but has not been reported to us as of the balance sheet date; and (3) loss adjustment expense reserves for the expected handling costs of settling the claims. Periodically, we review emerging experience and make adjustments to our reserves and assumptions where necessary. Below are further discussions on the reserving process for our major short duration products.

## Group Disability and Group Term Life

Case or claim reserves are set for active individual claims on group long term disability policies and for waiver of premium benefits on group term life policies. Reserve factors used to calculate these reserves reflect assumptions regarding disabled life mortality and claim recovery rates, claim management practices, awards for social security and other benefit offsets and yield rates earned on assets supporting the reserves. Group long term disability and group term life waiver of premium reserves are discounted because the payment pattern and ultimate cost are fixed and determinable on an individual claim basis.

Factors considered when setting IBNR reserves include patterns in elapsed time from claim incidence to claim reporting, and elapsed time from claim reporting to claim payment.



Key sensitivities at December 31, 2012 for group long term disability claim reserves include the discount rate and claim termination rates.

<table><tr><td colspan="3">Claims and Benefits Payable</td><td colspan="2">Claims and Benefits Payable</td></tr><tr><td>Group disability, discount rate decreased by 100 basis points</td><td>$ 1,373,851</td><td>Group disability, claim termination rate 10% lower</td><td>$ 1,343,830</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Group disability, as reported</td><td>$ 1,309,087</td><td>Group disability, as reported</td><td>$ 1,309,087</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Group disability, discount rate increased by 100 basis points</td><td>$ 1,250,755</td><td>Group disability, claim termination rate 10% higher</td><td>$ 1,277,538</td><td></td></tr></table>

The discount rate is also a key sensitivity for group term life waiver of premium reserves (included within group term life reserves).

<table><tr><td></td><td>Claims and Benefits Payable</td></tr><tr><td>Group term life, discount rate decreased by 100 basis points</td><td>$ 212,494</td></tr><tr><td>Group term life, as reported</td><td>$ 203,757</td></tr><tr><td>Group term life, discount rate increased by 100 basis points</td><td>$ 195,908</td></tr></table>

## Medical

IBNR reserves calculated using generally accepted actuarial methods represent the largest component of reserves for short duration medical claims and benefits payable. The primary methods we use in their estimation are the loss development method and the projected claim method. Under the loss development method, we estimate ultimate losses for each incident period by multiplying the current cumulative losses by the appropriate loss development factor. When there is not sufficient data to reliably estimate reserves under the loss development method, such as for recent claim periods, the projected claim method is used. This method utilizes expected ultimate loss ratios to estimate the required reserve. Where appropriate, we also use variations on each method or a blend of the two.
Reserves for our various product lines are calculated using experience data where credible. If sufficient experience data is not available, data from other similar blocks may be used. Industry data provides additional benchmarks when historical experience is too limited. Reserve factors may also be adjusted to reflect considerations not reflected in historical experience, such as changes in claims inventory levels, changes in provider negotiated rates or cost savings initiatives, increasing or decreasing medical cost trends, product changes and demographic changes in the underlying insured population.

Key sensitivities as of December 31, 2012 for short duration medical reserves include claims processing levels, claims under case management, medical inflation, seasonal effects, medical provider discounts and product mix.

<table><tr><td></td><td>Claims and Benefits Payable</td></tr><tr><td>Short duration medical, loss development factors 1% lower \( ^{*} \)</td><td>$ 262,758</td></tr><tr><td>Short duration medical, as reported</td><td>$ 247,758</td></tr><tr><td>Short duration medical, loss development factors 1% higher \( ^{*} \)</td><td>$ 234,758</td></tr></table>

* This refers to loss development factors for the most recent four months. Our historical claims experience indicates that approximately 87% of medical claims are paid within four months of the incurred date.

Changes in medical loss development may increase or decrease the MLR rebate liability.

## Property and Warranty

Our Property and Warranty lines of business include lender-placed homeowners, manufactured housing homeowners, multi-family housing, credit property, credit unemployment and warranty insurance and some longer-tail coverages (e.g. asbestos, environmental, other general liability and personal accident). Claim reserves for these lines are calculated on a product line basis using generally accepted actuarial principles and methods. They consist of case and IBNR reserves. The method we most often use in setting our Property and Warranty reserves is the loss development method. Under this method, we estimate ultimate losses for each accident period by multiplying the current cumulative losses by the appropriate loss development factor. We then calculate the reserve as the difference between the estimate of ultimate losses and the current case-incurred losses (paid losses plus case reserves). We select loss development factors based on a review of historical averages, adjusted to reflect recent trends and business-specific matters such as current claims payment practices.
The loss development method involves aggregating loss data (paid losses and case-incurred losses) by accident quarter (or accident year) and accident age for each product or product grouping. As the data ages, we compile loss development factors that measure emerging claim development patterns between reporting periods. By selecting the most appropriate loss development factors, we project the known losses to an ultimate incurred basis for each accident period.

The data is typically analyzed using quarterly paid losses and/or quarterly case-incurred losses. Some product groupings may also use annual paid loss and/or annual case-incurred losses, as well as other actuarially accepted methods.

Each of these data groupings produces an indication of the loss reserves for the product or product grouping. The process to select the best estimate differs by line of business. The single best estimate is determined based on many factors, including but not limited to:

• the nature and extent of the underlying assumptions;

• the quality and applicability of historical data—whether internal or industry data;

• current and future market conditions—the economic environment will often impact the development of loss triangles;



• the extent of data segmentation—data should be homogeneous yet credible enough for loss development methods to apply; and

• the past variability of loss estimates—the loss estimates on some product lines will vary from actual loss experience more than others.

Most of our credit property and credit unemployment insurance business is either reinsured or written on a retrospective commission basis. Business written on a retrospective commission basis permits management to adjust commissions based on claims experience. Thus, any adjustment to prior years' incurred claims is partially offset by a change in commission expense, which is included in the selling underwriting and general expenses line in our consolidated statements of operations.
While management has used its best judgment in establishing its estimate of required reserves, different assumptions and variables could lead to significantly different reserve estimates. Two key measures of loss activity are loss frequency, which is a measure of the number of claims per unit of insured exposure, and loss severity, which is a measure of the average size of claims. Factors affecting loss frequency include the effectiveness of loss controls and safety programs and changes in economic activity or weather patterns. Factors affecting loss severity include changes in policy limits, retentions, rate of inflation and judicial interpretations.

If the actual level of loss frequency and severity are higher or lower than expected, the ultimate reserves required will be different than management's estimate. The effect of higher and lower levels of loss frequency and severity levels on our ultimate costs for claims occurring in 2012 would be as follows:

<table><tr><td>Change in both loss frequency and severity for all Property and Warranty</td><td>Ultimate cost of claims occurring in 2012</td><td>Change in cost of claims occurring in 2012</td></tr><tr><td>3% higher</td><td>$ 1,237,077</td><td>$ 71,013</td></tr><tr><td>2% higher</td><td>$ 1,213,173</td><td>$ 47,109</td></tr><tr><td>1% higher</td><td>$ 1,189,502</td><td>$ 23,438</td></tr><tr><td>Base scenario</td><td>$ 1,166,064</td><td>$ 0</td></tr><tr><td>1% lower</td><td>$ 1,142,626</td><td>$ (23,438)</td></tr><tr><td>2% lower</td><td>$ 1,118,955</td><td>$ (47,109)</td></tr><tr><td>3% lower</td><td>$ 1,095,051</td><td>$ (71,013)</td></tr></table>

## Reserving for Asbestos and Other Claims

Our property and warranty line of business includes exposure to asbestos, environmental and other general liability claims arising from our participation in various reinsurance pools from 1971 through 1985. This exposure arose from a contract that we discontinued writing many years ago. We carry case reserves, as recommended by the various pool managers, and IBNR reserves totaling $34,946 (before reinsurance) and $27,790 (net of reinsurance) at December 31, 2012. We believe the balance of case and IBNR reserves for these liabilities are adequate. However, any estimation of these liabilities is subject to greater than normal variation and uncertainty due to the general lack of sufficiently detailed data, reporting delays and absence of a generally accepted actuarial methodology for those exposures. There are significant unresolved industry legal issues, including such items as whether coverage exists and what constitutes a claim. In addition, the determination of ultimate damages and the final allocation of losses to financially responsible parties are highly uncertain. However, based on information currently available, and after consideration of the reserves reflected in the consolidated financial statements, we do not believe that changes in reserve estimates for these claims are likely to be material.

## DAC

Information in this report for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008 has been revised, as applicable, for the retrospective application of the Company's adoption of the amendments to existing guidance on accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Only direct incremental costs associated with the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts are deferred to the extent that such costs are deemed recoverable from future premiums or gross profits. Acquisition costs primarily consist of commissions and premium taxes. Certain direct response advertising expenses are deferred when the primary purpose of the advertising is to elicit sales to customers who can be shown to have specifically responded to the advertising and the direct response advertising results in probable future benefits.

The deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) asset is tested annually to ensure that future premiums or gross profits are sufficient to support the amortization of the asset. Such testing involves the use of best estimate assumptions to determine if anticipated future policy premiums and investment income are adequate to cover all DAC and related claims, benefits and expenses. To the extent a deficiency exists, it is recognized immediately by a charge to the consolidated statements of operations and a corresponding reduction in the DAC asset. If the deficiency is greater than unamortized DAC, a liability will be accrued for the excess deficiency.

## Long Duration Contracts

Acquisition costs for preened life insurance policies issued prior to January 1, 2009 and certain discontinued life insurance policies have been deferred and amortized in proportion to anticipated premiums over the premium-paying period. These acquisition costs consist primarily of first year commissions paid to agents.

For preened investment-type annuities, preened life insurance policies with discretionary death benefit growth issued after January 1, 2009, universal life insurance policies and investment-type annuity contracts that are no longer offered, DAC is amortized in proportion to the present



value of estimated gross profits from investment, mortality, expense margins and surrender charges over the estimated life of the policy or contract. The assumptions used for the estimates are consistent with those used in computing the policy or contract liabilities.

Acquisition costs relating to group worksite products, which typically have high front-end costs and are expected to remain in force for an extended period of time, consist primarily of first year commissions to brokers, costs of issuing new certificates and compensation to sales representatives. These acquisition costs are front-end loaded, thus they are deferred and amortized over the estimated terms of the underlying contracts.

Acquisition costs relating to individual voluntary limited benefit health policies issued in 2007 and later are deferred and amortized over the estimated average terms of the underlying contracts. These acquisition costs relate to commission expenses which result from commission schedules that pay significantly higher rates in the first year.

## Short Duration Contracts

Acquisition costs relating to property contracts, warranty and extended service contracts and single premium credit insurance contracts are amortized over the term of the contracts in relation to premiums earned.

Acquisition costs relating to monthly pay credit insurance business consist mainly of direct response advertising costs and are deferred and amortized over the estimated average terms and balances of the underlying contracts.

Acquisition costs relating to group term life, group disability, group dental and group vision consist primarily of compensation to sales representatives. These acquisition costs are front-end loaded; thus, they are deferred and amortized over the estimated terms of the underlying contracts.

## Investments

We regularly monitor our investment portfolio to ensure investments that may be other-than-temporarily impaired are identified in a timely fashion, properly valued, and charged against earnings in the proper period. The determination that a security has incurred an other-than-temporary decline in value requires the judgment of management. Assessment factors include, but are not limited to, the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been less than cost, the financial condition and rating of the issuer, whether any collateral is held, the intent and ability of the Company to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery for equity securities, and the intent to sell or whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell for fixed maturity securities.

Any equity security whose price decline is deemed other-than-temporary is written down to its then current market value with the amount of the impairment reported as a realized loss in that period. The impairment of a fixed maturity security that the Company has the intent to sell or that it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell is deemed other-than-temporary and is written down to its market value at the balance sheet date, with the amount of the impairment reported as a realized loss in that period. For all other-than-temporarily impaired fixed maturity securities that do not meet either of these two criteria, the Company analyzes its ability to recover the amortized cost of the security by calculating the net present value of projected future cash flows. For these other-than-temporarily impaired fixed maturity securities, the net amount recognized in earnings is equal to the difference between its amortized cost and its net present value.

Inherently, there are risks and uncertainties involved in making these judgments. Changes in circumstances and critical assumptions such as a continued weak economy, or unforeseen events which affect one or more companies, industry sectors or countries could result in additional impairments in future periods for other-than-temporary declines in value. See also Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report and “Item 1A—Risk Factors—The value of our investments could decline, affecting our profitability and financial strength” and “Investments” contained later in this item.

## Reinsurance

Reinsurance recoverables include amounts we are owed by reinsurers. Reinsurance costs are expensed over the terms of the underlying reinsured policies using assumptions consistent with those used to account for the policies. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with claim and claim adjustment expense reserves or future policy benefits reserves and are reported in our consolidated balance sheets. An estimated allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded on the basis of periodic evaluations of balances due from reinsurers (net of collateral), reinsurer solvency, management's experience and current economic conditions. The ceding of insurance does not discharge our primary liability to our insureds.

The following table sets forth our reinsurance recoverables as of the dates indicated:

<table><tr><td></td><td>December 31, 2012</td><td>December 31, 2011</td></tr><tr><td>Reinsurance recoverables</td><td>$ 6,141,737</td><td>$ 5,411,064</td></tr></table>

We have used reinsurance to exit certain businesses, including blocks of individual life, annuity, and long-term care business. The reinsurance recoverables relating to these dispositions amounted to $3,619,747 and $3,622,481 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.



In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in both the assumption and cession of reinsurance with non-affiliated companies. The following table provides details of the reinsurance recoverables balance for the years ended December 31:

<table><tr><td></td><td></td><td>2012</td><td>2011</td></tr><tr><td>Ceded future policyholder benefits and expense</td><td>$     3,338,783</td><td>$     3,399,938</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ceded unearned premium</td><td>1,214,028</td><td>1,013,778</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ceded claims and benefits payable</td><td>1,540,073</td><td>945,900</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ceded paid losses</td><td>48,853</td><td>51,448</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$     6,141,737</td><td>$     5,411,064</td><td></td></tr></table>

We utilize reinsurance for loss protection and capital management, business dispositions and, in Assurant Solutions and Assurant Specialty Property, client risk and profit sharing. See also “Item 1A—Risk Factors—Reinsurance may not be available or adequate to protect us against losses and we are subject to the credit risk of reinsurers,” and “Item 7A—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Credit Risk.”

## Retirement and Other Employee Benefits

We sponsor qualified and non-qualified pension plans and a retirement health benefits plan covering our employees who meet specified eligibility requirements. The calculation of reported expense and liability associated with these plans requires an extensive use of assumptions including factors such as discount rates, expected long-term returns on plan assets, employee retirement and termination rates and future compensation increases. We determine these assumptions based upon currently available market and industry data, and historical performance of the plan and its assets. The assumptions we use may differ materially from actual results. See Note 20 to our consolidated financial statements for more information on our retirement and other employee benefits, including a sensitivity analysis for changes in the assumed health care cost trend rates.

## Contingencies

We account for contingencies by evaluating each contingent matter separately. A loss is accrued if reasonably estimable and probable. We establish reserves for these contingencies at the best estimate, or, if no one estimated amount within the range of possible losses is more probable than any other, we report an estimated reserve at the low end of the estimated range. Contingencies affecting the Company include litigation matters which are inherently difficult to evaluate and are subject to significant changes.

## Deferred Taxes

Deferred income taxes are recorded for temporary differences between the financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities, based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the Company expects the temporary differences to reverse. A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of all available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the asset will not be realized. The valuation allowance is sufficient to reduce the asset to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. The Company has deferred tax assets resulting from temporary differences that may reduce taxable income in future periods. The detailed components of our deferred tax assets, liabilities and valuation allowance are included in Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements.
As of December 31, 2011, the Company had a cumulative valuation allowance of $10,154 against deferred tax assets of international subsidiaries. During Twelve Months 2012, the Company recognized a cumulative income tax expense of $2,937 related to operating losses of international subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2012, the Company has a cumulative valuation allowance of $13,091 against deferred tax assets, as it is management's assessment that it is more likely than not that this amount of deferred tax assets will not be realized. The realization of deferred tax assets related to net operating loss carryforwards of international subsidiaries depends upon the existence of sufficient taxable income of the same character in the same jurisdiction.

In determining whether the deferred tax asset is realizable, the Company weighed all available evidence, both positive and negative. We considered all sources of taxable income available to realize the asset, including the future reversal of existing temporary differences, future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences, carry forwards and tax-planning strategies.

The Company believes it is more likely than not that the remainder of its deferred tax assets will be realized in the foreseeable future. Accordingly, other than noted herein for certain international subsidiaries, a valuation allowance has not been established.

Future reversal of the valuation allowance will be recognized either when the benefit is realized or when we determine that it is more likely than not that the benefit will be realized. Depending on the nature of the taxable income that results in a reversal of the valuation allowance, and on management's judgment, the reversal will be recognized either through other comprehensive income (loss) or through continuing operations in the consolidated statements of operations. Likewise, if the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that it would be able to realize all or part of the deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance would be recorded through a charge to continuing operations in the consolidated statements of operations in the period such determination is made.

In determining the appropriate valuation allowance, management makes judgments about recoverability of deferred tax assets, use of tax loss and tax credit carryforwards, levels of expected future taxable income and available tax planning strategies. The assumptions used in making these judgments are updated periodically by management based on current business conditions that affect the Company and overall economic conditions. These management judgments are therefore subject to change based on factors that include, but are not limited to, changes in expected capital gain income in the foreseeable future and the ability of the Company to successfully execute its tax planning strategies. Please see “Item 1A—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Company—Unanticipated changes in tax provisions or exposure to additional income tax liabilities could materially and adversely affect our results” for more information.



## Valuation and Recoverability of Goodwill

Goodwill represented $640,714 and $639,097 of our $28,946,607 and $27,019,862 of total assets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We review our goodwill annually in the fourth quarter for impairment or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. Such indicators include, but are not limited to, a significant adverse change in legal factors, adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, loss of key personnel or a significant decline in our expected future cash flows due to changes in company-specific factors or the broader business climate. The evaluation of such factors requires considerable judgment. Any adverse change in these factors could have a significant impact on the recoverability of goodwill and could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level and have concluded that our reporting units for goodwill testing are equivalent to our operating segments.

The following table illustrates the amount of goodwill carried at each reporting unit:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Assurant Solutions</td><td>$ 381,262</td><td>$ 379,645</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Assurant Specialty Property</td><td>259,452</td><td>259,452</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Assurant Health</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Assurant Employee Benefits</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 640,714</td><td>$ 639,097</td><td></td></tr></table>

For each reporting unit, we first compare its estimated fair value with its net book value. If the estimated fair value exceeds its net book value, goodwill is deemed not to be impaired, and no further testing is necessary. If the net book value exceeds its estimated fair value, we would then perform a second test to calculate the amount of impairment, if any. To determine the amount of any impairment, we would determine the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as if the reporting unit were being acquired in a business combination. Specifically, we would determine the fair value of all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, including any unrecognized intangible assets, in a hypothetical calculation that yields the implied fair value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the recorded goodwill, we would record an impairment charge for the difference.

During September 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance for goodwill and other intangibles. This guidance provides the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, an entity determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test, as described above. During 2011, the Company chose this option for Assurant Specialty Property, but not for Assurant Solutions. During 2012, the Company performed the Step 1 test for both reporting units.

In cases where Step 1 testing was performed, the following describes the valuation methodologies used in 2012 and 2011 to derive the estimated fair value of the reporting units.

For each reporting unit, we identified a group of peer companies, which have operations that are as similar as possible to the reporting unit. Certain of our reporting units have a very limited number of peer companies. A Guideline Company Method is used to value the reporting unit based upon its relative performance to its peer companies, based on several measures, including price to trailing 12 month earnings, price to projected earnings, price to tangible net worth and return on equity. A Dividend Discount Method (“DDM”) is used to value each reporting unit based upon the present value of expected cash flows available for distribution over future periods. Cash flows are estimated for a discrete projection period based on detailed assumptions, and a terminal value is calculated to reflect the value attributable to cash flows beyond the discrete period. Cash flows and the terminal value are then discounted using the reporting unit’s estimated cost of capital. The estimated fair value of the reporting unit equals the sum of the discounted cash flows and terminal value.

A Guideline Transaction Method values the reporting unit based on available data concerning the purchase prices paid in acquisitions of companies operating in the insurance industry. The application of certain financial multiples calculated from these transactions provides an indication of estimated fair value of the reporting units.

While all three valuation methodologies were considered in assessing fair value, the DDM was weighed more heavily since in the current economic environment, management believes that expected cash flows are the most important factor in the valuation of a business enterprise. In addition, recent dislocations in the economy, the scarcity of M&A transactions in the insurance marketplace and the relative lack of directly comparable companies, particularly for Assurant Solutions, make the other methods less credible.

Following the 2012 Step 1 test, the Company concluded that the estimated fair value of the Assurant Solutions reporting unit exceeded its net book value by 10.5%, while the Assurant Specialty Property reporting unit exceeded its net book value by 17.4%.

Following the 2011 Step 1 test, the Company concluded that the estimated fair value of the Assurant Solutions reporting unit exceeded its net book value by 19.2%. In undertaking our qualitative assessment of the Specialty Property reporting unit in 2011, we considered macroeconomic, industry and reporting unit-specific factors. These included (i) the effect of the current interest rate environment on our cost of capital; (ii) Assurant Specialty Property's sustaining market share over the year; (iii) lack of turnover in key management; (iv) 2011 actual performance as compared to expected 2011 performance from our 2010 Step 1 assessment; and, (v) the overall market position and share price of Assurant, Inc.



Based on our qualitative assessment, having considered the factors in totality we determined that it was not necessary to perform a Step 1 quantitative goodwill impairment test for Assurant Specialty Property and that it was more-likely-than-not that the fair value of Assurant Specialty Property continued to exceed its net book value at year-end 2011.

The determination of fair value of our reporting units requires many estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions primarily include, but are not limited to, earnings and required capital projections discussed above, discount rates, terminal growth rates, operating income and dividend forecasts for each reporting unit and the weighting assigned to the results of each of the three valuation methods described above. Changes in certain assumptions could have a significant impact on the goodwill impairment assessment. For example, an increase of the discount rate of 100 basis points, with all other assumptions held constant, for Assurant Solutions, would result in its estimated fair value being less than its net book value as of December 31, 2012. Likewise, a reduction of 350 basis points in the terminal growth rate, with all other assumptions held constant, for Assurant Solutions would result in its estimated fair value being less than its net book value as of December 31, 2012. It would take more significant movements in our estimates and assumptions in order for Assurant Specialty Property's estimated fair value to be less than its net book value.

We evaluated the significant assumptions used to determine the estimated fair values of Assurant Solutions and Assurant Specialty Property, both individually and in the aggregate, and concluded they are reasonable. However, should the operating results of either reporting unit decline substantially compared to projected results, or should further interest rate declines further increase the net unrealized investment portfolio gain position, we could determine that we need to record an impairment charge related to goodwill in Assurant Solutions and Assurant Specialty Property.

## Recent Accounting Pronouncements—Adopted

On September 30, 2012, the Company adopted the amended intangibles-goodwill and other guidance. This guidance allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets. Under this amended guidance, an entity would not be required to calculate the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset, unless the entity determines, based on qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. The amended guidance includes a number of events and circumstances for an entity to consider in conducting the qualitative assessment and did not have an impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

On January 1, 2012, the Company adopted the guidance on fair value measurement. This amended guidance changes certain fair value measurement principles and expands required disclosures to include quantitative and qualitative information about unobservable inputs in Level 3 measurements to achieve common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

On January 1, 2012, the Company adopted the amendments to existing guidance on accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. The amendments modified the definition of the types of costs incurred by insurance entities that can be capitalized in the acquisition of new and renewal contracts. Under this amended guidance, only direct incremental costs associated with successful insurance contract acquisitions or renewals are deferrable. This guidance was adopted retrospectively and has been applied to all prior period financial information contained in these consolidated financial statements. As of January 1, 2010, the beginning of the earliest period presented, the cumulative effect adjustment recorded to reflect this guidance resulted in a decrease of $148,242 in retained earnings, an increase of $2,149 in accumulated other comprehensive income and a decrease of $146,093 in total stockholders' equity. For more information, see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

On December 31, 2011, the Company adopted the new guidance related to the presentation of comprehensive income. This guidance provides two alternatives for presenting comprehensive income. An entity can report comprehensive income either in a single continuous financial statement or in two separate but consecutive financial statements. Each component of net income and each component of other comprehensive income, together with totals for comprehensive income and its two parts, net income and other comprehensive income, are displayed under either alternative. The statement(s) are to be presented with equal prominence as the other primary financial statements. The new guidance eliminates the Company's previously applied option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in stockholders' equity. The guidance does not change the items that constitute net income or other comprehensive income, and does not change when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. The Company chose to early adopt this guidance and therefore is reporting comprehensive income in a separate but consecutive statement, with full retrospective application as required by the guidance. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

On October 1, 2011, the Company adopted the amended intangibles-goodwill and other guidance. This guidance allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Under this amended guidance, an entity would not be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. The amended guidance includes a number of events and circumstances for an entity to consider in conducting the qualitative assessment. The Company chose to early adopt the revised standard and applied the amended guidance to its fourth quarter annual goodwill impairment test. The adoption of the amended guidance results in a change to the procedures for assessing goodwill impairment and did not have an impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations. For more information, see Notes 2 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

On January 1, 2011, the Company adopted the new guidance on multiple deliverable revenue arrangements. This guidance requires entities to use their best estimate of the selling price of a deliverable within a multiple deliverable revenue arrangement if the entity and other entities do not sell the deliverable separate from the other deliverables within the arrangement. In addition, it requires both qualitative and quantitative disclosures. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.



## Recent Accounting Pronouncements—Not Yet Adopted

In July 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued amendments to the other expenses guidance to address how health insurers should recognize and classify in their income statements fees mandated by the Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act imposes an annual fee on health insurers for each calendar year beginning on or after January 1, 2014. The amendments specify that the liability for the fee should be estimated and recorded in full once the entity provides qualifying health insurance in the applicable calendar year in which the fee is payable with a corresponding deferred cost that is amortized to expense ratably over the calendar year during which it is payable. The guidance is effective for calendar years beginning after December 31, 2013, when the fee initially becomes effective. Therefore, the Company is required to adopt this guidance on January 1, 2014. The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of the amendments and the potential impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

## Results of Operations

## Assurant Consolidated

## Overview

The table below presents information regarding our consolidated results of operations:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td></tr><tr><td>Revenues:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net earned premiums and other considerations</td><td>$ 7,236,984</td><td>$ 7,125,368</td><td>$ 7,403,039</td></tr><tr><td>Net investment income</td><td>713,128</td><td>689,532</td><td>703,190</td></tr><tr><td>Net realized gains on investments</td><td>64,353</td><td>32,580</td><td>48,403</td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of deferred gains on disposal of businesses</td><td>18,413</td><td>20,461</td><td>10,406</td></tr><tr><td>Fees and other income</td><td>475,392</td><td>404,863</td><td>362,684</td></tr><tr><td>Total revenues</td><td>8,508,270</td><td>8,272,804</td><td>8,527,722</td></tr><tr><td>Benefits, losses and expenses:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Policyholder benefits</td><td>3,655,404</td><td>3,749,734</td><td>3,635,999</td></tr><tr><td>Selling, underwriting and general expenses \( ^{(1)} \)</td><td>4,034,809</td><td>3,756,583</td><td>3,918,191</td></tr><tr><td>Interest expense</td><td>60,306</td><td>60,360</td><td>60,646</td></tr><tr><td>Total benefits, losses and expenses</td><td>7,750,519</td><td>7,566,677</td><td>7,614,836</td></tr><tr><td>Segment income before provision for income taxes and goodwill impairment</td><td>757,751</td><td>706,127</td><td>912,886</td></tr><tr><td>Provision for income taxes</td><td>274,046</td><td>167,171</td><td>327,898</td></tr><tr><td>Segment income before goodwill impairment</td><td>483,705</td><td>538,956</td><td>584,988</td></tr><tr><td>Goodwill impairment</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>306,381</td></tr><tr><td>NET INCOME</td><td>$ 483,705</td><td>$ 538,956</td><td>$ 278,607</td></tr></table>

(1) Includes amortization of DAC and VOBA and underwriting, general and administrative expenses.

## Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2011

Net income decreased $55,251, or 10%, to $483,705 for Twelve Months 2012 from $538,956 for Twelve Months 2011. The decrease is primarily due to an $80,000 release of a capital loss valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets during Twelve Months 2011. Partially offsetting this item was improved net income in our Assurant Health and Assurant Employee Benefits segments and an increase of $20,652 (after-tax) in net realized gains on investments. Twelve Months 2012 includes $162,634 (after-tax) of Assurant Specialty Property reportable catastrophe losses, primarily due to Superstorm Sandy, compared to $102,469 (after-tax) of reportable catastrophe losses in Twelve Months 2011. Higher catastrophe losses in Twelve Months 2012 were offset by growth in lender-placed homeowners net earned premiums and lower non-catastrophe losses.

## Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2010

Net income increased $260,349, or 93%, to $538,956 for Twelve Months 2011 from $278,607 for Twelve Months 2010. Twelve Months 2010 included a $306,381 non-cash goodwill impairment charge. Absent this charge, net income decreased $46,032 or 8%. The decline is primarily attributable to decreased net income in our Assurant Specialty Property segment mainly due to an increase in reportable catastrophe losses of $87,673 (after-tax) in Twelve Months 2011 and declines in net income at our Assurant Health and Assurant Employee Benefits segments. Partially offsetting these items was improved net income in our Assurant Solutions segment and an $80,000 release of a capital loss valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets during Twelve Months 2011.



## Assurant Solutions

## Overview

The table below presents information regarding Assurant Solutions' segment results of operations:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Revenues:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net earned premiums and other considerations</td><td>$ 2,579,220</td><td>$ 2,438,407</td><td>$ 2,484,299</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net investment income</td><td>396,681</td><td>393,575</td><td>397,297</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fees and other income</td><td>314,072</td><td>265,204</td><td>228,052</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total revenues</td><td>3,289,973</td><td>3,097,186</td><td>3,109,648</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Benefits, losses and expenses:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Policyholder benefits</td><td>840,133</td><td>847,254</td><td>884,405</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Selling, underwriting and general expenses(4)</td><td>2,267,986</td><td>2,037,680</td><td>2,059,245</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total benefits, losses and expenses</td><td>3,108,119</td><td>2,884,934</td><td>2,943,650</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Segment income before provision for income taxes</td><td>181,854</td><td>212,252</td><td>165,998</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Provision for income taxes</td><td>58,101</td><td>76,202</td><td>64,465</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>SEGMENT NET INCOME</td><td>$ 123,753</td><td>$ 136,050</td><td>$ 101,533</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net earned premiums and other considerations:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Domestic:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Credit</td><td>$ 165,765</td><td>$ 173,287</td><td>$ 189,357</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Service contracts</td><td>1,260,578</td><td>1,198,510</td><td>1,291,725</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other(1)</td><td>62,298</td><td>53,219</td><td>49,016</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total Domestic</td><td>1,488,641</td><td>1,425,016</td><td>1,530,098</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>International:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Credit</td><td>425,078</td><td>391,124</td><td>346,475</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Service contracts</td><td>556,207</td><td>495,853</td><td>459,166</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other(1)</td><td>28,316</td><td>24,692</td><td>18,002</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total International</td><td>1,009,601</td><td>911,669</td><td>823,643</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Preneed</td><td>80,978</td><td>101,722</td><td>130,558</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 2,579,220</td><td>$ 2,438,407</td><td>$ 2,484,299</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fees and other income:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Domestic:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Debt protection</td><td>$ 27,912</td><td>$ 29,501</td><td>$ 33,049</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Service contracts</td><td>139,636</td><td>120,896</td><td>110,386</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other(1)</td><td>4,039</td><td>4,123</td><td>8,839</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total Domestic</td><td>171,587</td><td>154,520</td><td>152,274</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>International:</td><td>38,840</td><td>32,059</td><td>28,930</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Preneed</td><td>103,645</td><td>78,625</td><td>46,848</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 314,072</td><td>$ 265,204</td><td>$ 228,052</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Gross written premiums(2):</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Domestic:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Credit</td><td>$ 390,648</td><td>$ 399,564</td><td>$ 422,825</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Service contracts</td><td>1,799,577</td><td>1,470,605</td><td>1,193,423</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other(1)</td><td>113,067</td><td>86,503</td><td>65,732</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total Domestic</td><td>2,303,292</td><td>1,956,672</td><td>1,681,980</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>International:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Credit</td><td>1,002,347</td><td>1,013,486</td><td>968,878</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Service contracts</td><td>722,251</td><td>622,674</td><td>523,382</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other(1)</td><td>44,721</td><td>45,312</td><td>22,407</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total International</td><td>1,769,319</td><td>1,681,472</td><td>1,514,667</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 4,072,611</td><td>$ 3,638,144</td><td>$ 3,196,647</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Preneed (face sales)</td><td>$ 863,734</td><td>$ 759,692</td><td>$ 734,884</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Combined ratio(3):</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Domestic</td><td>98.9%</td><td>97.3%</td><td>100.3%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>International</td><td>104.8%</td><td>104.0%</td><td>106.1%</td><td></td></tr></table>

(1) This includes emerging products and run-off products lines.

(2) Gross written premiums does not necessarily translate to an equal amount of subsequent net earned premiums since Assurant Solutions reinsures a portion of its premiums to insurance subsidiaries of its clients.

(3) The combined ratio is equal to total benefits, losses and expenses divided by net earned premiums and other considerations and fees and other income excluding the preneed business.

(4) 2012 © 2010 selling, underwriting and general expenses include $26,458 and $47,612, respectively, of intangible asset impairment charges.



## Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2011

## Net Income

Segment net income decreased $12,297, or 9%, to $123,753 for Twelve Months 2012 from $136,050 for Twelve Months 2011, primarily due to an other intangible asset impairment charge in our U.K. business of $20,373 (after-tax) and a workforce restructuring charge of $7,724 (after-tax). Both of these items occurred in the fourth quarter of 2012. In mid-2012, persistency rates of U.K. mortgage insurance brokers acquired in 2007 declined significantly following actions by an independent underwriter of the business, resulting in the impairment charge. The workforce restructuring charge primarily related to our domestic credit and European operations. Twelve Months 2012 includes $6,362 (after-tax) of income from client related settlements. Absent these items, net income increased $9,438 primarily due to improved results in our International business. The improved International business results were mainly due to growth and improved underwriting experience primarily in our Latin American region. Partially offsetting the improved International results was less favorable domestic service contract underwriting experience as well as lower earnings from certain domestic blocks of credit insurance business that are in run-off.

## Total Revenues

Total revenues increased $192,787, or 6%, to $3,289,973 for Twelve Months 2012 from $3,097,186 for Twelve Months 2011 mainly as a result of higher net earned premiums and other considerations of $140,813. Domestic net earned premiums increased primarily attributable to service contract growth in the automotive and retail markets from both new and existing clients including $17,123 related to a new block of business assumed during Twelve Months 2012. International service contract and credit businesses net earned premiums increased primarily in our Latin America and European regions from both new and existing clients. Fees and other income increased $48,868, mostly driven by growth in our preneed business and growth in our domestic retail and mobile service contract business, including a favorable one-time client settlement.

Gross written premiums increased $434,467, or 12%, to $4,072,611 for Twelve Months 2012 from $3,638,144 for Twelve Months 2011. Gross written premiums from our domestic service contract business increased $328,972 from both new and existing clients, including $41,117 related to a new assumed block of business and a one-time benefit of $33,200 resulting from the correction of a client reporting error. This correction had no impact on net income since an offsetting deferred commission amount was recorded. Gross written premiums from our international service contract business increased $99,577 due to growth in Europe and Latin America from new and existing clients and products.

Preneed face sales increased $104,042, to $863,734 for Twelve Months 2012 from $759,692 for Twelve Months 2011. This increase was mostly attributable to growth from our exclusive distribution partnership with Service Corporation International (“SCI”), the largest funeral provider in North America. This exclusive distribution partnership is effective through September 29, 2014.

## Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses

Total benefits, losses and expenses increased $223,185, or 8%, to $3,108,119 for Twelve Months 2012 from $2,884,934 for Twelve Months 2011. Policyholder benefits declined $7,121 primarily from improved loss experience in our international business and from a decrease associated with run-off lines in our preneed and domestic businesses, partially offset by higher policyholder benefits in our domestic service contract business related to business growth and $14,617 related to a new assumed block of business. Selling, underwriting and general expenses increased $230,306. Commissions, taxes, licenses and fees, of which amortization of DAC is a component, increased $159,623 due to higher earnings in our domestic service contract and international businesses. General expenses increased $70,683 primarily due to an other intangible asset impairment charge of $26,458 and severance expenses of $11,731. Additionally, costs also increased as a result of supporting the growth of our international businesses, primarily in Latin America.

## Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2010

## Net Income

Segment net income increased $34,517, or 34%, to $136,050 for Twelve Months 2011 from $101,533 for Twelve Months 2010. Twelve Months 2010 included an intangible asset impairment charge of $30,948 (after-tax) related to a client notification of non-renewal of a block of domestic service contract business. Absent this item, net income increased $3,569, or 3%, as a result of improved underwriting experience across our international and domestic service contract businesses. Partially offsetting the improvement was a $4,875 (after-tax) increase to policyholder benefits for unreported claims in our preneed business during fourth quarter 2011 as well as continued reduced earnings from certain domestic blocks of business that are in run-off.

## Total Revenues

Total revenues decreased $12,462, or less than 1%, to $3,097,186 for Twelve Months 2011 from $3,109,648 for Twelve Months 2010. The decrease was mainly the result of lower net earned premiums of $45,892, which was primarily attributable to the continued run-off of certain domestic service contract business from former clients that are no longer in business (mainly Circuit City) and the continued run-off of our domestic credit insurance business. Net earned premiums for full year 2011 declined approximately $160,000 from these two sources compared with 2010.

Partially offsetting these decreases were new domestic service contract business growth and increases in both our international credit and service contract businesses, which also benefited from the favorable impact of foreign exchange rates. Fees and other income increased $37,152 mainly as a result of increases in our preneed business.

Gross written premiums increased $441,497, or 14%, to $3,638,144 for Twelve Months 2011 from $3,196,647 for Twelve Months 2010. Gross written premiums from our domestic service contract business increased $277,182 primarily due to the 2010 addition of a large new client and an increase in automobile vehicle service contract sales. Our international service contract business increased $99,292 and our international credit business increased $44,608, primarily due to



growth from new and existing clients, particularly in Latin America, and the favorable impact of foreign exchange rates. Partially offsetting these increases was a $23,261 decrease in our domestic credit insurance business, due to the continued run-off of this product line.

Preneeded face sales increased $24,808, to $759,692 for Twelve Months 2011 from $734,884 for Twelve Months 2010. This increase was primarily attributable to domestic growth from our exclusive distribution partnership with SCI, the largest funeral provider in North America. This exclusive distribution partnership is effective through September 29, 2014. Twelve Months 2011 face sales also benefited from recent acquisitions made by SCI. This was partially offset by reduced sales in Canada compared to 2010, when consumer buying increased in advance of a consumer tax rate change that took effect July 1, 2010 in certain provinces.

## Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses

Total benefits, losses and expenses decreased $58,716, or 2%, to $2,884,934 for Twelve Months 2011 from $2,943,650 for Twelve Months 2010. Policyholder benefits decreased $37,151 primarily due to improved loss experience across our international and domestic service contract businesses and a decrease associated with certain domestic lines of business that are in run-off. Partially offsetting these items was a $7,500 increase to policyholder benefits for unreported claims related to the use of the U.S. Social Security Administration Death Master File to identify deceased policyholders and beneficiaries in our preneeded business during fourth quarter 2011.

Selling, underwriting and general expenses decreased $21,565. Commissions, taxes, licenses and fees, of which amortization of DAC is a component, increased $3,789 due to higher earnings in our international business resulting from growth of the business coupled with the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates. This was partially offset by lower earnings in our domestic service contract business. General expenses decreased $25,354 primarily due to the above mentioned $47,612 intangible asset impairment charge and from expense management efforts in domestic lines of business that are in run-off. These decreases were partially offset by higher expenses associated with the growth of our international and domestic service contract businesses.

## Assurant Specialty Property

## Overview

The table below presents information regarding Assurant Specialty Property’s segment results of operations:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Revenues:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net earned premiums and other considerations</td><td>$ 2,054,041</td><td>$ 1,904,638</td><td>$ 1,953,223</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net investment income</td><td>103,327</td><td>103,259</td><td>107,092</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fees and other income</td><td>98,621</td><td>79,337</td><td>69,147</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total revenues</td><td>2,255,989</td><td>2,087,234</td><td>2,129,462</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Benefits, losses and expenses:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Policyholder benefits</td><td>949,157</td><td>857,223</td><td>684,653</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Selling, underwriting and general expenses</td><td>844,288</td><td>769,826</td><td>797,620</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total benefits, losses and expenses</td><td>1,793,445</td><td>1,627,049</td><td>1,482,273</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Segment income before provision for income taxes</td><td>462,544</td><td>460,185</td><td>647,189</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Provision for income taxes</td><td>157,593</td><td>156,462</td><td>222,658</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>SEGMENT NET INCOME</td><td>$ 304,951</td><td>$ 303,723</td><td>$ 424,531</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net earned premiums and other considerations by major product groupings:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowners (lender-placed and voluntary)</td><td>$ 1,418,061</td><td>$ 1,274,485</td><td>$ 1,342,791</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Manufactured housing (lender-placed and voluntary)</td><td>207,675</td><td>216,613</td><td>220,309</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other(1)</td><td>428,305</td><td>413,540</td><td>390,123</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 2,054,041</td><td>$ 1,904,638</td><td>$ 1,953,223</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ratios:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Loss ratio(2)</td><td>46.2%</td><td>45.0%</td><td>35.1%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Expense ratio(3)</td><td>39.2%</td><td>38.8%</td><td>39.4%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Combined ratio(4)</td><td>83.3%</td><td>82.0%</td><td>73.3%</td><td></td></tr></table>

(1) This primarily includes multi-family housing, lender-placed flood, and miscellaneous insurance products.

(2) The loss ratio is equal to policyholder benefits divided by net earned premiums and other considerations.

(3) The expense ratio is equal to selling, underwriting and general expenses divided by net earned premiums and other considerations and fees and other income.

(4) The combined ratio is equal to total benefits, losses and expenses divided by net earned premiums and other considerations and fees and other income.



## Regulatory Matters

As previously disclosed, in February 2012, the Company and two of its wholly owned insurance subsidiaries, ASIC and American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida, received subpoenas from the NYDFS regarding the Company's lender-placed insurance business and related document retention practices. Over the next several months, the Company responded to the subpoenas, participated in depositions, responded to additional information requests from the NYDFS on the Company's lender-placed insurance program and, along with other companies in the industry, participated in public hearings conducted by the NYDFS. The Company was subsequently served with an order by the NYDFS requiring the Company to propose and justify amended rates for its lender-placed insurance products sold in the State of New York, to which it responded in early July 2012. The Company has since engaged in discussions with the NYDFS and provided additional information concerning its lender-placed insurance program in the State of New York. Proposed changes to the program would affect annual lender-placed hazard and real estate owned policies issued in the State of New York, which accounted for approximately $79,000 and $64,000 of Assurant Specialty Property's net earned premiums for Twelve Months 2012 and Twelve Months 2011, respectively. The Company's discussions with the NYDFS concerning this matter are continuing.

The company files rates with the state departments of insurance in the ordinary course of business. As previously disclosed, in addition to this routine correspondence, the Company has been engaged in discussions and proceedings with certain state regulators regarding our lender-placed insurance business. As the Company disclosed on October 22, 2012, ASIC reached an agreement with the California DOI to reduce premium rates for lender-placed hazard insurance products by 30.5%. This rate reduction reflects factors specific to California such as continued favorable loss experience in the state and different assumptions about future experience compared to our previous rate filing. The new rates in California began to apply to all policies issued or renewed with effective dates on or after January 19, 2013. During Twelve Months 2012, ASIC recorded approximately $111,000 of net earned premiums ($154,000 of gross written premium) in California for the type of policies subject to the rate reduction. The actual effect of the California rate decrease on the Company's net earned premiums and net income over the course of 2013 and beyond will depend on a variety of factors, including the Company's mix of lender-placed insurance products, lapse rates, rate and timing of renewals, placement rates, changes in client contracts and actual expenses incurred.

Assurant Specialty Property’s business strategy has been to pursue long-term growth in lender-placed homeowners insurance and adjacent markets with similar characteristics, such as lender-placed flood insurance and lender-placed mobile home insurance. Lender-placed insurance products accounted for approximately 71% of Assurant Specialty Property’s net earned premiums for Twelve Months 2012 and 70% for Twelve Months 2011. The approximate corresponding contributions to segment net income in these periods were 90% and 100%, respectively. The portion of total segment net income attributable to lender-placed products may vary substantially over time depending on the frequency, severity and location of catastrophic losses, the cost of catastrophe reinsurance and reinstatement coverage, the variability of claim processing costs and client acquisition costs, and other factors. In addition, we expect placement rates for these products to decline. It is possible that other state departments of insurance and regulatory authorities may choose to initiate or continue to review the appropriateness of the Company’s premium rates for its lender-placed insurance products. If in the aggregate such reviews lead to significant decreases in premium rates for the Company’s lender-placed insurance products, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

## Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2011

## Net Income

Segment net income increased $1,228, or less than 1%, to $304,951 for Twelve Months 2012 from $303,723 for Twelve Months 2011. The increase is due to increased lender-placed homeowners net earned premiums, growth in our multi-family housing business and lower non-catastrophe losses, partially offset by an increase in reportable catastrophe losses of $60,165 (after-tax). Growth in lender-placed homeowners net earned premiums is primarily due to growth in loan portfolios from both new and existing clients and increased placement rates.

## Total Revenues

Total revenues increased $168,755, or 8%, to $2,255,989 for Twelve Months 2012 from $2,087,234 for Twelve Months 2011. The main drivers of the increase are growth in lender-placed homeowners and renters insurance net earned premiums as well as fee income from growth in our resident bond products. Growth in lender-placed homeowners net earned premiums is primarily due to higher insurance placement rates and increased loans tracked attributable to client loan portfolio acquisitions that occurred in 2012 and late 2011.

## Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses

Total benefits, losses and expenses increased $166,396, or 10%, to $1,793,445 for Twelve Months 2012 from $1,627,049 for Twelve Months 2011. The loss ratio increased 120 basis points primarily due to higher reportable catastrophe losses which increased the loss ratio 390 basis points. Twelve Months 2012 includes $250,206 of reportable catastrophe losses, mainly due to Superstorm Sandy, compared to $157,645 of reportable catastrophe losses in Twelve Months 2011. Reportable catastrophe losses include only individual catastrophic events that generated losses to the Company in excess of $5,000, pretax and net of reinsurance. The non-catastrophe loss ratio declined 270 basis points primarily due to a decrease in loss frequency across most product lines. The expense ratio increased 40 basis points primarily due to higher operating costs to support business growth partially offset by a decrease in commission expense.

## Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2010

## Net Income

Segment net income decreased $120,808, or 29%, to $303,723 for Twelve Months 2011 from $424,531 for Twelve Months 2010. The decline was primarily due to an increase in reportable catastrophe losses of $87,673 (after-tax) in Twelve Months 2011. Increased frequency of non-catastrophe weather related losses during Twelve Months 2011 compared with Twelve Months 2010 also contributed to the decline.



## Total Revenues

Total revenues decreased $42,228, or 2%, to $2,087,234 for Twelve Months 2011 from $2,129,462 for Twelve Months 2010. Growth in lender-placed homeowners and multi-family housing gross earned premiums was more than offset by increased ceded lender-placed homeowners' premiums and $21,501 in increased catastrophe reinsurance premiums.

## Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses

Total benefits, losses and expenses increased $144,776, or 10%, to $1,627,049 for Twelve Months 2011 from $1,482,273 for Twelve Months 2010. The loss ratio increased 990 basis points with 710 basis points attributed to $134,881 of increased reportable catastrophe losses in Twelve Months 2011 compared to Twelve Months 2010. Reportable loss events for Twelve Months 2011 included Hurricane Irene, Tropical Storm Lee, wildfires in Texas and severe storms, including tornados in the southeast. The principal causes of loss for these events were wind and flood. Reportable loss events for Twelve Months 2010 included Arizona wind and hailstorms and Tennessee storms. Reportable catastrophe losses include only individual catastrophic events that generated losses to the Company in excess of $5,000, pre-tax and net of reinsurance. Commissions, taxes, licenses, and fees decreased $36,869 primarily due to client contract changes which resulted in lower commission expense. General expenses increased $9,075 primarily due to increased employee benefit expenses and costs associated with the June 2011 SureDeposit acquisition including associated intangible asset amortization.

## Assurant Health

## Overview

The table below presents information regarding Assurant Health’s segment results of operations:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td colspan="2">2011</td><td>2010</td></tr><tr><td>Revenues:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net earned premiums and other considerations(4)</td><td>$     1,589,459</td><td>$     1,718,300</td><td>$     1,864,122</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net investment income</td><td>64,308</td><td>45,911</td><td>48,540</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fees and other income</td><td>30,518</td><td>34,635</td><td>40,133</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total revenues</td><td>1,684,285</td><td>1,798,846</td><td>1,952,795</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Benefits, losses and expenses:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Policyholder benefits</td><td>1,174,108</td><td>1,271,060</td><td>1,302,929</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Selling, underwriting and general expenses</td><td>421,070</td><td>460,646</td><td>563,759</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total benefits, losses and expenses</td><td>1,595,178</td><td>1,731,706</td><td>1,866,688</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Segment income before provision for income taxes</td><td>89,107</td><td>67,140</td><td>86,107</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Provision for income taxes</td><td>37,107</td><td>26,254</td><td>31,233</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>SEGMENT NET INCOME</td><td>$     52,000</td><td>$     40,886</td><td>$     54,874</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net earned premiums and other considerations:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Individual Markets:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Individual markets</td><td>$     1,178,878</td><td>$     1,251,447</td><td>$     1,375,005</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Small employer group markets</td><td>410,581</td><td>466,853</td><td>489,117</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$     1,589,459</td><td>$     1,718,300</td><td>$     1,864,122</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Insured lives by product line(5):</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Individual Markets:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Individual</td><td>663</td><td>603</td><td>617</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Small employer group</td><td>109</td><td>129</td><td>144</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>772</td><td>732</td><td>761</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ratios:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Loss ratio(1)</td><td>73.9%</td><td>74.0%</td><td>69.9%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Expense ratio(2)</td><td>26.0%</td><td>26.3%</td><td>29.6%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Combined ratio(3)</td><td>98.5%</td><td>98.8%</td><td>98.0%</td><td></td></tr></table>

(1) The loss ratio is equal to policyholder benefits divided by net earned premiums and other considerations.

(2) The expense ratio is equal to selling, underwriting and general expenses divided by net earned premiums and other considerations and fees and other income.

(3) The combined ratio is equal to total benefits, losses and expenses divided by net earned premiums and other considerations and fees and other income.

(4) As of January 1, 2011, the Company began accruing premium rebates to comply with the minimum medical loss ratio requirements under the Affordable Care Act. Rebate payments and accruals are reflected within net earned premiums and other considerations.

(5) As of January 1, 2011, insured lives consist of all policies, including supplemental coverages and self-funded group products, purchased by policyholders. Prior periods consisted only of medical policies.



## The Affordable Care Act

Some provisions of the Affordable Care Act have taken effect already, and other provisions will become effective at various dates before the end of 2014. In December 2010, HHS issued a number of interim final regulations with respect to the Affordable Care Act. In December 2011, HHS issued its final regulation regarding the MLR. In November 2012, HHS issued proposed regulations for 2014 regarding the risk adjustment, reinsurance, and risk corridors programs; cost-sharing reductions; user fees for the federally-facilitated Exchange; advance payments of the premium tax credit, a federally-facilitated Small Business Health Option Program; and the medical loss ratio program. HHS has also issued various technical corrections and FAQ's. For more information, see Item 1A, "Risk Factors—Risk related to our industry—Reform of the health care industry could materially reduce the profitability of certain of our businesses" in this report.

## Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2011

## Net Income

Segment net income increased $11,114 or 27% to $52,000 for Twelve Months 2012 from $40,886 for Twelve Months 2011. The increase was primarily attributable to $13,856 (after-tax) of additional investment income from a real estate joint venture partnership and lower expenses associated with organizational and operational expense reduction initiatives. Partially offsetting these items were policy lapses and lower sales of new policies. Twelve Months 2011 results included a $4,780 (after-tax) reimbursement from a pharmacy services provider.

## Total Revenues

Total revenues decreased $114,561, or 6%, to $1,684,285 for Twelve Months 2012 from $1,798,846 for Twelve Months 2011. Net earned premiums and other considerations from our individual markets business decreased $72,569, or 6%, due to a decline in traditional major medical policies, partially offset by increased sales of lower priced supplemental and affordable choice products and premium rate increases. Net earned premiums and other considerations from our small employer group business decreased $56,272, or 12%, due to lower sales, partially offset by premium rate increases. Partially offsetting these declines was increased net investment income of $18,397, due to income from a real estate joint venture partnership.

## Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses

Total benefits, losses and expenses decreased $136,528, or 8%, to $1,595,178 for Twelve Months 2012 from $1,731,706 for Twelve Months 2011. Policyholder benefits decreased $96,952, or 8%, and the benefit loss ratio decreased to 73.9% from 74.0%. The decrease in policyholder benefits was primarily attributable to a decline in business volume, partially offset by higher loss experience. The slight decrease in the benefit loss ratio reflects a growing proportion of business with lower loss ratios, partially offset by higher loss experience on traditional major medical policies. Selling, underwriting and general expenses decreased $39,576, or 9%, primarily due to reduced employee-related expenses, lower technology and service provider costs, and reduced commissions due to lower sales of traditional major medical policies.

## Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2010

## Net Income

Segment net income decreased $13,988, or 25%, to $40,886 for Twelve Months 2011 from $54,874 for Twelve Months 2010. The decrease was partly attributable to accrued premium rebates of $27,033 (after-tax) associated with the MLR requirement included in the Affordable Care Act for our comprehensive health coverage business. Twelve Months 2011 results include $12,900 (after-tax) of favorable reserve development relative to 2010 year-end reserves, a $4,780 (after-tax) reimbursement from a pharmacy services provider related to prior year activity, reduced expenses associated with organizational and operational expense initiatives, and lower commissions due to agent compensation changes and lower sales of new policies. Twelve Months 2010 results included restructuring charges of $8,721 (after-tax) and a $17,421 (after-tax) benefit from a reserve release related to a legal settlement.

## Total Revenues

Total revenues decreased $153,949, or 8%, to $1,798,846 for Twelve Months 2011 from $1,952,795 for Twelve Months 2010. Net earned premiums and other considerations from our individual markets business decreased $123,558, or 9%, due to a decline in traditional individual medical product sales, caused by the transition to supplemental and affordable choice products and changes in agent commissions, resulting from the Affordable Care Act. These decreases were partially offset by premium rate increases and increased sales of supplemental and affordable choice products. Net earned premiums and other considerations before rebates from our small employer group business decreased $15,464, or 3%, due to lower sales and a continued high level of policy lapses, partially offset by premium rate increases. Twelve Months 2011 included a premium rebate accrual of $41,589 associated with the MLR requirement included in the Affordable Care Act for our comprehensive health coverage business. There was no premium rebate accrual in Twelve Months 2010 as the MLR requirement was not yet in effect.

## Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses

Total benefits, losses and expenses decreased $134,982, or 7%, to $1,731,706 for Twelve Months 2011 from $1,866,688 for Twelve Months 2010. Policyholder benefits decreased $31,869, or 2%, however, the benefit loss ratio increased to 74.0% from 69.9%. The decrease in policyholder benefits was primarily attributable to favorable reserve development relative to 2010 year-end reserves, a decline in business volume, partially offset by a $26,802 benefit from a reserve release related to a legal settlement in Twelve Months 2010. The increase in the benefit loss ratio was primarily attributable to the inclusion of premium rebates in net earned premiums and other considerations, and a disproportionate decline in benefits in relation to the decrease in net earned premiums and other considerations. Selling, underwriting and general expenses decreased $103,113, or 18%, primarily due to reduced employee-related and advertising expenses and reduced commissions due to agent compensation changes and lower sales of new policies.



## Assurant Employee Benefits

## Overview

The table below presents information regarding Assurant Employee Benefits' segment results of operations:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Revenues:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net earned premiums and other considerations</td><td>$ 1,014,264</td><td>$ 1,064,023</td><td>$ 1,101,395</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net investment income</td><td>128,485</td><td>129,640</td><td>132,388</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fees and other income</td><td>28,468</td><td>25,382</td><td>25,152</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total revenues</td><td>1,171,217</td><td>1,219,045</td><td>1,258,935</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Benefits, losses and expenses:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Policyholder benefits</td><td>693,067</td><td>767,723</td><td>766,050</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Selling, underwriting and general expenses</td><td>390,042</td><td>386,072</td><td>395,737</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total benefits, losses and expenses</td><td>1,083,109</td><td>1,153,795</td><td>1,161,787</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Segment income before provision for income taxes</td><td>88,108</td><td>65,250</td><td>97,148</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Provision for income taxes</td><td>30,049</td><td>22,175</td><td>33,596</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>SEGMENT NET INCOME</td><td>$ 58,059</td><td>$ 43,075</td><td>$ 63,552</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net earned premiums and other considerations:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>By major product grouping:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Group dental</td><td>$ 394,413</td><td>$ 412,339</td><td>$ 420,439</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Group disability \( ^{(3)} \)</td><td>409,757</td><td>449,293</td><td>488,411</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Group life</td><td>188,246</td><td>193,914</td><td>191,892</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Group vision and supplemental products</td><td>21,848</td><td>8,477</td><td>653</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 1,014,264</td><td>$ 1,064,023</td><td>$ 1,101,395</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ratios:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Loss ratio \( ^{(1)} \)</td><td>68.3%</td><td>72.2%</td><td>69.6%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Expense ratio \( ^{(2)} \)</td><td>37.4%</td><td>35.4%</td><td>35.1%</td><td></td></tr></table>

(1) The loss ratio is equal to policyholder benefits divided by net earned premiums and other considerations.

(2) The expense ratio is equal to selling, underwriting and general expenses divided by net earned premiums and other considerations and fees and other income.

(3) 2011 includes $4,936 of single premium on closed blocks of business. For closed blocks of business we receive a single, upfront premium and in turn we record a virtually equal amount of claim reserves. We then manage the claims using our claim management practices.

## Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2011

## Net Income

Segment net income increased $14,984, or 35%, to $58,059 for Twelve Months 2012 from $43,075 for Twelve Months 2011. Results for Twelve Months 2012 were driven primarily by favorable loss experience across most major product lines.

## Total Revenues

Total revenues decreased 4% to $1,171,217 for Twelve Months 2012 from $1,219,045 for Twelve Months 2011. Excluding $4,936 of single premium transactions in Twelve Months 2011, Twelve Months 2012 net earned premiums decreased $44,823 or 4%. The decrease in net earned premiums was primarily driven by the loss of two assumed disability clients which decreased net earned premiums $36,161.

## Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses

Total benefits, losses and expenses decreased 6% to $1,083,109 for Twelve Months 2012 from $1,153,795 for Twelve Months 2011. During Twelve Months 2012 policyholder benefits were reduced $5,061 based on the results of our annual reserve adequacy studies compared to $10,500 in Twelve Months 2011. Excluding the impact of the annual reserve adequacy studies, the loss ratio decreased to 68.8% from 73.1%, primarily driven by favorable disability, life and dental loss experience. The expense ratio increased to 37.4% from 35.4% primarily as a result of decreased net earned premiums.

## Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2010

## Net Income

Segment net income decreased 32% to $43,075 for Twelve Months 2011 from $63,552 for Twelve Months 2010. Lower results were primarily attributable to less favorable disability and life insurance loss experience, partially offset by improved dental insurance experience. Twelve Months 2011 results include a decrease in the reserve interest discount rate primarily for new long-term disability claims as well as



a $6,630 (after-tax) overall loss and loss adjustment expense reserve release (amounts are included in both policyholders benefits and selling, underwriting and general expenses) related to annual reserve adequacy studies in Twelve Months 2011 compared to $1,829 (after-tax) in Twelve Months 2010. Twelve Months 2010 general expenses included restructuring costs of $4,349 (after-tax). Twelve Months 2011 had no restructuring costs.

## Total Revenues

Total revenues decreased $39,890 to $1,219,045 for Twelve Months Ended 2011 from $1,258,935 for Twelve Months Ended 2010. Excluding single premiums, net earned premiums and other considerations decreased $42,308. The decrease in net earned premiums and other considerations was primarily driven by the loss of policyholders as a result of pricing actions on a block of assumed disability reinsurance business.

## Corporate and Other

The table below presents information regarding the Corporate and Other segment’s results of operations:

## Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses

Total benefits, losses and expenses decreased $7,992 to $1,153,795 for Twelve Months 2011 from $1,161,787 for Twelve Months 2010. During Twelve Months 2011 policyholder benefits were reduced $10,500 based on the results of our annual reserve adequacy studies compared to $5,758 in Twelve Months 2010. Excluding the impact of the reserve adequacy studies, the loss ratio increased to 73.1% from 70.1%, primarily driven by less favorable loss experience across our disability and life insurance products.

Selling, underwriting and general expenses decreased 2% to $386,072 for Twelve Months 2011 from $395,737 for Twelve Months 2010, however the expense ratio increased slightly to 35.4% from 35.1% driven by lower net earned premiums. Twelve Months 2010 included $6,690 in restructuring costs. Twelve Months 2011 had no restructuring costs. In addition, general expenses were $2,644 lower in Twelve Months 2011 compared with Twelve Months 2010 due to our annual reserve adequacy studies. Excluding the restructuring costs and the reserve adequacy adjustment in both years, the expense ratio increased to 35.4% for Twelve Months 2011 from 34.3% for Twelve Months 2010.

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Revenues:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net investment income</td><td>$ 20,327</td><td>$ 17,147</td><td>$ 17,873</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net realized gains on investments</td><td>64,353</td><td>32,580</td><td>48,403</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of deferred gains on disposal of businesses</td><td>18,413</td><td>20,461</td><td>10,406</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fees and other income</td><td>3,713</td><td>305</td><td>200</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total revenues</td><td>106,806</td><td>70,493</td><td>76,882</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Benefits, losses and expenses:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Policyholder benefits</td><td>(1,061)</td><td>6,474</td><td>(2,038)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Selling, underwriting and general expenses</td><td>111,423</td><td>102,359</td><td>101,830</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Interest expense</td><td>60,306</td><td>60,360</td><td>60,646</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total benefits, losses and expenses</td><td>170,668</td><td>169,193</td><td>160,438</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Segment loss before benefit for income taxes</td><td>(63,862)</td><td>(98,700)</td><td>(83,556)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Benefit for income taxes</td><td>(8,804)</td><td>(113,922)</td><td>(24,054)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>SEGMENT NET (LOSS) INCOME</td><td>$ (55,058)</td><td>$ 15,222</td><td>$ (59,502)</td><td></td></tr></table>

## Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2011

## Net (Loss) Income

Segment results decreased $70,280 to $(55,058) for Twelve Months 2012 compared to $15,222 for Twelve Months 2011. This decrease is mainly due to an $80,000 release of a capital loss valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets during Twelve Months 2011.

## Total Revenues

Total revenues increased $36,313, to $106,806 for Twelve Months 2012 compared with $70,493 for Twelve Months 2011. This increase is primarily due to a $31,773 increase in net realized gains on investments.

## Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses

Total benefits, losses and expenses increased $1,475 to $170,668 for Twelve Months 2012 compared with $169,193 for Twelve Months 2011. The increase is primarily due to increased employee related benefits and new business investments for areas targeted for growth partially offset by decreased policyholder benefits incurred of $7,535 associated with discontinued businesses.



## Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2010

## Net Income (Loss)

Segment results increased $74,724 to net income of $15,222 for Twelve Months 2011 compared to a net loss of $59,502 for Twelve Months 2010. This increase is mainly due to an $80,000 release of a capital loss valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets during Twelve Months 2011.

## Total Revenues

Total revenues decreased $6,389, to $70,493 for Twelve Months 2011 compared with $76,882 for Twelve Months 2010. This decrease is primarily due to a decline of $15,823 in net realized gains on investments partially offset by $10,055 of increased amortization of deferred gains on disposal of businesses. During 2010 a portion of the deferred gain liability was re-established resulting from refinements to assumptions associated with policy run-off.

## Total Benefits, Losses and Expenses

Total benefits, losses and expenses increased $8,755 to $169,193 for Twelve Months 2011 compared with $160,438 for Twelve Months 2010. The increase is primarily attributable to increased claims payable accruals of $6,474 associated with discontinued businesses.

## Goodwill Impairment

During 2010, the Company recorded goodwill impairments of $306,381. No goodwill impairment was recorded during 2012 or 2011. Goodwill accounting guidance requires that goodwill be tested at least annually for impairment or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. Prior to 2011, goodwill could only be tested for impairment using a two step process. Step 1 of the test identifies potential impairments at the reporting unit level, which for the Company is the same as our operating segments, by comparing the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to its net book value. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its net book value, there is no impairment of goodwill and Step 2 is unnecessary. However, if the net book value exceeds the estimated fair value, then Step 1 is failed, and Step 2 is performed to determine the amount of the potential impairment. Step 2 utilizes acquisition accounting guidance and requires the fair value calculation of all individual assets and liabilities of the reporting unit (excluding goodwill, but including any unrecognized intangible assets). The net fair value of assets less liabilities is then compared to the reporting unit's total estimated fair value as calculated in Step 1. The excess of fair value over the net asset value equals the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is then compared to the carrying value of goodwill to determine the reporting unit's goodwill impairment. During 2011, the FASB issued amended—guidance for goodwill and other intangibles. This guidance provides the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test, described above. For all reporting units in 2012 and 2010 and for the Assurant Solutions reporting unit in 2011, the Company performed its goodwill impairment test using the two step process. During 2011, for the Assurant Specialty Property reporting unit, the Company chose the option to first perform the qualitative assessment. See “Item 7-Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Critical Factors Affecting Results-Critical Accounting Estimates-Valuation and Recoverability of Goodwill” and Notes 5 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained elsewhere in this report for more information.

## Investments

The Company had total investments of $14,976,318 and $14,026,165 as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. For more information on our investments see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report.

The following table shows the credit quality of our fixed maturity securities portfolio as of the dates indicated:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2">Fixed Maturity Securities by Credit Quality (Fair Value)</td><td colspan="4">As of</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">December 31, 2012</td><td>December 31, 2011</td></tr><tr><td>Aaa / Aa / A</td><td>$ 7,319,006</td><td>60.1%</td><td>$ 6,620,808</td><td>59.1%</td></tr><tr><td>Baa</td><td>4,014,606</td><td>33.0%</td><td>3,692,709</td><td>33.0%</td></tr><tr><td>Ba</td><td>542,756</td><td>4.5%</td><td>648,817</td><td>5.8%</td></tr><tr><td>B and lower</td><td>295,270</td><td>2.4%</td><td>230,265</td><td>2.1%</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 12,171,638</td><td>100.0%</td><td>$ 11,192,599</td><td>100.0%</td></tr></table>



Major categories of net investment income were as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">2012</td><td colspan="2">2011</td></tr><tr><td>Fixed maturity securities</td><td>$ 553,668</td><td>$ 565,486</td><td>$ 572,909</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Equity securities</td><td>24,771</td><td>29,645</td><td>33,864</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Commercial mortgage loans on real estate</td><td>79,108</td><td>80,903</td><td>88,894</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Policy loans</td><td>3,204</td><td>3,102</td><td>3,248</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Short-term investments</td><td>4,889</td><td>5,351</td><td>5,259</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other investments</td><td>54,581</td><td>21,326</td><td>19,019</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cash and cash equivalents</td><td>15,323</td><td>7,838</td><td>5,577</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total investment income</td><td>735,544</td><td>713,651</td><td>728,770</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Investment expenses</td><td>(22,416)</td><td>(24,119)</td><td>(25,580)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>NET INVESTMENT INCOME</td><td>$ 713,128</td><td>$ 689,532</td><td>$ 703,190</td><td></td></tr></table>

Net investment income increased $23,596, or 3%, to $713,128 at December 31, 2012 from $689,532 at December 31, 2011. The increase is primarily due to $28,974 of increased investment income from real estate joint venture partnerships. Excluding the net investment income from real estate joint venture partnerships, net investment income decreased $5,378, reflecting lower investment yields.

Net investment income decreased $13,658, or 2%, to $689,532 at December 31, 2011 from $703,190 at December 31, 2010. The decrease is due to lower overall investment yields.

The net unrealized gain position increased to $1,496,027 as of December 31, 2012, compared to $1,074,135 as of December 31, 2011 primarily due to declining U.S. Treasury yields.

As of December 31, 2012, the Company owned $235,998 of securities guaranteed by financial guarantee insurance companies. Included in this amount was $219,239 of municipal securities, with a credit rating of A both with and without the guarantee.

Our states, municipalities and political subdivisions holdings are highly diversified across the United States and Puerto Rico, with no individual state's exposure (including both general obligation and revenue securities) exceeding 0.5% of the overall investment portfolio as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. At December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the securities include general obligation and revenue bonds issued by states, cities, counties, school districts and similar issuers, including $168,705 and $164,347, respectively, of advance refunded or escrowed-to-maturity bonds (collectively referred to as “pre-refunded bonds”), which are bonds for which an irrevocable trust has been established to fund the remaining payments of principal and interest. As of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, revenue bonds account for 52% and 51% of the holdings, respectively. Excluding pre-refunded bonds, sales tax, highway, water, fuel sales, transit and miscellaneous (which includes bond banks, finance authorities and appropriations) provide for 82% and 79% of the revenue sources, as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

The Company’s investments in foreign government fixed maturity securities are held mainly in countries and currencies where the Company has policyholder liabilities, which allow the assets and liabilities to be more appropriately matched. At December 31, 2012, approximately 67%, 15%, and 6% of the foreign government securities were held in the Canadian government/provinces and the governments of Brazil and Germany, respectively. At December 31, 2011, approximately 63%, 13% and 7% of the foreign government securities were held in the Canadian government/provinces and the governments of Brazil and Germany, respectively. No other country represented more than 5% of our foreign government securities as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

The Company has European investment exposure in its corporate fixed maturity and equity securities of $1,054,820 with an unrealized gain of $122,420 at December 31, 2012 and $868,012 with an unrealized gain of $61,387 at December 31, 2011. Approximately 28% and 31% of the corporate European exposure are held in the financial industry at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. No European country represented more than 5% of the fair value of our corporate securities as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Approximately 5% of the fair value of the corporate European securities are pound and euro-denominated and are not hedged to U.S. dollars, but, held to support those foreign-denominated liabilities. Our international investments are managed as part of our overall portfolio with the same approach to risk management and focus on diversification.

The Company has exposure to sub-prime and related mortgages within our fixed maturity securities portfolio. At December 31, 2012, approximately 3.3% of our residential mortgage-backed holdings had exposure to sub-prime mortgage collateral. This represented approximately 0.2% of the total fixed income portfolio and 1.0% of the total unrealized gain position. Of the securities with sub-prime exposure, approximately 15.0% are rated as investment grade. All residential mortgage-backed securities, including those with sub-prime exposure, are reviewed as part of the ongoing other-than-temporary impairment monitoring process.

As required by the fair value measurements and disclosures guidance, the Company has identified and disclosed its financial assets in a fair value hierarchy, which consists of the following three levels:

• Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company can access.

• Level 2 inputs utilize other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable in the marketplace for the asset. The observable inputs are used in valuation models to calculate the fair value for the asset.



• Level 3 inputs are unobservable but are significant to the fair value measurement for the asset, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset. These inputs reflect management's own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset.

A review of fair value hierarchy classifications is conducted on a quarterly basis. Changes in the observability of valuation inputs may result in a reclassification of levels for certain securities within the fair value hierarchy.

The Company’s Level 2 securities are valued using various observable market inputs obtained from a pricing service. The pricing service prepares estimates of fair value measurements for our Level 2 securities using proprietary valuation models based on techniques such as matrix pricing which include observable market inputs. The fair value measurements and disclosures guidance defines observable market inputs as the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. The extent of the use of each observable market input for a security depends on the type of security and the market conditions at the balance sheet date. Depending on the security, the priority of the use of observable market inputs may change as some observable market inputs may not be relevant or additional inputs may be necessary. The following observable market inputs (“standard inputs”), listed in the approximate order of priority, are utilized in the pricing evaluation of Level 2 securities: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data including market research data.

When market observable inputs are unavailable to the pricing service, the remaining unpriced securities are submitted to independent brokers who provide non-binding broker quotes or are priced by other qualified sources. If the Company cannot corroborate the non-binding broker quotes with Level 2 inputs, these securities are categorized as Level 3.

A non-pricing service source prices certain privately placed corporate bonds using a model with observable inputs including, but not limited to, the credit rating, credit spreads, sector add-ons, and issuer specific add-ons. A non-pricing service source prices our CPI Caps using a model with inputs including, but not limited to, the time to expiration, the notional amount, the strike price, the forward rate, implied volatility and the discount rate.

Management evaluates the following factors in order to determine whether the market for a financial asset is inactive. The factors include, but are not limited to:

• There are few recent transactions,

• Little information is released publicly,

• The available prices vary significantly over time or among market participants,

• The prices are stale (i.e., not current), and

• The magnitude of the bid-ask spread.

Illiquidity did not have a material impact in the fair value determination of the Company’s financial assets.
The Company generally obtains one price for each financial asset. The Company performs a monthly analysis to assess if the evaluated prices represent a reasonable estimate of their fair value. This process involves quantitative and qualitative analysis and is overseen by investment and accounting professionals. Examples of procedures performed include, but are not limited to, initial and on-going review of pricing service methodologies, review of the prices received from the pricing service, review of pricing statistics and trends, and comparison of prices for certain securities with two different appropriate price sources for reasonableness. Following this analysis, the Company generally uses the best estimate of fair value based upon all available inputs. On infrequent occasions, a non-pricing service source may be more familiar with the market activity for a particular security than the pricing service. In these cases the price used is taken from the non-pricing service source. The pricing service provides information to indicate which securities were priced using market observable inputs so that the Company can properly categorize our financial assets in the fair value hierarchy.

## Collateralized Transactions

The Company engages in transactions in which fixed maturity securities, primarily bonds issued by the U.S. government, government agencies and authorities, and U.S. corporations, are loaned to selected broker/dealers. Collateral, greater than or equal to 102% of the fair value of the securities lent, plus accrued interest, is received in the form of cash and cash equivalents held by a custodian bank for the benefit of the Company. The use of cash collateral received is unrestricted. The Company reinvests the cash collateral received, generally in investments of high credit quality that are designated as available-for-sale. The Company monitors the fair value of securities loaned and the collateral received, with additional collateral obtained, as necessary. The Company is subject to the risk of loss to the extent there is a loss on the re-investment of cash collateral.

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, our collateral held under securities lending, of which its use is unrestricted, was $94,729 and $95,221, respectively, and is included in the consolidated balance sheets under the collateral held/pledged under securities agreements. Our liability to the borrower for collateral received was $94,714 and $95,494, respectively, and is included in the consolidated balance sheets under the obligation under securities agreements. The difference between the collateral held and obligations under securities lending is recorded as an unrealized gain (loss) and is included as part of AOCI. All securities are in an unrealized gain position as of December 31, 2012. All securities with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2011 had been in a continuous loss position for twelve months or longer. The Company includes the available-for-sale investments purchased with the cash collateral in its evaluation of other-than-temporary impairments.

Cash proceeds that the Company receives as collateral for the securities it lends and subsequent repayment of the cash are regarded by the Company as cash flows from financing activities, since the cash received is considered a borrowing. Since the Company reinvests the cash collateral generally in investments that are designated as available-for-sale, the reinvestment is presented as cash flows from investing activities.



## Liquidity and Capital Resources

## Regulatory Requirements

Assurant, Inc. is a holding company and, as such, has limited direct operations of its own. Our holding company's assets consist primarily of the capital stock of our subsidiaries. Accordingly, our holding company's future cash flows depend upon the availability of dividends and other statutorily permissible payments from our subsidiaries, such as payments under our tax allocation agreement and under management agreements with our subsidiaries. The ability to pay such dividends and to make such other payments will be limited by applicable laws and regulations of the states in which our subsidiaries are domiciled, which subject our subsidiaries to significant regulatory restrictions. The dividend requirements and regulations vary from state to state and by type of insurance provided by the applicable subsidiary. These laws and regulations require, among other things, our insurance subsidiaries to maintain minimum solvency requirements and limit the amount of dividends these subsidiaries can pay to the holding company. For further information on pending amendments to state insurance holding company laws, including the NAIC's "Solvency Modernization Initiative," see "Item 1A—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Company—Changes in regulation may reduce our profitability and limit our growth." Along with solvency regulations, the primary driver in determining the amount of capital used for dividends is the level of capital needed to maintain desired financial strength ratings from A. M. Best.

It is possible that regulators or rating agencies could become more conservative in their methodology and criteria, including increasing capital requirements for our insurance subsidiaries which, in turn, could negatively affect our capital resources. On February 24, 2012, Moody's Investor Services ("Moody's") affirmed Assurant Inc.'s Senior Debt rating of Baa2, but changed the outlook on this rating to stable from negative. In addition, Moody's affirmed the financial strength ratings of Assurant's primary life and health insurance subsidiaries at A3 but changed the outlook on the ratings of two of our life and health insurance subsidiaries to stable from negative. A negative outlook remains on the ratings of Assurant's two other rated life and health subsidiaries due to concerns about the impact of the Affordable Care Act. On December 11, 2012, Standard and Poor's ("S&P") revised the outlook on the financial strength ratings of American Bankers Life Assurance Company of Florida and American Memorial Life Insurance Company from stable to positive. For further information on our ratings and the risks of ratings downgrades, see "Item 1—Business" and "Item 1A—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Company—A.M. Best, Moody's and S&P rate the financial strength of our insurance company subsidiaries, and a decline in these ratings could affect our standing in the insurance industry and cause our sales and earnings to decrease". For 2013, the maximum amount of dividends our U.S. domiciled insurance subsidiaries could pay, under applicable laws and regulations without prior regulatory approval, is approximately $524,000. In total, we received dividends or returns of capital, net of infusions, of $581,908 from our subsidiaries during 2012. We expect 2013 dividends from the operating segments to approximate their earnings subject to the growth of the businesses, rating agency and regulatory capital requirements and investment performance.

## Liquidity

As of December 31, 2012, we had $781,754 in holding company capital. We use the term “holding company capital” to represent cash and other liquid marketable securities held at Assurant, Inc., out of a total of $950,826, that we are not otherwise holding for a specific purpose as of the balance sheet date, but can be used for stock repurchases, stockholder dividends, acquisitions, and other corporate purposes. $250,000 of the $781,754 of holding company capital is intended to serve as a buffer against remote risks (such as large-scale hurricanes). Dividends or returns of capital, net of infusions, made to the holding company from its operating companies were $581,908, $523,881 and $832,300 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. We use these cash inflows primarily to pay expenses, to make interest payments on indebtedness, to make dividend payments to our stockholders, to make subsidiary capital contributions, to fund acquisitions and to repurchase our outstanding shares.

In addition to paying expenses and making interest payments on indebtedness, our capital management strategy provides for several uses of the cash generated by our subsidiaries, including without limitation, returning capital to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends, investing in our businesses to support growth in targeted areas, and making prudent and opportunistic acquisitions. During 2012, 2011 and 2010 we made share repurchases and paid dividends to our stockholders of $472,103, $600,314 and $602,568, respectively.

The primary sources of funds for our subsidiaries consist of premiums and fees collected, proceeds from the sales and maturity of investments and net investment income. Cash is primarily used to pay insurance claims, agent commissions, operating expenses and taxes. We generally invest our subsidiaries' excess funds in order to generate investment income.

We conduct periodic asset liability studies to measure the duration of our insurance liabilities, to develop optimal asset portfolio maturity structures for our significant lines of business and ultimately to assess that cash flows are sufficient to meet the timing of cash needs. These studies are conducted in accordance with formal company-wide Asset Liability Management (“ALM”) guidelines.

To complete a study for a particular line of business, models are developed to project asset and liability cash flows and balance sheet items under a large, varied set of plausible economic scenarios. These models consider many factors including the current investment portfolio, the required capital for the related assets and liabilities, our tax position and projected cash flows from both existing and projected new business.

Alternative asset portfolio structures are analyzed for significant lines of business. An investment portfolio maturity structure is then selected from these profiles given our return hurdle and risk preference. Sensitivity testing of significant liability assumptions and new business projections is also performed.

Our liabilities generally have limited policyholder optionality, which means that the timing of payments is relatively insensitive to the interest rate environment. In addition, our investment portfolio is largely comprised of highly liquid fixed maturity securities with a sufficient component of such securities invested that are near maturity which may be sold with minimal risk of loss to meet cash needs. Therefore, we believe we have limited exposure to disintermediation risk.



Generally, our subsidiaries’ premiums, fees and investment income, along with planned asset sales and maturities, provide sufficient cash to pay claims and expenses. However, there may be instances when unexpected cash needs arise in excess of that available from usual operating sources. In such instances, we have several options to raise needed funds, including selling assets from the subsidiaries’ investment portfolios, using holding company cash (if available), issuing commercial paper, or drawing funds from our revolving credit facility. In addition, we have filed an automatically effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC. This registration statement allows us to issue equity, debt or other types of securities through one or more methods of distribution. The terms of any offering would be established at the time of the offering, subject to market conditions. If we decide to make an offering of securities, we will consider the nature of the cash requirement as well as the cost of capital in determining what type of securities we may offer.

On January 11, 2013, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.21 per common share payable on March 11, 2013 to stockholders of record as of February 25, 2013. We paid dividends of $0.21 per common share on December 10, 2012 to stockholders of record as of November 26, 2012, $0.21 per common share on September 11, 2012 to stockholders of record as of August 27, 2012, $0.21 per common share on June 12, 2012 to stockholders of record as of May 29, 2012, and $0.18 per common share on March 12, 2012 to stockholders of record as of February 27, 2012.

Any determination to pay future dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will be dependent upon: our subsidiaries' payments of dividends and/or other statutorily permissible payments to us; our results of operations and cash flows; our financial position and capital requirements; general business conditions; legal, tax, regulatory and contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends; and other factors our Board of Directors deems relevant.

On May 14, 2012, our Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to an additional $600,000 of its outstanding common stock, making its total authorization $733,275 at that date. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we repurchased 10,899,460 shares of our outstanding common stock at a cost of $402,492, exclusive of commissions. As of December 31, 2012, $502,900 remained under the total repurchase authorization. The timing and the amount of future repurchases will depend on market conditions and other factors.

Management believes the Company will have sufficient liquidity to satisfy its needs over the next twelve months, including the ability to pay interest on our Senior Notes and dividends on our common shares.

## Retirement and Other Employee Benefits

We sponsor a qualified pension plan, the (“Assurant Pension Plan”) and various non-qualified pension plans along with a retirement health benefits plan covering our employees who meet specified eligibility requirements. The reported expense and liability associated with these plans requires an extensive use of assumptions which include, but are not limited to, the discount rate, expected return on plan assets and rate of future compensation increases. We determine these assumptions based upon currently available market and industry data, and historical performance of the plan and its assets. The actuarial assumptions used in the calculation of our aggregate projected benefit obligation vary and include an expectation of long-term appreciation in equity markets which is not changed by minor short-term market fluctuations, but does change when large interim deviations occur. The assumptions we use may differ materially from actual results due to changing market and economic conditions, higher or lower withdrawal rates or longer or shorter life spans of the participants.

The Pension Protection Act of 2006 (“PPA”) requires certain qualified plans, like the Assurant Pension Plan, to meet specified funding thresholds. If these funding thresholds are not met, there are negative consequences to the Assurant Pension Plan and participants. If the funded percentage falls below 80%, full payment of lump sum benefits as well as implementation of amendments improving benefits are restricted.

As of January 1, 2012, the Assurant Pension Plan’s funded percentage was 126.9% on a PPA calculated basis (based on an actuarial average value of assets compared to the funding target). Therefore, benefit and payment restrictions did not occur during 2012. The 2012 funded measure will also be used to determine restrictions, if any, that can occur during the first nine months of 2012. Due to the funding status of the Assurant Pension Plan in 2012, no restrictions will exist before October 2013 (the time that the January 1, 2013 actuarial valuation needs to be completed). Also, based on the estimated funded status as of January 1, 2013, we do not anticipate any restrictions on benefits for the remainder of 2013.

The Assurant Pension Plan was under-funded by $107,666 and $125,517 (based on the fair value of the assets compared to the projected benefit obligation) on a GAAP basis at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. This equates to an 87% and 83% funded status at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The change in under-funded status is mainly due to favorable investment returns as well as contributions made to the plan, partially offset by a decrease in the discount rate used to determine the projected benefit obligation.

The Company’s funding policy is to contribute amounts to the plan sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirements in ERISA, plus such additional amounts as the Company may determine to be appropriate from time to time up to the maximum permitted. The funding policy considers several factors to determine such additional amounts including items such as the amount of service cost plus 15% of the Assurant Pension Plan deficit and the capital position of the Company. During 2012, we contributed $50,000 in cash to the Assurant Pension Plan. We expect to contribute $50,000 in cash to the Assurant Pension Plan over the course of 2013. See Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report for the components of the net periodic benefit cost.

The impact of a 25 basis point change in the discount rate on the 2013 projected benefit expense would result in a change of $2,900 for the Assurant Pension Plan and the various non-qualified pension plans and $50 for the retirement health benefit plan. The impact of a 25 basis point change in the expected return on assets assumption on the 2013 projected benefit expense would result in a change of $1,600 for the Assurant Pension Plan and the various non-qualified pension plans and $100 for the retirement health benefits plan.



## Commercial Paper Program

Our commercial paper program requires us to maintain liquidity facilities either in an available amount equal to any outstanding notes from the program or in an amount sufficient to maintain the ratings assigned to the notes issued from the program. Our commercial paper is rated AMB-2 by A.M. Best, P-2 by Moody's and A-2 by S&P. Our subsidiaries do not maintain commercial paper or other borrowing facilities. This program is currently backed up by a $350,000 senior revolving credit facility, of which $330,240 was available at December 31, 2012, due to outstanding letters of credit.

On September 21, 2011, we entered into a four-year unsecured $350,000 revolving credit agreement (“2011 Credit Facility”) with a syndicate of banks arranged by JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Bank of America, N.A. The 2011 Credit Facility replaced the Company’s prior three-year $350,000 revolving credit facility (“2009 Credit Facility”), which was entered into on December 18, 2009 and was scheduled to expire in December 2012. The 2009 Credit Facility terminated upon the effective date of the 2011 Credit Facility. Due to the termination, the Company wrote off $1,407 of unamortized upfront arrangement fees. The 2011 Credit Facility provides for revolving loans and the issuance of multi-bank, syndicated letters of credit and/or letters of credit from a sole issuing bank in an aggregate amount of $350,000 and is available until September 2015, provided we are in compliance with all covenants. The 2011 Credit Facility has a sublimit for letters of credit issued thereunder of $50,000. The proceeds of these loans may be used for our commercial paper program or for general corporate purposes. The Company may increase the total amount available under the 2011 Credit Facility to $525,000 subject to certain conditions. No bank is obligated to provide commitments above their current share of the $350,000 facility.

We did not use the commercial paper program during the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 and there were no amounts relating to the commercial paper program outstanding at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The Company made no borrowings using the 2011 Credit Facility and no loans were outstanding at December 31, 2012. We had $19,760 of letters of credit outstanding under the 2011 Credit Facility as of December 31, 2012.

The 2011 Credit Facility contains restrictive covenants, all of which were met as of December 31, 2011. These covenants include (but are not limited to):

(i) Maintenance of a maximum debt to total capitalization ratio on the last day of any fiscal quarter of not greater than 35%, and

The table below shows our recent net cash flows:

(ii) Maintenance of a consolidated adjusted net worth in an amount not less than the “Minimum Amount”. For the purpose of this calculation the “Minimum Amount” is an amount equal to the sum of (a) the base amount $3,146,292 plus (b) 50% of consolidated net income for each fiscal quarter (if positive) ending after June 30, 2011, plus (c) 50% of the net proceeds of any issuance of Capital Stock or Hybrid Securities received after June 30, 2011.

At December 31, 2012, our ratio of debt to total capitalization was 18%, the consolidated Minimum Amount described in (ii) above was $3,512,436 and our actual consolidated adjusted net worth as calculated under the covenant was $4,507,949.

In the event of the breach of certain covenants all obligations under the facility, including unpaid principal and accrued interest and outstanding letters of credit, may become immediately due and payable.

## Senior Notes

We have two series of senior notes outstanding in an aggregate principal amount of $975,000. The first series is $500,000 in principal amount, bears interest at 5.63% per year and is due February 15, 2014. The second series is $475,000 in principal amount, bears interest at 6.75% per year and is due February 15, 2034.

Interest on our Senior Notes is payable semi-annually on February 15 and August 15 of each year. The interest expense incurred related to the Senior Notes was $60,306, $60,360 and $60,646 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. There was $22,570 of accrued interested at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Senior Notes are unsecured obligations and rank equally with all of our other senior unsecured indebtedness. The Senior Notes are not redeemable prior to maturity.

In management’s opinion, dividends from our subsidiaries together with our income and gains from our investment portfolio will provide sufficient liquidity to meet our needs in the ordinary course of business.

## Cash Flows

We monitor cash flows at the consolidated, holding company and subsidiary levels. Cash flow forecasts at the consolidated and subsidiary levels are provided on a monthly basis, and we use trend and variance analyses to project future cash needs making adjustments to the forecasts when needed.

For the Years Ended December 31,

<table><tr><td></td><td colspan="3">2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td></tr><tr><td>Net cash provided by (used in):</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Operating activities \( ^{(1)} \)</td><td>$</td><td>673,215</td><td>$</td><td>849,633</td><td>$ 540,313</td></tr><tr><td>Investing activities</td><td></td><td>(449,883)</td><td></td><td>(196,588)</td><td>(8,876)</td></tr><tr><td>Financing activities</td><td></td><td>(480,641)</td><td></td><td>(636,848)</td><td>(699,473)</td></tr><tr><td>NET CHANGE IN CASH</td><td></td><td>$</td><td>(257,309)</td><td>$</td><td>16,197</td></tr><tr><td>(1) Includes effect of exchange rates changes on cash and cash equivalents.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>(168,036)</td></tr></table>



## Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

## Operating Activities:

We typically generate operating cash inflows from premiums collected from our insurance products and income received from our investments while outflows consist of policy acquisition costs, benefits paid, and operating expenses. These net cash flows are then invested to support the obligations of our insurance products and required capital supporting these products. Our cash flows from operating activities are affected by the timing of premiums, fees, and investment income received and expenses paid.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $673,215 and $849,633 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The decreased operating activity cash flow is primarily due to increased catastrophe loss payments, changes in the timing of payments, including commissions and the Company's defined contribution match, partially offset by increased net written premiums in our Assurant Solutions and Assurant Specialty Property segments.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $849,633 and $540,313 for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The increased operating activity cash flow was primarily due to an increase in net written premiums in our Assurant Solutions and Assurant Specialty Property segments.

The table below shows our cash outflows for interest and dividends for the periods indicated:

## Investing Activities:

Net cash used in investing activities was $449,883 and $196,588 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The increase in cash used in investing activities is primarily due to increased purchases of fixed maturity and equity securities.

Net cash used in investing activities was $196,588 and $8,876 for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The increase in cash used in investing activities is primarily due to the acquisition of SureDeposit during the second quarter of 2011 and changes in our short-term investments and commercial mortgage loans on real estate.

## Financing Activities:

Net cash used in financing activities was $480,641 and $636,848 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The decrease in cash used in financing activities is primarily due to a decrease in the acquisition of common stock.

Net cash used in financing activities was $636,848 and $699,473 for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The decrease in cash used in financing activities is primarily due to changes in the tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements and the change in obligation under securities lending.

For the Years Ended December 31,

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Security</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Interest paid on mandatory redeemable preferred stock and debt</td><td>$ 60,188</td><td>$ 60,244</td><td>$ 60,539</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Common stock dividends</td><td>69,393</td><td>67,385</td><td>69,618</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 129,581</td><td>$ 127,629</td><td>$ 130,157</td><td></td></tr></table>

## Commitments and Contingencies

We have obligations and commitments to third parties as a result of our operations. These obligations and commitments, as of December 31, 2012, are detailed in the table below by maturity date as of the dates indicated:

As of December 31, 2012

<table><tr><td></td><td>Total</td><td>Less than 1 Year</td><td>1-3 Years</td><td>3-5 Years</td><td>More than 5 Years</td></tr><tr><td>Contractual obligations:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Insurance liabilities \( ^{(1)} \)</td><td>$ 19,906,787</td><td>$ 2,355,437</td><td>$ 1,700,600</td><td>$ 1,586,273</td><td>$ 14,264,477</td></tr><tr><td>Debt and related interest</td><td>1,676,438</td><td>60,188</td><td>564,125</td><td>64,125</td><td>988,000</td></tr><tr><td>Operating leases</td><td>111,696</td><td>26,184</td><td>43,792</td><td>23,311</td><td>18,409</td></tr><tr><td>Pension obligations and postretirement benefit</td><td>632,639</td><td>43,742</td><td>118,264</td><td>112,842</td><td>357,791</td></tr><tr><td>Commitments:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Investment purchases outstanding:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Commercial mortgage loans on real estate</td><td>9,900</td><td>9,900</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Liability for unrecognized tax benefit</td><td>11,446</td><td>6,553</td><td>4,440</td><td>453</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS</td><td>$ 22,348,906</td><td>$ 2,502,004</td><td>$ 2,431,221</td><td>$ 1,787,004</td><td>$ 15,628,677</td></tr></table>

(1) Insurance liabilities reflect estimated cash payments to be made to policyholders.



Liabilities for future policy benefits and expenses of $8,513,505 and claims and benefits payable of $3,960,590 have been included in the commitments and contingencies table. Significant uncertainties relating to these liabilities include mortality, morbidity, expenses, persistency, investment returns, inflation, contract terms and the timing of payments.

## Letters of Credit

In the normal course of business, letters of credit are issued primarily to support reinsurance arrangements. These letters of credit are supported by commitments with financial institutions. We had approximately $19,760 and $24,946 of letters of credit outstanding as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

## Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on the financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, or capital resources of the Company.

## ITEM 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

As a provider of insurance products, effective risk management is fundamental to our ability to protect both our customers' and stockholders' interests. We are exposed to potential loss from various market risks, in particular interest rate risk and credit risk. Additionally, we are exposed to inflation risk and to a lesser extent foreign currency risk.

Interest rate risk is the possibility that the fair value of liabilities will change more or less than the market value of investments in response to changes in interest rates, including changes in investment yields and changes in spreads due to credit risks and other factors.

Credit risk is the possibility that counterparties may not be able to meet payment obligations when they become due. We assume counterparty credit risk in many forms. A counterparty is any person or entity from which cash or other forms of consideration are expected to extinguish

## Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk arises as we invest substantial funds in interest-sensitive fixed income assets, such as fixed maturity securities, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities and commercial mortgage loans, primarily in the United States and Canada. There are two forms of interest rate risk—price risk and reinvestment risk. Price risk occurs when fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on the market valuation of these investments. As interest rates rise, the market value of these investments falls, and conversely, as interest rates fall, the market value of these investments rise. Reinvestment risk is primarily associated with the need to reinvest cash flows (primarily coupons and maturities) in an unfavorable lower interest rate environment. In addition, for securities with embedded options such as callable bonds, mortgage-backed securities, and certain asset-backed securities, reinvestment risk occurs when fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on expected cash flows. As interest rates fall, an increase in prepayments on these assets results in earlier than expected receipt of cash flows forcing us to reinvest the proceeds in an unfavorable lower interest rate environment. Conversely, as interest rates rise, a decrease in prepayments on these assets results in later than expected receipt of cash flows forcing us to forgo reinvesting in a favorable higher interest rate environment. a liability or obligation to us. Primarily, our credit risk exposure is concentrated in our fixed maturity investment portfolio and, to a lesser extent, in our reinsurance recoverables.

Inflation risk is the possibility that a change in domestic price levels produces an adverse effect on earnings. This typically happens when either invested assets or liabilities, but not both is indexed to inflation.

Foreign exchange risk is the possibility that changes in exchange rates produce an adverse effect on earnings and equity when measured in domestic currency. This risk is largest when assets backing liabilities payable in one currency are invested in financial instruments of another currency. Our general principle is to invest in assets that match the currency in which we expect the liabilities to be paid.

We manage interest rate risk by selecting investments with characteristics such as duration, yield, currency and liquidity tailored to the anticipated cash outflow characteristics of our insurance and reinsurance liabilities.

Our group long-term disability and group term life waiver of premium reserves are also sensitive to interest rates. These reserves are discounted to the valuation date at the valuation interest rate. The valuation interest rate is determined by taking into consideration actual and expected earned rates on our asset portfolio.

The interest rate sensitivity relating to price risk of our fixed maturity securities is assessed using hypothetical scenarios that assume several positive and negative parallel shifts of the yield curves. We have assumed that the United States and Canadian yield curve shifts are of equal direction and magnitude. The individual securities are repriced under each scenario using a valuation model. For investments such as callable bonds and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, a prepayment model is used in conjunction with a valuation model. Our actual experience may differ from the results noted below particularly due to assumptions utilized or if events occur that were not included in the methodology.



The following tables summarize the results of this analysis for bonds, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities held in our investment portfolio as of the dates indicated:

## INTEREST RATE MOVEMENT ANALYSIS OF MARKET VALUE OF FIXED MATURITY SECURITIES INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

As of December 31, 2012

<table><tr><td></td><td colspan="3">-100</td><td>-50</td><td></td><td>0</td><td>50</td><td>100</td></tr><tr><td>Total market value</td><td>$     13,029,953</td><td>$     12,613,857</td><td>$     12,171,638</td><td>$     11,742,576</td><td>$     11,337,344</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>% Change in market value from base case</td><td>7.05%</td><td>3.63%</td><td></td><td>0</td><td>(3.53)%</td><td></td><td>(6.85)%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>$ Change in market value from base case</td><td>$     858,315</td><td>$     442,219</td><td>$     0</td><td>$      (429,062)</td><td>$      (834,294)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></table>

As of December 31, 2011

<table><tr><td></td><td colspan="3">-100</td><td>-50</td><td></td><td>0</td><td>50</td><td>100</td></tr><tr><td>Total market value</td><td>$     12,030,637</td><td>$     11,609,913</td><td>$     11,192,599</td><td>$     10,784,614</td><td>$     10,398,982</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>% Change in market value from base case</td><td>7.49%</td><td>3.73%</td><td></td><td>0</td><td>(3.65)%</td><td></td><td>(7.09)%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>$ Change in market value from base case</td><td>$     838,038</td><td>$     417,314</td><td>$     0</td><td>$      (407,985)</td><td>$      (793,617)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></table>

The interest rate sensitivity relating to reinvestment risk of our fixed maturity securities is assessed using hypothetical scenarios that assume purchases in the primary market and considers the effects of interest rates on sales. The effects of embedded options including call or put features are not considered. Our actual results may differ from the results noted below particularly due to assumptions utilized or if events occur that were not included in the methodology.

The following tables summarize the results of this analysis on our reported portfolio yield as of the dates indicated:

INTEREST RATE MOVEMENT ANALYSIS OF PORTFOLIO YIELD OF FIXED MATURITY SECURITIES INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

<table><tr><td colspan="6">As of December 31, 2012</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>-100</td><td>-50</td><td>0</td><td>50</td><td>100</td></tr><tr><td>Portfolio yield</td><td>5.20%</td><td>5.28%</td><td>5.36%</td><td>5.44%</td><td>5.52%</td></tr><tr><td>Basis point change in portfolio yield</td><td>(0.16)%</td><td>(0.08)%</td><td>0</td><td>0.08%</td><td>0.16%</td></tr></table>

<table><tr><td colspan="6">As of December 31, 2011</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>-100</td><td>-50</td><td>0</td><td>50</td><td>100</td></tr><tr><td>Portfolio yield</td><td>5.52%</td><td>5.58%</td><td>5.63%</td><td>5.68%</td><td>5.74%</td></tr><tr><td>Basis point change in portfolio yield</td><td>(0.11)%</td><td>(0.05)%</td><td>0</td><td>0.05%</td><td>0.11%</td></tr></table>

## Credit Risk

We have exposure to credit risk primarily from customers, as a holder of fixed maturity securities and by entering into reinsurance cessions.

Our risk management strategy and investment policy is to invest in debt instruments of high credit quality issuers and to limit the amount of credit exposure with respect to any one issuer. We attempt to limit our credit exposure by imposing fixed maturity portfolio limits on individual issuers based upon credit quality. Currently our portfolio limits are 1.5% for issuers rated AA- and above, 1% for issuers rated A- to A+, 0.75% for issuers rated BBB- to BBB+ and 0.38% for issuers rated BB- to BB+. These portfolio limits are further reduced for certain issuers with whom we have credit exposure on reinsurance agreements. We use the lower of Moody's or S&P's ratings to determine an issuer's rating.

The following table presents our fixed maturity investment portfolio by ratings of the nationally recognized securities rating organizations as of the dates indicated:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2">Rating</td><td colspan="3">December 31, 2012</td><td colspan="2">December 31, 2011</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Fair Value Percentage of Total</td><td>Fair Value</td><td>Percentage of Total</td></tr><tr><td>Aaa/Aa/A</td><td>$     7,319,006</td><td>60%</td><td>$     6,620,808</td><td>59%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Baa</td><td>4,014,606</td><td>33%</td><td>3,692,709</td><td>33%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ba</td><td>542,756</td><td>5%</td><td>648,817</td><td>6%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>B and lower</td><td>295,270</td><td>2%</td><td>230,265</td><td>2%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$     12,171,638</td><td>100%</td><td>$     11,192,599</td><td>100%</td><td></td></tr></table>



We are also exposed to the credit risk of our reinsurers. When we reinsure, we are still liable to our insureds regardless of whether we get reimbursed by our reinsurer. As part of our overall risk and capacity management strategy, we purchase reinsurance for certain risks underwritten by our various business segments as described above under “Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Reinsurance.”

The Company had $6,141,737 and $5,411,064 of reinsurance recoverables as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, the majority of which are protected from credit risk by various types of risk mitigation mechanisms such as trusts, letters of credit or by withholding the assets in a modified coinsurance or co-funds-withheld arrangement. For example, reserves of $1,125,472 and $2,494,275 as of December 31, 2012 and $1,153,681 and $2,471,225 as of December 31, 2011, relating to two large coinsurance arrangements with The Hartford and John Hancock (a subsidiary of Manulife Financial Corporation), respectively, related to sales of businesses are held in trusts. If the value of the assets in these trusts falls below the value of the associated liabilities, The Hartford and John Hancock, as the case may be, will be required to put more assets in the trusts. We may be dependent on the financial condition of The Hartford and John Hancock, whose A.M. Best ratings are currently A and A+, respectively. As of December 31, 2012, A.M. Best maintained a stable outlook on the financial strength ratings of John Hancock. The Hartford’s A.M. Best ratings are under review with negative implications. For recoverables that are not protected by these mechanisms, we are dependent solely on the credit of the reinsurer. See “Item 1A—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Company—Reinsurance may not be available or adequate to protect us against losses, and we are subject to the credit risk of reinsurers” and “—We have sold businesses through reinsurance that could again become our direct financial and administrative responsibility if the purchasing companies were to become insolvent.” A majority of our reinsurance exposure has been ceded to companies rated A- or better by A.M. Best.

## Inflation Risk

Inflation risk arises as we invest in assets, which are not indexed to the level of inflation, whereas the corresponding liabilities are indexed to the level of inflation. Approximately 7% of Assurant preened insurance policies, with reserves of $303,652 and $300,548 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, have death benefits that are guaranteed to grow with the CPI. In times of rapidly rising inflation, the credited death benefit growth on these liabilities increases relative to the investment income earned on the nominal assets resulting in an adverse impact on earnings. We have partially mitigated this risk by purchasing derivative contracts with payments tied to the CPI. See “—Derivatives.”

In addition, we have inflation risk in our individual and small employer group health insurance businesses to the extent that medical costs increase with inflation, and we have not been able to increase premiums to keep pace with inflation.

## Foreign Exchange Risk

We are exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from our international operations, mainly in Canada. We also have foreign exchange risk exposure to the British pound, Brazilian Real, Euro, Mexican Peso and Argentine Peso. Total invested assets denominated in currencies other than the Canadian dollar were approximately 2% of our total invested assets at December 31, 2012 and 2011.
Foreign exchange risk is mitigated by matching our liabilities under insurance policies that are payable in foreign currencies with investments that are denominated in such currency. We have not established any hedge to our foreign currency exchange rate exposure.

The foreign exchange risk sensitivity of our fixed maturity securities denominated in Canadian dollars, whose balance was $1,656,511 and $1,518,295 of the total as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, on our entire fixed maturity portfolio is summarized in the following tables:

FOREIGN EXCHANGE MOVEMENT ANALYSIS OF MARKET VALUE OF FIXED MATURITY SECURITIES ASSETS

<table><tr><td colspan="7">As of December 31, 2012</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Foreign exchange spot rate at December 31, 2012, US Dollar to Canadian Dollar</td><td>-10%</td><td>-5%</td><td>0</td><td>5%</td><td>10%</td></tr><tr><td>Total market value</td><td>$ 12,005,979</td><td>$ 12,088,809</td><td>$ 12,171,638</td><td>$ 12,254,467</td><td>$ 12,337,297</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>% change of market value from base case</td><td>(1.36)%</td><td>(0.68)%</td><td>0</td><td>0.68%</td><td>1.36%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>$ change of market value from base case</td><td>$ (165,659)</td><td>$ (82,829)</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 82,829</td><td>$ 165,659</td><td></td></tr></table>

<table><tr><td colspan="7">As of December 31, 2011</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Foreign exchange spot rate at December 31, 2011, US Dollar to Canadian Dollar</td><td>-10%</td><td>-5%</td><td>0</td><td>5%</td><td>10%</td></tr><tr><td>Total market value</td><td>$ 11,040,764</td><td>$ 11,116,682</td><td>$ 11,192,599</td><td>$ 11,268,516</td><td>$ 11,344,434</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>% change of market value from base case</td><td>(1.36)%</td><td>(0.68)%</td><td>0</td><td>0.68%</td><td>1.36%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>$ change of market value from base case</td><td>$ (151,835)</td><td>$ (75,917)</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 75,917</td><td>$ 151,835</td><td></td></tr></table>



The foreign exchange risk sensitivity of our consolidated net income is assessed using hypothetical test scenarios that assume earnings in Canadian dollars are recognized evenly throughout a period. Our actual results may differ from the results noted below particularly due to assumptions utilized or if events occur that were not included in the methodology. For more information on this risk, please see “Item 1A—Risk Factors-Risk Related to Our Company—Fluctuations in the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar and other foreign currencies may materially and adversely affect our results of operations.” The following tables summarize the results of this analysis on our reported net income as of the dates indicated:

## FOREIGN EXCHANGE MOVEMENT ANALYSIS OF NET INCOME

<table><tr><td colspan="7">As of December 31, 2012</td></tr><tr><td>Foreign exchange daily average rate for the year ended December 31, 2012, US Dollar to Canadian Dollar</td><td>-10%</td><td>-5%</td><td>0</td><td>5%</td><td>10%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$ 478,767</td><td>$ 481,236</td><td>$ 483,705</td><td>$ 486,174</td><td>$ 488,643</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>% change of net income from base case</td><td>(1.02)%</td><td>(0.51)%</td><td>0</td><td>0.51%</td><td>1.02%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>$ change of net income from base case</td><td>$ (4,938)</td><td>$ (2,469)</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 2,469</td><td>$ 4,938</td><td></td></tr></table>

<table><tr><td colspan="7">As of December 31, 2011</td></tr><tr><td>Foreign exchange daily average rate for the year ended December 31, 2011, US Dollar to Canadian Dollar</td><td>-10%</td><td>-5%</td><td>0</td><td>5%</td><td>10%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$ 534,010</td><td>$ 536,483</td><td>$ 538,956</td><td>$ 541,429</td><td>$ 543,902</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>% change of net income from base case</td><td>(0.92)%</td><td>(0.46)%</td><td>0</td><td>0.46%</td><td>0.92%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>$ change of net income from base case</td><td>$ (4,946)</td><td>$ (2,473)</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 2,473</td><td>$ 4,946</td><td></td></tr></table>

## Derivatives

Derivatives are financial instruments whose values are derived from interest rates, foreign exchange rates, financial indices or the prices of securities or commodities. Derivative financial instruments may be exchange-traded or contracted in the over-the-counter market and include swaps, futures, options and forward contracts.

Under insurance statutes, our insurance companies may use derivative financial instruments to hedge actual or anticipated changes in their assets or liabilities, to replicate cash market instruments or for certain income-generating activities. These statutes generally prohibit the use of derivatives for speculative purposes. We generally do not use derivative financial instruments.
We have purchased contracts to cap the inflation risk exposure inherent in some of our preened insurance policies.

In accordance with the guidance on embedded derivatives, we have bifurcated the modified coinsurance agreement with The Hartford into its debt host and embedded derivative (total return swap) and recorded the embedded derivative at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. The invested assets related to this modified coinsurance agreement are included in other investments in the consolidated balance sheets.

## ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules in Part IV, Item 15(a) 1 and 2 of this report are incorporated by reference into this Item 8.

## ITEM 9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

There have been no disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosure.



# ITEM 9A Controls and Procedures

## Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The management of Assurant is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective disclosure controls and procedures, as defined under Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). The Company's management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of Assurant's disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2012. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that Assurant's disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2012, were effective.
There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter in 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

## Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act.

A company’s 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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 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 the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

The Company’s management assessed its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 using criteria established in “Internal Control—Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

Management, including the Company’s chief executive officer and its chief financial officer, based on their evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)), have concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2012.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.

## ITEM 9B Other Information

None.



## ITEM 10 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information regarding executive officers in our upcoming 2013 Proxy Statement (“2013 Proxy Statement”) under the caption “Executive Officers” is incorporated herein by reference. The information regarding directors in the 2013 Proxy Statement, under the caption “Election of Directors” in “Proposal One” is incorporated herein by reference. The information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act in the 2013 Proxy Statement, under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” is incorporated herein by reference. The information regarding the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Audit Committee in the 2013 Proxy Statement under the captions “Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee” and “Audit Committee” in “Corporate Governance” is incorporated herein by reference.

## Code of Ethics

The Assurant Code of Ethics applies to all directors, officers and employees of Assurant, including the principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. The Code of Ethics and our Corporate Governance Guidelines are posted in the “Corporate Governance” subsection of the “Investor Relations” section of our website at www.assurant.com which is not incorporated by reference herein. We intend to post any amendments to or waivers from the Code of Ethics that apply to our executive officers or directors on our website.

## ITEM 11 Executive Compensation

The information in the 2013 Proxy Statement under the captions “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation of Named Executive Officers” and “Compensation of Directors” is incorporated herein by reference. The information in the 2013 Proxy Statement regarding the Compensation Committee under the captions “Compensation Committee,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Compensation Committee Report” in “Corporate Governance” is incorporated herein by reference.

## ITEM 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information in the 2013 Proxy Statement under the captions “Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans,” “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” and “Security Ownership of Management” is incorporated herein by reference.



## ITEM 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information in the 2013 Proxy Statement under the captions “Transactions with Related Persons” and “Director Independence” in “Corporate Governance” is incorporated herein by reference.

## ITEM 14 Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information in the 2013 Proxy Statement under the caption “Fees of Principal Accountants” in “Audit Committee Matters” is incorporated herein by reference.



## ITEM 15 Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

## (a)1. Consolidated Financial Statements

The following consolidated financial statements of Assurant, Inc., incorporated by reference into Item 8, are attached hereto:

Consolidated Financial Statements of Assurant, Inc.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-1
Assurant, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2012 and 2011 F-2
Assurant, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations For Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 F-3
Assurant, Inc. Statements of Comprehensive Income For Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 F-4
Assurant, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity At December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 F-5
Assurant, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 F-6
Assurant, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 F-8

## (a)2. Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules

The following consolidated financial statement schedules of Assurant, Inc. are attached hereto:

Schedule I—Summary of Investments other than Investments in Related Parties

Schedule II—Parent Only Condensed Financial Statements

Schedule III—Supplementary Insurance Information

Schedule IV—Reinsurance

Schedule V—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

* All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, not required, or the information is included in the financial statements or the notes thereto.

## (a)3. Exhibits

Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC, the Company has filed or incorporated by reference certain agreements as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. These agreements may contain representations and warranties by the parties. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other party or parties to such agreements and (i) may have been qualified by disclosures made to such other party or parties, (ii) were made only as of the date of such agreements or such other date(s) as may be specified in such agreements and are subject to more recent developments, which may not be fully reflected in the Company's public disclosure, (iii) may reflect the allocation of risk among the parties to such agreements and (iv) may apply materiality standards different from what may be viewed as material to investors. Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the Company's actual state of affairs at the date hereof and should not be relied upon.

The following exhibits either (a) are filed with this report or (b) have previously been filed with the SEC and are incorporated herein by reference to those prior filings. Exhibits are available upon request at the investor relations section of our website, located at www.assurant.com.



<table><tr><td>Exhibit Number</td><td>Exhibit Description</td></tr><tr><td>3.1</td><td>Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-Q, originally filed on August 5, 2010).</td></tr><tr><td>3.2</td><td>Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-Q, originally filed on August 3, 2011).</td></tr><tr><td>4.1</td><td>Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant&#x27;s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-109984) and amendments thereto, originally filed on January 13, 2004).</td></tr><tr><td>4.2</td><td>Senior Debt Indenture, dated as of February 18, 2004, between Assurant, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, successor to SunTrust Bank, as trustee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.27 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on March 30, 2004).</td></tr><tr><td>4.3</td><td>Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, the Registrant hereby agrees to furnish to the SEC, upon request, a copy of any other instrument defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Registrant and its subsidiaries.</td></tr><tr><td>10.1</td><td>Assurant, Inc. Amended and Restated Directors Compensation Plan, effective as of January 1, 2013.</td></tr><tr><td>10.2</td><td>Form of Assurant, Inc. Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Time-based Awards for Directors, effective as of January 1, 2013.</td></tr><tr><td>10.3</td><td>Form of Assurant, Inc. Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Time-based Awards for Directors, effective as of January 1, 2013.</td></tr><tr><td>10.4</td><td>Form of Assurant, Inc. Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Time-based Awards for Directors (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 8-K, originally filed on July 1, 2009).</td></tr><tr><td>10.5</td><td>Form of Assurant, Inc. Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Time-based Awards to Directors (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-Q, originally filed on May 5, 2010).</td></tr><tr><td>10.6</td><td>Form of Assurant, Inc. Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Time-based Awards for Directors (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 8-K, originally filed on June 14, 2011).</td></tr><tr><td>10.7</td><td>Form of Assurant, Inc. Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Time-based Awards for Directors (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-Q, originally filed on August 3, 2011).</td></tr><tr><td>10.8</td><td>Form of Amendment, dated April 4, 2011, to Assurant, Inc. Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Time-Based Awards for Directors (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-Q, originally filed on August 3, 2011).</td></tr><tr><td>10.9</td><td>Form of Directors Stock Agreement under Directors Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.23 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on March 10, 2006).</td></tr><tr><td>10.10</td><td>Form of Directors Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement under the Directors Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.24 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on March 10, 2006).</td></tr><tr><td>10.11</td><td>Form of Directors Stock Agreement under the Assurant, Inc. Long Term Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-Q, originally filed on August 4, 2008).</td></tr><tr><td>10.12</td><td>Form of Directors Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement under the Assurant, Inc. Long Term Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-Q, originally filed on August 4, 2008).</td></tr><tr><td>10.13</td><td>Assurant, Inc. 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant&#x27;s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-109984) and amendments thereto, originally filed on January 13, 2004).</td></tr><tr><td>10.14</td><td>Amendment No. 1 to the Assurant, Inc. 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-Q, originally filed on November 14, 2005).</td></tr><tr><td>10.15</td><td>Amendment No. 2 to the Assurant, Inc. 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on March 1, 2007).</td></tr><tr><td>10.16</td><td>Amended Form of CEO/Director Delegated Authority Restricted Stock Agreement under the Assurant, Inc. 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan, effective January 11, 2007 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on March 1, 2007).</td></tr><tr><td>10.17</td><td>Amended and Restated Assurant, Inc. Long Term Equity Incentive Plan, effective as of January 1, 2012 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.15 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on February 23, 2012).</td></tr><tr><td>10.18</td><td>Form of Assurant, Inc. Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Time-based Awards under the Assurant, Inc. Long Term Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on February 27, 2009).</td></tr><tr><td>10.19</td><td>Form of Assurant, Inc. Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Time-based Awards under the Assurant, Inc. Long Term Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 8-K, originally filed on March 16, 2009).</td></tr><tr><td>10.20</td><td>Form of Assurant, Inc. Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Performance-based Awards under the Assurant, Inc. Long Term Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on February 27, 2009).</td></tr><tr><td>10.21</td><td>Form of Assurant, Inc. Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Performance-based Awards under the Assurant, Inc. Long Term Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 8-K, originally filed on March 16, 2010).</td></tr><tr><td>10.22</td><td>Form of Assurant, Inc. Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Performance-based Awards under the Assurant, Inc. Long Term Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.20 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on February 23, 2012).</td></tr><tr><td>10.23</td><td>Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Executive Officers under the Assurant, Inc. Long Term Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-Q, originally filed on August 4, 2008).</td></tr><tr><td>10.24</td><td>Form of CEO Award Restricted Stock Agreement under the Assurant, Inc. Long Term Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-Q, originally filed on August 4, 2008).</td></tr><tr><td>10.25</td><td>Amended and Restated Assurant, Inc. Executive Short Term Incentive Plan, effective as of January 1, 2012 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.23 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on February 23, 2012).</td></tr><tr><td>10.26</td><td>Amended and Restated Assurant Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.29 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on March 1, 2007).</td></tr></table>



<table><tr><td>Exhibit Number</td><td>Exhibit Description</td></tr><tr><td>10.27</td><td>Amended Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the Assurant Long Term Incentive Plan, effective January 11, 2007 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.31 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on March 1, 2007).&#x27;</td></tr><tr><td>10.28</td><td>Amended Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement under the Assurant Long Term Incentive Plan, effective January 11, 2007 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.33 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on March 1, 2007).&#x27;</td></tr><tr><td>10.29</td><td>Amended and Restated Assurant Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.33 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on March 3, 2008).&#x27;</td></tr><tr><td>10.30</td><td>Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Assurant Deferred Compensation Plan, effective as of January 1, 2012 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.28 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on February 23, 2012).&#x27;</td></tr><tr><td>10.31</td><td>Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on March 3, 2008).&#x27;</td></tr><tr><td>10.32</td><td>Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective as of January 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on February 27, 2009).&#x27;</td></tr><tr><td>10.33</td><td>Amendment No. 2 to the Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective as of January 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on February 23, 2011).&#x27;</td></tr><tr><td>10.34</td><td>Assurant Executive Pension Plan, amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.15 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on February 27, 2009).&#x27;</td></tr><tr><td>10.35</td><td>Amendment No. 1 to the Assurant Executive Pension Plan, effective as of January 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.33 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on February 23, 2012).&#x27;</td></tr><tr><td>10.36</td><td>Amendment No. 2 to the Assurant Executive Pension Plan, effective as of January 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.34 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on February 23, 2012).&#x27;</td></tr><tr><td>10.37</td><td>Assurant Executive 401(k) Plan, amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.16 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on February 27, 2009).&#x27;</td></tr><tr><td>10.38</td><td>Amendment No. 1 to the Assurant Executive 401(k) Plan, effective as of January 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.36 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on February 23, 2012).&#x27;</td></tr><tr><td>10.39</td><td>Amendment No. 2 to the Assurant Executive 401(k) Plan, effective as of January 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.37 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on February 23, 2012).&#x27;</td></tr><tr><td>10.40</td><td>Amendment No. 3 to the Assurant Executive 401(k) Plan, effective as of January 1, 2012 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.38 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on February 23, 2012).&#x27;</td></tr><tr><td>10.41</td><td>Form of Assurant, Inc. Change of Control Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.17 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on February 27, 2009).&#x27;</td></tr><tr><td>10.42</td><td>Form of Assurant, Inc. Change of Control Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.18 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on February 27, 2009).&#x27;</td></tr><tr><td>10.43</td><td>Form of Assurant, Inc. Change of Control Employment Agreement for Divisional Officers, dated as of January 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.19 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on February 27, 2009).&#x27;</td></tr><tr><td>10.44</td><td>Form of Amendment to Assurant, Inc. Change of Control Employment Agreement, effective as of February 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 8-K, originally filed on February 1, 2010).&#x27;</td></tr><tr><td>10.45</td><td>American Security Insurance Company Investment Plan Document (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.34 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on March 3, 2008).</td></tr><tr><td>10.46</td><td>Letter Agreement, dated October 11, 2010, by and between Assurant, Inc. and Alan Colberg (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.38 to the Registrant&#x27;s Form 10-K, originally filed on February 23, 2011).&#x27;</td></tr><tr><td>12.1</td><td>Computation of Ratio of Consolidated Earnings to Fixed Charges as of December 31, 2012.</td></tr><tr><td>12.2</td><td>Computation of Other Ratios as of December 31, 2012.</td></tr><tr><td>21.1</td><td>Subsidiaries of the Registrant.</td></tr><tr><td>23.1</td><td>Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.</td></tr><tr><td>24.1</td><td>Power of Attorney.</td></tr><tr><td>31.1</td><td>Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer.</td></tr><tr><td>31.2</td><td>Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer.</td></tr><tr><td>32.1</td><td>Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Assurant, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.</td></tr><tr><td>32.2</td><td>Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Assurant, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.</td></tr><tr><td>101</td><td>The following materials from the Company&#x27;s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders&#x27; Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.</td></tr></table>

* Management contract or compensatory plan.



## Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on February 20, 2013.

ASSURANT, INC.

By: /s/ROBERT B. POLLOCK

Name: Robert B. Pollock

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities indicated on February 20, 2013.

<table><tr><td>Signature</td><td>Title</td></tr><tr><td>/s/ROBERT B. POLLOCK</td><td>President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)</td></tr><tr><td>Robert B. Pollock</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>/s/MICHAEL J. PENINGER</td><td>Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)</td></tr><tr><td>Michael J. Peninger</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>/s/JOHN A. SONDEJ</td><td>Senior Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)</td></tr><tr><td>John A. Sondej</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>*</td><td>Non-Executive Board Chair</td></tr><tr><td>Elaine D. Rosen</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>*</td><td>Director</td></tr><tr><td>Howard L. Carver</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>*</td><td>Director</td></tr><tr><td>Juan N. Cento</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>*</td><td>Director</td></tr><tr><td>Elyse Douglas</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>*</td><td>Director</td></tr><tr><td>Lawrence V. Jackson</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>*</td><td>Director</td></tr><tr><td>David B. Kelso</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>*</td><td>Director</td></tr><tr><td>Charles J. Koch</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>*</td><td>Director</td></tr><tr><td>H. Carroll Mackin</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>*</td><td>Director</td></tr><tr><td>Jean-Paul L. Montupet</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>*</td><td>Director</td></tr><tr><td>Paul J. Reilly</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>*</td><td>Director</td></tr><tr><td>Robert W. Stein</td><td></td></tr></table>

 \( ^{*} \) By: /s/MICHAEL J. PENINGER

Name: Michael J. Peninger

Attorney-in-Fact



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# Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Assurant, Inc.:

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)1 present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Assurant, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedules listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)2 present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedules, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedules, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for the costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts on January 1, 2012.

A company’s 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. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

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 the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

New York, New York

February 20, 2013



## Consolidated Balance Sheets

AT DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

<table><tr><td rowspan="2">(in thousands except number of shares and per share amounts)</td><td colspan="2">Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td></tr><tr><td>ASSETS</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Investments:</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fixed maturity securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost—$10,728,714 in 2012 and $10,123,429 in 2011)</td><td>$ 12,171,638</td><td>$ 11,192,599</td></tr><tr><td>Equity securities available for sale, at fair value (cost—$422,703 in 2012 and $357,411 in 2011)</td><td>475,806</td><td>362,376</td></tr><tr><td>Commercial mortgage loans on real estate, at amortized cost</td><td>1,311,682</td><td>1,309,687</td></tr><tr><td>Policy loans</td><td>52,938</td><td>54,192</td></tr><tr><td>Short-term investments</td><td>300,925</td><td>441,383</td></tr><tr><td>Collateral held/pledged under securities agreements</td><td>94,729</td><td>95,221</td></tr><tr><td>Other investments</td><td>568,600</td><td>570,707</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL INVESTMENTS</td><td>14,976,318</td><td>14,026,165</td></tr><tr><td>Cash and cash equivalents</td><td>909,404</td><td>1,166,713</td></tr><tr><td>Premiums and accounts receivable, net</td><td>830,027</td><td>649,122</td></tr><tr><td>Reinsurance recoverables</td><td>6,141,737</td><td>5,411,064</td></tr><tr><td>Accrued investment income</td><td>149,032</td><td>153,783</td></tr><tr><td>Deferred acquisition costs</td><td>2,861,163</td><td>2,492,857</td></tr><tr><td>Property and equipment, at cost less accumulated depreciation</td><td>250,796</td><td>242,908</td></tr><tr><td>Deferred income taxes, net</td><td>0</td><td>44,280</td></tr><tr><td>Tax receivable</td><td>32,740</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Goodwill</td><td>640,714</td><td>639,097</td></tr><tr><td>Value of business acquired</td><td>62,109</td><td>71,014</td></tr><tr><td>Other intangible assets, net</td><td>262,994</td><td>303,832</td></tr><tr><td>Other assets</td><td>97,700</td><td>124,298</td></tr><tr><td>Assets held in separate accounts</td><td>1,731,873</td><td>1,694,729</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL ASSETS</td><td>$ 28,946,607</td><td>$ 27,019,862</td></tr><tr><td>LIABILITIES</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Future policy benefits and expenses</td><td>$ 8,513,505</td><td>$ 8,359,206</td></tr><tr><td>Unearned premiums</td><td>6,192,260</td><td>5,482,017</td></tr><tr><td>Claims and benefits payable</td><td>3,960,590</td><td>3,437,119</td></tr><tr><td>Commissions payable</td><td>339,680</td><td>260,022</td></tr><tr><td>Reinsurance balances payable</td><td>103,808</td><td>130,144</td></tr><tr><td>Funds held under reinsurance</td><td>61,413</td><td>64,413</td></tr><tr><td>Deferred gain on disposal of businesses</td><td>115,620</td><td>134,033</td></tr><tr><td>Obligation under securities agreements</td><td>94,714</td><td>95,494</td></tr><tr><td>Accounts payable and other liabilities</td><td>1,514,091</td><td>1,486,026</td></tr><tr><td>Deferred income taxes, net</td><td>161,288</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Tax payable</td><td>0</td><td>30,431</td></tr><tr><td>Debt</td><td>972,399</td><td>972,278</td></tr><tr><td>Liabilities related to separate accounts</td><td>1,731,873</td><td>1,694,729</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL LIABILITIES</td><td>23,761,241</td><td>22,145,912</td></tr><tr><td>Commitments and contingencies (Note 24)</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>STOCKHOLDERS&#x27; EQUITY</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 800,000,000 shares authorized, 78,664,029 and 88,524,374 shares outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively</td><td>1,474</td><td>1,464</td></tr><tr><td>Additional paid-in capital</td><td>3,052,454</td><td>3,025,477</td></tr><tr><td>Retained earnings</td><td>4,001,096</td><td>3,586,784</td></tr><tr><td>Accumulated other comprehensive income</td><td>830,403</td><td>557,576</td></tr><tr><td>Treasury stock, at cost; 68,332,638 and 57,433,178 shares at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively</td><td>(2,700,061)</td><td>(2,297,351)</td></tr><tr><td>Total stockholders&#x27; equity</td><td>5,185,366</td><td>4,873,950</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS&#x27; EQUITY</td><td>$ 28,946,607</td><td>$ 27,019,862</td></tr></table>

See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements



## Consolidated Statements of Operations

## YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

<table><tr><td rowspan="2">(in thousands except number of shares and per share amounts)</td><td colspan="3">Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td></tr><tr><td>Revenues</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net earned premiums and other considerations</td><td>$ 7,236,984</td><td>$ 7,125,368</td><td>$ 7,403,039</td></tr><tr><td>Net investment income</td><td>713,128</td><td>689,532</td><td>703,190</td></tr><tr><td>Net realized gains on investments, excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses</td><td>66,196</td><td>40,416</td><td>59,570</td></tr><tr><td>Total other-than-temporary impairment losses</td><td>(1,939)</td><td>(8,183)</td><td>(10,244)</td></tr><tr><td>Portion of net loss (gain) recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes</td><td>96</td><td>347</td><td>(923)</td></tr><tr><td>Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings</td><td>(1,843)</td><td>(7,836)</td><td>(11,167)</td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of deferred gain on disposal of businesses</td><td>18,413</td><td>20,461</td><td>10,406</td></tr><tr><td>Fees and other income</td><td>475,392</td><td>404,863</td><td>362,684</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL REVENUES</td><td>8,508,270</td><td>8,272,804</td><td>8,527,722</td></tr><tr><td>Benefits, losses and expenses</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Policyholder benefits</td><td>3,655,404</td><td>3,749,734</td><td>3,635,999</td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired</td><td>1,403,215</td><td>1,327,788</td><td>1,401,569</td></tr><tr><td>Underwriting, general and administrative expenses</td><td>2,631,594</td><td>2,428,795</td><td>2,516,622</td></tr><tr><td>Interest expense</td><td>60,306</td><td>60,360</td><td>60,646</td></tr><tr><td>Goodwill impairment</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>306,381</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL BENEFITS, LOSSES AND EXPENSES</td><td>7,750,519</td><td>7,566,677</td><td>7,921,217</td></tr><tr><td>Income before provision for income taxes</td><td>757,751</td><td>706,127</td><td>606,505</td></tr><tr><td>Provision for income taxes</td><td>274,046</td><td>167,171</td><td>327,898</td></tr><tr><td>NET INCOME</td><td>$ 483,705</td><td>$ 538,956</td><td>$ 278,607</td></tr><tr><td>Earnings Per Share</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Basic</td><td>$ 5.74</td><td>$ 5.58</td><td>$ 2.52</td></tr><tr><td>Diluted</td><td>$ 5.67</td><td>$ 5.51</td><td>$ 2.50</td></tr><tr><td>Dividends per share</td><td>$ 0.81</td><td>$ 0.70</td><td>$ 0.63</td></tr><tr><td>Share Data</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Weighted average shares outstanding used in basic per share calculations</td><td>84,276,427</td><td>96,626,306</td><td>110,632,551</td></tr><tr><td>Plus: Dilutive securities</td><td>1,030,638</td><td>1,169,003</td><td>840,663</td></tr><tr><td>WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES USED IN DILUTED PER SHARE CALCULATIONS</td><td>85,307,065</td><td>97,795,309</td><td>111,473,214</td></tr></table>

See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements



## Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

## YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

<table><tr><td rowspan="2">(in thousands)</td><td colspan="4">Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$ 483,705</td><td>$ 538,956</td><td>$ 278,607</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other comprehensive income:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Change in unrealized gains on securities, net of taxes of ($(141,037), $(152,180) and ($109,263), respectively</td><td>268,106</td><td>300,518</td><td>218,705</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Change in other-than-temporary impairment gains recognized in other comprehensive income, net of taxes of $(4,563), (1,518) and (3,388), respectively</td><td>8,474</td><td>2,819</td><td>6,292</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Changes in foreign currency translation, net of taxes of ($(3,500), $2,305 and ($6,414), respectively</td><td>(4,036)</td><td>(22,590)</td><td>7,448</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of pension and postretirement unrecognized net periodic benefit cost and change in funded status, net of taxes of $(163), $5,439 and $7,303, respectively</td><td>283</td><td>(10,106)</td><td>(13,584)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total other comprehensive income</td><td>272,827</td><td>270,641</td><td>218,861</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</td><td>$ 756,532</td><td>$ 809,597</td><td>$ 497,468</td><td></td></tr></table>

See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements



## Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity

AT DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

<table><tr><td>(in thousands except number of shares)</td><td>Common Stock</td><td>Additional Paid-In Capital</td><td>Retained Earnings</td><td>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income</td><td>Treasury Stock</td><td>Total</td></tr><tr><td>Balance, January 1, 2010, as previously reported</td><td>$ 1,447</td><td>$ 2,962,883</td><td>$ 3,054,466</td><td>$ 65,925</td><td>$ (1,231,472)</td><td>$ 4,853,249</td></tr><tr><td>Cumulative effect of adjustment resulting from new accounting guidance</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>(148,242)</td><td>2,149</td><td>0</td><td>(146,093)</td></tr><tr><td>Adjusted balance, January 1, 2010</td><td>1,447</td><td>2,962,883</td><td>2,906,224</td><td>68,074</td><td>(1,231,472)</td><td>4,707,156</td></tr><tr><td>Stock plan exercises</td><td>6</td><td>3,195</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>3,201</td></tr><tr><td>Stock plan compensation expense</td><td>0</td><td>34,591</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>34,591</td></tr><tr><td>Change in tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements</td><td>0</td><td>(6,712)</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>(6,712)</td></tr><tr><td>Dividends</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>(69,618)</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>(69,618)</td></tr><tr><td>Acquisition of common stock</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>(532,950)</td><td>(532,950)</td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>278,607</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>278,607</td></tr><tr><td>Other comprehensive income</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>218,861</td><td>0</td><td>218,861</td></tr><tr><td>Balance, December 31, 2010</td><td>$ 1,453</td><td>$ 2,993,957</td><td>$ 3,115,213</td><td>$ 286,935</td><td>$ (1,764,422)</td><td>$ 4,633,136</td></tr><tr><td>Stock plan exercises</td><td>11</td><td>(2,101)</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>(2,090)</td></tr><tr><td>Stock plan compensation expense</td><td>0</td><td>36,888</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>36,888</td></tr><tr><td>Change in tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements</td><td>0</td><td>(3,267)</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>(3,267)</td></tr><tr><td>Dividends</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>(67,385)</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>(67,385)</td></tr><tr><td>Acquisition of common stock</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>(532,929)</td><td>(532,929)</td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>538,956</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>538,956</td></tr><tr><td>Other comprehensive income</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>270,641</td><td>0</td><td>270,641</td></tr><tr><td>Balance, December 31, 2011</td><td>$ 1,464</td><td>$ 3,025,477</td><td>$ 3,586,784</td><td>$ 557,576</td><td>$ (2,297,351)</td><td>$ 4,873,950</td></tr><tr><td>Stock plan exercises</td><td>10</td><td>(12,340)</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>(12,330)</td></tr><tr><td>Stock plan compensation expense</td><td>0</td><td>37,589</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>37,589</td></tr><tr><td>Change in tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements</td><td>0</td><td>1,728</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1,728</td></tr><tr><td>Dividends</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>(69,393)</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>(69,393)</td></tr><tr><td>Acquisition of common stock</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>(402,710)</td><td>(402,710)</td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>483,705</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>483,705</td></tr><tr><td>Other comprehensive income</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>272,827</td><td>0</td><td>272,827</td></tr><tr><td>Balance, December 31, 2012</td><td>$ 1,474</td><td>$ 3,052,454</td><td>$ 4,001,096</td><td>$ 830,403</td><td>$ (2,700,061)</td><td>$ 5,185,366</td></tr></table>

See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements



## Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

## YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

<table><tr><td rowspan="2">(in thousands)</td><td colspan="4">Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Operating activities</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$ 483,705</td><td>$ 538,956</td><td>$ 278,607</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Change in reinsurance recoverable</td><td>(726,432)</td><td>(417,693)</td><td>(761,453)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Change in premiums and accounts receivable</td><td>(185,273)</td><td>(105,171)</td><td>(35,318)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Change in deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired</td><td>(358,637)</td><td>(145,091)</td><td>54,709</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Change in other intangible assets</td><td>(43,957)</td><td>(31,585)</td><td>(83,303)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Change in accrued investment income</td><td>4,832</td><td>(7,532)</td><td>9,844</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Change in insurance policy reserves and expenses</td><td>1,353,054</td><td>732,003</td><td>573,719</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Change in accounts payable and other liabilities</td><td>33,775</td><td>124,658</td><td>(58,361)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Change in commissions payable</td><td>79,378</td><td>(14,364)</td><td>56,075</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Change in reinsurance balances payable</td><td>(27,570)</td><td>25,730</td><td>7,738</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Change in funds withheld under reinsurance</td><td>(4,286)</td><td>(285)</td><td>(4,191)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Change in securities classified as trading</td><td>(2,874)</td><td>32,777</td><td>(7,889)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Change in income taxes</td><td>(5,800)</td><td>24,914</td><td>(25,700)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Change in tax valuation allowance</td><td>2,937</td><td>(80,584)</td><td>9,049</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of deferred gain on disposal of businesses</td><td>(18,413)</td><td>(20,461)</td><td>(10,406)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Depreciation and amortization</td><td>124,387</td><td>129,391</td><td>126,602</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net realized gains on investments</td><td>(64,353)</td><td>(32,580)</td><td>(48,403)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Stock based compensation expense</td><td>37,589</td><td>36,888</td><td>34,591</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Income on sale of Joint Real Estate Ventures</td><td>(35,023)</td><td>(6,023)</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Change in tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements</td><td>(1,728)</td><td>3,267</td><td>6,712</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Goodwill impairment</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>306,381</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other intangible asset impairment</td><td>26,458</td><td>0</td><td>47,612</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other</td><td>7,929</td><td>68,089</td><td>64,127</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES</td><td>679,698</td><td>855,304</td><td>540,742</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Investing activities</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sales of:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fixed maturity securities available for sale</td><td>2,197,475</td><td>1,556,894</td><td>1,774,912</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Equity securities available for sale</td><td>120,729</td><td>120,445</td><td>94,798</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other invested assets</td><td>103,834</td><td>50,600</td><td>51,812</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Property and equipment and other</td><td>2,375</td><td>3,823</td><td>380</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Subsidiary, net of cash transferred(1)</td><td>1,364</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Maturities, prepayments, and scheduled redemption of:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fixed maturity securities available for sale</td><td>999,591</td><td>949,950</td><td>867,850</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Commercial mortgage loans on real estate</td><td>126,768</td><td>96,552</td><td>127,814</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Purchase of:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fixed maturity securities available for sale</td><td>(3,729,316)</td><td>(2,643,277)</td><td>(2,921,075)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Equity securities available for sale</td><td>(186,962)</td><td>(34,556)</td><td>(23,702)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Commercial mortgage loans on real estate</td><td>(126,578)</td><td>(88,649)</td><td>(36,226)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other invested assets</td><td>(41,640)</td><td>(66,499)</td><td>(76,157)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Property and equipment and other</td><td>(56,457)</td><td>(35,747)</td><td>(51,211)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Subsidiary, net of cash transferred(1)</td><td>(3,500)</td><td>(45,080)</td><td>(11,560)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Change in short-term investments</td><td>140,309</td><td>(90,368)</td><td>95,768</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Change in policy loans</td><td>1,345</td><td>1,887</td><td>373</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Change in collateral held/pledged under securities agreements</td><td>780</td><td>27,437</td><td>97,348</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES</td><td>(449,883)</td><td>(196,588)</td><td>(8,876)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Financing activities</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Repayment of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock</td><td>0</td><td>(5,000)</td><td>(3,160)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Change in tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements</td><td>1,728</td><td>(3,267)</td><td>(6,712)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Acquisition of common stock</td><td>(412,196)</td><td>(533,848)</td><td>(522,546)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Dividends paid</td><td>(69,393)</td><td>(67,385)</td><td>(69,618)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Change in obligation under securities agreements</td><td>(780)</td><td>(27,437)</td><td>(97,348)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Change in receivables under securities loan agreements</td><td>0</td><td>14,370</td><td>(14,370)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Change in obligations to return borrowed securities</td><td>0</td><td>(14,281)</td><td>14,281</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES</td><td>(480,641)</td><td>(636,848)</td><td>(699,473)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents</td><td>(6,483)</td><td>(5,671)</td><td>(429)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Change in cash and cash equivalents</td><td>(257,309)</td><td>16,197</td><td>(168,036)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period</td><td>1,166,713</td><td>1,150,516</td><td>1,318,552</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD</td><td>$ 909,404</td><td>$ 1,166,713</td><td>$ 1,150,516</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Supplemental information:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Income taxes paid, net of refunds</td><td>$ 272,868</td><td>$ 218,372</td><td>$ 341,148</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Interest paid on mandatorily redeemable preferred stock and debt</td><td>$ 60,188</td><td>$ 60,244</td><td>$ 60,539</td><td></td></tr></table>

(1) 2012 includes the sale of one immaterial subsidiary. 2011 includes the acquisition of SureDeposit. 2010 includes three acquisitions that individually and in the aggregate are immaterial.

See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements



# Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

(In thousands except number of shares and per share amounts)

## 1. Nature of Operations

Assurant, Inc. (the “Company”) is a holding company whose subsidiaries provide specialized insurance products and related services in North America and select worldwide markets.

The Company is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AIZ.

Through its operating subsidiaries, the Company provides debt protection administration, credit-related insurance, warranties and service contracts, pre-funded funeral insurance, solar project insurance, lender-placed homeowners insurance, renters insurance and related products, manufactured housing homeowners insurance, individual health and small employer group health insurance, group dental insurance, group disability insurance and reinsurance, and group life insurance.

## 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

## Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Amounts are presented in United States of America (“U.S.”) dollars and all amounts are in thousands, except for number of shares, per share amounts and number of securities in an unrealized loss position.

## Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its wholly owned subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.

## Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities. The items on the Company's balance sheets affected by the use of estimates include but are not limited to, investments, premiums and accounts receivable, reinsurance recoverables, deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”), deferred income taxes and associated valuation allowances, goodwill, valuation of business acquired (“VOBA”), future policy benefits and expenses, unearned premiums, claims and benefits payable, deferred gain on disposal of businesses, pension and post-retirement liabilities and commitments and contingencies. The estimates are sensitive to market conditions, investment yields, mortality, morbidity, commissions and other acquisition expenses, policyholder behavior and other factors. Actual results could differ from the estimates recorded. The Company believes all amounts reported are reasonable and adequate.

## Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts that can be converted into common stock were exercised as of the end of the period. Restricted stock and restricted stock units which have non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are included in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share under the two-class method.

## Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is comprised of net income, net unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency translation, net unrealized gains and losses on securities classified as available for sale, net unrealized gains and losses on other-than-temporarily impaired securities and expenses for pension and post-retirement plans, less deferred income taxes.

## Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2012 presentation.

## Foreign Currency Translation

For foreign affiliates where the local currency is the functional currency, unrealized foreign currency translation gains and losses net of deferred income taxes have been reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). Other than for two of our wholly owned Canadian subsidiaries, deferred taxes have not been provided for unrealized currency translation gains and losses since the Company intends to indefinitely reinvest the earnings in these other jurisdictions. Transaction gains and losses on assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recorded in underwriting, general and administration expenses in the consolidated statements of operations during the period in which they occur.



## Fair Value

The Company uses an exit price for its fair value measurements. An exit price is defined as the amount received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In measuring fair value, the Company gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. See Note 5 for further information.

## Investments

Fixed maturity and equity securities are classified as available-for-sale, as defined in the investments guidance, and reported at fair value. If the fair value is higher than the amortized cost for fixed maturity securities or the purchase cost for equity securities, the excess is an unrealized gain; and, if lower than cost, the difference is an unrealized loss. Net unrealized gains and losses on securities classified as available-for-sale, less deferred income taxes, are included in AOCI.

Commercial mortgage loans on real estate are reported at unpaid balances, adjusted for amortization of premium or discount, less allowance for losses. The allowance is based on management's analysis of factors including actual loan loss experience, specific events based on geographical, political or economic conditions, industry experience, loan groupings that have probable and estimable losses and individually impaired loan loss analysis. A loan is considered individually impaired when it becomes probable the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due, including principal and interest, according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Indicative factors of impairment include, but are not limited to, whether the loan is current, the value of the collateral and the financial position of the borrower. If a loan is individually impaired, the Company uses one of the following valuation methods based on the individual loans' facts and circumstances to measure the impairment amount: (1) the present value of expected future cash flows, (2) the loan's observable market price, or (3) the fair value of collateral. Changes in the allowance for loan losses are recorded in net realized losses on investments, excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses.

The Company places loans on non-accrual status after 90 days of delinquent payments (unless the loans are both well secured and in the process of collection). A loan may be placed on non-accrual status before this time if information is available that suggests its impairment is probable.

Policy loans are reported at unpaid principal balances, which do not exceed the cash surrender value of the underlying policies.

Short-term investments include money market funds and short maturity investments. These amounts are reported at cost, which approximates fair value.

The Company engages in collateralized transactions in which fixed maturity securities, especially bonds issued by the U.S. government, government agencies and authorities, and U.S. corporations, are loaned to selected broker/dealers. The collateral held under these securities lending transactions is reported at fair value and the obligation is reported at the amount of the collateral received. The difference between the collateral held and obligations under securities lending is recorded as an unrealized loss and is included as part of AOCI.
Other investments consist primarily of investments in joint ventures, partnerships, invested assets associated with a modified coinsurance arrangement, invested assets associated with the Assurant Investment Plan (“AIP”), the American Security Insurance Company Investment Plan (“ASIC”) and the Assurant Deferred Compensation Plan (“ADC”). The joint ventures and partnerships are valued according to the equity method of accounting. In applying the equity method, the Company uses financial information provided by the investee, generally on a three month lag. The invested assets related to the modified coinsurance arrangement, the AIP, ASIC and ADC are classified as trading securities as defined in the investment guidance.

The Company monitors its investment portfolio to identify investments that may be other-than-temporarily impaired. In addition, securities, aggregated by issuer, whose market price is equal to 80% or less of their original purchase price or which had a discrete credit event resulting in the debtor defaulting or seeking bankruptcy protection are added to a potential write-down list, which is discussed at quarterly meetings attended by members of the Company’s investment, accounting and finance departments. See Note 4 for further information.

Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are recognized on the specific identification basis.

Investment income is recorded as earned net of investment expenses. The Company uses the interest method to recognize interest income on its commercial mortgage loans.

The Company anticipates prepayments of principal in the calculation of the effective yield for mortgage-backed securities and structured securities. The retrospective method is used to adjust the effective yield.

## Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers cash on hand, all operating cash and working capital cash to be cash equivalents. These amounts are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Cash balances are reviewed at the end of each reporting period to determine if negative cash balances exist. If negative cash balances do exist, the cash accounts are netted with other positive cash accounts of the same bank provided the right of offset exists between the accounts. If the right of offset does not exist, the negative cash balances are reclassified to accounts payable.

## Uncollectible Receivable Balance

The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for probable losses resulting from the inability to collect payments.

## Reinsurance

Reinsurance recoverables include amounts related to paid benefits and estimated amounts related to unpaid policy and contract claims, future policyholder benefits and policyholder contract deposits. The cost of reinsurance is recognized over the terms of the underlying reinsured policies using assumptions consistent with those used to account for the policies. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with claim and claim adjustment expense reserves or future policy benefits reserves and are reported in the consolidated balance sheets. The cost of reinsurance related to long-duration contracts is recognized over the life of the underlying



reinsured policies. The ceding of insurance does not discharge the Company's primary liability to insureds, thus a credit exposure exists to the extent that any reinsurer is unable to meet the obligation assumed in the reinsurance agreements. To mitigate this exposure to reinsurance insolvencies, the Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and holds collateral (in the form of funds withheld, trusts, and letters of credit) as security under the reinsurance agreements. An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded on the basis of periodic evaluations of balances due from reinsurers (net of collateral), reinsurer solvency, management's experience and current economic conditions.

Funds withheld under reinsurance represent amounts contractually held from assuming companies in accordance with reinsurance agreements.

Reinsurance premiums assumed are calculated based upon payments received from ceding companies together with accrual estimates, which are based on both payments received and in force policy information received from ceding companies. Any subsequent differences arising on such estimates are recorded in the period in which they are determined.

## Income Taxes

Current federal income taxes are recognized based upon amounts estimated to be payable or recoverable as a result of taxable operations for the current year. Deferred income taxes are recorded for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and income tax basis of assets and liabilities, based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the Company expects the temporary differences to reverse. A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that an amount will not be realized.

The Company classifies net interest expense related to tax matters and any applicable penalties as a component of income tax expense.

## Deferred Acquisition Costs

Only direct incremental costs associated with the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts are deferred to the extent that such costs are deemed recoverable from future premiums or gross profits. Acquisition costs primarily consist of commissions and premium taxes. Certain direct response advertising expenses are deferred when the primary purpose of the advertising is to elicit sales to customers who can be shown to have specifically responded to the advertising and the direct response advertising results in probable future benefits.

Premium deficiency testing is performed annually and generally reviewed quarterly. Such testing involves the use of best estimate assumptions including the anticipation of investment income to determine if anticipated future policy premiums are adequate to recover all DAC and related claims, benefits and expenses. To the extent a premium deficiency exists, it is recognized immediately by a charge to the consolidated statement of operations and a corresponding reduction in DAC. If the premium deficiency is greater than unamortized DAC, a liability will be accrued for the excess deficiency.

## Long Duration Contracts

Acquisition costs for pre-funded funeral (“preneed”) life insurance policies issued prior to 2009 and certain life insurance policies no longer offered are deferred and amortized in proportion to anticipated premiums over the premium-paying period. These acquisition costs consist primarily of first year commissions paid to agents.

Acquisition costs relating to group worksite insurance products consist primarily of first year commissions to brokers, costs of issuing new certificates and compensation to sales representatives. These acquisition costs are front-end loaded, thus they are deferred and amortized over the estimated terms of the underlying contracts.

For preneed investment-type annuities, preneed life insurance policies with discretionary death benefit growth issued after January 1, 2009, universal life insurance policies, and investment-type annuities (no longer offered), DAC is amortized in proportion to the present value of estimated gross profits from investment, mortality, expense margins and surrender charges over the estimated life of the policy or contract. The assumptions used for the estimates are consistent with those used in computing the policy or contract liabilities.

Acquisition costs relating to the individual voluntary limited benefit health policies issued in 2007 and later are deferred and amortized over the estimated average terms of the underlying contracts. These acquisition costs relate to commission expenses which result from commission schedules that pay significantly higher rates in the first year.

## Short Duration Contracts

Acquisition costs relating to property contracts, warranty and extended service contracts and single premium credit insurance contracts are amortized over the term of the contracts in relation to premiums earned.

Acquisition costs relating to monthly pay credit insurance business consist mainly of direct response advertising costs and are deferred and amortized over the estimated average terms and balances of the underlying contracts.

Acquisition costs relating to group term life, group disability, group dental, and group vision consist primarily of compensation to sales representatives. These acquisition costs are front-end loaded; thus, they are deferred and amortized over the estimated terms of the underlying contracts.

## Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are reported at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives with a maximum of 39.5 years for buildings, a maximum of 7 years for furniture and a maximum of 5 years for equipment. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to income as incurred. Expenditures for improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset.

Property and equipment also includes capitalized software costs, which represent costs directly related to obtaining, developing or upgrading internal use software. Such costs are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Property and equipment are assessed for impairment when impairment indicators exist.



## Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition costs over the net fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is deemed to have an indefinite life and is not amortized, but rather is tested at least annually for impairment. We review our goodwill annually in the fourth quarter for impairment, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. We regularly assess whether any indicators of impairment exist. Such indicators include, but are not limited to: significant adverse change in legal factors, adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, loss of key personnel or a significant decline in our expected future cash flows due to changes in company-specific factors or the broader business climate. The evaluation of such factors requires considerable management judgment.

When required, we test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level. Following the guidance on goodwill, we have concluded that our reporting units for goodwill testing are equivalent to our reported operating segments, excluding the Corporate and Other segment.

At the time of the annual goodwill test, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the current two-step goodwill impairment test. The Company is required to perform step one if it determines qualitatively that it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. Otherwise, no further testing is required.

If the Company does not take the option to perform the qualitative assessment or the qualitative assessment performed indicates that it is more likely than not that the reporting unit's fair value is less than the carrying value, the Company will then compare the estimated fair value of the reporting unit with its net book value ("Step 1"). If the estimated fair value exceeds its net book value, goodwill is deemed not to be impaired, and no further testing is necessary. If the net book value exceeds its estimated fair value, we perform a second test to measure the amount of impairment, if any. To determine the amount of any impairment, we determine the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as if the reporting unit were being acquired in a business combination ("Step 2"). Specifically, we determine the fair value of all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, including any unrecognized intangible assets, in a hypothetical calculation that yields the implied fair value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the recorded goodwill, we record an impairment charge for the difference.

In the fourth quarter of 2012, we performed Step 1 for both our Assurant Specialty Property and Assurant Solutions reporting units and concluded that the estimated fair value of the reporting units exceeded their respective book values and therefore goodwill was not impaired. For 2012, the Assurant Employee Benefits and Assurant Health reporting units did not have goodwill.

In the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company chose the option to first perform a qualitative assessment for our Assurant Specialty Property reporting unit. Based on this assessment, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the reporting unit's fair value was more than its carrying amount, therefore further impairment testing was not necessary. For our Assurant Solutions reporting unit we performed Step 1 and concluded that the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its respective book value and therefore goodwill was not impaired. For 2011, the Assurant Employee Benefits and Assurant Health reporting units did not have goodwill.

## Value of Businesses Acquired

VOBA is an identifiable intangible asset representing the value of the insurance businesses acquired. The amount is determined using best estimates for mortality, lapse, maintenance expenses and investment returns at date of purchase. The amount determined represents the purchase price paid to the seller for producing the business. Similar to the amortization of DAC, the amortization of VOBA is over the premium payment period for traditional life insurance policies and a small block of limited payment policies. For the remaining limited payment policies, preneed life insurance policies, all universal life policies and annuities, the amortization of VOBA is over the expected lifetime of the policies.

VOBA is tested annually in the fourth quarter for recoverability. If it is determined that future policy premiums and investment income or gross profits are not adequate to cover related losses or loss expenses, then an expense is reported in current earnings. Based on 2012 and 2011 testing, future policy premiums and investment income or gross profits were deemed adequate to cover related losses or loss expenses.

## Other Assets

Other assets primarily include prepaid items.

## Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets that have finite lives, including but not limited to, customer contracts, customer relationships and marketing relationships, are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Other intangible assets deemed to have indefinite useful lives, primarily certain state licenses, are not amortized and are subject to at least annual impairment tests. At the time of the annual impairment test, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets. Impairment exists if the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived other intangible asset exceeds its fair value. For other intangible assets with finite lives, impairment is recognized if the carrying amount is not recoverable and exceeds the fair value of the other intangible asset. Generally other intangible assets with finite lives are only tested for impairment if there are indicators (“triggers”) of impairment identified. Triggers include, but are not limited to, a significant adverse change in the extent, manner or length of time in which the other intangible asset is being used or a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate that could affect the value of the other intangible asset. In certain cases, the Company does perform an annual impairment test for other intangible assets with finite lives even if there are no triggers present. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $26,458 related to finite-lived intangible assets in 2012. There were no material impairment charges related to finite-lived other intangible assets in 2011. For both 2012 and 2011, there were no impairment charges for indefinite-lived other intangible assets.

Amortization expense and impairment charges are included in underwriting, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.



## Separate Accounts

Assets and liabilities associated with separate accounts relate to premium and annuity considerations for variable life and annuity products for which the contract-holder, rather than the Company, bears the investment risk. Separate account assets (with matching liabilities) are reported at fair value. Revenues and expenses related to the separate account assets and liabilities, to the extent of benefits paid or provided to the separate account policyholders, are excluded from the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations because the accounts are administered by reinsurers.

## Reserves

Reserves are established in accordance with GAAP, using generally accepted actuarial methods. Factors used in their calculation include experience derived from historical claim payments and actuarial assumptions. Such assumptions and other factors include trends, the incidence of incurred claims, the extent to which all claims have been reported, and internal claims processing charges. The process used in computing reserves cannot be exact, particularly for liability coverages, since actual claim costs are dependent upon such complex factors as inflation, changes in doctrines of legal liabilities and damage awards. The methods of making such estimates and establishing the related liabilities are periodically reviewed and updated.

Reserves do not represent an exact calculation of exposure, but instead represent our best estimates of what we expect the ultimate settlement and administration of a claim or group of claims will cost based on facts and circumstances known at the time of calculation. The adequacy of reserves may be impacted by future trends in claims severity, frequency, judicial theories of liability and other factors. These variables are affected by both external and internal events, including but not limited to: changes in the economic cycle, changes in the social perception of the value of work, emerging medical perceptions regarding physiological or psychological causes of disability, emerging health issues and new methods of treatment or accommodation, inflation, judicial trends, legislative changes and claims handling procedures.

Many of these items are not directly quantifiable. Reserve estimates are refined as experience develops. Adjustments to reserves, both positive and negative, are reflected in the consolidated statement of operations in the period in which such estimates are updated. Because establishment of reserves is an inherently uncertain process involving estimates of future losses, there can be no certainty that ultimate losses will not exceed existing claims reserves. Future loss development could require reserves to be increased, which could have a material adverse effect on our earnings in the periods in which such increases are made. However, based on information currently available, we believe our reserve estimates are adequate.

## Long Duration Contracts

The Company’s long duration contracts include preneed life insurance policies and annuity contracts, traditional life insurance policies no longer offered, universal life and annuities no longer offered, policies disposed of via reinsurance (Fortis Financial Group (“FFG”) and Long Term Care (“LTC”) contracts), group worksite policies, group life conversion policies and certain medical policies.
Future policy benefits and expense reserves for LTC, certain life and annuity insurance policies no longer offered, a majority of individual medical policies issued prior to 2003, certain medical contracts issued from 2003 through 2006, individual voluntary limited benefit health policies issued in 2007 and later, the traditional life insurance contracts within FFG group worksite contracts and group life conversion policies are equal to the present value of future benefits to policyholders plus related expenses less the present value of the future net premiums. These amounts are estimated based on assumptions as to the expected investment yield, inflation, mortality, morbidity and withdrawal rates as well as other assumptions that are based on the Company’s experience. These assumptions reflect anticipated trends and include provisions for possible unfavorable deviations.

Future policy benefits and expense reserves for preneed investment-type annuities, preneed life insurance policies with discretionary death benefit growth issued after 2008, universal life insurance policies and investment-type annuity contracts (no longer offered), and the variable life insurance and investment-type annuity contracts in FFG consist of policy account balances before applicable surrender charges and certain deferred policy initiation fees that are being recognized in income over the terms of the policies. Policy benefits charged to expense during the period include amounts paid in excess of policy account balances and interest credited to policy account balances. An unearned revenue reserve is also recorded for those preneed life insurance contracts which represents the balance of the excess of gross premiums over net premiums that is still recognized in future years' income in a constant relationship to estimated gross profits.

Future policy benefits and expense reserves for preneed life insurance contracts issued prior to 2009 are reported at the present value of future benefits to policyholders and related expenses less the present value of future net premiums. Reserve assumptions are selected using best estimates for expected investment yield, inflation, mortality and withdrawal rates. These assumptions reflect current trends, are based on Company experience and include provision for possible unfavorable deviation. An unearned revenue reserve is also recorded for these contracts which represents the balance of the excess of gross premiums over net premiums that is still to be recognized in future years' income in a constant relationship to insurance in force.

Reserves for group worksite policies also include case reserves and incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) reserves which equal the net present value of the expected future claims payments. Worksite group disability reserves are discounted to the valuation date at the valuation interest rate. The valuation interest rate is reviewed quarterly by taking into consideration actual and expected earned rates on our asset portfolio.

Changes in the estimated liabilities are reported as a charge or credit to policyholder benefits as the estimates are revised.

## Short Duration Contracts

The Company’s short duration contracts include group term life contracts, group disability contracts, medical contracts, dental contracts, property and warranty contracts, credit life and disability contracts and extended service contracts. For short duration contracts, claims and benefits payable reserves are recorded when insured events occur. The liability is based on the expected ultimate cost of settling the claims. The claims and benefits payable reserves include (1) case reserves for known but unpaid claims as of the balance sheet date; (2) IBNR reserves for



claims where the insured event has occurred but has not been reported to the Company as of the balance sheet date; and (3) loss adjustment expense reserves for the expected handling costs of settling the claims.

For group disability, the case reserves and the IBNR reserves are recorded at an amount equal to the net present value of the expected future claims payments. Group long-term disability and group term life waiver of premiums reserves are discounted to the valuation date at the valuation interest rate. The valuation interest rate is reviewed quarterly by taking into consideration actual and expected earned rates on our asset portfolio. Group long term disability and group term life reserve adequacy studies are performed annually, and morbidity and mortality assumptions are adjusted where appropriate.

The Company has exposure to asbestos, environmental and other general liability claims arising from its participation in various reinsurance pools from 1971 through 1985. This exposure arose from a short duration contract that the Company discontinued writing many years ago. The Company carries case reserves for these liabilities as recommended by the various pool managers and IBNR reserves. Any estimation of these liabilities is subject to greater than normal variation and uncertainty due to the general lack of sufficient detailed data, reporting delays, and absence of generally accepted actuarial methodology for determining the exposures. There are significant unresolved industry legal issues, including such items as whether coverage exists and what constitutes an occurrence. In addition, the determination of ultimate damages and the final allocation of losses to financially responsible parties are highly uncertain.

Changes in the estimated liabilities are recorded as a charge or credit to policyholder benefits as estimates are revised. Amounts reimbursed by the National Flood Insurance Program for processing and adjudication services are reported as a reduction of policyholder benefits.

## Medical Loss Ratio Rebate Unearned Premium Reserve

The Affordable Care Act was signed into law in March 2010. One provision of the Affordable Care Act, effective January 1, 2011, established a minimum medical loss ratio (“MLR”) designed to ensure that a minimum percentage of premiums is paid for clinical services or health care quality improvement activities. The Affordable Care Act established an MLR of 80% for individual and small group business and 85% for large group business. If the actual loss ratios, calculated in a manner prescribed by the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”), are less than the required MLR, premium rebates are payable to the policyholders by August 1 of the subsequent year.

The Company has estimated its 2012 impact of this regulation based on definitions and calculation methodologies outlined in the Interim Final Regulation from HHS released December 1, 2010 with Technical Corrections released December 29, 2010 and the HHS Final Regulation released December 7, 2011. The estimate was based on separate projection models for the individual medical and small group businesses using projections of expected premiums, claims, and enrollment by state, legal entity, and market for medical business subject to MLR requirements for the MLR reporting year. In addition, the projection models include quality improvement expenses, state assessments and taxes. The premium rebate is presented as a reduction of net earned premiums in the consolidated statement of operations and included in unearned premiums in the consolidated balance sheets.

## Deferred Gain on Disposal of Businesses

The Company recorded a deferred gain on disposal of businesses utilizing reinsurance. On March 1, 2000, the Company sold its LTC business using a coinsurance contract. On April 2, 2001, the Company sold its FFG business using a modified coinsurance contract. Since the form of sale did not discharge the Company's primary liability to the insureds, the gain on these disposals was deferred and reported as a liability. The liability is decreased and recognized as revenue over the estimated life of the contracts' terms. The Company reviews and evaluates the estimates affecting the deferred gain on disposal of businesses annually or when significant information affecting the estimates becomes known to the Company, and adjusts the revenue recognized accordingly. Based on the Company's annual review in the fourth quarters of 2012 and 2011, there were no adjustments to the estimates affecting the deferred gain.

## Debt

The Company reports debt net of unamortized discount or premium. Interest expense related to debt is expensed as incurred.

## Premiums

## Long Duration Contracts

Currently, the Company's long duration contracts which are actively being sold are preened life insurance and certain group worksite insurance policies. The preened life insurance policies include provisions for death benefit growth that is either pegged to the changes in the Consumer Price Index or determined periodically at the discretion of management. For preened life insurance policies issued prior to 2009, revenues are recognized when due from policyholders. For preened life insurance policies with discretionary death benefit growth issued after 2008 and for preened investment-type annuity contracts, revenues consist of charges assessed against policy balances. Revenues are recognized ratably as earned income over the premium-paying periods of the policies for the group worksite insurance products.

For a majority of individual medical contracts issued prior to 2003, a limited number of individual medical contracts currently issued from 2003 through 2006 in certain jurisdictions, individual voluntary limited benefit health policies issued in 2007 and later and traditional life insurance contracts previously sold by the preened business (no longer offered), revenue is recognized when due from policyholders.

For universal life insurance and investment-type annuity contracts previously sold by the Assurant Solutions segment (no longer offered), revenues consist of charges assessed against policy balances.

Premiums for LTC insurance and traditional life insurance contracts within FFG are recognized as revenue when due from the policyholder. For universal life insurance and investment-type annuity contracts within FFG, revenues consist of charges assessed against policy balances. For the FFG and LTC businesses previously sold, all revenue is ceded.



## Short Duration Contracts

The Company’s short duration contracts are those on which the Company recognizes revenue on a pro-rata basis over the contract term. The Company’s short duration contracts primarily include group term life, group disability, medical, dental, vision, property and warranty, credit life and disability, and extended service contracts and individual medical contracts issued from 2003 through 2006 in most jurisdictions and in all jurisdictions after 2006.

Reinstatement premiums for reinsurance are netted against net earned premiums and other considerations in the consolidated statements of operations.

## Total Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Losses

For debt securities with credit losses and non-credit losses or gains, total other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses is the total of the decline in fair value from either the most recent OTTI determination or a prior period end in which the fair value declined until the current period end valuation date. This amount does not include any securities that had fair value increases. For equity securities and debt securities that the Company has the intent to sell or if it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell for equity securities that have an OTTI or for debt securities if there are only credit losses, total other-than-temporary impairment losses is the total amount by which the fair value of the security is less than its amortized cost basis at the period end valuation date and the decline in fair value is deemed to be other-than-temporary.

## Fees and Other Income

Income earned on preneed life insurance policies with discretionary death benefit growth issued after 2008 is presented within fees and other income.

The Company also derives fees and other income from providing administrative services. These fees are recognized monthly when services are performed.

Dealer obligor service contracts are sales in which the retailer/dealer is designated as the obligor (administrative service-only plans). For these contract sales, the Company recognizes administrative fee revenue on a straight-line pro-rata basis over the terms of the service contract.

Administrator obligor service contracts are sales in which the Company is designated as the obligor. The Company recognizes and reports administration fees related to these contracts as earned on the same basis as the premium is recognized or on a straight-line pro-rata basis.

Administration fees related to the unexpired portion of the contract term for both the dealer obligor and administrator obligor service contracts are deferred and amortized over the term of the contracts. These unexpired amounts are reported in accounts payable and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

## Underwriting, General and Administrative Expenses

Underwriting, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of commissions, premium taxes, licenses, fees, salaries and personnel benefits and other general operating expenses.

## Leases

The Company records expenses for operating leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

## Contingencies

The Company evaluates each contingent matter separately. A loss contingency is recorded if reasonably estimable and probable. The Company establishes reserves for these contingencies at the best estimate, or if no one estimated number within the range of possible losses is more probable than any other, the Company records an estimated reserve at the low end of the estimated range. Contingencies affecting the Company primarily relate to litigation matters which are inherently difficult to evaluate and are subject to significant changes. The Company believes the contingent amounts recorded are reasonable.

## Recent Accounting Pronouncements—Adopted

On September 30, 2012, the Company adopted the amended intangibles-goodwill and other guidance. This guidance allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets. Under this amended guidance, an entity would not be required to calculate the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset, unless the entity determines, based on qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. The amended guidance includes a number of events and circumstances for an entity to consider in conducting the qualitative assessment and did not have an impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

On January 1, 2012, the Company adopted the guidance on fair value measurement. This amended guidance changes certain fair value measurement principles and expands required disclosures to include quantitative and qualitative information about unobservable inputs in Level 3 measurements to achieve common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

On January 1, 2012, the Company adopted the amendments to existing guidance on accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. The amendments modified the definition of the types of costs incurred by insurance entities that can be capitalized in the acquisition of new and renewal contracts. Under this amended guidance, only direct incremental costs associated with successful insurance contract acquisitions or renewals are deferrable. This guidance was adopted retrospectively and has been applied to all prior period financial information contained in these consolidated financial statements. As of January 1, 2010, the beginning of the earliest period presented, the cumulative effect adjustment recorded to reflect this guidance resulted in a decrease of $148,242 in retained earnings, an increase of $2,149 in accumulated other comprehensive income and a decrease of $146,093 in total stockholders' equity.



The effect of adoption of this new guidance on the December 31, 2011 consolidated balance sheet was as follows:

<table><tr><td></td><td>As Previously Reported</td><td colspan="2">Effect of Change</td><td>As Currently Reported</td></tr><tr><td>Deferred acquisition costs</td><td>$ 2,632,720</td><td>$ (139,863)</td><td>$ 2,492,857</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Deferred income taxes, net</td><td>0</td><td>44,280</td><td>44,280</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total assets</td><td>27,115,445</td><td>(95,583)</td><td>27,019,862</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Future policy benefits and expenses</td><td>8,269,343</td><td>89,863</td><td>8,359,206</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Deferred income taxes, net</td><td>32,460</td><td>(32,460)</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total liabilities</td><td>22,088,509</td><td>57,403</td><td>22,145,912</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Retained earnings</td><td>3,742,479</td><td>(155,695)</td><td>3,586,784</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Accumulated other comprehensive income</td><td>554,867</td><td>2,709</td><td>557,576</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total stockholders&#x27; equity</td><td>5,026,936</td><td>(152,986)</td><td>4,873,950</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS&#x27; EQUITY</td><td>27,115,445</td><td>(95,583)</td><td>27,019,862</td><td></td></tr></table>

The effect of adoption of this new guidance on the December 31, 2010 consolidated balance sheet was as follows:

<table><tr><td></td><td>As Previously Reported</td><td colspan="2">Effect of Change</td><td>As Currently Reported</td></tr><tr><td>Deferred acquisition costs</td><td>$ 2,493,422</td><td>$ (127,239)</td><td>$ 2,366,183</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Deferred income taxes, net</td><td>76,430</td><td>75,722</td><td>152,152</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total assets</td><td>26,397,018</td><td>(51,517)</td><td>26,345,501</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Future policy benefits and expenses</td><td>8,105,153</td><td>95,884</td><td>8,201,037</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total liabilities</td><td>21,616,481</td><td>95,884</td><td>21,712,365</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Retained earnings</td><td>3,264,025</td><td>(148,812)</td><td>3,115,213</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Accumulated other comprehensive income</td><td>285,524</td><td>1,411</td><td>286,935</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total stockholders&#x27; equity</td><td>4,780,537</td><td>(147,401)</td><td>4,633,136</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS&#x27; EQUITY</td><td>26,397,018</td><td>(51,517)</td><td>26,345,501</td><td></td></tr></table>

The effect of adoption of this new guidance on the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 was as follows:

<table><tr><td></td><td>As Previously Reported</td><td colspan="2">Effect of Change</td><td>As Currently Reported</td></tr><tr><td>Policyholder benefits</td><td>$ 3,755,209</td><td>$ (5,475)</td><td>$ 3,749,734</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired</td><td>1,448,575</td><td>(120,787)</td><td>1,327,788</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Underwriting, general and administrative expenses</td><td>2,293,705</td><td>135,090</td><td>2,428,795</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total benefits, losses and expenses</td><td>7,557,849</td><td>8,828</td><td>7,566,677</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Income before provision for income taxes</td><td>714,955</td><td>(8,828)</td><td>706,127</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Provision for income taxes</td><td>169,116</td><td>(1,945)</td><td>167,171</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>545,839</td><td>(6,883)</td><td>538,956</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Earnings per share</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Basic</td><td>$ 5.65</td><td>$ (0.07)</td><td>$ 5.58</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Diluted</td><td>$ 5.58</td><td>$ (0.07)</td><td>$ 5.51</td><td></td></tr></table>

The effect of adoption of this new guidance on the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 was as follows:

<table><tr><td></td><td>As Previously Reported</td><td colspan="2">Effect of Change</td><td>As Currently Reported</td></tr><tr><td>Policyholder benefits</td><td>$ 3,640,978</td><td>$ (4,979)</td><td>$ 3,635,999</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired</td><td>1,521,238</td><td>(119,669)</td><td>1,401,569</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Underwriting, general and administrative expenses</td><td>2,392,035</td><td>124,587</td><td>2,516,622</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total benefits, losses and expenses</td><td>7,921,278</td><td>(61)</td><td>7,921,217</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Income before provision for income taxes</td><td>606,444</td><td>61</td><td>606,505</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Provision for income taxes</td><td>327,267</td><td>631</td><td>327,898</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>279,177</td><td>(570)</td><td>278,607</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Earnings per share</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Basic</td><td>$ 2.52</td><td>$ (0.00)</td><td>$ 2.52</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Diluted</td><td>$ 2.50</td><td>$ (0.00)</td><td>$ 2.50</td><td></td></tr></table>



On December 31, 2011, the Company adopted the new guidance related to the presentation of comprehensive income. This guidance provides two alternatives for presenting comprehensive income. An entity can report comprehensive income either in a single continuous financial statement or in two separate but consecutive financial statements. Each component of net income and each component of other comprehensive income, together with totals for comprehensive income and its two parts, net income and other comprehensive income, are displayed under either alternative. The statement(s) are to be presented with equal prominence as the other primary financial statements. The new guidance eliminates the Company's previously applied option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in stockholders' equity. The guidance does not change the items that constitute net income or other comprehensive income, and does not change when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. The Company chose to early adopt this guidance and therefore is reporting comprehensive income in a separate but consecutive statement, with full retrospective application as required by the guidance. The adoption of the new presentation requirements did not have an impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

On October 1, 2011, the Company adopted the amended intangibles-goodwill and other guidance. This guidance allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Under this amended guidance, an entity would not be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. The amended guidance includes a number of events and circumstances for an entity to consider in conducting the qualitative assessment. The Company chose to early adopt the revised standard and applied the amended guidance to its fourth quarter annual goodwill

## 3. Business Combinations

There were no material business combinations in 2012.

On June 21, 2011, in an all cash transaction, the Company acquired the SureDeposit business, the leading provider of security deposit alternatives to the multi-family housing industry, for $45,080. In connection with the acquisition, the Company recorded $25,350 of intangible assets, all of which are amortizable, and $19,608 of goodwill. impairment test. The adoption of the amended guidance results in a change to the procedures for assessing goodwill impairment and did not have an impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations. See Notes 2 and 10 for more information.

On January 1, 2011, the Company adopted the new guidance on multiple deliverable revenue arrangements. This guidance requires entities to use their best estimate of the selling price of a deliverable within a multiple deliverable revenue arrangement if the entity and other entities do not sell the deliverable separate from the other deliverables within the arrangement. In addition, it requires both qualitative and quantitative disclosures. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

## Recent Accounting Pronouncements—Not Yet Adopted

In July 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued amendments to the other expenses guidance to address how health insurers should recognize and classify in their income statements fees mandated by the Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act imposes an annual fee on health insurers for each calendar year beginning on or after January 1, 2014. The amendments specify that the liability for the fee should be estimated and recorded in full once the entity provides qualifying health insurance in the applicable calendar year in which the fee is payable with a corresponding deferred cost that is amortized to expense ratably over the calendar year during which it is payable. The guidance is effective for calendar years beginning after December 31, 2013, when the fee initially becomes effective. Therefore, the Company is required to adopt this guidance on January 1, 2014. The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of the amendments and the potential impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

The primary factor contributing to the recognition of goodwill is the future expected growth of this business. This acquisition expands the multi-family housing product offering and associated cross-selling opportunities with existing clients for the Assurant Specialty Property segment.

There were three acquisitions made in 2010 that individually and in the aggregate were immaterial.



## 4. Investments

The following tables show the cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, fair value and OTTI of our fixed maturity and equity securities as of the dates indicated:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="6">December 31, 2012</td></tr><tr><td>Cost or Amortized Cost</td><td>Gross Unrealized Gains</td><td>Gross Unrealized Losses</td><td>Fair Value</td><td>OTTI in AOCI</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fixed maturity securities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>United States Government and government agencies and authorities</td><td>$ 633,329</td><td>$ 8,722</td><td>$ (127)</td><td>$ 641,924</td><td>$ 0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>States, municipalities and political subdivisions</td><td>800,592</td><td>106,560</td><td>(96)</td><td>907,056</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Foreign governments</td><td>672,671</td><td>82,096</td><td>(1,359)</td><td>753,408</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Asset-backed</td><td>27,182</td><td>1,437</td><td>(422)</td><td>28,197</td><td>1,159</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Commercial mortgage-backed</td><td>64,344</td><td>5,539</td><td>0</td><td>69,883</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Residential mortgage-backed</td><td>714,628</td><td>56,983</td><td>(554)</td><td>771,057</td><td>14,259</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Corporate</td><td>7,815,968</td><td>1,193,695</td><td>(9,550)</td><td>9,000,113</td><td>21,291</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL FIXED MATURITY SECURITIES</td><td>$ 10,728,714</td><td>$ 1,455,032</td><td>$ (12,108)</td><td>$ 12,171,638</td><td>$ 36,709</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Equity securities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Common stocks</td><td>$ 14,707</td><td>$ 4,243</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 18,950</td><td>$ 0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Non-redeemable preferred stocks</td><td>407,996</td><td>53,976</td><td>(5,116)</td><td>456,856</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL EQUITY SECURITIES</td><td>$ 422,703</td><td>$ 58,219</td><td>$ (5,116)</td><td>$ 475,806</td><td>$ 0</td><td></td></tr></table>

<table><tr><td></td><td>Cost or Amortized Cost</td><td>Gross Unrealized Gains</td><td>Gross Unrealized Losses</td><td>Fair Value</td><td>OTTI in AOCI</td></tr><tr><td>Fixed maturity securities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>United States Government and government agencies and authorities</td><td>$ 148,379</td><td>$ 8,987</td><td>$ (26)</td><td>$ 157,340</td><td>$ 0</td></tr><tr><td>States, municipalities and political subdivisions</td><td>832,788</td><td>96,536</td><td>(301)</td><td>929,023</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Foreign governments</td><td>647,133</td><td>78,148</td><td>(1,368)</td><td>723,913</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Asset-backed</td><td>30,681</td><td>2,072</td><td>(320)</td><td>32,433</td><td>1,118</td></tr><tr><td>Commercial mortgage-backed</td><td>82,184</td><td>5,840</td><td>0</td><td>88,024</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Residential mortgage-backed</td><td>841,488</td><td>56,364</td><td>(633)</td><td>897,219</td><td>8,240</td></tr><tr><td>Corporate</td><td>7,540,776</td><td>882,628</td><td>(58,757)</td><td>8,364,647</td><td>14,313</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL FIXED MATURITY SECURITIES</td><td>$ 10,123,429</td><td>$ 1,130,575</td><td>$ (61,405)</td><td>$ 11,192,599</td><td>$ 23,671</td></tr><tr><td>Equity securities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Common stocks</td><td>$ 14,037</td><td>$ 2,018</td><td>$ (54)</td><td>$ 16,001</td><td>$ 0</td></tr><tr><td>Non-redeemable preferred stocks</td><td>343,374</td><td>28,141</td><td>(25,140)</td><td>346,375</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL EQUITY SECURITIES</td><td>$ 357,411</td><td>$ 30,159</td><td>$ (25,194)</td><td>$ 362,376</td><td>$ 0</td></tr></table>

Our states, municipalities and political subdivisions holdings are highly diversified across the United States and Puerto Rico, with no individual state's exposure (including both general obligation and revenue securities) exceeding 0.5% of the overall investment portfolio as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. At December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the securities include general obligation and revenue bonds issued by states, cities, counties, school districts and similar issuers, including $168,705 and $164,347, respectively, of advance refunded or escrowed-to-maturity bonds (collectively referred to as "pre-refunded bonds"), which are bonds for which an irrevocable trust has been established to fund the remaining payments of principal and interest. As of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, revenue bonds account for 52% and 51% of the holdings, respectively. Excluding pre-refunded bonds, sales tax, highway, water, fuel sales, transit and miscellaneous (which includes bond banks, finance authorities and appropriations) provide for 82% and 80% of the revenue sources, as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.
The Company’s investments in foreign government fixed maturity securities are held mainly in countries and currencies where the Company has policyholder liabilities, which allow the assets and liabilities to be more appropriately matched. At December 31, 2012, approximately 67%, 15%, and 6% of the foreign government securities were held in the Canadian government/provincials and the governments of Brazil and Germany, respectively. At December 31, 2011, approximately 63%, 13% and 7% of the foreign government securities were held in the Canadian government/provincials and the governments of Brazil and Germany, respectively. No other country represented more than 5% of our foreign government securities as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

The Company has European investment exposure in its corporate fixed maturity and equity securities of $1,054,820 with an unrealized gain of $122,420 at December 31, 2012 and $868,012 with an unrealized gain of $61,387 at December 31, 2011. Approximately 28% and 31% of the corporate European exposure are held in the financial



industry at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. No European country represented more than 5% of the fair value of our corporate securities as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Approximately 5% of the fair value of the corporate European securities are pound and euro-denominated and are not hedged to U.S. dollars, but, held to support those foreign-denominated liabilities. Our international investments are managed as part of our overall portfolio with the same approach to risk management and focus on diversification. The cost or amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2012 by contractual maturity are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers of the securities may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

<table><tr><td></td><td>Cost or Amortized Cost</td><td>Fair Value</td></tr><tr><td>Due in one year or less</td><td>$ 536,252</td><td>$ 543,977</td></tr><tr><td>Due after one year through five years</td><td>2,588,048</td><td>2,752,683</td></tr><tr><td>Due after five years through ten years</td><td>2,613,074</td><td>2,869,168</td></tr><tr><td>Due after ten years</td><td>4,185,186</td><td>5,136,673</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>9,922,560</td><td>11,302,501</td></tr><tr><td>Asset-backed</td><td>27,182</td><td>28,197</td></tr><tr><td>Commercial mortgage-backed</td><td>64,344</td><td>69,883</td></tr><tr><td>Residential mortgage-backed</td><td>714,628</td><td>771,057</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 10,728,714</td><td>$ 12,171,638</td></tr></table>

Major categories of net investment income were as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td></tr><tr><td>Fixed maturity securities</td><td>$ 553,668</td><td>$ 565,486</td><td>$ 572,909</td></tr><tr><td>Equity securities</td><td>24,771</td><td>29,645</td><td>33,864</td></tr><tr><td>Commercial mortgage loans on real estate</td><td>79,108</td><td>80,903</td><td>88,894</td></tr><tr><td>Policy loans</td><td>3,204</td><td>3,102</td><td>3,248</td></tr><tr><td>Short-term investments</td><td>4,889</td><td>5,351</td><td>5,259</td></tr><tr><td>Other investments</td><td>54,581</td><td>21,326</td><td>19,019</td></tr><tr><td>Cash and cash equivalents</td><td>15,323</td><td>7,838</td><td>5,577</td></tr><tr><td>Total investment income</td><td>735,544</td><td>713,651</td><td>728,770</td></tr><tr><td>Investment expenses</td><td>(22,416)</td><td>(24,119)</td><td>(25,580)</td></tr><tr><td>NET INVESTMENT INCOME</td><td>$ 713,128</td><td>$ 689,532</td><td>$ 703,190</td></tr></table>

No material investments of the Company were non-income producing for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

The following table summarizes the proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities and the gross realized gains and gross realized losses that have been included in earnings as a result of those sales.

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td></tr><tr><td>Proceeds from sales</td><td>$ 2,314,540</td><td>$ 1,679,553</td><td>$ 1,867,797</td></tr><tr><td>Gross realized gains</td><td>68,697</td><td>57,120</td><td>65,861</td></tr><tr><td>Gross realized losses</td><td>12,597</td><td>20,925</td><td>8,286</td></tr></table>

For securities sold at a loss during 2012, the average period of time these securities were trading continuously at a price below book value was approximately 34 months.



The following table sets forth the net realized gains (losses), including other-than-temporary impairments, recognized in the statement of operations as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net realized gains (losses) related to sales and other:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fixed maturity securities</td><td>$ 59,815</td><td>$ 44,924</td><td>$ 53,880</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Equity securities</td><td>(3,466)</td><td>(7,010)</td><td>5,207</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Commercial mortgage loans on real estate</td><td>3,072</td><td>336</td><td>(16,710)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other investments</td><td>6,775</td><td>2,166</td><td>17,193</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL NET REALIZED GAINS RELATED TO SALES AND OTHER</td><td>66,196</td><td>40,416</td><td>59,570</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net realized losses related to other-than-temporary impairments:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fixed maturity securities</td><td>(1,287)</td><td>(7,780)</td><td>(10,607)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Equity securities</td><td>(226)</td><td>(21)</td><td>(560)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other investments</td><td>(330)</td><td>(35)</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total net realized losses related to other-than-temporary impairments</td><td>(1,843)</td><td>(7,836)</td><td>(11,167)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL NET REALIZED GAINS</td><td>$ 64,353</td><td>$ 32,580</td><td>$ 48,403</td><td></td></tr></table>

## Other-Than-Temporary Impairments

The Company follows the OTTI guidance which requires entities to separate an OTTI of a debt security into two components when there are credit related losses associated with the impaired debt security for which the Company asserts that it does not have the intent to sell, and it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell before recovery of its cost basis. Under the OTTI guidance, the amount of the OTTI related to a credit loss is recognized in earnings, and the amount of the OTTI related to other, non-credit, factors (e.g., interest rates, market conditions, etc.) is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. In instances where no credit loss exists but the Company intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that the Company will have to sell the debt security prior to the anticipated recovery, the decline in market value below amortized cost is recognized as an OTTI in earnings. In periods after the recognition of an OTTI on debt securities, the Company accounts for such securities as if they had been purchased on the measurement date of the OTTI at an amortized cost basis equal to the previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings. For debt securities for which OTTI was recognized in earnings, the difference between the new amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected will be accreted or amortized into net investment income.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded $1,939 and $8,183, respectively, of OTTI, of which $1,843 and $7,836 was related to credit losses and recorded as net OTTI losses recognized in earnings, with the remaining amounts of $96 and $347, respectively, related to all other factors and was recorded as an unrealized loss component of AOCI.

The following table sets forth the amount of credit loss impairments recognized within the results of operations on fixed maturity securities held by the Company as of the dates indicated, for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in AOCI, and the corresponding changes in such amounts.

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">Year ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Balance, beginning of year</td><td>$ 103,090</td><td>$ 105,245</td><td>$ 108,053</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Additions for credit loss impairments recognized in the current period on securities not previously impaired</td><td>0</td><td>1,455</td><td>2,508</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Additions for credit loss impairments recognized in the current period on securities previously impaired</td><td>56</td><td>1,598</td><td>2,777</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Reductions for securities which the amount previously recognized in other comprehensive income was recognized in earnings because the entity intends to sell the security</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>(116)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Reductions for increases in cash flows expected to be collected that are recognized over the remaining life of the security</td><td>(1,590)</td><td>(669)</td><td>(380)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Reductions for credit loss impairments previously recognized on securities which matured, paid down, prepaid or were sold during the period</td><td>(5,967)</td><td>(4,539)</td><td>(7,597)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>BALANCE, END OF YEAR</td><td>$ 95,589</td><td>$ 103,090</td><td>$ 105,245</td><td></td></tr></table>

We regularly monitor our investment portfolio to ensure investments that may be other-than-temporarily impaired are identified in a timely fashion, properly valued, and charged against earnings in the proper period. The determination that a security has incurred an other-than-temporary decline in value requires the judgment of management. Assessment factors include, but are not limited to, the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been less than cost, the financial condition and rating of the issuer, whether any collateral is held, the intent and ability of the Company to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery for equity securities and the intent to sell or whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell for fixed maturity securities. Inherently, there are risks and uncertainties involved in making these judgments. Changes in circumstances and critical assumptions such as a continued weak economy, a more pronounced economic downturn or unforeseen events which affect one or more companies, industry sectors, or countries could result in additional impairments in future periods for other-than-temporary declines in value. Any equity security



whose price decline is deemed other-than-temporary is written down to its then current market value with the amount of the impairment reported as a realized loss in that period. The impairment of a fixed maturity security that the Company has the intent to sell or that it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell is deemed other-than-temporary and is written down to its market value at the balance sheet date with the amount of the impairment reported as a realized loss in that period. For all other-than-temporarily impaired fixed maturity securities that do not meet either of these two criteria, the Company is required to analyze its ability to recover the amortized cost of the security by calculating the net present value of projected future cash flows. For these other-than-temporarily impaired fixed maturity securities, the net amount recognized in earnings is equal to the difference between the amortized cost of the fixed maturity security and its net present value.

The Company considers different factors to determine the amount of projected future cash flows and discounting methods for corporate debt and residential and commercial mortgage-backed or asset-backed securities. For corporate debt securities, the split between the credit and non-credit losses is driven principally by assumptions regarding the amount and timing of projected future cash flows. The net present value is calculated by discounting the Company's best estimate of projected future cash flows at the effective interest rate implicit in the security at the date of acquisition. For residential and commercial mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, cash flow estimates, including prepayment assumptions, are based on data from widely accepted third-party data sources or internal estimates. In addition to prepayment assumptions, cash flow estimates vary based on assumptions regarding the underlying collateral including default rates, recoveries and changes in value. The net present value is calculated by discounting the Company's best estimate of projected future cash flows at the effective interest rate implicit in the fixed maturity security prior to impairment at the balance sheet date. The discounted cash flows become the new amortized cost basis of the fixed maturity security.

In periods subsequent to the recognition of an OTTI, the Company generally accretes the discount (or amortizes the reduced premium) into net investment income, up to the non-discounted amount of projected future cash flows, resulting from the reduction in cost basis, based upon the amount and timing of the expected future cash flows over the estimated period of cash flows.

The investment category and duration of the Company’s gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities and equity securities at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="3"></td><td colspan="7">December 31, 2012</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Less than 12 months</td><td colspan="2">12 Months or More</td><td colspan="3">Total</td></tr><tr><td>Fair Value</td><td>Unrealized Losses</td><td>Fair Value</td><td>Unrealized Losses</td><td>Fair Value</td><td>Unrealized losses</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fixed maturity securities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>United States Government and government agencies and authorities</td><td>$ 233,559</td><td>$ (127)</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 233,559</td><td>$ (127)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>States, municipalities and political subdivisions</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>4,575</td><td>(96)</td><td>4,575</td><td>(96)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Foreign governments</td><td>41,917</td><td>(204)</td><td>8,925</td><td>(1,155)</td><td>50,842</td><td>(1,359)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Asset-backed</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>2,662</td><td>(422)</td><td>2,662</td><td>(422)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Residential mortgage-backed</td><td>56,674</td><td>(509)</td><td>9,300</td><td>(45)</td><td>65,974</td><td>(554)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Corporate</td><td>459,797</td><td>(5,802)</td><td>62,778</td><td>(3,748)</td><td>522,575</td><td>(9,550)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL FIXED MATURITY SECURITIES</td><td>$ 791,947</td><td>$ (6,642)</td><td>$ 88,240</td><td>$ (5,466)</td><td>$ 880,187</td><td>$ (12,108)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Equity securities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>NON-REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCKS</td><td>$ 52,508</td><td>$ (416)</td><td>$ 48,626</td><td>$ (4,700)</td><td>$ 101,134</td><td>$ (5,116)</td><td></td></tr></table>



<table><tr><td rowspan="3"></td><td colspan="7">December 31, 2011</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Less than 12 months</td><td colspan="2">12 Months or More</td><td colspan="3">Total</td></tr><tr><td>Fair Value</td><td>Unrealized Losses</td><td>Fair Value</td><td>Unrealized Losses</td><td>Fair Value</td><td>Unrealized losses</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fixed maturity securities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>United States Government and government agencies and authorities</td><td>$ 8,852</td><td>$</td><td>(26)</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 8,852</td><td>$</td></tr><tr><td>States, municipalities and political subdivisions</td><td>0</td><td></td><td>0</td><td>5,503</td><td>(301)</td><td>5,503</td><td>(301)</td></tr><tr><td>Foreign governments</td><td>31,125</td><td></td><td>(150)</td><td>9,443</td><td>(1,218)</td><td>40,568</td><td>(1,368)</td></tr><tr><td>Asset-backed</td><td>2,624</td><td></td><td>(320)</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>2,624</td><td>(320)</td></tr><tr><td>Residential mortgage-backed</td><td>43,141</td><td></td><td>(513)</td><td>2,368</td><td>(120)</td><td>45,509</td><td>(633)</td></tr><tr><td>Corporate</td><td>718,815</td><td></td><td>(32,899)</td><td>176,279</td><td>(25,858)</td><td>895,094</td><td>(58,757)</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL FIXED MATURITY SECURITIES</td><td>$ 804,557</td><td>$</td><td>(33,908)</td><td>$ 193,593</td><td>$</td><td>(27,497)</td><td>$ 998,150</td></tr><tr><td>Equity securities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Common stocks</td><td>$ 1,174</td><td>$</td><td>(54)</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 1,174</td><td>$</td></tr><tr><td>Non-redeemable preferred stocks</td><td>51,577</td><td></td><td>(4,499)</td><td>85,704</td><td>(20,641)</td><td>137,281</td><td>(25,140)</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL EQUITY SECURITIES</td><td>$ 52,751</td><td>$</td><td>(4,553)</td><td>$ 85,704</td><td>$</td><td>(20,641)</td><td>$ 138,455</td></tr></table>

Total gross unrealized losses represent less than 2% and 8% of the aggregate fair value of the related securities at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Approximately 41% and 44% of these gross unrealized losses have been in a continuous loss position for less than twelve months at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The total gross unrealized losses are comprised of 238 and 389 individual securities at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. In accordance with its policy described above, the Company concluded that for these securities an adjustment to its results of operations for other-than-temporary impairments of the gross unrealized losses was not warranted at December 31, 2012 and 2011. These conclusions were based on a detailed analysis of the underlying credit and expected cash flows of each security. As of December 31, 2012, the gross unrealized losses that have been in a continuous loss position for twelve months or more were concentrated in the Company's corporate fixed maturity securities and in non-redeemable preferred stocks. Within the Company's corporate fixed maturity securities, the majority of the loss position relates to securities in the financial industry sector. The financial industry sector's gross unrealized losses of twelve months or more were $1,759, or 47%, of the corporate fixed maturity total. The non-redeemable preferred stocks are perpetual preferred securities that have characteristics of both debt and equity securities. To evaluate these securities, we apply an impairment model similar to that used for our fixed maturity securities. As of December 31, 2012, the Company did not intend to sell these securities and it was not more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell them and no underlying cash flow issues were noted. Therefore, the Company did not recognize an OTTI on those perpetual preferred securities that had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for twelve months or more. As of December 31, 2012, the Company did not intend to sell the fixed maturity securities and it was not more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell the securities before the anticipated recovery of their amortized cost basis. The gross unrealized losses are primarily attributable to widening credit spreads associated with an underlying shift in overall credit risk premium.

The cost or amortized cost and fair value of available for sale fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2012, by contractual maturity, is shown below:

<table><tr><td></td><td>Cost or Amortized Cost</td><td>Fair Value</td></tr><tr><td>Due in one year or less</td><td>$ 73,121</td><td>$ 73,111</td></tr><tr><td>Due after one year through five years</td><td>350,936</td><td>348,606</td></tr><tr><td>Due after five years through ten years</td><td>305,773</td><td>301,176</td></tr><tr><td>Due after ten years</td><td>92,854</td><td>88,658</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>822,684</td><td>811,551</td></tr><tr><td>Asset-backed</td><td>3,084</td><td>2,662</td></tr><tr><td>Residential mortgage-backed</td><td>66,527</td><td>65,974</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 892,295</td><td>$ 880,187</td></tr></table>

The Company has exposure to sub-prime and related mortgages within our fixed maturity security portfolio. At December 31, 2012, approximately 3.3% of the residential mortgage-backed holdings had exposure to sub-prime mortgage collateral. This represented approximately 0.2% of the total fixed income portfolio and 1.0% of the total unrealized gain position. Of the securities with sub-prime exposure, approximately 15.0% are rated as investment grade. All residential mortgage-backed securities, including those with sub-prime exposure, are reviewed as part of the ongoing other-than-temporary impairment monitoring process.
The Company has made commercial mortgage loans, collateralized by the underlying real estate, on properties located throughout the U.S. and Canada. At December 31, 2012, approximately 38% of the outstanding principal balance of commercial mortgage loans was concentrated in the states of California, New York, and Utah. Although the Company has a diversified loan portfolio, an economic downturn could have an adverse impact on the ability of its debtors to repay their loans. The outstanding balance of commercial mortgage loans range in size from $36 to $15,939 at December 31, 2012 and from $36 to $16,285 at December 31, 2011.



Credit quality indicators for commercial mortgage loans are loan-to-value and debt-service coverage ratios. Loan-to-value and debt-service coverage ratios are measures commonly used to assess the credit quality of commercial mortgage loans. The loan-to-value ratio compares the principal amount of the loan to the fair value of the underlying property collateralizing the loan, and is commonly expressed as a percentage. The debt-service coverage ratio compares a property’s net operating income to its debt-service payments and is commonly expressed as a ratio. The loan-to-value and debt-service coverage ratios are generally updated annually in the third quarter.

The following summarizes our loan-to-value and average debt-service coverage ratios as of the dates indicated:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2">Loan-to-Value</td><td colspan="3">December 31, 2012</td></tr><tr><td>Carrying Value</td><td>% of Gross Mortgage Loans</td><td>Debt-Service Coverage ratio</td></tr><tr><td>70% and less</td><td>$ 1,141,564</td><td>86.6%</td><td>1.95</td></tr><tr><td>71 - 80%</td><td>103,152</td><td>7.8%</td><td>1.30</td></tr><tr><td>81 - 95%</td><td>57,413</td><td>4.3%</td><td>1.04</td></tr><tr><td>Greater than 95%</td><td>16,550</td><td>1.3%</td><td>1.02</td></tr><tr><td>Gross commercial mortgage loans</td><td>1,318,679</td><td>100.0%</td><td>1.85</td></tr><tr><td>Less valuation allowance</td><td>(6,997)</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net commercial mortgage loans</td><td>$ 1,311,682</td><td></td><td></td></tr></table>

<table><tr><td rowspan="2">Loan-to-Value</td><td colspan="3">December 31, 2011</td></tr><tr><td>Carrying Value</td><td>% of Gross Mortgage Loans</td><td>Debt-Service Coverage ratio</td></tr><tr><td>70% and less</td><td>$ 1,018,927</td><td>77.1%</td><td>2.09</td></tr><tr><td>71 - 80%</td><td>188,816</td><td>14.3%</td><td>1.37</td></tr><tr><td>81 - 95%</td><td>74,657</td><td>5.7%</td><td>1.16</td></tr><tr><td>Greater than 95%</td><td>37,697</td><td>2.9%</td><td>0.76</td></tr><tr><td>Gross commercial mortgage loans</td><td>1,320,097</td><td>100.0%</td><td>1.90</td></tr><tr><td>Less valuation allowance</td><td>(10,410)</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net commercial mortgage loans</td><td>$ 1,309,687</td><td></td><td></td></tr></table>

All commercial mortgage loans that are individually impaired have an established mortgage loan valuation allowance for losses. Changing economic conditions affect our valuation of commercial mortgage loans. Changing vacancies and rents are incorporated into the discounted cash flow analysis that we perform for monitored loans and may contribute to the establishment of (or an increase or decrease in) a commercial mortgage loan valuation allowance for losses. In addition, we continue to monitor the entire commercial mortgage loan portfolio to identify risk. Areas of emphasis are properties that have exposure to earthquakes, have deteriorating credits or have experienced a reduction in debt-service coverage ratio. Where warranted, we have established or increased a valuation allowance based upon this analysis.

The commercial mortgage loan valuation allowance for losses was $6,997 and $10,410 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. In 2012, the loan valuation allowance was decreased $3,413, due to changing economic conditions and geographic concentrations. In 2011, the loan valuation allowance was decreased $22,428, primarily due to the direct write down of one individually impaired mortgage loan resulting in no impact to realized capital gains and losses on commercial mortgage loans. The remaining decrease was due to changing economic conditions and geographic concentrations.

At December 31, 2012, the Company had mortgage loan commitments outstanding of approximately $9,900.

The Company has short term investments and fixed maturities of $580,953 and $562,553 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, on deposit with various governmental authorities as required by law.

The Company utilizes derivative instruments in managing the Assurant Solutions segment preneed life insurance business exposure to inflation risk. The derivative instruments, Consumer Price Index Caps (the “CPI CAPs”), limits the inflation risk on certain policies. The CPI CAPs do not qualify under GAAP as effective hedges; therefore, they are marked-to-market on a quarterly basis and the gain or loss is recognized in the statement of operations in fees and other income. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the CPI CAPs included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet amounted to $5,886 and $8,521, respectively. The loss recorded in the results of operations totaled $2,635, $1,304, and $3,130 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

## Collateralized Transactions

The Company engages in transactions in which fixed maturity securities, primarily bonds issued by the U.S. government and government agencies and authorities, and U.S. corporations, are loaned to selected broker/dealers. Collateral, greater than or equal to 102% of the fair value of the securities lent, plus accrued interest, is received in the form of cash and cash equivalents held by a custodian bank for the benefit of the Company. The use of cash collateral received is unrestricted. The Company reinvests the cash collateral received, generally in investments of high credit quality that are designated as available-for-sale. The Company monitors the fair value of securities loaned and the collateral received, with additional collateral obtained, as necessary. The Company is subject to the risk of loss to the extent there is a loss on the re-investment of cash collateral.

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, our collateral held under securities lending, of which its use is unrestricted, was $94,729 and $95,221, respectively, and is included in the consolidated balance sheets under the collateral held/pledged under securities agreements. Our liability to the borrower for collateral received was $94,714 and $95,494, respectively, and is included in the consolidated balance sheets under the obligation



under securities agreements. The difference between the collateral held and obligations under securities lending is recorded as an unrealized gain (loss) and is included as part of AOCI. All securities are in an unrealized gain position as of December 31, 2012. All securities with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2011 had been in a continuous loss position for twelve months or longer. The Company includes the available-for-sale investments purchased with the cash collateral in its evaluation of other-than-temporary impairments.

## 5. Fair Value Disclosures

## Fair Values, Inputs and Valuation Techniques for Financial Assets and Liabilities Disclosures

The fair value measurements and disclosures guidance defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In accordance with this guidance, the Company has categorized its recurring basis financial assets and liabilities into a three-level fair value hierarchy based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique.

The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

The levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

• Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company can access.

• Level 2 inputs utilize other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable in the marketplace for the asset. The observable inputs are used in valuation models to calculate the fair value for the asset.
Cash proceeds that the Company receives as collateral for the securities it lends and subsequent repayment of the cash are regarded by the Company as cash flows from financing activities, since the cash received is considered a borrowing. Since the Company reinvests the cash collateral generally in investments that are designated as available-for-sale, the reinvestment is presented as cash flows from investing activities.

• Level 3 inputs are unobservable but are significant to the fair value measurement for the asset, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset. These inputs reflect management's own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset.

A review of fair value hierarchy classifications is conducted on a quarterly basis. Changes in the observability of valuation inputs may result in a reclassification of levels for certain securities within the fair value hierarchy.

The following tables present the Company’s fair value hierarchy for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The amounts presented below for Collateral held/pledged under securities agreements, Other investments, Cash equivalents, Other assets, Assets and Liabilities held in separate accounts and Other liabilities differ from the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets because only certain investments or certain assets and liabilities within these line items are measured at estimated fair value. Other investments are comprised of investments in the Assurant Investment Plan, American Security Insurance Company Investment Plan, Assurant Deferred Compensation Plan, a modified coinsurance arrangement and other derivatives. Other liabilities are comprised of investments in the Assurant Investment Plan and other derivatives. The fair value amount and the majority of the associated levels presented for Other investments and Assets held in separate accounts are received directly from third parties.

The following tables present the Company’s fair value hierarchy for those recurring basis assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.



<table><tr><td rowspan="2">Financial Assets</td><td colspan="4">December 31, 2012</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>Level 1</td><td>Level 2</td><td>Level 3</td></tr><tr><td>Fixed maturity securities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>United States Government and government agencies and authorities</td><td>$ 641,924</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 637,749</td><td>$ 4,175</td></tr><tr><td>State, municipalities and political subdivisions</td><td>907,056</td><td>0</td><td>907,056</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Foreign governments</td><td>753,408</td><td>672</td><td>729,639</td><td>23,097</td></tr><tr><td>Asset-backed</td><td>28,197</td><td>0</td><td>28,197</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Commercial mortgage-backed</td><td>69,883</td><td>0</td><td>68,109</td><td>1,774</td></tr><tr><td>Residential mortgage-backed</td><td>771,057</td><td>0</td><td>762,846</td><td>8,211</td></tr><tr><td>Corporate</td><td>9,000,113</td><td>0</td><td>8,842,110</td><td>158,003</td></tr><tr><td>Equity securities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Common stocks</td><td>18,950</td><td>18,267</td><td>683</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Non-redeemable preferred stocks</td><td>456,856</td><td>0</td><td>456,842</td><td>14</td></tr><tr><td>Short-term investments</td><td>300,925</td><td>201,803b</td><td>99,122c</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Collateral held/pledged under securities agreements</td><td>74,729</td><td>68,939b</td><td>5,790c</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Other investments</td><td>250,806</td><td>49,199a</td><td>190,280c</td><td>11,327d</td></tr><tr><td>Cash equivalents</td><td>381,777</td><td>366,543b</td><td>15,234c</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Other assets</td><td>6,609</td><td>0</td><td>723f</td><td>5,886c</td></tr><tr><td>Assets held in separate accounts</td><td>1,674,406</td><td>1,469,050a</td><td>205,356c</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL FINANCIAL ASSETS</td><td>$ 15,336,696</td><td>$ 2,174,473</td><td>$ 12,949,736</td><td>$ 212,487</td></tr><tr><td>Financial Liabilities</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other liabilities</td><td>$ 51,828</td><td>$ 49,199a</td><td>$ 69f</td><td>$ 2,560f</td></tr><tr><td>Liabilities related to separate accounts</td><td>1,674,406</td><td>1,469,050a</td><td>205,356c</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL FINANCIAL LIABILITIES</td><td>$ 1,726,234</td><td>$ 1,518,249</td><td>$ 205,425</td><td>$ 2,560</td></tr></table>

<table><tr><td>Financial Assets</td><td>Total</td><td>Level 1</td><td>Level 2</td><td>Level 3</td></tr><tr><td>Fixed maturity securities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>United States Government and government agencies and authorities</td><td>$ 157,340</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 152,940</td><td>$ 4,400</td></tr><tr><td>State, municipalities and political subdivisions</td><td>929,023</td><td>0</td><td>929,023</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Foreign governments</td><td>723,913</td><td>1,857</td><td>699,343</td><td>22,713</td></tr><tr><td>Asset-backed</td><td>32,433</td><td>0</td><td>31,980</td><td>453</td></tr><tr><td>Commercial mortgage-backed</td><td>88,024</td><td>0</td><td>87,120</td><td>904</td></tr><tr><td>Residential mortgage-backed</td><td>897,219</td><td>0</td><td>895,352</td><td>1,867</td></tr><tr><td>Corporate</td><td>8,364,647</td><td>0</td><td>8,227,018</td><td>137,629</td></tr><tr><td>Equity securities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Common stocks</td><td>16,001</td><td>15,318</td><td>683</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Non-redeemable preferred stocks</td><td>346,375</td><td>0</td><td>346,362</td><td>13</td></tr><tr><td>Short-term investments</td><td>441,383</td><td>355,732b</td><td>85,651c</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Collateral held/pledged under securities agreements</td><td>70,221</td><td>56,441b</td><td>13,780c</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Other investments</td><td>245,280</td><td>47,931a</td><td>179,092c</td><td>18,257d</td></tr><tr><td>Cash equivalents</td><td>915,339</td><td>887,135b</td><td>28,204c</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Other assets</td><td>9,241</td><td>0</td><td>720f</td><td>8,521e</td></tr><tr><td>Assets held in separate accounts</td><td>1,632,781</td><td>1,417,864a</td><td>214,917c</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL FINANCIAL ASSETS</td><td>$ 14,869,220</td><td>$ 2,782,278</td><td>$ 11,892,185</td><td>$ 194,757</td></tr><tr><td>Financial Liabilities</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other liabilities</td><td>$ 50,754</td><td>$ 47,931a</td><td>$ 103f</td><td>$ 2,720f</td></tr><tr><td>Liabilities related to separate accounts</td><td>1,632,781</td><td>1,417,864a</td><td>214,917c</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL FINANCIAL LIABILITIES</td><td>$ 1,683,535</td><td>$ 1,465,795</td><td>$ 215,020</td><td>$ 2,720</td></tr></table>

a. Mainly includes mutual funds.

b. Mainly includes money market funds.

c. Mainly includes fixed maturity securities.

d. Mainly includes fixed maturity securities and other derivatives.

e. Mainly includes the Consumer Price Index Cap Derivatives (“CPI Caps”).

f. Mainly includes other derivatives.



There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 financial assets during the period. However, there were transfers between Level 2 and Level 3 financial assets during the period, which are reflected in the "Transfers in" and "Transfers out" columns below. Transfers between Level 2 and Level 3 most commonly occur when market observable inputs that were previously available become unavailable in the current period. The remaining unpriced securities are submitted to independent brokers who provide non-binding broker quotes or are priced by other qualified sources.

The following tables summarize the change in balance sheet carrying value associated with Level 3 financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="10">Year Ended December 31, 2012</td></tr><tr><td>Balance, beginning of period</td><td>Total (losses) gains (realized/ unrealized) included in earnings</td><td>Net unrealized gains (losses) included in stockholders&#x27; equity</td><td>Purchases</td><td>Sales</td><td>Transfers in (1)</td><td>Transfers out (1)</td><td>Balance, end of period</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fixed Maturity Securities</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>United States Government and government agencies and authorities</td><td>$ 4,400</td><td>$ (3)</td><td>$ (10)</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ (212)</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 4,175</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Foreign governments</td><td>22,713</td><td>79</td><td>987</td><td>0</td><td>(682)</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>23,097</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Asset-backed</td><td>453</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>(453)</td><td>0</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Commercial mortgage-backed</td><td>904</td><td>54</td><td>(26)</td><td>0</td><td>(2,053)</td><td>2,895</td><td>0</td><td>1,774</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Residential mortgage-backed</td><td>1,867</td><td>(17)</td><td>331</td><td>1,930</td><td>(1,098)</td><td>7,065</td><td>(1,867)</td><td>8,211</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Corporate</td><td>137,629</td><td>2,040</td><td>11,810</td><td>8,942</td><td>(19,667)</td><td>18,701</td><td>(1,452)</td><td>158,003</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Equity Securities</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Non-redeemable preferred stocks</td><td>13</td><td>0</td><td>12</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>4</td><td>(15)</td><td>14</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other investments</td><td>18,257</td><td>1</td><td>839</td><td>0</td><td>(8,631)</td><td>1,488</td><td>(627)</td><td>11,327</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other assets</td><td>8,521</td><td>(2,635)</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>5,886</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Financial Liabilities</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other liabilities</td><td>(2,720)</td><td>160</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>(2,560)</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL LEVEL 3 ASSETS AND LIABILITIES</td><td>$ 192,037</td><td>$ (321)</td><td>$ 13,943</td><td>$ 10,872</td><td>$ (32,343)</td><td>$ 30,153</td><td>$ (4,414)</td><td>$ 209,927</td><td></td><td></td></tr></table>

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="9">Year Ended December 31, 2011</td></tr><tr><td>Balance, beginning of period</td><td>Total gains (losses) (realized/ unrealized) included in earnings</td><td>Net unrealized gains (losses) included in stockholders&#x27; equity</td><td>Purchases</td><td>Sales</td><td>Transfers in (1)</td><td>Transfers out (1)</td><td>Balance, end of period</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fixed Maturity Securities</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>United States Government and government agencies and authorities</td><td>$ 14,506</td><td>$ (249)</td><td>$ (55)</td><td>$ 3,980</td><td>$ (2,099)</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ (11,683)</td><td>$ 4,400</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Foreign governments</td><td>25,621</td><td>(4)</td><td>1,216</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>(4,120)</td><td>22,713</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Asset-backed</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>(25)</td><td>0</td><td>(28)</td><td>506</td><td>0</td><td>453</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Commercial mortgage-backed</td><td>4,542</td><td>0</td><td>10</td><td>0</td><td>(146)</td><td>0</td><td>(3,502)</td><td>904</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Residential mortgage-backed</td><td>0</td><td>4</td><td>34</td><td>1,886</td><td>(57)</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1,867</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Corporate</td><td>125,685</td><td>(3,165)</td><td>4,161</td><td>29,704</td><td>(26,856)</td><td>24,976</td><td>(16,876)</td><td>137,629</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Equity Securities</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Non-redeemable preferred stocks</td><td>558</td><td>(28)</td><td>58</td><td>0</td><td>(574)</td><td>6</td><td>(7)</td><td>13</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other investments</td><td>8,309</td><td>6,399</td><td>(63)</td><td>12,171</td><td>(12,398)</td><td>3,839</td><td>0</td><td>18,257</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other assets</td><td>9,825</td><td>(1,304)</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>8,521</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Financial Liabilities</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other liabilities</td><td>0</td><td>(45)</td><td>0</td><td>(2,675)</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>(2,720)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL LEVEL 3 ASSETS AND LIABILITIES</td><td>$ 189,046</td><td>$ 1,608</td><td>$ 5,336</td><td>$ 45,066</td><td>$ (42,158)</td><td>$ 29,327</td><td>$ (36,188)</td><td>$ 192,037</td><td></td></tr></table>

(1) Transfers are primarily attributable to changes in the availability of observable market information and re-evaluation of the observability of pricing inputs.



Three different valuation techniques can be used in determining fair value for financial assets and liabilities: the market, income or cost approaches. The three valuation techniques described in the fair value measurements and disclosures guidance are consistent with generally accepted valuation methodologies. The market approach valuation techniques use prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. When possible, quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets are used as of the period-end date (such as for mutual funds and money market funds). Otherwise, valuation techniques consistent with the market approach including matrix pricing and comparables are used. Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique employed principally to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for those securities but rather by relying on the securities' relationship to other benchmark quoted securities. Market approach valuation techniques often use market multiples derived from a set of comparables. Multiples might lie in ranges with a different multiple for each comparable. The selection of where within the range the appropriate multiple falls requires judgment, considering both qualitative and quantitative factors specific to the measurement.

Income approach valuation techniques convert future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present amount, or a discounted amount. These techniques rely on current market expectations of future amounts as of the period-end date. Examples of income approach valuation techniques include present value techniques, option-pricing models, binomial or lattice models that incorporate present value techniques and the multi-period excess earnings method.

Cost approach valuation techniques are based upon the amount that would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset at the period-end date, or the current replacement cost. That is, from the perspective of a market participant (seller), the price that would be received for the asset is determined based on the cost to a market participant (buyer) to acquire or construct a substitute asset of comparable utility, adjusted for obsolescence.

While not all three approaches are applicable to all financial assets or liabilities, where appropriate, one or more valuation techniques may be used. For all the classes of financial assets and liabilities included in the above hierarchy, excluding the CPI Caps and certain privately placed corporate bonds, the market valuation technique is generally used. For certain privately placed corporate bonds and the CPI Caps, the income valuation technique is generally used. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the application of the valuation technique applied to the Company's classes of financial assets and liabilities has been consistent.

## • Level 1 Securities

The Company’s investments and liabilities classified as Level 1 as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, consisted of mutual funds and money market funds, foreign government fixed maturities and common stocks that are publicly listed and/or actively traded in an established market.

## • Level 2 Securities

The Company’s Level 2 securities are valued using various observable market inputs obtained from a pricing service. The pricing service prepares estimates of fair value measurements for our Level 2 securities using proprietary valuation models based on techniques such as matrix pricing which include observable market inputs. The fair value measurements and disclosures guidance defines observable market inputs as the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. The extent of the use of each observable market input for a security depends on the type of security and the market conditions at the balance sheet date. Depending on the security, the priority of the use of observable market inputs may change as some observable market inputs may not be relevant or additional inputs may be necessary. The following observable market inputs (“standard inputs”), listed in the approximate order of priority, are utilized in the pricing evaluation of Level 2 securities: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data including market research data. Further details for Level 2 investment types follow:

United States Government and government agencies and authorities: United States government and government agencies and authorities securities are priced by our pricing vendor utilizing standard inputs. Included in this category are U.S. Treasury securities which are priced using vendor trading platform data in addition to the standard inputs.

State, municipalities and political subdivisions: State, municipalities and political subdivisions securities are priced by our pricing service utilizing material event notices and new issue data inputs in addition to the standard inputs.

Foreign governments: Foreign government securities are primarily fixed maturity securities denominated in Canadian dollars which are priced by our pricing service utilizing standard inputs. The pricing service also evaluates each security based on relevant market information including relevant credit information, perceived market movements and sector news.

Commercial mortgage-backed, residential mortgage-backed and asset-backed: Commercial mortgage-backed, residential mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are priced by our pricing vendor utilizing monthly payment information and collateral performance information in addition to standard inputs. Additionally, commercial mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities utilize new issue data while residential mortgage-backed securities utilize vendor trading platform data.

Corporate: Corporate securities are priced by our pricing vendor utilizing standard inputs. Non-investment grade securities within this category are priced by our pricing vendor utilizing observations of equity and credit default swap curves related to the issuer in addition to standard inputs. Certain privately placed corporate bonds are priced by a non-pricing service source using a model with observable inputs including, but not limited to, the credit rating, credit spreads, sector add-ons, and issuer specific add-ons.

Non-redeemable preferred stocks: Non-redeemable preferred stocks are priced by our pricing vendor utilizing observations of equity and credit default swap curves related to the issuer in addition to standard inputs.

Short-term investments, collateral held/pledged under securities, other investments, cash equivalents, and assets/liabilities held in separate accounts: To price the fixed maturity securities in these categories, the pricing service utilizes the standard inputs.

Valuation models used by the pricing service can change period to period, depending on the appropriate observable inputs that are available at the balance sheet date to price a security. When market



observable inputs are unavailable to the pricing service, the remaining unpriced securities are submitted to independent brokers who provide non-binding broker quotes or are priced by other qualified sources. If the Company cannot corroborate the non-binding broker quotes with Level 2 inputs, these securities are categorized as Level 3 securities.

## • Level 3 Securities

The Company’s investments classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, consisted of fixed maturity securities and derivatives. All of the Level 3 fixed maturity and equity securities are priced using non-binding broker quotes which cannot be corroborated with Level 2 inputs. Of our total Level 3 fixed maturity and equity securities, $102,586 and $99,920 were priced by a pricing service using single broker quotes due to insufficient information to provide an evaluated price as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The single broker quotes are provided by market makers or broker-dealers who are recognized as market participants in the markets in which they are providing the quotes. The remaining $100,220 and $82,522 were priced internally using independent and non-binding broker quotes as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The inputs factoring into the broker quotes include trades in the actual bond being priced, trades of comparable bonds, quality of the issuer, optionality, structure and liquidity. Significant changes in interest rates, issuer credit, liquidity, and overall market conditions would result in a significantly lower or higher broker quote. The prices received from both the pricing service and internally are reviewed for reasonableness by management and if necessary, management works with the pricing service or broker to further understand how they developed their price. Further details on Level 3 derivative investment types follow:

Other investments and other liabilities: Swaptions are priced using a Black-Scholes pricing model incorporating third-party market data, including swap volatility data.

Other assets: A non-pricing service source prices the CPI Cap derivatives using a model with inputs including, but not limited to, the time to expiration, the notional amount, the strike price, the forward rate, implied volatility and the discount rate.

Management evaluates the following factors in order to determine whether the market for a financial asset is inactive. The factors include, but are not limited to:

• There are few recent transactions,

• Little information is released publicly,

• The available prices vary significantly over time or among market participants,

• The prices are stale (i.e., not current), and

• The magnitude of the bid-ask spread.

Illiquidity did not have a material impact in the fair value determination of the Company’s financial assets.

The Company generally obtains one price for each financial asset. The Company performs a monthly analysis to assess if the evaluated prices represent a reasonable estimate of their fair value. This process involves quantitative and qualitative analysis and is overseen by investment and accounting professionals. Examples of procedures performed include, but are not limited to, initial and on-going review of pricing service methodologies, review of the prices received from the pricing service, review of pricing statistics and trends, and comparison of prices for certain securities with two different appropriate price sources for reasonableness. Following this analysis, the Company generally uses the best estimate of fair value based upon all available inputs. On infrequent occasions, a non-pricing service source may be more familiar with the market activity for a particular security than the pricing service. In these cases the price used is taken from the non-pricing service source. The pricing service provides information to indicate which securities were priced using market observable inputs so that the Company can properly categorize our financial assets in the fair value hierarchy.

## Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis

The Company also measures the fair value of certain assets on a non-recurring basis, generally on an annual basis, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. These assets include commercial mortgage loans, goodwill and finite-lived intangible assets.

For its 2012 fourth quarter annual goodwill impairment test, the Company performed a Step 1 analysis for the Assurant Solutions and Assurant Specialty Property reporting units. Based on these analyses, it was determined that goodwill was not impaired at either reporting unit. For its 2011 fourth quarter annual goodwill impairment test, a qualitative assessment was performed for the Assurant Specialty Property reporting unit; for the Assurant Solutions Reporting unit, the Company performed a Step 1 analysis, consistent with prior years. Based on these analyses, it was determined that goodwill was not impaired at either reporting unit. For its 2010 fourth quarter annual goodwill impairment test the carrying amount of the Assurant Employee Benefits and Assurant Health reporting units were greater than their estimated fair values as determined in Step 1 of the impairment test. As such, the Company was required to measure the fair value of goodwill of the Assurant Employee Benefits and Assurant Health reporting units in Step 2 of the impairment test. Goodwill of the Assurant Employee Benefits and Assurant Health reporting units with carrying amount of $102,078 and $204,303, respectively were written down to their implied fair values of $0, resulting in impairment charges of $102,078 and $204,303, respectively, which were included in earnings for that period. In addition, the Company performed a Step 1 analysis for the Assurant Solutions and Assurant Specialty Property reporting units. Based on these analyses, it was determined that goodwill was not impaired at either reporting unit. See Note 10 for further information.

The Company utilizes both the income and market valuation approaches to measure the fair value of its reporting units when required. Under the income approach, the Company determined the fair value of the reporting units considering distributable earnings, which were estimated from operating plans. The resulting cash flows were then discounted using a market participant weighted average cost of capital estimated for the reporting units. After discounting the future discrete earnings to their present value, the Company estimated the terminal value attributable to the years beyond the discrete operating plan period. The discounted terminal value was then added to the aggregate discounted distributable earnings from the discrete operating plan period to estimate the fair value of the reporting units. Under the market approach, the Company derived the fair value of the reporting units based on various financial multiples, including but not limited to: price to tangible book value of equity, price to estimated 2012 earnings



and price to estimated 2013 earnings, which were estimated based on publicly available data related to comparable guideline companies. In addition, financial multiples were also estimated from publicly available purchase price data for acquisitions of companies operating in the insurance industry. The estimated fair value of the reporting units was more heavily weighted towards the income approach because in the current economic environment the earnings capacity of a business is generally considered the most important factor in the valuation of a business enterprise. This fair value determination was categorized as Level 3 (unobservable) in the fair value hierarchy.

During the fourth quarter of 2012, a $26,458 impairment charge was recorded in connection with the 2007 acquisitions of two U.K. mortgage insurance brokers due to the persistency rates of the acquired business declining significantly following actions by an independent underwriter of the business. During the fourth quarter of 2010, a $47,612 impairment charge was recorded related to the non-renewal of a block of business related to the 2008 acquisition of the Warranty Management Group business from General Electric Co. These fair value determinations were categorized as Level 3 (unobservable) in the fair value hierarchy.

There was no remaining goodwill or material other intangible assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis on which an impairment charge was recorded as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

The following table presents the goodwill and material other intangible assets impairment charges as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">Impairment Charges Twelve Months Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Goodwill</td><td>$     0</td><td>$     0</td><td>$     306,381</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other intangible assets</td><td>$     26,458</td><td>$     0</td><td>$     47,612</td><td></td></tr></table>

## Fair Value of Financial Instruments Disclosures

The financial instruments guidance requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, as defined therein, for which it is practicable to estimate such fair value. Therefore, it requires fair value disclosure for financial instruments that are not recognized or are not carried at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. However, this guidance excludes certain financial instruments, including those related to insurance contracts and those accounted for under the equity method and joint ventures guidance (such as real estate joint ventures).

For the financial instruments included within the following financial assets and financial liabilities, the carrying value in the consolidated balance sheets equals or approximates fair value. Please refer to the Fair Value Inputs and Valuation Techniques for Financial Assets and Liabilities Disclosures section above for more information on the financial instruments included within the following financial assets and financial liabilities and the methods and assumptions used to estimate fair value:

• Cash and cash equivalents

• Fixed maturity securities

• Equity securities

• Short-term investments

• Collateral held/pledged under securities lending

• Other investments

• Other assets

• Assets held in separate accounts

• Other liabilities

• Liabilities related to separate accounts

In estimating the fair value of the financial instruments that are not recognized or are not carried at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets, the Company used the following methods and assumptions:

Commercial mortgage loans: the fair values of mortgage loans are estimated using discounted cash flow models. The model inputs include mortgage amortization schedules and loan provisions, an internally developed credit spread based on the credit risk associated with the borrower and the U.S. Treasury spot curve. Mortgage loans with similar characteristics are aggregated for purposes of the calculations.

Policy loans: the carrying value of policy loans reported in the balance sheets approximates fair value.

Policy reserves under investment product: the fair values for the Company's policy reserves under investment products are determined using discounted cash flow analysis. Key inputs to the valuation include projections of policy cash flows, reserve run-off, market yields and risk margins.

Funds held under reinsurance: the carrying value reported approximates fair value due to the short maturity of the instruments.

Debt: the fair value of debt is based upon matrix pricing performed by the pricing service utilizing the standard inputs.

Obligations under securities agreements: obligation under securities agreements is reported at the amount of cash received from the selected broker/dealers.



The following table discloses the carrying value and fair value of the financial instruments that are not recognized or are not carried at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.

<table><tr><td rowspan="3"></td><td colspan="5">December 31, 2012</td></tr><tr><td colspan="5">Fair Value</td></tr><tr><td>Carrying Value</td><td>Total</td><td>Level 1</td><td>Level 2</td><td>Level 3</td></tr><tr><td>Financial Assets</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Commercial mortgage loans on real estate</td><td>$ 1,311,682</td><td>$ 1,468,723</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 1,468,723</td></tr><tr><td>Policy loans</td><td>52,938</td><td>52,938</td><td>52,938</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL FINANCIAL ASSETS</td><td>$ 1,364,620</td><td>$ 1,521,661</td><td>$ 52,938</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 1,468,723</td></tr><tr><td>Financial Liabilities</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Policy reserves under investment products</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>(Individual and group annuities, subject to discretionary withdrawal)</td><td>$ 862,398</td><td>$ 902,449</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 902,449</td></tr><tr><td>Funds withheld under reinsurance</td><td>61,413</td><td>61,413</td><td>61,413</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Debt</td><td>972,399</td><td>1,050,920</td><td>0</td><td>1,050,920</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Obligation under securities agreements</td><td>94,714</td><td>94,714</td><td>94,714</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL FINANCIAL LIABILITIES</td><td>$ 1,990,924</td><td>$ 2,109,496</td><td>$ 156,127</td><td>$ 1,050,920</td><td>$ 902,449</td></tr></table>

<table><tr><td rowspan="3"></td><td colspan="5">December 31, 2011</td></tr><tr><td colspan="5">Fair Value</td></tr><tr><td>Carrying Value</td><td>Total</td><td>Level 1</td><td>Level 2</td><td>Level 3</td></tr><tr><td>Financial Assets</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Commercial mortgage loans on real estate</td><td>$ 1,309,687</td><td>$ 1,439,753</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 1,439,753</td></tr><tr><td>Policy loans</td><td>54,192</td><td>54,192</td><td>54,192</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL FINANCIAL ASSETS</td><td>$ 1,363,879</td><td>$ 1,493,945</td><td>$ 54,192</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 1,439,753</td></tr><tr><td>Financial Liabilities</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Policy reserves under investment products</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>(Individual and group annuities, subject to discretionary withdrawal)</td><td>$ 865,021</td><td>$ 864,068</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 864,068</td></tr><tr><td>Funds withheld under reinsurance</td><td>64,413</td><td>64,413</td><td>64,413</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Debt</td><td>972,278</td><td>1,016,562</td><td>0</td><td>1,016,562</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Obligation under securities agreements</td><td>95,494</td><td>95,494</td><td>95,494</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL FINANCIAL LIABILITIES</td><td>$ 1,997,206</td><td>$ 2,040,537</td><td>$ 159,907</td><td>$ 1,016,562</td><td>$ 864,068</td></tr></table>

Only the fair value of the Company’s policy reserves for investment-type contracts (those without significant mortality or morbidity risk) are reflected in the table above.

## 6. Premiums and Accounts Receivable

Receivables are reported net of an allowance for uncollectible amounts. A summary of such receivables is as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">As of December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td></tr><tr><td>Insurance premiums receivable</td><td>$ 718,148</td><td>$ 549,301</td></tr><tr><td>Other receivables</td><td>143,250</td><td>127,528</td></tr><tr><td>Allowance for uncollectible amounts</td><td>(31,371)</td><td>(27,707)</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 830,027</td><td>$ 649,122</td></tr></table>



## 7. Income Taxes

The Company and the majority of its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. tax and file a U.S. consolidated federal income tax return. Information about current and deferred tax expense (benefit) follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">Year Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Current expense:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Federal &amp; state</td><td>$ 174,163</td><td>$ 239,819</td><td>$ 331,400</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Foreign</td><td>28,751</td><td>2,727</td><td>31,683</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total current expense</td><td>202,914</td><td>242,546</td><td>363,083</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Deferred expense (benefit):</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Federal &amp; state</td><td>71,372</td><td>(89,330)</td><td>(18,388)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Foreign</td><td>(240)</td><td>13,955</td><td>(16,797)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total deferred expense (benefit)</td><td>71,132</td><td>(75,375)</td><td>(35,185)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL INCOME TAX EXPENSE</td><td>$ 274,046</td><td>$ 167,171</td><td>$ 327,898</td><td></td></tr></table>

The provision for foreign taxes includes amounts attributable to income from U.S. possessions that are considered foreign under U.S. tax laws. International operations of the Company are subject to income taxes imposed by the jurisdiction in which they operate.

A reconciliation of the federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td></tr><tr><td>Federal income tax rate:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Reconciling items:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Tax exempt interest</td><td>(1.3)</td><td>(1.3)</td><td>(1.3)</td></tr><tr><td>Dividends received deduction</td><td>(0.6)</td><td>(0.6)</td><td>(0.8)</td></tr><tr><td>Foreign earnings \( ^{(a)} \)</td><td>0.5</td><td>0.7</td><td>1.4</td></tr><tr><td>Change in valuation allowance</td><td>0</td><td>(11.5)</td><td>1.1</td></tr><tr><td>Goodwill</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>17.7</td></tr><tr><td>Non deductible compensation</td><td>1.1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>IRS audit settlement</td><td>1.0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Other</td><td>0.5</td><td>1.4</td><td>1.1</td></tr><tr><td>EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RATE:</td><td>36.2%</td><td>23.7%</td><td>54.2%</td></tr></table>

(a) Results for all years primarily include tax expense/(benefit) associated with the earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries that are deemed reinvested indefinitely and realization of foreign tax credits for certain other subs.

As of December 31, 2010, the Company had a valuation allowance of $90,738. Of the total, $80,000 was related to deferred tax assets on capital losses. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recognized an income tax benefit of $80,584 primarily related to the release of this valuation allowance due to sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character during the period.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">Year Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Balance at beginning of year</td><td>$ (17,524)</td><td>$ (13,844)</td><td>$ (23,142)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Additions based on tax positions related to the current year</td><td>(499)</td><td>(758)</td><td>(1,209)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Reductions based on tax positions related to the current year</td><td>3,124</td><td>997</td><td>19,266</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Additions for tax positions of prior years</td><td>(20,830)</td><td>(5,512)</td><td>(14,277)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Reductions for tax positions of prior years</td><td>8,365</td><td>483</td><td>3,903</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Lapses</td><td>374</td><td>700</td><td>1,120</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Settlements</td><td>15,475</td><td>410</td><td>495</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>BALANCE AT END OF YEAR</td><td>$ (11,515)</td><td>$ (17,524)</td><td>$ (13,844)</td><td></td></tr></table>



The total unrecognized tax benefit, $12,442, $21,563, and $22,249 for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively, which includes interest, would impact the Company's consolidated effective tax rate if recognized. The liability for unrecognized tax benefits is included in tax payable on the consolidated balance sheets.

The Company’s continuing practice is to recognize interest expense related to income tax matters in income tax expense. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company recognized approximately $1,200, $600 and $1,000, respectively, of interest expense related to income tax matters. The Company had $4,300 and $6,600 of interest accrued as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. No penalties have been accrued.

The Company, and its subsidiaries, file income tax returns in the U.S. and various state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company has substantially concluded all U.S. federal income tax matters for years through 2008. The next federal audit cycle will include tax years 2009-2011 and should begin in 2013. Substantially all state, local and non-U.S. income tax matters have been concluded for the years through 2006.

The tax effects of temporary differences that result in significant deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Deferred Tax Assets</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Policyholder and separate account reserves</td><td>$     548,512</td><td>$     512,392</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Accrued liabilities</td><td>5,295</td><td>5,498</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Investments, net</td><td>206,517</td><td>226,494</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net operating loss carryforwards</td><td>75,828</td><td>52,674</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Deferred gain on disposal of businesses</td><td>40,554</td><td>47,011</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Compensation related</td><td>46,456</td><td>56,724</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Employee and post-retirement benefits</td><td>122,599</td><td>128,439</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other</td><td>112,309</td><td>87,237</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total deferred tax asset</td><td>1,158,070</td><td>1,116,469</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Less valuation allowance</td><td>(13,091)</td><td>(10,154)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance</td><td>1,144,979</td><td>1,106,315</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Deferred Tax Liabilities</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Deferred acquisition costs</td><td>(799,966)</td><td>(701,335)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net unrealized appreciation on securities</td><td>(506,301)</td><td>(360,700)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total deferred tax liability</td><td>(1,306,267)</td><td>(1,062,035)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>NET DEFERRED INCOME TAX (LIABILITY) ASSET</td><td>$ (161,288)</td><td>$ 44,280</td><td></td></tr></table>

The Company’s valuation allowance against deferred tax assets increased by $2,937 to $13,091 at December 31, 2012 from $10,154 at December 31, 2011. A cumulative valuation allowance of $13,091 has been recorded because it is management’s assessment that it is more likely than not that only $1,144,979 of deferred tax assets will be realized. The valuation allowance relates to the deferred tax assets attributable to certain international subsidiaries.

The Company’s ability to realize deferred tax assets depends on its ability to generate sufficient taxable income of the same character within the carryback or carryforward periods. In assessing future taxable income, the Company considered all sources of taxable income available to realize its deferred tax asset, including the future reversal of existing temporary differences, future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards, taxable income in carryback years and tax-planning strategies. If changes occur in the assumptions underlying the Company’s tax planning strategies or in the scheduling of the reversal of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities, the valuation allowance may need to be adjusted in the future.

Other than for certain wholly owned Canadian subsidiaries, deferred taxes have not been provided on the undistributed earnings of wholly owned foreign subsidiaries since the Company intends to indefinitely reinvest the earnings in these other jurisdictions. The cumulative amount of undistributed earnings for which the Company has not provided deferred income taxes is $136,822. Upon distribution of such earnings in a taxable event, the Company would incur additional U.S. income taxes of $31,951 net of anticipated foreign tax credits.



At December 31, 2012, the Company and its subsidiaries had net operating loss carryforwards for U.S. federal and foreign income tax purposes. Net operating loss carryforwards total $274,813 and will expire if unused as follows:

<table><tr><td>Expiration Year</td><td>Amount</td></tr><tr><td>2013 - 2017</td><td>$ 17,765</td></tr><tr><td>2018 - 2022</td><td>46,448</td></tr><tr><td>2023 - 2027</td><td>6,466</td></tr><tr><td>2028 - 2032</td><td>41,268</td></tr><tr><td>Unlimited</td><td>162,866</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>$ 274,813</td></tr></table>

## 8. Deferred Acquisition Costs

Information about deferred acquisition costs is as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Beginning balance</td><td>$ 2,492,857</td><td>$ 2,366,183</td><td>$ 2,382,822</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Costs deferred and other \( ^{(1)} \)</td><td>1,762,560</td><td>1,443,309</td><td>1,372,404</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Amortization</td><td>(1,394,254)</td><td>(1,316,635)</td><td>(1,389,043)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>ENDING BALANCE</td><td>$ 2,861,163</td><td>$ 2,492,857</td><td>$ 2,366,183</td><td></td></tr></table>

(1) Includes foreign currency translation

Refer to Note 2, Recent Accounting Pronouncements—Adopted, for more information on amendments to existing accounting guidance.

## 9. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consists of the following:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">As of December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Land</td><td>$ 14,359</td><td>$ 14,359</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Buildings and improvements</td><td>236,444</td><td>222,327</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Furniture, fixtures and equipment</td><td>481,382</td><td>475,462</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>732,185</td><td>712,148</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Less accumulated depreciation</td><td>(481,389)</td><td>(469,240)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 250,796</td><td>$ 242,908</td><td></td></tr></table>

Depreciation expense for 2012, 2011 and 2010 amounted to $49,595, $55,193 and $59,017, respectively. Depreciation expense is included in underwriting, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.



## 10. Goodwill

Information about goodwill is as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">Goodwill for the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Balance as of January 1:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Goodwill</td><td>$ 2,289,417</td><td>$ 2,270,099</td><td>$ 2,270,337</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Accumulated impairment loss</td><td>(1,650,320)</td><td>(1,650,320)</td><td>(1,343,939)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>639,097</td><td>619,779</td><td>926,398</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Additions</td><td>0</td><td>19,608</td><td>199</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Foreign currency translation and other</td><td>1,617</td><td>(290)</td><td>(437)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Impairments</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>(306,381) \( ^{(1)} \)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Goodwill</td><td>2,291,034</td><td>2,289,417</td><td>2,270,099</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Accumulated impairment losses</td><td>(1,650,320)</td><td>(1,650,320)</td><td>(1,650,320)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31:</td><td>$ 640,714</td><td>$ 639,097</td><td>$ 619,779</td><td></td></tr></table>

(1) Represents goodwill impairments related to Assurant Employee Benefits and Assurant Health reporting units. See Notes 2 and 5 for further information.

The Company has assigned goodwill to its operating segments for impairment testing purposes. The Corporate and Other segment is not assigned goodwill. Below is a roll forward of goodwill by reportable segment.

<table><tr><td></td><td>Solutions \( ^{(1)} \)</td><td>Specialty Property</td><td>Health</td><td>Employee Benefits</td><td>Consolidated</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at December 31, 2010</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Goodwill</td><td>$ 1,640,874</td><td>239,844</td><td>204,303</td><td>185,078</td><td>2,270,099</td></tr><tr><td>Accumulated impairment losses</td><td>(1,260,939)</td><td>0</td><td>(204,303)</td><td>(185,078)</td><td>(1,650,320)</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>379,935</td><td>239,844</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>619,779</td></tr><tr><td>Acquisitions</td><td>0</td><td>19,608</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>19,608</td></tr><tr><td>Foreign currency translation and other</td><td>(290)</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>(290)</td></tr><tr><td>Impairment</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at December 31, 2011</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Goodwill</td><td>1,640,584</td><td>259,452</td><td>204,303</td><td>185,078</td><td>2,289,417</td></tr><tr><td>Accumulated impairment losses</td><td>(1,260,939)</td><td>0</td><td>(204,303)</td><td>(185,078)</td><td>(1,650,320)</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>379,645</td><td>259,452</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>639,097</td></tr><tr><td>Acquisitions</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Foreign currency translation and other</td><td>1,617</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1,617</td></tr><tr><td>Impairment</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at December 31, 2012</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Goodwill</td><td>1,642,201</td><td>259,452</td><td>204,303</td><td>185,078</td><td>2,291,034</td></tr><tr><td>Accumulated impairment losses</td><td>(1,260,939)</td><td>0</td><td>(204,303)</td><td>(185,078)</td><td>(1,650,320)</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>381,262</td><td>$ 259,452</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 640,714</td></tr></table>

(1) The accumulated impairment loss relates to an acquisition made in 1999. The entity acquired had businesses that currently are primarily represented by the Assurant Solutions and Assurant Specialty Property segments. Prior to 2006, the Assurant Solutions and Assurant Specialty Property segments were combined and together called Assurant Solutions. Thus, the entire goodwill impairment recognized in 2002 due to the adoption of FAS 142 is included in the tables under the Assurant Solutions segment.

In accordance with the goodwill guidance, goodwill is deemed to have an indefinite life and should not be amortized, but rather must be tested, at least annually, for impairment. In addition, goodwill should be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would “more likely than not” reduce the estimated fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value.

The goodwill impairment test has two steps. Step 1 of the test identifies potential impairments at the reporting unit level, which for the Company is the same as our operating segments, by comparing the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to its net book value. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its net book value, there is no impairment of goodwill and Step 2 is unnecessary. However, if the net book value exceeds the estimated fair value, then Step 1 is failed, and Step 2 is performed to determine the amount of the potential impairment. Step 2 utilizes acquisition accounting guidance and requires the fair value calculation of all individual assets and liabilities of the reporting unit (excluding goodwill, but including any unrecognized intangible assets). The net fair value of assets less liabilities is then compared to the reporting unit's total estimated fair value as calculated in Step 1. The excess of fair value over the net asset value equals the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is then compared to the carrying value of goodwill to determine the reporting unit's goodwill impairment. During September 2011, the FASB issued amended intangibles- goodwill and other guidance. This guidance provides the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then



performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test, described above.

In the fourth quarters of 2012, 2011 and 2010, we conducted our annual assessments of goodwill.

The Company performed a Step 1 test for the Assurant Solutions and Specialty Property reporting units in 2012. Based on these tests, it was determined that goodwill was not impaired at either reporting unit.

In 2011, for the Assurant Specialty Property reporting unit, the Company chose the option to perform a qualitative assessment under the amended intangibles- goodwill and other guidance. For the Assurant Solutions reporting unit, the Company performed a Step 1 test. Based on these analyses, it was determined that goodwill was not impaired at either reporting unit.
Based on the results of the 2010 assessment, the Company concluded that the net book values of the Assurant Employee Benefits and Assurant Health reporting units exceeded their estimated fair values and therefore performed a Step 2 test. Based on the results of the Step 2 test, the Company recorded impairment charges of $102,078 and $204,303 related to the Assurant Employee Benefits and Assurant Health reporting units, respectively, representing their entire goodwill asset balances. The 2010 impairments at Assurant Employee Benefits and Assurant Health reflects the effects of the Affordable Care Act, the low interest rate environment, continuing high unemployment, the slow pace of the economic recovery and increased net book values, primarily related to their investment portfolios.

## 11. VOBA and Other Intangible Assets

Information about VOBA is as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Beginning balance</td><td>$ 71,014</td><td>$ 82,208</td><td>$ 94,632</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Amortization, net of interest accrued</td><td>(8,961)</td><td>(11,153)</td><td>(12,526)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Foreign currency translation and other</td><td>56</td><td>(41)</td><td>102</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>ENDING BALANCE</td><td>$ 62,109</td><td>$ 71,014</td><td>$ 82,208</td><td></td></tr></table>

As of December 31, 2012, the entire outstanding balance of VOBA is from the Assurant Solutions segment with the majority related to the preened life insurance business. VOBA in the preened life insurance business assumes an interest rate ranging from 5.4% to 7.5%.

At December 31, 2012 the estimated amortization of VOBA for the next five years and thereafter is as follows:

<table><tr><td>Year</td><td>Amount,</td></tr><tr><td>2013</td><td>$ 8,446</td></tr><tr><td>2014</td><td>7,995</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>7,600</td></tr><tr><td>2016</td><td>7,228</td></tr><tr><td>2017</td><td>6,900</td></tr><tr><td>Thereafter</td><td>23,940</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 62,109</td></tr></table>

Information about other intangible assets is as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="6">As of December 31,</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">2012</td><td colspan="3">2011</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Carrying Value</td><td>Accumulated Amortization</td><td>Net Other Intangible Assets</td><td>Carrying Value</td><td>Accumulated Amortization</td><td>Net Other Intangible assets</td></tr><tr><td>Contract based intangibles</td><td>$ 68,083</td><td>$ (36,958)</td><td>$ 31,125</td><td>$ 66,047</td><td>$ (34,409)</td><td>$ 31,638</td></tr><tr><td>Customer related intangibles \( ^{(1)} \)</td><td>491,434</td><td>(272,783)</td><td>218,651</td><td>484,203</td><td>(231,473)</td><td>252,730</td></tr><tr><td>Marketing related intangibles</td><td>46,396</td><td>(33,430)</td><td>12,966</td><td>45,676</td><td>(26,536)</td><td>19,140</td></tr><tr><td>Technology based intangibles</td><td>360</td><td>(108)</td><td>252</td><td>360</td><td>(36)</td><td>324</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 606,273</td><td>$ (343,279)</td><td>$ 262,994</td><td>$ 596,286</td><td>$ (292,454)</td><td>$ 303,832</td></tr></table>

(1) Excluded from the 2012 customer related carrying value and accumulated amortization amounts is an impairment charge of $26,458. This impairment charge relates to the Assurant Solutions segment and is primarily related to the 2007 acquisitions of two U.K. mortgage insurance brokers. In 2012, persistency rates of the acquired business declined significantly following actions by an independent underwriter of the business, resulting in the impairment.



Other intangible assets that have finite lives, including customer relationships, customer contracts and other intangible assets, are amortized over their useful lives. The estimated amortization of other intangible assets and the amount of indefinite lived intangible assets, which mainly include state licenses, are as follows:

<table><tr><td>Year</td><td>Amount</td></tr><tr><td>2013</td><td>44,821</td></tr><tr><td>2014</td><td>39,452</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>34,861</td></tr><tr><td>2016</td><td>32,529</td></tr><tr><td>2017</td><td>30,183</td></tr><tr><td>Thereafter</td><td>78,423</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS WITH FINITE LIVES</td><td>260,269</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS WITH INDEFINITE LIVES</td><td>2,725</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS</td><td>262,994</td></tr></table>

## 12. Reserves

The following table provides reserve information of the Company’s major product lines at the dates shown:

<table><tr><td rowspan="3"></td><td colspan="4">December 31, 2012</td><td colspan="4">December 31, 2011</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">Future Policy Benefits and Expenses</td><td colspan="3">Claims and Benefits Payable</td><td rowspan="2">Future Policy Benefits and Expenses</td><td rowspan="2">Unearned Premiums</td><td colspan="2">Claims and Benefits Payable</td></tr><tr><td>Unearned Premiums</td><td>Case Reserves</td><td>Incurred But Not Reported Reserves</td><td>Unearned Premiums</td><td>Case Reserves</td></tr><tr><td>Long Duration Contracts:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Preneed funeral life insurance policies and investment-type annuity contracts</td><td>$ 4,306,947</td><td>$ 154,998</td><td>$ 13,139</td><td>$ 7,297</td><td>$ 4,086,025</td><td>$ 120,067</td><td>$ 11,342</td><td>$ 7,555</td></tr><tr><td>Life insurance no longer offered</td><td>445,347</td><td>574</td><td>3,110</td><td>4,437</td><td>456,860</td><td>626</td><td>1,428</td><td>4,487</td></tr><tr><td>Universal life and other products no longer offered</td><td>210,037</td><td>127</td><td>825</td><td>5,133</td><td>229,726</td><td>132</td><td>988</td><td>6,534</td></tr><tr><td>FFG, LTC and other disposed businesses</td><td>3,424,511</td><td>35,862</td><td>713,258</td><td>55,661</td><td>3,491,994</td><td>38,039</td><td>641,238</td><td>55,151</td></tr><tr><td>Medical</td><td>89,540</td><td>10,293</td><td>6,831</td><td>10,016</td><td>86,456</td><td>11,097</td><td>8,385</td><td>10,170</td></tr><tr><td>All other</td><td>37,123</td><td>455</td><td>15,786</td><td>8,904</td><td>8,145</td><td>352</td><td>46,138</td><td>6,993</td></tr><tr><td>Short Duration Contracts:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Group term life</td><td>0</td><td>3,681</td><td>172,804</td><td>30,953</td><td>0</td><td>4,174</td><td>182,355</td><td>37,415</td></tr><tr><td>Group disability</td><td>0</td><td>2,143</td><td>1,189,656</td><td>119,431</td><td>0</td><td>2,390</td><td>1,243,975</td><td>133,441</td></tr><tr><td>Medical</td><td>0</td><td>111,351</td><td>99,549</td><td>148,209</td><td>0</td><td>135,557</td><td>97,964</td><td>170,970</td></tr><tr><td>Dental</td><td>0</td><td>4,648</td><td>2,442</td><td>15,896</td><td>0</td><td>4,634</td><td>2,788</td><td>17,436</td></tr><tr><td>Property and warranty</td><td>0</td><td>2,368,372</td><td>459,215</td><td>706,849</td><td>0</td><td>2,041,190</td><td>199,829</td><td>370,814</td></tr><tr><td>Credit life and disability</td><td>0</td><td>300,824</td><td>41,711</td><td>54,624</td><td>0</td><td>286,631</td><td>50,645</td><td>59,949</td></tr><tr><td>Extended service contracts</td><td>0</td><td>2,775,715</td><td>3,323</td><td>36,908</td><td>0</td><td>2,498,403</td><td>2,425</td><td>37,398</td></tr><tr><td>All other</td><td>0</td><td>423,217</td><td>11,643</td><td>22,980</td><td>0</td><td>338,725</td><td>9,999</td><td>19,307</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 8,513,505</td><td>$ 6,192,260</td><td>$ 2,733,292</td><td>$ 1,227,298</td><td>$ 8,359,206</td><td>$ 5,482,017</td><td>$ 2,499,499</td><td>$ 937,620</td></tr></table>



The following table provides a roll forward of the Company’s product lines with the most significant claims and benefits payable balances: group term life, group disability, medical and property and warranty lines of business. Claims and benefits payable is comprised of case and IBNR reserves.

<table><tr><td></td><td>Group Term Life</td><td>Group Disability</td><td>Short Duration Medical(2)</td><td>Long Duration Medical(2)</td><td>Property and Warranty</td></tr><tr><td>Balance as of December 31, 2009, gross of reinsurance(3)</td><td>$ 228,902</td><td>$ 1,417,430</td><td>$ 359,626</td><td>$ 31,874</td><td>$ 541,251</td></tr><tr><td>Less: Reinsurance ceded and other(1)</td><td>(1,600)</td><td>(37,128)</td><td>(30,428)</td><td>(1,959)</td><td>(147,325)</td></tr><tr><td>Balance as of January 1, 2010, net of reinsurance</td><td>227,302</td><td>1,380,302</td><td>329,198</td><td>29,915</td><td>393,926</td></tr><tr><td>Incurred losses related to:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Current year</td><td>133,182</td><td>352,118</td><td>1,292,045</td><td>98,546</td><td>880,347</td></tr><tr><td>Prior year&#x27;s interest</td><td>8,471</td><td>60,738</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Prior year (s)</td><td>(27,613)</td><td>(85,753)</td><td>(66,451)</td><td>(3,051)</td><td>(46,269)</td></tr><tr><td>Total incurred losses</td><td>114,040</td><td>327,103</td><td>1,225,594</td><td>95,495</td><td>834,078</td></tr><tr><td>Paid losses related to:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Current year</td><td>80,006</td><td>66,570</td><td>1,028,147</td><td>81,392</td><td>608,085</td></tr><tr><td>Prior year (s)</td><td>45,073</td><td>273,743</td><td>251,817</td><td>26,162</td><td>250,520</td></tr><tr><td>Total paid losses</td><td>125,079</td><td>340,313</td><td>1,279,964</td><td>107,554</td><td>858,605</td></tr><tr><td>Balance as of December 31, 2010, net of reinsurance(3)</td><td>216,263</td><td>1,367,092</td><td>274,828</td><td>17,856</td><td>369,399</td></tr><tr><td>Plus: Reinsurance ceded and other(1)</td><td>3,021</td><td>37,182</td><td>15,562</td><td>703</td><td>149,032</td></tr><tr><td>Balance as of December 31, 2010, gross of reinsurance(3)</td><td>$ 219,284</td><td>$ 1,404,274</td><td>$ 290,390</td><td>$ 18,559</td><td>$ 518,431</td></tr><tr><td>Less: Reinsurance ceded and other(1)</td><td>(3,021)</td><td>(37,182)</td><td>(15,562)</td><td>(703)</td><td>(149,032)</td></tr><tr><td>Balance as of January 1, 2011, net of reinsurance</td><td>216,263</td><td>1,367,092</td><td>274,828</td><td>17,856</td><td>369,399</td></tr><tr><td>Incurred losses related to:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Current year</td><td>143,240</td><td>326,036</td><td>1,238,393</td><td>92,009</td><td>997,514</td></tr><tr><td>Prior year&#x27;s interest</td><td>8,164</td><td>60,908</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Prior year (s)</td><td>(26,575)</td><td>(63,834)</td><td>(60,247)</td><td>(3,579)</td><td>(26,849)</td></tr><tr><td>Total incurred losses</td><td>124,829</td><td>323,110</td><td>1,178,146</td><td>88,430</td><td>970,665</td></tr><tr><td>Paid losses related to:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Current year</td><td>85,374</td><td>65,287</td><td>993,687</td><td>76,792</td><td>740,451</td></tr><tr><td>Prior year (s)</td><td>39,490</td><td>284,869</td><td>208,257</td><td>13,903</td><td>218,947</td></tr><tr><td>Total paid losses</td><td>124,864</td><td>350,156</td><td>1,201,944</td><td>90,695</td><td>959,398</td></tr><tr><td>Balance as of December 31, 2011, net of reinsurance(3)</td><td>216,228</td><td>1,340,046</td><td>251,030</td><td>15,591</td><td>380,666</td></tr><tr><td>Plus: Reinsurance ceded and other(1)</td><td>3,542</td><td>37,370</td><td>17,904</td><td>2,964</td><td>189,977</td></tr><tr><td>Balance as of December 31, 2011, gross of reinsurance(3)</td><td>$ 219,770</td><td>$ 1,377,416</td><td>$ 268,934</td><td>$ 18,555</td><td>$ 570,643</td></tr><tr><td>Less: Reinsurance ceded and other(1)</td><td>(3,542)</td><td>(37,370)</td><td>(17,904)</td><td>(2,964)</td><td>(189,977)</td></tr><tr><td>Balance as of January 1, 2012, net of reinsurance</td><td>216,228</td><td>1,340,046</td><td>251,030</td><td>15,591</td><td>380,666</td></tr><tr><td>Incurred losses related to:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Current year</td><td>126,712</td><td>287,459</td><td>1,130,525</td><td>99,887</td><td>1,140,632</td></tr><tr><td>Prior year&#x27;s interest</td><td>7,993</td><td>58,502</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Prior year (s)</td><td>(27,918)</td><td>(58,562)</td><td>(52,515)</td><td>(3,831)</td><td>(45,957)</td></tr><tr><td>Total incurred losses</td><td>106,787</td><td>287,399</td><td>1,078,010</td><td>96,056</td><td>1,094,675</td></tr><tr><td>Paid losses related to:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Current year</td><td>79,071</td><td>68,269</td><td>903,984</td><td>84,071</td><td>796,833</td></tr><tr><td>Prior year (s)</td><td>43,004</td><td>288,255</td><td>193,745</td><td>11,465</td><td>227,502</td></tr><tr><td>Total paid losses</td><td>122,075</td><td>356,524</td><td>1,097,729</td><td>95,536</td><td>1,024,335</td></tr><tr><td>Balance as of December 31, 2012, net of reinsurance(3)</td><td>200,940</td><td>1,270,921</td><td>231,311</td><td>16,111</td><td>451,006</td></tr><tr><td>Plus: Reinsurance ceded and other(1)</td><td>2,817</td><td>38,166</td><td>16,447</td><td>736</td><td>715,058</td></tr><tr><td>BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2012 GROSS OF REINSURANCE(3)</td><td>$ 203,757</td><td>$ 1,309,087</td><td>$ 247,758</td><td>$ 16,847</td><td>$ 1,166,064</td></tr></table>

(1) Reinsurance ceded and other includes claims and benefits payable balances that have either been (a) reinsured to third parties, (b) established for claims related expenses whose subsequent payment is not recorded as a paid claim, or (c) reserves established for obligations that would persist even if contracts were cancelled (such as extension of benefits), which cannot be analyzed appropriately under a roll-forward approach.

(2) Short duration and long duration medical methodologies used for settling claims and benefits payable are similar.

(3) The Company’s net retained credit life and disability claims and benefits payable were $56,190, $60,797 and $69,127 at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.



## Short Duration Contracts

The Company’s short duration contracts are comprised of group term life, group disability, medical, dental, property and warranty, credit life and disability, extended service contract and all other. The principal products and services included in these categories are described in the summary of significant accounting polices (see Note 2).

Case reserves and IBNR amounts are developed using actuarial principles and assumptions that consider, among other things, contractual requirements, historical utilization trends and payment patterns, benefit changes, medical inflation, seasonality, membership, product mix, legislative and regulatory environment, economic factors, disabled life mortality and claim termination rates and other relevant factors. The Company consistently applies the principles and assumptions listed above from year to year, while also giving due consideration to the potential variability of these factors.

Since case reserves and IBNR include estimates developed from various actuarial methods, the Company’s actual losses incurred may be more or less than the Company’s previously developed estimates. As shown in the table above, if the amounts listed on the line labeled “Incurred losses related to: Prior years” are negative (redundant) this means that the Company’s actual losses incurred related to prior years for these lines were less than the estimates previously made by the Company. If the line labeled “Incurred losses related to: Prior years” are positive (deficient) this means that the Company’s actual losses incurred related to prior years for these lines were greater than the estimates previously made by the Company.

Medical reserves established for obligations that would persist even if contracts were cancelled (such as extension of benefits) have been excluded from the incurred loss roll-forwards because they cannot be analyzed appropriately under a roll-forward approach.

The Group Term Life case and IBNR reserves redundancies in all years are due to actual mortality rates running below those assumed in prior year reserves, and actual recovery rates running higher than those assumed in prior year reserves.

Group Disability case and IBNR reserves show redundancies in all years due to actual claim recovery rates exceeding those assumed in prior year reserves.

The redundancies in our Medical lines case and IBNR reserves were caused by the Company’s claims and other case reserves developing more favorably than expected. The Company’s actual claims experience reflected lower medical provider utilization and lower medical inflation than assumed in the Company’s prior-year pricing and reserving processes.

The Company’s group disability products include short and long term disability coverage. Case reserves and IBNR for long-term disability claims incurred in 2010 and earlier have been discounted at 5.25% and at 4.75% for claims incurred in 2011 and later. The December 31, 2012 and 2011 liabilities net of reinsurance include $1,309,087 and $1,377,416 respectively, of such reserves. The amount of discounts deducted from outstanding reserves as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are $412,973 and $442,595, respectively.
In 2012, 2011, and 2010, the Company’s Property and Warranty case and IBNR reserves reflected redundancies from the Company’s lender-placed homeowners business and other short tail product lines due to lower than anticipated loss ratios. The 2012 and 2010 redundancies were at similar levels, while the 2011 redundancy was lower due to $11,400 in adverse development from the Arizona Hail Storm event from 2010. For the longer-tail Property and Warranty coverages (e.g. asbestos, environmental, and other general liability), for all other years presented, there were no material changes in estimated amounts for incurred claims in prior years.

## Long Duration Contracts

The Company’s long duration contracts are primarily comprised of preneed life insurance and annuity policies, life insurance policies (no longer offered), universal life and annuities (no longer offered), FFG and LTC disposed businesses and medical policies. The principal products and services included in these categories are described in the summary of significant accounting policies. See Note 2 for further information.

The Assurant Solutions segment manages preneed insurance products through two separate divisions: the independent division and the American Memorial Life Insurance Company (“AMLIC”) division. The Company signed an agreement with Forethought Life Insurance Company on November 9, 2005 whereby the Company discontinued writing new preneed insurance policies in the U.S. via independent funeral homes. The reserve assumptions for future policy benefits and expenses for pre-funded funeral life and annuity contracts and traditional life insurance (no longer offered) by the preneed business differ by division and are established based upon the following:

## Preneed Business—Independent Division

Interest and discount rates for preneed life insurance issued prior to 2009 vary by year of issuance and product, are based on pricing assumptions and modified to allow for provisions for adverse deviation. For preneed life insurance with discretionary death benefit growth issued after 2008, interest and discount rates are based upon current assumptions without provisions for adverse deviation. During 2012 and 2011, interest and discount rates ranged between 3.5% and 7.3%.

Interest and discount rates for traditional life insurance (no longer offered) vary by year of issuance and products and were 7.5% grading to 5.3% over 20 years in 2012 and 2011 with the exception of a block of pre-1980 business which had a level 8.8% discount rate in 2012 and 2011.

Mortality assumptions for business issued prior to 2009 are based upon pricing assumptions and modified to allow for provisions for adverse deviation. For business issued after 2008, mortality assumptions are based upon pricing assumptions without provisions for adverse deviation. Surrender rates vary by product and are based upon pricing assumptions.

Future assumed policy benefit increases on preneed life insurance issued prior to 2009 ranged from 1.0% to 7.0% in 2012 and 2011. Some policies have future policy benefit increases, which are guaranteed or tied to equal some measure of inflation. The inflation assumption for most of these inflation-linked benefits was 3.0% in both 2012 and 2011 with the exception of most policies issued in 2005 through 2007 where the assumption was 2.3%. Future policy benefit increases for business issued in 2012 are based on current assumptions.



The reserves for annuities issued by the independent division are based on assumed interest rates credited on deferred annuities, which vary by year of issue, and ranged from 1.5% to 5.5% in 2012 and 2011. Withdrawal charges, if any, generally range from 7.0% to 0.0% and grade to zero over a period of seven years for business issued in the U.S. Canadian annuity products have a surrender charge that varies by product series and premium paying period.

## Preneed Business—AMLIC Division

Interest and discount rates for preneed life insurance issued or acquired after September 2000 and prior to 2009 vary by year of issuance and are based on pricing assumptions and modified to allow for provisions for adverse deviation. For preneed life insurance with discretionary death benefit growth issued after 2008, interest and discount rates are based on product nonforfeiture rates and current assumptions without provisions for adverse deviation. Discount rates for 2012 and 2011 issues ranged from 4.0% to 5.0%. Preneed insurance issued prior to October 2000 and all traditional life insurance issued by the AMLIC division use discount rates, which vary by issue year and product, ranging from 0.0% to 7.5% in 2012 and 2011.

Mortality assumptions for preneed life insurance issued or acquired after September 2000 and prior to 2009 are based upon pricing assumptions, which approximate actual experience, and modified to allow for provisions for adverse deviation. For preneed life insurance with discretionary death benefit growth issued after 2008, mortality assumptions are based upon pricing assumptions, which approximate actual experience, without provisions for adverse deviation. Surrender rates for preneed life insurance issued or acquired in October 2000 and beyond vary by product and are based upon pricing assumptions. Mortality assumptions for all preneed life insurance and traditional life insurance acquired by the AMLIC division prior to October 2000 are based on statutory valuation requirements, which approximate GAAP, with no explicit provision for lapses.

Future policy benefit increases for preneed life insurance products are based upon pricing assumptions. First-year guaranteed benefit increases were 0.0% in 2012 and 2011. Renewal guaranteed benefit increases ranged from 0.0% to 3.0% in 2012 and 2011. For contracts with minimum benefit increases associated with an inflation index, assumed benefit increases equaled the discount rate less 3.0% in 2012 and 2011.

The reserves for annuities issued by the AMLIC division are based on assumed interest rates credited on deferred annuities and ranged from 1.0% to 6.5% in 2012 and 2011. Withdrawal charges ranged from 0.0% to 8.0% grading to zero over eight years for business issued in the United States. Canadian annuity products have a flat 35% surrender charge. Nearly all the deferred annuities contracts have a 3.0% guaranteed interest rate.

## Universal Life and Annuities—No Longer Offered

The reserves for universal life and annuity products (no longer offered) in the Assurant Solutions segment have been established based on the following assumptions: Interest rates credited on annuities, which vary by product and time when funds were received, ranged from 3.5% to 4% with guaranteed credited rates that ranged from 3.5% to 4.0% in 2012 and 2011, except for a limited number of policies with credited rates of 4.5% with guaranteed credited rate of 4.5%. Annuities are also subject to surrender charges, which vary by contract year and grade to zero over a period no longer than seven years. Surrender values on annuities will never be less than the amount of paid-in premiums (net of prior withdrawals) regardless of the surrender charge. Credited interest rates on universal life funds vary by product and time when funds were received and ranged from 4.0% to 4.1% in 2012 and 2011. Guaranteed crediting rates where present were 4.0%. Additionally, universal life funds are subject to surrender charges that vary by product, age, sex, year of issue, risk class, face amount and grade to zero over a period not longer than 20 years.

## FFG and LTC

Reserves for businesses previously disposed of by FFG and LTC are included in the Company’s reserves in accordance with the insurance guidance. The Company maintains an offsetting reinsurance recoverable related to these reserves. See Note 13 for further information.

## 13. Reinsurance

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in both the assumption and cession of reinsurance with non-affiliated companies. The following table provides details of the reinsurance recoverables balance for the years ended December 31:

<table><tr><td></td><td>2012</td><td>2011</td></tr><tr><td>Ceded future policyholder benefits and expense</td><td>$ 3,338,783</td><td>$ 3,399,938</td></tr><tr><td>Ceded unearned premium</td><td>1,214,028</td><td>1,013,778</td></tr><tr><td>Ceded claims and benefits payable</td><td>1,540,073</td><td>945,900</td></tr><tr><td>Ceded paid losses</td><td>48,853</td><td>51,448</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 6,141,737</td><td>$ 5,411,064</td></tr></table>



A key credit quality indicator for reinsurance is the A.M. Best financial strength ratings of the reinsurer. The A.M. Best ratings are an independent opinion of a reinsurer's ability to meet ongoing obligations to policyholders. The A.M. Best ratings for new reinsurance agreements where there is material credit exposure are reviewed at the time of execution. The A.M. Best ratings for existing reinsurance agreements are reviewed on a periodic basis, at least annually. The following table provides the reinsurance recoverable as of December 31, 2012 grouped by A.M. Best rating:

<table><tr><td>Best Ratings of Reinsurer</td><td>Ceded future policyholder benefits and expense</td><td>Ceded unearned premiums</td><td>Ceded claims and benefits payable</td><td>Ceded paid losses</td><td>Total</td></tr><tr><td>A++ or A+</td><td>$ 1,805,928</td><td>$ 37,707</td><td>$ 683,464</td><td>$ 1,665</td><td>$ 2,528,764</td></tr><tr><td>A or A-</td><td>1,492,170</td><td>50,655</td><td>131,731</td><td>12,543</td><td>1,687,099</td></tr><tr><td>B++ or B+</td><td>38,927</td><td>21,012</td><td>3,835</td><td>2</td><td>63,776</td></tr><tr><td>Not Rated</td><td>1,758</td><td>1,104,654</td><td>721,043</td><td>45,276</td><td>1,872,731</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>3,338,783</td><td>1,214,028</td><td>1,540,073</td><td>59,486</td><td>6,152,370</td></tr><tr><td>Less: Allowance</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>(10,633)</td><td>(10,633)</td></tr><tr><td>NET REINSURANCE RECOVERABLE</td><td>$ 3,338,783</td><td>$ 1,214,028</td><td>$ 1,540,073</td><td>$ 48,853</td><td>$ 6,141,737</td></tr></table>

A.M. Best ratings for The Hartford and John Hancock, the reinsurers with the largest reinsurance recoverable balances, are A and A+, respectively. A.M. Best currently maintains a stable outlook on the financial strength rating of John Hancock. The Hartford's rating is under review with negative implications. The total amount of recoverable for these two reinsurers is $3,619,747 as of December 31, 2012. Most of the assets backing reserves relating to reinsurance recoverables from these two counterparties are held in trust.

A substantial portion of the Not Rated category is related to Assurant Solutions' and Assurant Specialty Property's agreements to reinsure premiums and risks related to business generated by certain clients to the clients' own captive insurance companies or to reinsurance subsidiaries in which the clients have an ownership interest. To mitigate exposure to credit risk for these reinsurers, the Company evaluates the financial condition of the reinsurer and holds substantial collateral (in the form of funds withheld, trusts, and letters of credit) as security. The Not Rated category also includes recoverables from the National Flood Insurance Program and the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund.

An allowance for doubtful accounts related to reinsurance recoverables is recorded on the basis of periodic evaluations of balances due from reinsurers (net of collateral), reinsurer solvency, management's experience and current economic conditions. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $10,633 at December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Information about the valuation allowance for reinsurance recoverable is as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2012</td><td>2011</td></tr><tr><td>Balance as of beginning-of-year</td><td>$ 10,633</td><td>$ 15,635</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Provision</td><td>0</td><td>356</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other additions</td><td>0</td><td>57</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Direct write-downs charged against the allowance</td><td>0</td><td>(5,415)</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>BALANCE AS OF THE END-OF-YEAR</td><td>$ 10,633</td><td>$ 10,633</td><td></td><td></td></tr></table>

The effect of reinsurance on premiums earned and benefits incurred was as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="3"></td><td colspan="9">Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">2012</td><td colspan="3">2011</td><td colspan="3">2010</td></tr><tr><td>Long Duration</td><td>Short Duration</td><td>Total</td><td>Long Duration</td><td>Short Duration</td><td>Total</td><td>Long Duration</td><td>Short Duration</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Direct earned premiums and other considerations</td><td>$ 568,308</td><td>$ 8,711,619</td><td>$ 9,279,927</td><td>$ 584,532</td><td>$ 8,553,695</td><td>$ 9,138,227</td><td>$ 641,284</td><td>$ 8,664,723</td><td>$ 9,306,007</td></tr><tr><td>Premiums assumed</td><td>12,536</td><td>278,160</td><td>290,696</td><td>13,048</td><td>306,920</td><td>319,968</td><td>7,467</td><td>317,635</td><td>325,102</td></tr><tr><td>Premiums ceded</td><td>(322,428)</td><td>(2,011,211)</td><td>(2,333,639)</td><td>(330,523)</td><td>(2,002,304)</td><td>(2,332,827)</td><td>(345,837)</td><td>(1,882,233)</td><td>(2,228,070)</td></tr><tr><td>NET EARNED PREMIUMS AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS</td><td>$ 258,416</td><td>$ 6,978,568</td><td>$ 7,236,984</td><td>$ 267,057</td><td>$ 6,858,311</td><td>$ 7,125,368</td><td>$ 302,914</td><td>$ 7,100,125</td><td>$ 7,403,039</td></tr><tr><td>Direct policyholder benefits</td><td>$ 909,670</td><td>$ 4,152,252</td><td>$ 5,061,922</td><td>$ 1,074,435</td><td>$ 3,653,693</td><td>$ 4,728,128</td><td>$ 1,630,815</td><td>$ 3,465,590</td><td>$ 5,096,405</td></tr><tr><td>Policyholder benefits assumed</td><td>27,681</td><td>173,581</td><td>201,262</td><td>29,619</td><td>228,368</td><td>257,987</td><td>24,430</td><td>209,975</td><td>234,405</td></tr><tr><td>Policyholder benefits ceded</td><td>(581,890)</td><td>(1,025,890)</td><td>(1,607,780)</td><td>(734,970)</td><td>(501,411)</td><td>(1,236,381)</td><td>(1,284,157)</td><td>(410,654)</td><td>(1,694,811)</td></tr><tr><td>NET POLICYHOLDER BENEFITS</td><td>$ 355,461</td><td>$ 3,299,943</td><td>$ 3,655,404</td><td>$ 369,084</td><td>$ 3,380,650</td><td>$ 3,749,734</td><td>$ 371,088</td><td>$ 3,264,911</td><td>$ 3,635,999</td></tr></table>



The Company had $1,069,031 and $1,014,164, respectively, of invested assets held in trusts or by custodians as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, for the benefit of others related to certain reinsurance arrangements.

The Company utilizes ceded reinsurance for loss protection and capital management, business dispositions, and in the Assurant Solutions and Assurant Specialty Property segments, for client risk and profit sharing.

## Loss Protection and Capital Management

As part of the Company’s overall risk and capacity management strategy, the Company purchases reinsurance for certain risks underwritten by the Company’s various segments, including significant individual or catastrophic claims.

For those product lines where there is exposure to losses from catastrophe events, the Company closely monitors and manages its aggregate risk exposure by geographic area. The Company has entered into reinsurance treaties to manage exposure to these types of events.

On May 5, 2009, certain of the Company’s subsidiaries (the “Subsidiaries”) entered into two reinsurance agreements with Ibis Re Ltd., an independent special purpose reinsurance company domiciled in the Cayman Islands (“Ibis Re”). The Ibis Re agreements provide up to $150,000 of reinsurance coverage for protection against losses over a three-year period from individual hurricane events in Hawaii and along the Gulf and Eastern Coasts of the United States. Ibis Re financed the property catastrophe reinsurance coverage by issuing catastrophe bonds in an aggregate amount of $150,000 to unrelated investors (the “Series 2009-1 Notes”). The agreements expired in May 2012.

On April 27, 2010, the Subsidiaries entered into two additional reinsurance agreements with Ibis Re providing up to $150,000 of reinsurance coverage for protection against losses over a three-year period from individual hurricane events in Hawaii and along the Gulf and Eastern Coasts of the United States. The agreements expire in May 2013. Ibis Re financed the property catastrophe reinsurance coverage by issuing catastrophe bonds in an aggregate amount of $150,000 to unrelated investors (the “Series 2010-1 Notes”).

On January 30, 2012, the Subsidiaries entered into two reinsurance agreements with Ibis Re II Ltd. (“Ibis Re II”). Ibis Re II, incorporated on December 2, 2011, is an independent special purpose reinsurance company domiciled in the Cayman Islands. The Ibis Re II agreements provide up to $130,000 of reinsurance coverage for protection against losses over a three-year period from individual hurricane events in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and along the Gulf and Eastern Coasts of the United States. The agreements expire in February 2015. Ibis Re II financed the property catastrophe reinsurance coverage by issuing $130,000 in catastrophe bonds to unrelated investors (the “Series 2012-1 Notes”). The Series 2012-1 Notes replace the Series 2009-1 Notes.

Upon expiration of the Series 2009-1 Notes, the remaining $280,000 of coverage represents approximately 20% of the expected first event coverage (net of reimbursements of the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund) purchased by the Company in excess of the Company’s anticipated retention.

Under the terms of these reinsurance agreements, the Subsidiaries are obligated to pay annual reinsurance premiums to Ibis Re and Ibis Re II for the reinsurance coverage. The reinsurance agreements with Ibis Re and Ibis Re II utilize a dual trigger that is based upon an index that is created by applying predetermined percentages to insured industry losses in each state in the covered area as reported by an independent party and the Subsidiaries' covered losses incurred. Reinsurance contracts that have a separate, pre-identified variable (e.g., a loss-based index) are accounted for as reinsurance if certain conditions are met. In the case of the reinsurance agreements with Ibis Re and Ibis Re II, these conditions were met, thus the Company accounted for them as reinsurance in accordance with the guidance for reinsurance contracts.

Amounts payable to the Subsidiaries under the reinsurance agreements will be determined by the index-based losses, which are designed to approximate the Subsidiaries' actual losses from any covered event. The amount of actual losses and index losses from any covered event may differ. For each covered event, Ibis Re and Ibis Re II pay the Subsidiaries the lesser of the covered index-based losses or the Subsidiaries' actual losses. The principal amount of the catastrophe bonds will be reduced by any amounts paid to the Subsidiaries under the reinsurance agreements. The Subsidiaries have not incurred any losses subject to the reinsurance agreements since their inception.

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had not ceded any losses to Ibis Re or Ibis Re II.

As with any reinsurance agreement, there is credit risk associated with collecting amounts due from reinsurers. With regard to the Series 2010-1 Notes and Series 2012-1 Notes, the credit risk is mitigated by two reinsurance trust accounts for each Series. Each reinsurance trust account has been funded by Ibis Re (Series 2010-1 Notes) or Ibis Re II (Series 2012-1 Notes) with money market funds that invest solely in direct government obligations backed by the U.S. government with maturities of no more than 13 months. The money market funds must have a principal stability rating of at least AAA by Standard & Poor's.

At the time the agreements were entered into with Ibis Re and Ibis Re II, the Company evaluated the applicability of the accounting guidance that addresses variable interest entities (“VIEs”). Entities which do not have sufficient equity at risk to allow the entity to finance its activities without additional financial support or in which the equity investors, as a group, do not have the characteristic of a controlling financial interest are referred to as VIEs. A VIE is consolidated by the variable interest holder that is determined to have the controlling financial interest (primary beneficiary) as a result of having both the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of an entity subject to consolidation based on a qualitative assessment of the VIE’s capital structure, contractual terms, nature of the VIE’s operations and purpose and the Company’s relative exposure to the related risks of the VIE on the date it becomes initially involved in the VIE. The Company reassesses its VIE determination with respect to an entity on an ongoing basis.

As a result of the evaluation of the reinsurance agreements with Ibis Re and Ibis Re II, the Company concluded that Ibis Re and Ibis Re II are VIEs. However, while Ibis Re and Ibis Re II are VIEs, the Company concluded that it does not have a significant variable interest in Ibis Re or Ibis Re II as the variability in results, caused by the reinsurance agreements, is expected to be absorbed entirely by the bondholders and the Company is not entitled to any residual amounts. Accordingly, the Company is not the primary beneficiary of Ibis Re or Ibis Re II and does not consolidate the entities in the Company’s financial statements.



## Business Divestitures

The Company has used reinsurance to exit certain businesses, such as the disposals of FFG and LTC. Reinsurance was used in these cases to facilitate the transactions because the businesses shared legal entities with operating segments that the Company retained. Assets supporting liabilities ceded relating to these businesses are mainly held in trusts and the separate accounts relating to FFG are still reflected in the Company's balance sheet. If the reinsurers became insolvent, we would be exposed to the risk that the assets in the trusts and/or the separate accounts would be insufficient to support the liabilities that would revert back to us. The reinsurance recoverable from The Hartford was $1,125,472 and $1,153,681 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The reinsurance recoverable from John Hancock was $2,494,275 and $2,471,225 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The reinsurance agreement associated with the FFG sale also stipulates that The Hartford contribute funds to increase the value of the separate account assets relating to Modified Guaranteed Annuity business sold if such value declines below the value of the associated liabilities. If The Hartford fails to fulfill these obligations, the Company will be obligated to make these payments.

In addition, the Company would be responsible for administering this business in the event of reinsurer insolvency. We do not currently have the administrative systems and capabilities to process this business. Accordingly, we would need to obtain those capabilities in the event of an insolvency of one or more of the reinsurers of these businesses. We might be forced to obtain such capabilities on unfavorable terms with a resulting material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

As of December 31, 2012, we were not aware of any regulatory actions taken with respect to the solvency of the insurance subsidiaries of The Hartford or John Hancock that reinsure the FFG and LTC businesses, and the Company has not been obligated to fulfill any of such reinsurers’ obligations.

## 14. Debt

In February 2004, the Company issued two series of senior notes with an aggregate principal amount of $975,000 (the “Senior Notes”). The Company received net proceeds of $971,537 from this transaction, which represents the principal amount less the discount. The discount of $3,463 is being amortized over the life of the Senior Notes and is included as part of interest expense on the statement of operations. The first series is $500,000 in principal amount, bears interest at 5.63% per year and is payable in a single installment due February 15, 2014 and was issued at a 0.11% discount. The second series is $475,000 in principal amount, bears interest at 6.75% per year and is payable in a single installment due February 15, 2034 and was issued at a 0.61% discount. Interest on the senior notes is payable semi-annually on February 15 and August 15 of each year. The senior notes are unsecured obligations and rank equally with all of the Company’s other senior unsecured indebtedness. The senior notes are not redeemable prior to maturity. All of the holders of the senior notes exchanged their notes in May 2004 for new notes registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
John Hancock and The Hartford have paid their obligations when due and there have been no disputes.

## Segment Client Risk and Profit Sharing

The Assurant Solutions and Assurant Specialty Property segments write business produced by their clients, such as mortgage lenders and servicers, financial institutions and reinsures all or a portion of such business to insurance subsidiaries of some clients. Such arrangements allow significant flexibility in structuring the sharing of risks and profits on the underlying business.

A substantial portion of Assurant Solutions and Assurant Specialty Property’s reinsurance activities are related to agreements to reinsure premiums and risks related to business generated by certain clients to the clients’ own captive insurance companies or to reinsurance subsidiaries in which the clients have an ownership interest. Through these arrangements, our insurance subsidiaries share some of the premiums and risk related to client-generated business with these clients. When the reinsurance companies are not authorized to do business in our insurance subsidiary’s domiciliary state, the Company’s insurance subsidiary generally obtains collateral, such as a trust or a letter of credit, from the reinsurance company or its affiliate in an amount equal to the outstanding reserves to obtain full statutory financial credit in the domiciliary state for the reinsurance.

The Company’s reinsurance agreements do not relieve the Company from its direct obligation to its insureds. Thus, a credit exposure exists to the extent that any reinsurer is unable to meet the obligations assumed in the reinsurance agreements. To mitigate its exposure to reinsurance insolvencies, the Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and holds substantial collateral (in the form of funds, trusts, and letters of credit) as security under the reinsurance agreements.

The interest expense incurred related to the Senior Notes was $60,306, $60,360 and $60,646 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. There was $22,570 of accrued interest at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company made interest payments of $30,094 on February 15, 2012 and 2011 and August 15, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

## Credit Facility

The Company’s commercial paper program requires the Company to maintain liquidity facilities either in an available amount equal to any outstanding notes from the commercial paper program or in an amount sufficient to maintain the ratings assigned to the notes issued from the commercial paper program. The Company’s subsidiaries do not maintain commercial paper or other borrowing facilities at their level. This program is currently backed up by a $350,000 senior revolving credit facility, of which $330,240 was available at December 31, 2012, due to outstanding letters of credit.



On September 21, 2011, the Company entered into a four-year unsecured $350,000 revolving credit agreement (“2011 Credit Facility”) with a syndicate of banks arranged by JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Bank of America, N.A. The 2011 Credit Facility replaced the Company’s prior three-year $350,000 revolving credit facility (“2009 Credit Facility”), which was entered into on December 18, 2009 and was scheduled to expire in December 2012. The 2009 Credit Facility terminated upon the effective date of the 2011 Credit Facility. The 2011 Credit Facility provides for revolving loans and the issuance of multi-bank, syndicated letters of credit and/or letters of credit from a sole issuing bank in an aggregate amount of $350,000 and is available until September 2015, provided the Company is in compliance with all covenants. The 2011 Credit Facility has a sublimit for letters of credit issued thereunder of $50,000. The proceeds of these loans may be used for the Company’s commercial paper program or for general corporate purposes. The Company may increase the total amount available under the 2011 Credit Facility to $525,000 subject to certain conditions. No bank is obligated to provide commitments above their share of the $350,000 facility.

## 15. Common Stock

Changes in the number of common stock shares outstanding are as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td></tr><tr><td>Shares outstanding, beginning</td><td>88,524,374</td><td>102,000,371</td><td>116,648,714</td></tr><tr><td>Vested restricted stock and restricted stock units, net \( ^{(a)} \)</td><td>370,244</td><td>336,919</td><td>227,094</td></tr><tr><td>Issuance related to performance share units</td><td>403,519</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Issuance related to ESPP</td><td>213,942</td><td>217,787</td><td>324,162</td></tr><tr><td>Issuance related to SARS exercise</td><td>51,410</td><td>57,837</td><td>25,046</td></tr><tr><td>Shares repurchased</td><td>(10,899,460)</td><td>(14,088,540)</td><td>(15,224,645)</td></tr><tr><td>SHARES OUTSTANDING, ENDING</td><td>78,664,029</td><td>88,524,374</td><td>102,000,371</td></tr></table>

(a) Vested restricted stock and restricted stock units shown net of shares retired to cover participant tax liability.

The Company is authorized to issue 800,000,000 shares of common stock. In addition, 150,001 shares of Class B and 400,001 shares of Class C common stock, per the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Assurant, Inc., are still authorized but have not been retired.

## 16. Stock Based Compensation

In accordance with the guidance on share based compensation, the Company recognized stock-based compensation costs based on the grant date fair value. The Company also applied the “long form” method to calculate its beginning pool of windfall tax benefits related to employee stock-based compensation awards as of the adoption date of the guidance. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company recognized compensation costs net of a 5% per year forfeiture rate on a pro-rated basis over the remaining vesting period.

## Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan

In May 2008, the Company’s shareholders approved the Assurant, Inc. Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (“ALTEIP”), which authorized the granting of up to 3,400,000 new shares of the Company’s common stock to employees, officers and non-employee directors. In May 2010, the Company’s shareholders approved an amended and restated ALTEIP, increasing the number of shares of the Company’s common stock authorized for issuance to 5,300,000 new shares. Under the ALTEIP, the Company may grant awards based on shares of its common stock, including stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock (including performance shares), unrestricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance share units (“PSUs”) and dividend equivalents. All future share-based grants will be awarded under the ALTEIP.

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) awarded PSUs and RSUs in 2012, 2011 and 2010. RSUs and PSUs are promises to issue actual shares of common stock at the end of a vesting period or performance period. The RSUs granted to employees under the ALTEIP were based on salary grade and performance and will vest one-third each year over a three-year period. RSUs granted to non-employee directors also vest one-third each year over a three-year period. RSUs receive dividend



equivalents in cash during the restricted period and do not have voting rights during the restricted period. PSUs accrue dividend equivalents during the performance period based on a target payout, and will be paid in cash at the end of the performance period based on the actual number of shares issued. The fair value of RSUs is estimated using the fair market value of a share of the Company's common stock at the date of grant. The fair value of PSUs is estimated using the Monte Carlo simulation model and is described in further detail below.

For the PSU portion of an award, the number of shares a participant will receive upon vesting is contingent upon the Company’s performance with respect to selected metrics, identified below, compared against a broad index of insurance companies and assigned a percentile ranking. These rankings are then averaged to determine the composite percentile ranking for the performance period. The payout levels can vary between 0% and 150% (maximum) of the target (100%) ALTEIP award amount based on the Company’s level of performance against the selected metrics.

PSU Performance Goals. For 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Compensation Committee established book value per share (“BVPS”) growth excluding AOCI, revenue growth and total stockholder return as the three performance measures for PSU awards. BVPS growth is defined as the year-over-year growth of the Company’s stockholders’ equity excluding AOCI divided by the number of fully diluted total shares outstanding at the end of the period. Revenue growth is defined as the year-over-year change in total revenues as disclosed in the Company’s annual statement of operations. Total stockholder return is defined as appreciation in Company stock plus dividend yield to stockholders. For the 2012-2014, 2011-2013 and 2010-2012 performance cycles, payouts will be determined by measuring performance against the average performance of companies included in the A.M. Best Insurance Index, excluding those with revenues of less than $1,000,000 or that are not in the health or insurance Global Industry Classification Standard codes.

Under the ALTEIP, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) is authorized by the Board of Directors to grant common stock, restricted stock and RSUs to employees other than the executive officers of the Company (as defined in Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). The Board of Directors reviews and ratifies these grants quarterly. Restricted stock and RSUs granted under this program may have different vesting periods.

## Restricted Stock Units

A summary of the Company’s outstanding restricted stock units is presented below:

<table><tr><td></td><td>Shares</td><td>Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value</td></tr><tr><td>Shares outstanding at December 31, 2011</td><td>1,211,199</td><td>$ 33.38</td></tr><tr><td>Grants</td><td>584,826</td><td>40.72</td></tr><tr><td>Vests</td><td>(571,008)</td><td>30.51</td></tr><tr><td>Forfeitures and adjustments</td><td>(19,002)</td><td>38.64</td></tr><tr><td>SHARES OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31, 2012</td><td>1,206,015</td><td>$ 38.22</td></tr></table>

The compensation expense recorded related to RSUs was $22,158, $20,100 and $13,928 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The related total income tax benefit recognized was $7,746, $7,012 and $4,875 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value for RSUs granted in 2011 and 2010 was $38.05 and $34.46, respectively. As of December 31, 2012, there was $18,378 of unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding RSUs. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.14 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $23,177, $18,060 and $8,844, respectively.

## Performance Share Units

A summary of the Company’s outstanding performance share units is presented below:

<table><tr><td></td><td>Performance Share Units</td><td>Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value</td></tr><tr><td>Performance share units outstanding, December 31, 2011</td><td>1,399,866</td><td>$ 29.08</td></tr><tr><td>Grants</td><td>407,506</td><td>41.68</td></tr><tr><td>Performance adjustment \( ^{(1)} \)</td><td>59,205</td><td>20.39</td></tr><tr><td>Vests</td><td>(649,537)</td><td>20.39</td></tr><tr><td>Forfeitures and adjustments</td><td>(12,657)</td><td>38.24</td></tr><tr><td>PERFORMANCE SHARE UNITS OUTSTANDING, DECEMBER 31, 2012</td><td>1,204,383</td><td>$ 37.51</td></tr></table>

(1) Represents the change in shares issued based upon the attainment of performance goals established by the Company.

PSU grants above represent initial target awards and do not reflect potential increases or decreases resulting from the financial performance objectives to be determined at the end of the prospective performance period. The actual number of shares to be issued at the end of each performance period will range from 0% to 150% of the initial target awards.

The compensation expense recorded related to PSUs was $14,045, $14,355 and $10,772 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Portions of the compensation expense recorded during 2012, 2011 and 2010 were reversed in 2012 and 2011, respectively, since the Company's level of actual performance as measured against pre-established performance goals had declined. The related total income tax benefit recognized was $4,911, $5,005, and $3,770 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value for PSUs granted in 2011 and 2010 was $37.83 and $33.12, respectively.



As of December 31, 2012, there was $11,972 of unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding PSUs. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.75 years. The total fair value of shares vested and issued during the year ended December 31, 2012 was $24,403. There were no PSUs vested and issued during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

Prior to the approval of the ALTEIP, share based awards were granted under the 2004 Assurant Long-Term Incentive Plan (“ALTIP”), which authorized the granting of up to 10,000,000 new shares of the Company’s common stock to employees and officers under the ALTIP, Business Value Rights Program (“BVR”) and CEO Equity Grants Program. Under the ALTIP, the Company was authorized to grant restricted stock and SARs. Since May 2008, no new grants have been made under this plan and the impact of these grants on the consolidated financial statements is immaterial.

## Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”), the Company is authorized to issue up to 5,000,000 new shares to employees who are participants in the ESPP. The ESPP allows eligible employees to contribute, through payroll deductions, portions of their after-tax compensation in each offering period toward the purchase of shares of the Company’s common stock. There are two offering periods during the year (January 1 through June 30 and July 1 through December 31) and shares are purchased at the end of each offering period at 90% of the lower of the closing price of the common stock on the first or last day of the offering period. Participants’ contributions are limited to a maximum contribution of $7.5 per offering period, or $15 per year.

The ESPP is offered to individuals who are scheduled to work at least 20 hours per week and at least five months per year, have been continuously employed for at least six months by the start of the offering period, are not temporary employees (employed less than 12 months), and have not been on a leave of absence for more than 90 days immediately. The fair value of PSUs with market conditions was estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model, which utilizes multiple variables that determine the probability of satisfying the market condition stipulated in the award. Expected volatilities for awards issued during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were based on the historical stock prices of the Company's stock and peer insurance group. The expected term for grants issued during the year ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was assumed to equal the average of the vesting period of the PSUs. The risk-free rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

For awards granted during the year ended December 31,

<table><tr><td></td><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td></tr><tr><td>Expected volatility</td><td>30.18%</td><td>59.39%</td><td>60.16%</td></tr><tr><td>Expected term (years)</td><td>2.81</td><td>2.81</td><td>2.80</td></tr><tr><td>Risk free interest rate</td><td>0.42%</td><td>1.18%</td><td>1.30%</td></tr></table>

preceding the offering period. Participants must be employed on the last trading day of the offering period in order to purchase Company shares under the ESPP. The maximum number of shares that can be purchased each offering period is 5,000 shares per employee.

In July 2012, the Company issued 110,699 shares to employees at a discounted price of $31.36 for the offering period of January 1, 2012 through June 30, 2012. In July 2011, the Company issued 106,373 shares to employees at a discounted price of $32.64 for the offering period of January 1, 2011 through June 30, 2011.

In January 2013, the Company issued 107,535 shares at a discounted price of $31.23 for the offering period of July 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012. In January 2012, the Company issued 103,243 shares at a discounted price of $32.98 for the offering period of July 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011.

The compensation expense recorded related to the ESPP was $1,396, $1,306 and $1,707 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The related income tax benefit for disqualified disposition was $157, $180 and $290 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The fair value of each award under the ESPP was estimated at the beginning of each offering period using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and assumptions in the table below. Expected volatilities are based on implied volatilities from traded options on the Company's stock and the historical volatility of the Company's stock. 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 dividend yield is based on the current annualized dividend and share price as of the grant date.

For awards issued during the years ended December 31,

<table><tr><td></td><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td></tr><tr><td>Expected volatility</td><td>25.26-36.77%</td><td>27.13-32.41%</td><td>30.84-55.94%</td></tr><tr><td>Risk free interest rates</td><td>0.06-0.10%</td><td>0.19-0.22%</td><td>0.18-0.33%</td></tr><tr><td>Dividend yield</td><td>1.72-1.95%</td><td>1.64-1.85%</td><td>1.97-2.46%</td></tr><tr><td>Expected term (years)</td><td>0.5</td><td>0.5</td><td>0.5</td></tr></table>



## Non-Stock Based Incentive Plans

## Deferred Compensation

The deferred compensation programs consist of the AIP, the ASIC and the ADC Plans. The AIP and ASIC Plans provided key employees the ability to exchange a portion of their compensation for options to purchase certain third-party mutual funds. The AIP and ASIC Plans were frozen in December 2004 and no additional contributions can be made to either Plan. Effective March 1, 2005 and amended and restated on January 1, 2008, the ADC Plan was established in order to comply with the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (“Jobs Act”) and IRC Section 409A. The ADC Plan provides key employees the ability to defer a portion of their eligible compensation to be notionally invested in a variety of mutual funds. Deferrals and withdrawals under the ADC Plan are intended to be fully compliant with the Jobs Act definition of eligible compensation and distribution requirements.

## 17. Stock Repurchase

The following table shows the shares repurchased during the periods indicated:

<table><tr><td>Period in 2012</td><td>Number of Shares Purchased</td><td>Average Price Paid Per Share</td><td>Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs</td></tr><tr><td>January</td><td>978,000</td><td>39.50</td><td>978,000</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>528,000</td><td>43.37</td><td>528,000</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>912,000</td><td>41.47</td><td>912,000</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>912,800</td><td>39.58</td><td>912,800</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>1,062,000</td><td>34.58</td><td>1,062,000</td></tr><tr><td>June</td><td>2,581,021</td><td>33.83</td><td>2,581,021</td></tr><tr><td>July</td><td>1,444,639</td><td>34.52</td><td>1,444,639</td></tr><tr><td>August</td><td>180,000</td><td>34.78</td><td>180,000</td></tr><tr><td>September</td><td>1,449,000</td><td>37.07</td><td>1,449,000</td></tr><tr><td>October</td><td>852,000</td><td>39.15</td><td>852,000</td></tr><tr><td>November</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>December</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>10,899,460</td><td>36.95</td><td>10,899,460</td></tr></table>

On January 18, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $600,000 of its outstanding common stock. On May 14, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to an additional $600,000 of its outstanding common stock, making the total remaining under the authorization $733,275 as of that date.
During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company repurchased 10,899,460 shares of the Company's outstanding common stock at a cost of $402,492, exclusive of commissions, leaving $502,900 remaining under the total repurchase authorization at December 31, 2012.

## 18. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Certain amounts included in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income are net of reclassification adjustments. The following table summarizes those reclassification adjustments as of the dates indicated:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2">(in thousands)</td><td colspan="5">Year Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Reclassification of net realized gains on sales of securities included in net income, net of taxes</td><td>$     27,503</td><td>$     15,907</td><td>$     26,544</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Reclassification of net realized losses on sales of securities previously written down included in net income, net of taxes</td><td>$      (77)</td><td>$      (994)</td><td>$      (1,034)</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Reclassification of amortization of prior service cost included in net income, net of taxes</td><td>$     15,155</td><td>$     10,334</td><td>$     9,820</td><td></td><td></td></tr></table>

## 19. Statutory Information

The Company’s insurance subsidiaries prepare financial statements on the basis of statutory accounting practices (“SAP”) prescribed or permitted by the insurance departments of their states of domicile. Prescribed SAP includes the Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) as well as state laws, regulations and administrative rules.

The principal differences between SAP and GAAP are: 1) policy acquisition costs are expensed as incurred under SAP, but are deferred



and amortized under GAAP; 2) the value of business acquired is not capitalized under SAP but is under GAAP; 3) amounts collected from holders of universal life-type and annuity products are recognized as premiums when collected under SAP, but are initially recorded as contract deposits under GAAP, with cost of insurance recognized as revenue when assessed and other contract charges recognized over the periods for which services are provided; 4) the classification and carrying amounts of investments in certain securities are different under SAP than under GAAP; 5) the criteria for providing asset valuation allowances, and the methodologies used to determine the amounts thereof, are different under SAP than under GAAP; 6) the timing of establishing certain reserves, and the methodologies used to determine the amounts thereof, are different under SAP than under GAAP. 7) certain assets are not admitted for purposes of determining surplus under SAP; 8) methodologies used to determine the amounts of deferred taxes, intangible assets and goodwill are different under SAP than under GAAP; and 9) the criteria for obtaining reinsurance accounting treatment is different under SAP than under GAAP.

The combined statutory net income, excluding intercompany dividends and surplus note interest, and capital and surplus of the Company’s U.S. domiciled statutory insurance subsidiaries follow:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Statutory net income</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>P&amp;C companies</td><td>$ 371,520</td><td>$ 367,315</td><td>$ 473,191</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Life companies</td><td>223,519</td><td>148,554</td><td>206,817</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL STATUTORY NET INCOME</td><td>$ 595,039</td><td>$ 515,869</td><td>$ 680,008</td><td></td></tr></table>

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Statutory capital and surplus</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>P&amp;C companies</td><td>$ 1,382,745</td><td>$ 1,227,075</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Life companies</td><td>973,446</td><td>1,084,411</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL STATUTORY CAPITAL AND SURPLUS</td><td>$ 2,356,191</td><td>$ 2,311,486</td><td></td></tr></table>

The Company also has non-insurance subsidiaries and foreign insurance subsidiaries that are not subject to SAP. The statutory net income and statutory capital and surplus presented above do not include foreign insurance subsidiaries in accordance with SAP.

Insurance enterprises are required by state insurance departments to adhere to minimum risk-based capital (“RBC”) requirements developed by the NAIC. All of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries exceed minimum RBC requirements.

The payment of dividends to the Company by any of the Company’s regulated U.S. domiciled insurance subsidiaries in excess of a certain amount (i.e., extraordinary dividends) must be approved by the subsidiary’s domiciliary state department of insurance. Ordinary dividends, for which no regulatory approval is generally required, are limited to amounts determined by a formula, which varies by state. The formula for the majority of the states in which the Company’s subsidiaries are domiciled is based on the prior year’s statutory net income or 10% of the statutory surplus as of the end of the prior year. Some states limit ordinary dividends to the greater of these two amounts, others limit them to the lesser of these two amounts and some states exclude prior year realized capital gains from prior year net income in determining ordinary dividend capacity. Some states have an additional stipulation that dividends may only be paid out of earned surplus. If insurance regulators determine that payment of an ordinary dividend or any other payments by the Company’s insurance subsidiaries to the Company (such as payments under a tax sharing agreement or payments for employee or other services) would be adverse to policyholders or creditors, the regulators may block such payments that would otherwise be permitted without prior approval. Based on the dividend restrictions under applicable laws and regulations, the maximum amount of dividends that the Company’s U.S. domiciled insurance subsidiaries could pay to the Company in 2013 without regulatory approval is approximately $524,000. No assurance can be given that there will not be further regulatory actions restricting the ability of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends.

## 20. Retirement and Other Employee Benefits

## Defined Benefit Plans

The Company and its subsidiaries participate in a non-contributory, qualified defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees. This Plan is considered “qualified” because it meets the requirements of Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a) (“IRC 401(a)”) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”). The qualified defined benefit pension plan is a pension equity plan with a grandfathered final average earnings plan for a certain group of employees. Benefits are based on certain years of service and the employee’s compensation during certain such years of service. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute amounts to the plan sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirements in ERISA, plus such additional amounts as the Company may determine to be appropriate from time to time up to the maximum permitted. The funding policy considers several factors to determine such additional amounts including items such as the amount of service cost plus 15% of the Assurant Pension Plan deficit and the capital position of the Company. During 2012, we contributed $50,000 in cash to the Assurant Pension Plan. We expect to contribute



$50,000 in cash to the Assurant Pension Plan over the course of 2013. Contributions are intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to service to date, but also for those expected to be earned in the future. Plan assets are maintained in a separate trust and as such are not included in the consolidated balance sheets of the Company.

The Company also has various non-contributory, non-qualified supplemental plans covering certain employees. Since these plans are “non-qualified” they are not subject to the laws and regulations of IRC 401(a) and ERISA. As such, the Company is not required, and does not, fund these plans. The qualified and nonqualified plans are referred to as “Pension Benefits” unless otherwise noted. The Company has the right to modify or terminate these benefits; however, the Company will not be relieved of its obligation to plan participants for their vested benefits.

In addition, the Company provides certain life and health care benefits (“Retirement Health Benefits”) for retired employees and their dependents. On July 1, 2011, the Company terminated certain health care benefits for employees who did not qualify for “grandfathered” status and no longer offers these benefits to new hires. The Company contribution, plan design and other terms of the remaining benefits will not change for those grandfathered employees. The Company has the right to modify or terminate these benefits. Plan assets and benefit obligations are measured as of December 31, 2012.

Summarized information on the Company’s Pension Benefits and Retirement Health Benefits plans (together the “Plans”) for the years ended December 31 is as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">Pension Benefits</td><td colspan="3">Retirement Health Benefits</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td></tr><tr><td>Change in projected benefit obligation</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year</td><td>$ (855,638)</td><td>$ (749,284)</td><td>$ (658,164)</td><td>$ (75,702)</td><td>$ (97,436)</td><td>$ (83,553)</td></tr><tr><td>Service cost</td><td>(35,609)</td><td>(31,832)</td><td>(30,945)</td><td>(2,762)</td><td>(3,233)</td><td>(4,556)</td></tr><tr><td>Interest cost</td><td>(38,348)</td><td>(38,919)</td><td>(38,772)</td><td>(3,483)</td><td>(3,915)</td><td>(5,005)</td></tr><tr><td>Amendments</td><td>0</td><td>(1,865)</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>13,541</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Actuarial loss</td><td>(60,106)</td><td>(73,449)</td><td>(56,952)</td><td>(6,288)</td><td>13,249</td><td>(6,050)</td></tr><tr><td>Benefits paid</td><td>33,529</td><td>39,711</td><td>35,549</td><td>1,998</td><td>2,092</td><td>1,728</td></tr><tr><td>Projected benefit obligation at end of year</td><td>$ (956,172)</td><td>$ (855,638)</td><td>$ (749,284)</td><td>$ (86,237)</td><td>$ (75,702)</td><td>$ (97,436)</td></tr><tr><td>Change in plan assets</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year</td><td>$ 601,662</td><td>$ 533,867</td><td>$ 460,961</td><td>$ 42,073</td><td>$ 39,663</td><td>$ 36,546</td></tr><tr><td>Actual return on plan assets</td><td>81,896</td><td>56,965</td><td>63,877</td><td>5,576</td><td>4,502</td><td>4,845</td></tr><tr><td>Employer contributions</td><td>56,096</td><td>51,740</td><td>45,493</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Benefits paid (including administrative expenses)</td><td>(34,678)</td><td>(40,910)</td><td>(36,464)</td><td>(1,998)</td><td>(2,092)</td><td>(1,728)</td></tr><tr><td>Fair value of plan assets at end of year</td><td>$ 704,976</td><td>$ 601,662</td><td>$ 533,867</td><td>$ 45,651</td><td>$ 42,073</td><td>$ 39,663</td></tr><tr><td>Funded status at end of year</td><td>$ (251,196)</td><td>$ (253,976)</td><td>$ (215,417)</td><td>$ (40,586)</td><td>$ (33,629)</td><td>$ (57,773)</td></tr></table>

In accordance with the guidance on retirement benefits, the Company aggregates the results of the qualified and non-qualified plans as “Pension Benefits” and is required to disclose the aggregate projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets, if the obligations within those plans exceed plan assets.

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the projected benefit obligations and the accumulated benefit obligations of Pension Benefits exceeded plan assets as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">Qualified Pension Benefits</td><td colspan="3">Non-Qualified Pension Benefits</td><td colspan="3">Total Pension Benefits</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fair value of plan assets</td><td>$ 704,976</td><td>$ 601,662</td><td>$ 533,867</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 704,976</td><td>$ 601,662</td><td>$ 533,867</td></tr><tr><td>Projected benefit obligation</td><td>(812,642)</td><td>(727,179)</td><td>(630,145)</td><td>(143,530)</td><td>(128,459)</td><td>(119,139)</td><td>(956,172)</td><td>(855,638)</td><td>(749,284)</td></tr><tr><td>Funded status at end of year</td><td>$ (107,666)</td><td>$ (125,517)</td><td>$ (96,278)</td><td>$ (143,530)</td><td>$ (128,459)</td><td>$ (119,139)</td><td>$ (251,196)</td><td>$ (253,976)</td><td>$ (215,417)</td></tr><tr><td>Accumulated benefit obligation</td><td>$ 673,427</td><td>$ 604,763</td><td>$ 512,072</td><td>$ 122,573</td><td>$ 110,435</td><td>$ 102,518</td><td>$ 796,000</td><td>$ 715,198</td><td>$ 614,590</td></tr></table>

The Pension Protection Act of 2006 (“PPA”) requires certain qualified plans, like the Assurant Pension Plan, to meet specified funding thresholds. If these funding thresholds are not met, there are negative consequences to the Plan and participants. If the funded percentage falls below 80%, full payment of lump sum benefits as well as implementation of amendments improving benefits are restricted.
As of January 1, 2012, the Plan’s funded percentage was 126.9% on a PPA calculated basis (based on an actuarial average value of assets compared to the funding target). Therefore, benefit and payment restrictions did not occur during 2012. The 2012 funded measure will also be used to determine restrictions, if any, that can occur during the first nine months of 2012. Due to the funding status of the Plan in 2012, no restrictions will exist before October 2013 (the time that the January 1, 2013 actuarial valuation needs to be completed). Also, based on the estimated funded status as of January 1, 2013, we do not anticipate any restrictions on benefits for the remainder of 2013.



Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">Pension Benefits</td><td colspan="4">Retirement Health Benefits</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">2012</td><td colspan="2">2011</td><td colspan="2">2012</td><td colspan="2">2011</td></tr><tr><td>Assets</td><td>$     0</td><td>$     0</td><td>$     0</td><td>$     0</td><td>$     0</td><td>$     3</td><td>$     0</td><td>$     0</td></tr><tr><td>Liabilities</td><td>$ (251,196)</td><td>$ (253,976)</td><td>$ (215,417)</td><td>$ (40,586)</td><td>$ (33,629)</td><td>$ (57,773)</td><td></td><td></td></tr></table>

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">Pension Benefits</td><td colspan="4">Retirement Health Benefits</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">2012</td><td colspan="2">2011</td><td colspan="2">2012</td><td colspan="2">2011</td></tr><tr><td>Net loss</td><td>$ (282,491)</td><td>$ (286,535)</td><td>$ (242,902)</td><td>$ 261</td><td>$ 3,741</td><td>$ (10,763)</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Prior service cost</td><td>(4,975)</td><td>(5,756)</td><td>(5,578)</td><td>7,035</td><td>7,968</td><td>(5,848)</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>$ (287,466)</td><td>$ (292,291)</td><td>$ (248,480)</td><td>$ 7,296</td><td>$ 11,709</td><td>$ (16,611)</td><td></td><td></td></tr></table>

Components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">Pension Benefits</td><td colspan="3">Retirement Health Benefits</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td></tr><tr><td>Net periodic benefit cost</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Service cost</td><td>$ 35,609</td><td>$ 31,832</td><td>$ 30,945</td><td>$ 2,762</td><td>$ 3,233</td><td>$ 4,556</td></tr><tr><td>Interest cost</td><td>38,348</td><td>38,919</td><td>38,772</td><td>3,483</td><td>3,915</td><td>5,005</td></tr><tr><td>Expected return on plan assets</td><td>(40,064)</td><td>(40,698)</td><td>(38,069)</td><td>(2,768)</td><td>(2,957)</td><td>(2,685)</td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of prior service cost</td><td>781</td><td>795</td><td>970</td><td>(933)</td><td>275</td><td>1,483</td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of net loss (gain)</td><td>23,467</td><td>15,119</td><td>12,654</td><td>0</td><td>(290)</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Curtailment (gain)/settlement loss</td><td>0</td><td>521</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Net periodic benefit cost</td><td>$ 58,141</td><td>$ 46,488</td><td>$ 45,272</td><td>$ 2,544</td><td>$ 4,176</td><td>$ 8,359</td></tr><tr><td>Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net loss</td><td>$ 19,423</td><td>$ 58,752</td><td>$ 32,059</td><td>$ 3,480</td><td>$ (14,794)</td><td>$ 3,890</td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of prior service cost</td><td>(781)</td><td>(1,687)</td><td>(970)</td><td>933</td><td>(275)</td><td>(1,483)</td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of net (loss) gain</td><td>(23,467)</td><td>(15,119)</td><td>(12,654)</td><td>0</td><td>290</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Prior service credit</td><td>0</td><td>1,865</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>(13,541)</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income</td><td>$ (4,825)</td><td>$ 43,811</td><td>$ 18,435</td><td>$ 4,413</td><td>$ (28,320)</td><td>$ 2,407</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL RECOGNIZED IN NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</td><td>$ 53,316</td><td>$ 90,299</td><td>$ 63,707</td><td>$ 6,957</td><td>$ (24,144)</td><td>$ 10,766</td></tr></table>

The Company uses a five-year averaging method to determine the market-related value of plan assets, which is used to calculate the expected return of plan assets component of the Plans' expense. Under this methodology, asset gains/losses that result from actual returns which differ from the Company's expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption are recognized in the market-related value of assets on a level basis over a five year period. The difference between actual as compared to expected asset returns for the Plans will be fully reflected in the market-related value of plan assets over the next five years using the methodology described above.
The estimated net loss and prior service cost of Pension Benefits that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $26,198 and $691, respectively. The prior service cost of Retirement Health Benefits that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic cost over the next fiscal year is $933. There was no estimated net loss of Retirement Health Benefits that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic cost over the next fiscal year.

Determination of the projected benefit obligation was based on the following weighted-average assumptions for the years ended December 31:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">Qualified Pension Benefits</td><td colspan="3">Nonqualified Pension Benefits</td><td colspan="3">Retirement Health Benefits</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2020</td></tr><tr><td>Discount rate</td><td>4.12%</td><td>4.59%</td><td>5.44%</td><td>3.71%</td><td>4.40%</td><td>5.11%</td><td>4.12%</td><td>4.64%</td><td>5.55%</td></tr></table>



Determination of the net periodic benefit cost was based on the following weighted-average assumptions for the years ended December 31:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">Qualified Pension Benefits</td><td colspan="3">Nonqualified Pension Benefits</td><td colspan="3">Retirement Health Benefits</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>20</td></tr><tr><td>Discount rate</td><td>4.59%</td><td>5.44%</td><td>5.94%</td><td>4.40%</td><td>5.11%</td><td>5.73%</td><td>4.64%</td><td>5.55%</td><td>6.06%</td></tr><tr><td>Expected long-term return on plan assets</td><td>6.75%</td><td>7.50%</td><td>7.50%</td><td>0%</td><td>0%</td><td>0%</td><td>6.75%</td><td>7.50%</td><td>7.50%</td></tr></table>

* Assumed rates of compensation increases are also used to determine net periodic benefit cost. Assumed rates varied by age and ranged from 3.25% – 9.30% for the Pension Benefits for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

The selection of our discount rate assumption reflects the rate at which the Plans’ obligations could be effectively settled at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. The methodology for selecting the discount rate was to match each Plan’s cash flows to that of a yield curve that provides the equivalent yields on zero-coupon corporate bonds for each maturity. The yield curve utilized in the cash flow analysis was comprised of 189 bonds rated AA by either Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s with maturities between zero and thirty years. The discount rate for each Plan is the single rate that produces the same present value of cash flows.

To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption, the Company considered the current level of expected returns on risk free investments (primarily, government bonds), the historical level of the risk premium associated with the other asset classes in which the portfolio is invested and the expectations for future returns of each asset class. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets reflects the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested or to be invested. The expected return for each asset class was then weighted based on the targeted asset allocation to develop the expected long-term rate of return on asset assumptions for the portfolio. The Company believes the current assumption reflects the projected return on the invested assets, given the current market conditions and the modified portfolio structure. Actual return on plan assets was 13.6% and 10.7% for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The assumed health care cost trend rates used in measuring the accumulated benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost were as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">Retirement Health Benefits</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td></tr><tr><td>Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Pre-65 Non-reimbursement Plan</td><td>9.2%</td><td>9.8%</td><td>9.1%</td></tr><tr><td>Post-65 Non-reimbursement Plan</td><td>9.0%</td><td>9.5%</td><td>9.1%</td></tr><tr><td>Pre-65 Reimbursement Plan</td><td>9.2%</td><td>9.8%</td><td>9.1%</td></tr><tr><td>Post-65 Reimbursement Plan</td><td>9.2%</td><td>9.8%</td><td>11.1%</td></tr><tr><td>Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)</td><td>4.5%</td><td>4.5%</td><td>4.5%</td></tr><tr><td>Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Pre-65 Non-reimbursement Plan</td><td>2028</td><td>2028</td><td>2028</td></tr><tr><td>Post-65 Non-reimbursement Plan</td><td>2028</td><td>2028</td><td>2028</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Pre-65 Reimbursement Plan</td><td>2028</td><td>2028</td><td>2028</td><td></td></tr></table>

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">Retirement Health Benefits</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">2012</td><td colspan="2">2011</td></tr><tr><td>One percentage point increase in health care cost trend rate</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Effect on total of service and interest cost components</td><td>$     44</td><td>$     62</td><td>$     52</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Effect on postretirement benefit obligation</td><td>727</td><td>863</td><td>695</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>One percentage point decrease in health care cost trend rate</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Effect on total of service and interest cost components</td><td>$      (66)</td><td>$      (91)</td><td>$      (67)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Effect on postretirement benefit obligation</td><td>(1,031)</td><td>(1,196)</td><td>(838)</td><td></td></tr></table>

The assets of the Plans are managed to maximize their long-term pre-tax investment return, subject to the following dual constraints: minimization of required contributions and maintenance of solvency requirements. It is anticipated that periodic contributions to the Plans will, for the foreseeable future, be sufficient to meet benefit payments thus allowing the balance to be managed according to a long-term approach. The Investment Committee for the Plans meets on a quarterly basis and reviews the re-balancing of existing fund assets and the asset allocation of new fund contributions.
The goal of our asset strategy is to ensure that the growth in the value of the fund over the long-term, both in real and nominal terms, manages (controls) risk exposure. Risk is managed by investing in a broad range of asset classes, and within those asset classes, a broad range of individual securities. Diversification by asset classes stabilizes total fund results over short-term time periods. Each asset class is externally managed by outside investment managers appointed by the Investment Committee. Derivatives may be used consistent with the Plan’s investment objectives established by the Investment Committee. All securities must be U.S. dollar denominated.



In 2012, 8% of the Plans’ assets were allocated to Mesirow Institutional Multi-Strategy Fund, L.P. (“MIMSF”). MIMSF is a multi-strategy product for U.S. tax-exempt investors subject to ERISA. MIMSF allocates to five primary sub-strategies including hedged equity, credit, event, relative value and multi-strategy. Allocations to these sub-strategies will shift over time depending upon MIMSF’s investment outlook. MIMSF is managed to be broadly diversified in terms of both strategy and manager exposures.

In 2012, approximately less than 1% of the Plan’s assets are allocated to Private Equity Partners XI Limited Partnership (“PEP XI”). PEP XI is a global diversified private equity fund-of-funds providing broad exposure to partnership investments across a diverse set of strategies such as leveraged buyouts, growth capital, venture capital, turnaround, and industry-focused investments. PEP XI expects to allocate approximately 75% of capital available for investment to partnership investments and up to 25% to direct and secondary investments, of which secondary investments are not expected to exceed 10% of funds available.

The Investment Committee that oversees the investment of the plan assets conducts an annual review of the investment strategies and policies of the Plans. This includes a review of the strategic asset allocation, including the relationship of the Plans’ liabilities and portfolio structure. As a result of this review, the Investment Committee has adopted the current target asset allocation. The allocation is consistent with 2011.

<table><tr><td colspan="4">Financial Assets</td></tr><tr><td>Equity securities \( ^{(1)} \) :</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Common stock- U.S. listed small cap</td><td>5.0%</td><td>7.5%</td><td>10.0%</td></tr><tr><td>Mutual fund- U.S. listed large cap</td><td>22.0%</td><td>27.0%</td><td>32.0%</td></tr><tr><td>Common/collective trust- foreign listed</td><td>5.0%</td><td>7.5%</td><td>10.0%</td></tr><tr><td>Fixed maturity securities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>U.S. &amp; foreign government and government agencies and authorities</td><td>8.0%</td><td>10.5%</td><td>13.0%</td></tr><tr><td>Corporate- U.S &amp; foreign investment grade</td><td>29.5%</td><td>32.0%</td><td>34.5%</td></tr><tr><td>Corporate- U.S &amp; foreign high yield</td><td>5.0%</td><td>7.5%</td><td>10.0%</td></tr><tr><td>Investment fund:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Multi-strategy hedge fund</td><td>5.5%</td><td>8.0%</td><td>10.5%</td></tr></table>

(1) The Plans’ long-term asset allocation targets are 30% equity, 50% fixed income and 20% investment funds. Current target asset allocations for equity securities include allocations for investment funds. The Company invests certain plan assets in investment funds, examples of which include real estate investment funds and private equity funds, during 2012. Amounts allocated for these investments are included in the equity securities caption of the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2012, provided in the section above.

(2) It is understood that these guidelines are targets and that deviations may occur periodically as a result of cash flows, market impact or short-term decisions implemented by either the Investment Committee or their investment managers.

The assets of the Plans are primarily invested in fixed maturity and equity securities. While equity risk is fully retained, interest rate risk is hedged by aligning the duration of the fixed maturity securities with the duration of the liabilities. Specifically, interest rate swaps are used to synthetically extend the duration of fixed maturity securities to match the duration of the liabilities, as measured on a projected benefit obligation basis. In addition, the Plans’ fixed income securities have exposure to credit risk. In order to adequately diversify and limit exposure to credit risk, the Investment Committee established parameters which include a limit on the asset types that managers are permitted to purchase, maximum exposure limits by sector and by individual issuer (based on asset quality) and minimum required ratings on individual securities. As of December 31, 2012, 48.1% of plan assets were invested in fixed maturity securities and 14.7%, 11.8% and 8.3% of those securities were concentrated in the financial, communications and consumer non-cyclical industries, with no exposure to any single creditor in excess of 6.1%, 8.6% and 10.4% of those industries, respectively. As of December 31, 2012, 41.0% of plan assets were invested in equity securities and 58.4% of the Plans’ equity securities were invested in a mutual fund that attempts to replicate the return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 index (“S&P 500”) by investing its assets in large capitalization stocks that are included in the S&P 500 using a weighting similar to the S&P 500.



The fair value hierarchy for the Company's qualified pension plan and other post retirement benefit plan assets at December 31, 2012 by asset category, is as follows:

<table><tr><td colspan="2">Qualified Pension Benefits</td><td colspan="4">December 31, 2012</td></tr><tr><td>Financial Assets</td><td></td><td>Total</td><td>Level 1</td><td>Level 2</td><td>Level 3</td></tr><tr><td>Cash and cash equivalents:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Short-term investment funds</td><td>$     18,288</td><td>$     0</td><td>$     18,288</td><td>$     0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Equity securities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Common stock- U.S. listed small cap</td><td>53,327</td><td>53,327</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Mutual funds- U.S. listed large cap</td><td>168,933</td><td>168,933</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Common/collective trust- foreign listed</td><td>67,065</td><td>0</td><td>67,065</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fixed maturity securities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>U.S. &amp; foreign government and government agencies and authorities</td><td>96,622</td><td>0</td><td>96,622</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Corporate- U.S &amp; foreign investment grade</td><td>202,434</td><td>0</td><td>202,434</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Corporate- U.S &amp; foreign high yield</td><td>40,346</td><td>0</td><td>40,346</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Investment fund:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Multi-strategy hedge fund</td><td>54,333</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>54,333</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Private equity</td><td>65</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>65</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Derivatives:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Interest rate swap</td><td>14,622</td><td>0</td><td>14,622</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL FINANCIAL ASSETS</td><td>$     716,035 \( ^{1)}</td><td>$     222,260</td><td>$     439,377</td><td>$     54,398</td><td></td></tr></table>

(1) The difference between the fair value of plan assets above and the amount used in determining the funded status is due to interest receivable which is not required to be included in the fair value hierarchy.

<table><tr><td colspan="2">Retirement Health Benefits</td><td colspan="4">December 31, 2012</td></tr><tr><td>Financial Assets</td><td></td><td>Total</td><td>Level 1</td><td>Level 2</td><td>Level 3</td></tr><tr><td>Cash and cash equivalents:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Short-term investment funds</td><td>$     1,185</td><td>$     0</td><td>$     1,185</td><td>$     0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Equity securities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Common stock- U.S. listed small cap</td><td>3,453</td><td>3,453</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Mutual funds- U.S. listed large cap</td><td>10,939</td><td>10,939</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Common/collective trust- foreign listed</td><td>4,343</td><td>0</td><td>4,343</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fixed maturity securities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>U.S. &amp; foreign government and government agencies and authorities</td><td>6,257</td><td>0</td><td>6,257</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Corporate- U.S &amp; foreign investment grade</td><td>13,109</td><td>0</td><td>13,109</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Corporate- U.S &amp; foreign high yield</td><td>2,613</td><td>0</td><td>2,613</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Investment fund:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Multi-strategy hedge fund</td><td>3,518</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>3,518</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Private equity</td><td>4</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>4</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Derivatives:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Interest rate swap</td><td>947</td><td>0</td><td>947</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL FINANCIAL ASSETS</td><td>$     46,368 \( ^{1)}</td><td>$     14,392</td><td>$     28,454</td><td>$     3,522</td><td></td></tr></table>

(1) The difference between the fair value of plan assets above and the amount used in determining the funded status is due to interest receivable which is not required to be included in the fair value hierarchy.



The fair value hierarchy for the Company’s qualified pension plan and other post retirement benefit plan assets at December 31, 2011 by asset category, is as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2">Qualified Pension Benefits Financial Assets</td><td colspan="5">December 31, 2011</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>Level 1</td><td>Level 2</td><td>Level 3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cash and cash equivalents:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Short-term investment funds</td><td>$ 20,235</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 20,235</td><td>$ 0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Equity securities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Common stock- U.S. listed small cap</td><td>46,983</td><td>46,983</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Mutual funds- U.S. listed large cap</td><td>142,337</td><td>142,337</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Common/collective trust- foreign listed</td><td>45,466</td><td>0</td><td>45,466</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fixed maturity securities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>U.S. &amp; foreign government and government agencies and authorities</td><td>90,872</td><td>0</td><td>90,872</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Corporate- U.S &amp; foreign investment grade</td><td>177,043</td><td>0</td><td>177,043</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Corporate- U.S &amp; foreign high yield</td><td>35,924</td><td>0</td><td>35,924</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Investment fund:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Multi-strategy hedge fund</td><td>43,200</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>43,200</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Private equity</td><td>144</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>144</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Derivatives:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Interest rate swap</td><td>16,089</td><td>0</td><td>16,089</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL FINANCIAL ASSETS</td><td>$ 618,293 \( ^{(1)} \)</td><td>$ 189,320</td><td>$ 385,629</td><td>$ 43,344</td><td></td></tr></table>

(1) The difference between the fair value of plan assets above and the amount used in determining the funded status is due to interest receivable which is not required to be included in the fair value hierarchy.

<table><tr><td rowspan="2">Retirement Health Benefits Financial Assets</td><td colspan="5">December 31, 2011</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>Level 1</td><td>Level 2</td><td>Level 3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cash and cash equivalents:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Short-term investment funds</td><td>$ 1,415</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 1,415</td><td>$ 0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Equity securities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Common stock- U.S. listed small cap</td><td>3,286</td><td>3,286</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Mutual funds- U.S. listed large cap</td><td>9,953</td><td>9,953</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Common/collective trust- foreign listed</td><td>3,179</td><td>0</td><td>3,179</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fixed maturity securities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>U.S. &amp; foreign government and government agencies and authorities</td><td>6,355</td><td>0</td><td>6,355</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Corporate- U.S &amp; foreign investment grade</td><td>12,380</td><td>0</td><td>12,380</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Corporate- U.S &amp; foreign high yield</td><td>2,512</td><td>0</td><td>2,512</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Investment fund:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Multi-strategy hedge fund</td><td>3,021</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>3,021</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Private equity</td><td>10</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>10</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Derivatives:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Interest rate swap</td><td>1,125</td><td>0</td><td>1,125</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL FINANCIAL ASSETS</td><td>$ 43,236 \( ^{(1)} \)</td><td>$ 13,239</td><td>$ 26,966</td><td>$ 3,031</td><td></td></tr></table>

(1) The difference between the fair value of plan assets above and the amount used in determining the funded status is due to interest receivable which is not required to be included in the fair value hierarchy.

The following table for the Company’s qualified pension plan and retirement health benefit plan summarizes the change in fair value associated with the MIMSF and PEP XI, the only Level 3 financial assets.

<table><tr><td></td><td>Pension Benefit</td><td>Retirement Health Benefit</td></tr><tr><td>Beginning balance at December 31, 2011</td><td>$ 43,344</td><td>$ 3,031</td></tr><tr><td>Actual return on plan assets and plan expenses</td><td>11,054</td><td>491</td></tr><tr><td>ENDING BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2012</td><td>$ 54,398</td><td>$ 3,522</td></tr></table>



For all the financial assets included in the above hierarchy, the market valuation technique is used. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the application of the valuation technique applied to similar assets has been consistent.

Level 1 and Level 2 securities are valued using various observable market inputs obtained from a pricing service. The pricing service prepares estimates of fair value measurements for our Level 2 securities using proprietary valuation models based on techniques such as matrix pricing which include observable market inputs. Observable market inputs for Level 1 and 2 securities are consistent with the observable market inputs described in Note 6, Fair Value Disclosures. The MIFSF utilizes all three levels of inputs to price its holdings. Since unobservable inputs may have been significant to the fair value measurement, it was classified as Level 3.
The Company obtains one price for each investment. A quarterly analysis is performed to assess if the evaluated prices represent a reasonable estimate of their fair value. This process involves quantitative and qualitative analysis and is overseen by benefits, investment and accounting professionals. Examples of procedures performed include, but are not limited to, initial and on-going review of pricing service methodologies, review of pricing statistics and trends, and comparison of prices for certain securities with two different appropriate price sources for reasonableness. Following this analysis, the Company uses the best estimate of fair value based upon all available inputs. The pricing service provides information regarding their pricing procedures so that the Company can properly categorize the Plans' financial assets in the fair value hierarchy.

The Company expects to contribute up to $50,000 to its qualified pension plan in 2013. No contributions are expected to be made to the retirement health benefit plan in 2013.

The following pension benefits, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:

<table><tr><td></td><td>Pension Benefits</td><td>Retirement Health Benefits</td></tr><tr><td>2013</td><td>$ 40,926</td><td>$ 2,816</td></tr><tr><td>2014</td><td>43,723</td><td>3,097</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>68,015</td><td>3,429</td></tr><tr><td>2016</td><td>51,108</td><td>3,819</td></tr><tr><td>2017</td><td>53,691</td><td>4,224</td></tr><tr><td>2018-2021</td><td>330,292</td><td>27,499</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 587,755</td><td>$ 44,884</td></tr></table>

## Defined Contribution Plan

The Company and its subsidiaries participate in a defined contribution plan covering substantially all employees. The defined contribution plan provides benefits payable to participants on retirement or disability and to beneficiaries of participants in the event of the participant’s death. The amounts expensed by the Company related to this plan were $37,237, $33,337 and $33,043 in 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

## 21. Segment Information

The Company has five reportable segments, which are defined based on the nature of the products and services offered: Assurant Solutions, Assurant Specialty Property, Assurant Health, Assurant Employee Benefits, and Corporate & Other. Assurant Solutions provides debt protection administration, credit-related insurance, warranties and service contracts, and pre-funded funeral insurance. Assurant Specialty Property provides lender-placed homeowners insurance and manufactured housing homeowners insurance. Assurant Health provides individual health and small employer group health insurance. Assurant Employee Benefits primarily provides group dental insurance, group disability insurance, and group life insurance. Corporate & Other includes activities of the holding company, financing and interest expenses, net realized gains (losses) on investments and interest income earned from short-term investments held. Corporate & Other also includes the amortization of deferred gains associated with the sales of Fortis Financial Group and Long-Term Care through reinsurance agreements.

The Company evaluates performance of the operating segments based on segment income (loss) after-tax excluding realized gains (losses) on investments. The Company determines reportable segments in a manner consistent with the way the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) makes operating decisions and assesses performance. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. See Note 2 for further information.



The following tables summarize selected financial information by segment for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:

Year Ended December 31, 2012

<table><tr><td></td><td>Solutions</td><td>Specialty Property</td><td>Health</td><td>Employee Benefits</td><td>Corporate &amp; Other</td><td>Consolidated</td></tr><tr><td>Revenues</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net earned premiums and other considerations</td><td>$ 2,579,220</td><td>$ 2,054,041</td><td>$ 1,589,459</td><td>$ 1,014,264</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 7,236,984</td></tr><tr><td>Net investment income</td><td>396,681</td><td>103,327</td><td>64,308</td><td>128,485</td><td>20,327</td><td>713,128</td></tr><tr><td>Net realized gains on investments</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>64,353</td><td>64,353</td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of deferred gain on disposal of businesses</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>18,413</td><td>18,413</td></tr><tr><td>Fees and other income</td><td>314,072</td><td>98,621</td><td>30,518</td><td>28,468</td><td>3,713</td><td>475,392</td></tr><tr><td>Total revenues</td><td>3,289,973</td><td>2,255,989</td><td>1,684,285</td><td>1,171,217</td><td>106,806</td><td>8,508,270</td></tr><tr><td>Benefits, losses and expenses</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Policyholder benefits</td><td>840,133</td><td>949,157</td><td>1,174,108</td><td>693,067</td><td>(1,061)</td><td>3,655,404</td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired</td><td>1,050,585</td><td>326,466</td><td>441</td><td>25,721</td><td>2</td><td>1,403,215</td></tr><tr><td>Underwriting, general and administrative expenses</td><td>1,217,401</td><td>517,822</td><td>420,629</td><td>364,321</td><td>111,421</td><td>2,631,594</td></tr><tr><td>Interest expense</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>60,306</td><td>60,306</td></tr><tr><td>Total benefits, losses and expenses</td><td>3,108,119</td><td>1,793,445</td><td>1,595,178</td><td>1,083,109</td><td>170,668</td><td>7,750,519</td></tr><tr><td>Segment income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes</td><td>181,854</td><td>462,544</td><td>89,107</td><td>88,108</td><td>(63,862)</td><td>757,751</td></tr><tr><td>Provision (benefit) for income taxes</td><td>58,101</td><td>157,593</td><td>37,107</td><td>30,049</td><td>(8,804)</td><td>274,046</td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$ 123,753</td><td>$ 304,951</td><td>$ 52,000</td><td>$ 58,059</td><td>$ (55,058)</td><td>$ 483,705</td></tr><tr><td>Segment Assets:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Segment assets, excluding goodwill</td><td>$ 12,342,077</td><td>$ 4,207,746</td><td>$ 882,731</td><td>$ 2,366,097</td><td>$ 8,507,242</td><td>$ 28,305,893</td></tr><tr><td>Goodwill</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>640,714</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL ASSETS</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>$ 28,946,607</td></tr></table>

Year Ended December 31, 2011

<table><tr><td></td><td>Solutions</td><td>Specialty Property</td><td>Health</td><td>Employee Benefits</td><td>Corporate &amp; Other</td><td>Consolidated</td></tr><tr><td>Revenues</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net earned premiums and other considerations</td><td>$ 2,438,407</td><td>$ 1,904,638</td><td>$ 1,718,300</td><td>$ 1,064,023</td><td>$ 0</td><td>$ 7,125,368</td></tr><tr><td>Net investment income</td><td>393,575</td><td>103,259</td><td>45,911</td><td>129,640</td><td>17,147</td><td>689,532</td></tr><tr><td>Net realized gains on investments</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>32,580</td><td>32,580</td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of deferred gain on disposal of businesses</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>20,461</td><td>20,461</td></tr><tr><td>Fees and other income</td><td>265,204</td><td>79,337</td><td>34,635</td><td>25,382</td><td>305</td><td>404,863</td></tr><tr><td>Total revenues</td><td>3,097,186</td><td>2,087,234</td><td>1,798,846</td><td>1,219,045</td><td>70,493</td><td>8,272,804</td></tr><tr><td>Benefits, losses and expenses</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Policyholder benefits</td><td>847,254</td><td>857,223</td><td>1,271,060</td><td>767,723</td><td>6,474</td><td>3,749,734</td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired</td><td>1,002,995</td><td>299,657</td><td>605</td><td>24,531</td><td>0</td><td>1,327,788</td></tr><tr><td>Underwriting, general and administrative expenses</td><td>1,034,685</td><td>470,169</td><td>460,041</td><td>361,541</td><td>102,359</td><td>2,428,795</td></tr><tr><td>Interest expense</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>60,360</td><td>60,360</td></tr><tr><td>Total benefits, losses and expenses</td><td>2,884,934</td><td>1,627,049</td><td>1,731,706</td><td>1,153,795</td><td>169,193</td><td>7,566,677</td></tr><tr><td>Segment income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes and goodwill impairment</td><td>212,252</td><td>460,185</td><td>67,140</td><td>65,250</td><td>(98,700)</td><td>706,127</td></tr><tr><td>Provision (benefit) for income taxes</td><td>76,202</td><td>156,462</td><td>26,254</td><td>22,175</td><td>(113,922)</td><td>167,171</td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$ 136,050</td><td>$ 303,723</td><td>$ 40,886</td><td>$ 43,075</td><td>$ 15,222</td><td>$ 538,956</td></tr><tr><td>Segment Assets:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Segment assets, excluding goodwill</td><td>$ 11,333,833</td><td>$ 3,387,027</td><td>$ 1,067,423</td><td>$ 2,477,192</td><td>$ 8,115,290</td><td>$ 26,380,765</td></tr><tr><td>Goodwill</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>639,097</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL ASSETS</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>$ 27,019,862</td></tr></table>



<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="6">Year Ended December 31, 2010</td></tr><tr><td>Solutions</td><td>Specialty Property</td><td>Health</td><td>Employee Benefits</td><td>Corporate &amp; Other</td><td>Consolidated</td></tr><tr><td>Revenues</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net earned premiums and other considerations</td><td>$ 2,484,299</td><td>$ 1,953,223</td><td>$ 1,864,122</td><td>$ 1,101,395</td><td>$</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Net investment income</td><td>397,297</td><td>107,092</td><td>48,540</td><td>132,388</td><td>17,873</td><td>703,190</td></tr><tr><td>Net realized gains on investments</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>48,403</td><td>48,403</td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of deferred gain on disposal of businesses</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>10,406</td><td>10,406</td></tr><tr><td>Fees and other income</td><td>228,052</td><td>69,147</td><td>40,133</td><td>25,152</td><td>200</td><td>362,684</td></tr><tr><td>Total revenues</td><td>3,109,648</td><td>2,129,462</td><td>1,952,795</td><td>1,258,935</td><td>76,882</td><td>8,527,722</td></tr><tr><td>Benefits, losses and expenses</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Policyholder benefits</td><td>884,405</td><td>684,653</td><td>1,302,929</td><td>766,050</td><td>(2,038)</td><td>3,635,999</td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired</td><td>1,054,776</td><td>317,961</td><td>5,577</td><td>23,255</td><td>0</td><td>1,401,569</td></tr><tr><td>Underwriting, general and administrative expenses</td><td>1,004,469</td><td>479,659</td><td>558,182</td><td>372,482</td><td>101,830</td><td>2,516,622</td></tr><tr><td>Interest expense</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>60,646</td><td>60,646</td></tr><tr><td>Total benefits, losses and expenses</td><td>2,943,650</td><td>1,482,273</td><td>1,866,688</td><td>1,161,787</td><td>160,438</td><td>7,614,836</td></tr><tr><td>Segment income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes and goodwill impairment</td><td>165,998</td><td>647,189</td><td>86,107</td><td>97,148</td><td>(83,556)</td><td>912,886</td></tr><tr><td>Provision (benefit) for income taxes</td><td>64,465</td><td>222,658</td><td>31,233</td><td>33,596</td><td>(24,054)</td><td>327,898</td></tr><tr><td>Segment income (loss) before goodwill impairment</td><td>101,533</td><td>424,531</td><td>54,874</td><td>63,552</td><td>(59,502)</td><td>584,988</td></tr><tr><td>Goodwill impairment</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>306,381</td><td>306,381</td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$ 101,533</td><td>$ 424,531</td><td>$ 54,874</td><td>$ 63,552</td><td>$ (365,883)</td><td>$ 278,607</td></tr><tr><td>Segment Assets:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Segment assets, excluding goodwill</td><td>$ 10,890,210</td><td>$ 3,145,280</td><td>$ 1,046,662</td><td>$ 2,482,523</td><td>$ 8,161,047</td><td>$ 25,725,722</td></tr><tr><td>Goodwill</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>619,779</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL ASSETS</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>$ 26,345,501</td></tr></table>

The Company operates primarily in the United States and Canada, but also in select international markets.

The following table summarizes selected financial information by geographic location for the years ended or as of December 31:

<table><tr><td>Location</td><td>Revenues</td><td>Long-lived assets</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>United States</td><td>$ 7,382,252</td><td>$ 243,434</td></tr><tr><td>Foreign countries</td><td>1,126,018</td><td>7,543</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 8,508,270</td><td>$ 250,977</td></tr><tr><td>2011</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>United States</td><td>$ 7,233,475</td><td>$ 235,031</td></tr><tr><td>Foreign countries</td><td>1,039,329</td><td>7,877</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 8,272,804</td><td>$ 242,908</td></tr><tr><td>2010</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>United States</td><td>$ 7,539,514</td><td>$ 258,777</td></tr><tr><td>Foreign countries</td><td>988,208</td><td>8,392</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 8,527,722</td><td>$ 267,169</td></tr></table>

Revenue is based in the country where the product was sold and long-lived assets, which are primarily property and equipment, are based on the physical location of those assets. The Company has no reportable major customers.



The Companies net earned premiums and other considerations by segment and product are as follows:

<table><tr><td></td><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td></tr><tr><td>Solutions:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Credit</td><td>$ 590,843</td><td>$ 564,411</td><td>$ 535,832</td></tr><tr><td>Service contracts</td><td>1,816,785</td><td>1,694,363</td><td>1,750,891</td></tr><tr><td>Preneed</td><td>80,978</td><td>101,722</td><td>130,558</td></tr><tr><td>Other</td><td>90,614</td><td>77,911</td><td>67,018</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 2,579,220</td><td>$ 2,438,407</td><td>$ 2,484,299</td></tr><tr><td>Specialty Property:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowners (lender-placed and voluntary)</td><td>$ 1,418,061</td><td>$ 1,274,485</td><td>$ 1,342,791</td></tr><tr><td>Manufactured housing (lender-placed and voluntary)</td><td>207,675</td><td>216,613</td><td>220,309</td></tr><tr><td>Other</td><td>428,305</td><td>413,540</td><td>390,123</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 2,054,041</td><td>$ 1,904,638</td><td>$ 1,953,223</td></tr><tr><td>Health:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Individual</td><td>$ 1,178,878</td><td>$ 1,251,447</td><td>$ 1,375,005</td></tr><tr><td>Small employer group markets</td><td>410,581</td><td>466,853</td><td>489,117</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 1,589,459</td><td>$ 1,718,300</td><td>$ 1,864,122</td></tr><tr><td>Employee Benefits:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Group dental</td><td>$ 394,413</td><td>$ 412,339</td><td>$ 420,439</td></tr><tr><td>Group disability</td><td>409,757</td><td>449,293</td><td>488,411</td></tr><tr><td>Group life</td><td>188,246</td><td>193,914</td><td>191,892</td></tr><tr><td>Group vision and supplemental products</td><td>21,848</td><td>8,477</td><td>653</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$ 1,014,264</td><td>$ 1,064,023</td><td>$ 1,101,395</td></tr></table>

## 22. Earnings per common share

The following table presents net income, the weighted average common shares used in calculating basic earnings per common share and those used in calculating diluted earnings per common share for each period presented below.

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Numerator</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$ 483,705</td><td>$ 538,956</td><td>$ 278,607</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Deduct dividends paid</td><td>(69,393)</td><td>(67,385)</td><td>(69,618)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Undistributed earnings</td><td>$ 414,312</td><td>$ 471,571</td><td>$ 208,989</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Denominator</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Weighted average shares outstanding used in basic earnings per share calculations</td><td>84,276,427</td><td>96,626,306</td><td>110,632,551</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Incremental common shares from:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>PSUs</td><td>786,088</td><td>870,961</td><td>496,856</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>SARs</td><td>133,405</td><td>192,756</td><td>219,323</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>ESPP</td><td>111,145</td><td>105,286</td><td>124,484</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Weighted average shares used in diluted earnings per share calculations</td><td>85,307,065</td><td>97,795,309</td><td>111,473,214</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Earnings per common share—Basic</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Distributed earnings</td><td>$ 0.81</td><td>$ 0.70</td><td>$ 0.63</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Undistributed earnings</td><td>4.93</td><td>4.88</td><td>1.89</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$ 5.74</td><td>$ 5.58</td><td>$ 2.52</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Earnings per common share—Diluted</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Distributed earnings</td><td>$ 0.81</td><td>$ 0.69</td><td>$ 0.62</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Undistributed earnings</td><td>4.86</td><td>4.82</td><td>1.88</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$ 5.67</td><td>$ 5.51</td><td>$ 2.50</td><td></td></tr></table>

Average SARs totaling 2,094,251 and 3,053,101 for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were also outstanding but were anti-dilutive and thus not included in the computation of diluted EPS under the treasury stock method. No SARs were anti-dilutive for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Average PSUs totaling 156 for the year ended December 31, 2012 were also outstanding but were anti-dilutive and thus not included in the computation of diluted EPS under the treasury stock method. There were no anti-dilutive PSUs outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.



## 23. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

The Company’s quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 are summarized in the tables below:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="5">Three Month Periods Ended</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">March 31</td><td>June 30</td><td>September 30</td><td>December 31</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total revenues</td><td>$ 2,072,924</td><td>$ 2,129,290</td><td>$ 2,145,080</td><td>$ 2,160,976</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Income before provision for income taxes</td><td>249,648</td><td>264,661</td><td>208,619</td><td>34,823</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>163,260</td><td>169,170</td><td>126,288</td><td>24,987</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Basic per share data:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Income before provision for income taxes</td><td>$ 2.81</td><td>$ 3.07</td><td>$ 2.54</td><td>$ 44</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$ 1.84</td><td>$ 1.96</td><td>$ 1.54</td><td>$ 31</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Diluted per share data:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Income before provision for income taxes</td><td>$ 2.77</td><td>$ 3.04</td><td>$ 2.51</td><td>$ 43</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$ 1.81</td><td>$ 1.94</td><td>$ 1.52</td><td>$ 31</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td colspan="2">March 31</td><td>June 30</td><td>September 30</td><td>December 31</td></tr><tr><td>2011</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total revenues</td><td>$ 2,036,671</td><td>$ 2,062,887</td><td>$ 2,061,715</td><td>$ 2,111,531</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Income before provision for income taxes</td><td>214,426</td><td>130,642</td><td>112,423</td><td>248,636</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>140,751</td><td>165,016</td><td>74,037</td><td>159,152</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Basic per share data:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Income before provision for income taxes</td><td>$ 2.12</td><td>$ 1.34</td><td>$ 1.18</td><td>$ 2.69</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$ 1.39</td><td>$ 1.69</td><td>$ 0.78</td><td>$ 1.72</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Diluted per share data:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Income before provision for income taxes</td><td>$ 2.10</td><td>$ 1.32</td><td>$ 1.17</td><td>$ 2.65</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$ 1.38</td><td>$ 1.67</td><td>$ 0.77</td><td>$ 1.70</td><td></td></tr></table>

During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company recorded reportable catastrophe losses of $134,950 (after-tax) related to Superstorm Sandy in the Assurant Specialty Property segment. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2012, the company took a non-cash charge of $20,419 (after-tax) for the impairment of certain other intangible assets in the Assurant Solutions segment.

During the third quarter of 2011, the Company recorded reportable catastrophe losses of $52,323 (after-tax) in the Assurant Specialty Property segment.

## 24. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company and its subsidiaries lease office space and equipment under operating lease arrangements. Certain facility leases contain escalation clauses based on increases in the lessors' operating expenses. At December 31, 2012, the aggregate future minimum lease payments under these operating lease agreements that have initial or non-cancelable terms in excess of one year are:

<table><tr><td>2013</td><td>$ 26,184</td></tr><tr><td>2014</td><td>23,170</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>20,622</td></tr><tr><td>2016</td><td>13,932</td></tr><tr><td>2017</td><td>9,379</td></tr><tr><td>Thereafter</td><td>18,409</td></tr><tr><td>Total minimum future lease payments</td><td>$ 111,696</td></tr></table>

Rent expense was $29,644, $29,440 and $39,700 for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.



In the normal course of business, letters of credit are issued primarily to support reinsurance arrangements in which the Company is the reinsurer. These letters of credit are supported by commitments under which the Company is required to indemnify the financial institution issuing the letter of credit if the letter of credit is drawn. The Company had $19,760 and $24,296 of letters of credit outstanding as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

In February 2012, the Company and two of its insurance company subsidiaries (American Security Insurance Company and American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida) received subpoenas from the New York Department of Financial Services (the "NYDFS") regarding the Company's lender-placed insurance business and related document retention practices. In response to the subpoenas, depositions were conducted in late February involving designated witnesses for the Company and the subsidiaries. In March 2012, the Company received an additional request from the NYDFS for further information relating to the Company's lender-placed insurance program in New York and responded in April. Along with other companies in the industry, the Company participated in public hearings conducted by the NYDFS in mid-May. The Company was subsequently served with an order by the NYDFS requiring the Company to propose and justify amended rates for its lender-placed insurance products sold in the State of New York by July 6, 2012. The Company submitted a response to the order and has since engaged in discussions with the NYDFS and provided additional information concerning the Company's lender-placed insurance program in the State of New York. The Company's discussions with the NYDFS are continuing.

For additional information on the potential effects of the outcome of the Company’s discussions with the NYDFS and the potential effects of actions that may be taken by other states, please refer to “Item 1A—Risk Factors” in this report.

The Company is involved in litigation in the ordinary course of business, both as a defendant and as a plaintiff. The Company may from time to time be subject to a variety of legal and regulatory actions relating to the Company's current and past business operations. Although the Company cannot predict the outcome of any pending or future litigation, examination or investigation, it is possible that the outcome of such matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations or cash flows for an individual reporting period. However, based on currently available information, management does not believe that any pending matter is likely to have a material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on the Company's financial condition.



## Schedule I—Summary of Investments Other—Than—Investments in Related Parties

ASSURANT, INC. AT DECEMBER 31, 2012

<table><tr><td>(in thousands)</td><td>Cost or Amortized Cost</td><td>Fair Value</td><td>Amount at which shown in balance sheet</td></tr><tr><td>Fixed maturity securities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>United States Government and government agencies and authorities</td><td>$ 633,329</td><td>$ 641,924</td><td>$ 641,924</td></tr><tr><td>States, municipalities and political subdivisions</td><td>800,592</td><td>907,056</td><td>907,056</td></tr><tr><td>Foreign governments</td><td>672,671</td><td>753,408</td><td>753,408</td></tr><tr><td>Asset-backed</td><td>27,182</td><td>28,197</td><td>28,197</td></tr><tr><td>Commercial mortgage-backed</td><td>64,344</td><td>69,883</td><td>69,883</td></tr><tr><td>Residential mortgage-backed</td><td>714,628</td><td>771,057</td><td>771,057</td></tr><tr><td>Corporate</td><td>7,815,968</td><td>9,000,113</td><td>9,000,113</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL FIXED MATURITY SECURITIES</td><td>10,728,714</td><td>12,171,638</td><td>12,171,638</td></tr><tr><td>Equity securities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Common stocks</td><td>14,707</td><td>18,950</td><td>18,950</td></tr><tr><td>Non-redeemable preferred stocks</td><td>407,996</td><td>456,856</td><td>456,856</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL EQUITY SECURITIES</td><td>422,703</td><td>475,806</td><td>475,806</td></tr><tr><td>Commercial mortgage loans on real estate, at amortized cost</td><td>1,311,682</td><td>1,468,723</td><td>1,311,682</td></tr><tr><td>Policy loans</td><td>52,938</td><td>52,938</td><td>52,938</td></tr><tr><td>Short-term investments</td><td>300,925</td><td>300,925</td><td>300,925</td></tr><tr><td>Collateral held/pledged under securities agreements</td><td>94,714</td><td>94,729</td><td>94,729</td></tr><tr><td>Other investments</td><td>568,600</td><td>568,600</td><td>568,600</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL INVESTMENTS</td><td>$ 13,480,276</td><td>$ 15,133,359</td><td>$ 14,976,318</td></tr></table>



## Schedule II—Condensed Balance Sheet (Parent Only)

ASSURANT, INC.

<table><tr><td colspan="3">(in thousands except number of shares)</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>2012</td><td>2011</td></tr><tr><td>Assets</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Investments:</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Equity investment in subsidiaries</td><td>$ 5,288,605</td><td>$ 5,001,093</td></tr><tr><td>Fixed maturity securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost—$648,399 in 2012 and $334,115 in 2011)</td><td>656,398</td><td>335,614</td></tr><tr><td>Equity securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost—$15,701 in 2012 and $9,929 in 2011)</td><td>18,720</td><td>11,194</td></tr><tr><td>Short-term investments</td><td>5,082</td><td>4,827</td></tr><tr><td>Other investments</td><td>72,688</td><td>65,825</td></tr><tr><td>Total investments</td><td>6,041,493</td><td>5,418,553</td></tr><tr><td>Cash and cash equivalents</td><td>197,938</td><td>497,489</td></tr><tr><td>Receivable from subsidiaries, net</td><td>31,103</td><td>29,442</td></tr><tr><td>Income tax receivable</td><td>1,400</td><td>5,948</td></tr><tr><td>Accrued investment income</td><td>2,220</td><td>2,899</td></tr><tr><td>Property and equipment, at cost less accumulated depreciation</td><td>128,155</td><td>118,191</td></tr><tr><td>Deferred income taxes, net</td><td>157,599</td><td>164,577</td></tr><tr><td>Other intangible assets, net</td><td>10,496</td><td>12,303</td></tr><tr><td>Other assets</td><td>21,341</td><td>23,445</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL ASSETS</td><td>$ 6,591,745</td><td>$ 6,272,847</td></tr><tr><td>Liabilities</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Accounts payable and other liabilities</td><td>$ 433,980</td><td>$ 426,619</td></tr><tr><td>Debt</td><td>972,399</td><td>972,278</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL LIABILITIES</td><td>1,406,379</td><td>1,398,897</td></tr><tr><td>Commitments and Contingencies</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Stockholders&#x27; equity</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 800,000,000 shares authorized, 78,664,029 and 88,524,374 shares outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively</td><td>1,474</td><td>1,464</td></tr><tr><td>Additional paid-in capital</td><td>3,052,454</td><td>3,025,477</td></tr><tr><td>Retained earnings</td><td>4,001,096</td><td>3,586,784</td></tr><tr><td>Accumulated other comprehensive income</td><td>830,403</td><td>557,576</td></tr><tr><td>Treasury stock, at cost; 68,332,638 and 57,433,178 shares at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively</td><td>(2,700,061)</td><td>(2,297,351)</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS&#x27; EQUITY</td><td>5,185,366</td><td>4,873,950</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS&#x27; EQUITY</td><td>$ 6,591,745</td><td>$ 6,272,847</td></tr></table>



## Schedule II—Condensed Income Statement (Parent Only)

ASSURANT, INC.

<table><tr><td rowspan="2">(in thousands)</td><td colspan="4">Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Revenues</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net investment income</td><td>$ 8,428</td><td>$ 4,496</td><td>$ 3,633</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net realized gains (losses) on investments</td><td>7,464</td><td>(6,119)</td><td>1,468</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fees and other income</td><td>92,320</td><td>88,183</td><td>94,214</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries</td><td>601,356</td><td>576,500</td><td>418,506</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL REVENUES</td><td>709,568</td><td>663,060</td><td>517,821</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Expenses</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>General and administrative expenses</td><td>188,457</td><td>176,872</td><td>182,066</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Interest expense</td><td>60,308</td><td>60,357</td><td>60,646</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Goodwill impairment</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>37,000</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL EXPENSES</td><td>248,765</td><td>237,229</td><td>279,712</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Income before benefit for income taxes</td><td>460,803</td><td>425,831</td><td>238,109</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Benefit for income taxes</td><td>22,902</td><td>113,125</td><td>40,498</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>NET INCOME</td><td>$ 483,705</td><td>$ 538,956</td><td>$ 278,607</td><td></td></tr></table>



## Schedule II—Condensed Cash Flows (Parent Only)

ASSURANT, INC.

<table><tr><td rowspan="2">(in thousands)</td><td colspan="3">Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td></tr><tr><td>Operating Activities</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$ 483,705</td><td>$ 538,956</td><td>$ 278,607</td></tr><tr><td>Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries</td><td>(601,356)</td><td>(576,500)</td><td>(418,506)</td></tr><tr><td>Dividends received from subsidiaries</td><td>524,508</td><td>432,258</td><td>557,000</td></tr><tr><td>Change in receivables</td><td>(1,035)</td><td>(674)</td><td>(995)</td></tr><tr><td>Change in income taxes</td><td>10,903</td><td>4,186</td><td>4,792</td></tr><tr><td>Change in tax valuation allowance</td><td>(682)</td><td>(67,448)</td><td>(5,610)</td></tr><tr><td>Change in accounts payable and other liabilities</td><td>19,330</td><td>(18,437)</td><td>6,890</td></tr><tr><td>Change in securities classified as trading</td><td>(6,862)</td><td>13,305</td><td>(2,237)</td></tr><tr><td>Depreciation and amortization</td><td>34,471</td><td>39,523</td><td>40,221</td></tr><tr><td>Net realized (gains) losses on investments</td><td>(7,464)</td><td>6,119</td><td>(1,468)</td></tr><tr><td>Change in tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements</td><td>(1,728)</td><td>3,267</td><td>6,712</td></tr><tr><td>Stock based compensation expense</td><td>37,589</td><td>36,888</td><td>34,591</td></tr><tr><td>Goodwill impairment</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>37,000</td></tr><tr><td>Other</td><td>(11,034)</td><td>(6,429)</td><td>6,567</td></tr><tr><td>NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES</td><td>480,345</td><td>405,014</td><td>543,564</td></tr><tr><td>Investing Activities</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sales of:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Equity securities available for sale</td><td>11,756</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Property and equipment and other</td><td>552</td><td>3,746</td><td>214</td></tr><tr><td>Other invested assets</td><td>0</td><td>11,408</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Subsidiary</td><td>2,231</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Maturities, prepayments, and scheduled redemption of:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fixed maturity securities available for sale</td><td>482,699</td><td>307,025</td><td>93,298</td></tr><tr><td>Purchases of:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fixed maturity securities available for sale</td><td>(793,938)</td><td>(324,346)</td><td>(335,945)</td></tr><tr><td>Equity securities available for sale</td><td>(17,329)</td><td>(5,291)</td><td>(4,638)</td></tr><tr><td>Property and equipment and other</td><td>(40,750)</td><td>(21,055)</td><td>(29,152)</td></tr><tr><td>Other invested assets</td><td>(1)</td><td>(15,810)</td><td>(4,642)</td></tr><tr><td>Subsidiary</td><td>(3,500)</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Capital contributed to subsidiaries</td><td>(9,000)</td><td>(7,000)</td><td>(50,000)</td></tr><tr><td>Return of capital contributions from subsidiaries</td><td>67,500</td><td>92,000</td><td>323,200</td></tr><tr><td>Change in short-term investments</td><td>(255)</td><td>3,329</td><td>(4,904)</td></tr><tr><td>NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES</td><td>(300,035)</td><td>44,006</td><td>(12,569)</td></tr><tr><td>Financing Activities</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Repayment of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock</td><td>0</td><td>(5,000)</td><td>(3,160)</td></tr><tr><td>Change in tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements</td><td>1,728</td><td>(3,267)</td><td>(6,712)</td></tr><tr><td>Acquisition of common stock</td><td>(412,196)</td><td>(532,011)</td><td>(522,546)</td></tr><tr><td>Dividends paid</td><td>(69,393)</td><td>(67,385)</td><td>(69,618)</td></tr><tr><td>Change in receivables under securities loan agreements</td><td>0</td><td>14,370</td><td>(14,370)</td></tr><tr><td>Change in obligations to return borrowed securities</td><td>0</td><td>(14,281)</td><td>14,281</td></tr><tr><td>NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES</td><td>(479,861)</td><td>(607,574)</td><td>(602,125)</td></tr><tr><td>Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents</td><td>0</td><td>(339)</td><td>326</td></tr><tr><td>Change in cash and cash equivalents</td><td>(299,551)</td><td>(158,893)</td><td>(70,804)</td></tr><tr><td>Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period</td><td>497,489</td><td>656,382</td><td>727,186</td></tr><tr><td>CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD</td><td>$ 197,938</td><td>$ 497,489</td><td>$ 656,382</td></tr></table>



## Schedule III—Supplementary Insurance Information

ASSURANT, INC. FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 & 2010

<table><tr><td>Segment (in thousands)</td><td>Deferred Acquisition Cost</td><td>Future policy benefits and expenses</td><td>Unearned premiums</td><td>Claims and benefits payable</td><td>Premium revenue and other considerations</td><td>Net investment income</td><td>Benefits claims, losses and settlement expenses</td><td>Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs</td><td>Other&#x27; operating expenses</td><td>Property and Casualty Premiums Written</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Solutions</td><td>$ 2,656,113</td><td>$ 4,964,453</td><td>$ 4,412,075</td><td>$ 296,569</td><td>$ 2,579,220</td><td>$ 396,681</td><td>$ 840,133</td><td>$ 1,041,627</td><td>$ 1,226,360</td><td>$ 580,987</td></tr><tr><td>Specialty Property</td><td>183,733</td><td>2,843</td><td>1,616,467</td><td>1,035,713</td><td>2,054,041</td><td>103,327</td><td>949,157</td><td>326,466</td><td>517,822</td><td>2,180,538</td></tr><tr><td>Employee Benefits</td><td>18,762</td><td>32,158</td><td>10,853</td><td>1,554,203</td><td>1,014,264</td><td>128,485</td><td>693,067</td><td>25,721</td><td>364,322</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Health</td><td>2,555</td><td>90,568</td><td>121,768</td><td>268,992</td><td>1,589,459</td><td>64,308</td><td>1,174,108</td><td>440</td><td>420,629</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Corporate and Other</td><td>0</td><td>3,423,483</td><td>31,097</td><td>805,113</td><td>0</td><td>20,327</td><td>(1,061)</td><td>0</td><td>111,422</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>SEGMENTS</td><td>$ 2,861,163</td><td>$ 8,513,505</td><td>$ 6,192,260</td><td>$ 3,960,590</td><td>$ 7,236,984</td><td>$ 713,128</td><td>$ 3,655,404</td><td>$ 1,394,254</td><td>$ 2,640,555</td><td>$ 2,761,525</td></tr><tr><td>2011</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Solutions</td><td>$ 2,284,078</td><td>$ 4,774,199</td><td>$ 3,804,514</td><td>$ 305,086</td><td>$ 2,438,407</td><td>$ 393,575</td><td>$ 847,254</td><td>$ 991,842</td><td>$ 1,045,839</td><td>$ 493,753</td></tr><tr><td>Specialty Property</td><td>192,328</td><td>3,400</td><td>1,485,538</td><td>435,589</td><td>1,904,638</td><td>103,259</td><td>857,223</td><td>299,656</td><td>470,169</td><td>1,985,508</td></tr><tr><td>Employee Benefits</td><td>15,552</td><td>3,157</td><td>11,388</td><td>1,666,985</td><td>1,064,023</td><td>129,640</td><td>767,723</td><td>24,531</td><td>361,541</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Health</td><td>899</td><td>87,654</td><td>146,812</td><td>292,243</td><td>1,718,300</td><td>45,911</td><td>1,271,060</td><td>606</td><td>460,041</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Corporate and Other</td><td>0</td><td>3,490,796</td><td>33,765</td><td>737,216</td><td>0</td><td>17,147</td><td>6,474</td><td>0</td><td>102,358</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>SEGMENTS</td><td>$ 2,492,857</td><td>$ 8,359,206</td><td>$ 5,482,017</td><td>$ 3,437,119</td><td>$ 7,125,368</td><td>$ 689,532</td><td>$ 3,749,734</td><td>$ 1,316,635</td><td>$ 2,439,948</td><td>$ 2,479,261</td></tr><tr><td>2010</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Solutions</td><td>$ 2,172,877</td><td>$ 4,673,531</td><td>$ 3,533,667</td><td>$ 336,092</td><td>$ 2,484,299</td><td>$ 397,297</td><td>$ 884,404</td><td>$ 1,042,251</td><td>$ 1,016,995</td><td>$ 504,132</td></tr><tr><td>Specialty Property</td><td>178,011</td><td>3,390</td><td>1,365,986</td><td>368,670</td><td>1,953,223</td><td>107,092</td><td>684,652</td><td>317,961</td><td>479,661</td><td>1,879,622</td></tr><tr><td>Employee Benefits</td><td>13,790</td><td>767</td><td>11,570</td><td>1,690,639</td><td>1,101,395</td><td>132,388</td><td>766,049</td><td>23,255</td><td>372,484</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Health</td><td>1,505</td><td>89,455</td><td>113,694</td><td>313,846</td><td>1,864,122</td><td>48,540</td><td>1,302,927</td><td>5,576</td><td>558,184</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Corporate and Other</td><td>0</td><td>3,433,895</td><td>39,082</td><td>641,922</td><td>0</td><td>17,873</td><td>(2,033)</td><td>0</td><td>408,205</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>SEGMENTS</td><td>$ 2,366,183</td><td>$ 8,201,038</td><td>$ 5,063,999</td><td>$ 3,351,169</td><td>$ 7,403,039</td><td>$ 703,190</td><td>$ 3,635,999</td><td>$ 1,389,043</td><td>$ 2,835,529</td><td>$ 2,383,754</td></tr></table>

* Includes amortization of value of business acquired, underwriting, general and administration expenses and goodwill impairment.



## Schedule IV—Reinsurance

## ASSURANT, INC. FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012

<table><tr><td></td><td>Direct amount</td><td>Ceded to other Companies</td><td>Assumed from other Companies</td><td>Net amount</td><td>Percentage of amount assumed to net</td></tr><tr><td>Life Insurance in Force</td><td>$ 98,994,909</td><td>$ 29,266,410</td><td>$ 8,009,353</td><td>$ 77,737,852</td><td>10.3%</td></tr><tr><td>Premiums:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Life insurance</td><td>$ 761,358</td><td>$ 383,099</td><td>$ 37,730</td><td>$ 415,989</td><td>9.1%</td></tr><tr><td>Accident and health insurance</td><td>3,139,487</td><td>684,302</td><td>177,755</td><td>2,632,940</td><td>6.8%</td></tr><tr><td>Property and liability insurance</td><td>5,379,082</td><td>1,266,238</td><td>75,211</td><td>4,188,055</td><td>1.8%</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL EARNED PREMIUMS</td><td>$ 9,279,927</td><td>$ 2,333,639</td><td>$ 290,696</td><td>$ 7,236,984</td><td>4.0%</td></tr><tr><td>Benefits:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Life insurance</td><td>$ 737,543</td><td>$ 371,629</td><td>$ 29,007</td><td>$ 394,921</td><td>7.3%</td></tr><tr><td>Accident and health insurance</td><td>1,962,716</td><td>319,062</td><td>142,441</td><td>1,786,095</td><td>8.0%</td></tr><tr><td>Property and liability insurance</td><td>2,361,663</td><td>917,089</td><td>29,814</td><td>1,474,388</td><td>2.0%</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL POLICYHOLDER BENEFITS</td><td>$ 5,061,922</td><td>$ 1,607,780</td><td>$ 201,262</td><td>$ 3,655,404</td><td>5.5%</td></tr></table>

## ASSURANT, INC. FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011

<table><tr><td></td><td>Direct amount</td><td>Ceded to other Companies</td><td>Assumed from other Companies</td><td>Net amount</td><td>Percentage of amount assumed to net</td></tr><tr><td>Life Insurance in Force</td><td>$ 101,324,797</td><td>$ 29,186,645</td><td>$ 12,534,422</td><td>$ 84,672,574</td><td>14.8%</td></tr><tr><td>Premiums:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Life insurance</td><td>$ 825,245</td><td>$ 409,687</td><td>$ 27,439</td><td>$ 442,997</td><td>6.2%</td></tr><tr><td>Accident and health insurance</td><td>3,319,177</td><td>713,891</td><td>214,201</td><td>2,819,487</td><td>7.6%</td></tr><tr><td>Property and liability insurance</td><td>4,993,805</td><td>1,209,249</td><td>78,328</td><td>3,862,884</td><td>2.0%</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL EARNED PREMIUMS</td><td>$ 9,138,227</td><td>$ 2,332,827</td><td>$ 319,968</td><td>$ 7,125,368</td><td>4.5%</td></tr><tr><td>Benefits:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Life insurance</td><td>$ 803,245</td><td>$ 410,431</td><td>$ 40,545</td><td>$ 433,359</td><td>9.4%</td></tr><tr><td>Accident and health insurance</td><td>2,226,139</td><td>455,413</td><td>180,119</td><td>1,950,845</td><td>9.2%</td></tr><tr><td>Property and liability insurance</td><td>1,698,744</td><td>370,537</td><td>37,323</td><td>1,365,530</td><td>2.7%</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL POLICYHOLDER BENEFITS</td><td>$ 4,728,128</td><td>$ 1,236,381</td><td>$ 257,987</td><td>$ 3,749,734</td><td>6.9%</td></tr></table>

## ASSURANT, INC. FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

<table><tr><td></td><td>Direct amount</td><td>Ceded to other Companies</td><td>Assumed from other Companies</td><td>Net amount</td><td>Percentage of amount assumed to net</td></tr><tr><td>Life Insurance in Force</td><td>$ 105,271,898</td><td>$ 31,248,115</td><td>$ 6,669,191</td><td>$ 80,692,974</td><td>8.3%</td></tr><tr><td>Premiums:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Life insurance</td><td>$ 858,850</td><td>$ 420,856</td><td>$ 19,027</td><td>$ 457,021</td><td>4.2%</td></tr><tr><td>Accident and health insurance</td><td>3,495,567</td><td>761,822</td><td>234,818</td><td>2,968,563</td><td>7.9%</td></tr><tr><td>Property and liability</td><td>4,951,590</td><td>1,045,392</td><td>71,257</td><td>3,977,455</td><td>1.8%</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL EARNED PREMIUMS</td><td>$ 9,306,007</td><td>$ 2,228,070</td><td>$ 325,102</td><td>$ 7,403,039</td><td>4.4%</td></tr><tr><td>Benefits:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Life insurance</td><td>$ 785,418</td><td>$ 416,350</td><td>$ 35,063</td><td>$ 404,131</td><td>8.7%</td></tr><tr><td>Accident and health insurance</td><td>2,799,682</td><td>1,010,074</td><td>193,506</td><td>1,983,114</td><td>9.8%</td></tr><tr><td>Property and liability</td><td>1,511,305</td><td>268,387</td><td>5,836</td><td>1,248,754</td><td>0.5%</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL POLICYHOLDER BENEFITS</td><td>$ 5,096,405</td><td>$ 1,694,811</td><td>$ 234,405</td><td>$ 3,635,999</td><td>6.4%</td></tr></table>



## Schedule V—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

ASSURANT, INC. AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="6">Additions</td><td rowspan="2">Balance at End of Year</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at Beginning of Year</td><td>Charged to Costs and Expenses</td><td>Charged to Other Accounts</td><td>Deductions</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2012:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Valuation allowance for foreign NOL deferred tax carryforward</td><td>$     9,471</td><td>$     3,620</td><td>$     0</td><td>$     0</td><td>$     13,091</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets</td><td>683</td><td>(683)</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Valuation allowance for mortgage loans on real estate</td><td>10,410</td><td>(3,328)</td><td>0</td><td>85</td><td>6,997</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Valuation allowance for uncollectible agents balances</td><td>13,352</td><td>2,165</td><td>109</td><td>873</td><td>14,753</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Valuation allowance for uncollectible accounts</td><td>14,355</td><td>3,001</td><td>(304)</td><td>434</td><td>16,618</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Valuation allowance for reinsurance recoverables</td><td>10,633</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>10,633</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$     58,904</td><td>$     4,775</td><td>$     195)</td><td>$     1,392</td><td>$     62,092</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2011:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Valuation allowance for foreign NOL deferred tax carryforward</td><td>$     9,969</td><td>$     498</td><td>$     0</td><td>$     0</td><td>$     9,471</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets</td><td>80,769</td><td>(80,086)</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>683</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Valuation allowance for mortgage loans on real estate</td><td>32,838</td><td>(336)</td><td>0</td><td>22,092</td><td>10,410</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Valuation allowance for uncollectible agents balances</td><td>13,171</td><td>722</td><td>163</td><td>704</td><td>13,352</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Valuation allowance for uncollectible accounts</td><td>19,957</td><td>(829)</td><td>(3)</td><td>4,770</td><td>14,355</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Valuation allowance for reinsurance recoverables</td><td>15,635</td><td>356</td><td>57</td><td>5,415</td><td>10,633</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$     172,339</td><td>$     80,671)</td><td>$     217</td><td>$     32,981</td><td>$     58,904</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2010:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Valuation allowance for foreign NOL deferred tax carryforward</td><td>$     6,834</td><td>$     3,135</td><td>$     0</td><td>$     0</td><td>$     9,969</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets</td><td>74,854</td><td>5,915</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>80,769</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Valuation allowance for mortgage loans on real estate</td><td>16,129</td><td>16,709</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>32,838</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Valuation allowance for uncollectible agents balances</td><td>11,636</td><td>3,194</td><td>54</td><td>1,713</td><td>13,171</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Valuation allowance for uncollectible accounts</td><td>13,644</td><td>7,788</td><td>97</td><td>1,572</td><td>19,957</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Valuation allowance for reinsurance recoverables</td><td>6,253</td><td>9,266</td><td>116</td><td>0</td><td>15,635</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$     129,350</td><td>$     46,007</td><td>$     267</td><td>$     3,285</td><td>$     172,339</td><td></td><td></td></tr></table>



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## CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

Assurant, Inc.
One Chase Manhattan Plaza
41 \( ^{st} \)  Floor
New York, NY 10005
Telephone: 212.859.7000
www.assurant.com

## INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
300 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Telephone: 646.471.3000
www.pwc.com

## STOCK LISTING

Assurant is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol AIZ.

## SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES

Computershare is the stock transfer agent. All questions on issuance of stock certificates, changes of ownership, lost stock certificates, changes of address and other similar matters should be addressed to:

Computershare
P.O. Box 4306
Providence, RI 02940
www.cpushareownerservices.com
Domestic Shareholders: 800.522.6645
Foreign Shareholders: 201.680.6578
TDD for Hearing Impaired: 800.231.5469 (Domestic)
TDD for Hearing Impaired: 201.680.6610 (Foreign)

## INVESTOR INFORMATION

Francesca Luthi
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
Assurant, Inc.
One Chase Manhattan Plaza, 41st Floor
New York, NY 10005
212.859.7197
francesca.luthi@assurant.com

## FORM 10-K AND OTHER REPORTS

Copies of Assurant news releases, the 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also are available, without charge, from the Assurant Investor Relations website at http://ir.assurant.com.

## SEC AND NYSE CERTIFICATIONS

Assurant has included as Exhibits 31 and 32 to its 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC certificates of Assurant's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, regarding the quality of the company's public disclosures. In 2012, Assurant's Chief Executive Officer also certified to the NYSE that he is not aware of any violations by Assurant of the NYSE corporate governance listing standards.

## FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some of the statements included in this Annual Report are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Please see the “Risk Factors” section in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a detailed discussion of the risk factors that could cause our actual results to differ from expectations or estimates reflected in these forward-looking statements.




ASSURANT \( ^{®} \) 

Assurant, Inc.
One Chase Manhattan Plaza
41 \( ^{st} \)  Floor
New York, NY 10005
Telephone: 212.859.7000

www.assurant.com