The insurer financial strength rating on Unitrin Inc. (Unitrin) reflects the businesses' strong franchise position in its markets, extremely strong consolidated capital, and good earnings. These strengths are partially offset by limited growth prospects in many of their target markets. -- Strong position in regional markets. Unitrin's property/casualty (P/C) operations have a regional focus on rural and suburban markets, where the company can leverage its strong independent agency distribution. The life units have established a defensible niche in regional home service markets. Reserve National Insurance Co. sells its accident and health insurance and related products to individuals, families, farmers, ranchers, and small businesses in rural areas less affected by managed care. Standard&Poor's believes Unitrin's niche focus on developing
