Fair value measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following tables present the balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, by level within the fair value hierarchy.

	December 31, 2017
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(in thousands)
Assets
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	9,098	$	—	$	—	$	9,098
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		164,326		—		164,326
Corporate and other securities	—		71,631		—		71,631
Asset-backed securities	—		95,360		—		95,360
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		84,776		—		84,776
Total fixed maturities	9,098		416,093		—		425,191
Equity securities:
Exchange traded funds	34,380		—		—		34,380
Nonredeemable preferred stock	—		19,752		—		19,752
Total equity securities	34,380		19,752		—		54,132
Total	$	43,478	$	435,845	$	—	$	479,323

	December 31, 2016
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(in thousands)
Assets
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	12,098	$	—	$	—	$	12,098
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		123,238		—		123,238
Corporate and other securities	—		118,790		—		118,790
Asset-backed securities	—		73,294		—		73,294
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		83,803		—		83,803
Total fixed maturities	12,098		399,125		—		411,223
Equity securities:
Exchange traded funds	18,374		—		—		18,374
Total	$	30,472	$	399,125	$	—	$	429,597