Fair value measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

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, 2018 and 2017, by level within the fair value hierarchy.

	December 31, 2018
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(in thousands)
Assets
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	611	$	—	$	—	$	611
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		154,600		—		154,600
Corporate and other securities	—		96,752		—		96,752
Asset-backed securities	—		149,867		—		149,867
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		108,421		—		108,421
Total fixed maturities	611		509,640		—		510,251
Equity securities:
Exchange traded funds	38,987		—		—		38,987
Nonredeemable preferred stock	—		18,724		—		18,724
Total equity securities	38,987		18,724		—		57,711
Total	$	39,598	$	528,364	$	—	$	567,962

	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