
1.	Summary of significant accounting policies

Principles of consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (referred to as "Kinsale" or, with its subsidiaries, the "Company"). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Management periodically reviews its estimates and assumptions. These reviews include evaluating the adequacy of reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, allowance for doubtful accounts and uncollectible reinsurance, fair value of investments, as well as evaluating the investment portfolio for other-than-temporary declines in fair value.

Cash and cash equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Short-term investments

Short-term investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Short-term investments have maturities greater than three months but less than one year at the date of purchase. There were no short-term investments at December 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017.

Fixed-maturity and equity securities

Fixed-maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on these securities are excluded from net earnings but are recorded as a separate component of comprehensive income and stockholders’ equity, net of deferred income taxes.

Equity securities are reported at fair value. Prior to the adoption of new accounting guidance effective January 1, 2018, equity securities were classified as available-for-sale and, similar to fixed-maturity securities, unrealized gains and losses were recorded as a separate component of comprehensive income and stockholders’ equity, net of deferred income taxes. In accordance with new accounting guidance, the available-for-sale classification was eliminated for equity securities and changes in unrealized gains and losses in fair value of these investments are recognized in net income. For a more detailed discussion of the new accounting guidance, see "Recently adopted accounting pronouncements," below. Prior periods have not been restated to conform to the current presentation.

The Company regularly evaluates its available-for-sale securities using both quantitative and qualitative criteria to determine impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of the investments. See Note 2 for further discussion of other-than-temporary impairments ("OTTI").

Interest on fixed-maturity securities is credited to earnings as it accrues. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the lives of the related fixed maturities. Dividends on equity securities are included in earnings on the ex-dividend date. Realized gains and losses on disposition of investments are based on specific identification of the investments sold on the trade date.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance premiums, commissions, and ceded unearned premiums on reinsured business are accounted for on a basis consistent with that used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. The Company receives ceding commissions in accordance with certain reinsurance treaties. The ceding commissions are capitalized and amortized as a reduction of underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses.

Reinsurance recoverables represent paid losses and loss adjustment expenses and reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses ceded to reinsurers that are subject to reimbursement under reinsurance treaties. The method for determining reinsurance recoverables for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses involves reviewing actuarial estimates of gross unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses to determine the Company's ability to cede unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under the Company's existing reinsurance contracts. This method is continually reviewed and updated and any resulting adjustments are reflected in earnings in the period identified. See Note 8 for a further discussion of the Company's reinsurance program.

Premiums receivable, net

Premiums receivable balances are carried at face value, net of any allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts represents an estimate of amounts considered uncollectible based on the Company’s assessment of the collectability of receivables that are past due. The Company recorded an allowance for doubtful accounts of $2.6 million and $2.1 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and believes that all other amounts due are collectible.

Deferred policy acquisition costs, net of ceding commissions

The Company defers commissions, net of ceding commissions, and certain other costs that are directly related to the successful acquisition of insurance contracts. All eligible costs are capitalized and charged to expense in proportion to premium earned over the estimated policy life. To the extent that unearned premiums on existing policies are not adequate to cover the related costs and expenses, referred to as a premium deficiency, deferred policy acquisition costs are charged to earnings. The Company considers anticipated investment income in determining whether a premium deficiency exists.

Property and equipment, net

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of property and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives range from seven to ten years for furniture and equipment, three to seven years for electronic data processing hardware and software, and from two to six years for leasehold improvements, which is the shorter of the estimated useful life or the lease term. Property and equipment is included in "other assets" in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. The Company's intangible assets are comprised solely of indefinite-lived intangible assets, which arose from regulatory approvals granted by the various state insurance departments to write insurance business in the respective states on a non-admitted basis. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, amortization of indefinite-lived intangible assets is not permitted. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment during the fourth quarter on an annual basis, or earlier if there is reason to suspect that their values may have been diminished or impaired. There were no impairments recognized in 2018, 2017, or 2016. In addition, as of December 31, 2018, no triggering events occurred that suggested an updated review was necessary.

Reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

Reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses represent management's best estimate of ultimate unpaid cost of all reported and unreported losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred prior to the financial statement date. The estimates are based on an actuarial method that uses management’s initial expected loss ratios, expected reporting patterns for losses based on industry data and the Company’s actual reported losses and loss adjustment expenses. All estimates are regularly reviewed and, as experience develops and new information becomes known, the reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are adjusted as necessary. Such adjustments are reflected in the results of operations in the period in which they are determined. Although management believes that the reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses are reasonable, due to the inherent uncertainty in estimating reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, it is possible that the Company’s actual incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses will not develop in a manner consistent with the assumptions inherent in the determination of these reserves. If actual liabilities exceed recorded amounts, there will be an increase to the Company’s reserves resulting in a reduction in net income and stockholders’ equity in the period in which the deficiency is identified. Furthermore, management may determine that recorded reserves are more than adequate to cover expected losses which will result in a reduction to the reserves. The Company believes that the reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses at December 31, 2018 and 2017 are adequate and represent a reasonable estimate of the Company's future obligations. See Note 7 for a further discussion of reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses.

Revenue recognition

Premiums are recognized as revenue ratably over the term of the insurance contracts, net of ceded reinsurance. Unearned premiums are calculated on a daily pro rata basis.

Income taxes

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the recorded amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates expected to be in effect during the year in which the basis differences reverse. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are recorded when it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realizable. Management evaluates the realizability of the deferred tax assets and assesses the need for any valuation allowance adjustment. Valuation allowances on deferred tax assets are estimated based on the Company's assessment of the realizability of such amounts.

The Company provides for uncertain tax positions, and the related interest and penalties, based upon management’s assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. To the extent that the anticipated tax outcome of these uncertain tax positions changes, such changes in estimate will impact the income tax provision in the period in which such determination is made. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense.

Commitments and contingencies

Liabilities for loss contingencies, arising from noninsurance policy claims, assessments, litigation, fines, and penalties and other sources, are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment and/or remediation can be reasonably estimated. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred.

Fair value of financial instruments

The fair values of certain financial instruments are determined based on the fair value hierarchy. U.S. GAAP guidance requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The guidance also describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value.

The following was considered in the estimation of fair value for each class of financial instruments for which it was practicable to estimate that value. The Company’s investment manager uses independent pricing vendors to estimate the fair value of fixed-maturity securities and the Company’s management reviews these prices for reasonableness. U.S. Treasury Securities that have quoted prices in active markets are included in the amounts disclosed as Level 1. For other fixed-maturity securities, the pricing vendors use a pricing methodology involving the market approach, including pricing models which use prices and relevant market information regarding a particular security or securities with similar characteristics to establish a valuation. The estimates of fair value of these fixed-maturity investments are included in the amounts disclosed as Level 2. For those bonds where significant inputs are unobservable, Level 3 inputs, the Company's investment manager obtains valuations from pricing vendors using the market approach and income approach valuation techniques.

For equity securities, the Company’s investment manager uses prices from independent pricing vendors to estimate fair value. The fair value estimates of exchange traded funds are based on quoted prices in an active market and are disclosed as Level 1.The fair value estimates of preferred stock are based on observable market data and, as a result, are disclosed as Level 2.

Fair value disclosures for investments are included in Notes 2 and 3.

Stock-based compensation

Stock-based compensation is expensed based upon the estimated fair value of employee stock awards. Compensation cost for awards of equity instruments to employees is measured based on the grant-date fair value of those awards and compensation expense is recognized over the service period that the awards vest. Forfeitures of stock-based compensation awards are recognized as they occur.

See Note 9 for further discussion and related disclosures regarding stock-based compensation.

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2016-01, "Financial Instruments – Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities" ("ASU 2016-01"), which eliminated the available-for-sale classification for equity investments, required changes in unrealized gains and losses in fair value of equity investments to be recognized in net income, required public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, required separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset, and eliminated the requirement for public business entities to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value for financial instruments measured at amortized cost. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted this ASU and recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment, which reclassified unrealized gains of $6.5 million, net of $1.7 million of taxes, on equity investments from accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") to retained earnings. Prior periods have not been restated to conform to the current presentation.

ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, "Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income," which permitted companies to reclassify the disproportionate income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "TCJA") on items within AOCI to retained earnings. The FASB refers to these amounts as "stranded tax effects." The guidance is effective for all companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company elected to early adopt this ASU and to reclassify the stranded income tax effects for available-for-sale securities of $1.3 million from AOCI to retained earnings. Other than those effects related to the TCJA, the Company uses the portfolio approach to release stranded tax effects in AOCI related to its available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities and its available-for-sale equity securities (prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-01). Under this approach, stranded tax effects remaining in AOCI are released only when the entire portfolio of the available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities and available-for-sale equity securities are liquidated, sold or extinguished.

Prospective accounting pronouncements

ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" to improve the financial reporting of leasing transactions. Under this ASU, lessees will recognize a right-of-use ("ROU") asset and corresponding liability on the balance sheet for all leases, except for leases covering a period of 12 months or less. The lessee’s income statement treatment for leases will vary depending on the nature and classification of the lease. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and will therefore be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019.

For transition purposes, the Company will elect the package of practical expedients permitted under the adoption of the new standard, which will allow the Company to account for existing leases under their current classification, as well as omit any new costs classified as initial direct costs, under the new standard. This election will keep the existing agreements as operating leases. The Company will also elect the practical expedient allowing an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset, to account for separate lease and nonlease components as a single lease component. In addition, the Company has implemented the necessary internal controls relating to the adoption of the standard.

The Company has a limited number of leases subject to the new standard and does not anticipate the standard will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. While the Company continues to assess the impact of the new standard as of the effective date of January 1, 2019, we expect the adoption of the standard to result in the recognition of a ROU asset and corresponding lease liability of approximately $0.9 million. The Company will use the modified retrospective transition method through a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption.

ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326)

On June 16, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326)" to provide more useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments. Current GAAP delays the recognition of credit losses until it is probable a loss has been incurred. The update will require a financial asset measured at amortized cost to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected by means of an allowance for credit losses that runs through net income. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities will also be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. However, the amendments would limit the amount of the allowance to the amount by which fair value is below amortized cost. The measurement of credit losses on available-for-sale securities is similar under current GAAP, but the update requires the use of the allowance account through which amounts can be reversed, rather than through an irreversible write-down.

This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted beginning after December 15, 2018. Upon adoption, the update will be applied using the modified-retrospective approach, by which a cumulative-effect adjustment will be made to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2017-08, Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities

On March 30, 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, "Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities," which shortens the amortization period of the premium for certain callable debt securities, from the contractual maturity date to the earliest call date. This ASU is effective in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including in an interim period. Upon adoption, the update will be applied on a modified retrospective basis, with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period presented. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-08 to have a material impact on its financial statements.

There are no other prospective accounting standards which, upon their effective date, would have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.