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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Kingstone and its wholly owned subsidiaries: (1) KICO and its wholly owned subsidiaries, CMIC Properties, Inc. and 15 Joys Lane, LLC, which together own the land and building from which KICO operates (see Note 20 - Subsequent Events), and (2) Cosi. All significant inter-company account balances and transactions have been 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 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 these estimates and assumptions, and includes the reserves for losses and LAE, which are subject to estimation errors due to the inherent uncertainty in projecting ultimate claim amounts that will be reported and settled over a period of many years. In addition, estimates and assumptions associated with receivables under reinsurance contracts related to contingent ceding commission revenue require judgments by management. On an ongoing basis, management reevaluates its assumptions and the methods for calculating these estimates. Actual results may differ significantly from the estimates used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.
Revenue Recognition
Net Premiums Earned
Insurance policies issued by the Company are short-duration contracts. Accordingly, premium revenues, net of premiums ceded to reinsurers, are recognized as earned in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided, on a pro-rata basis over the terms of the underlying policies. Unearned premiums represent premiums applicable to the unexpired portions of in-force insurance contracts at the end of each year.
Ceding Commission Revenue
Commissions on reinsurance premiums ceded are earned in a manner consistent with the recognition of the costs of the reinsurance, generally on a pro-rata basis over the terms of the policies reinsured. Unearned amounts are recorded as deferred ceding commission revenue. Certain reinsurance agreements contain provisions whereby the ceding commission rates vary based on the loss experience under the agreements. The Company records ceding commission revenue based on its current estimate of subject losses. The Company records adjustments to ceding commission revenue in the period that changes in the estimated losses are determined.
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses ("LAE") Reserves The liability for loss and LAE represents management’s best estimate of the ultimate cost of all reported and unreported losses that are unpaid as of the balance sheet date. The liability for loss and LAE is estimated on an undiscounted basis, using individual case-basis valuations, statistical analyses and various actuarial reserving methodologies. The projection of future claim payment and reporting is based on an analysis of the Company’s historical experience, supplemented by analyses of industry loss data. Management believes that the reserves for loss and LAE are adequate to cover the ultimate cost of losses and claims to date; however, because of the uncertainty from various sources, including changes in reporting patterns, claims settlement patterns, judicial decisions, legislation, and economic conditions, actual loss experience may not conform to the assumptions used in determining the estimated amounts for such liability at the balance sheet date. Adjustments to these estimates are reflected in expense for the period in which the estimates are changed. Because of the nature of the business historically written, management believes that the Company has limited exposure to environmental claim liabilities.
Reinsurance
In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to reduce the loss that may arise from catastrophes or other events that cause unfavorable underwriting results. This is done by reinsuring certain levels of risk in various areas of exposure with a panel of financially secure reinsurance carriers.
Reinsurance receivables represents management’s best estimate of paid and unpaid loss and LAE recoverable from reinsurers, and ceded losses receivable and unearned ceded premiums under reinsurance agreements. Ceded losses receivable are estimated using techniques and assumptions consistent with those used in estimating the liability for loss and LAE. Management believes that reinsurance receivables as recorded represent its best estimate of such amounts; however, as changes in the estimated ultimate liability for loss and LAE are determined, the estimated ultimate amount receivable from the reinsurers will also change. Accordingly, the ultimate receivable could be significantly in excess of or less than the amount recorded in the consolidated financial statements. Adjustments to these estimates are reflected in the period in which the estimates are changed. Loss and LAE incurred as presented in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) are net of reinsurance recoveries.
Management has evaluated its reinsurance arrangements and determined that significant insurance risk is transferred to the reinsurers. Reinsurance agreements have been determined to be short-duration prospective contracts and, accordingly, the costs of the reinsurance are recognized over the remaining contract period in proportion to the reinsurance protection provided, or recorded periodically, as per the terms of the contract, in a direct relationship to the gross premium recording.
Management estimates uncollectible amounts receivable from reinsurers based on an assessment of factors including the creditworthiness of the reinsurers and the adequacy of collateral obtained, where applicable. There was no allowance for uncollectible reinsurance as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. The Company did not expense any uncollectible reinsurance for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. Significant uncertainties are inherent in the assessment of the creditworthiness of reinsurers and estimates of any uncollectible amounts due from reinsurers. Any change in the ability of the Company’s reinsurers to meet their contractual obligations could have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial statements as well as KICO’s ability to meet its regulatory capital and surplus requirements.
The Company presents its net reinsurance receivables separately from its reinsurance balances payable in accordance with Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210). Additionally, prepaid premiums for excess of loss and catastrophe reinsurance treaties are presented net in reinsurance balances payable as a reduction to reinsurance premiums payable as they meet the net accounting criteria of Topic 210. The Company has entered into reinsurance agreements wherein the right of offset exists in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 210-20.
Credit Losses The Company accounts for credit losses on receivables and held-to-maturity securities in accordance with ASC 326.
Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains its cash balances at several financial institutions.
Investments
The Company classifies its fixed-maturity securities as either held-to-maturity or available-for-sale. Fixed-maturity securities that the Company has the specific intent and ability to hold until maturity are classified as such and carried at amortized cost. Available-for-sale securities are reported at their estimated fair values based on quoted market prices from recognized pricing services, adjusted for an allowance for expected credit losses, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax effects, reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Realized gains and losses are determined on the specific identification method and reported in net income (loss) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
Equity securities are reported at their estimated fair values based on quoted market prices from recognized pricing services, with unrealized gains and losses reported in net gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Other investments are reported at their estimated fair values using the net asset value (“NAV”) per share (or its equivalent) of the instrument with unrealized gains and losses reported in net gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). See Note - 3, Investments for additional discussion.
The Company reviews all debt securities with unrealized losses on a quarterly basis to assess whether the decline in the securities’ fair value necessitates the recognition of an allowance for credit losses. Factors considered in the review include the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost, current market interest rates and whether the unrealized loss is credit-driven or a result of changes in market interest rates. The Company also considers factors specific to the issuer including the general financial condition of the issuer, the issuers’ industry and future business prospects, any past failure of the issuer to make scheduled interest or principal payments, the payment structure of the investment and the issuers’ ability to make contractual payments on the investment.
The Company may sell its available-for-sale securities, equity securities, and other investments in response to changes in interest rates, risk/reward characteristics, liquidity needs or other factors. Investment income is accrued to the balance sheet dates of the consolidated financial statements and includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on fixed-maturity securities. Interest is recognized when earned, while dividends are recognized when declared. Due and accrued investment income totaled approximately $1,697,000 and $1,262,000 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and is included in other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
For fixed-maturity securities where a decline in fair value is below the amortized cost basis and the Company intends to sell the security, or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, a credit-loss charge is recognized in net loss based on the fair value of the security at the time of assessment.
For available-for-sale fixed maturity securities, a credit loss exists if the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis. The allowance for credit loss related to available-for-sale fixed maturity securities is the difference between the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. The Company considers all available evidence when determining whether an investment requires a credit loss write-down or allowance to be recorded, which is recognized in net loss through an allowance for credit losses. Any remaining decline in fair value represents the noncredit portion of the impairment, which is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax.

The Company has made a policy election to present accrued interest balances separately from the amortized cost basis of assets and has elected the practical expedient to exclude the accrued interest from the tabular disclosures for available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities. The Company has elected not to estimate an allowance for credit losses on accrued interest receivable. The accrual of interest income is discontinued, and the asset is placed on nonaccrual status in the quarter that payment becomes delinquent. Interest accrued but not received for assets on nonaccrual status is reversed through investment income. Interest received for assets that are on nonaccrual status is recognized as payment is received. The asset is returned to accrual status when the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are expected.
The Company did not identify any available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 which presented a risk of loss due to credit deterioration of the security.
Premiums Receivable
Premiums receivable include balances due currently or in the future and are presented net of an allowance for credit losses of approximately $402,000 and $269,000 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The allowance for credit losses is based on an analysis of amounts receivable giving consideration to historical loss experience and current economic conditions and reflects an amount that, in management’s judgment, is adequate. Uncollectible premiums receivable balances of approximately $115,000 and $75,000 were written off for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company evaluates cancellations after the balance sheet date and has determined that the cancellations are not material; therefore no additional cancellation reserve was recognized as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Policy acquisition costs represent the costs of writing business that vary with, and are primarily related to, the successful production of insurance business (principally commissions, premium taxes and certain underwriting salaries). Policy acquisition costs are deferred and recognized as expense as the related premiums are earned.
Intangible Assets
The Company has recorded acquired identifiable intangible assets. The cost of a group of assets acquired in a transaction is allocated to the individual assets including identifiable intangible assets based on their fair values. Identifiable intangible assets with a finite useful life are amortized over the period that the asset is expected to contribute directly or indirectly to the future cash flows of the Company. Intangible assets with an indefinite life are not amortized, but are subject to impairment testing if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not the asset is impaired. All identifiable intangible assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a carrying amount may not be recoverable. No impairment losses from intangible assets were recognized for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Property and Equipment
Building and building improvements, automobiles, furniture, computer equipment, and computer software are reported at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The Company estimates the useful life for computer equipment, automobiles, furniture and other equipment is three years, computer software is three to five years, and building and building improvements is 39 years.
The Company reviews its real estate assets used as its headquarters to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for market changes due to declines in the estimated fair value of the property. In evaluating potential impairment, management considers the current estimated fair value compared to the carrying value of the asset. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the fair value of the real estate assets is estimated to be in excess of the carrying value. See Note 20 - Subsequent Events.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and for operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income (loss) in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company files a consolidated tax return with its subsidiaries. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had no material unrecognized tax benefits and no adjustments to liabilities or operations were required.
Concentration, Credit Risk and Market Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk are primarily cash and cash equivalents, investments, and premium and reinsurance receivables. At times, cash may be uninsured or in deposit accounts that exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance limits. The Company has not experienced any losses on such accounts and management believes the Company is not exposed to any significant credit risk.
Stressed conditions, volatility and disruptions in capital markets or financial asset classes can have an adverse effect on the Company, in part because the Company has a large investment portfolio supporting the Company’s insurance liabilities, which are sensitive to changing market factors. These market factors, which include interest rates, credit spread, equity prices, and the volatility and strength of the capital markets, all affect the business and economic environment and, ultimately, the profitability of the Company’s business. The Company manages its investments to limit credit and other market risks by diversifying its portfolio among various security types and industry sectors based on KICO’s investment committee guidelines, which employ a variety of investment strategies.
At December 31, 2024, the outstanding premiums receivable balance is generally diversified due to the large number of individual insureds comprising the Company’s customer base. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, 96.0% and 88.3%, respectively, of KICO’s direct written premiums came from policies written in the state of New York policies.
The Company also has receivables from its reinsurers. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company of its obligations to policyholders. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. The Company periodically evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. See Note 7- Reinsurance for reinsurance recoverables on unpaid and paid losses by reinsurer. Management’s policy is to review all outstanding receivables quarterly as well as the bad debt write-offs experienced in the past and establish an allowance for credit losses, if deemed necessary.
Earnings (Loss) per share
Basic earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share reflects, in periods in which they have a dilutive effect, the impact of common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and warrants as well as non-vested restricted stock awards. The computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share excludes those options and warrants with an exercise price in excess of the average market price of the Company’s common shares during the periods
presented. Additionally, the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share excludes unvested restricted stock awards as calculated using the treasury stock method.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are charged to operations as incurred. Advertising costs are included in other underwriting expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) and were approximately $100,000 and $86,000 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Stock-based Compensation
Stock-based compensation expense in 2024 and 2023 is the estimated fair value of restricted stock awards and options granted, amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire portion of the award less an estimate for anticipated forfeitures. The Company uses the “simplified” method to estimate the expected term of the options because the Company’s historical share option exercise experience does not provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate expected term.
Warrants
The Company’s outstanding issued warrants are accounted for as equity in accordance with ASC 480-10, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity. The Company’s warrants are accounted for at fair value on the issuance date.
Compensated Absences Employees of the Company are entitled to paid vacations, sick days, and other time off depending on job classification, length of service and other factors. The Company has determined it is impracticable to estimate the amount of compensation of future absences and, accordingly, no liability has been recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The Company’s policy is to recognize the cost of compensated absences when paid to employees.
Leases The Company records operating leases in accordance with ASU 2016-02 – Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). Under ASU 2016-02, the Company recognizes a right-of-use-asset and corresponding liability on the balance sheet for all leases, except for leases covering a period of fewer than 12 months. The liability has been measured at the present value of the future minimum lease payments taking into account renewal options if applicable plus initial incremental direct costs such as commissions. The minimum payments are discounted using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate. The right-of-use asset is amortized as rent expense on a straight-line basis (See Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies - Office Leases).
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of revenues, expenses, gains and losses that are included in comprehensive income (loss) but are excluded from net income (loss) as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to stockholders' equity, and result primarily from changes in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of the related income taxes.
Accounting Changes
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued ASU No. 2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures ("ASU 2023-07), which introduces improvements to the information that a public entity discloses about its reportable segments and addresses investor requests for more information about reportable segment expenses. ASU 2023-07 does not change the current guidance related to the identification of operating segments, the determination of reportable segments, or the aggregation criteria. Rather, the new guidance introduces additional disclosure requirements and expands those requirements to entities with a single reportable segment, not just entities with multiple reportable segments. ASU 2023-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company retrospectively adopted ASU 2023-07
effective December 31, 2024, and has added the required disclosures for entities with a single reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 31, 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”), which requires disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation as well as information on income taxes paid. The standard is intended to benefit investors by providing more detailed income tax disclosures that would be useful in making capital allocation decisions. ASU-2023-09 is effective for public companies with annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU-2023-09 is required to be adopted on a prospective basis, although retrospective application is also permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2023-09 on its disclosures and method of adopting.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses ("ASU 2024-03"). ASU 2024-03 requires disaggregated disclosure of income statement expenses. ASU 2024-03 does not change the expense captions currently presented on the income statement; rather it requires disaggregation of certain expense captions into specified categories in disclosures within the footnotes to the financial statements. ASU 2024-03 is effective for annual reporting periods as amended by ASU2025-01, beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027. ASU 2024-03 can be applied on a prospective basis; however, retrospective application is permitted. Early adoption is permitted. As ASU 2024-03 only requires additional disclosure, it will not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
The Company has determined that all other recently issued accounting pronouncements will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows, or do not apply to its operations.