10-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended DECEMBER 31, 2015

Or

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _________________________ to _________________________________

Commission file number 001-11252

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Nevada	87-0447375
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
777 Main Street, Suite 1000, Fort Worth, Texas	76102
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (817) 348-1600

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class	Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock $.18 par value	Nasdaq Global Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes ¨ No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

Yes ¨No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes xNo ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer¨ Accelerated filerx Non-accelerated filer¨ Smaller reporting company¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨No x

State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter. $151.0 million

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. 19,007,727 shares of common stock, $.18 par value per share, outstanding as of March 10, 2016.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The information required by Part III is incorporated by reference from the Registrant's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.

Unless the context requires otherwise, in this Form 10-K the term “Hallmark” refers solely to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and the terms “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to Hallmark and its subsidiaries. The direct and indirect subsidiaries of Hallmark are referred to in this Form 10-K in the manner identified in the chart under “Item 1. Business – Operational Structure.”

Risks Associated with Forward-Looking Statements Included in this Form 10-K

This Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Forward-looking statements include statements which are predictive in nature, which depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or which include words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate” or similar expressions. These statements include the plans and objectives of management for future operations, including plans and objectives relating to future growth of our business activities and availability of funds. Statements regarding the following subjects are forward-looking by their nature:

· our business and growth strategies;

· our performance goals;

· our projected financial condition and operating results;

· our understanding of our competition;

· industry and market trends;

· the impact of technology on our products, operations and business; and

· any other statements or assumptions that are not historical facts.

The forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K are based on current expectations that involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Assumptions relating to these forward-looking statements involve judgments with respect to, among other things, future economic, competitive and market conditions, legislative initiatives, regulatory framework, weather-related events and future business decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond our control. Although we believe that the assumptions underlying these forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate and, therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in these forward-looking statements, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation that our objectives and plans will be achieved.

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PART I

Item 1. Business.

Who We Are

We are a diversified property/casualty insurance group that serves businesses and individuals in specialty and niche markets.

We offer standard commercial insurance, specialty commercial insurance and personal insurance in selected market subcategories that are characteristically low-severity and predominately short-tailed risks. We focus on marketing, distributing, underwriting and servicing property/casualty insurance products that require specialized underwriting expertise or market knowledge. We believe this approach provides us the best opportunity to achieve favorable policy terms and pricing. The insurance policies we produce are written by our six insurance company subsidiaries as well as unaffiliated insurers.

We market, distribute, underwrite and service our property/casualty insurance products primarily through subsidiaries whose operations are organized into product-specific operating units that are supported by our insurance company subsidiaries. Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit offers industry-specific commercial insurance products and services in the standard market. Our Workers Compensation operating unit specializes in small and middle market workers compensation business. Effective July 1, 2015, this operating unit no longer markets or retains any risk on new or renewal policies. Our MGA Commercial Products operating unit offers commercial insurance products and services in the excess and surplus lines market. Our Specialty Commercial operating unit offers general aviation and satellite launch insurance products and services, low and middle market commercial umbrella and primary/excess liability insurance, medical professional liability insurance products and services, and primary/excess commercial property coverages for both catastrophe and non-catastrophe exposures. Our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit offers non-standard personal automobile and renters insurance products and services.

Each operating unit has its own management team with significant experience in distributing products to its target markets and proven success in achieving underwriting profitability and providing efficient claims management. Each operating unit is responsible for marketing, distribution, underwriting and claims management while we provide capital management, reinsurance, actuarial, investment, financial reporting, technology and legal services and other administrative support at the parent level. We believe this approach optimizes our operating results by allowing us to effectively penetrate our selected specialty and niche markets while maintaining operational controls, managing risks, controlling overhead and efficiently allocating our capital across operating units. We expect future growth to be derived from organic growth in the premium production of our existing operating units and selected opportunistic acquisitions that meet our criteria.

What We Do

We market commercial and personal lines property/casualty insurance products which are tailored to the risks and coverages required by the insured. We believe that most of our target markets are underserved by larger property/casualty insurers because of the specialized nature of the underwriting required. We are able to offer these products profitably as a result of the expertise of our experienced underwriters. We also believe our long-standing relationships with independent general agencies and retail agents and the service we provide differentiate us from larger property/casualty insurers.

Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit primarily underwrites low-severity, short-tailed commercial property/casualty insurance products in the standard market. These products have historically produced stable loss results and include general liability, commercial automobile, commercial property and umbrella coverages. Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit currently markets its products through a network of 347 independent agents primarily serving businesses in the non-urban areas of Texas, New Mexico, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Washington, Utah, Wyoming, Arkansas, Hawaii and Missouri. In addition, our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit offers occupational accident coverage in Texas through an underwriting agency that specializes in the occupational accident insurance market.

Our MGA Commercial Products operating unit primarily offers commercial property/casualty insurance products in the excess and surplus lines market. Excess and surplus lines insurance provides coverage for difficult to place risks that do not fit the underwriting criteria of insurers operating in the standard market. Our MGA Commercial Products operating unit focuses on middle market commercial risks that do not meet the underwriting requirements of standard insurers due to factors such as loss history, number of years in business, minimum premium size and types of business operation. Our MGA Commercial Products operating unit primarily writes commercial automobile, general liability, commercial property and excess casualty. Our MGA Commercial Products operating unit markets its products in 27 states through 9 wholesale brokers, a program underwriter and 89 general agency offices, as well as 110 independent retail agents in Texas and Oregon.

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Our Specialty Commercial operating unit offers small and middle market commercial excess liability, umbrella and general liability insurance on both an admitted and non-admitted basis; general aviation property/casualty insurance primarily for private and small commercial aircraft and airports; satellite launch property/casualty insurance products; medical professional liability insurance on an excess and surplus lines basis; and primary/excess commercial property coverages on an excess and surplus lines basis for both catastrophe and non-catastrophe exposures. The principal focus of the excess & umbrella insurance products offered is transportation (trucking for hire and specialty automobile coverage). The Specialty Commercial operating unit also provides excess liability coverage for small to midsize businesses in class categories such as contracting, manufacturing, hospitality and service (non-transportation).  Typical risks range from one power unit to fleets of up to 200 power units and up to $75M in receipts (non-construction) or $30M in receipts (construction) from operations. Our Specialty Commercial operating unit markets these excess & umbrella products through 132 wholesale brokers in 50 states. The aircraft liability and hull insurance products underwritten by our Specialty Commercial operating unit are targeted to transitional or non-standard pilots who may have difficulty obtaining insurance from a standard carrier. Airport liability insurance is marketed to smaller, regional airports. Our Specialty Commercial operating unit markets these general aviation insurance products through 182 independent specialty brokers in 48 states. The satellite launch property/casualty policies produced by our Specialty Commercial operating unit are marketed through underwriting agencies with technical knowledge of space insurance. We can retain up to $2.0 million per risk for satellite launches and in-orbit coverage for up to 12 months. The medical professional liability insurance underwritten on an excess and surplus basis by our Specialty Commercial operating unit focuses on healthcare professionals that do not meet the underwriting requirements of standard insurers due to factors such as loss history, number of years in business, minimum premium size and types of business operation. Our Specialty Commercial operating unit markets these medical professional liability insurance products through 23 wholesale brokers in 49 states. The primary/excess commercial property coverages underwritten by our Specialty Commercial operating unit specializes in shared and layered accounts on a non-admitted basis which target regional and national property programs. Our Specialty Commercial operating unit markets these products through 60 wholesale brokers in 42 states.

Our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit offers non-standard personal automobile policies, which generally provide the minimum limits of liability coverage mandated by state law to drivers who find it difficult to obtain insurance from standard carriers due to various factors including age, driving record, claims history or limited financial resources. Our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit also provides a renters insurance product that complements our non-standard auto offering and fits well in our distribution channel. During the fourth quarter of 2014, our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit discontinued the low value dwelling/homeowner’s and manufactured homes insurance products it previously offered. Our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit markets these policies through 3,702 independent retail agents in 14 states.

Our insurance company subsidiaries are American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas (“AHIC”), Hallmark Insurance Company (“HIC”), Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company (“HSIC”), Hallmark County Mutual Insurance Company (“HCM”), Hallmark National Insurance Company (“HNIC”) and Texas Builders Insurance Company (“TBIC”). AHIC, HIC, HSIC and HNIC have entered into a pooling arrangement, pursuant to which AHIC retains 34% of the net premiums written by any of them, HIC retains 32% of the net premiums written by any of them, HSIC retains 24% of the net premiums written by any of them and HNIC retains 10% of the net premiums written by any of them. A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”), a nationally recognized insurance industry rating service and publisher, has pooled its ratings of these four insurance company subsidiaries and assigned a financial strength rating of “A–” (Excellent) and an issuer credit rating of “a-” to each of these individual insurance company subsidiaries and to the pool formed by these four insurance company subsidiaries. Also, A.M. Best has assigned a financial strength rating of “A–” (Excellent) and an issuer credit rating of “a-” to HCM. A.M. Best does not assign a financial strength rating or an issuer credit rating to TBIC.

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These operating units are segregated into three reportable industry segments for financial accounting purposes. The Standard Commercial Segment consists of the Standard Commercial P&C operating unit and the Workers Compensation operating unit. The Specialty Commercial Segment includes our MGA Commercial Products operating unit and Specialty Commercial operating unit, as well as certain specialty risk programs (“Specialty Programs”) which are managed at the parent level. The Personal Segment consists solely of our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit. The following table displays the gross premiums written and net premiums written by these reportable segments for affiliated and unaffiliated insurers for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
	(dollars in thousands)
Gross Premiums Written:
Standard Commercial Segment	$	81,892	$	84,679	$	87,147
Specialty Commercial Segment		351,050		324,547		296,108
Personal Segment		81,281		63,992		76,772
Total	$	514,223	$	473,218	$	460,027
Net Premiums Written:
Standard Commercial Segment	$	71,097	$	76,912	$	79,466
Specialty Commercial Segment		241,775		230,638		235,655
Personal Segment		44,072		16,802		45,644
Total	$	356,944	$	324,352	$	360,765

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Operational Structure

Our insurance company subsidiaries retain a portion of the premiums produced by our operating units. The following chart reflects the operational structure of our organization, including the subsidiaries comprising our operating units and the operating units included in each reportable segment as of December 31, 2015.

Standard Commercial Segment

The Standard Commercial Segment of our business includes our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit and our Workers Compensation operating unit. During 2015, our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit accounted for 92% and our Workers Compensation operating unit accounted for the remaining 8% of the aggregate premiums produced by the Standard Commercial Segment.

Standard Commercial P&C operating unit. Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit markets, underwrites and services standard commercial lines insurance primarily in the non-urban areas of Texas, New Mexico, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Washington, Utah, Wyoming, Arkansas, Hawaii and Missouri. The subsidiaries comprising our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit include American Hallmark Insurance Services, a regional managing general agency, and ECM, a claims administration company. American Hallmark Insurance Services targets customers that are in low-severity classifications in the standard commercial market, which as a group have relatively stable loss results. The typical customer is a small to midsize business with a policy that covers property, general liability and automobile exposures. Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit underwriting criteria exclude lines of business and classes of risks that are considered to be high-severity or volatile, or which involve significant latent injury potential or other long-tailed liability exposures. ECM administers the claims on the insurance policies produced by American Hallmark Insurance Services. In addition, our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit offers occupational accident coverage in Texas through an underwriting agency that is a specialist in the occupational accident insurance market. Products offered by our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit include the following:

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· Commercial automobile. Commercial automobile insurance provides third-party bodily injury and property damage coverage and first-party property damage coverage against losses resulting from the ownership, maintenance or use of automobiles and trucks in connection with an insured’s business.

· General liability. General liability insurance provides coverage for third-party bodily injury and property damage claims arising from accidents occurring on the insured’s premises or from their general business operations.

· Umbrella. Umbrella insurance provides coverage for third-party liability claims where the loss amount exceeds coverage limits provided by the insured’s underlying general liability and commercial automobile policies.

· Commercial property. Commercial property insurance provides first-party coverage for the insured’s real property, business personal property, and business interruption losses caused by fire, wind, hail, water damage, theft, vandalism and other insured perils.

· Commercial multi-peril. Commercial multi-peril insurance provides a combination of property and liability coverage that can include commercial automobile coverage on a single policy.

· Business owner’s. Business owner’s insurance provides a package of coverage designed for small to midsize businesses with homogeneous risk profiles. Coverage includes general liability, commercial property and commercial automobile.

· Occupational accident.  Occupational accident insurance provides an alternative to statutory workers compensation insurance in Texas.  Coverage includes medical, short term disability and accidental death and dismemberment.

Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit markets its property/casualty insurance products through 347 independent agencies operating in its target markets. Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit applies a strict agent selection process and seeks to provide its independent agents some degree of non-contractual geographic exclusivity. Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit also strives to provide its independent agents with convenient access to product information and personalized service. As a result, the Standard Commercial P&C operating unit has historically maintained excellent relationships with its producing agents, as evidenced by the 23 year average tenure of the 16 agency groups that each produced more than $1.0 million in premium during the year ended December 31, 2015. During 2015, the top ten agency groups produced 37%, and no individual agency group produced more than 10%, of the total premium volume of our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit.

Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit writes most risks on a package basis using a commercial multi-peril policy or a business owner’s policy. Umbrella policies are written only when our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit also writes the insured’s underlying general liability and commercial automobile coverage. Through December 31, 2005, our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit marketed policies on behalf of Clarendon National Insurance Company (“Clarendon”), a third-party insurer. Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit earns a commission based on a percentage of the earned premium it produced for Clarendon. The commission percentage is determined by the underwriting results of the policies produced. Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit presently markets all new and renewal policies exclusively for AHIC.

All of the commercial policies written by our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit are for a term of 12 months. If the insured is unable or unwilling to pay for the entire premium in advance, we provide an installment payment plan that requires the insured to pay 20% or 25% down and the remaining payments over eight months. We charge installment fees of up to $7.50 per payment for the installment payment plan.

Workers Compensation operating unit. Effective July 1, 2015, this operating unit no longer markets or retains any risk on new or renewal policies. The subsidiaries comprising our Workers Compensation operating unit included TBIC Holding which has two wholly-owned subsidiaries, TBIC, a Texas domiciled workers compensation insurance carrier and TBICRM, which provided risk management services to customers of TBIC. The run-off of existing policies issued by TBIC is being administered by an independent third party.

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Specialty Commercial Segment

The Specialty Commercial Segment of our business includes our MGA Commercial Products operating unit and our Specialty Commercial operating unit, as well as certain Specialty Programs which are managed at the parent level. During 2015, our MGA Commercial Products operating unit accounted for 70% of the aggregate premiums produced by the Specialty Commercial Segment, with our commercial umbrella and excess liability, general aviation, medical professional liability, satellite launch and primary/excess commercial property insurance products accounting for 19%, 5%, 2%, 2% and 1%, respectively. Our Specialty Programs accounted for the remaining 1% of the premium produced by the Specialty Commercial Segment during 2015.

MGA Commercial Products operating unit. Our MGA Commercial Products operating unit markets, underwrites, finances and services commercial lines insurance in 27 states with a particular emphasis on commercial automobile, general liability and commercial property risks produced on an excess and surplus lines basis. Excess and surplus lines insurance provides coverage for difficult to place risks that do not fit the underwriting criteria of insurers operating in the standard market. The subsidiaries comprising our MGA Commercial Products operating unit include HSU, which is a regional managing general underwriter, TGASRI which is a Texas managing general agency, and PAAC, which provides premium financing for policies marketed by HSU and certain unaffiliated general and retail agents. HSU accounts for 99% of the premium volume financed by PAAC.

Our MGA Commercial Products operating unit focuses on middle market commercial risks that do not meet the underwriting requirements of traditional standard insurers due to issues such as loss history, number of years in business, minimum premium size and types of business operation. During 2015, commercial automobile, general liability and all other property & casualty accounted for 87%, 9% and 4%, respectively, of the premiums produced by our MGA Commercial Products operating unit. Target risks for commercial automobile insurance are business auto and trucking for hire fleets, excluding hazardous or flammable materials haulers. Target risks for general liability insurance are small business risk exposures including artisan contractors, sales and service organizations, and building and premises liability exposures. Target risks for commercial property insurance are low- to mid-value structures including office buildings, mercantile shops, restaurants and rental dwellings, in each case with aggregate property limits of less than $500,000. The commercial insurance products offered by our MGA Commercial Products operating unit include the following:

· Commercial automobile. Commercial automobile insurance provides third-party bodily injury and property damage coverage and first-party property damage coverage against losses resulting from the ownership, maintenance or use of automobiles and trucks in connection with an insured’s business.

· General liability. General liability insurance provides coverage for third-party bodily injury and property damage claims arising from accidents occurring on the insured’s premises or from their general business operations.

· Commercial property. Commercial property insurance provides first-party coverage for the insured’s real property, business personal property, theft and business interruption losses caused by fire, wind, hail, water damage, vandalism and other insured perils. Windstorm, hurricane and hail are generally excluded in coastal areas.

· Commercial excess liability. Commercial excess liability insurance is designed to provide an extra layer of protection for bodily injury, personal and advertising injury, or property damage losses above the primary layer of commercial automobile, general liability and employer’s liability insurance. The excess insurance does not begin until the limits of liability in the primary layer have been exhausted. The excess layer provides not only higher limits, but catastrophic protection from large losses.

· Commercial umbrella. Commercial umbrella insurance protects businesses for bodily injury, personal and advertising injury, or property damage claims in excess of the limits of their primary commercial automobile, general liability and employers liability policies, and for some claims excluded by their primary policies (subject to a deductible). Umbrella insurance provides not only higher limits, but catastrophic protection for large losses.

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Our MGA Commercial Products operating unit markets its products in 27 states through 9 wholesale brokers, a program underwriter and 89 general agency offices, as well as 110 independent retail agents in Texas and Oregon. Our MGA Commercial Products operating unit strives to simplify the placement of its excess and surplus lines policies by providing our general agents with a web rating portal which allows for instantaneous quoting and signature-ready applications which can be emailed or faxed to its independent retail agents. During 2015, general agents produced 79%, the program underwriter produced 15%, retail agents produced 3% and wholesale brokers produced 3% of total premiums produced by our MGA Commercial Products operating unit. During 2015, the top ten general agents produced 37%, the nine wholesale brokers produced 3% and no general agent produced more than 9%, of the total premium volume of our MGA Commercial Products operating unit. During the same period, the top ten retail agents produced 2%, and no retail agent produced more than 1%, of the total premium volume of our MGA Commercial Products operating unit.

Through 2008, all business of our MGA Commercial Products operating unit was produced under a fronting agreement with member companies of the Republic Group (“Republic”), which granted our MGA Commercial Products operating unit the authority to develop underwriting programs, set rates, appoint retail and general agents, underwrite risks, issue policies and adjust and pay claims. We assumed 70% of the risk under this arrangement in 2008. In 2009, our MGA Commercial Products operating unit wrote a portion of its policies under a fronting arrangement with Republic pursuant to which we assumed 100% of the risk. Commission revenue was generated under the fronting agreement on the portion of premiums not assumed by AHIC. An additional commission may be earned if certain loss ratio targets are met. Additional revenue was generated from fully earned policy fees and installment billing fees charged on legacy personal lines products. Since 2010, in states where we were not yet licensed to offer a non-admitted product, we utilized a fronting arrangement with a third party pursuant to which we assumed all of the risk and then retroceded a portion of the risk to third party reinsurers.

The majority of the commercial policies written by our MGA Commercial Products operating unit are for a term of 12 months. Exceptions include certain commercial automobile policies that are written for a term that coincides with the annual harvest of crops and special event general liability policies that are written for the term of the event, which is generally one to two days. Commercial lines policies are paid in full up front or financed with various premium finance companies, including PAAC.

Specialty Commercial operating unit. Our Specialty Commercial operating unit offers small and middle market commercial excess liability, umbrella and general liability insurance on both an admitted and non-admitted basis focusing primarily on trucking, specialty automobile, and non-fleet automobile coverage, general aviation property/casualty insurance primarily for private and small commercial aircraft and airports, satellite launch insurance products, medical professional liability insurance on an excess and surplus lines basis and primary/excess commercial property coverage for both catastrophe and non-catastrophe exposures on an excess and surplus lines basis.

The small and middle market commercial excess liability, umbrella and general liability insurance underwritten by our Specialty Commercial operating unit is offered on an admitted and non-admitted basis in 49 states plus the District of Columbia. Limits of liability offered are from $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 (transportation) and $1,000,000 to $10,000,000 (non-transportation) in coverage in excess of the primary carrier’s limits of liability. The principal focus of the excess & umbrella insurance products offered is transportation, specifically trucking for hire, specialty automobile and non-fleet automobile coverage. The Specialty Commercial operating unit also provides umbrella and excess liability coverage for small to midsize businesses in class categories such as contracting, manufacturing, hospitality and service. The majority of the excess & umbrella and general liability insurance policies written by our Specialty Commercial operating unit are on an annual basis. However, exceptions are common in an attempt to have policy effective dates coincide with those of the primary insurance policies. Policy premiums are due in full 30 days from the inception date of the policy. Our excess & umbrella insurance and general liability insurance products are offered through 132 wholesale brokers. During 2015, the top ten wholesale brokers accounted for 46% of our excess & umbrella and general liability premium volume, with no single wholesale broker accounting for more than 15%. During 2015, commercial transportation excess liability risks accounted for 89% of the premiums, with the remaining 11% coming from non-transportation commercial excess and general liability risks. The commercial excess & umbrella and general liability insurance products offered by our Specialty Commercial operating unit include the following:

· Commercial excess liability. Commercial excess liability insurance is designed to provide an extra layer of protection for bodily injury, personal and advertising injury, or property damage losses above the primary layer of commercial automobile, general liability and employer’s liability insurance. The excess insurance does not begin until the limits of liability in the primary layer have been exhausted. The excess layer provides not only higher limits, but catastrophic protection from large losses.

· Commercial umbrella. Commercial umbrella insurance protects businesses for bodily injury, personal and advertising injury, or property damage claims in excess of the limits of their primary commercial automobile, general liability and employers liability policies, and for some claims excluded by their primary policies (subject to a deductible). Umbrella insurance provides not only higher limits, but catastrophic protection for large losses.

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· Commercial general liability. General liability insurance provides coverage for third-party bodily injury and property damage claims arising from accidents occurring on the insured’s premises or from their general business operations.

We generally cede 80% of the excess & umbrella and general liability risk on policies presently written by our Specialty Commercial operating unit.

Our Specialty Commercial operating unit markets, underwrites and services general aviation property/casualty insurance in 48 states. The subsidiaries marketing our general aviation insurance products include Aerospace Insurance Managers, which markets standard aviation coverages, ASRI, which markets excess and surplus lines aviation coverages, and ACMG, which handles claims management. Aerospace Insurance Managers is one of only a few similar entities in the U.S. and has focused on developing a well-defined niche centering on transitional pilots, older aircraft and small airports and aviation-related businesses. In addition, our Specialty Commercial operating unit offers satellite launch property/casualty policies marketed through underwriting agencies with technical knowledge of space insurance. The general aviation and satellite launch products offered by our Specialty Commercial operating unit include the following:

· Aircraft. Aircraft insurance provides third-party bodily injury and property damage coverage and first-party hull damage coverage against losses resulting from the ownership, maintenance or use of aircraft.

· Airport liability. Airport liability insurance provides coverage for third-party bodily injury and property damage claims arising from accidents occurring on airport premises or from their operations.

· Satellite. We can retain up to $2.0 million per risk for satellite launches and in-orbit coverage for up to 12 months. 

We presently cede 80% of the general aviation risk on policies written by our Specialty Commercial operating unit.

Our Specialty Commercial operating unit distributes its general aviation insurance products through 182 aviation specialty brokers. These specialty brokers submit to Aerospace Insurance Managers requests for aviation insurance quotations received from the states in which we operate and our Specialty Commercial operating unit selectively determines the risks fitting its target niche for which it will prepare a quote. During 2015, the top ten independent specialty brokers produced 32%, and no broker produced more than 5%, of the total general aviation premium volume of our Specialty Commercial operating unit. Our Specialty Commercial operating unit independently develops, underwrites and prices each general aviation coverage written. We target pilots who may lack experience in the type of aircraft they have acquired or are transitioning between types of aircraft. We also target pilots who may be over the age limits of other insurers. We do not accept aircraft that are used for hazardous purposes such as crop dusting or heli-skiing. Liability limits are controlled, with 89% of the aircraft written in 2015 bearing per-occurrence limits of $1,000,000 and per-passenger limits of $100,000 or less. The average insured aircraft hull value for aircraft written in 2015 was approximately $126,000. All general aviation policies produced by our Specialty Commercial operating unit are written through our insurance company subsidiaries.

Our Specialty Commercial operating unit markets medical professional liability insurance on an excess and surplus lines basis. Medical professional liability insurance provides coverage for third-party bodily injury claims resulting from professional services provided by physicians, surgeons, podiatrists and medical entities. Our Specialty Commercial operating unit distributes its medical professional liability insurance products through 23 wholesale brokers in 49 states.

Our Specialty Commercial operating unit markets primary/excess commercial property coverages, on a non-admitted basis, for both catastrophe and non-catastrophe exposures. Our Specialty Commercial operating unit distributes its primary/excess commercial property insurance products through 60 wholesale brokers in 42 states. We presently cede 90% of the primary/excess commercial property risk on policies underwritten by our insurance companies and we receive a fee on the portion of the business written as a cover-holder through a Lloyds Syndicate.

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Specialty Programs. Our Specialty Programs consist of fronting and agency arrangements which are managed at the parent level. The Specialty Programs business presently consists primarily of a fronting arrangement in Texas for a third party insurance company.

Personal Segment / Specialty Personal Lines operating unit

The Personal Segment of our business consists solely of our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit. Our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit markets and services non-standard personal automobile policies and renters insurance in 14 states. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Specialty Personal Lines operating unit discontinued the low value dwelling/homeowner’s and manufactured homes insurance products it previously offered. Our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit provides management, policy and claims administration services to HIC and includes the operations of American Hallmark General Agency, Inc. and Hallmark Claims Services, Inc. Our non-standard personal automobile insurance generally provides for the minimum limits of liability coverage mandated by state laws to drivers who find it difficult to purchase automobile insurance from standard carriers as a result of various factors, including driving record, vehicle, age, claims history, or limited financial resources. Products offered by our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit include the following:

· Personal automobile. Personal automobile insurance is the primary product offered by our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit. Our policies typically provide third-party coverage to individuals for bodily injury and property damage at the minimum limits required by law, and for physical damage to an insured’s own vehicle from collision and various other perils. In addition, many states require policies to provide for first party personal injury protection, frequently referred to as no-fault coverage.

· Renters. Renters insurance provides coverage for the contents of a renter’s home or apartment and for liability. Renter’s policies are similar to homeowners insurance, except they do not cover the structure.

We presently cede 50% of the personal automobile risk on policies written by our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit.

Our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit markets its products through 3,702 independent retail agents operating in its target geographic markets. Non-standard automobile represented 98% of the premiums produced during 2015. Our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit qualifies new agent appointments in order to establish an efficient network of independent agents to effectively penetrate its highly competitive markets. Our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit periodically evaluates its independent agents and discontinues the appointment of agents whose production history does not satisfy certain standards. During 2015, the top ten independent agency groups produced 27%, and no individual agency group produced more than 8%, of the total premium volume of our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit.

During 2015, personal automobile liability coverage accounted for 78% and personal automobile physical damage coverage accounted for the remaining 22% of the total non-standard automobile premiums produced by our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit. Our most common policy term is a six month policy. We offer additional terms of one-, two-, three- and twelve-month policies in certain markets. Our typical non-standard personal automobile customer is unable or unwilling to pay a full or half year premium in advance. Accordingly, we currently offer a direct bill program where the premiums are directly billed to the insured on a monthly basis. We charge installment fees for each payment under the direct bill program. Our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit markets its products in 14 states directly for HIC, AHIC, HCM and HNIC.

Our Competitive Strengths

We believe that we enjoy the following competitive strengths:

· Specialized market knowledge and underwriting expertise. All of our operating units possess extensive knowledge of the specialty and niche markets in which they operate, which we believe allows them to effectively structure and market their property/casualty insurance products. Our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit has a thorough understanding of the unique characteristics of the non-standard personal automobile market. Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit has significant underwriting experience in its target market for standard commercial property/casualty insurance products. In addition, our MGA Commercial Products operating unit and Specialty Commercial operating unit have developed specialized underwriting expertise which enhances their ability to profitably underwrite non-standard property/casualty insurance coverages.

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· Tailored market strategies. Each of our operating units has developed its own customized strategy for penetrating the specialty or niche markets in which it operates. These strategies include distinctive product structuring, marketing, distribution, underwriting and servicing approaches by each operating unit. As a result, we are able to structure our property/casualty insurance products to serve the unique risk and coverage needs of our insureds. We believe these market-specific strategies enable us to provide policies tailored to the target customer that are appropriately priced and fit our risk profile.

· Superior agent and customer service. We believe performing the underwriting, billing, customer service and claims management functions at the operating unit level allows us to provide superior service to both our independent agents and insured customers. The easy-to-use interfaces and responsiveness of our operating units enhance their relationships with the independent agents who sell our policies. We also believe our consistency in offering our insurance products through hard and soft markets helps to build and maintain the loyalty of our independent agents. Our customized products, flexible payment plans and prompt claims processing are similarly beneficial to our insureds.

· Market diversification. We believe operating in various specialty and niche segments of the property/casualty insurance market diversifies both our revenues and our risks. We also believe our operating units generally operate on different market cycles, producing more earnings stability than if we focused entirely on one product. As a result of the pooling arrangement among four of our insurance company subsidiaries, we are able to efficiently allocate our capital among these various specialty and niche markets in response to market conditions and expansion opportunities. We believe this market diversification reduces our risk profile and enhances our profitability.

· Experienced management team. Our senior corporate management has an average of over 20 years of insurance experience. In addition, our operating units have strong management teams, with an average of more than 20 years of insurance industry experience for the heads of our operating units and an average of more than 15 years of underwriting experience for our underwriters. Our management has significant experience in all aspects of property/casualty insurance, including underwriting, claims management, actuarial analysis, reinsurance and regulatory compliance. In addition, Hallmark’s senior management has a strong track record of acquiring businesses that expand our product offerings and improve our profitability profile.

Our Strategy

We strive to become a “Best in Class” specialty insurance company offering products in specialty and niche markets through the following strategies:

· Focusing on underwriting discipline and operational efficiency. We seek to consistently generate an underwriting profit on the business we write in hard and soft markets. Our operating units have a strong track record of underwriting discipline and operational efficiency, which we seek to continue. We believe that in soft markets our competitors often offer policies at a low or negative underwriting profit in order to maintain or increase their premium volume and market share. In contrast, we seek to write business based on its profitability rather than focusing solely on premium production. To that end, we provide financial incentives to many of our underwriters and independent agents based on underwriting profitability.

· Achieving organic growth in our existing business lines. We believe we can achieve organic growth in our existing business lines by consistently providing our insurance products through market cycles, expanding geographically, expanding our product offerings, expanding our agency relationships and further penetrating our existing customer base. We believe our extensive market knowledge and strong agency relationships position us to compete effectively in our various specialty and niche markets. We also believe there is a significant opportunity to expand some of our existing business lines into new geographical areas and through new agency relationships while maintaining our underwriting discipline and operational efficiency. In addition, we believe there is an opportunity for some of our operating units to further penetrate their existing customer bases with additional products offered by other operating units.

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· Pursuing selected, opportunistic acquisitions. We seek to opportunistically acquire insurance organizations that operate in specialty or niche property/casualty insurance markets that are complementary to our existing operations. We seek to acquire companies with experienced management teams, stable loss results and strong track records of underwriting profitability and operational efficiency. Where appropriate, we intend to ultimately retain profitable business produced by the acquired companies that would otherwise be retained by unaffiliated insurers. Our management has significant experience in evaluating potential acquisition targets, structuring transactions to ensure continued success and integrating acquired companies into our operational structure.

· Maintaining a strong balance sheet. We seek to maintain a strong balance sheet by employing conservative investment, reinsurance and reserving practices and to measure our performance based on long-term growth in book value per share.

Distribution

We market our property/casualty insurance products predominately through independent general agents, retail agents and specialty brokers. Therefore, our relationships with independent agents and brokers are critical to our ability to identify, attract and retain profitable business. Each of our operating units has developed its own tailored approach to establishing and maintaining its relationships with these independent distributors of our products. These strategies focus on providing excellent service to our agents and brokers, maintaining a consistent presence in our target niche and specialty markets through hard and soft market cycles and fairly compensating the agents and brokers who market our products. Our operating units also regularly evaluate independent general and retail agents based on the underwriting profitability of the business they produce and their performance in relation to our objectives.

Except for the products of our Specialty Commercial operating unit, the distribution of property/casualty insurance products by our operating units is geographically concentrated. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, five states accounted for 63% of the gross premiums written by our insurance company subsidiaries. The following table reflects the geographic distribution of our insured risks, as represented by direct and assumed premiums written by our business segments for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015.

State	Standard Commercial Segment			Specialty Commercial Segment			Personal Segment			Total			Percent of Total
	(dollars in thousands)
Texas	$	29,741		$	188,955		$	21,733		$	240,429			46.7	%
Louisiana		-			24,576			-			24,576			4.8	%
Arizona		-			1,443			20,697			22,140			4.3	%
Oklahoma		-			8,724			9,145			17,869			3.5	%
New Mexico		8,821			997			7,584			17,402			3.4	%
All other states		43,330			126,355			22,122			191,807			37.3	%
Total gross premiums written	$	81,892		$	351,050		$	81,281		$	514,223
Percent of total		15.9	%		68.3	%		15.8	%		100.0	%

Underwriting

The underwriting process employed by our operating units involves securing an adequate level of underwriting information, identifying and evaluating risk exposures and then pricing the risks we choose to accept. Each of our operating units offering commercial, healthcare professional or aviation insurance products employs its own underwriters with in-depth knowledge of the specific niche and specialty markets targeted by that operating unit. We employ a disciplined underwriting approach that seeks to provide policies appropriately tailored to the specified risks and to adopt price structures that will be supported in the applicable market. Our experienced commercial, healthcare professional and aviation underwriters have developed underwriting principles and processes appropriate to the coverages offered by their respective operating units.

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We believe that managing the underwriting process through our operating units capitalizes on the knowledge and expertise of their personnel in specific markets and results in better underwriting decisions. All of our underwriters have established limits of underwriting authority based on their level of experience. We also provide financial incentives to many of our underwriters based on underwriting profitability.

To better diversify our revenue sources and manage our risk, we seek to maintain an appropriate business mix among our operating units. At the beginning of each year, we establish a target net loss ratio for each operating unit. We then monitor the actual net loss ratio on a monthly basis. If any line of business fails to meet its target net loss ratio, we seek input from our underwriting, actuarial and claims management personnel to develop a corrective action plan. Depending on the particular circumstances, that plan may involve tightening underwriting guidelines, increasing rates, modifying product structure, re-evaluating independent agency relationships or discontinuing unprofitable coverages or classes of risk.

An insurance company’s underwriting performance is traditionally measured by its statutory loss and loss adjustment expense ratio, its statutory expense ratio and its statutory combined ratio. The statutory loss and loss adjustment expense ratio, which is calculated as the ratio of net losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) incurred to net premiums earned, helps to assess the adequacy of the insurer’s rates, the propriety of its underwriting guidelines and the performance of its claims department. The statutory expense ratio, which is calculated as the ratio of underwriting and operating expenses to net premiums written, assists in measuring the insurer’s cost of processing and managing the business. The statutory combined ratio, which is the sum of the statutory loss and LAE ratio and the statutory expense ratio, is indicative of the overall profitability of an insurer’s underwriting activities, with a combined ratio of less than 100% indicating profitable underwriting results.

The following table shows, for the periods indicated, (i) our gross premiums written (in thousands); and (ii) our underwriting results as measured by the net statutory loss and LAE ratio, the net statutory expense ratio, and the net statutory combined ratio of our insurance company subsidiaries.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Gross premiums written	$	514,223		$	473,218		$	460,027
Net statutory loss & LAE ratio		65.4	%		64.8	%		72.2	%
Net statutory expense ratio		30.6	%		33.1	%		34.7	%
Net statutory combined ratio		96.0	%		97.9	%		106.9	%

These statutory ratios do not reflect the deferral of policy acquisition costs, investment income, premium finance revenues, or the elimination of inter-company transactions required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

The premium-to-surplus percentage measures the relationship between net premiums written in a given period (premiums written, less returned premiums and reinsurance ceded to other carriers) to policyholders surplus (admitted assets less liabilities), determined on the basis of statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by insurance regulatory authorities. State insurance department regulators expect insurance companies to maintain a premium-to-surplus percentage of not more than 300%. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, our consolidated premium-to-surplus ratios were 144%, 154% and 184%, respectively.

Claims Management and Administration

We believe that effective claims management is critical to our success and that our claims management process is cost-effective, delivers the appropriate level of claims service and produces superior claims results. Our claims management philosophy emphasizes the delivery of courteous, prompt and effective claims handling and embraces responsiveness to policyholders and agents. Our claims strategy focuses on thorough investigation, timely evaluation and fair settlement of covered claims while consistently maintaining appropriate case reserves. We seek to compress the cycle time of claim resolution in order to control both loss and claim handling cost. We also strive to control legal expenses by negotiating competitive rates with defense counsel and vendors, establishing litigation budgets and monitoring invoices.

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Each of our operating units maintains its own dedicated staff of specialized claims personnel to manage and administer claims arising under policies produced through their respective operations. The claims process is managed through a combination of experienced claims managers, seasoned claims supervisors, trained staff adjusters and independent adjustment or appraisal services, when appropriate. All adjusters are licensed in those jurisdictions for which they handle claims that require licensing. Limits on settlement authority are established for each claims supervisor and staff adjuster based on their level of experience. Certain independent adjusters have limited authority to settle claims. Claim exposures are periodically and systematically reviewed by claim supervisors and managers as a method of quality and loss control. Large loss exposures are reviewed at least quarterly with senior management of the operating unit and monitored by Hallmark senior management.

Claims personnel receive in-house training and are required to attend various continuing education courses pertaining to topics such as best practices, fraud awareness, legal environment, legislative changes and litigation management. Depending on the criteria of each operating unit, our claims adjusters are assigned a variety of claims to enhance their knowledge and ensure their continued development in efficiently handling claims. As of December 31, 2015, our operating units had a total of 100 claims managers, supervisors and adjusters with an average experience of approximately 15 years.

Analysis of Losses and LAE

Our consolidated financial statements include an estimated reserve for unpaid losses and LAE. We estimate our reserve for unpaid losses and LAE by using case-basis evaluations and statistical projections, which include inferences from both losses paid and losses incurred. We also use recent historical cost data and periodic reviews of underwriting standards and claims management practices to modify the statistical projections. We give consideration to the impact of inflation in determining our loss reserves, but do not discount reserve balances.

The amount of reserves represents our estimate of the ultimate cost of all unpaid losses and LAE incurred. These estimates are subject to the effect of trends in claim severity and frequency. We regularly review the estimates and adjust them as claims experience develops and new information becomes known. Such adjustments are included in current operations, including increases and decreases, net of reinsurance, in the estimate of ultimate liabilities for insured events of prior years.

Changes in loss development patterns and claim payments can significantly affect the ability of insurers to estimate reserves for unpaid losses and related expenses. We seek to continually improve our loss estimation process by refining our ability to analyze loss development patterns, claim payments and other information within a legal and regulatory environment that affects development of ultimate liabilities. Future changes in estimates of claim costs may adversely affect future period operating results. However, such effects cannot be reasonably estimated currently.

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Reconciliation of reserve for unpaid losses and LAE. The following table provides a reconciliation of our beginning and ending reserve balances on a net-of-reinsurance basis for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, to the gross-of-reinsurance amounts reported in our balance sheets at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

	As of and for Year Ended December 31
	2015			2014			2013
	(dollars in thousands)
Reserve for unpaid losses and LAE, net of reinsurance recoverables, January 1	$	323,192		$	312,468		$	263,832
Provision for losses and LAE for claims occurring in the current period		237,102			215,258			251,391
(Decrease) increase in reserve for unpaid losses and LAE for claims occurring in prior periods		(6,953	)		(5,203	)		9,954
Payments for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance:
Current period		(83,132	)		(76,231	)		(101,897	)
Prior periods		(122,122	)		(123,100	)		(110,812	)
Reserve for unpaid losses and LAE at December 31, net of reinsurance recoverable		348,087			323,192			312,468
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and LAE at December 31		102,791			91,943			70,172
Reserve for unpaid losses and LAE at December 31, gross of reinsurance	$	450,878		$	415,135		$	382,640

The $7.0 million favorable development, $5.2 million favorable development and $10.0 million unfavorable development in prior accident years recognized in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, represent normal changes in our loss reserve estimates. In 2015 and 2014, the aggregate loss reserve estimates for prior years were decreased to reflect favorable loss development when the available information indicated a reasonable likelihood that the ultimate losses would be less than the previous estimates. In 2013, the aggregate loss reserve estimates for prior years were increased to reflect unfavorable loss development when the available information indicated a reasonable likelihood that the ultimate losses would be more than the previous estimates. Generally, changes in reserves are caused by variations between actual experience and previous expectations and by reduced emphasis on the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method due to the aging of the accident years. (See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments - Reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses.”)

The $7.0 million decrease in reserves for unpaid losses and LAE recognized in 2015 was attributable to $7.4 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2014 accident year, $1.5 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2013 accident year and $1.1 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2012 and prior accident years. Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit, Workers Compensation operating unit, Specialty Commercial operating unit and our MGA Commercial Products operating unit accounted for $5.4 million, $2.0 million, $2.0 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of the decrease in reserves recognized during 2015. The decrease in reserves for our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit was primarily related to our general liability lines of business. The decrease in reserves for our Workers Compensation operating unit was attributable to the 2014, 2013 and 2012 and prior accident years. The decrease in reserves for our Specialty Commercial operating unit was primarily related to $0.9 million favorable development in our general aviation line of business, $0.8 million favorable development in our medical professional liability products and $0.3 million favorable development in our commercial excess liability line of business. The decrease in reserves in our MGA Commercial Products operating unit primarily related to our commercial auto liability and general liability lines of business. These favorable developments were partially offset by unfavorable development of $2.6 million in our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit primarily attributable to the 2014 accident year.

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The $5.2 million decrease in reserves for unpaid losses and LAE recognized in 2014 was attributable to $7.2 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2013 accident year, $4.4 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2012 accident year and $2.4 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2011 and prior accident years. Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit, Specialty Personal Lines operating unit, Workers Compensation operating unit and Specialty Commercial operating unit accounted for $4.1 million, $2.9 million, $1.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of the decrease in reserves recognized during 2014. The decrease in reserves for our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit was primarily related to our commercial auto and general liability lines of business. The decrease in reserves for our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit was primarily attributable to the 2013 accident year. The decrease in reserves for our Workers Compensation operating unit was attributable to the 2013, 2012 and 2011 and prior accident years. The decrease in reserves for our Specialty Commercial operating unit was primarily related to $0.9 million favorable development in our commercial excess liability line of business and $0.4 million favorable development in our medical professional liability products, partially offset by a $0.3 million unfavorable development in our general aviation line of business. These favorable developments were partially offset by unfavorable development of $4.7 million in our MGA Commercial Products operating unit primarily related to our commercial auto liability and general liability lines of business.

The $10.0 million increase in reserves for unpaid losses and LAE recognized in 2013 was attributable to $5.0 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2012 accident year, $1.7 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2011 accident year and $3.3 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2010 and prior accident years. Our MGA Commercial Products operating unit and Specialty Personal Lines operating unit accounted for $16.0 million and $1.8 million of the increase in reserves recognized during 2013. The increase in reserves for our MGA Commercial Products operating unit was primarily related to commercial auto liability line of business. The increase in reserves for our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit was primarily related to personal auto in the 2012 accident year. These unfavorable developments were partially offset by favorable prior years’ loss development of $3.7 million in our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit, $2.6 million in our Specialty Commercial operating unit and $1.5 million in our Workers Compensation operating unit. The decrease in reserves for our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit was primarily related to commercial auto and general liability lines of business. The decrease in reserves for our Specialty Commercial operating unit was driven by $2.3 million of favorable claims development in the 2011 and prior accident years related to our aircraft liability lines of business, partially offset by $0.1 million unfavorable claims development in the 2012 accident year related to our aircraft hull coverage. Further contributing to the decrease in reserves for our Specialty Commercial operating unit was $0.4 million of favorable claims development in our excess & umbrella lines of business. The decrease in reserves for our Workers Compensation operating unit was related to the 2012 and 2011 accident years.

Analysis of loss and LAE reserve development. The following table shows the development of our loss reserves, net of reinsurance, for years ended December 31, 2005 through 2015. Section A of the table shows the estimated liability for unpaid losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, recorded at the balance sheet date for each of the indicated years. This liability represents the estimated amount of losses and LAE for claims arising in prior years that are unpaid at the balance sheet date, including losses that have been incurred but not yet reported to us. Section B of the table shows the re-estimated amount of the previously recorded liability, based on experience as of the end of each succeeding year. The estimate is increased or decreased as more information becomes known about the frequency and severity of claims.

Cumulative Redundancy/ (Deficiency) (Section C of the table) represents the aggregate change in the estimates over all prior years. Thus, changes in ultimate development estimates are included in operations over a number of years, minimizing the significance of such changes in any one year.

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ANALYSIS OF LOSS AND LAE DEVELOPMENT

As of and for Year Ended December 31

	2005			2006			2007			2008			2009			2010			2011		2012			2013		2014		2015
A. Reserve for unpaid loss & LAE, net of reinsurance recoverables	$	25,997		$	72,801		$	120,849		$	150,025		$	176,250		$	213,723		$	254,901	$	263,832		$	312,468	$	323,192	$	348,087
B. Net reserve re-estimated as of:
One year later		24,820			66,387			119,034			151,645			185,440			230,089			251,226		273,786			307,265		316,239
Two years later		24,903			68,490			118,646			155,155			183,689			226,856			256,198		275,778			307,793
Three years later		23,144			68,809			120,444			154,738			181,268			230,145			253,814		274,704
Four years later		23,455			69,847			119,771			155,520			185,848			227,555			251,968
Five years later		24,425			71,879			123,949			158,842			184,995			227,357
Six years later		25,403			78,396			128,006			159,151			185,666
Seven years later		30,704			79,939			128,907			159,747
Eight years later		32,395			80,439			129,724
Nine years later		32,825			81,737
Ten years later		33,403
C. Net cumulative (deficiency) redundancy		(7,406	)		(8,936	)		(8,875	)		(9,722	)		(9,416	)		(13,634	)		2,933		(10,872	)		4,675		6,953
D. Cumulative amount of claims paid, net of reserve recoveries through:
One year later		16,721			30,061			50,458			64,810			73,647			105,848			109,538		110,812			123,100		122,122
Two years later		22,990			46,860			78,314			95,385			121,222			156,176			163,803		174,684			194,925
Three years later		24,562			58,322			93,286			120,133			146,956			188,044			200,637		209,619
Four years later		27,231			65,084			105,251			131,912			162,704			207,484			216,349
Five years later		28,833			71,082			112,029			140,618			172,330			220,627
Six years later		30,367			75,225			118,171			146,581			179,880
Seven years later		31,058			75,141			122,410			152,232
Eight years later		33,171			83,865			126,144
Nine years later		34,552			85,724
Ten years later		35,423
Net reserve-December 31		25,997			72,801			120,849			150,025			176,250			213,723			254,901		263,832			312,468		323,192		348,087
Reinsurance recoverables		324			4,763			4,489			6,338			8,412			37,954			42,044		49,584			70,172		91,943		102,791
Gross reserve-December 31		26,321			77,564			125,338			156,363			184,662			251,677			296,945		313,416			382,640		415,135		450,878
Net re-estimated reserve		33,403			81,737			129,724			159,747			185,666			227,357			251,968		274,704			307,793		316,239
Re-estimated reinsurance recoverable		1,776			6,704			7,919			8,627			10,156			35,968			40,755		50,631			65,443		93,541
Gross re-estimated reserve		35,179			88,441			137,643			168,374			195,822			263,325			292,723		325,335			373,236		409,780
Gross cumulative redundancy (deficiency)	$	(8,858	)	$	(10,877	)	$	(12,305	)	$	(12,011	)	$	(11,160	)	$	(11,648	)	$	4,222	$	(11,919	)	$	9,404	$	5,355

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Reinsurance

We reinsure a portion of the risk we underwrite in order to control the exposure to losses and to protect capital resources. We cede to reinsurers a portion of these risks and pay premiums based upon the risk and exposure of the policies subject to such reinsurance. Ceded reinsurance involves credit risk and is generally subject to aggregate loss limits. Although the reinsurer is liable to us to the extent of the reinsurance ceded, we are ultimately liable as the direct insurer on all risks reinsured. Reinsurance recoverables are reported after allowances for uncollectible amounts. We monitor the financial condition of reinsurers on an ongoing basis and review our reinsurance arrangements periodically. Reinsurers are selected based on their financial condition, business practices and the price of their product offerings. In order to mitigate credit risk to reinsurance companies, most of our reinsurance recoverable balance as of December 31, 2015 was with reinsurers that had an A.M. Best rating of “A–” or better. We also mitigate our credit risk for the remaining reinsurance recoverable by obtaining letters of credit.

The following table presents our gross and net premiums written and earned and reinsurance recoveries for each of the last three years (in thousands).

	Year Ended December 31
	2015			2014			2013
Gross premiums written	$	514,223		$	473,218		$	460,027
Ceded premiums written		(157,279	)		(148,866	)		(99,262	)
Net premiums written	$	356,944		$	324,352		$	360,765
Gross premiums earned	$	494,643		$	461,694		$	437,226
Ceded premiums earned		(145,562	)		(140,477	)		(76,685	)
Net premiums earned	$	349,081		$	321,217		$	360,541
Reinsurance recoveries	$	89,892		$	99,911		$	45,456

Investment Portfolio

Our investment objective is to maximize current yield while maintaining safety of capital together with sufficient liquidity for ongoing insurance operations. Our investment portfolio is composed of fixed-income and equity securities. As of December 31, 2015, we had total invested assets of $578.8 million. If market rates were to increase by 1%, the fair value of our fixed-income securities as of December 31, 2015 would decrease by approximately $16.6 million. The following table shows the fair values of various categories of fixed-income securities, the percentage of the total fair value of our invested assets represented by each category and the tax equivalent book yield of each category of invested assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.

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	As of December 31, 2015								As of December 31, 2014
	Fair		Percent of						Fair		Percent of
	Value		Total			Yield			Value		Total			Yield
	(in thousands)								(in thousands)
Category:
Corporate bonds	$	121,709		22.9	%		3.0	%	$	29,442		6.5	%		3.5	%
Collateralized corporate bank loans		81,596		15.4	%		4.6	%		113,649		25.2	%		4.0	%
Municipal bonds		192,368		36.2	%		2.7	%		162,329		36.0	%		4.5	%
US Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government		76,269		14.3	%		0.8	%		93,305		20.7	%		0.7	%
Mortgage backed		59,383		11.2	%		2.0	%		52,060		11.6	%		2.3	%
Total	$	531,325		100.0	%		2.7	%	$	450,785		100.0	%		3.3	%

The weighted average credit rating for our fixed-income portfolio, using ratings assigned by Standard and Poor’s Rating Services (a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.), was AA at December 31, 2015. The following table shows the distribution of our fixed-income portfolio by Standard and Poor’s rating as a percentage of total fair value as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:

	As of			As of
	December 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
Rating:
"AAA"		10.1	%		8.1	%
"AA"		34.8	%		43.7	%
"A"		10.2	%		8.1	%
"BBB"		27.9	%		15.3	%
"BB"		9.8	%		17.7	%
"B"		0.8	%		3.2	%
"CCC"		2.0	%		0.0	%
"NR"		4.4	%		3.9	%
Total		100.0	%		100.0	%

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The following table shows the composition of our fixed-income portfolio by remaining time to maturity as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.

	As of December 31, 2015					As of December 31, 2014
			Percentage of					Percentage of
			Total					Total
	Fair Value		Fair Value			Fair Value		Fair Value
	(in thousands)					(in thousands)
Remaining time to maturity:
Less than one year	$	76,560		14.4	%	$	50,329		11.2	%
One to five years		234,213		44.1	%		185,525		41.2	%
Five to ten years		101,387		19.1	%		109,925		24.4	%
More than ten years		59,782		11.2	%		52,946		11.7	%
Mortgage-backed		59,383		11.2	%		52,060		11.5	%
Total	$	531,325		100.0	%	$	450,785		100.0	%

Our investment strategy is to conservatively manage our investment portfolio by investing primarily in readily marketable, investment-grade, fixed-income securities. As of December 31, 2015, 8% of our investment portfolio was invested in equity securities. Our investment portfolio is managed internally. We regularly review our portfolio for declines in value. For fixed maturity investments that are considered other-than-temporarily impaired and that we do not intend to sell and will not be required to sell, we separate the amount of the impairment into the amount that is credit related (credit loss component) and the amount due to all other factors. The credit loss component is recognized in earnings and is the difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and the present value of its expected future cash flows. The remaining difference between the investment’s fair value and the present value of future expected cash flows is recognized in other comprehensive income.

The following table details the net unrealized gain balance by invested asset category as of December 31, 2015.

	Net Unrealized Gain Balance
	(in thousands)
Category
Corporate bonds	$	(1,185	)
Collateralized corporate bank loans		(1,838	)
Municipal bonds		(4,078	)
Mortgage-backed		(149	)
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government		(54	)
Equity securities		22,553
Total	$	15,249

As part of our overall investment strategy, we also maintain an integrated cash management system utilizing on-line banking services and daily overnight investment accounts to maximize investment earnings on all available cash.

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Technology

The majority of our technology systems are based on products licensed from insurance-specific technology vendors that have been substantially customized to meet the unique needs of our various operating units. Our technology systems primarily consist of integrated central processing computers, a series of server-based computer networks and various communications systems that allow our various operations to share systems solutions and communicate to the corporate office in a timely, secure and consistent manner. We maintain backup facilities and systems through a contract with a leading provider of computer disaster recovery services. Each operating unit bears the information services expenses specific to its operations as well as a portion of the corporate services expenses. Increases to vendor license and service fees are capped per annum.

We believe the implementation of our various technology systems has increased our efficiency in the processing of our business, resulting in lower operating costs. Additionally, our systems enable us to provide a high level of service to our agents and policyholders by processing our business in a timely and efficient manner, communicating and sharing data with our agents and providing a variety of methods for the payment of premiums. We believe these systems have also improved the accumulation and analysis of information for our management.

Ratings

Many insurance buyers, agents and brokers use the ratings assigned by A.M. Best and other rating agencies to assist them in assessing the financial strength and overall quality of the companies from which they are considering purchasing insurance. A.M. Best has pooled its ratings of our AHIC, HIC, HSIC and HNIC subsidiaries and assigned a financial strength rating of “A-” (Excellent) and an issuer credit rating of “a-” to each of these individual insurance company subsidiaries and to the pool formed by the four insurance company subsidiaries. A.M. Best has also assigned a financial strength rating of “A-” (Excellent) and an issuer credit rating of “a-” to HCM. A.M. Best does not assign a financial strength rating or an issuer credit rating to TBIC. An “A–” rating is the fourth highest of 15 rating categories used by A.M. Best. In evaluating an insurer’s financial and operating performance, A.M. Best reviews the company’s profitability, indebtedness and liquidity, as well as its book of business, the adequacy and soundness of its reinsurance, the quality and estimated fair value of its assets, the adequacy of its loss reserves, the adequacy of its surplus, its capital structure, the experience and competence of its management and its market presence. A.M. Best’s ratings reflect its opinion of an insurer’s financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet its obligations to policyholders and are not an evaluation directed at investors or recommendations to buy, sell or hold an insurer’s stock.

Competition

The property/casualty insurance market, our primary source of revenue, is highly competitive and, except for regulatory considerations, has very few barriers to entry. According to A.M. Best, there were 3,059 property/casualty insurance companies and 2,089 property/casualty insurance groups operating in North America as of July 13, 2015. Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit competes with a variety of large national standard commercial lines carriers such as Liberty Mutual Group, Travelers Companies, Inc., Cincinnati Financial Corporation and The Hartford Financial Services Group, as well as numerous smaller regional companies. The primary competition for the occupational accident insurance product offered by our Standard Commercial P&C unit includes such carriers as Great American Insurance Group, One Beacon Insurance Company, North American Insurance Company and Service Lloyds. The primary competition for our MGA Commercial Products operating unit includes such carriers as Atlantic Casualty Insurance Company, Colony Insurance Company, National Casualty Company, National Liability & Fire Insurance Company, Nationwide Specialty Insurance Company, Northland Insurance Company, and Progressive County Mutual. Our Specialty Commercial operating unit considers its primary competition for our excess & umbrella and general liability insurance products to include such carriers as American International Group, Inc., First Mercury Insurance Company, Axis Insurance Company, XL Specialty Insurance, Navigators, and W.R. Berkley Corporation and, to a lesser extent, a number of national standard lines carriers such as Travelers Companies, Inc. and Liberty Mutual Group. The primary competitors for our general aviation insurance products produced by our Specialty Commercial operating unit are Phoenix Aviation Managers, Starr Aviation, Chartis, United States Specialty Insurance Company, W. Brown & Company, United States Aircraft Insurance Group, Global Aerospace and Allianz Aviation Managers. The primary competition for the medical professional liability insurance products produced by our Specialty Commercial operating unit are Admiral Insurance Company, Catlin Insurance Company, CNA Financial Corporation, Evanston Insurance Company, Kinsale Insurance Company, Lexington Insurance Company, ProAssurance Corporation, RSUI Group and TDC Companies. The primary competition for our primary/excess commercial property insurance products includes such carriers as ACE Westchester, Aspen Insurance, Axis Insurance Company, Endurance Specialty Holdings, Ltd., Liberty Insurance Underwriters and Markel Insurance Company. Although our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit competes with large national insurers such as Allstate Corporation, GEICO Corporation and Progressive Insurance Company, as a participant in the non-standard personal automobile marketplace its competition is most directly associated with numerous regional companies and managing general agencies. Our competitors include entities that have, or are affiliated with entities that have, greater financial and other resources than we have.

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Generally, we compete on price, customer service, coverages offered, claims handling, financial stability, agent commission and support, customer recognition and geographic coverage. We compete with companies who use independent agents, captive agent networks, direct marketing channels or a combination thereof.

Insurance Regulation

AHIC, HCM and TBIC are domiciled in Texas, HIC and HNIC are domiciled in Arizona and HSIC is domiciled in Oklahoma. Therefore, our insurance operations are regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance, the Arizona Department of Insurance and the Oklahoma Insurance Department, as well as the applicable insurance department of each state in which we issue policies. Our insurance company subsidiaries are required to file quarterly and annual statements of their financial condition prepared in accordance with statutory accounting practices with the insurance departments of their respective states of domicile and the applicable insurance department of each state in which they write business. The financial conditions of our insurance company subsidiaries, including the adequacy of surplus, loss reserves and investments, are subject to review by the insurance department of their respective states of domicile.

Periodic financial and market conduct examinations. The insurance departments of the states of domicile for our insurance company subsidiaries have broad authority to enforce insurance laws and regulations through examinations, administrative orders, civil and criminal enforcement proceedings, and suspension or revocation of an insurer’s certificate of authority or an agent’s license. The state insurance departments that have jurisdiction over our insurance company subsidiaries may conduct on-site visits and examinations of the insurance companies' affairs, especially as to their financial condition, ability to fulfill their obligations to policyholders, market conduct, claims practices and compliance with other laws and applicable regulations. Typically, these examinations are conducted every three to five years. In addition, if circumstances dictate, regulators are authorized to conduct special or target examinations of insurance companies to address particular concerns or issues. The results of these examinations can give rise to injunctive relief, regulatory orders requiring remedial or other corrective action on the part of the company that is the subject of the examination, assessment of fines, or other penalties against that company. In extreme cases, including actual or pending insolvency, the insurance department may take over, or appoint a receiver to take over, the management or operations of an insurer or an agent’s business or assets.

Guaranty funds. All insurance companies are subject to assessments for state-administered funds that cover the claims and expenses of insolvent or impaired insurers. The size of the assessment is determined each year by the total claims on the fund that year. Each insurer is assessed a pro rata share based on its direct premiums written in that state. Payments to the fund may generally be recovered by the insurer through deductions from its premium taxes over a specified period of years.

Transactions between insurance companies and their affiliates. Hallmark is also regulated as an insurance holding company by the Texas Department of Insurance, the Arizona Department of Insurance and the Oklahoma Insurance Department. Financial transactions between Hallmark or any of its affiliates and our insurance company subsidiaries are subject to regulation. Transactions between our insurance company subsidiaries and their affiliates generally must be disclosed to state regulators, and prior regulatory approval generally is required before any material or extraordinary transaction may be consummated or any management agreement, services agreement, expense sharing arrangement or other contract providing for the rendering of services on a regular, systematic basis is implemented. State regulators may refuse to approve or may delay approval of such a transaction, which may impact our ability to innovate or operate efficiently.

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Dividends. Dividends and distributions to Hallmark by our insurance company subsidiaries are restricted by the insurance regulations of the respective state in which each insurance company subsidiary is domiciled. As property/casualty insurance companies domiciled in the state of Texas, AHIC and TBIC may only pay dividends from unassigned surplus funds. In addition, AHIC and TBIC must obtain the approval of the Texas Department of Insurance before the payment of extraordinary dividends, which are defined as dividends or distributions of cash or other property the fair market value of which combined with the fair market value of each other dividend or distribution made in the preceding 12 months exceeds the greater of: (1) statutory net income as of the prior December 31 or (2) 10% of statutory policyholders’ surplus as of the prior December 31. HIC and HNIC, both domiciled in Arizona, may pay dividends out of that part of its available surplus funds that is derived from realized net profits on its business. Without prior written approval from the Arizona Department of Insurance, HIC and HNIC may not pay extraordinary dividends, which are defined as dividends or distributions of cash or other property the fair market value of which combined with the fair market value of each other dividend or distribution made in the preceding 12 months exceeds the lesser of: (1) 10% of statutory policyholders’ surplus as of the prior December 31 or (2) net investment income as of the prior December 31. HSIC, domiciled in Oklahoma, may only pay dividends out of that part of its available surplus funds that is derived from realized net profits on its business. Without prior written approval from the Oklahoma Insurance Department, HSIC may not pay extraordinary dividends, which are defined as dividends or distributions of cash or other property the fair market value of which combined with the fair market value of each other dividend or distribution made in the preceding 12 months exceeds the greater of: (1) 10% of statutory policyholders’ surplus as of the prior December 31 or (2) statutory net income as of the prior December 31, not including realized capital gains. As a county mutual, dividends from HCM are payable to policyholders.

Risk-based capital requirements. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners requires property/casualty insurers to file a risk-based capital calculation according to a specified formula. The purpose of the formula is twofold: (1) to assess the adequacy of an insurer’s statutory capital and surplus based upon a variety of factors such as potential risks related to investment portfolio, ceded reinsurance and product mix; and (2) to assist state regulators under the RBC for Insurers Model Act by providing thresholds at which a state commissioner is authorized and expected to take regulatory action. As of December 31, 2015, the adjusted capital under the risk-based capital calculation of each of our insurance company subsidiaries substantially exceeded the minimum requirements.

Required licensing. Our non-insurance company subsidiaries are subject to and in compliance with the licensing requirements of the department of insurance in each state in which they produce business. These licenses govern, among other things, the types of insurance coverages, agency and claims services and products that we may offer consumers in these states. Such licenses typically are issued only after we file an appropriate application and satisfy prescribed criteria. Generally, each state requires one officer to maintain an agent license. Claims adjusters employed by us are also subject to the licensing requirements of each state in which they conduct business. Each employed claim adjuster either holds or has applied for the required licenses. Our premium finance subsidiaries are subject to licensing, financial reporting and certain financial requirements imposed by the Texas Department of Insurance, as well as regulations promulgated by the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner.

Regulation of insurance rates and approval of policy forms. The insurance laws of most states in which our subsidiaries operate require insurance companies to file insurance rate schedules and insurance policy forms for review and approval. State insurance regulators have broad discretion in judging whether our rates are adequate, not excessive and not unfairly discriminatory and whether our policy forms comply with law. The speed at which we can change our rates depends, in part, on the method by which the applicable state’s rating laws are administered. Generally, state insurance regulators have the authority to disapprove our rates or request changes in our rates.

Restrictions on cancellation, non-renewal or withdrawal. Many states have laws and regulations that limit an insurance company’s ability to exit a market. For example, certain states limit an automobile insurance company’s ability to cancel or not renew policies. Some states prohibit an insurance company from withdrawing from one or more lines of business in the state, except pursuant to a plan approved by the state insurance department. In some states, this applies to significant reductions in the amount of insurance written, not just to a complete withdrawal. State insurance departments may disapprove a plan that may lead to market disruption.

Investment restrictions. We are subject to state laws and regulations that require diversification of our investment portfolios and that limit the amount of investments in certain categories. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations would cause non-conforming investments to be treated as non-admitted assets for purposes of measuring statutory surplus and, in some instances, would require divestiture.

Trade practices. The manner in which we conduct the business of insurance is regulated by state statutes in an effort to prohibit practices that constitute unfair methods of competition or unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Prohibited practices include disseminating false information or advertising; defamation; boycotting, coercion and intimidation; false statements or entries; unfair discrimination; rebating; improper tie-ins with lenders and the extension of credit; failure to maintain proper records; failure to maintain proper complaint handling procedures; and making false statements in connection with insurance applications for the purpose of obtaining a fee, commission or other benefit.

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Unfair claims practices. Generally, insurance companies, adjusting companies and individual claims adjusters are prohibited by state statutes from engaging in unfair claims practices on a flagrant basis or with such frequency to indicate a general business practice. Examples of unfair claims practices include:

· misrepresenting pertinent facts or insurance policy provisions relating to coverages at issue;

· failing to acknowledge and act reasonably promptly upon communications with respect to claims arising under insurance policies;

· failing to adopt and implement reasonable standards for the prompt investigation and settlement of claims arising under insurance policies;

· failing to affirm or deny coverage of claims within a reasonable time after proof of loss statements have been completed;

· attempting to settle a claim for less than the amount to which a reasonable person would have believed such person was entitled;

· attempting to settle claims on the basis of an application that was altered without notice to, or knowledge and consent of, the insured;

· compelling insureds to institute suits to recover amounts due under policies by offering substantially less than the amounts ultimately recovered in suits brought by them;

· refusing to pay claims without conducting a reasonable investigation;

· making claim payments to an insured without indicating the coverage under which each payment is being made;

· delaying the investigation or payment of claims by requiring an insured, claimant or the physician of either to submit a preliminary claim report and then requiring the subsequent submission of formal proof of loss forms, both of which submissions contain substantially the same information;

· failing, in the case of claim denials or offers of compromise or settlement, to promptly provide a reasonable and accurate explanation of the basis for such actions; and

· not attempting in good faith to effectuate prompt, fair and equitable settlements of claims in which liability has become reasonably clear.

Employees

As of December 31, 2015, we employed 411 people on a full-time basis. None of our employees are represented by labor unions. We consider our employee relations to be good.

Available Information

The Company’s executive offices are located at 777 Main Street, Suite 1000 Fort Worth, Texas 76102. The Company’s mailing address is 777 Main Street, Suite 1000 Fort Worth, Texas 76102. Its telephone number is (817) 348-1600. The Company’s website address is www.hallmarkgrp.com. The Company files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information and documents with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which are made available to read and copy at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by contacting the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Reports filed with the SEC are also made available at www.sec.gov. The Company makes available free of charge on its website its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed with or furnished to the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practical after it electronically files them with or furnishes them to the SEC.

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Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Our success depends on our ability to price accurately the risks we underwrite.

Our results of operations and financial condition depend on our ability to underwrite and set premium rates accurately for a wide variety of risks. Adequate rates are necessary to generate premiums sufficient to pay losses, loss settlement expenses and underwriting expenses and to earn a profit. To price our products accurately, we must collect and properly analyze a substantial amount of data; develop, test and apply appropriate pricing techniques; closely monitor and timely recognize changes in trends; and project both severity and frequency of losses with reasonable accuracy. Our ability to undertake these efforts successfully, and as a result price our products accurately, is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are outside our control, including:

· the availability of sufficient reliable data and our ability to properly analyze available data;

· the uncertainties that inherently characterize estimates and assumptions;

· our selection and application of appropriate pricing techniques; and

· changes in applicable legal liability standards and in the civil litigation system generally.

Consequently, we could underprice risks, which would adversely affect our profit margins, or we could overprice risks, which could reduce our sales volume and competitiveness. In either case, our profitability could be materially and adversely affected.

Our results may fluctuate as a result of cyclical changes in the property/casualty insurance industry.

Our revenue is primarily attributable to property/casualty insurance, which as an industry is cyclical in nature and has historically been characterized by soft markets followed by hard markets. A soft market is a period of relatively high levels of price competition, less restrictive underwriting standards and generally low premium rates. A hard market is a period of capital shortages resulting in lack of insurance availability, relatively low levels of competition, more selective underwriting of risks and relatively high premium rates. If we find it necessary to reduce premiums or limit premium increases due to competitive pressures on pricing in a softening market, we may experience a reduction in our premiums written and in our profit margins and revenues, which could adversely affect our financial results.

Estimating reserves is inherently uncertain. If our loss reserves are not adequate, it will have an unfavorable impact on our results.

We maintain loss reserves to cover our estimated ultimate liability for unpaid losses and LAE for reported and unreported claims incurred as of the end of each accounting period. Reserves represent management’s estimates of what the ultimate settlement and administration of claims will cost and are not reviewed by an independent actuary. These estimates, which generally involve actuarial projections, are based on management’s assessment of facts and circumstances then known, as well as estimates of future trends in claim severity and frequency, judicial theories of liability, and other factors. These variables are affected by both internal and external events, such as changes in claims handling procedures, inflation, judicial trends and legislative changes. Many of these factors are not quantifiable. Additionally, there may be a significant lag between the occurrence of an event and the time it is reported to us. The inherent uncertainties of estimating reserves are greater for certain types of liabilities, particularly those in which the various considerations affecting the type of claim are subject to change and in which long periods of time may elapse before a definitive determination of liability is made. Reserve estimates are continually refined in a regular and ongoing process as experience develops and further claims are reported and settled. Adjustments to reserves are reflected in the results of the periods in which such estimates are changed. For example, a 1% change in December 31, 2015 unpaid losses and LAE would have produced a $4.5 million change to pretax earnings. Our gross loss and LAE reserves totaled $450.9 million at December 31, 2015. Our loss and LAE reserves, net of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss and LAE, were $348.1 million at that date. Because setting reserves is inherently uncertain, there can be no assurance that the current reserves will prove adequate.

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Our failure to maintain favorable financial strength ratings could negatively impact our ability to compete successfully.

Third-party rating agencies assess and rate the claims-paying ability of insurers based upon criteria established by the agencies. AHIC, HIC, HSIC and HNIC have entered into a pooling arrangement, pursuant to which AHIC retains 34% of the net premiums written by any of them, HIC retains 32% of the net premiums written by any of them, HSIC retains 24% of the net premiums written by any of them and HNIC retains 10% of the net premiums written by any of them. A.M. Best has pooled its ratings of these four insurance company subsidiaries and assigned a financial strength rating of “A–” (Excellent) and an issuer credit rating of “a-” to each of these individual insurance company subsidiaries and to the pool formed by these four insurance company subsidiaries. Also, A.M. Best has assigned HCM a financial strength rating of “A–” (Excellent) and an issuer credit rating of “a-”. A.M. Best does not assign a financial strength rating or an issuer credit rating to TBIC.

These financial strength ratings are used by policyholders, insurers, reinsurers and insurance and reinsurance intermediaries as an important means of assessing the financial strength and quality of insurers. These ratings are not evaluations directed to potential purchasers of our common stock and are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold our common stock. Our ratings are subject to change at any time and could be revised downward or revoked at the sole discretion of the rating agencies. We believe that the ratings assigned by A.M. Best are an important factor in marketing our products. Our ability to retain our existing business and to attract new business in our insurance operations depends largely on these ratings. Our failure to maintain our ratings, or any other adverse development with respect to our ratings, could cause our current and future independent agents and insureds to choose to transact their business with more highly rated competitors. If A.M. Best downgrades our ratings or publicly indicates that our ratings are under review, it is likely that we would not be able to compete as effectively with our competitors, and our ability to sell insurance policies could decline. If that happened, our sales and earnings would decrease. For example, many of our agencies and insureds have guidelines that require us to have an A.M. Best financial strength rating of “A-” (Excellent) or higher. A reduction of our A.M. Best rating below “A-” would prevent us from issuing policies to insureds or potential insureds with such ratings requirements.

Lenders and reinsurers also use our A.M. Best ratings as a factor in deciding whether to transact business with us. The failure of our insurance company subsidiaries to maintain their current ratings could dissuade a lender or reinsurance company from conducting business with us or might increase our interest or reinsurance costs. In addition, a ratings downgrade by A.M. Best below “A-” would require us to post collateral in support of our obligations under certain of our reinsurance agreements pursuant to which we assume business.

The loss of key executives could disrupt our business.

Our success will depend in part upon the continued service of certain key executives. Our success will also depend on our ability to attract and retain additional executives and personnel. The loss of key personnel, or our inability to recruit and retain additional qualified personnel, could cause disruption in our business and could prevent us from fully implementing our business strategies, which could materially and adversely affect our business, growth and profitability.

Our industry is very competitive, which may unfavorably impact our results of operations.

The property/casualty insurance market, our primary source of revenue, is highly competitive and, except for regulatory considerations, has very few barriers to entry. According to A.M. Best, there were 3,059 property/casualty insurance companies and 2,089 property/casualty insurance groups operating in North America as of July 13, 2015. Our competitors include entities that have, or are affiliated with entities that have, greater financial and other resources than we have. In addition, competitors may attempt to increase market share by lowering rates. In that case, we could experience reductions in our underwriting margins, or sales of our insurance policies could decline as customers purchase lower-priced products from our competitors. Losing business to competitors offering similar products at lower prices, or having other competitive advantages, could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our results may be unfavorably impacted if we are unable to obtain adequate reinsurance.

As part of our overall risk and capacity management strategy, we purchase reinsurance for significant amounts of risk, especially catastrophe risks that we and our insurance company subsidiaries underwrite. Our catastrophe and non-catastrophe reinsurance facilities are generally subject to annual renewal. We may be unable to maintain our current reinsurance facilities or to obtain other reinsurance facilities in adequate amounts and at favorable rates. The amount, availability and cost of reinsurance are subject to prevailing market conditions beyond our control, and may affect our ability to write additional premiums as well as our profitability. If we are unable to obtain adequate reinsurance protection for the risks we have underwritten, we will either be exposed to greater losses from these risks or be required to reduce the level of business that we underwrite, which will reduce our revenue.

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If the companies that provide our reinsurance do not pay our claims in a timely manner, we could incur severe losses.

We purchase reinsurance by transferring, or ceding, part of the risk we have assumed to a reinsurance company in exchange for part of the premium we receive in connection with the risk. Although reinsurance makes the reinsurer liable to us to the extent the risk is transferred or ceded to the reinsurer, it does not relieve us of our liability to our policyholders. Accordingly, we bear credit risk with respect to our reinsurers. We cannot assure that our reinsurers will pay all of our reinsurance claims, or that they will pay our claims on a timely basis. At December 31, 2015, we had a total of $179.4 million due us from reinsurers, including $114.3 million of recoverables from losses and $65.1 million in ceded unearned premiums. The largest amount due us from a single reinsurer as of December 31, 2015 was $34.1 million reinsurance and premium recoverable from Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation. If any of our reinsurers are unable or unwilling to pay amounts they owe us in a timely fashion, we could suffer a significant loss or a shortage of liquidity, which would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Catastrophic losses are unpredictable and may adversely affect our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.

Property/casualty insurance companies are subject to claims arising out of catastrophes that may have a significant effect on their results of operations, liquidity and financial condition. Catastrophes can be caused by various events, including hurricanes, windstorms, earthquakes, hail storms, explosions, severe winter weather and fires, and may include man-made events, such as terrorist attacks. The incidence, frequency, and severity of catastrophes are inherently unpredictable. The extent of losses from a catastrophe is a function of both the total amount of insured exposure in the area affected by the event and the severity of the event.

Claims from catastrophic events could reduce our net income, cause substantial volatility in our financial results for any fiscal quarter or year or otherwise adversely affect our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations. Catastrophes may also negatively affect our ability to write new business. Increases in the value and geographic concentration of insured property and the effects of inflation could increase the severity of claims from catastrophic events in the future.

Catastrophe models may not accurately predict future losses.

Along with other insurers in the industry, we use models developed by third-party vendors in assessing our exposure to catastrophe losses that assume various conditions and probability scenarios. However, these models do not necessarily accurately predict future losses or accurately measure losses currently incurred. Catastrophe models, which have been evolving since the early 1990s, use historical information about various catastrophes and detailed information about our in-force business. While we use this information in connection with our pricing and risk management activities, there are limitations with respect to their usefulness in predicting losses in any reporting period. Examples of these limitations are significant variations in estimates between models and modelers and material increases and decreases in model results due to changes and refinements of the underlying data elements and assumptions. Such limitations lead to questionable predictive capability and post-event measurements that have not been well understood or proven to be sufficiently reliable. In addition, the models are not necessarily reflective of company or state-specific policy language, demand surge for labor and materials or loss settlement expenses, all of which are subject to wide variation by catastrophe. Because the occurrence and severity of catastrophes are inherently unpredictable and may vary significantly from year to year, historical results of operations may not be indicative of future results of operations.

We are subject to comprehensive regulation, and our results may be unfavorably impacted by these regulations.

We are subject to comprehensive governmental regulation and supervision. Most insurance regulations are designed to protect the interests of policyholders rather than of the stockholders and other investors of the insurance companies. These regulations, generally administered by the department of insurance in each state in which we do business, relate to, among other things:

· approval of policy forms and rates;

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· standards of solvency, including risk-based capital measurements, which are a measure developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and used by the state insurance regulators to identify insurance companies that potentially are inadequately capitalized;

· licensing of insurers and their agents;

· restrictions on the nature, quality and concentration of investments;

· restrictions on the ability of insurance company subsidiaries to pay dividends;

· restrictions on transactions between insurance company subsidiaries and their affiliates;

· requiring certain methods of accounting;

· periodic examinations of operations and finances;

· the use of non-public consumer information and related privacy issues;

· the use of credit history in underwriting and rating;

· limitations on the ability to charge policy fees;

· the acquisition or disposition of an insurance company or of any company controlling an insurance company;

· involuntary assignments of high-risk policies, participation in reinsurance facilities and underwriting associations, assessments and other governmental charges;

· restrictions on the cancellation or non-renewal of policies and, in certain jurisdictions, withdrawal from writing certain lines of business;

· prescribing the form and content of records of financial condition to be filed;

· requiring reserves for unearned premium, losses and other purposes; and

· with respect to premium finance business, the federal Truth-in-Lending Act and similar state statutes. In states where specific statutes have not been enacted, premium finance is generally subject to state usury laws that are applicable to consumer loans.

State insurance departments also conduct periodic examinations of the affairs of insurance companies and require filing of annual and other reports relating to the financial condition of insurance companies, holding company issues and other matters. Our business depends on compliance with applicable laws and regulations and our ability to maintain valid licenses and approvals for our operations. Regulatory authorities may deny or revoke licenses for various reasons, including violations of regulations. Changes in the level of regulation of the insurance industry or changes in laws or regulations themselves or interpretations by regulatory authorities could have a material adverse affect on our operations. In addition, we could face individual, group and class-action lawsuits by our policyholders and others for alleged violations of certain state laws and regulations. Each of these regulatory risks could have an adverse effect on our profitability.

State statutes limit the aggregate amount of dividends that our subsidiaries may pay Hallmark, thereby limiting its funds to pay expenses and dividends.

Hallmark is a holding company and a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiaries. As a holding company without significant operations of its own, Hallmark’s principal sources of funds are dividends and other sources of funds from its subsidiaries. State insurance laws limit the ability of Hallmark’s insurance company subsidiaries to pay dividends and require our insurance company subsidiaries to maintain specified minimum levels of statutory capital and surplus. The aggregate maximum amount of dividends permitted by law to be paid by an insurance company does not necessarily define an insurance company’s actual ability to pay dividends. The actual ability to pay dividends may be further constrained by business and regulatory considerations, such as the impact of dividends on surplus, by our competitive position and by the amount of premiums that we can write. Without regulatory approval, the aggregate maximum amount of dividends that could be paid to Hallmark in 2016 by our insurance company subsidiaries is $18.5 million. State insurance regulators have broad discretion to limit the payment of dividends by insurance companies and Hallmark’s right to participate in any distribution of assets of one of our insurance company subsidiaries is subject to prior claims of policyholders and creditors except to the extent that its rights, if any, as a creditor are recognized. Consequently, Hallmark’s ability to pay debts, expenses and cash dividends to our stockholders may be limited.

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Our insurance company subsidiaries are subject to minimum capital and surplus requirements. Failure to meet these requirements could subject us to regulatory action.

Our insurance company subsidiaries are subject to minimum capital and surplus requirements imposed under the laws of their respective states of domicile and each state in which they issue policies. Any failure by one of our insurance company subsidiaries to meet minimum capital and surplus requirements imposed by applicable state law will subject it to corrective action, which may include requiring adoption of a comprehensive financial plan, revocation of its license to sell insurance products or placing the subsidiary under state regulatory control. Any new minimum capital and surplus requirements adopted in the future may require us to increase the capital and surplus of our insurance company subsidiaries, which we may not be able to do.

We are subject to assessments and other surcharges from state guaranty funds, mandatory reinsurance arrangements and state insurance facilities, which may reduce our profitability.

Virtually all states require insurers licensed to do business therein to bear a portion of the unfunded obligations of impaired or insolvent insurance companies. These obligations are funded by assessments, which are levied by guaranty associations within the state, up to prescribed limits, on all member insurers in the state on the basis of the proportionate share of the premiums written by member insurers in the lines of business in which the impaired, insolvent or failed insurer was engaged. Accordingly, the assessments levied on us by the states in which we are licensed to write insurance may increase as we increase our premiums written. In addition, as a condition to the ability to conduct business in certain states, insurance companies are required to participate in mandatory reinsurance funds. The effect of these assessments and mandatory reinsurance arrangements, or changes in them, could reduce our profitability in any given period or limit our ability to grow our business.

We monitor developments with respect to various state facilities, such as the Texas FAIR Plan and the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. The impact of any catastrophe experience on these facilities could result in the facilities recognizing a financial deficit or a financial deficit greater than the level currently estimated. They may, in turn, have the ability to assess participating insurers when financial deficits occur, adversely affecting our results of operations. While these facilities are generally designed so that the ultimate cost is borne by policyholders, the exposure to assessments and the availability of recoupments or premium rate increases from these facilities may not offset each other in our financial statements. Moreover, even if they do offset each other, they may not offset each other in financial statements for the same fiscal period due to the ultimate timing of the assessments and recoupments or premium rate increases, as well as the possibility of policies not being renewed in subsequent years.

Adverse securities market conditions can have a significant and negative impact on our investment portfolio.

Our results of operations depend in part on the performance of our invested assets. As of December 31, 2015, 92% of our investment portfolio was invested in fixed-income securities. Certain risks are inherent in connection with fixed-income securities, including loss upon default and price volatility in reaction to changes in interest rates and general market factors. In general, the fair value of a portfolio of fixed-income securities increases or decreases inversely with changes in the market interest rates, while net investment income realized from future investments in fixed-income securities increases or decreases along with interest rates. In addition, 34% of our fixed-income securities have call or prepayment options. This subjects us to reinvestment risk should interest rates fall and issuers call their securities. Furthermore, actual net investment income and/or cash flows from investments that carry prepayment risk, such as mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities, may differ from those anticipated at the time of investment as a result of interest rate fluctuations. An investment has prepayment risk when there is a risk that cash flows from the repayment of principal might occur earlier than anticipated because of declining interest rates or later than anticipated because of rising interest rates. The fair value of our fixed-income securities as of December 31, 2015 was $531.3 million. If market interest rates were to increase 1%, the fair value of our fixed-income securities would decrease by approximately $16.6 million as of December 31, 2015. The calculated change in fair value was determined using duration modeling assuming no prepayments.

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In addition to the general risks described above, although 83% of our portfolio is investment-grade, our fixed-income securities are nonetheless subject to credit risk. If any of the issuers of our fixed-income securities suffer financial setbacks, the ratings on the fixed-income securities could fall (with a concurrent fall in market value) and, in a worst case scenario, the issuer could default on its obligations. As of December 31, 2015, Hallmark had $0.2 million in its investment portfolio exposed to sub-prime mortgages and $59.4 million total exposure in mortgage-backed securities.

Future changes in the fair value of our available-for-sale securities will be reflected in other comprehensive income. Similar treatment is not available for liabilities. Therefore, interest rate fluctuations could adversely affect our stockholders’ equity, total comprehensive income and/or cash flows.

We rely on independent agents and specialty brokers to market our products and their failure to do so would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

We market and distribute our insurance programs exclusively through independent insurance agents and specialty insurance brokers. As a result, our business depends in large part on the marketing efforts of these agents and brokers and on our ability to offer insurance products and services that meet the requirements of the agents, the brokers and their customers. However, these agents and brokers are not obligated to sell or promote our products and many sell or promote competitors’ insurance products in addition to our products. Some of our competitors have higher financial strength ratings, offer a larger variety of products, set lower prices for insurance coverage and/or offer higher commissions than we do. Therefore, we may not be able to continue to attract and retain independent agents and brokers to sell our insurance products. The failure or inability of independent agents and brokers to market our insurance products successfully could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may experience difficulty in integrating acquisitions into our operations.

The successful integration of any newly acquired businesses into our operations will require, among other things, the retention and assimilation of their key management, sales and other personnel; the coordination of their lines of insurance products and services; the adaptation of their technology, information systems and other processes; and the retention and transition of their customers. Unexpected difficulties in integrating any acquisition could result in increased expenses and the diversion of management time and resources. If we do not successfully integrate any acquired business into our operations, we may not realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. Further, any potential acquisitions may require significant capital outlays and, if we issue equity or convertible debt securities to pay for an acquisition, the issuance may be dilutive to our existing stockholders.

Our internal controls are not fail-safe.

We continually enhance our operating procedures and internal controls to effectively support our business and comply with our regulatory and financial reporting requirements. As a result of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no system of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control objectives have been or will be met, and that every instance of error or fraud has been or will be detected. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by individual acts or by collusion of two or more persons. The design of any system of controls is based in part upon assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Internal controls may also become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate. Further, the design of a control system must reflect resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. As a result of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatement due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. Accordingly, our internal controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control objectives are met.

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Our geographic concentration ties our performance to the business, economic and regulatory conditions of certain states.

The following states accounted for 63% of our gross written premiums for 2015: Texas (47%), Louisiana (5%), Arizona (4%), Oklahoma (4%) and New Mexico (3%). Our revenues and profitability are subject to the prevailing regulatory, legal, economic, political, demographic, competitive, weather and other conditions in the principal states in which we do business. Changes in any of these conditions could make it less attractive for us to do business in such states and would have a more pronounced effect on us compared to companies that are more geographically diversified. In addition, our exposure to severe losses from localized natural perils, such as windstorms or hailstorms, is increased in those areas where we have written significant numbers of property/casualty insurance policies.

The exclusions and limitations in our policies may not be enforceable.

Many of the policies we issue include exclusions or other conditions that define and limit coverage, which exclusions and conditions are designed to manage our exposure to certain types of risks and expanding theories of legal liability. In addition, many of our policies limit the period during which a policyholder may bring a claim under the policy, which period in many cases is shorter than the statutory period under which these claims can be brought by our policyholders. While these exclusions and limitations help us assess and control our loss exposure, it is possible that a court or regulatory authority could nullify or void an exclusion or limitation, or legislation could be enacted modifying or barring the use of these exclusions and limitations. This could result in higher than anticipated losses and LAE by extending coverage beyond our underwriting intent or increasing the number or size of claims, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. In some instances, these changes may not become apparent until sometime after we have issued the insurance policies that are affected by the changes. As a result, the full extent of liability under our insurance contracts may not be known for many years after a policy is issued.

We rely on our information technology and telecommunications systems and the failure or disruption of these systems could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our results of operations.

Our business is highly dependent upon the successful and uninterrupted functioning of our information technology and telecommunications systems. We rely on these systems to process new and renewal business, provide customer service, make claims payments and facilitate collections and cancellations, as well as to perform actuarial and other analytical functions necessary for pricing and product development. Our systems could fail of their own accord or might be disrupted by factors such as natural disasters, power disruptions or surges, computer hackers or terrorist attacks. Failure or disruption of these systems for any reason could interrupt our business and adversely affect our results of operations.

Cybersecurity risks in particular are evolving and include malicious software, unauthorized access to data and other electronic security breaches. We have not experienced cybersecurity attacks in the past and believe that we have adopted appropriate measures to mitigate potential risks to our information technology systems. However, the timing, nature and scope of cybersecurity attacks are difficult to predict and prevent. Therefore, we could be subject to operational delays, compromised confidential or proprietary information, destruction or corruption of data, manipulation or improper use of our systems and networks, financial losses from remedial actions and/or damage to our reputation from cybersecurity attacks. A cybersecurity attack on our information technology systems could disrupt our business and adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

Global climate change may have an adverse effect on our financial statements.

Although uncertainty remains as to the nature and effect of greenhouse gas emissions, we could suffer losses if global climate change results in an increase in the frequency and severity of natural disasters. As with traditional natural disasters, claims arising from these incidents could increase our exposure to losses and have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, and/or financial condition.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

Not applicable

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Item 2. Properties.

Our corporate headquarters, Standard Commercial P&C operating unit and Workers Compensation operating unit are located at 777 Main Street, Suite 1000, Fort Worth, Texas. The suite is located in a high-rise office building and contains 27,808 square feet of space. The rent is currently $49,823 per month pursuant to a lease which expires June 30, 2022.

Our MGA Commercial Products operating unit is presently located at 7550 IH-10 West, San Antonio, Texas. These leased premises consist of a 16,599 square foot office suite and 800 square feet of storage space. The rent is currently $33,348 per month pursuant to a lease that expires November 30, 2020.

Our Specialty Commercial operating unit is located at 15280 Addison Road, Suite 250, Addison, Texas. The suite is located in a low-rise office building and contains an aggregate of 8,219 square feet of space. The rent is currently $9,931 per month pursuant to a lease that expires July 31, 2018. Our Specialty Commercial operating unit also maintains branch offices in the following locations:

Location	Monthly Rent		Lease Expiration
Atlanta, Georgia	$	6,314	June 29, 2017
Glendale, California	$	2,495	July 31, 2020
Chicago, Illinois	$	8,683	April 30, 2017

Our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit is located at 6500 Pinecrest, Suite 100, Plano, Texas. The suite is located in a one story office building and contains 23,941 square feet of space. The rent is currently $27,931 per month pursuant to a lease that expires December 31, 2020.

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Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

During the third quarter of 2015 we paid $1.2 million in fulfillment of the contingent purchase price with the sellers of TBIC Holding. The sellers have disputed the calculation of the amount paid and assert that an additional $1.8 million is due. We disagree with this assertion and believe that our calculation of the contingent purchase price was substantially correct. Pursuant to the terms of the acquisition agreement, an independent actuary has been engaged to resolve this matter.

In November 2015, HSU was informed by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts that a surplus lines tax audit covering the period January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2013 was complete. HSU frequently acts as a managing general underwriter (“MGU”) authorized to underwrite policies on behalf of Republic Vanguard Insurance Company and HSIC, both Texas eligible surplus lines insurance carriers. In its role as the MGU, HSU underwrites policies on behalf of these carriers while other agencies located in Texas (generally referred to as “producing agents”) deliver the policies to the insureds and collect all premiums due from the insureds. During the period under audit, the producing agents also collected the surplus lines premium taxes due on the policies from the insureds, held them in trust, and timely remitted those taxes to the Comptroller. We believe this system for collecting and paying the required surplus lines premium taxes complies in all respects with the Texas Insurance Code and other regulations, which clearly require that the same party who delivers the policies and collects the premiums will also collect premium taxes, hold premium taxes in trust, and pay premium taxes to the Comptroller. It also complies with long standing industry practice. In addition, effective January 1, 2012 the Texas Legislators enacted House Bill 3410 (HB3410) which allows an MGU to contractually pass the collection, payment and administration of surplus lines taxes down to another Texas licensed surplus line agent.

The Comptroller asserts that HSU is liable for the surplus lines premium taxes related to policy transactions and premiums collected from surplus lines insureds during January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2011, the period prior to the passage of HB3410, and that HSU therefore owes $2.5 million in premium taxes, as well as $0.7 million in penalties and interest for the audit period.

We disagree with the Comptroller and intend to vigorously fight their assertion that HSU is liable for the surplus lines premium taxes. We are currently in negotiations with the Comptroller to settle the matter. However, we are presently unable to reasonably estimate the possible loss or legal costs that are likely to arise out of the surplus lines tax audit or any future proceedings relating to this matter. Therefore we have not accrued any amount as of December 31, 2015 related to this matter.

We are engaged in various legal proceedings that are routine in nature and incidental to our business. None of these proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, are believed, in our opinion, likely to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or our results of operations.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

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PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Market for Common Stock

Our common stock is currently traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “HALL.” The following table shows the high and low sales prices of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market for each quarter since January 1, 2014.

Period	High Sale		Low Sale
Year Ended December 31, 2015:
First quarter	$	12.67	$	9.50
Second quarter		12.15		10.46
Third quarter		11.87		9.33
Fourth quarter		13.29		11.19
Year Ended December 31, 2014:
First quarter	$	9.25	$	8.15
Second quarter		11.06		8.05
Third quarter		11.05		8.66
Fourth quarter		12.43		9.96

Holders

As of March 2, 2016, there were 2,285 shareholders of record of our common stock.

Dividends

Hallmark has never paid dividends on its common stock. Our board of directors intends to continue this policy for the foreseeable future in order to retain earnings for development of our business.

Hallmark is a holding company and a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiaries. As a holding company, Hallmark is dependent on dividend payments and management fees from its subsidiaries to pay dividends and make other payments. State insurance laws limit the ability of our insurance company subsidiaries to pay dividends to Hallmark. As property/casualty insurance companies domiciled in the state of Texas, AHIC and TBIC are limited in the payment of dividends to Hallmark in any 12-month period, without the prior written consent of the Texas Department of Insurance, to the greater of statutory net income for the prior calendar year or 10% of statutory policyholders’ surplus as of the prior year end. HIC and HNIC, both domiciled in Arizona, are limited in the payment of dividends to the lesser of 10% of prior year policyholders surplus or prior year’s net investment income, without prior written approval from the Arizona Department of Insurance. HSIC, domiciled in Oklahoma, is limited in the payment of dividends to the greater of 10% of prior year policyholders’ surplus or prior year’s statutory net income, not including realized capital gains, without prior written approval from the Oklahoma Insurance Department. As a county mutual, dividends from HCM are payable to policyholders.

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Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table sets forth information regarding shares of our common stock authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2015.

Plan Category	Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights		Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights		Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans [excluding securities reflected in column (a)](1)
	(a)		(b)		(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders		869,113	$	9.51		1,844,973
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders		-		-		-
Total		869,113	$	9.51		1,844,973

(1) Securities remaining available for future issuance are net of a maximum of 155,027 shares of common stock issuable pursuant to outstanding restricted stock units, subject to applicable vesting requirements and performance criteria.  See Note 13 to the audited consolidated financial statements included in this report.

Issuer Repurchases

Our stock buyback program initially announced on April 18, 2008, authorized the repurchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of our common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions (the “Stock Repurchase Plan”). On January 24, 2011, we announced an increased authorization to repurchase up to an additional 3,000,000 shares. The Stock Repurchase Plan does not have an expiration date.

The following table furnishes information for purchases made pursuant to the Stock Repurchase Plan during the quarter ended December 31, 2015:

	Total Number of Shares  Purchased		Average Price Paid Per Share		Cumulative Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan		Maximum Number  of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan
	(a)		(b)		(c)		(d)
October 1st - October 31st		-	$	-		1,975,677		2,024,323
November 1st – November 30th		-	$	-		1,975,677		2,024,323
December 1st – December 31st		51,975	$	11.97		2,027,652		1,972,348

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Performance Graph

The following graph compares the five year cumulative total return provided shareholders on Hallmark’s common stock relative to the cumulative total returns of the NASDAQ Composite Index, the NASDAQ Insurance Index, and the S&P Property & Casualty Insurance Index. An investment of $100 (with reinvestment of all dividends) is assumed to have been made in our common stock and in each index on December 31, 2010 and its relative performance is tracked through December 31, 2015.

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data

	Year Ended December 31
	2015			2014			2013			2012			2011
	(in thousands, except per share data)
Statement of Operations Data:
Gross premiums written	$	514,223		$	473,218		$	460,027		$	389,842		$	354,881
Ceded premiums written		(157,279	)		(148,866	)		(99,262	)		(57,353	)		(51,005	)
Net premiums written		356,944			324,352			360,765			332,489			303,876
Change in unearned premiums		(7,863	)		(3,135	)		(224	)		(13,053	)		(10,835	)
Net premiums earned		349,081			321,217			360,541			319,436			293,041
Investment income, net of expenses		13,969			12,383			12,884			15,293			15,880
Net realized gains		2,503			134			10,540			1,943			3,633
Finance charges		5,952			5,279			5,830			5,957			6,826
Commission and fees		213			(1,694	)		(487	)		(1,145	)		3,175
Other income		684			47			120			316			216
Total revenues		372,402			337,366			389,428			341,800			322,771
Loss and loss adjustment expenses		230,149			210,055			261,345			226,414			239,235
Operating expenses		103,993			101,427			109,289			103,792			95,106
Interest expense		3,906			4,576			4,599			4,634			4,631
Amortization of intangible assets		2,468			2,526			3,115			3,586			3,586
Total expenses		340,516			318,584			378,348			338,426			342,558
Income (loss) before tax		31,886			18,782			11,080			3,374			(19,787	)
Income tax expense (benefit)		10,023			5,353			2,835			(474	)		(8,954	)
Net income (loss)		21,863			13,429			8,245			3,848			(10,833	)
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest		-			-			-			324			58
Net income (loss) attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.		21,863			13,429			8,245			3,524			(10,891	)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. common stockholders:
Basic	$	1.14		$	0.70		$	0.43		$	0.18		$	(0.55	)
Diluted	$	1.13		$	0.69		$	0.43		$	0.18		$	(0.55	)

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	As of December 31
Balance Sheet Items:	2015		2014		2013		2012		2011
Total investments	$	578,829	$	507,229	$	461,325	$	445,360	$	424,628
Total assets	$	1,076,600	$	980,869	$	909,023	$	790,468	$	746,059
Reserves for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses	$	450,878	$	415,135	$	382,640	$	313,416	$	296,945
Unearned premiums	$	216,407	$	196,826	$	185,303	$	162,502	$	146,104
Total liabilities	$	814,574	$	728,832	$	670,905	$	569,931	$	529,203
Total stockholders' equity	$	262,026	$	252,037	$	238,118	$	220,537	$	215,572
Book value per share	$	13.72	$	13.11	$	12.36	$	11.45	$	11.19

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto. This discussion contains forward-looking statements. Please see “Risks Associated with Forward-Looking Statements in this Form 10-K” for a discussion of some of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements.

Overview

Hallmark is an insurance holding company which, through its subsidiaries, engages in the sale of property/casualty insurance products to businesses and individuals. Our business involves marketing, distributing, underwriting and servicing our insurance products, as well as providing other insurance related services. We pursue our business activities primarily through subsidiaries whose operations are organized into operating units and are supported by our insurance carrier subsidiaries.

Our insurance activities are organized by operating units into the following reportable segments:

· Standard Commercial Segment. The Standard Commercial Segment includes the standard lines commercial property/casualty and occupational accident insurance products and services handled by our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit and the workers compensation insurance products handled by our Workers Compensation operating unit. Effective July 1, 2015, the Workers Compensation operating unit no longer retains any risk on new or renewal policies. Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit is comprised of our American Hallmark Insurance Services and ECM subsidiaries. Our Workers Compensation operating unit is comprised of our TBIC Holdings, TBIC and TBICRM subsidiaries.

· Specialty Commercial Segment. Our Specialty Commercial Segment includes the excess and surplus lines commercial property/casualty insurance products and services handled by our MGA Commercial Products operating unit and the general aviation, satellite launch, commercial umbrella and primary/excess liability, medical professional liability and primary/excess commercial property insurance products and services handled by our Specialty Commercial operating unit, as well as certain specialty risk programs which are managed at the parent level. Our MGA Commercial Products operating unit is comprised of our HSU, PAAC and TGASRI subsidiaries. Our Specialty Commercial operating unit is comprised of our Aerospace Insurance Managers, ASRI, ACMG, HXS and HDS subsidiaries.

· Personal Segment. Our Personal Segment includes the non-standard personal automobile and renters insurance products and services handled by our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit. During the fourth quarter of 2014, our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit discontinued the low value dwelling/homeowners and manufactured homes insurance products it previously offered. Our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit is comprised of our AHGA and HCS subsidiaries.

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The retained premium produced by these reportable segments is supported by our American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas, Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company, Hallmark Insurance Company, Hallmark National Insurance Company and Texas Builders Insurance Company insurance subsidiaries. In addition, control and management of Hallmark County Mutual is maintained through our wholly owned subsidiary, CYR Insurance Management Company (“CYR”). CYR has as its primary asset a management agreement with HCM which provides for CYR to have management and control of HCM. HCM is used to front certain lines of business in our Specialty Commercial and Personal Segments in Texas. HCM does not retain any business.

AHIC, HIC, HSIC and HNIC have entered into a pooling arrangement pursuant to which AHIC retains 34% of the net premiums written by any of them, HIC retains 32% of the net premiums written by any of them, HSIC retains 24% of the net premiums written by any of them and HNIC retains 10% of the net premiums written by any of them. Neither HCM nor TBIC is a party to the intercompany pooling arrangement.

Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments

The significant accounting policies requiring our estimates and judgments are discussed below. Such estimates and judgments are based on historical experience, changes in laws and regulations, observation of industry trends and information received from third parties. While the estimates and judgments associated with the application of these accounting policies may be affected by different assumptions or conditions, we believe the estimates and judgments associated with the reported consolidated financial statement amounts are appropriate in the circumstances. For additional discussion of our accounting policies, see Note 1 to the audited consolidated financial statements included in this report.

Impairment of investments. We complete a detailed analysis each quarter to assess whether any decline in the fair value of any investment below cost is deemed other-than-temporary. All securities with an unrealized loss are reviewed. We recognize an impairment loss when an investment’s value declines below cost, adjusted for accretion, amortization and previous other-than-temporary impairments and it is determined that the decline is other-than-temporary.

Debt Investments: We assess whether we intend to sell, or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell, a fixed maturity investment before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current period credit losses. For fixed maturity investments that are considered other-than-temporarily impaired and that we do not intend to sell and will not be required to sell, we separate the amount of the impairment into the amount that is credit related (credit loss component) and the amount due to all other factors. The credit loss component is recognized in earnings and is the difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and the present value of its expected future cash flows. The remaining difference between the investment’s fair value and the present value of future expected cash flows is recognized in other comprehensive income.

Equity Investments: Some of the factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in fair value for an equity investment is other-than-temporary include: (1) our ability and intent to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in value; (2) the recoverability of cost; (3) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost; and (4) the financial condition and near-term and long-term prospects for the issuer, including the relevant industry conditions and trends, and implications of rating agency actions and offering prices. When it is determined that an equity investment is other-than-temporarily impaired, the security is written down to fair value, and the amount of the impairment is included in earnings as a realized investment loss. The fair value then becomes the new cost basis of the investment, and any subsequent recoveries in fair value are recognized at disposition. We recognize a realized loss when impairment is deemed to be other-than-temporary even if a decision to sell an equity investment has not been made. When we decide to sell a temporarily impaired available-for-sale equity investment and we do not expect the fair value of the equity investment to fully recover prior to the expected time of sale, the investment is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired in the period in which the decision to sell is made.

Fair values of financial instruments. Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820 defines fair value, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. ASC 820, among other things, requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. In addition, ASC 820 precludes the use of block discounts when measuring the fair value of instruments traded in an active market, which were previously applied to large holdings of publicly traded equity securities.

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We determine the fair value of our financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in ASC 820. In accordance with ASC 820, we utilize the following fair value hierarchy:

· Level 1: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets;

· Level 2: inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, inputs of identical assets for less active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the instrument; and

· Level 3: inputs to the valuation methodology that are unobservable for the asset or liability.

This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available.

Under ASC 820, we determine fair value based on the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. It is our policy to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements, in accordance with the fair value hierarchy described above. Fair value measurements for assets and liabilities where there exists limited or no observable market data are calculated based upon our pricing policy, the economic and competitive environment, the characteristics of the asset or liability and other factors as appropriate. These estimated fair values may not be realized upon actual sale or immediate settlement of the asset or liability.

Where quoted prices are available on active exchanges for identical instruments, investment securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 investment securities include common stock and preferred stock.

Level 2 investment securities include corporate bonds, collateralized corporate bank loans, municipal bonds, U.S. Treasury securities, other obligations of the U.S. Government and mortgage-backed securities for which quoted prices are not available on active exchanges for identical instruments. We use a third party pricing service to determine fair values for each Level 2 investment security in all asset classes. Since quoted prices in active markets for identical assets are not available, these prices are determined using observable market information such as quotes from less active markets and/or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, among other things. We have reviewed the processes used by the pricing service and have determined that they result in fair values consistent with the requirements of ASC 820 for Level 2 investment securities. We have not adjusted any prices received from third-party pricing sources.

In cases where there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to the valuation, investment securities are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 3 investments are valued based on the best available data in order to approximate fair value. This data may be internally developed and consider risk premiums that a market participant would require. Investment securities classified within Level 3 include other less liquid investment securities.

Deferred policy acquisition costs. Policy acquisition costs (mainly commission, underwriting and marketing expenses) that vary with and are primarily related to the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts are deferred and charged to operations over periods in which the related premiums are earned. Ceding commissions from reinsurers, which include expense allowances, are deferred and recognized over the period premiums are earned for the underlying policies reinsured.

The method followed in computing deferred policy acquisition costs limits the amount of such deferred costs to their estimated realizable value. A premium deficiency exists if the sum of expected claim costs and claim adjustment expenses, unamortized acquisition costs, and maintenance costs exceeds related unearned premiums and expected investment income on those unearned premiums, as computed on a product line basis. We routinely evaluate the realizability of deferred policy acquisition costs. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, there was no premium deficiency related to deferred policy acquisition costs.

Goodwill. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating segment or one level below an operating segment) on an annual basis (October 1) and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. For purposes of evaluating goodwill for impairment, we have determined that our reporting units are the same as our operating units except for the Specialty Commercial operating unit for which reporting units are at the component level (“one level below”). Our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 includes goodwill of acquired businesses of $44.7 million that is assigned to our operating units as follows: Standard Commercial P&C operating unit - $2.1 million; MGA Commercial Products operating unit - $19.8 million; Specialty Commercial operating unit- $17.4 million (comprised of $7.7 million for the primary/excess & umbrella component and $9.7 million for the general aviation and satellite component); and Specialty Personal Lines operating unit - $5.4 million. This amount has been recorded as a result of prior business acquisitions accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. Under ASC 350, “Intangibles- Goodwill and Other,” goodwill is tested for impairment annually. We completed our last annual test for impairment on the first day of the fourth quarter of 2015 and determined that there was no impairment.

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A significant amount of judgment is required in performing goodwill impairment tests. Such tests include estimating the fair value of our reporting units. As required by ASC 350, we compare the estimated fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. Under ASC 350, fair value refers to the amount for which the entire reporting unit may be bought or sold.

The determination of fair value was based on an income approach utilizing discounted cash flows. The valuation methodology utilized is subject to key judgments and assumptions. Estimates of fair value are inherently uncertain and represent management’s reasonable expectation regarding future developments. These estimates and the judgments and assumptions upon which the estimates are based will, in all likelihood, differ in some respects from actual future results. Declines in estimated fair value could result in goodwill impairments in future periods which could materially adversely affect our results of operations or financial position.

The income approach to determining fair value computed the projections of the cash flows that the reporting unit is expected to generate converted into a present value equivalent through discounting. Significant assumptions in the income approach model include income projections, discount rates and terminal growth values. The income projections reflect an improved premium rate environment across most of our lines of business that continued throughout 2015. The income projections also include loss and LAE assumptions which reflect recent historical claim trends and the movement towards a more favorable pricing environment. The income projections also include assumptions for expense growth and investment yields which are based on business plans for each of our operating units. The discount rate was based on a risk free rate plus a beta adjusted equity risk premium and specific company risk premium. The assumptions were based on historical experience, expectations of future performance, expected market conditions and other factors requiring judgment and estimates. While we believe the assumptions used in these models were reasonable, the inherent uncertainty in predicting future performance and market conditions may change over time and influence the outcome of future testing.

The fair values of each of our operating units were in excess of their respective carrying values, including goodwill, as a result of our annual test for impairment during the fourth quarter 2015. However, a 8% decline in the fair value of our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit, a 9% decline in the fair value of our MGA Commercial Products operating unit, a 15% decline in the fair value of our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit, a 57% decline in the fair value of our excess & umbrella component or a 20% decline in the fair value of our general aviation and satellite component would have caused the carrying value of the respective reporting unit to be in excess of its fair value, resulting in the need to perform the second step of impairment testing prescribed by ASC 350, which could have resulted in an impairment to our goodwill.

The market capitalization of Hallmark’s common stock has been below book value during 2015. We consider our market capitalization in assessing the reasonableness of the fair values estimated for our operating units in connection with our goodwill impairment testing. We believe the current financial market conditions, as well as the limited daily trading volume of Hallmark shares has resulted in a decrease in our market capitalization that is not representative of a long-term decrease in value. The valuation analysis discussed above supports our view that goodwill was not impaired at October 1, 2015. Through December 31, 2015, there were no indicators of impairment.

While we believe the estimates and assumptions used in determining the fair value of our operating units were reasonable, actual results could vary materially. If our actual results are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions used to calculate fair value, we may be required to perform the second step of impairment testing prescribed by ASC 350 in future periods and impairment of goodwill could result. We cannot predict future events that might impact the fair value of our operating units and goodwill impairment. Such events include, but are not limited to, increased competition in insurance markets and global economic changes.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities. We file a consolidated federal income tax return. Deferred federal income taxes reflect the future tax consequences of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year end. Deferred taxes are recognized using the liability method, whereby tax rates are applied to cumulative temporary differences based on when and how they are expected to affect the tax return. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for tax rate changes. A valuation allowance is provided against our deferred tax assets to the extent that we do not believe it is more likely than not that future taxable income will be adequate to realize these future tax benefits.

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Reserves for unpaid losses and LAE. Reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are established for claims that have already been incurred by the policyholder but which we have not yet paid. Unpaid losses and LAE represent the estimated ultimate net cost of all reported and unreported losses incurred through each balance sheet date. The reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are estimated using individual case-basis valuations and statistical analyses. These reserves are revised periodically and are subject to the effects of trends in loss severity and frequency. (See “Item 1. Business – Analysis of Losses and LAE” and “-Analysis of Loss and LAE Reserve Development.”)

Although considerable variability is inherent in such estimates, we believe that our reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are adequate. Due to the inherent uncertainty in estimating unpaid losses and LAE, the actual ultimate amounts may differ from the recorded amounts. A small percentage change could result in a material effect on reported earnings. For example, a 1% change in December 31, 2015 reserves for unpaid losses and LAE would have produced a $4.5 million change to pretax earnings. The estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as experience develops or new information becomes known. Such adjustments are included in current operations.

An actuarial range of ultimate unpaid losses and LAE is developed independent of management’s best estimate and is only used to assess the reasonableness of that estimate. There is no exclusive method for determining this range, and judgment enters into the process. The primary actuarial technique utilized is a loss development analysis in which ultimate losses are projected based upon historical development patterns. The primary assumption underlying this loss development analysis is that the historical development patterns will be a reasonable predictor of the future development of losses for accident years which are less mature. An alternate actuarial technique, known as the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method, combines an analysis of loss development patterns with an initial estimate of expected losses or loss ratios. This approach is most useful for recent accident years. In addition to assuming the stability of loss development patterns, this technique is heavily dependent on the accuracy of the initial estimate of expected losses or loss ratios. Consequently, the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method is primarily used to confirm the results derived from the loss development analysis.

The range of unpaid losses and LAE estimated by our actuary as of December 31, 2015 was $465.4 million to $376.1 million. Our best estimate of unpaid losses and LAE as of December 31, 2015 is $450.9 million. Our carried reserve for unpaid losses and LAE as of December 31, 2015 is comprised of $227.1 million in case reserves and $223.8 million in incurred but not reported reserves. In setting this estimate of unpaid losses and LAE, we have assumed, among other things, that current trends in loss frequency and severity will continue and that the actuarial analysis was empirically valid. We have established a best estimate of unpaid losses and LAE which is $30.1 million higher than the midpoint, or 96.9% of the high end, of the actuarial range at December 31, 2015 as compared to $18.0 million above the midpoint, or 94.8% of the high end, of the actuarial range at December 31, 2014. We expect our best estimate to move within the actuarial range from year to year due to changes in our operations and changes within the marketplace. Due to the inherent uncertainty in reserve estimates, there can be no assurance that the actual losses ultimately experienced will fall within the actuarial range. However, because of the breadth of the actuarial range, we believe that it is reasonably likely that actual losses will fall within such range.

Our reserve requirements are also interrelated with product pricing and profitability. We must price our products at a level sufficient to fund our policyholder benefits and still remain profitable. Because claim expenses represent the single largest category of our expenses, inaccuracies in the assumptions used to estimate the amount of such benefits can result in our failing to price our products appropriately and to generate sufficient premiums to fund our operations.

Recognition of profit sharing commissions. Profit sharing commission is calculated and recognized when the loss ratio, as determined by a qualified actuary, deviates from contractual targets. We receive a provisional commission as policies are produced as an advance against the later determination of the profit sharing commission actually earned. The profit sharing commission is an estimate that varies with the estimated loss ratio and is sensitive to changes in that estimate.

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The following table details the profit sharing commission revenue sensitivity of the Standard Commercial P&C operating unit to the actual ultimate loss ratio for each effective quota share treaty at 5.0% above and below the current estimate, which we believe is a reasonably likely range of variance ($ in thousands).

	Treaty Effective Dates
	7/1/2001			7/1/2002			7/1/2003			7/1/2004
Provisional loss ratio		60.0	%		59.0	%		59.0	%		64.2	%
Estimated ultimate loss ratio recorded at December 31, 2015		63.5	%		64.5	%		61.6	%		66.1	%
Effect of actual 5.0% above estimated loss ratio at December 31, 2015	$	-		$	-		$	(3,092	)	$	(3,790	)
Effect of actual 5.0% below estimated loss ratio at December 31, 2015	$	1,850		$	3,055		$	2,823		$	3,790

The following table details the profit sharing commission revenue sensitivity of the MGA Commercial Products operating unit for each effective quota share treaty at 5.0% above and below the current estimate, which we believe is a reasonably likely range of variance ($ in thousands).

	Treaty Effective Dates
	1/1/2006			1/1/2007			1/1/2008
Provisional loss ratio		65.0	%		65.0	%		65.0	%
Estimated ultimate loss ratio recorded at December 31, 2015		58.8	%		64.0	%		59.7	%
Effect of actual 5.0% above estimated loss ratio at December 31, 2015	$	(3,096	)	$	(470	)	$	(1,618	)
Effect of actual 5.0% below estimated loss ratio at December 31, 2015	$	2,960		$	2,351		$	1,618

Results of Operations

Comparison of Years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014

Management overview. During fiscal 2015, our total revenues were $372.4 million, representing a 10% increase over the $337.4 million in total revenues for fiscal 2014. This increase in revenue was primarily attributable to higher net premiums earned, higher net investment income, higher realized gains recognized on our investment portfolio and lower adverse profit share commission adjustments in our Standard Commercial Segment. The increased net earned premiums were primarily attributable to increased retained premium under a renewed quota share reinsurance agreement effective October 1, 2014 in our Personal Segment and to increased premium production in our Personal Segment and our MGA Commercial Products operating unit.

The increase in revenue for the year ended December 31, 2015 was partially offset by increased loss and LAE of $20.1 million as compared to the same period of 2014. The increase in loss and LAE was primarily the result of an increase in retained losses in our Personal Segment under the renewed quota share reinsurance agreement. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, we recorded favorable prior year net loss reserve development of $7.0 million as compared to $5.2 million of favorable prior year net loss reserve development for the same period of 2014. Also partially offsetting the increased revenue was increased other operating expenses due mostly to higher production related expenses in our Personal Segment due to the impact of the change in terms of the quota share reinsurance agreement and increased salary and related expenses in our Specialty Commercial and Corporate Segments.

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We reported net income of $21.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to net income of $13.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. On a diluted per share basis, net income was $1.13 per share for fiscal 2015 as compared to net income of $0.69 per share for fiscal 2014.

Segment information

The following is additional business segment information for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31
	Standard Commercial Segment						Specialty Commercial Segment						Personal Segment						Corporate						Consolidated
	2015			2014			2015			2014			2015			2014			2015			2014			2015			2014
Gross premiums written	$	81,892		$	84,679		$	351,050		$	324,547		$	81,281		$	63,992		$	-		$	-		$	514,223		$	473,218
Ceded premiums written		(10,795	)		(7,767	)		(109,275	)		(93,909	)		(37,209	)		(47,190	)		-			-			(157,279	)		(148,866	)
Net premiums written		71,097			76,912			241,775			230,638			44,072			16,802			-			-			356,944			324,352
Change in unearned premiums		1,516			1,399			(4,135	)		(1,815	)		(5,244	)		(2,719	)		-			-			(7,863	)		(3,135	)
Net premiums earned		72,613			78,311			237,640			228,823			38,828			14,083			-			-			349,081			321,217
Total revenues		76,864			81,464			249,910			241,920			45,538			20,404			90			(6,422	)		372,402			337,366
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		47,071			51,130			148,664			149,961			34,414			8,964			-			-			230,149			210,055
Pre-tax income (loss)		6,687			4,595			40,277			34,237			(885	)		1,226			(14,193	)		(21,276	)		31,886			18,782
Net loss ratio (1)		64.8	%		65.3	%		62.6	%		65.5	%		88.6	%		63.7	%								65.9	%		65.4	%
Net expense ratio (1)		32.6	%		33.3	%		25.6	%		25.6	%		19.0	%		43.3	%								28.0	%		30.5	%
Net combined ratio (1)		97.4	%		98.6	%		88.2	%		91.1	%		107.6	%		107.0	%								93.9	%		95.9	%
Favorable (Unfavorable) Prior Year Development		7,416			6,033			2,147			(3,721	)		(2,610	)		2,891									6,953			5,203

1 The net loss ratio is calculated as incurred losses and LAE divided by net premiums earned, each determined in accordance with GAAP. The net expense ratio is calculated as total underwriting expenses offset by agency fee income divided by net premiums earned, each determined in accordance with GAAP.  Net combined ratio is calculated as the sum of the net loss ratio and the net expense ratio.

Standard Commercial Segment.

Gross premiums written for the Standard Commercial Segment were $81.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, which was $2.8 million, or 3%, less than the $84.7 million reported for the same period in 2014. The decrease in gross premium was primarily due to lower premium production in our Workers Compensation operating unit due to a renewal rights agreement which ceded 100% of the unearned premium effective July 1, 2015. Net premiums written were $71.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to $76.9 million reported for the same period in 2014. The lower net premiums were primarily due to the workers compensation renewal rights agreement.

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Total revenue for the Standard Commercial Segment of $76.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $4.6 million less than the $81.5 million reported during the year ended December 31, 2014. This 6% decrease in total revenue was mostly due to a $5.7 million decrease in net premiums earned as a result of the workers compensation renewal rights agreement and lower net premiums earned in our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit, as well as lower net investment income of $1.0 million, partially offset by a decreased adverse profit share commission revenue adjustment of $1.5 million and a $0.6 million gain on the sale of our workers compensation renewal rights.

Our Standard Commercial Segment reported pre-tax income of $6.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 which was $2.1 million higher than the $4.6 million reported for the same period of 2014. Lower loss and LAE of $4.1 million was the primary driver for the higher pre-tax income, as well as lower operating expenses of $2.6 million, partially offset by the decreased revenue discussed above.

The net loss ratio for the year ended December 31, 2015 was 64.8% as compared to the 65.3% reported for the year ended December 31, 2014. The gross loss ratio before reinsurance was 63.4% for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to 71.7% for the prior year. The improvement in the gross and net loss ratios was driven primarily by lower net catastrophe losses. The gross and net loss ratios for the year ended December 31, 2015 included $7.8 million of net catastrophe related losses compared to $13.4 million of net catastrophe related losses for the same period the prior year. During the year ended December 31, 2015 the Standard Commercial Segment reported $7.4 million of favorable loss development as compared to $6.0 million reported for the same period of 2014.

Specialty Commercial Segment.

Gross premiums written for the Specialty Commercial Segment were $351.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, which was $26.5 million, or 8%, more than the $324.5 million reported for the same period in 2014. Net premiums written were $241.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to $230.6 million reported for the same period in 2014. The increase in gross and net premiums written was due to increased premium production in both our MGA Commercial Products and our Specialty Commercial operating units.

The $249.9 million of total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $8.0 million higher than the $241.9 million reported for 2014. This 3% increase in revenue was due to higher net premiums earned of $8.8 million due predominately to increased production discussed above. Further contributing to this increased revenue was higher commission and fees of $0.3 million and higher other income of $0.1 million, partially offset by lower net investment income of $1.1 million and lower finance charges of $0.1 million.

Pre-tax income for the Specialty Commercial Segment of $40.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $6.1 million higher than the $34.2 million reported for the same period in 2014. The increase in pre-tax income was primarily due to the increased revenue discussed above, lower loss and LAE expenses of $1.3 million and lower amortization of intangible assets of $0.1 million, partially offset by higher operating expenses of $3.3 million.

Our MGA Commercial Products operating unit reported a $0.4 million decrease in loss and LAE due primarily to $0.2 million of favorable prior year loss reserve development recognized during the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to $4.7 million of adverse prior year loss reserve development recognized for the same period the prior year. Our Specialty Commercial operating unit reported a $0.9 million decrease in loss and LAE which consisted of (a) a $2.3 million decrease in loss and LAE in our general aviation and satellite launch insurance products due primarily to $0.9 million of favorable prior year loss reserve development recognized during the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to $0.3 million of adverse prior year loss reserve development recognized for the same period the prior year, (b) a $0.5 million increase in loss and LAE due primarily to $0.6 million lower favorable prior year net loss reserve development recognized during the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the same period during 2014 in our commercial umbrella and primary/excess liability line of business, and (c) a $0.9 million increase in loss and LAE attributable to our medical professional liability insurance products. The increase of $3.3 million in operating expense was primarily the combined result of the year to date expenses to start up our primary/excess property coverage business of $1.9 million, increased salary and related expenses of $1.2 million, higher professional service fees of $0.3 million, increased travel related expenses of $0.1 million and higher other operating expenses of $0.2 million, partially offset by lower production related expense of $0.4 million primarily in our commercial umbrella and primary/excess liability line of business.

The Specialty Commercial Segment reported a net loss ratio of 62.6% for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to 65.5% for the same period during 2014. The gross loss ratio before reinsurance was 61.6% for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to 65.7% for the same period in 2014. The lower gross and net loss ratio included $2.1 million of favorable prior year loss reserve development for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to $3.7 million of unfavorable prior year loss reserve development for the same period during 2014.

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Personal Segment.

Gross premiums written for the Personal Segment were $81.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, which was $17.3 million more than the $64.0 million reported for the same period in 2014. Net premiums written for our Personal Segment were $44.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, which was an increase of $27.3 million, or 162%, from the $16.8 million reported for the same period of 2014. The increase in the gross premiums written was due mostly to increased production in our ongoing core states. The increase in net premium written was due mostly to increased retained premium under a renewed quota share reinsurance agreement effective October 1, 2014.

Total revenue for the Personal Segment increased 123% to $45.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $20.4 million the prior year. Increased net premiums earned of $24.7 million and higher finance charges of $0.8 million were the primary reasons for the increase in revenue for the period, partially offset by decreased net investment income of $0.4 million.

Our Personal Segment reported a pre-tax loss of $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to pre-tax income of $1.2 million for the same period of 2014. The pre-tax loss was the result of increased losses and LAE of $25.5 million and increased operating expenses of $1.7 million, partially offset by the increased revenue discussed above.

The Personal Segment reported a net loss ratio of 88.6% for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to 63.7% for 2014. The gross loss ratio before reinsurance was 80.8% for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to 70.1% for the same period in 2014. The higher gross and net loss ratios were primarily the result of unfavorable prior year net loss reserve development of $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to favorable prior year net loss reserve development of $2.9 million for the same period of 2014. The Personal Segment reported a net expense ratio of 19.0% for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to 43.3% for the same period of 2014. The decrease in the expense ratio was due predominately to the impact of the renewed quota share reinsurance agreement.

Corporate.

Total revenue for Corporate increased by $6.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the same period the prior year. This increase in total revenue was due primarily to higher net investment income of $4.1 million as compared to the same period the prior year and higher net realized gains on our investment portfolio of $2.4 million recognized during the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the same period of 2014.

Corporate pre-tax loss was $14.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to a $21.3 million pre-tax loss for the same period the prior year. The improvement in pre-tax loss was primarily due to the increased revenue discussed above and lower interest expense of $0.7 million due to the lower floating interest rate effective June 15, 2015 on our Trust I subordinated debt securities. (See, “Liquidity and Capital Resources- Subordinated Debt Securities.”) This improvement in pre-tax loss was partially offset by higher operating expenses of $0.1 million primarily as a result of higher salary and related costs of $0.5 million due primarily to increased incentive compensation accruals compared to the prior period, partially offset by lower professional service fees of $0.3 million and lower other operating expenses of $0.1 million.

Comparison of Years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013

Management overview. During fiscal 2014, our total revenues were $337.4 million, representing a 13% decrease over the $389.4 million in total revenues for fiscal 2013. The decrease in revenue was primarily attributable to lower net earned premiums in our Personal Segment due to a new quota share reinsurance contract entered into during the fourth quarter of 2013 on our non-standard automobile risk produced in certain states. Further contributing to the decrease in revenue were significant realized gains recognized in our investment portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2013, lower net investment income and adverse profit share commission revenue adjustments in our Standard Commercial Segment for the year ended December 31, 2014.

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The decrease in revenue for the year ended December 31, 2014 was offset by decreased loss and LAE of $51.3 million as compared to the same period of 2013. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 we recorded $5.2 million of favorable prior year loss development. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 we recorded $10.0 million of unfavorable prior year loss development. The decrease in loss and LAE occurred despite a $4.8 million increase in net catastrophe losses to $15.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2014 from $10.2 million reported for the same period of 2013. Other operating expenses also decreased due mostly to decreased production related expenses in our Specialty Commercial Segment and Personal Segment, partially offset by $3.0 million of costs related to higher salary and related expenses due mostly to increased incentive compensation accruals compared to the prior period, $0.7 million of CEO transition costs and $0.2 million of costs related to a previously announced public debt offering.

We reported net income of $13.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to net income of $8.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. On a diluted per share basis, net income was $0.69 per share for fiscal 2014 as compared to net income of $0.43 per share for fiscal 2013.

Segment information.

The following is additional business segment information for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31
	Standard Commercial Segment						Specialty Commercial Segment						Personal Segment						Corporate						Consolidated
	2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
Gross premiums written	$	84,679		$	87,147		$	324,547		$	296,108		$	63,992		$	76,772		$	-		$	-		$	473,218		$	460,027
Ceded premiums written		(7,767	)		(7,681	)		(93,909	)		(60,453	)		(47,190	)		(31,128	)		-			-			(148,866	)		(99,262	)
Net premiums written		76,912			79,466			230,638			235,655			16,802			45,644			-			-			324,352			360,765
Change in unearned premiums		1,399			(1,290	)		(1,815	)		(17,090	)		(2,719	)		18,156			-			-			(3,135	)		(224	)
Net premiums earned		78,311			78,176			228,823			218,565			14,083			63,800			-			-			321,217			360,541
Total revenues		81,464			83,306			241,920			229,734			20,404			71,081			(6,422	)		5,307			337,366			389,428
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		51,130			56,143			149,961			152,546			8,964			52,656			-			-			210,055			261,345
Pre-tax income (loss)		4,595			1,980			34,237			19,527			1,226			(3,416	)		(21,276	)		(7,011	)		18,782			11,080
Net loss ratio (1)		65.3	%		71.8	%		65.5	%		69.8	%		63.7	%		82.5	%								65.4	%		72.5	%
Net expense ratio (1)		33.3	%		32.2	%		25.6	%		26.6	%		43.3	%		26.7	%								30.5	%		29.2	%
Net combined ratio (1)		98.6	%		104.0	%		91.1	%		96.4	%		107.0	%		109.2	%								95.9	%		101.7	%
Favorable (Unfavorable) Prior Year Development		6,033			5,235			(3,721	)		(13,381	)		2,891			(1,808	)								5,203			(9,954	)

1 The net loss ratio is calculated as incurred losses and LAE divided by net premiums earned, each determined in accordance with GAAP. The net expense ratio is calculated as total underwriting expenses offset by agency fee income divided by net premiums earned, each determined in accordance with GAAP.  Net combined ratio is calculated as the sum of the net loss ratio and the net expense ratio.

Standard Commercial Segment.

Gross premiums written for the Standard Commercial Segment were $84.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, which was $2.4 million, or 3%, less than the $87.1 million reported for the same period in 2013. Net premiums written were $76.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to $79.5 million reported for the same period in 2013. The decrease in premium volume was primarily due to decreased premium production in our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit.

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Total revenue for the Standard Commercial Segment of $81.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $1.8 million less than the $83.3 million reported during the year ended December 31, 2013. This 2% decrease in total revenue was mostly due to an increased adverse profit share commission revenue adjustment of $1.6 million and lower net investment income of $0.3 million, partially offset by higher net earned premiums of $0.1 million.

Our Standard Commercial Segment reported pre-tax income of $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 which was $2.6 million higher than the $2.0 million reported for the same period of 2013. The increase in pre-tax income for the Standard Commercial Segment was the result of lower loss and LAE of $5.0 million, partially offset by higher operating expenses of $0.6 million primarily consisting of higher professional services and higher salary and related expenses. The increase in pre-tax income for the Standard Commercial Segment was further partially offset by the decreased revenue discussed above.

The net loss ratio for the year ended December 31, 2014 was 65.3% as compared to the 71.8% reported for the year ended December 31, 2013. The gross loss ratio before reinsurance was 71.7% for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to 67.8% for the prior year. The increase in the gross loss ratio was primarily due to $16.9 million of gross catastrophe losses for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to $6.0 million for the same period during 2013. The net loss ratio improved primarily due to $10.7 million of ceded loss recoveries during the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to $2.1 million reported for the same period in 2013. The Standard Commercial Segment reported $13.4 million of net catastrophe losses for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to $6.0 million for the same period during 2013.

Specialty Commercial Segment.

Gross premiums written for the Specialty Commercial Segment were $324.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, which was $28.4 million, or 10%, more than the $296.1 million reported for the same period in 2013. Net premiums written were $230.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to $235.7 million reported for the same period in 2013. The lower net premiums written was primarily due to a quota share reinsurance agreement entered into during the third quarter of 2013 in our Specialty Commercial operating unit on our general aviation line of business and a quota share agreement entered into during the second quarter of 2014 on business produced by a program underwriter in our MGA Commercial Products operating unit.

The $241.9 million of total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $12.2 million higher than the $229.7 million reported for 2013. This 5% increase in revenue was due to higher net premiums earned of $10.3 million due predominately to increased production discussed above. Further contributing to this increased revenue was higher net investment income of $1.6 million and higher commission and fee revenue of $0.3 million.

Pre-tax income for the Specialty Commercial Segment of $34.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $14.7 million higher than the $19.5 million reported for the same period in 2013. The increase in pre-tax income was primarily due to the increased revenue discussed above, lower loss and LAE expenses of $2.6 million and lower amortization of intangible assets of $0.3 million, partially offset by higher operating expenses of $0.4 million.

Our MGA Commercial Products operating unit reported a $0.2 million decrease in loss and LAE for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of 2013. In addition, our Specialty Commercial operating unit reported a $2.3 million decrease in loss and LAE which consisted of (a) a $7.1 million decrease in loss and LAE primarily due to increased reinsurance recoveries on the general aviation quota share agreement entered into during the third quarter of 2013, (b) a $2.1 million increase in loss and LAE due to increased premium production in our commercial umbrella and excess liability line of business, (c) a $0.8 million increase in loss and LAE attributable to our medical professional liability insurance products and (d) a $1.9 million increase in loss and LAE in our satellite insurance products due primarily to the increased occurrence of insured satellite losses during the year. The increase in operating expense was the combined result of higher salary and related expenses of $1.5 million due primarily to increased incentive compensation accruals and higher other operating expenses of $0.4 million partially offset by lower production related expenses of $1.3 million due to increased ceding commissions on the quota share reinsurance agreements discussed above and lower professional services of $0.2 million.

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The Specialty Commercial Segment reported a net loss ratio of 65.5% for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to 69.8% for the same period during 2013. The gross loss ratio before reinsurance was 65.7% for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to 68.5% for the same period in 2013. The lower gross and net loss ratio included $3.7 million of unfavorable prior year loss reserve development for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to $13.4 million of unfavorable prior year loss reserve development for the same period during 2013. The Specialty Commercial Segment reported $1.0 million in net catastrophe losses for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to $1.6 million for the same period of 2013. The Specialty Commercial Segment reported a net expense ratio of 25.6% for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to 26.6% reported for the same period the prior year. The decrease in the net expense ratio is due primarily to the effect of increased net earned premium on fixed operating expenses and the increased ceding commission on quota share reinsurance agreements discussed above.

Personal Segment.

Gross premiums written for the Personal Segment were $64.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, which was $12.8 million less than the $76.8 million reported for the same period in 2013. Net premiums written for our Personal Segment were $16.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, which was a decrease of $28.8 million, or 63%, from the $45.6 million reported for the same period of 2013. The decrease in gross premiums written was due mostly to reduced business in our discontinued states and programs to focus on our ongoing core profitable business. The decrease in net premium written was due mostly to a new quota share reinsurance contract entered into during the fourth quarter of 2013 on our non-standard automobile risks produced in certain states.

Total revenue for the Personal Segment decreased 71% to $20.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $71.1 million the prior year. Lower net premiums earned of $49.7 million, lower net investment income of $0.4 million, decreased finance charges of $0.5 million and decreased other income of $0.1 million were the primary reasons for the decrease in revenue for the period.

Our Personal Segment reported pre-tax income of $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to a pre-tax loss of $3.4 million for the same period of 2013. The pre-tax income was the result of decreased losses and LAE of $43.7 million and lower operating expenses of $11.3 million, primarily due to lower production related expenses driven by increased ceding commission on the quota share agreements entered into during 2013, as well as lower amortization of intangible assets of $0.3 million. These increases in pre-tax income were partially offset by the decreased revenue discussed above.

The Personal Segment reported a net loss ratio of 63.7% for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to 82.5% for 2013. The gross loss ratio before reinsurance was 70.1% for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to 80.6% for the same period in 2013. The lower gross and net loss ratios were primarily the result of favorable prior year net loss reserve development. The loss and LAE for the year ended December 31, 2014 included $2.9 million of favorable prior years’ net loss reserve development as compared to $1.8 million of unfavorable prior years’ net loss reserve development for the same period of 2013. The Personal Segment reported $0.6 million of net catastrophe losses for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to $2.6 million for the same period in 2013. The Personal Segment reported a net expense ratio of 43.3% for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to 26.7% for the same period of 2013. The increase in the expense ratio was due predominately to the impact of the quota share reinsurance agreement entered into during the fourth quarter of 2013.

Corporate.

Total revenue for Corporate decreased by $11.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the same period the prior year. This decrease in total revenue was due primarily to lower net realized gains on our investment portfolio of $10.4 million as compared to the same period of the prior year and lower net investment income of $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of the prior year.

Corporate pre-tax loss was $21.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to a $7.0 million pre-tax loss for the same period the prior year. The increase in pre-tax loss was the result of decreased revenue and higher operating expenses of $2.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the same period the prior year due primarily to $0.8 million higher salary and related costs due mostly to increased incentive compensation accruals compared to the prior period, $0.7 million of CEO transition costs, $0.2 million of costs related to a previously announced public debt offering, $0.4 million of professional service fee expense and $0.5 million due primarily to increases recorded to the expected earn-out payable in conjunction with the previous acquisition of TBIC.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources and Uses of Funds

Our sources of funds are from insurance-related operations, financing activities and investing activities. Major sources of funds from operations include premiums collected (net of policy cancellations and premiums ceded), commissions and processing and service fees. As a holding company, Hallmark is dependent on dividend payments and management fees from its subsidiaries to meet operating expenses and debt obligations. As of December 31, 2015, Hallmark had $8.0 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents. Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of our non-insurance subsidiaries were $14.4 million as of December 31, 2015. As of that date, our insurance subsidiaries held $92.0 million of cash and cash equivalents as well as $531.3 million in debt securities with an average modified duration of 3.1 years. Accordingly, we do not anticipate selling long-term debt instruments to meet any liquidity needs.

AHIC and TBIC, domiciled in Texas, are limited in the payment of dividends to their stockholders in any 12-month period, without the prior written consent of the Texas Department of Insurance, to the greater of statutory net income for the prior calendar year or 10% of statutory policyholders’ surplus as of the prior year end. HIC and HNIC, both domiciled in Arizona, are limited in the payment of dividends to the lesser of 10% of prior year policyholders’ surplus or prior year's net investment income, without prior written approval from the Arizona Department of Insurance. HSIC, domiciled in Oklahoma, is limited in the payment of dividends to the greater of 10% of prior year policyholders’ surplus or prior year’s statutory net income, not including realized capital gains, without prior written approval from the Oklahoma Insurance Department. For all our insurance companies, dividends may only be paid from unassigned surplus funds. During 2016, the aggregate ordinary dividend capacity of these subsidiaries is $27.6 million, of which $18.5 million is available to Hallmark. As a county mutual, dividends from HCM are payable to policyholders. During both the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 our insurance company subsidiaries paid $8.0 million in dividends to Hallmark.

The state insurance departments also regulate financial transactions between our insurance subsidiaries and their affiliated companies. Applicable regulations require approval of management fees, expense sharing contracts and similar transactions. The net amount paid in management fees by our insurance subsidiaries to Hallmark and our non-insurance company subsidiaries was $1.3 million, $1.1 million and $8.2 million during each of 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Statutory capital and surplus is calculated as statutory assets less statutory liabilities. The various state insurance departments that regulate our insurance company subsidiaries require us to maintain a minimum statutory capital and surplus. As of December 31, 2015, our insurance company subsidiaries reported statutory capital and surplus of $247.2 million, substantially greater than the minimum requirements for each state. Each of our insurance company subsidiaries is also required to satisfy certain risk-based capital requirements. (See, “Item 1. Business – Insurance Regulation – Risk-based Capital Requirements.”). As of December 31, 2015, the adjusted capital under the risk-based capital calculation of each of our insurance company subsidiaries substantially exceeded the minimum requirements. Our total statutory premium-to-surplus percentage for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was 144% and 154%, respectively.

Comparison of December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2014

On a consolidated basis, our cash and investments, excluding restricted cash and investments, at December 31, 2015 were $693.3 million compared to $638.2 million at December 31, 2014. Cash flow from operations and the proceeds from Revolving Facility B during the fourth quarter of 2015 were the primary reasons for this increase.

Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014

Net cash provided by our consolidated operating activities was $52.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $33.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase in operating cash flow was primarily due to increased premiums collected net of reinsurance due primarily to an increase in retained business, as well as lower net paid losses, partially offset by higher operating expenses and income taxes paid.

Cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2015 was $96.3 million as compared to $42.2 million for the prior year. The increase in cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to a $76.7 million increase in purchases of investment securities and a $3.1 million increase in purchases of property and equipment, partially offset by a $22.6 million increase in maturities, sales and redemptions of investment securities and a $3.1 million increase in cash flow from restricted cash accounts.

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Cash provided by financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2015 was $26.8 million as a result of $29.9 million proceeds, net of debt issuance costs, from our Revolving Facility B during the fourth quarter of 2015 and $0.6 million related to proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options, partially offset by $2.5 million related to the repurchase of our common stock and $1.2 million related to the contingent purchase price payment to the sellers of TBIC Holding. Cash used in financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2014 was $2.1 million as a result of a $1.5 million repayment on our revolving credit facility and $1.8 million related to the repurchase of our common stock, partially offset by $1.2 million related to proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options.

Credit Facilities

Our Second Restated Credit Agreement with The Frost National Bank (“Frost”) dated June 30, 2015, reinstates the credit facility with Frost which expired by its terms on April 30, 2015. The Second Restated Credit Agreement also amends certain provisions of the credit facility and restates the agreement with Frost in its entirety.  The Second Restated Credit Agreement provides a $15.0 million revolving credit facility, with a $5.0 million letter of credit sub-facility. The outstanding balance of the revolving credit facility bears interest at a rate equal to the prime rate or LIBOR plus 2.5%, at our election. We pay an annual fee of 0.25% of the average daily unused balance of the credit facility and letter of credit fees at the rate of 1.00% per annum. The revolving credit facility contains covenants that, among other things, require us to maintain certain financial and operating ratios and restrict certain distributions, transactions and organizational changes. As of December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with all of our covenants and had no outstanding borrowings under this revolving credit facility.

On December 17, 2015, we entered into a First Amendment to Second Restated Credit Agreement (the “First Amendment”) and a Revolving Facility B Agreement (the “Facility B Agreement”) with Frost. The First Amendment amended the existing Second Restated Credit Agreement with Frost to incorporate the additional credit facility reflected by the Facility B Agreement.

The Facility B Agreement provides a new $30.0 million revolving credit facility (“Facility B”), in addition to the existing $15.0 million revolving credit facility with Frost. We may use Facility B loan proceeds solely for the purpose of making capital contributions to AHIC and HIC. We may borrow, repay and reborrow under the Facility B until December 17, 2017, at which time all amounts outstanding under the Facility B are converted to a term loan. In connection with Facility B, we paid Frost a one-time commitment fee of $75,000 and will pay Frost an additional quarterly fee through December 17, 2017 of 0.25% per annum of the average daily unused balance of Facility B. Facility B bears interest at a rate equal to the prime rate or LIBOR plus 3.00%, at our election. Until December 17, 2017, interest only on amounts from time to time outstanding under Facility B are payable quarterly. Any amounts outstanding on Facility B as of December 17, 2017 are converted to a term loan payable in quarterly installments over five years based on a seven year amortization of principal plus accrued interest. All remaining principal and accrued interest become due and payable on December 17, 2022. The obligations under Facility B are secured by the same collateral as the existing credit facility, being a security interest in the capital stock of AHIC and HIC.  Facility B is subject to the same covenants as the existing credit facility. As of December 31, 2015, we had $30.0 million outstanding under Facility B.

Subordinated Debt Securities

On June 21, 2005, we entered into a trust preferred securities transaction pursuant to which we issued $30.9 million aggregate principal amount of subordinated debt securities due in 2035. To effect the transaction, we formed a Delaware statutory trust, Hallmark Statutory Trust I (“Trust I”). Trust I issued $30.0 million of preferred securities to investors and $0.9 million of common securities to us. Trust I used the proceeds from these issuances to purchase the subordinated debt securities. The initial interest rate on our Trust I subordinated debt securities was 7.725% until June 15, 2015, after which interest adjusts quarterly to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 3.25 percentage points. Trust I pays dividends on its preferred securities at the same rate. Under the terms of our Trust I subordinated debt securities, we pay interest only each quarter and the principal of the note at maturity. The subordinated debt securities are uncollaterized and do not require maintenance of minimum financial covenants. As of December 31, 2015, the balance of our Trust I subordinated debt was $30.9 million and the interest rate was 3.76% per annum.

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On August 23, 2007, we entered into a trust preferred securities transaction pursuant to which we issued $25.8 million aggregate principal amount of subordinated debt securities due in 2037. To effect the transaction, we formed Hallmark Statutory Trust II (“Trust II”) as a Delaware statutory trust. Trust II issued $25.0 million of preferred securities to investors and $0.8 million of common securities to us. Trust II used the proceeds from these issuances to purchase the subordinated debt securities. Our Trust II subordinated debt securities bear an initial interest rate of 8.28% until September 15, 2017, at which time interest will adjust quarterly to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 2.90 percentage points. Trust II pays dividends on its preferred securities at the same rate. Under the terms of our Trust II subordinated debt securities, we pay interest only each quarter and the principal of the note at maturity. The subordinated debt securities are uncollateralized and do not require maintenance of minimum financial covenants. As of December 31, 2015, the balance of our Trust II subordinated debt was $25.8 million.

Long-Term Contractual Obligations

Set forth below is a summary of long-term contractual obligations as of December 31, 2015. Amounts represent estimates of gross undiscounted amounts payable over time. In addition, certain unpaid losses and LAE are ceded to others under reinsurance contracts and are, therefore, recoverable. Such potential recoverables are not reflected in the table.

	Estimated Payments by Period (in thousands)
	Total		2016		2017-2018		2019-2020		After 2020
Revolving credit facility payable	$	30,000	$	-	$	3,214	$	8,571	$	18,215
Interest on revolving credit facility payable		7,757		1,470		2,861		2,153		1,273
Subordinated debt securities		56,702		-		-		-		56,702
Interest on subordinated debt securities		69,455		3,786		6,852		6,132		52,685
Unpaid losses and LAE (1)		450,878		181,623		152,027		47,444		69,784
Operating leases (2)		9,466		2,065		3,462		2,924		1,015
Purchase obligations		4,589		2,457		1,071		790		271

(1) The payout pattern for unpaid losses and LAE is based upon historical payment patterns and does not represent actual contractual obligations. The timing and amount ultimately paid will likely vary from these estimates.

(2) Minimum payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $0.6 million due in the future under noncancelable subleases.

Based on 2016 budgeted and year-to-date cash flow information, we believe that we have sufficient liquidity to meet our projected insurance obligations, operational expenses and capital expenditure requirements for the next 12 months.

Effects of Inflation

We do not believe that inflation has a material effect on our results of operations, except for the effect that inflation may have on interest rates and claim costs. The effects of inflation are considered in pricing and estimating reserves for unpaid losses and LAE. The actual effects of inflation on results of operations are not known until claims are ultimately settled. In addition to general price inflation, we are exposed to the upward trend in the judicial awards for damages. We attempt to mitigate the effects of inflation in the pricing of policies and establishing reserves for losses and LAE.

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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

We believe that interest rate risk, credit risk and equity risk are the types of market risk to which we are principally exposed.

Interest rate risk. Our investment portfolio consists largely of investment-grade, fixed-income securities, all of which are classified as available-for-sale. Accordingly, the primary market risk exposure to these securities is interest rate risk. In general, the fair value of a portfolio of fixed-income securities increases or decreases inversely with changes in market interest rates, while net investment income realized from future investments in fixed-income securities increases or decreases along with interest rates. The fair value of our fixed-income securities as of December 31, 2015 was $531.3 million. The effective duration of our portfolio as of December 31, 2015 was 3.1 years. Should interest rates increase 1.0%, our fixed-income investment portfolio would be expected to decline in market value by 3.0%, or $16.6 million, representing the effective duration multiplied by the change in market interest rates. Conversely, a 1.0% decline in interest rates would be expected to result in a 3.0%, or $16.6 million, increase in the fair value of our fixed-income investment portfolio.

Credit risk. An additional exposure to our fixed-income securities portfolio is credit risk. We attempt to manage the credit risk by investing primarily in investment-grade securities and limiting our exposure to a single issuer. As of December 31, 2015, our fixed-income investments were in the following: U.S. Treasury bonds – 14.3%; municipal bonds – 36.2%; collateralized corporate bank loans – 15.4%; corporate bonds – 22.9%; and asset-backed – 11.2%. As of December 31, 2015, 83% of our fixed-income securities were rated investment-grade by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations.

We are also subject to credit risk with respect to reinsurers to whom we have ceded underwriting risk. Although a reinsurer is liable for losses to the extent of the coverage it assumes, we remain obligated to our policyholders in the event that the reinsurers do not meet their obligations under the reinsurance agreements. In order to mitigate credit risk to reinsurance companies, most of our reinsurance recoverable balance as of December 31, 2015 was with reinsurers having an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or better.

Equity price risk. Investments in equity securities that are subject to equity price risk made up 8.2% of our portfolio as of December 31, 2015. The carrying values of equity securities are based on quoted market prices as of the balance sheet date. Market prices are subject to fluctuation and, consequently, the amount realized in the subsequent sale of an investment may significantly differ from the reported fair value. Fluctuation in the market price of a security may result from perceived changes in the underlying economic characteristics of the issuer, the relative price of alternative investments and general market conditions. Furthermore, amounts realized in the sale of a particular security may be affected by the relative quantity of the security being sold.

The fair value of our equity securities as of December 31, 2015 was $47.5 million. The fair value of our equity securities would increase or decrease by $14.3 million assuming a hypothetical 30% increase or decrease in market prices as of the balance sheet date. This would increase or decrease stockholders’ equity by 3.5%. The selected hypothetical change does not reflect what should be considered the best or worst case scenario.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

The following consolidated financial statements of Hallmark and its subsidiaries are filed as part of this report.

Description	Page Number
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014	F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013	F-4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)  for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013	F-5
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013	F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013	F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	F-8
Financial Statement Schedules	F-42

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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The principal executive officer and principal financial officer of Hallmark have evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures and have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, such disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is timely recorded, processed, summarized and reported. The principal executive officer and principal financial officer also concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under such Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

During the three month period ended December 31, 2015, there were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate “internal control over financial reporting,” as such phrase is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting was conducted based upon the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework). Based upon that evaluation, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2015.

Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2015 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. The Ernst & Young LLP attestation report, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, is included in this Item under the heading “ Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries

We have audited Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework) (the COSO criteria). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries and our report dated March 10, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

	/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Fort Worth, Texas
March 10, 2016

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Item 9B. Other Information.

None.

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

The information required by Item 10 is incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

The information required by Item 11 is incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

The information required by Item 12 is incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

The information required by Item 13 is incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

The information required by Item 14 is incorporated by reference from the Registrant's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.

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PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)(1) Financial Statements

The following consolidated financial statements, notes thereto and related information are included in Item 8 of this report:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules

The following financial statement schedules are included in this report:

Schedule II – Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only)

Schedule III – Supplemental Insurance Information

Schedule IV – Reinsurance

Schedule VI – Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations

(a)(3) Exhibit Index

The following exhibits are either filed with this report or incorporated by reference:

Exhibit Number	Description
3.1	Restated Articles of Incorporation of the registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 1 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 [Registration No. 333-136414] filed September 8, 2006).
3.2	Amended and Restated By-Laws of the registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 1, 2007).
4.1	Specimen certificate for common stock, $0.18 par value, of the registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 1 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 [Registration No. 333-136414] filed September 8, 2006).
4.2	Indenture dated June 21, 2005, between Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 27, 2005).
4.3	Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Hallmark Statutory Trust I dated as of June 21, 2005, among Hallmark Financial Services, Inc., as sponsor, Chase Bank USA, National Association, as Delaware trustee, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as institutional trustee, and Mark Schwarz and Mark Morrison, as administrators (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 27, 2005).
4.4	Form of Junior Subordinated Debt Security Due 2035 (included in Exhibit 4.2 above).
4.5	Form of Capital Security Certificate (included in Exhibit 4.3 above).
4.6	Indenture dated as of August 23, 2007, between Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and The Bank of New York Trust Company, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 24, 2007).
4.7	Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Hallmark Statutory Trust II dated as of August 23, 2007, among Hallmark Financial Services, Inc., as sponsor, The Bank of New York (Delaware), as Delaware trustee, and The Bank of New York Trust Company, National Association, as institutional trustee, and Mark Schwarz and Mark Morrison, as administrators (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 24, 2007).

58 

4.8	Form of Junior Subordinated Debt Security Due 2037 (included in Exhibit 4.7 above).
4.9	Form of Capital Security Certificate (included in Exhibit 4.8 above).
4.10	Second Restated Credit Agreement among Hallmark Financial Services, Inc., American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas, Hallmark Insurance Company and Frost Bank dated June 30, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 2, 2015).
4.11	First Amendment to Second Restated Credit Agreement among Hallmark Financial Services, Inc., American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas, Hallmark Insurance Company and Frost Bank dated December 17, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 21, 2015).
4.12	Revolving Facility B Agreement between Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Frost Bank dated December 17, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 21, 2015).
10.1	Office Lease for 6500 Pinecrest, Plano, Texas, dated July 22, 2008, between Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Legacy Tech IV Associates, Limited Partnership (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 29, 2008).
10.2	Lease Agreement for 777 Main Street, Fort Worth, Texas, dated June 12, 2003 between Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Crescent Real Estate Funding I, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 2003).
10.3	Office Lease by and between SAOP Northwest Center, L.P. and Hallmark Specialty Underwriters, Inc. dated January 29, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 2, 2010).
10.4	Office Lease by and between Minol Center, L.P. and Aerospace Insurance Managers, Inc. dated August 9, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 17, 2010).
10.5	Office Lease by and between Civic Opera, L.P. and Hallmark Specialty Underwriters, Inc. dated December 27, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 4, 2011).
10.6	First Amendment to Office Lease between MS Crescent One SPV, LLC and Hallmark Financial Services, Inc., dated February 28, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 1, 2011).
10.7*	Form of Indemnification Agreement between Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and its officers and directors, adopted July 19, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c) to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended September 30, 2002).
10.8*	Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. Amended and Restated 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 3, 2013).
10.9*	Form of Incentive Stock Option Grant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 3, 2005).
10.10*	Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 3, 2005).
10.11*	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the registrant’s Form 10-K filed March 12, 2014).

59 

10.12*	Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. 2015 Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 2, 2015).
10.13*	Form of Incentive Stock Option Grant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 2, 2015).
10.14*	Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 2, 2015).
10.15*	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the registrant’s Form 8-K filed June 2, 2015).
10.16	Guarantee Agreement dated as of June 21, 2005, by Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. for the benefit of the holders of trust preferred securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 27, 2005).
10.17	Guarantee Agreement dated as of August 23, 2007, by Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. for the benefit of the holders of trust preferred securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 24, 2007).
10.18	Stock Purchase Agreement dated March 25, 2011, between American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas and Robert C. Siddons, Stephen W. Gurasich, Andrew J. Reynolds, Paul W. Keller, Kerry A. Keller and Austin Engineering Co., Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 25, 2011).
10.19*	Letter agreement dated August 13, 2014, between Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Naveen Anand (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 15, 2014).
10.20	First Amendment to Lease Agreement between BRI 1849 Legacy, LLC and Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. dated January 1, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 20, 2015).
10.21	Asset and Renewal Rights Acquisition Agreement dated April 8, 2015, by and among American Hallmark Insurance Company, Inc., TBIC Holdings, Inc. and Texas Builders Insurance Company of Texas, as Sellers, and Redpoint Comp Holdings LLC, as Purchaser (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 9, 2015).
10.22	Amendment No. 1 to Asset and Renewal Rights Acquisition Agreement by and among American Hallmark Insurance Company, Inc., TBIC Holdings, Inc. and Texas Builders Insurance Company of Texas, as Sellers, and Redpoint Comp Holdings LLC, as Purchaser, dated September 15, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 18, 2015).
10.23*+	Form of Confidentiality and Non-Solicitation Agreement dated May 29, 2015, between Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and certain employees of the Company.
21+	List of subsidiaries of the registrant.
23(a)+	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
31(a)+	Certification of principal executive officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(b).
31(b)+	Certification of principal financial officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(b).
32(a)+	Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350.

60 

32(b)+		Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350.
101 INS+		XBRL Instance Document.
101 SCH+		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101 CAL+		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101 LAB+		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101 PRE+		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
101 DEF+		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
	*	Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
	+	Filed herewith.

61 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

			HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
			(Registrant)
Date:	March 10, 2016	By:	/s/ Naveen Anand
			Naveen Anand, Chief Executive Officer and
			President
Date:	March 10, 2016	By:	/s/ Jeffrey R. Passmore
			Jeffrey R. Passmore, Chief Accounting Officer and Senior
			Vice President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Date:	March 10, 2016	/s/ Naveen Anand
		Naveen Anand, Chief Executive Officer and
		President (Principal Executive Officer)
Date:	March 10, 2016	/s/ Jeffrey R. Passmore
		Jeffrey R. Passmore, Chief Accounting Officer and Senior
		Vice President (Principal Financial Officer and Principal
		Accounting Officer)
Date:	March 10, 2016	/s/ Mark E. Schwarz
		Mark E. Schwarz, Executive Chairman
Date:	March 10, 2016	/s/ James H. Graves
		James H. Graves, Director
Date:	March 10, 2016	/s/ Jim W. Henderson
		Jim W. Henderson, Director
Date:	March 10, 2016	/s/ Scott T. Berlin
		Scott T. Berlin, Director

62 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Description	Page Number
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014	F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013	F-4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013	F-5
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013	F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013	F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	F-8
Financial Statement Schedules	F-42

F-1 

Report Of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in Item 15(a)(2). These financial statements and schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedules based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We also have audited in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework) and our report dated March 10, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Fort Worth, Texas

March 10, 2016

F-2 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

December 31, 2015 and 2014

($ in thousands)

	2015			2014
ASSETS
Investments:
Debt securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost; $538,629 in 2015 and $450,770 in 2014)	$	531,325		$	450,785
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost; $24,951 in 2015 and $25,360 in 2014)		47,504			56,444
Total investments		578,829			507,229
Cash and cash equivalents		114,446			130,985
Restricted cash		8,522			11,914
Ceded unearned premiums		65,094			53,376
Premiums receivable		83,376			71,003
Accounts receivable		2,005			3,141
Receivable for securities		10,424			932
Reinsurance recoverable		114,287			109,719
Deferred policy acquisition costs		20,366			20,746
Goodwill		44,695			44,695
Intangible assets, net		14,959			17,427
Deferred federal income taxes, net		3,360			-
Federal income tax recoverable		1,779			-
Prepaid expenses		3,213			1,823
Other assets		11,245			7,879
Total assets	$	1,076,600		$	980,869
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities:
Revolving credit facility payable	$	30,000		$	-
Subordinated debt securities		56,702			56,702
Reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses		450,878			415,135
Unearned premiums		216,407			196,826
Reinsurance balances payable		33,741			26,403
Pension liability		2,496			2,619
Payable for securities		1,097			1,321
Federal income tax payable		-			968
Deferred federal income taxes, net		-			3,092
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses		23,253			25,766
Total liabilities		814,574			728,832
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $.18 par value, authorized 33,333,333 shares; issued 20,872,831 shares in 2015 and 2014		3,757			3,757
Additional paid-in capital		123,480			123,194
Retained earnings		141,501			119,638
Accumulated other comprehensive income		7,418			17,801
Treasury stock (1,775,512 shares in 2015 and 1,655,306 in 2014), at cost		(14,130	)		(12,353	)
Total stockholders’ equity		262,026			252,037
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,076,600		$	980,869

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

F-3 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

($ in thousands, except per share amounts)

	2015			2014			2013
Gross premiums written	$	514,223		$	473,218		$	460,027
Ceded premiums written		(157,279	)		(148,866	)		(99,262	)
Net premiums written		356,944			324,352			360,765
Change in unearned premiums		(7,863	)		(3,135	)		(224	)
Net premiums earned		349,081			321,217			360,541
Investment income, net of expenses		13,969			12,383			12,884
Net realized gains		2,503			134			10,540
Finance charges		5,952			5,279			5,830
Commission and fees		213			(1,694	)		(487	)
Other income		684			47			120
Total revenues		372,402			337,366			389,428
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		230,149			210,055			261,345
Operating expenses		103,993			101,427			109,289
Interest expense		3,906			4,576			4,599
Amortization of intangible assets		2,468			2,526			3,115
Total expenses		340,516			318,584			378,348
Income before tax		31,886			18,782			11,080
Income tax expense		10,023			5,353			2,835
Net income	$	21,863		$	13,429		$	8,245
Net income per share:
Basic	$	1.14		$	0.70		$	0.43
Diluted	$	1.13		$	0.69		$	0.43

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

F-4 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

($ In thousands)

	2015			2014			2013
Net income	$	21,863		$	13,429		$	8,245
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Change in net actuarial gain (loss)		43			(1,723	)		2,268
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain (loss)		(15	)		603			(794	)
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period		(10,191	)		3,543			22,094
Tax effect on unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period		3,567			(1,240	)		(7,733	)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income		(5,826	)		(408	)		(10,540	)
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income		2,039			143			3,689
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax		(10,383	)		918			8,984
Comprehensive income	$	11,480		$	14,347		$	17,229

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

F-5 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

($ In thousands)

	Number of Shares		Par Value		Additional Paid-In Capital			Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Treasury Stock			Number of Shares			Total Stockholders' Equity
Balance at January 1, 2013		20,873	$	3,757	$	122,475		$	97,964	$	7,899		$	(11,558	)		1,609		$	220,537
Equity incentive plan activity		-		-		352			-		-			-			-			352
Net income		-		-		-			8,245		-			-			-			8,245
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		-		-		-			-		8,984			-			-			8,984
Balance at December 31, 2013		20,873	$	3,757	$	122,827		$	106,209	$	16,883		$	(11,558	)		1,609		$	238,118
Acquisition of treasury stock		-		-		-			-		-			(1,805	)		181			(1,805	)
Equity incentive plan activity		-		-		222			-		-			-			-			222
Stock options exercised		-		-		145			-		-			1,010			(135	)		1,155
Net income		-		-		-			13,429		-			-			-			13,429
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		-		-		-			-		918			-			-			918
Balance at December 31, 2014		20,873	$	3,757	$	123,194		$	119,638	$	17,801		$	(12,353	)		1,655		$	252,037
Acquisition of treasury stock		-		-		-			-		-			(2,532	)		221			(2,532	)
Equity incentive plan activity		-		-		383			-		-			-			-			383
Shares issued under employee benefit plans		-		-		(97	)		-		-			755			(100	)		658
Net income		-		-		-			21,863		-			-			-			21,863
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax		-		-		-			-		(10,383	)		-			-			(10,383	)
Balance at December 31, 2015		20,873	$	3,757	$	123,480		$	141,501	$	7,418		$	(14,130	)		1,776		$	262,026

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

F-6 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

($ in thousands)

	2015			2014			2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	21,863		$	13,429		$	8,245
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense		3,516			3,224			4,300
Deferred federal income taxes		(1,030	)		(393	)		(257	)
Net realized gains		(2,503	)		(134	)		(10,540	)
Share-based payments expense		383			222			352
Change in ceded unearned premiums		(11,718	)		(8,388	)		(22,577	)
Change in premiums receivable		(12,373	)		154			(4,474	)
Change in accounts receivable		1,136			(759	)		728
Change in deferred policy acquisition costs		380			1,840			2,325
Change in unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses		35,743			32,495			69,224
Change in unearned premiums		19,581			11,523			22,801
Change in reinsurance recoverable		(4,568	)		(32,901	)		(24,848	)
Change in reinsurance balances payable		7,338			5,805			13,268
Change in current federal income tax (recoverable) payable		(2,747	)		249			(799	)
Change in all other liabilities		(1,420	)		7,946			(6,551	)
Change in all other assets		(645	)		(628	)		17,141
Net cash provided by operating activities		52,936			33,684			68,338
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment, net		(3,608	)		(546	)		(673	)
Net transfers from (into) restricted cash		3,392			276			(3,483	)
Purchases of investment securities		(265,482	)		(188,749	)		(222,399	)
Maturities, sales and redemptions of investment securities		169,409			146,777			214,738
Net cash used in investing activities		(96,289	)		(42,242	)		(11,817	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Activity under revolving credit facility, net		30,000			(1,473	)		-
Payment of debt issuance costs		(96	)		-			-
Payment of contingent consideration		(1,216	)		-			-
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options		658			1,155			-
Purchase of treasury shares		(2,532	)		(1,805	)		-
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		26,814			(2,123	)		-
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents		(16,539	)		(10,681	)		56,521
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		130,985			141,666			85,145
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	114,446		$	130,985		$	141,666
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	$	3,906		$	4,576		$	4,599
Income taxes paid	$	13,800		$	5,497		$	3,891
Supplemental schedule of non-cash activities:
Change in receivable for securities related to investment disposals that settled after the balance sheet date	$	(9,492	)	$	388		$	(1,317	)
Change in payable for securities related to investment purchases that settled after the balance sheet date	$	(224	)	$	1,115		$	206

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

F-7 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

1. Accounting Policies:

General

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. (“Hallmark” and, together with subsidiaries, the “Company”, “we,” “us” or “our”) is an insurance holding company engaged in the sale of property/casualty insurance products to businesses and individuals. Our business involves marketing, distributing, underwriting and servicing our insurance products, as well as providing other insurance related services.

We market, distribute, underwrite and service our property/casualty insurance products primarily through subsidiaries whose operations are organized into product-specific operating units that are supported by our insurance company subsidiaries. Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit handles commercial insurance products and services and is comprised of American Hallmark Insurance Services, Inc. (“American Hallmark Insurance Services”) and Effective Claims Management, Inc. (“ECM”). Our Workers Compensation operating unit specializes in small and middle market workers compensation business and is comprised of TBIC Holding Corporation, Inc. (“TBIC Holding”), Texas Builders Insurance Company (“TBIC”) and TBIC Risk Management (“TBICRM”). Effective July 1, 2015, this operating unit no longer markets or retains any risk on new or renewal policies. Our MGA Commercial Products operating unit handles primarily commercial insurance products and services and is comprised of Hallmark Specialty Underwriters, Inc. (“HSU”), Pan American Acceptance Corporation (“PAAC”) and TGA Special Risk, Inc. (“TGASRI”). Our Specialty Commercial operating unit offers (i) general aviation insurance products and services, (ii) low and middle market commercial umbrella and excess liability insurance, (iii) medical professional liability insurance products and services, (iv) satellite launch insurance products, and (v) primary/excess commercial property coverages for both catastrophe and non-catastrophe exposures. Our Specialty Commercial operating unit is comprised of Aerospace Insurance Managers, Inc. (“Aerospace Insurance Managers”), Aerospace Special Risk, Inc. (“ASRI”), Aerospace Claims Management Group, Inc. (“ACMG”), Heath XS, LLC (“HXS”) and Hardscrabble Data Solutions, LLC (“HDS”). Our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit handles personal insurance products and services and is comprised of American Hallmark General Agency, Inc. (“AHGA”) and Hallmark Claims Services, Inc. (“HCS”). Our insurance company subsidiaries supporting these operating units are American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas (“AHIC”), Hallmark Insurance Company (“HIC”), Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company (“HSIC”), Hallmark County Mutual Insurance Company (“HCM”), Hallmark National Insurance Company (“HNIC”) and TBIC.

These operating units are segregated into three reportable industry segments for financial accounting purposes. The Standard Commercial Segment includes our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit and our Workers Compensation operating unit. The Specialty Commercial Segment includes our MGA Commercial Products operating unit and our Specialty Commercial operating unit, as well as certain specialty risk programs (“Specialty Programs”) which are managed at the parent level. The Personal Segment consists solely of our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of Hallmark and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) which, as to our insurance company subsidiaries, differ from statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted for insurance companies by insurance regulatory authorities.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

Our preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and our reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Since future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment may be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.

F-8 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value estimates are made at a point in time, based on relevant market data as well as the best information available about the financial instruments. Fair value estimates for financial instruments for which no or limited observable market data is available are based on judgments regarding current economic conditions, credit and interest rate risk. These estimates involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision. As a result, such calculated fair value estimates may not be realizable in a current sale or immediate settlement of the instrument. In addition, changes in the underlying assumptions used in the fair value measurement technique, including discount rate and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect these fair value estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for these instruments approximate their fair values.

Restricted Cash: The carrying amount for restricted cash reported in the balance sheet approximates the fair value.

Revolving Credit Facility Payable: The carrying value of our bank revolving credit facility approximates the fair value based on the current interest rate.

Subordinated debt securities: Our trust preferred securities are reported at carry value of $56.7 million and $56.7 million, and have a fair value of $45.3 million and $47.6 million, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The fair value of our trust preferred securities is based on discounted cash flows using current yields to maturity of 8.0% and 8.0% as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which are based on similar issues to discount future cash flows and would be included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy if they were reported at fair value.

For reinsurance balances, premiums receivable, federal income tax payable, other assets and other liabilities, the carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of such financial instruments.

Investments

Debt and equity securities available for sale are reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are recorded as a component of stockholders’ equity, net of related tax effects. Equity securities that are determined to have other-than-temporary impairment are recognized as a loss on investments in the consolidated statements of operations. Debt securities that are determined to have other-than-temporary impairment are recognized as a loss on investments in the consolidated statements of operations for the portion that is related to credit deterioration with the remaining portion recognized in other comprehensive income. Debt security premiums and discounts are amortized into earnings using the effective interest method. Maturities of debt securities and sales of equity securities are recorded in receivable for securities until the cash is settled. Purchases of debt and equity securities are recorded in payable for securities until the cash is settled.

Realized investment gains and losses are recognized in operations on the specific identification method.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash

We collect premiums from customers and, after deducting authorized commissions, remit these premiums to the Company’s consolidated insurance subsidiaries. Unremitted insurance premiums are held in a fiduciary capacity until disbursed to the Company’s consolidated insurance subsidiaries.

Premiums Receivable

Premiums receivable represent amounts due from policyholders or independent agents for premiums written and uncollected. These balances are carried at net realizable value.

F-9 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

Reinsurance

We are routinely involved in reinsurance transactions with other companies. Reinsurance premiums, losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) are accounted for on bases consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. (See Note 7.)

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Policy acquisition costs (mainly commission, underwriting and marketing expenses) that are directly related to the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts are deferred and charged to operations over periods in which the related premiums are earned. The method followed in computing deferred policy acquisition costs limits the amount of such deferred costs to their estimated realizable value. In determining estimated realizable value, the computation gives effect to the premium to be earned, expected investment income, losses and LAE and certain other costs expected to be incurred as the premiums are earned. If the computation results in an estimated net realizable value less than zero, a liability will be accrued for the premium deficiency. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, we deferred $32.3 million, $39.1 million and $55.0 million of policy acquisition costs and amortized $32.7 million, $40.9 million and $57.3 million of deferred policy acquisition costs, respectively. Therefore, the net (amortization) deferrals of policy acquisition costs were ($0.4) million, ($1.8) million and ($2.3) million for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Business Combinations

We account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, “Business Combinations.” The base cash purchase price plus the estimated fair value of any non-cash or contingent consideration given for an acquired business is allocated to the assets acquired (including identified intangible assets) and liabilities assumed based on the estimated fair values of such assets and liabilities. The excess of the fair value of the total consideration given for an acquired business over the aggregate net fair values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. Contingent consideration is recognized as a liability at fair value as of the acquisition date with subsequent fair value adjustments recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. The valuation of contingent consideration requires assumptions regarding anticipated cash flows, probabilities of cash flows, discount rates and other factors. Significant judgment is employed in determining the propriety of these assumptions as of the acquisition date and for each subsequent period. Accordingly, future business and economic conditions, as well as changes in any of the assumptions, can materially impact the amount of contingent consideration expense we record in any given period. Indirect and general expenses related to business combinations are expensed as incurred.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net

We account for our goodwill and intangible assets according to ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.” ASC 350 (1) prohibits the amortization of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, (2) requires testing of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets on an annual basis for impairment (and more frequently if the occurrence of an event or circumstance indicates an impairment), (3) requires testing of definite-lived intangible assets if the occurrence of an event or circumstances indicates an impairment, (4) requires that reporting units be identified for the purpose of assessing potential future impairments of goodwill, and (5) removes the forty-year limitation on the amortization period of intangible assets that have finite lives. We have elected to perform our goodwill impairment test on the first day of the fourth quarter, October 1, of each year.

Leases

We have several leases, primarily for office facilities and computer equipment, which expire in various years through 2022. Some of these leases include rent escalation provisions throughout the term of the lease. We expense the average annual cost of the lease with the difference to the actual rent invoices recorded as deferred rent which is classified in accounts payable and other accrued expenses on our consolidated balance sheets.

F-10 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment (including leasehold improvements), aggregating $17.9 million and $14.8 million, at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which is included in other assets, is recorded at cost and is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets (three to ten years). Depreciation expense for 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $1.0 million, $0.7 million and $1.2 million, respectively. Accumulated depreciation was $13.7 million and $13.2 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Variable Interest Entities

On June 21, 2005, we formed Hallmark Statutory Trust I (“Trust I”), an unconsolidated trust subsidiary, for the sole purpose of issuing $30.0 million in trust preferred securities. Trust I used the proceeds from the sale of these securities and our initial capital contribution to purchase $30.9 million of subordinated debt securities from Hallmark. The debt securities are the sole assets of Trust I, and the payments under the debt securities are the sole revenues of Trust I.

On August 23, 2007, we formed Hallmark Statutory Trust II (“Trust II”), an unconsolidated trust subsidiary, for the sole purpose of issuing $25.0 million in trust preferred securities. Trust II used the proceeds from the sale of these securities and our initial capital contribution to purchase $25.8 million of subordinated debt securities from Hallmark. The debt securities are the sole assets of Trust II, and the payments under the debt securities are the sole revenues of Trust II.

We evaluate on an ongoing basis our investments in Trust I and Trust II (collectively, (the “Trusts”)) and we do not have variable interests in the Trusts. Therefore, the Trusts are not consolidated in our consolidated financial statements.

We are also involved in the normal course of business with variable interest entities primarily as a passive investor in mortgage-backed securities and certain collateralized corporate bank loans issued by third party variable interest entities. The maximum exposure to loss with respect to these investments is limited to the investment carrying values included in the consolidated balance sheets.

Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Losses and LAE represent the estimated ultimate net cost of all reported and unreported losses incurred through December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. The reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are estimated using individual case-basis valuations and statistical analyses. These estimates are subject to the effects of trends in loss severity and frequency. Although considerable variability is inherent in such estimates, we believe that the reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are adequate. The estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as experience develops or new information becomes known. Such adjustments are included in current operations.

Recognition of Premium Revenues

Insurance premiums are earned pro rata over the terms of the policies. Insurance policy fees are earned as of the effective date of the policy. Upon cancellation, any unearned premium is refunded to the insured. Insurance premiums written include gross policy fees of $11.2 million, $11.5 million and $13.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Insurance premiums on monthly reporting workers’ compensation policies are earned on the conclusion of the monthly coverage period. Deposit premiums for workers’ compensation policies are earned upon the expiration of the policy.

Finance Charges

We receive premium installment fees for each direct bill payment from policyholders. Installment fee income is classified as finance charges on the consolidated statement of operations and is recognized as the fee is invoiced.

Relationship with Third Party Insurers

Through December 31, 2005, our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit marketed policies on behalf of Clarendon National Insurance Company (“Clarendon”), a third-party insurer. Through December 31, 2008, all business of our MGA Commercial Products operating unit was produced under a fronting agreement with member companies of the Republic Group (“Republic”), a third-party insurer. These insurance contracts on third party paper are accounted for under agency accounting. Ceding commissions and other fees received under these arrangements were classified as unearned commission revenue until earned pro rata over the terms of the policies.

F-11 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

Profit sharing commission is calculated and recognized when the loss ratio, as determined by a qualified actuary, deviates from contractual targets. We received a provisional commission as policies were produced as an advance against the later determination of the profit sharing commission actually earned. The profit sharing commission is an estimate that varies with the estimated loss ratio and is sensitive to changes in that estimate. Profit share commission is classified as commissions and fees on the consolidated statement of operations

The following table details the profit sharing commission provisional loss ratio compared to the estimated ultimate loss ratio for each effective quota share treaty between the Standard Commercial P&C operating unit and Clarendon.

	Treaty Effective Dates
	7/1/2001			7/1/2002			7/1/2003			7/1/2004
Provisional loss ratio		60.0	%		59.0	%		59.0	%		64.2	%
Estimated ultimate loss ratio recorded at December 31, 2015		63.5	%		64.5	%		61.6	%		66.1	%

As of December 31, 2015, we had a payable of $1.7 million on these profit share treaties. The payable or receivable is the difference between the cash received to date and the recognized commission revenue based on the estimated ultimate loss ratio.

The following table details the profit sharing commission revenue provisional loss ratio compared to the estimated ultimate loss ratio for the effective quota share treaty between the MGA Commercial Products operating unit and Republic.

	Treaty Effective Dates
	1/1/2006			1/1/2007			1/1/2008
Provisional loss ratio		65.0	%		65.0	%		65.0	%
Estimated ultimate loss ratio recorded at December 31, 2015		58.8	%		64.0	%		59.7	%

As of December 31, 2015, we had a net payable of $0.3 million on these profit share treaties. The payable or receivable is the difference between the cash received to date and the recognized commission revenue based on the estimated ultimate loss ratio.

Agent Commissions

We pay monthly commissions to agents based on written premium produced, but generally recognize the expense pro rata over the term of the policy. If the policy is cancelled prior to its expiration, the unearned portion of the agent commission is refundable to us. The unearned portion of commissions paid to agents is included in deferred policy acquisition costs. We annually pay a profit sharing commission to our independent agency force based upon the results of the business produced by each agent. We estimate and accrue this liability to commission expense in the year the business is produced.

Commission expense is classified as other operating expenses in the consolidated statement of operations.

Income Taxes

We file a consolidated federal income tax return. Deferred federal income taxes reflect the future tax consequences of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year end. Deferred taxes are recognized using the liability method, whereby tax rates are applied to cumulative temporary differences based on when and how they are expected to affect the tax return. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for tax rate changes in effect for the year in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

F-12 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

Earnings Per Share

The computation of earnings per share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the effect of common shares potentially issuable (in periods in which they have a dilutive effect), primarily from stock options. (See Notes 11 and 13.)

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance which revises the criteria for revenue recognition. Insurance contracts are excluded from the scope of the new guidance. Under the guidance, the transaction price is attributed to underlying performance obligations in the contract and revenue is recognized as the entity satisfies the performance obligations and transfers control of a good or service to the customer. Incremental costs of obtaining a contract may be capitalized to the extent the entity expects to recover those costs. The guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is to be applied retrospectively. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption, which is not expected to be material to our results of operations or financial position.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, "Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis" (Topic 810). ASU 2015-02 changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether entities should be consolidated if they are deemed variable interest entities. It is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. We have adopted this standard as of the effective date, and the adoption did not impact our financial statements.

In May 2015, the FASB issued guidance which requires additional disclosures about short-duration contracts for products in effect for typically a year or less. The disclosures will focus on the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption, which is not expected to be material to our results of operations or financial position.

F-13 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

2. Investments:

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments in debt and equity securities by category is as follows (in thousands):

	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
As of December 31, 2015
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government	$	76,323	$	7	$	(61	)	$	76,269
Corporate bonds		122,894		637		(1,822	)		121,709
Collateralized corporate bank loans		83,434		44		(1,882	)		81,596
Municipal bonds		196,446		1,888		(5,966	)		192,368
Mortgage-backed		59,532		155		(304	)		59,383
Total debt securities		538,629		2,731		(10,035	)		531,325
Total equity securities		24,951		23,391		(838	)		47,504
Total debt and equity securities	$	563,580	$	26,122	$	(10,873	)	$	578,829
As of December 31, 2014
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government	$	93,280	$	29	$	(4	)	$	93,305
Corporate bonds		28,643		884		(85	)		29,442
Collateralized corporate bank loans		115,358		206		(1,915	)		113,649
Municipal bonds		161,546		2,384		(1,601	)		162,329
Mortgage-backed		51,943		487		(370	)		52,060
Total debt securities		450,770		3,990		(3,975	)		450,785
Total equity securities		25,360		31,086		(2	)		56,444
Total debt and equity securities	$	476,130	$	35,076	$	(3,977	)	$	507,229

F-14 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

Major categories of net investment income are summarized as follows (in thousands):

	Twelve Months Ended December 31
	2015			2014			2013
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government	$	670		$	395		$	143
Corporate bonds		1,435			1,378			2,341
Collateralized corporate bank loans		4,727			4,400			4,653
Municipal bonds		5,901			5,232			5,245
Mortgage-backed		1,288			995			737
Equity securities		673			509			484
Cash and cash equivalents		148			230			157
		14,842			13,139			13,760
Investment expenses		(873	)		(756	)		(876	)
Investment income, net of expenses	$	13,969		$	12,383		$	12,884

No investments in any entity or its affiliates exceeded 10% of stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2015 or 2014.

Major categories of net realized gains on investments are summarized as follows (in thousands):

	Twelve Months Ended December 31
	2015			2014			2013
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government	$	-		$	-		$	-
Corporate bonds		-			263			853
Collateralized corporate bank loans		126			109			373
Municipal bonds		(83	)		(140	)		(156	)
Mortgage-backed		240			32			-
Equity securities		5,543			144			9,470
Gain on investments		5,826			408			10,540
Other-than-temporary impairments		(3,323	)		(274	)		-
Net realized gains	$	2,503		$	134		$	10,540

We realized gross gains on investments of $6.7 million, $0.6 million, and $10.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We realized gross losses on investments of $0.9 million, $0.2 million and $0.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We recorded proceeds from the sale of investment securities of $51.7 million, $15.3 million and $33.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Realized investment gains and losses are recognized in operations on the specific identification method.

F-15 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

The following schedules summarize the gross unrealized losses showing the length of time that investments have been continuously in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):

	As of December 31, 2015
	12 months or less					Longer than 12 months					Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government	$	41,428	$	(61	)	$	-	$	-		$	41,428	$	(61	)
Corporate bonds		96,475		(1,822	)		-		-			96,475		(1,822	)
Collateralized corporate bank loans		65,868		(1,758	)		3,532		(124	)		69,400		(1,882	)
Municipal bonds		44,525		(488	)		25,310		(5,478	)		69,835		(5,966	)
Mortgage-backed		36,251		(302	)		48		(2	)		36,299		(304	)
Total debt securities		284,547		(4,431	)		28,890		(5,604	)		313,437		(10,035	)
Total equity securities		6,584		(838	)		-		-			6,584		(838	)
Total debt and equity securities	$	291,131	$	(5,269	)	$	28,890	$	(5,604	)	$	320,021	$	(10,873	)

	As of December 31, 2014
	12 months or less					Longer than 12 months					Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government	$	15,005	$	(4	)	$	-	$	-		$	15,005	$	(4	)
Corporate bonds		7,552		(85	)		-		-			7,552		(85	)
Collateralized corporate bank loans		64,712		(824	)		8,898		(1,091	)		73,610		(1,915	)
Municipal bonds		50,546		(945	)		15,684		(656	)		66,230		(1,601	)
Mortgage-backed		20,469		(365	)		2,966		(5	)		23,435		(370	)
Total debt securities		158,284		(2,223	)		27,548		(1,752	)		185,832		(3,975	)
Total equity securities		129		(2	)		-		-			129		(2	)
Total debt and equity securities	$	158,413	$	(2,225	)	$	27,548	$	(1,752	)	$	185,961	$	(3,977	)

At December 31, 2015, the gross unrealized losses more than twelve months old were attributable to 39 debt security positions. At December 31, 2014, the gross unrealized losses more than twelve months old were attributable to 24 debt security positions. We consider these losses as a temporary decline in value as they are predominately on bonds that we do not intend to sell and do not believe we will be required to sell prior to recovery of our amortized cost basis. We see no other indications that the decline in values of these securities is other-than-temporary.

Based on evidence gathered through our normal credit evaluation process, we presently expect that all debt securities held in our investment portfolio will be paid in accordance with their contractual terms. Nonetheless, it is at least reasonably possible that the performance of certain issuers of these debt securities will be worse than currently expected resulting in future write-downs within our portfolio of debt securities.

F-16 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

Also, as a result of the challenging market conditions, we expect the volatility in the valuation of our equity securities to continue in the foreseeable future. This volatility may lead to impairments on our equity securities portfolio or changes regarding retention strategies for certain equity securities.

We complete a detailed analysis each quarter to assess whether any decline in the fair value of any investment below cost is deemed other-than-temporary. All securities with an unrealized loss are reviewed. We recognize an impairment loss when an investment's value declines below cost, adjusted for accretion, amortization and previous other-than-temporary impairments and it is determined that the decline is other-than-temporary. We recognized other-than-temporary losses on our debt securities portfolio of $3.3 million during 2015.

Debt Investments: We assess whether we intend to sell, or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell, a fixed maturity investment before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current period credit losses. For fixed maturity investments that are considered other-than-temporarily impaired and that we do not intend to sell and will not be required to sell, we separate the amount of the impairment into the amount that is credit related (credit loss component) and the amount due to all other factors. The credit loss component is recognized in earnings and is the difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and the present value of its expected future cash flows. The remaining difference between the investment’s fair value and the present value of future expected cash flows is recognized in other comprehensive income.

Equity Investments: Some of the factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in fair value for an equity investment is other-than-temporary include: (1) our ability and intent to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in value; (2) the recoverability of cost; (3) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost; and (4) the financial condition and near-term and long-term prospects for the issuer, including the relevant industry conditions and trends, and implications of rating agency actions and offering prices. When it is determined that an equity investment is other-than-temporarily impaired, the security is written down to fair value, and the amount of the impairment is included in earnings as a realized investment loss. The fair value then becomes the new cost basis of the investment, and any subsequent recoveries in fair value are recognized at disposition. We recognize a realized loss when impairment is deemed to be other-than-temporary even if a decision to sell an equity investment has not been made. When we decide to sell a temporarily impaired available-for-sale equity investment and we do not expect the fair value of the equity investment to fully recover prior to the expected time of sale, the investment is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired in the period in which the decision to sell is made.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at December 31, 2015 by contractual maturity are as follows. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties.

	Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Due in one year or less	$	76,739	$	76,560
Due after one year through five years		236,507		234,213
Due after five years through ten years		106,046		101,387
Due after ten years		59,805		59,782
Mortgage-backed		59,532		59,383
	$	538,629	$	531,325

We have certain of our securities pledged for the benefit of various state insurance departments and reinsurers. These securities are included with our available-for-sale debt securities because we have the ability to trade these securities. We retain the interest earned on these securities. These securities had a carrying value of $17.6 million at December 31, 2015 and a carrying value of $20.3 million at December 31, 2014.

F-17 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

3. Fair Value:

ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. ASC 820, among other things, requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. In addition, ASC 820 precludes the use of block discounts when measuring the fair value of instruments traded in an active market, which were previously applied to large holdings of publicly traded equity securities.

We determine the fair value of our financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in ASC 820. In accordance with ASC 820, we utilize the following fair value hierarchy:

· Level 1: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets;

· Level 2: inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, inputs of identical assets for less active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the instrument; and

· Level 3: inputs to the valuation methodology that are unobservable for the asset or liability.

This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available.

Under ASC 820, we determine fair value based on the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. It is our policy to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements, in accordance with the fair value hierarchy described above. Fair value measurements for assets and liabilities where there exists limited or no observable market data are calculated based upon our pricing policy, the economic and competitive environment, the characteristics of the asset or liability and other factors as appropriate. These estimated fair values may not be realized upon actual sale or immediate settlement of the asset or liability.

Where quoted prices are available on active exchanges for identical instruments, investment securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 investment securities include common and preferred stock.

Level 2 investment securities include corporate bonds, collateralized corporate bank loans, municipal bonds, U.S. Treasury securities, other obligations of the U.S. Government and mortgage-backed securities for which quoted prices are not available on active exchanges for identical instruments. We use third party pricing services to determine fair values for each Level 2 investment security in all asset classes. Since quoted prices in active markets for identical assets are not available, these prices are determined using observable market information such as quotes from less active markets and/or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, among other things. We have reviewed the processes used by the pricing services and have determined that they result in fair values consistent with the requirements of ASC 820 for Level 2 investment securities. We have not adjusted any prices received from third party pricing services. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 securities.

In cases where there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to the valuation, investment securities are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 3 investments are valued based on the best available data in order to approximate fair value. This data may be internally developed and consider risk premiums that a market participant would require. Investment securities classified within Level 3 include other less liquid investment securities.

F-18 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

The following table presents for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, our assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands).

	As of December 31, 2015
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government	$	-	$	76,269	$	-	$	76,269
Corporate bonds		-		121,709		-		121,709
Collateralized corporate bank loans		-		81,596		-		81,596
Municipal bonds		-		178,281		14,087		192,368
Mortgage-backed		-		59,383		-		59,383
Total debt securities		-		517,238		14,087		531,325
Total equity securities		47,504		-		-		47,504
Total debt and equity securities	$	47,504	$	517,238	$	14,087	$	578,829

	As of December 31, 2014
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government	$	-	$	93,305	$	-	$	93,305
Corporate bonds		-		29,442		-		29,442
Collateralized corporate bank loans		-		113,402		247		113,649
Municipal bonds		-		147,978		14,351		162,329
Mortgage-backed		-		52,060		-		52,060
Total debt securities		-		436,187		14,598		450,785
Total equity securities		56,444		-		-		56,444
Total debt and equity securities	$	56,444	$	436,187	$	14,598	$	507,229

F-19 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

Due to significant unobservable inputs into the valuation model for certain municipal bonds in illiquid markets, we classified these as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. We used an income approach in order to derive an estimated fair value of the municipal bonds classified as Level 3, which included inputs such as expected holding period, benchmark swap rate, benchmark discount rate and a discount rate premium for illiquidity. Significant changes in the unobservable inputs in the fair value measurement of our municipal bonds could result in a significant change in the fair value measurement.

The following table summarizes the changes in fair value for all financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands).

	2015			2014
Beginning balance as of January 1	$	14,598		$	17,517
Sales		(370	)		(3,490	)
Settlements		-			-
Purchases		-			-
Issuances		-			-
Total realized/unrealized gains included in net income		-			-
Net (losses) gains included in other comprehensive income		(141	)		571
Transfers into Level 3		-			-
Transfers out of Level 3		-			-
Ending balance as of December 31	$	14,087		$	14,598

4. Acquisitions, Goodwill and Intangible Assets:

On June 30, 2015, Redpoint Comp Holdings LLC (“Purchaser”) acquired exclusive renewal rights to our current in-force Texas workers compensation policies, together with certain physical assets associated with the administration of such in-force policies. In consideration for such renewal rights and physical assets, Purchaser assumed certain office lease obligations and offered employment to certain of our employees associated with the Workers Compensation operating unit. Purchaser also agreed to administer the run-off of all of our current workers compensation policies and claims for a period of three years. In connection with the transaction, we made a one-time payment to the Purchaser of $83,000. We also agreed not to compete in the workers compensation line of insurance in the State of Texas (with certain exceptions) until after the assumed office lease obligations expire on October 31, 2017. We recorded a gain of $0.2 million in Other Income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations on the sale of the renewal rights.

On September 15, 2015, we executed Amendment No. 1 to the sale agreement with the Purchaser. Pursuant to the Amendment, the Purchaser has agreed to pay us an additional $115,000 and administer the run-off of all of our workers compensation policies and claims in perpetuity or through final conclusion (rather than for three years as contemplated by the original agreement) in consideration of us assigning to Purchaser the commission on all unearned premiums on such policies as of July 1, 2015. We recorded an additional gain of $0.4 million in Other Income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a result of this Amendment No.1.

Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating segment or one level below an operating segment) on an annual basis (October 1) and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. For purposes of evaluating goodwill for impairment, we have determined that our reporting units are the same as our operating units except for the Specialty Commercial operating unit for which reporting units are at the component level (“one level below”). Our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 includes goodwill of acquired businesses of $44.7 million that is assigned to our operating units as follows: Standard Commercial P&C operating unit - $2.1 million; MGA Commercial Products operating unit - $19.8 million; Specialty Commercial operating unit- $17.4 million (comprised of $7.7 million for the primary/excess & umbrella component and $9.7 million for the general aviation and satellite component); and Specialty Personal Lines operating unit - $5.4 million. This amount has been recorded as a result of prior business acquisitions accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. Under ASC 350, “Intangibles- Goodwill and Other,” goodwill is tested for impairment annually. We completed our last annual test for impairment on the first day of the fourth quarter of 2015 and determined that there was no impairment.

F-20 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

The income approach to determining fair value computed the projections of the cash flows that the reporting unit was expected to generate converted into a present value equivalent through discounting. Significant assumptions in the income approach model included income projections, discount rates and terminal growth values. The income projections reflect an improved premium rate environment across most of our lines of business that continued throughout 2015. The income projections also included loss and LAE assumptions which reflected recent historical claim trends and the movement towards a more favorable pricing environment. The income projections also included assumptions for expense growth and investment yields which were based on business plans for each of our operating units. The discount rate was based on a risk free rate plus a beta adjusted equity risk premium and specific company risk premium. The assumptions were based on historical experience, expectations of future performance, expected market conditions and other factors requiring judgment and estimates. While we believe the assumptions used in these models were reasonable, the inherent uncertainty in predicting future performance and market conditions may change over time and influence the outcome of future testing.

During 2015, 2014, and 2013, we completed the first step prescribed by ASC 350 for testing for impairment and determined that there was no impairment.

We have obtained various intangible assets from several acquisitions since 2002. The table below details the gross and net carrying amounts of these assets by major category (in thousands):

F-21 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

	December 31
	2015			2014
Gross Carrying Amount:
Customer/agent relationships	$	32,177		$	32,177
Tradename		3,440			3,440
Management agreement		3,232			3,232
Non-compete & employment agreements		4,235			4,235
Insurance licenses		1,300			1,300
Total gross carrying amount		44,384			44,384
Accumulated Amortization:
Customer/agent relationships		(19,799	)		(17,561	)
Tradename		(2,159	)		(1,929	)
Management agreement		(3,232	)		(3,232	)
Non-compete & employment agreements		(4,235	)		(4,235	)
Total accumulated amortization		(29,425	)		(26,957	)
Total net carrying amount	$	14,959		$	17,427

Insurance licenses are not amortized because they have an indefinite life. We amortize definite-lived intangible assets straight line over their respective lives. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets for the next five years is as follows (in thousands):

2016	$	2,468
2017	$	2,468
2018	$	2,468
2019	$	2,468
2020	$	2,468

The weighted average amortization period for definite-lived intangible assets by major class is as follows:

	Years
Tradename	15
Customer/ agent relationships	15
Management agreement	4
Non-compete agreements	5

The aggregate weighted average period to amortize these assets is approximately 13 years.

F-22 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

5. Other Assets:

The following table details our other assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

	2015		2014
Profit sharing commission receivable	$	228	$	274
Accrued investment income		3,876		2,974
Debt issuance costs		1,145		1,104
Investment in unconsolidated trust subsidiaries		1,702		1,702
Fixed assets		4,120		1,620
Other assets		174		205
	$	11,245	$	7,879

6. Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses:

Activity in the reserves for unpaid losses and LAE is summarized as follows (in thousands):

	2015			2014			2013
Balance at January 1	$	415,135		$	382,640		$	313,416
Less reinsurance recoverable		91,943			70,172			49,584
Net Balance at January 1		323,192			312,468			263,832
Incurred related to:
Current year		237,102			215,258			251,391
Prior years		(6,953	)		(5,203	)		9,954
Total incurred		230,149			210,055			261,345
Paid related to:
Current year		83,132			76,231			101,897
Prior years		122,122			123,100			110,812
Total paid		205,254			199,331			212,709
Net Balance at December 31		348,087			323,192			312,468
Plus reinsurance recoverable		102,791			91,943			70,172
Balance at December 31	$	450,878		$	415,135		$	382,640

The $7.0 million favorable development, $5.2 million favorable development and $10.0 million unfavorable development in prior accident years recognized in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, represent normal changes in our loss reserve estimates. In 2015 and 2014, the aggregate loss reserve estimates for prior years were decreased to reflect favorable loss development when the available information indicated a reasonable likelihood that the ultimate losses would be less than the previous estimates. In 2013, the aggregate loss reserve estimates for prior years were increased to reflect unfavorable loss development when the available information indicated a reasonable likelihood that the ultimate losses would be more than the previous estimates. Generally, changes in reserves are caused by variations between actual experience and previous expectations and by reduced emphasis on the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method due to the aging of the accident years.

F-23 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

The $7.0 million decrease in reserves for unpaid losses and LAE recognized in 2015 was attributable to $7.4 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2014 accident year, $1.5 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2013 accident year and $1.1 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2012 and prior accident years. Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit, Workers Compensation operating unit, Specialty Commercial operating unit and our MGA Commercial Products operating unit accounted for $5.4 million, $2.0 million, $2.0 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of the decrease in reserves recognized during 2015. The decrease in reserves for our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit was primarily related to our general liability lines of business. The decrease in reserves for our Workers Compensation operating unit was attributable to the 2014, 2013 and 2012 and prior accident years. The decrease in reserves for our Specialty Commercial operating unit was primarily related to $0.9 million favorable development in our general aviation line of business, $0.8 million favorable development in our medical professional liability products and $0.3 million favorable development in our commercial excess liability line of business. The decrease in reserves in our MGA Commercial Products operating unit primarily related to our commercial auto liability and general liability lines of business. These favorable developments were partially offset by unfavorable development of $2.6 million in our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit primarily attributable to the 2014 accident year.

The $5.2 million decrease in reserves for unpaid losses and LAE recognized in 2014 was attributable to $7.2 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2013 accident year, $4.4 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2012 accident year and $2.4 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2011 and prior accident years. Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit, Specialty Personal Lines operating unit, Workers Compensation operating unit and Specialty Commercial operating unit accounted for $4.1 million, $2.9 million, $1.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of the decrease in reserves recognized during 2014. The decrease in reserves for our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit was primarily related to our commercial auto and general liability lines of business. The decrease in reserves for our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit was primarily attributable to the 2013 accident year. The decrease in reserves for our Workers Compensation operating unit was attributable to the 2013, 2012 and 2011 and prior accident years. The decrease in reserves for our Specialty Commercial operating unit was primarily related to $0.9 million favorable development in our commercial excess liability line of business and $0.4 million favorable development in our medical professional liability products, partially offset by a $0.3 million unfavorable development in our general aviation line of business. These favorable developments were partially offset by unfavorable development of $4.7 million in our MGA Commercial Products operating unit primarily related to our commercial auto liability and general liability lines of business.

The $10.0 million increase in reserves for unpaid losses and LAE recognized in 2013 was attributable to $5.0 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2012 accident year, $1.7 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2011 accident year and $3.3 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2010 and prior accident years. Our MGA Commercial Products operating unit and Specialty Personal Lines operating unit accounted for $16.0 million and $1.8 million of the increase in reserves recognized during 2013. The increase in reserves for our MGA Commercial Products operating unit was primarily related to commercial auto liability line of business. The increase in reserves for our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit was primarily related to personal auto in the 2012 accident year. These unfavorable developments were partially offset by favorable prior years’ loss development of $3.7 million in our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit, $2.6 million in our Specialty Commercial operating unit and $1.5 million in our Workers Compensation operating unit. The decrease in reserves for our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit was primarily related to commercial auto and general liability lines of business. The decrease in reserves for our Specialty Commercial operating unit was driven by $2.3 million of favorable claims development in the 2011 and prior accident years related to our aircraft liability lines of business, partially offset by $0.1 million unfavorable claims development in the 2012 accident year related to our aircraft hull coverage. Further contributing to the decrease in reserves for our Specialty Commercial operating unit was $0.4 million of favorable claims development in our primary/excess & umbrella lines of business. The decrease in reserves for our Workers Compensation operating unit was related to the 2012 and 2011 accident years.

7. Reinsurance:

We reinsure a portion of the risk we underwrite in order to control the exposure to losses and to protect capital resources. We cede to reinsurers a portion of these risks and pay premiums based upon the risk and exposure of the policies subject to such reinsurance. Ceded reinsurance involves credit risk and is generally subject to aggregate loss limits. Although the reinsurer is liable to us to the extent of the reinsurance ceded, we are ultimately liable as the direct insurer on all risks reinsured. Reinsurance recoverables are reported after allowances for uncollectible amounts. We monitor the financial condition of reinsurers on an ongoing basis and review our reinsurance arrangements periodically. Reinsurers are selected based on their financial condition, business practices and the price of their product offerings. In order to mitigate credit risk to reinsurance companies, most of our reinsurance recoverable balance as of December 31, 2015 was with reinsurers that had an A.M. Best rating of “A–” or better. We also mitigate our credit risk for the remaining reinsurance recoverable by obtaining letters of credit.

F-24 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

The following table presents our gross and net premiums written and earned and reinsurance recoveries for each of the last three years (in thousands):

	2015			2014			2013
Premium Written :
Direct	$	514,223		$	473,233		$	458,020
Assumed		-			(15	)		2,007
Ceded		(157,279	)		(148,866	)		(99,262	)
	$	356,944		$	324,352		$	360,765
Premium Earned:
Direct	$	494,643		$	461,367		$	434,022
Assumed		-			327			3,204
Ceded		(145,562	)		(140,477	)		(76,685	)
	$	349,081		$	321,217		$	360,541
Reinsurance recoveries	$	89,892		$	99,911		$	45,456

Included in reinsurance recoverable on the consolidated balance sheets are paid loss recoverables of $11.1 million and $17.0 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

8. Revolving Credit Facility and Notes Payable:

Our Second Restated Credit Agreement with The Frost National Bank (“Frost”) dated June 30, 2015, reinstates the credit facility with Frost which expired by its terms on April 30, 2015. The Second Restated Credit Agreement also amends certain provisions of the credit facility and restates the agreement with Frost in its entirety.  The Second Restated Credit Agreement provides a $15.0 million revolving credit facility, with a $5.0 million letter of credit sub-facility. The outstanding balance of the revolving credit facility bears interest at a rate equal to the prime rate or LIBOR plus 2.5%, at our election. We pay an annual fee of 0.25% of the average daily unused balance of the credit facility and letter of credit fees at the rate of 1.00% per annum. The revolving credit facility contains covenants that, among other things, require us to maintain certain financial and operating ratios and restrict certain distributions, transactions and organizational changes. As of December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with all of our covenants and had no outstanding borrowings under this revolving credit facility.

On December 17, 2015, we entered into a First Amendment to Second Restated Credit Agreement (the “First Amendment”) and a Revolving Facility B Agreement (the “Facility B Agreement”) with Frost. The First Amendment amended the existing Second Restated Credit Agreement with Frost to incorporate the additional credit facility reflected by the Facility B Agreement.

The Facility B Agreement provides a new $30.0 million revolving credit facility (“Facility B”), in addition to the existing $15.0 million revolving credit facility with Frost. We may use Facility B loan proceeds solely for the purpose of making capital contributions to AHIC and HIC. We may borrow, repay and reborrow under the Facility B until December 17, 2017, at which time all amounts outstanding under the Facility B are converted to a term loan. In connection with Facility B, we paid Frost a one-time commitment fee of $75,000 and will pay Frost an additional quarterly fee through December 17, 2017 of 0.25% per annum of the average daily unused balance of Facility B. Facility B bears interest at a rate equal to the prime rate or LIBOR plus 3.00%, at our election. Until December 17, 2017, interest only on amounts from time to time outstanding under Facility B are payable quarterly. Any amounts outstanding on Facility B as of December 17, 2017 are converted to a term loan payable in quarterly installments over five years based on a seven year amortization of principal plus accrued interest. All remaining principal and accrued interest become due and payable on December 17, 2022. The obligations under Facility B are secured by the same collateral as the existing credit facility, being a security interest in the capital stock of AHIC and HIC.  Facility B is subject to the same covenants as the existing credit facility. As of December 31, 2015, we had $30.0 million outstanding under Facility B.

F-25 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

9. Subordinated Debt Securities:

On June 21, 2005, we entered into a trust preferred securities transaction pursuant to which we issued $30.9 million aggregate principal amount of subordinated debt securities due in 2035. To effect the transaction, we formed Trust I as a Delaware statutory trust. Trust I issued $30.0 million of preferred securities to investors and $0.9 million of common securities to us. Trust I used the proceeds from these issuances to purchase the subordinated debt securities. The initial interest rate on our Trust I subordinated debt securities was 7.725% until June 15, 2015, after which interest adjusts quarterly to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 3.25 percentage points. Trust I pays dividends on its preferred securities at the same rate. Under the terms of our Trust I subordinated debt securities, we pay interest only each quarter and the principal of the note at maturity. The subordinated debt securities are uncollaterized and do not require maintenance of minimum financial covenants. As of December 31, 2015, the balance of our Trust I subordinated debt was $30.9 million and the interest rate was 3.76% per annum.

On August 23, 2007, we entered into a trust preferred securities transaction pursuant to which we issued $25.8 million aggregate principal amount of subordinated debt securities due in 2037. To effect the transaction, we formed Trust II as a Delaware statutory trust. Trust II issued $25.0 million of preferred securities to investors and $0.8 million of common securities to us. Trust II used the proceeds from these issuances to purchase the subordinated debt securities. Our Trust II subordinated debt securities bear an initial interest rate of 8.28% until September 15, 2017, at which time interest will adjust quarterly to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 2.90 percentage points. Trust II pays dividends on its preferred securities at the same rate. Under the terms of our Trust II subordinated debt securities, we pay interest only each quarter and the principal of the note at maturity. The subordinated debt securities are uncollaterized and do not require maintenance of minimum financial covenants. As of December 31, 2015, the balance of our Trust II subordinated debt was $25.8 million.

10. Segment Information:

We pursue our business activities primarily through subsidiaries whose operations are organized into producing units and are supported by our insurance carrier subsidiaries. Our non-carrier insurance activities are organized by operating units into the following reportable segments:

· Standard Commercial Segment. The Standard Commercial Segment includes the standard lines commercial property/casualty and occupational accident insurance products and services handled by our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit and the workers compensation insurance products handled by our Workers Compensation operating unit. Effective July 1, 2015, the Workers Compensation operating unit no longer retains any risk on new or renewal policies. Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit is comprised of our American Hallmark Insurance Services and ECM subsidiaries. Our Workers Compensation operating unit is comprised of our TBIC Holdings, TBIC and TBICRM subsidiaries.

· Specialty Commercial Segment. Our Specialty Commercial Segment includes the excess and surplus lines commercial property/casualty insurance products and services handled by our MGA Commercial Products operating unit and the general aviation, satellite launch, commercial umbrella and primary/excess liability, medical professional liability and primary/excess commercial property insurance products and services handled by our Specialty Commercial operating unit, as well as the Specialty Programs managed at the parent level. Our MGA Commercial Products operating unit is comprised of our HSU, PAAC and TGASRI subsidiaries. Our Specialty Commercial operating unit is comprised of our Aerospace Insurance Managers, ASRI, ACMG, HXS and HDS subsidiaries.

· Personal Segment. Our Personal Segment includes the non-standard personal automobile and renters insurance products and services handled by our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit. During the fourth quarter of 2014, our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit discontinued the low value dwelling/homeowners and manufactured homes insurance products it previously offered. Our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit is comprised of AHGA and HCS.

F-26 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

The retained premium produced by these reportable segments is supported by our AHIC, HSIC, HIC, HNIC and TBIC insurance company subsidiaries. In addition, control and management of HCM is maintained through our wholly owned subsidiary, CYR Insurance Management Company (“CYR”). CYR has as its primary asset a management agreement with HCM which provides for CYR to have management and control of HCM. HCM is used to front certain lines of business in our Specialty Commercial and Personal Segments in Texas. HCM does not retain any business.

AHIC, HIC, HSIC and HNIC have entered into a pooling arrangement, pursuant to which AHIC retains 34% of the net premiums written by any of them, HIC retains 32% of the net premiums written by any of them, HSIC retains 24% of the net premiums written by any of them and HNIC retains 10% of the net premiums written by any of them. Neither HCM nor TBIC is a party to the intercompany pooling arrangement.

F-27 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

The following is additional business segment information for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

	2015			2014			2013
Revenues
Standard Commercial Segment	$	76,864		$	81,464		$	83,306
Specialty Commercial Segment		249,910			241,920			229,734
Personal Segment		45,538			20,404			71,081
Corporate		90			(6,422	)		5,307
Consolidated	$	372,402		$	337,366		$	389,428
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Standard Commercial Segment	$	136		$	183		$	201
Specialty Commercial Segment		2,537			2,503			2,896
Personal Segment		779			515			1,111
Corporate		64			23			92
Consolidated	$	3,516		$	3,224		$	4,300
Interest Expense
Standard Commercial Segment	$	-		$	-		$	-
Specialty Commercial Segment		-			-			-
Personal Segment		-			-			-
Corporate		3,906			4,576			4,599
Consolidated	$	3,906		$	4,576		$	4,599
Tax Expense (Benefit)
Standard Commercial Segment	$	1,436		$	622		$	312
Specialty Commercial Segment		11,609			9,690			3,613
Personal Segment		(1,345	)		(574	)		(398	)
Corporate		(1,677	)		(4,385	)		(692	)
Consolidated	$	10,023		$	5,353		$	2,835
Pre-tax Income (Loss)
Standard Commercial Segment	$	6,687		$	4,595		$	1,980
Specialty Commercial Segment		40,277			34,237			19,527
Personal Segment		(885	)		1,226			(3,416	)
Corporate		(14,193	)		(21,276	)		(7,011	)
Consolidated	$	31,886		$	18,782		$	11,080

F-28 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

The following is additional business segment information as of the following dates (in thousands):

	December 31
	2015		2014
Assets
Standard Commercial Segment	$	156,722	$	145,355
Specialty Commercial Segment		660,263		590,852
Personal Segment		239,632		222,183
Corporate		19,983		22,479
Consolidated	$	1,076,600	$	980,869

11. Earnings Per Share:

We have adopted the provisions of ASC 260, “Earnings Per Share,” requiring presentation of both basic and diluted earnings per share. A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per share calculations is presented below (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	2015		2014		2013
Numerator for both basic and diluted earnings per share:
Net income	$	21,863	$	13,429	$	8,245
Denominator, basic shares		19,211		19,197		19,263
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based compensation awards		194		169		98
Denominator, diluted shares		19,405		19,366		19,361
Basic earnings per share:	$	1.14	$	0.70	$	0.43
Diluted earnings per share:	$	1.13	$	0.69	$	0.43

We had 267,500 shares, 544,999 shares and 779,999 shares of common stock potentially issuable upon exercise of employee stock options for years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, that were excluded from the weighted average number of shares outstanding on a diluted basis because the effect of such options would be anti-dilutive. These instruments expire at varying times from 2016 to 2021.

F-29 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

12. Regulatory Capital Restrictions:

Hallmark, as a holding company, is dependent on dividend payments and management fees from its subsidiaries to fund its operating expenses, debt obligations and capital needs, including the ability to pay dividends to its stockholders. Hallmark has never paid dividends on its common stock. Hallmark intends to continue this policy for the foreseeable future in order to retain earnings for development of its business. There are no regulatory or contractual restrictions on the ability of Hallmark to pay dividends other than customary default provisions and the impact of any dividend payment on financial ratio covenants in certain credit agreements. However, there are restrictions on the ability of Hallmark’s insurance carrier subsidiaries to transfer funds to the holding company. The amount of retained earnings that is unrestricted for the payment of dividends by Hallmark to its shareholders was $68.3 million as of December 31, 2015.

AHIC and TBIC, domiciled in Texas, are limited in the payment of dividends to their stockholders in any 12-month period, without the prior written consent of the Texas Department of Insurance, to the greater of statutory net income for the prior calendar year or 10% of statutory policyholders’ surplus as of the prior year end. HIC and HNIC, both domiciled in Arizona, are limited in the payment of dividends to the lesser of 10% of prior year policyholders’ surplus or prior year’s net investment income, without prior written approval from the Arizona Department of Insurance. HSIC, domiciled in Oklahoma, is limited in the payment of dividends to the greater of 10% of prior year policyholders’ surplus or prior year’s statutory net income, not including realized capital gains, without prior written approval from the Oklahoma Insurance Department. For all our insurance companies, dividends may only be paid from unassigned surplus funds. During 2016, the aggregate ordinary dividend capacity of these subsidiaries is $27.6 million, of which $18.5 million is available to Hallmark. As a county mutual, dividends from HCM are payable to policyholders. During the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, our insurance company subsidiaries paid $8.0 million in dividends to Hallmark. The total restricted net assets of our insurance company subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015, was $193.7 million.

The state insurance departments also regulate financial transactions between our insurance subsidiaries and their affiliated companies. Applicable regulations require approval of management fees, expense sharing contracts and similar transactions. The net amount paid in management fees by our insurance subsidiaries to Hallmark and our non-insurance company subsidiaries was $1.3 million, $1.1 million and $8.2 million during each of 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Statutory capital and surplus is calculated as statutory assets less statutory liabilities. The various state insurance departments that regulate our insurance company subsidiaries require us to maintain a minimum statutory capital and surplus. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, our insurance company subsidiaries reported statutory capital and surplus of $247.2 million and $210.0 million, respectively, substantially greater than the minimum requirements for each state. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, respectively, our insurance company subsidiaries reported statutory net income of $24.6 million, $22.3 million and $6.1 million, respectively.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners requires property/casualty insurers to file a risk-based capital calculation according to a specified formula. The purpose of the formula is twofold: (1) to assess the adequacy of an insurer’s statutory capital and surplus based upon a variety of factors such as potential risks related to investment portfolio, ceded reinsurance and product mix; and (2) to assist state regulators under the RBC for Insurers Model Act by providing thresholds at which a state commissioner is authorized and expected to take regulatory action. As of December 31, 2015, the adjusted capital under the risk-based capital calculation of each of our insurance company subsidiaries substantially exceeded the minimum requirements.

F-30 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

13. Share-based Payment Arrangements:

Our 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan (“2005 LTIP”) is a stock compensation plan for key employees and non-employee directors that was initially approved by the shareholders on May 26, 2005 and expired by its terms on May 27, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, there were outstanding incentive stock options to purchase 564,956 shares of our common stock, non-qualified stock options to purchase 304,157 shares of our common stock and restricted stock units representing the right to receive up to 289,830 shares of our common stock. The exercise price of all such outstanding stock options is equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant.

A new equity compensation plan for our key employees and non-employee directors, the 2015 Long Term Incentive Plan (“2015 LTIP”), was approved by shareholders on May 29, 2015. There are 2,000,000 shares authorized for issuance under the 2015 LTIP. As of December 31, 2015, restricted stock units representing the right to receive up to 155,027 shares of our common stock were outstanding under the 2015 LTIP. There were no stock option awards granted under the 2015 LTIP as of December 31, 2015.

Stock Options:

Incentive stock options granted under the 2005 LTIP prior to 2009 vest 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% on the first, second, third and fourth anniversary dates of the grant, respectively, and terminate five to ten years from the date of grant. Incentive stock options granted in 2009 vest in equal annual increments on each of the first seven anniversary dates and terminate ten years from the date of grant. One grant of 25,000 incentive stock options in 2010 vests in equal annual increments on each of the first three anniversary dates and terminates ten years from the date of grant. Non-qualified stock options granted under the 2005 LTIP generally vest 100% six months after the date of grant and terminate ten years from the date of grant. One grant of 200,000 non-qualified stock options in 2009 vests in equal annual increments on each of the first seven anniversary dates and terminates ten years from the date of grant.

A summary of the status of our stock options as of December 31, 2015 and changes during the year then ended is presented below:

	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)		Aggregate Instrinsic Value ($000)
Outstanding at January 1, 2015		1,062,134		$	9.51
Granted		-
Exercised		(91,827	)	$	7.17
Forfeited or expired		(101,194	)	$	11.67
Outstanding at December 31, 2015		869,113		$	9.51		2.5	$	2,120
Exercisable at December 31, 2015		817,328		$	9.69		2.5	$	1,857

The following table details the intrinsic value of options exercised, total cost of share-based payments charged against income before income tax benefit and the amount of related income tax benefit recognized in income for the periods indicated (in thousands):

	2015		2014		2013
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$	393	$	412	$	-
Cost of share-based payments (non-cash)	$	157	$	173	$	207
Income tax benefit of share-based payments recognized in income	$	30	$	30	$	30

As of December 31, 2015, there was $39 thousand of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options granted under our plans which is expected to be recognized in 2016.

F-31 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

The fair value of each stock option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of Hallmark’s and similar companies’ common stock for a period equal to the expected term. The risk-free interest rates for periods within the contractual term of the options are based on rates for U.S. Treasury Notes with maturity dates corresponding to the options’ expected lives on the dates of grant. Expected term is determined based on the simplified method as we do not have sufficient historical exercise data to provide a basis for estimating the expected term. There were no stock options granted in 2015, 2014 or 2013.

Restricted Stock Units:

The 2005 LTIP was amended by the stockholders on May 30, 2013 to authorize the grant of restricted stock units, in addition to the other types of awards available thereunder. Restricted stock units awarded under the 2005 LTIP represent the right to receive shares of common stock upon the satisfaction of vesting requirements, performance criteria and other terms and conditions. On July 27, 2012 and April 10, 2013, an aggregate of 129,463 and 122,823 restricted stock units, respectively, were conditionally granted to certain of our employees subject to shareholder approval of the amendments to the 2005 LTIP at the May 30, 2013 shareholder meeting. One conditional grant of 9,280 restricted stock units was forfeited prior to approval at the shareholder meeting. Subsequently on September 8, 2014, an aggregate of 175,983 restricted stock units were granted to certain employees. On May 29, 2015, an aggregate of 103,351 restricted stock units were granted to certain employees under the 2015 LTIP.

The performance criteria for all restricted stock units require that we achieve certain compound average annual growth rates in book value per share over the vesting period in order to receive shares of common stock in amounts ranging from 50% to 150% of the number of restricted stock units granted. In addition, certain restricted stock units contain an additional performance criteria related to the attainment of an average combined ratio percentage over the vesting period. Grantees of restricted stock units do not have any rights of a stockholder, and do not participate in any distributions to our common stockholders, until the award fully vests upon satisfaction of the vesting schedule, performance criteria and other conditions set forth in their award agreement. Therefore, unvested restricted stock units are not considered participating securities under ASC 260, “Earnings Per Share,” and are not included in the calculation of basic or diluted earnings per share.

On April 1, 2015, 8,616 shares of common stock were issued with respect to 8,616 restricted stock units which were granted on July 27, 2012 and vested on March 31, 2015. If and to the extent specified performance criteria have been achieved, the restricted stock units granted on April 10, 2013 will vest on March 31, 2016, the restricted stock units granted on September 8, 2014 (except for one grant) will vest on March 31, 2017, one grant of restricted stock units granted on September 8, 2014 will vest on March 31, 2018 and the restricted stock units granted on May 29, 2015 under the 2015 LTIP will vest on March 31, 2018.

Compensation cost is measured as an amount equal to the fair value of the restricted stock units on the date of grant and is expensed over the vesting period if achievement of the performance criteria is deemed probable, with the amount of the expense recognized based on our best estimate of the ultimate achievement level. The grant date fair value of the restricted stock units granted in 2012 and 2013 is $9.20 per unit. The grant date fair value of the restricted stock units granted in 2014 is $9.66 per unit. The grant date fair value of the restricted stock units granted in 2015 is $11.10 per unit. We incurred compensation expense of $226 thousand, $49 thousand and $145 thousand related to restricted stock units during the year ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We recorded an income tax benefit of $79 thousand, $17 thousand and $51 thousand related to restricted stock units during the year ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

F-32 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

A summary of the status of our restricted stock units as of December 31, 2015 and changes during the year then ended is presented below:

	Number of Restricted Stock Units
Nonvested at January 1, 2015		285,216
Granted		103,351
Vested		(8,616	)
Forfeited		(83,380	)
Nonvested at December 31, 2015		296,571

As of December 31, 2015, there was $0.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock units granted under our 2005 LTIP and 2015 LTIP, of which $0.4 million is expected to be recognized in 2016, $0.3 million is expected to be recognized in 2017 and $0.1 million is expected to be recognized in 2018.

14. Retirement Plans:

Certain employees of the Standard Commercial Segment were participants in a defined cash balance plan covering all full-time employees who had completed at least 1,000 hours of service. This plan was frozen in March 2001 in anticipation of distribution of plan assets to members upon plan termination. All participants were vested when the plan was frozen.

The following tables provide detail of the changes in benefit obligations, components of benefit costs, weighted-average assumptions, and plan assets for the retirement plan as of and for the twelve months ending December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands) using a measurement date of December 31.

F-33 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

	2015			2014			2013
Assumptions (end of period):
Discount rate used in determining benefit obligation		4.12	%		3.86	%		4.49	%
Rate of compensation increase		N/A			N/A			N/A
Reconciliation of funded status (end of period):
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	(12,915	)	$	(13,909	)	$	(12,284	)
Projected benefit obligation	$	(12,915	)	$	(13,909	)	$	(12,284	)
Fair value of plan assets		10,419			11,290			10,851
Funded status	$	(2,496	)	$	(2,619	)	$	(1,433	)
Net actuarial loss		(3,957	)		(4,000	)		(2,277	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(3,957	)		(4,000	)		(2,277	)
Prepaid pension cost		1,461			1,381			844
Net amount recognized as of December 31	$	(2,496	)	$	(2,619	)	$	(1,433	)
Changes in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation as of beginning of period	$	13,909		$	12,284		$	13,439
Interest cost		518			532			505
Actuarial liability (gain)/loss		(646	)		1,947			(824	)
Benefits paid		(866	)		(854	)		(836	)
Benefit obligation as of end of period	$	12,915		$	13,909		$	12,284
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets as of beginning of period	$	11,290		$	10,851		$	9,754
Actual return on plan assets (net of expenses)		(5	)		760			1,565
Employer contributions		-			533			368
Benefits paid		(866	)		(854	)		(836	)
Fair value of plan assets as of end of period	$	10,419		$	11,290		$	10,851
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	$	-		$	-		$	-
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation		518			532			505
Expected return on plan assets		(701	)		(698	)		(615	)
Recognized actuarial loss		103			162			495
Net periodic pension cost	$	(80	)	$	(4	)	$	385
Discount rate		3.86	%		4.49	%		3.89	%
Expected return on plan assets		6.50	%		6.50	%		6.50	%
Rate of compensation increase		N/A			N/A			N/A

F-34 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

Estimated future benefit payments by fiscal year (in thousands):

2016	$	899
2017	$	913
2018	$	907
2019	$	896
2020	$	881
2021-2025	$	4,205

As of December 31, 2015, the fair value of the plan assets was composed of cash and cash equivalents of $0.3 million, debt securities of $3.4 million and equity securities of $6.7 million.

Our investment objectives are to preserve capital and to achieve long-term growth through a favorable rate of return equal to or greater than 5% over the long-term (60 year) average inflation rate as measured by the consumer price index. The objective of the equity portion of the portfolio is to achieve a return in excess of the Standard & Poor’s 500 index. The objective of the fixed income portion of the portfolio is to add stability, consistency, safety and total return to the total fund portfolio.

We prohibit investments in options, futures, precious metals, short sales and purchase on margin. We also restrict the investment in fixed income securities to “A” rated or better by Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s rating services and restrict investments in common stocks to only those that are listed and actively traded on one or more of the major United States stock exchanges, including NASDAQ. We manage to an asset allocation of 45% to 75% in equity securities. An investment in any single stock issue is restricted to 5% of the total portfolio value and 90% of the securities held in mutual or commingled funds must meet the criteria for common stocks.

To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption, we consider the historical returns and the future expectations for returns for each asset class, as well as the target asset allocation of the pension portfolio. This resulted in the selection of the 6.5% long-term rate of return on assets assumption. The expected return on plan assets uses the fair market value as of December 31, 2015. To develop the discount rate used in determining the benefit obligation we used the Wells Fargo AA Pension Discount Curve at the measurement date to match the timing and amounts of projected future benefits. A corridor approach is used to amortize actuarial gains and losses. We are applying the 10% threshold set forth in ASC 715. In addition, since all accrued benefits under the plan are frozen, we are amortizing the unrecognized gains and losses outside of the corridor by the average life expectancy of the plan participants.

We are not required to make a contribution to the defined benefit cash balance plan during 2016. We expect our 2016 periodic pension cost to be $(21) thousand, the components of which are interest cost of $512 thousand, expected return on plan assets of ($645) thousand and amortization of actuarial loss of $112 thousand.

The following table shows the weighted-average asset allocation for the defined benefit cash balance plan held as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.

	December 31
	2015			2014
Asset Category:
Debt securities		33	%		33	%
Equity securities		64	%		64	%
Other		3	%		3	%
Total		100	%		100	%

F-35 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

Effective January 1, 2008, we determine the fair value of our financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in ASC 820. (See Note 3.)

The following table presents, for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, our plan assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands).

	As of December 31, 2015
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Debt securities	$	-	$	3,423	$	-	$	3,423
Equity securities		6,697		-		-		6,697
Total	$	6,697	$	3,423	$	-	$	10,120

	As of December 31, 2014
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Debt securities	$	-	$	3,718	$	-	$	3,718
Equity securities		7,230		-		-		7,230
Total	$	7,230	$	3,718	$	-	$	10,948

Our plan assets also include cash and cash equivalents of $0.3 million and $0.4 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and are carried at cost which approximates fair value.

We sponsor two defined contribution plans. Under these plans, employees may contribute a portion of their compensation on a tax- deferred basis, and we may contribute a discretionary amount each year. We contributed $0.3 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

F-36 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

15. Income Taxes:

The composition of deferred tax assets and liabilities and the related tax effects as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, are as follows (in thousands):

	2015			2014
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$	(7,128	)	$	(7,261	)
Net unrealized holding gain on investments		(5,339	)		(10,886	)
Agency relationship		(66	)		(75	)
Intangible assets		(5,118	)		(5,613	)
Goodwill		(519	)		(479	)
Fixed assets		(861	)		(432	)
Other		(367	)		(133	)
Total deferred tax liabilities		(19,398	)		(24,879	)
Deferred tax assets:
Unearned premiums		10,592			10,042
Amortization of non-compete agreements		298			357
Pension liability		1,385			1,400
Net operating loss carry-forward		426			518
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense		6,920			6,871
Rent reserve		297			355
Reinsurance payable		421			387
Bonus accrual		759			809
Investment impairments		1,120			625
Other		540			423
Total deferred tax assets		22,758			21,787
Deferred federal income taxes, net	$	3,360		$	(3,092	)

We concluded that no valuation allowance was necessary to provide against our deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2015.

A reconciliation of the income tax provisions based on the statutory tax rate to the provision reflected in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, is as follows (in thousands):

	2015			2014			2013
Computed expected income tax expense at statutory regulatory tax rate	$	11,160		$	6,574		$	3,878
Meals and entertainment		32			27			25
Tax exempt interest		(1,259	)		(1,276	)		(1,314	)
Dividends received deduction		(141	)		(107	)		(101	)
State taxes (net of federal benefit)		176			259			276
Other		55			(124	)		71
Income tax expense	$	10,023		$	5,353		$	2,835
Current income tax expense	$	11,053		$	5,746		$	3,092
Deferred tax benefit		(1,030	)		(393	)		(257	)
Income tax expense	$	10,023		$	5,353		$	2,835

F-37 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

We have available, for federal income tax purposes, unused net operating loss of $1.2 million at December 31, 2015. The losses were acquired as part of the HIC and HCM acquisitions and may be used to offset future taxable income. Utilization of the losses is limited under Internal Revenue Code Section 382. The Internal Revenue Code provides that effective with tax years beginning September 1997, the carry-back and carry-forward periods are 2 years and 20 years, respectively, with respect to newly generated operating losses. The net operating losses will expire if unused, as follows (in thousands):

Year
2022	$	878
2028		2
2029		25
2031		45
2032		77
2033		73
2034		59
2035		57
	$	1,216

We are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2012. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. There were no uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2015.

F-38 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

16. Commitments and Contingencies:

We have several leases, primarily for office facilities and computer equipment, which expire in various years through 2022. Certain of these leases contain renewal options. Rental expense amounted to $2.2 million, $2.3 million and $2.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):

Year
2016	$	2,065
2017		1,899
2018		1,563
2019		1,482
2020		1,442
2021 and thereafter		1,015
Total minimum lease payments (a)	$	9,466
(a) Minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $0.6 million due in the future under noncancelable subleases.

From time to time, assessments are levied on us by the guaranty association of the states where we offer our insurance products. Such assessments are made primarily to cover the losses of policyholders of insolvent or rehabilitated insurers. Since these assessments can generally be recovered through a reduction in future premium taxes paid, we capitalize the assessments that can be recovered as they are paid and amortize the capitalized balance against our premium tax expense. We did not receive an assessment during 2015 or 2014.

During the third quarter of 2015 we paid $1.2 million in fulfillment of the contingent purchase price with the sellers of TBIC Holding. The sellers have disputed the calculation of the amount paid and assert that an additional $1.8 million is due. We disagree with this assertion and believe that our calculation of the contingent purchase price was substantially correct. Pursuant to the terms of the acquisition agreement, an independent actuary has been engaged to resolve this matter.

In November 2015, HSU was informed by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts that a surplus lines tax audit covering the period January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2013 was complete. HSU frequently acts as a managing general underwriter (“MGU”) authorized to underwrite policies on behalf of Republic Vanguard Insurance Company and HSIC, both Texas eligible surplus lines insurance carriers. In its role as the MGU, HSU underwrites policies on behalf of these carriers while other agencies located in Texas (generally referred to as “producing agents”) deliver the policies to the insureds and collect all premiums due from the insureds. During the period under audit, the producing agents also collected the surplus lines premium taxes due on the policies from the insureds, held them in trust, and timely remitted those taxes to the Comptroller. We believe this system for collecting and paying the required surplus lines premium taxes complies in all respects with the Texas Insurance Code and other regulations, which clearly require that the same party who delivers the policies and collects the premiums will also collect premium taxes, hold premium taxes in trust, and pay premium taxes to the Comptroller. It also complies with long standing industry practice. In addition, effective January 1, 2012 the Texas Legislators enacted House Bill 3410 (HB3410) which allows an MGU to contractually pass the collection, payment and administration of surplus lines taxes down to another Texas licensed surplus line agent.

The Comptroller asserts that HSU is liable for the surplus lines premium taxes related to policy transactions and premiums collected from surplus lines insureds during January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2011, the period prior to the passage of HB3410, and that HSU therefore owes $2.5 million in premium taxes, as well as $0.7 million in penalties and interest for the audit period.

We disagree with the Comptroller and intend to vigorously fight their assertion that HSU is liable for the surplus lines premium taxes. We are currently in negotiations with the Comptroller to settle the matter. However, we are presently unable to reasonably estimate the possible loss or legal costs that are likely to arise out of the surplus lines tax audit or any future proceedings relating to this matter. Therefore we have not accrued any amount as of December 31, 2015 related to this matter.

We are engaged in legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, none of which, either individually or in the aggregate, are believed likely to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations, in the opinion of management. The various legal proceedings to which we are a party are routine in nature and incidental to our business.

F-39 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

17. Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances:

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income balances as of December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):

	Pension Liability			Unrealized Gains (Loss)			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance at January 1, 2013	$	(2,954	)	$	10,853		$	7,899
Other comprehensive income:
Change in net actuarial gain		2,268			-			2,268
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain		(794	)		-			(794	)
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period		-			22,094			22,094
Tax effect on unrealized gains arising during the period		-			(7,733	)		(7,733	)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains		-			(10,540	)		(10,540	)
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense		-			3,689			3,689
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		1,474			7,510			8,984
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(1,480	)	$	18,363		$	16,883
Other comprehensive income:
Change in net actuarial loss		(1,723	)		-			(1,723	)
Tax effect on change in net actuarial loss		603			-			603
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period		-			3,543			3,543
Tax effect on unrealized gains arising during the period		-			(1,240	)		(1,240	)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains		-			(408	)		(408	)
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense		-			143			143
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		(1,120	)		2,038			918
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(2,600	)	$	20,401		$	17,801
Other comprehensive loss:
Change in net actuarial gain		43			-			43
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain		(15	)		-			(15	)
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period		-			(10,191	)		(10,191	)
Tax effect on unrealized losses arising during the period		-			3,567			3,567
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains		-			(5,826	)		(5,826	)
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense		-			2,039			2,039
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax		28			(10,411	)		(10,383	)
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	(2,572	)	$	9,990		$	7,418

F-40 

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

18. Concentrations of Credit Risk:

We maintain cash and cash equivalents in accounts with four financial institutions in excess of the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. We monitor the financial stability of the depository institutions regularly and do not believe excessive risk of depository institution failure existed at December 31, 2015.

We are also subject to credit risk with respect to reinsurers to whom we have ceded underwriting risk. Although a reinsurer is liable for losses to the extent of the coverage it assumes, we remain obligated to our policyholders in the event that the reinsurers do not meet their obligations under the reinsurance agreements. In order to mitigate credit risk to reinsurance companies, we monitor the financial condition of reinsurers on an ongoing basis and review our reinsurance arrangements periodically. Most of our reinsurance recoverable balances as of December 31, 2015 were with reinsurers that had an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or better. We also mitigate our credit risk for the remaining reinsurance recoverable by obtaining letters of credit.

19. Unaudited Selected Financial Quarterly Information:

Following is a summary of the unaudited interim results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands, except per share data). In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the results of operations for such periods have been made.

	2015								2014
	Q1		Q2		Q3		Q4		Q1		Q2		Q3		Q4
Total revenue	$	91,450	$	97,197	$	93,684	$	90,071	$	87,109	$	80,836	$	81,417	$	88,004
Total expense		83,761		87,922		83,849		84,984		80,697		78,794		76,689		82,404
Income before tax		7,689		9,275		9,835		5,087		6,412		2,042		4,728		5,600
Income tax expense		2,346		2,899		3,137		1,641		1,864		391		1,265		1,833
Net income	$	5,343		6,376	$	6,698		3,446	$	4,548		1,651	$	3,463		3,767
Basic earnings per share:	$	0.28	$	0.33	$	0.35	$	0.18	$	0.24	$	0.09	$	0.18	$	0.20
Diluted earnings per share:	$	0.28	$	0.33	$	0.35	$	0.17	$	0.23	$	0.09	$	0.18	$	0.19

F-41 

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

Schedule II – Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only)

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

BALANCE SHEETS

December 31, 2015 and 2014

(In thousands)

	2015			2014
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	8,014		$	11,839
Investment in subsidiaries		361,769			325,608
Deferred federal income taxes		942			747
Other assets		4,488			4,061
Total assets	$	375,213		$	342,255
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities:
Revolving credit facility payable	$	30,000		$	-
Subordinated debt securities		56,702			56,702
Current federal income tax payable		72			64
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses		26,413			33,452
Total liabilities		113,187			90,218
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $.18 par value, authorized 33,333,333 shares; issued 20,872,831 shares in 2015 and in 2014		3,757			3,757
Additional paid-in capital		123,480			123,194
Retained earnings		141,501			119,638
Accumulated other comprehensive income		7,418			17,801
Treasury stock (1,775,512 shares in 2015 and 1,655,306 in 2014), at cost		(14,130	)		(12,353	)
Total stockholders’ equity		262,026			252,037
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	375,213		$	342,255

See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

F-42 

Schedule II (Continued) – Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only)

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

(In thousands)

	2015			2014			2013
Investment income (loss), net of expenses	$	120		$	133		$	(190	)
Dividend income from subsidiaries		8,000			8,000			-
Management fee income		10,053			9,614			8,518
Total revenues		18,173			17,747			8,328
Operating expenses		10,222			9,759			7,764
Interest expense		3,906			4,576			4,599
Total expenses		14,128			14,335			12,363
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiaries and income tax benefit		4,045			3,412			(4,035	)
Income tax benefit		(1,273	)		(1,623	)		(1,227	)
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries		5,318			5,035			(2,808	)
Equity in undistributed share of earnings in subsidiaries		16,545			8,394			11,053
Net income	$	21,863		$	13,429		$	8,245
Comprehensive income	$	11,480		$	14,347		$	17,229

See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

F-43 

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

Schedule II (Continued) – Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only)

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

(In thousands)

	2015			2014			2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	21,863		$	13,429		$	8,245
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense		65			68			92
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense		(195	)		183			1,182
Undistributed share of earnings of subsidiaries		(16,545	)		(8,394	)		(11,053	)
Change in current federal income tax payable (recoverable)		8			(3,290	)		(3,694	)
Change in all other liabilities		(7,039	)		4,081			12,232
Change in all other assets		147			(131	)		63
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities		(1,696	)		5,946			7,067
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment, net		(159	)		(47	)		(116	)
Capital contribution to subsidiaries		(30,000	)		-			-
Net cash used in investing activities		(30,159	)		(47	)		(116	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options		658			1,155			-
Purchase of treasury shares		(2,532	)		(1,805	)		-
Activity under revolving credit facility, net		30,000			(1,473	)		-
Payment of debt issuance costs		(96	)		-			-
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		28,030			(2,123	)		-
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents		(3,825	)		3,776			6,951
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		11,839			8,063			1,112
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	8,014		$	11,839		$	8,063
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	$	3,906		$	4,576		$	4,599
Income taxes (recovered) paid	$	(1,086	)	$	1,481		$	1,285

See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

F-44 

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information

(In thousands)

Column A	Column B		Column C		Column D		Column E		Column F		Column G			Column H		Column I		Column J		Column K
Segment
	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs		Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims, and Loss Adjustment Expenses		Unearned Premiums		Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable		Premium Revenue		Net Investment Income			Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses		Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs		Other Operating Expenses		Net Premiums Written
2015
Personal Segment	$	1,232	$	29,932	$	20,976	$	-	$	38,828	$	1,235		$	34,414	$	5,066	$	12,205	$	44,072
Standard Commercial Segment		5,633		105,971		33,701		-		72,613		3,623			47,071		4,237		22,820		71,097
Specialty Commercial Segment		13,501		314,975		161,730		-		237,640		11,524			148,664		23,371		58,212		241,775
Corporate		-		-		-		-		-		(2,413	)		-		-		10,377		-
Consolidated	$	20,366	$	450,878	$	216,407	$	-	$	349,081	$	13,969		$	230,149	$	32,674	$	103,614	$	356,944
2014
Personal Segment	$	729	$	29,595	$	15,483	$	-	$	14,083	$	1,633		$	8,964	$	9,315	$	9,977	$	16,802
Standard Commercial Segment		5,892		109,672		34,822		-		78,311		4,663			51,130		3,389		25,479		76,912
Specialty Commercial Segment		14,125		275,868		146,521		-		228,823		12,643			149,961		28,186		53,851		230,638
Corporate		-		-		-		-		-		(6,556	)		-		-		10,279		-
Consolidated	$	20,746	$	415,135	$	196,826	$	-	$	321,217	$	12,383		$	210,055	$	40,890	$	99,586	$	324,352
2013
Personal Segment	$	660	$	38,294	$	17,989	$	-	$	63,800	$	2,065		$	52,656	$	17,759	$	16,957	$	45,644
Standard Commercial Segment		6,124		111,473		36,309		-		78,176		5,031			56,143		8,254		25,313		79,466
Specialty Commercial Segment		15,802		232,873		131,005		-		218,565		11,021			152,546		31,264		56,974		235,655
Corporate		-		-		-		-		-		(5,233	)		-		-		7,720		-
Consolidated	$	22,586	$	382,640	$	185,303	$	-	$	360,541	$	12,884		$	261,345	$	57,277	$	106,964	$	360,765

See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

F-45 

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

Schedule IV – Reinsurance

(In thousands)

Year Ended December 31, 2015	Column B Gross Amount		Column C Ceded to Other Companies		Column D Assumed from Other Companies		Column E Net Amount		Column F Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net
Life insurance in force	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Premiums
Life insurance	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Accident and health insurance		-		-		-		-
Property and liability insurance		494,643		145,562		-		349,081		0.00	%
Title Insurance		-		-		-		-
Total premiums	$	494,643	$	145,562	$	-	$	349,081		0.00	%
Year Ended December 31, 2014
Life insurance in force	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Premiums
Life insurance	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Accident and health insurance		-		-		-		-
Property and liability insurance		461,367		140,477		327		321,217		0.10	%
Title Insurance		-		-		-		-
Total premiums	$	461,367	$	140,477	$	327	$	321,217		0.10	%
Year Ended December 31, 2013
Life insurance in force	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Premiums
Life insurance	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Accident and health insurance		-		-		-		-
Property and liability insurance		434,022		76,685		3,204		360,541		0.89	%
Title Insurance		-		-		-		-
Total premiums	$	434,022	$	76,685	$	3,204	$	360,541		0.89	%

See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

F-46 

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

Schedule VI - Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations

(In thousands)

Column A		Column B		Column C		Column D		Column E		Column F		Column G		Column H					Column I		Column J		Column K
Affiliation With Registrant		Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs		Reserves for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses		Discount if any, Deducted In Column C		Unearned Premiums		Earned Premiums		Net Investment Income		Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to					Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisitions Costs		Paid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expenses		Net Premiums Written
														(1) Current Year		(2) Prior Years
	(a) Consolidated property-casualty Entities
2015		$	20,366	$	450,878	$	-	$	216,407	$	349,081	$	13,969	$	237,102	$	(6,953	)	$	32,674	$	205,254	$	356,944
2014		$	20,746	$	415,135	$	-	$	196,826	$	321,217	$	12,383	$	215,258	$	(5,203	)	$	40,890	$	199,331	$	324,352
2013		$	22,586	$	382,640	$	-	$	185,303	$	360,541	$	12,884	$	251,391	$	9,954		$	57,277	$	212,709	$	360,765

See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

F-47 

EX-10.23

Exhibit 10.23

CONFIDENTIALITY AND NON-SOLICITATION AGREEMENT

This Confidentiality and Non-Solicitation Agreement (the "Agreement") is made between Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. (“Hallmark”), and ______ (the "Employee") (collectively, the "Parties"). This Agreement is ancillary to and in consideration of the grant of Restricted Stock Units evidenced by the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement dated May 29, 2015 (“RSU Agreement”).

In consideration of (i) Employee's employment by Hallmark Financial Services, Inc., or by one of its affiliates (collectively "Hallmark") in a capacity of high trust and confidence in which Employee may develop or receive highly sensitive, restricted and proprietary information involving Confidential Information (as defined below), and in which Employee may seek out and develop customer Goodwill (as defined below) using the resources provided by Hallmark as well as Hallmark 's reputation, and (ii) the restricted stock units awarded under the RSU Agreement as permitted under the Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. 2015 Long Term Incentive Plan, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Employee hereby agrees as follows:

1.          Employment At Will. The Employee agrees that he/she is an "at will" employee of Hallmark and that he/she may terminate his/her employment at any time. The Employee further agrees that Hallmark may similarly terminate the Employee's employment at any time. This agreement does not create a contract for employment for any specified duration, either expressly or by implication.

2.          Non-disclosure of Confidential Information. Employee acknowledges that, in order for him/her to perform his/her duties properly, Employee will have access to and Hallmark must necessarily entrust him/her with certain proprietary and confidential business information (the "Confidential Information"). The Employee agrees that, during the term of his/her employment with Hallmark and at all times thereafter, regardless of the reason for termination of employment, he/she will not disclose any Hallmark Confidential Information or use it in any way, except with the prior written authorization by or on behalf of Hallmark, whether or not such Confidential Information is produced by the Employee's own efforts.

(a) For purposes of this Agreement, "Confidential Information" means all original and copies of all material, data, documents, and information in any format (including without limitation all hardcopy, softcopy, electronic, web, and computer-based information, documents, data files, records, videos, pictures, and recordings) which constitutes confidential and/or trade secret information as further defined in this Agreement and/or Texas law. Examples of Confidential Information include, but are not limited to Hallmark’s:

• proprietary information, including without limitation all business methods, databases, software, including the source code, object code and operational and functional features and limitations of the software, and other computer technology;

• business development plans and activities,

• information concerning pending and prospective mergers, acquisitions, or other types of transactions;

• the prices, terms and conditions of contracts or agreements with its current and prospective customers, distributors, vendors, suppliers, or any other type of business relationship;

• cost and pricing of policies and data, including without limitation the costs of Hallmark's business and all results of its business operations;

• business and marketing plans, manuals and strategies;

• financial information , including but not limited to results from operations, results relating to various programs, profit/loss and revenue figures, transaction data and account information;

• facility and data security-related information, including without limitation door access codes, computer access codes, security system PINs, computer system user identification information , passwords and remote access codes;

• personnel information, including but not limited to, performance reviews, compensation information, personal information , ranking, skills and competencies;

• information acquired by or on behalf of Hallmark about Hallmark's current customers, distributor s, vendors, suppliers, and producers;

• intellectual property; provided, however, that Confidential Information does not include material, data, documents, and/or other information that Hallmark has voluntarily placed in the public domain; that has been lawfully and independently developed and publicly disclosed to third parties; that constitutes general knowledge and skills gained by Employee during the period of his or her employment with Hallmark; or that otherwise enters the public domain through lawful means.

(b)  Employee further acknowledges that the development or acquisition of such Confidential Information is the result of great effort and expense by Hallmark, that the Confidential Information is critical to the survival and success of Hallmark, and that the unauthorized disclosure or use of the Confidential Information would cause Hallmark irreparable harm.

(c)   For the avoidance of doubt, no provision in this Agreement prohibits or restricts Employee, or Employee's attorney acting on behalf of Employee, from initiating communications directly with, responding to any inquiry from, or providing testimony before, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, any other federal or state authority, or self-regulatory organization, if such communication is required by or protected under applicable law or regulation, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

  3.          Prohibited Post-employment Solicitation:

(a)     In order to protect Hallmark's Goodwill (as defined below), Confidential Information, and Hallmark's other legitimate business interests, Employee agrees that he/she shall not, without the prior approval of the Company, directly or indirectly, for a period of twelve (12) months from the termination of Employee's employment for any reason:

· initiate, receive, or otherwise engage in contact, directly or indirectly, with any individual or entity that is a current insured of Hallmark (and where applicable, limited to a specific layer) that the Employee directly serviced or otherwise had contact with on behalf of Hallmark during the twelve (12) month period prior to the date of Employee’s termination.

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(b)     Employee agrees that he/she shall not, directly or indirectly, for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the termination of Employee's employment for any reason, in any manner or form entice, solicit or induce, or attempt to entice, solicit or induce, any employee, consultant, or independent contractor of Hallmark employed or engaged by Hallmark during the twenty- four (24) month period prior to the date of Employee’s termination, to terminate his/her/its relationship with Hallmark for any reason whatsoever, without the prior approval of the company. Employee agrees not to directly or indirectly on behalf of or for the benefit of a third party solicit for employment, offer employment to, engage the services of or knowingly interfere with the employment of any officers, directors, or employees of Hallmark or its subsidiaries or affiliates. However, nothing contained in this paragraph shall prohibit a terminated employee from utilizing services performed by a vendor or consultant merely because such vendor or consultant also provides services to Hallmark or its subsidiaries or affiliates or prohibit the hiring of any Hallmark employee who responds to a general advertisement/employment solicitation made by the terminated employee or his/her then current employer addressed to the public at large and not expressly or impliedly directed to employees of Hallmark, its subsidiaries or affiliates.

(c)     Prohibited solicitation under this Agreement includes but is not limited to:

• solicitations via personal devices, such as cell phones and computers;

• solicitations via any social media, including, but not limited to, Linkedln, Facebook, and Twitter.

(d)     The twelve (12) and twenty-four (24) month restrictive periods shall be tolled for the period of time that Employee had already been engaging in the prohibited conduct described herein after termination of employment. The Parties intend that Hallmarkshall be entitled to a full restrictive period of post-employment conduct that does not breach this Agreement.

(e)     "Goodwill" means the result of Hallmark's efforts, the efforts of Hallmark and a supplier, customer, producer, or any other type of business relationship, and/or the Employee's efforts on behalf of Hallmark and/or a current or prospective customer, distributor, vendor, supplier, producer, or any other type of business relationship, to develop and enhance Hallmark's reputation in the industry, its business relationships, and other related business contacts. Because of the competitive nature of Hallmark's business and Hallmark's repeat transactions with many customers, distributors, vendors, suppliers, etc., the parties agree that Hallmark's Goodwill is critical to ensuring Hallmark's survival and success and such Goodwill constitutes a valuable asset belonging to Hallmark, regardless of whether such asset was produced by the Employee's own efforts or the efforts of other employees of Hallmark.

4.          Specific Performance. Employee acknowledges that a breach of this Agreement will cause irreparable injury to Hallmark, that Hallmark's remedies at law will be inadequate in case of any such breach or threatened breach, and that Hallmark will be entitled to preliminary injunctive relief and other injunctive relief in case of any such breach or threatened breach.

3

5.          Waivers. The waiver by Hallmark or the Employee of any action, right or condition in this Agreement, or of any breach of a provision of this Agreement, shall not constitute a waiver of any other occurrences of the same event.

6.          Survival, Binding Effect.The provisions of this Agreement shall survive the termination of the Employee’s employment relationship with Hallmark and/or the assignment of this Agreement by Hallmark to any successor in interest or other assignee, provided however, that in the event that Employee’s employment is terminated by Hallmark without cause, Section 3. Prohibited Post-employment Solicitation, shall not survive.

7.          Without Cause Termination of Employment by Hallmark:In the event of Employee’s termination from employment by Hallmark without cause Employee will be offered a Severance Agreement and General Release containing terms and conditions under which Employee would be eligible to receive a severance package, with a minimum severance payment of six months of base salary.

8.          Assignability by Hallmark. This Agreement is assignable by Hallmark and inures to the benefit of Hallmark, its subsidiaries, affiliated corporations, successors and assignees. This Agreement, being personal, is not assignable by the Employee.

9.          Severability. The covenants of this Agreement are intended to be separable, and the expressions used there in are intended to refer to divisible entities. Accordingly, the invalidity of all or any part of any section of this Agreement shall not render invalid the remainder of this Agreement or of such section. If, in any judicial proceeding, any provision of this Agreement is found to be so broad as to be unenforceable, it is hereby agreed that such provision shall be interpreted to be only so broad as to be enforceable.

10.         Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas governing a contract made and wholly performed within the State of Texas.

11.         Consent To Jurisdiction.The parties will consent to and will submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal and state courts sitting in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas for all purposes relating to the validity, interpretation or enforcement of this Agreement, including, without limitation, any application for injunctive relief.

12.         Covenant Not To Sue Outside Of Texas.Employee hereby agrees that he/she will neither commence or prosecute, nor assist in any way another person or entity to commence or prosecute, any legal action or other proceeding (including but not limited to a declaratory judgment action) against Hallmark concerning a dispute arising from or relating to this Agreement in any forum or jurisdiction other than the state and federal courts in the State of Texas. Employee further agrees that, in the event he/she disregards this clause, Hallmark shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys' fees and other costs incurred in staying, transferring, dismissing or otherwise defending such out-of-state action or proceeding, regardless of whether such fees and costs are incurred in the forum where Employee commenced the action or in a Texas forum, and without regard to whether Hallmark prevails in its efforts to enforce this covenant.

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13.         Entire Agreement, Amendments.This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties with respect to its subject matter, supersedes any prior communication or understanding with respect thereto, and no modification or waiver of any provision hereof shall be valid unless made in writing and signed by all of the parties hereto.

14.         Return of Hallmark Property and Confidential Information Upon Termination of Employment.The Employee agrees, upon termination of his/her employment for any reason, to deliver the following to Hallmark promptly and without waiting for a request from Hallmark: all files, books, documents, computer disks or tapes, computers, phones, PDAs, keys, security passes, credit cards, and any other property prepared by or on behalf of Hallmark or otherwise provided or paid for by Hallmark; all Confidential Information in Employee's possession, and any copies thereof. The Employee further agrees to refrain from making, retaining or distributing copies of any such property or Confidential Information. To the extent that Employee has any data belonging to Hallmark on any storage media owned or otherwise used by Employee (for example, a personal computer's hard disk drive, portable data storage device, etc.), Employee agrees that immediately upon termination to provide Hallmark with a copy of the data and then permanently purge such computer (or other storage media) of the data. Employee agrees to provide written or other positive confirmation of the removal or return of such data from any personal storage media upon Hallmark’s written request for such confirmation.

15.         This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be treated as an original.

The parties have duly executed this Confidentiality and Non-Solicitation Agreement effective as of the __________day of ________2015.

Employee:	Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.
By:	By:

5

EX-21

Exhibit 21

Subsidiaries of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.

Name of Subsidiary		Jurisdiction of Incorporation
o	Aerospace Claims Management Group, Inc.*	Texas
o	Aerospace Flight, Inc.*	Texas
o	Aerospace Holdings, LLC*	Texas
o	Aerospace Insurance Managers, Inc.*	Texas
o	Aerospace Special Risk, Inc.*	Texas
o	American Hallmark General Agency, Inc.	Texas
	(d/b/a Hallmark Insurance Company)
o	American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas*	Texas
o	American Hallmark Insurance Services, Inc.*	Texas
o	CYR Insurance Management Company*	Texas
o	Effective Claims Management, Inc.*	Texas
o	Hallmark Claims Service, Inc.	Texas
	(d/b/a Hallmark Insurance Company)
o	Hallmark County Mutual Insurance Company*	Texas
	(controlled through a management agreement)
o	Hallmark Finance Corporation*	Texas
o	Hallmark Insurance Company*	Arizona
o	Hallmark National Insurance Company*	Arizona
o	Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company*	Oklahoma
o	Hardscrabble Data Solutions, LLC*	New Jersey
o	Heath XS, LLC*	New Jersey
o	Pan American Acceptance Corporation*	Texas
o	TBIC Holding Corporation, Inc.*	Texas
o	TBIC Risk Management, Inc.*	Texas
o	Texas Builders Insurance Company*	Texas
o	Hallmark Specialty Underwriters, Inc.*	Texas
o	TGA Special Risk, Inc.*	Texas

* Conducts business under its corporate name.

EX-23.A

Exhibit 23(a)

Consent Of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:   

(1) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-41220) pertaining to the Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. 1991 Key Employee Stock Option Plan, Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. 1994 Key Employee Long Term Incentive Plan and Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. 1994 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan;

(2) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-140000) pertaining to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan;

(3) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-160050) pertaining to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan;

(4) Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-171696) and related Prospectus pertaining to the registration of 3,274,830 shares of common stock; and

(5) Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-196613) and related Prospectus pertaining to the registration of $30,000,000 of senior unsecured debt securities;

of our reports dated March 10, 2016, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2015.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Fort Worth, Texas

March 10, 2016

EX-31.A

Exhibit 31(a)

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Naveen Anand, certify that:

1.    I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.;

2.    Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.    Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.    The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures [as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)] and internal control over financial reporting [as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)] for the Registrant and have:

a)          designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)          designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)          evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)          disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.    The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)          all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)          any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 10, 2016

/s/ Naveen Anand

Naveen Anand, Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.B

Exhibit 31(b)

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Jeffrey R. Passmore, certify that:

1.    I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.;

2.    Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.    Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.    The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures [as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)] and internal control over financial reporting [as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)] for the Registrant and have:

a)          designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)          designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)          evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)          disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.    The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)          all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)          any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 10, 2016

/s/ Jeffrey R. Passmore

Jeffrey R. Passmore, Chief Accounting Officer

EX-32.A

Exhibit 32(a)

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. § 1350

I, Naveen Anand, Chief Executive Officer of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. (the "Company"), hereby certify that the accompanying annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. I further certify that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: March 10, 2016

/s/ Naveen Anand

Naveen Anand,

Chief Executive Officer

EX-32.B

Exhibit 32(b)

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. § 1350

I, Jeffrey R. Passmore, Chief Accounting Officer of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. (the "Company"), hereby certify that the accompanying annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. I further certify that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: March 10, 2016

/s/ Jeffrey R. Passmore

Jeffrey R. Passmore,

Chief Accounting Officer

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Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 10, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000819913
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Trading Symbol	hall
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		19,007,727
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Entity Well-Known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 151.0

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
ASSETS
Debt securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost; $538,629 in 2015 and $450,770 in 2014)	$ 531,325	$ 450,785
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost; $24,951 in 2015 and $25,360 in 2014)	47,504	56,444
Total investments	578,829	507,229
Cash and cash equivalents	114,446	130,985
Restricted cash	8,522	11,914
Ceded unearned premiums	65,094	53,376
Premiums receivable	83,376	71,003
Accounts receivable	2,005	3,141
Receivable for securities	10,424	932
Reinsurance recoverable	114,287	109,719
Deferred policy acquisition costs	20,366	20,746
Goodwill	44,695	44,695
Intangible assets, net	14,959	17,427
Deferred federal income taxes, net	3,360
Federal income tax recoverable	1,779
Prepaid expenses	3,213	1,823
Other assets	11,245	7,879
Total assets	1,076,600	980,869
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Revolving credit facility payable	30,000
Subordinated debt securities	56,702	56,702
Reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	450,878	415,135
Unearned premiums	216,407	196,826
Reinsurance balances payable	33,741	26,403
Pension liability	2,496	2,619
Payable for securities	1,097	1,321
Federal income tax payable		968
Deferred federal income taxes, net		3,092
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses	23,253	25,766
Total liabilities	814,574	728,832
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $.18 par value, authorized 33,333,333 shares; issued 20,872,831 shares in 2015 and 2014	3,757	3,757
Additional paid-in capital	123,480	123,194
Retained earnings	141,501	119,638
Accumulated other comprehensive income	7,418	17,801
Treasury stock (1,775,512 shares in 2015 and 1,655,306 in 2014), at cost	(14,130)	(12,353)
Total stockholders equity	262,026	252,037
Liabilities and equity, total	$ 1,076,600	$ 980,869

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical [Abstract]
Debt securities, available-for-sale, cost (in dollars)	$ 538,629	$ 450,770
Equity securities, available for sale, cost (in dollars)	$ 24,951	$ 25,360
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.18
Common stock, authorized shares	33,333,333	33,333,333
Common stock, issued shares	20,872,831	20,872,831
Treasury stock, shares	1,775,512	1,655,306

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Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Gross premiums written	$ 514,223	$ 473,218	$ 460,027
Ceded premiums written	(157,279)	(148,866)	(99,262)
Net premiums written	356,944	324,352	360,765
Change in unearned premiums	(7,863)	(3,135)	(224)
Net premiums earned	349,081	321,217	360,541
Investment income (loss), net of expenses	13,969	12,383	12,884
Net realized gains	2,503	134	10,540
Finance charges	5,952	5,279	5,830
Fees and Commissions	213	(1,694)	(487)
Other income	684	47	120
Total revenues	372,402	337,366	389,428
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	230,149	210,055	261,345
Operating expenses	103,993	101,427	109,289
Interest expense	3,906	4,576	4,599
Amortization of intangible assets	2,468	2,526	3,115
Total expenses	340,516	318,584	378,348
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiaries and income tax benefit	31,886	18,782	11,080
Income tax expense (benefit)	10,023	5,353	2,835
Net income (loss)	21,863	13,429	8,245
Net income (loss) attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.	$ 21,863	$ 13,429	$ 8,245
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. common stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.14	$ 0.70	$ 0.43
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.13	$ 0.69	$ 0.43

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 21,863	$ 13,429	$ 8,245
Other comprehensive income:
Change in net actuarial gain (loss)	43	(1,723)	2,268
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain (loss)	(15)	603	(794)
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period	(10,191)	3,543	22,094
Tax effect on unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period	3,567	(1,240)	(7,733)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains	(5,826)	(408)	(10,540)
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense	2,039	143	3,689
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(10,383)	918	8,984
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 11,480	$ 14,347	$ 17,229

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Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 3,757	$ 122,475	$ 97,964	$ 7,899	$ 11,558	$ 220,537
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	20,873,000				1,609,000
Equity incentive plan activity		352				352
Net income (loss)			8,245			8,245
Other comprehensive income, net of tax				8,984		8,984
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 3,757	122,827	106,209	16,883	$ (11,558)	238,118
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	20,873,000				1,609,000
Acquisition of treasury shares					$ (1,805)	(1,805)
Acquisition of treasury shares (in shares)					181,000
Equity incentive plan activity		222				222
Stock options exercised		145			$ 1,010	1,155
Stock options, exercised (in shares)					(135,000)
Net income (loss)			13,429			13,429
Other comprehensive income, net of tax				918		918
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 3,757	123,194	119,638	17,801	$ (12,353)	252,037
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	20,873,000				1,655,000
Acquisition of treasury shares					$ (2,532)	(2,532)
Acquisition of treasury shares (in shares)					221,000
Equity incentive plan activity		383				383
Stock options exercised		(97)			$ 755	$ 658
Stock options, exercised (in shares)					(100,000)	(91,827)
Net income (loss)			21,863			$ 21,863
Other comprehensive income, net of tax				(10,383)		(10,383)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 3,757	$ 123,480	$ 141,501	$ 7,418	$ (14,130)	$ 262,026
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015	20,873,000				1,776,000

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 21,863	$ 13,429	$ 8,245
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense	3,516	3,224	4,300
Deferred federal income taxes	(1,030)	(393)	(257)
Net realized gains	(2,503)	(134)	(10,540)
Share-based payments expense	383	222	352
Change in ceded unearned premiums	(11,718)	(8,388)	(22,577)
Change in premiums receivable	(12,373)	154	(4,474)
Change in accounts receivable	1,136	(759)	728
Change in deferred policy acquisition costs	380	1,840	2,325
Change in unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	35,743	32,495	69,224
Change in unearned premiums	19,581	11,523	22,801
Change in reinsurance recoverable	(4,568)	(32,901)	(24,848)
Change in reinsurance balances payable	7,338	5,805	13,268
Change in current federal income tax (recoverable) payable	(2,747)	249	(799)
Change in all other liabilities	(1,420)	7,946	(6,551)
Change in all other assets	(645)	(628)	17,141
Net cash provided by operating activities	52,936	33,684	68,338
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment, net	(3,608)	(546)	(673)
Net transfers from (into) restricted cash	3,392	276	(3,483)
Purchases of investment securities	(265,482)	(188,749)	(222,399)
Maturities, sales and redemptions of investment securities	169,409	146,777	214,738
Net cash used in investing activities	(96,289)	(42,242)	(11,817)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Activity under revolving credit facility, net	30,000	(1,473)
Payment of debt issuance costs	(96)
Payment of contingent consideration	(1,216)
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options	658	1,155
Purchase of treasury shares	(2,532)	(1,805)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	26,814	(2,123)
(Decrease) Increase in cash and cash equivalents	(16,539)	(10,681)	56,521
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	130,985	141,666	85,145
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	114,446	130,985	141,666
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	3,906	4,576	4,599
Income taxes paid	13,800	5,497	3,891
Supplemental schedule of non-cash activities:
Change in receivable for securities related to investment disposals that settled after the balance sheet date	(9,492)	388	(1,317)
Change in payable for securities related to investment purchases that settled after the balance sheet date	$ (224)	$ 1,115	$ 206

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Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Accounting Policies

1. Accounting Policies:

General

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. (“Hallmark” and, together with subsidiaries, the “Company”, “we,” “us” or “our”) is an insurance holding company engaged in the sale of property/casualty insurance products to businesses and individuals. Our business involves marketing, distributing, underwriting and servicing our insurance products, as well as providing other insurance related services.

We market, distribute, underwrite and service our property/casualty insurance products primarily through subsidiaries whose operations are organized into product-specific operating units that are supported by our insurance company subsidiaries. Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit handles commercial insurance products and services and is comprised of American Hallmark Insurance Services, Inc. (“American Hallmark Insurance Services”) and Effective Claims Management, Inc. (“ECM”). Our Workers Compensation operating unit specializes in small and middle market workers compensation business and is comprised of TBIC Holding Corporation, Inc. (“TBIC Holding”), Texas Builders Insurance Company (“TBIC”) and TBIC Risk Management (“TBICRM”). Effective July 1, 2015, this operating unit no longer markets or retains any risk on new or renewal policies. Our MGA Commercial Products operating unit handles primarily commercial insurance products and services and is comprised of Hallmark Specialty Underwriters, Inc. (“HSU”), Pan American Acceptance Corporation (“PAAC”) and TGA Special Risk, Inc. (“TGASRI”). Our Specialty Commercial operating unit offers (i) general aviation insurance products and services, (ii) low and middle market commercial umbrella and excess liability insurance, (iii) medical professional liability insurance products and services, (iv) satellite launch insurance products, and (v) primary/excess commercial property coverages for both catastrophe and non-catastrophe exposures. Our Specialty Commercial operating unit is comprised of Aerospace Insurance Managers, Inc. (“Aerospace Insurance Managers”), Aerospace Special Risk, Inc. (“ASRI”), Aerospace Claims Management Group, Inc. (“ACMG”), Heath XS, LLC (“HXS”) and Hardscrabble Data Solutions, LLC (“HDS”).  Our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit handles personal insurance products and services and is comprised of American Hallmark General Agency, Inc. (“AHGA”) and Hallmark Claims Services, Inc. (“HCS”). Our insurance company subsidiaries supporting these operating units are American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas (“AHIC”), Hallmark Insurance Company (“HIC”), Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company (“HSIC”), Hallmark County Mutual Insurance Company (“HCM”), Hallmark National Insurance Company (“HNIC”) and TBIC.

These operating units are segregated into three reportable industry segments for financial accounting purposes. The Standard Commercial Segment includes our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit and our Workers Compensation operating unit. The Specialty Commercial Segment includes our MGA Commercial Products operating unit and our Specialty Commercial operating unit, as well as certain specialty risk programs (“Specialty Programs”) which are managed at the parent level. The Personal Segment consists solely of our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of Hallmark and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) which, as to our insurance company subsidiaries, differ from statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted for insurance companies by insurance regulatory authorities.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

Our preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and our reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Since future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment may be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value estimates are made at a point in time, based on relevant market data as well as the best information available about the financial instruments. Fair value estimates for financial instruments for which no or limited observable market data is available are based on judgments regarding current economic conditions, credit and interest rate risk. These estimates involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision. As a result, such calculated fair value estimates may not be realizable in a current sale or immediate settlement of the instrument. In addition, changes in the underlying assumptions used in the fair value measurement technique, including discount rate and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect these fair value estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for these instruments approximate their fair values.

Restricted Cash: The carrying amount for restricted cash reported in the balance sheet approximates the fair value.

Revolving Credit Facility Payable: The carrying value of our bank revolving credit facility approximates the fair value based on the current interest rate.

Subordinated debt securities: Our trust preferred securities are reported at carry value of $56.7 million and $56.7 million, and have a fair value of $45.3 million and $47.6 million, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The fair value of our trust preferred securities is based on discounted cash flows using current yields to maturity of 8.0% and 8.0% as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which are based on similar issues to discount future cash flows and would be included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy if they were reported at fair value.

For reinsurance balances, premiums receivable, federal income tax payable, other assets and other liabilities, the carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of such financial instruments.

Investments

Debt and equity securities available for sale are reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are recorded as a component of stockholders’ equity, net of related tax effects. Equity securities that are determined to have other-than-temporary impairment are recognized as a loss on investments in the consolidated statements of operations. Debt securities that are determined to have other-than-temporary impairment are recognized as a loss on investments in the consolidated statements of operations for the portion that is related to credit deterioration with the remaining portion recognized in other comprehensive income. Debt security premiums and discounts are amortized into earnings using the effective interest method. Maturities of debt securities and sales of equity securities are recorded in receivable for securities until the cash is settled. Purchases of debt and equity securities are recorded in payable for securities until the cash is settled.

Realized investment gains and losses are recognized in operations on the specific identification method.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash

We collect premiums from customers and, after deducting authorized commissions, remit these premiums to the Company’s consolidated insurance subsidiaries. Unremitted insurance premiums are held in a fiduciary capacity until disbursed to the Company’s consolidated insurance subsidiaries.

Premiums Receivable

Premiums receivable represent amounts due from policyholders or independent agents for premiums written and uncollected. These balances are carried at net realizable value.

Reinsurance

We are routinely involved in reinsurance transactions with other companies. Reinsurance premiums, losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) are accounted for on bases consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. (See Note 7.)

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Policy acquisition costs (mainly commission, underwriting and marketing expenses) that are directly related to the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts are deferred and charged to operations over periods in which the related premiums are earned. The method followed in computing deferred policy acquisition costs limits the amount of such deferred costs to their estimated realizable value. In determining estimated realizable value, the computation gives effect to the premium to be earned, expected investment income, losses and LAE and certain other costs expected to be incurred as the premiums are earned. If the computation results in an estimated net realizable value less than zero, a liability will be accrued for the premium deficiency. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, we deferred $32.3 million, $39.1 million and $55.0 million of policy acquisition costs and amortized $32.7 million, $40.9 million and $57.3 million of deferred policy acquisition costs, respectively. Therefore, the net (amortization) deferrals of policy acquisition costs were ($0.4) million, ($1.8) million and ($2.3) million for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Business Combinations

We account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, “Business Combinations.” The base cash purchase price plus the estimated fair value of any non-cash or contingent consideration given for an acquired business is allocated to the assets acquired (including identified intangible assets) and liabilities assumed based on the estimated fair values of such assets and liabilities. The excess of the fair value of the total consideration given for an acquired business over the aggregate net fair values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. Contingent consideration is recognized as a liability at fair value as of the acquisition date with subsequent fair value adjustments recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. The valuation of contingent consideration requires assumptions regarding anticipated cash flows, probabilities of cash flows, discount rates and other factors. Significant judgment is employed in determining the propriety of these assumptions as of the acquisition date and for each subsequent period. Accordingly, future business and economic conditions, as well as changes in any of the assumptions, can materially impact the amount of contingent consideration expense we record in any given period. Indirect and general expenses related to business combinations are expensed as incurred.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net

We account for our goodwill and intangible assets according to ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.” ASC 350 (1) prohibits the amortization of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, (2) requires testing of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets on an annual basis for impairment (and more frequently if the occurrence of an event or circumstance indicates an impairment), (3) requires testing of definite-lived intangible assets if the occurrence of an event or circumstances indicates an impairment, (4) requires that reporting units be identified for the purpose of assessing potential future impairments of goodwill, and (5) removes the forty-year limitation on the amortization period of intangible assets that have finite lives.  We have elected to perform our goodwill impairment test on the first day of the fourth quarter, October 1, of each year.

Leases

We have several leases, primarily for office facilities and computer equipment, which expire in various years through 2022. Some of these leases include rent escalation provisions throughout the term of the lease. We expense the average annual cost of the lease with the difference to the actual rent invoices recorded as deferred rent which is classified in accounts payable and other accrued expenses on our consolidated balance sheets.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment (including leasehold improvements), aggregating $17.9 million and $14.8 million, at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which is included in other assets, is recorded at cost and is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets (three to ten years). Depreciation expense for 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $1.0 million, $0.7 million and $1.2 million, respectively. Accumulated depreciation was $13.7 million and $13.2 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Variable Interest Entities

On June 21, 2005, we formed Hallmark Statutory Trust I (“Trust I”), an unconsolidated trust subsidiary, for the sole purpose of issuing $30.0 million in trust preferred securities. Trust I used the proceeds from the sale of these securities and our initial capital contribution to purchase $30.9 million of subordinated debt securities from Hallmark. The debt securities are the sole assets of Trust I, and the payments under the debt securities are the sole revenues of Trust I.

On August 23, 2007, we formed Hallmark Statutory Trust II (“Trust II”), an unconsolidated trust subsidiary, for the sole purpose of issuing $25.0 million in trust preferred securities. Trust II used the proceeds from the sale of these securities and our initial capital contribution to purchase $25.8 million of subordinated debt securities from Hallmark. The debt securities are the sole assets of Trust II, and the payments under the debt securities are the sole revenues of Trust II.

We evaluate on an ongoing basis our investments in Trust I and Trust II (collectively, (the “Trusts”)) and we do not have variable interests in the Trusts. Therefore, the Trusts are not consolidated in our consolidated financial statements.

We are also involved in the normal course of business with variable interest entities primarily as a passive investor in mortgage-backed securities and certain collateralized corporate bank loans issued by third party variable interest entities. The maximum exposure to loss with respect to these investments is limited to the investment carrying values included in the consolidated balance sheets.

Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Losses and LAE represent the estimated ultimate net cost of all reported and unreported losses incurred through December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. The reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are estimated using individual case-basis valuations and statistical analyses. These estimates are subject to the effects of trends in loss severity and frequency. Although considerable variability is inherent in such estimates, we believe that the reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are adequate. The estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as experience develops or new information becomes known. Such adjustments are included in current operations.

Recognition of Premium Revenues

Insurance premiums are earned pro rata over the terms of the policies. Insurance policy fees are earned as of the effective date of the policy. Upon cancellation, any unearned premium is refunded to the insured. Insurance premiums written include gross policy fees of $11.2 million, $11.5 million and $13.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Insurance premiums on monthly reporting workers’ compensation policies are earned on the conclusion of the monthly coverage period. Deposit premiums for workers’ compensation policies are earned upon the expiration of the policy.

Finance Charges

We receive premium installment fees for each direct bill payment from policyholders. Installment fee income is classified as finance charges on the consolidated statement of operations and is recognized as the fee is invoiced.

Relationship with Third Party Insurers

Through December 31, 2005, our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit marketed policies on behalf of Clarendon National Insurance Company (“Clarendon”), a third-party insurer. Through December 31, 2008, all business of our MGA Commercial Products operating unit was produced under a fronting agreement with member companies of the Republic Group (“Republic”), a third-party insurer. These insurance contracts on third party paper are accounted for under agency accounting. Ceding commissions and other fees received under these arrangements were classified as unearned commission revenue until earned pro rata over the terms of the policies.

Profit sharing commission is calculated and recognized when the loss ratio, as determined by a qualified actuary, deviates from contractual targets. We received a provisional commission as policies were produced as an advance against the later determination of the profit sharing commission actually earned. The profit sharing commission is an estimate that varies with the estimated loss ratio and is sensitive to changes in that estimate.   Profit share commission is classified as commissions and fees on the consolidated statement of operations

The following table details the profit sharing commission provisional loss ratio compared to the estimated ultimate loss ratio for each effective quota share treaty between the Standard Commercial P&C operating unit and Clarendon.

	Treaty Effective Dates
	7/1/2001	7/1/2002	7/1/2003	7/1/2004
Provisional loss ratio	60.0%	59.0%	59.0%	64.2%
Estimated ultimate loss ratio recorded at December 31, 2015	63.5%	64.5%	61.6%	66.1%

As of December 31, 2015, we had a payable of $1.7million on these profit share treaties. The payable or receivable is the difference between the cash received to date and the recognized commission revenue based on the estimated ultimate loss ratio.

The following table details the profit sharing commission revenue provisional loss ratio compared to the estimated ultimate loss ratio for the effective quota share treaty between the MGA Commercial Products operating unit and Republic.

	Treaty Effective Dates
	1/1/2006	1/1/2007	1/1/2008
Provisional loss ratio	65.0%	65.0%	65.0%
Estimated ultimate loss ratio recorded at December 31, 2015	58.8%	64.0%	59.7%

As of December 31, 2015, we had a net payable of $0.3 million on these profit share treaties.  The payable or receivable is the difference between the cash received to date and the recognized commission revenue based on the estimated ultimate loss ratio.

Agent Commissions

We pay monthly commissions to agents based on written premium produced, but generally recognize the expense pro rata over the term of the policy. If the policy is cancelled prior to its expiration, the unearned portion of the agent commission is refundable to us. The unearned portion of commissions paid to agents is included in deferred policy acquisition costs. We annually pay a profit sharing commission to our independent agency force based upon the results of the business produced by each agent. We estimate and accrue this liability to commission expense in the year the business is produced.

Commission expense is classified as other operating expenses in the consolidated statement of operations.

Income Taxes

We file a consolidated federal income tax return. Deferred federal income taxes reflect the future tax consequences of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year end. Deferred taxes are recognized using the liability method, whereby tax rates are applied to cumulative temporary differences based on when and how they are expected to affect the tax return. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for tax rate changes in effect for the year in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

Earnings Per Share

The computation of earnings per share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the effect of common shares potentially issuable (in periods in which they have a dilutive effect), primarily from stock options. (See Notes 11 and 13.)

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance which revises the criteria for revenue recognition. Insurance contracts are excluded from the scope of the new guidance. Under the guidance, the transaction price is attributed to underlying performance obligations in the contract and revenue is recognized as the entity satisfies the performance obligations and transfers control of a good or service to the customer. Incremental costs of obtaining a contract may be capitalized to the extent the entity expects to recover those costs. The guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is to be applied retrospectively. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption, which is not expected to be material to our results of operations or financial position.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, "Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis" (Topic 810). ASU 2015-02 changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether entities should be consolidated if they are deemed variable interest entities. It is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. We have adopted this standard as of the effective date, and the adoption did not impact our financial statements.

In May 2015, the FASB issued guidance which requires additional disclosures about short-duration contracts for products in effect for typically a year or less. The disclosures will focus on the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption, which is not expected to be material to our results of operationsor financial position.

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Investments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Investments [Abstract]

Investments

                                  2.                                     Investments:

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments in debt and equity securities by category is as follows (in thousands):

As of December 31, 2015	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government	$	76,323	$	7	$	(61)	$	76,269
Corporate bonds		122,894		637		(1,822)		121,709
Collateralized corporate bank loans		83,434		44		(1,882)		81,596
Municipal bonds		196,446		1,888		(5,966)		192,368
Mortgage-backed		59,532		155		(304)		59,383
Total debt securities		538,629		2,731		(10,035)		531,325
Total equity securities		24,951		23,391		(838)		47,504
Total debt and equity securities	$	563,580	$	26,122	$	(10,873)	$	578,829
As of December 31, 2014
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government	$	93,280	$	29	$	(4)	$	93,305
Corporate bonds		28,643		884		(85)		29,442
Collateralized corporate bank loans		115,358		206		(1,915)		113,649
Municipal bonds		161,546		2,384		(1,601)		162,329
Mortgage-backed		51,943		487		(370)		52,060
Total debt securities		450,770		3,990		(3,975)		450,785
Total equity securities		25,360		31,086		(2)		56,444
Total debt and equity securities	$	476,130	$	35,076	$	(3,977)	$	507,229

Major categories of net investment income are summarized as follows (in thousands):

	Twelve Months Ended December 31
	2015		2014		2013
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government	$	670	$	395	$	143
Corporate bonds		1,435		1,378		2,341
Collateralized corporate bank loans		4,727		4,400		4,653
Municipal bonds		5,901		5,232		5,245
Mortgage-backed		1,288		995		737
Equity securities		673		509		484
Cash and cash equivalents		148		230		157
		14,842		13,139		13,760
Investment expenses		(873)		(756)		(876)
Investment income, net of expenses	$	13,969	$	12,383	$	12,884

No investments in any entity or its affiliates exceeded 10% of stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2015 or 2014.

Major categories of net realized gains on investments are summarized as follows (in thousands):

	Twelve Months Ended December 31
	2015		2014		2013
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government	$	-	$	-	$	-
Corporate bonds		-		263		853
Collateralized corporate bank loans		126		109		373
Municipal bonds		(83)		(140)		(156)
Mortgage-backed		240		32		-
Equity securities		5,543		144		9,470
Gain on investments		5,826		408		10,540
Other-than-temporary impairments		(3,323)		(274)		-
Net realized gains	$	2,503	$	134	$	10,540

We realized gross gains on investments of $6.7 million,  $0.6 million, and $10.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We realized gross losses on investments of $0.9million, $0.2 million and $0.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We recorded proceeds from the sale of investment securities of $51.7 million, $15.3 million and $33.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Realized investment gains and losses are recognized in operations on the specific identification method.

The following schedules summarize the gross unrealized losses showing the length of time that investments have been continuously in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):

	As of December 31, 2015
	12 months or less				Longer than 12 months				Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government	$	41,428	$	(61)	$	-	$	-	$	41,428	$	(61)
Corporate bonds		96,475		(1,822)		-		-		96,475		(1,822)
Collateralized corporate bank loans		65,868		(1,758)		3,532		(124)		69,400		(1,882)
Municipal bonds		44,525		(488)		25,310		(5,478)		69,835		(5,966)
Mortgage-backed		36,251		(302)		48		(2)		36,299		(304)
Total debt securities		284,547		(4,431)		28,890		(5,604)		313,437		(10,035)
Total equity securities		6,584		(838)		-		-		6,584		(838)
Total debt and equity securities	$	291,131	$	(5,269)	$	28,890	$	(5,604)	$	320,021	$	(10,873)

	As of December 31, 2014
	12 months or less				Longer than 12 months				Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government	$	15,005	$	(4)	$	-	$	-	$	15,005	$	(4)
Corporate bonds		7,552		(85)		-		-		7,552		(85)
Collateralized corporate bank loans		64,712		(824)		8,898		(1,091)		73,610		(1,915)
Municipal bonds		50,546		(945)		15,684		(656)		66,230		(1,601)
Mortgage-backed		20,469		(365)		2,966		(5)		23,435		(370)
Total debt securities		158,284		(2,223)		27,548		(1,752)		185,832		(3,975)
Total equity securities		129		(2)		-		-		129		(2)
Total debt and equity securities	$	158,413	$	(2,225)	$	27,548	$	(1,752)	$	185,961	$	(3,977)

At December 31, 2015, the gross unrealized losses more than twelve months old were attributable to 39 debt security positions. At December 31, 2014, the gross unrealized losses more than twelve months old were attributable to 24 debt security positions. We consider these losses as a temporary decline in value as they are predominately on bonds that we do not intend to sell and do not believe we will be required to sell prior to recovery of our amortized cost basis. We see no other indications that the decline in values of these securities is other-than-temporary.

Based on evidence gathered through our normal credit evaluation process, we presently expect that all debt securities held in our investment portfolio will be paid in accordance with their contractual terms. Nonetheless, it is at least reasonably possible that the performance of certain issuers of these debt securities will be worse than currently expected resulting in future write-downs within our portfolio of debt securities.

Also, as a result of the challenging market conditions, we expect the volatility in the valuation of our equity securities to continue in the foreseeable future. This volatility may lead to impairments on our equity securities portfolio or changes regarding retention strategies for certain equity securities.

We complete a detailed analysis each quarter to assess whether any decline in the fair value of any investment below cost is deemed other-than-temporary. All securities with an unrealized loss are reviewed. We recognize an impairment loss when an investment's value declines below cost, adjusted for accretion, amortization and previous other-than-temporary impairments and it is determined that the decline is other-than-temporary. We recognized other-than-temporary losses on our debt securities portfolio of $3.3 million during 2015.

Debt Investments: We assess whether we intend to sell, or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell, a fixed maturity investment before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current period credit losses. For fixed maturity investments that are considered other-than-temporarily impaired and that we do not intend to sell and will not be required to sell, we separate the amount of the impairment into the amount that is credit related (credit loss component) and the amount due to all other factors. The credit loss component is recognized in earnings and is the difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and the present value of its expected future cash flows. The remaining difference between the investment’s fair value and the present value of future expected cash flows is recognized in other comprehensive income.

Equity Investments: Some of the factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in fair value for an equity investment is other-than-temporary include: (1) our ability and intent to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in value; (2) the recoverability of cost; (3) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost; and (4) the financial condition and near-term and long-term prospects for the issuer, including the relevant industry conditions and trends, and implications of rating agency actions and offering prices. When it is determined that an equity investment is other-than-temporarily impaired, the security is written down to fair value, and the amount of the impairment is included in earnings as a realized investment loss. The fair value then becomes the new cost basis of the investment, and any subsequent recoveries in fair value are recognized at disposition. We recognize a realized loss when impairment is deemed to be other-than-temporary even if a decision to sell an equity investment has not been made. When we decide to sell a temporarily impaired available-for-sale equity investment and we do not expect the fair value of the equity investment to fully recover prior to the expected time of sale, the investment is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired in the period in which the decision to sell is made.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at December 31, 2015 by contractual maturity are as follows. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties.

	Amortized Cost			Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Due in one year or less	$	76,739	$	76,560
Due after one year through five years		236,507		234,213
Due after five years through ten years		106,046		101,387
Due after ten years		59,805		59,782
Mortgage-backed		59,532		59,383
	$	538,629	$	531,325

We have certain of our securities pledged for the benefit of various state insurance departments and reinsurers. These securities are included with our available-for-sale debt securities because we have the ability to trade these securities. We retain the interest earned on these securities. These securities had a carrying value of $17.6 million at December 31, 2015 and a carrying value of $20.3 million at December 31, 2014.

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Fair Value

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Fair Value [Abstract]

Fair Value

3. Fair Value:

ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. ASC 820, among other things, requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. In addition, ASC 820 precludes the use of block discounts when measuring the fair value of instruments traded in an active market, which were previously applied to large holdings of publicly traded equity securities.

We determine the fair value of our financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in ASC 820. In accordance with ASC 820, we utilize the following fair value hierarchy:

 Level 1: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets;

 Level 2: inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, inputs of identical assets for less active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the instrument; and

 Level 3: inputs to the valuation methodology that are unobservable for the asset or liability.

This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available.

Under ASC 820, we determine fair value based on the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. It is our policy to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements, in accordance with the fair value hierarchy described above. Fair value measurements for assets and liabilities where there exists limited or no observable market data are calculated based upon our pricing policy, the economic and competitive environment, the characteristics of the asset or liability and other factors as appropriate. These estimated fair values may not be realized upon actual sale or immediate settlement of the asset or liability.

Where quoted prices are available on active exchanges for identical instruments, investment securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 investment securities include common and preferred stock.

Level 2 investment securities include corporate bonds, collateralized corporate bank loans, municipal bonds, U.S. Treasury securities, other obligations of the U.S. Government and mortgage-backed securities for which quoted prices are not available on active exchanges for identical instruments. We use third party pricing services to determine fair values for each Level 2 investment security in all asset classes. Since quoted prices in active markets for identical assets are not available, these prices are determined using observable market information such as quotes from less active markets and/or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, among other things. We have reviewed the processes used by the pricing services and have determined that they result in fair values consistent with the requirements of ASC 820 for Level 2 investment securities. We have not adjusted any prices received from third party pricing services. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 securities.

In cases where there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to the valuation, investment securities are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 3 investments are valued based on the best available data in order to approximate fair value. This data may be internally developed and consider risk premiums that a market participant would require. Investment securities classified within Level 3 include other less liquid investment securities.

The following table presents for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, our assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands).

	As of December 31, 2015
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government	$	-	$	76,269	$	-	$	76,269
Corporate bonds		-		121,709		-		121,709
Collateralized corporate bank loans		-		81,596		-		81,596
Municipal bonds		-		178,281		14,087		192,368
Mortgage-backed		-		59,383		-		59,383
Total debt securities		-		517,238		14,087		531,325
Total equity securities		47,504		-		-		47,504
Total debt and equity securities	$	47,504	$	517,238	$	14,087	$	578,829

	As of December 31, 2014
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government	$	-	$	93,305	$	-	$	93,305
Corporate bonds		-		29,442		-		29,442
Collateralized corporate bank loans		-		113,402		247		113,649
Municipal bonds		-		147,978		14,351		162,329
Mortgage-backed		-		52,060		-		52,060
Total debt securities		-		436,187		14,598		450,785
Total equity securities		56,444		-		-		56,444
Total debt and equity securities	$	56,444	$	436,187	$	14,598	$	507,229

Due to significant unobservable inputs into the valuation model for certain municipal bonds in illiquid markets, we classified these as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. We used an income approach in order to derive an estimated fair value of the municipal bonds classified as Level 3, which included inputs such as expected holding period, benchmark swap rate, benchmark discount rate and a discount rate premium for illiquidity. Significant changes in the unobservable inputs in the fair value measurement of our municipal bonds could result in a significant change in the fair value measurement.

The following table summarizes the changes in fair value for all financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands).

	2015		2014
Beginning balance as of January 1	$	14,598	$	17,517
Sales		(370)		(3,490)
Settlements		-		-
Purchases		-		-
Issuances		-		-
Total realized/unrealized gains included in net income		-		-
Net (losses) gains included in other comprehensive income		(141)		571
Transfers into Level 3		-		-
Transfers out of Level 3		-		-
Ending balance as of December 31	$	14,087	$	14,598

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Acquisitions, Goodwill and Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Acquisitions, Goodwill and Intangible Assets

4. Acquisitions, Goodwill and Intangible Assets:

On June 30, 2015, Redpoint Comp Holdings LLC (“Purchaser”) acquired exclusive renewal rights to our current in-force Texas workers compensation policies, together with certain physical assets associated with the administration of such in-force policies. In consideration for such renewal rights and physical assets, Purchaser assumed certain office lease obligations and offered employment to certain of our employees associated with the Workers Compensation operating unit. Purchaser also agreed to administer the run-off of all of our current workers compensation policies and claims for a period of three years. In connection with the transaction, we made a one-time payment to the Purchaser of $83,000. We also agreed not to compete in the workers compensation line of insurance in the State of Texas (with certain exceptions) until after the assumed office lease obligations expire on October 31, 2017. We recorded a gain of $0.2 million in Other Income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations on the sale of the renewal rights.

On September 15, 2015, we executed Amendment No. 1 to the sale agreement with the Purchaser. Pursuant to the Amendment, the Purchaser has agreed to pay us an additional $115,000 and administer the run-off of all of our workers compensation policies and claims in perpetuity or through final conclusion (rather than for three years as contemplated by the original agreement) in consideration of us assigning to Purchaser the commission on all unearned premiums on such policies as of July 1, 2015. We recorded an additional gain of $0.4 million in Other Income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a result of this Amendment No.1.

Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating segment or one level below an operating segment) on an annual basis (October 1) and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value.  For purposes of evaluating goodwill for impairment, we have determined that our reporting units are the same as our operating units except for the Specialty Commercial operating unit for which reporting units are at the component level (“one level below”). Our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 includes goodwill of acquired businesses of $44.7 million that is assigned to our operating units as follows: Standard Commercial P&C operating unit - $2.1 million; MGA Commercial Products operating unit - $19.8 million; Specialty Commercial operating unit- $17.4 million (comprised of $7.7 million for the primary/excess & umbrella component and $9.7 million for the general aviation and satellite component); and Specialty Personal Lines operating unit - $5.4 million. This amount has been recorded as a result of prior business acquisitions accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. Under ASC 350, “Intangibles- Goodwill and Other,” goodwill is tested for impairment annually. We completed our last annual test for impairment on the first day of the fourth quarter of 2015 and determined that there was no impairment.

The income approach to determining fair value computed the projections of the cash flows that the reporting unit was expected to generate converted into a present value equivalent through discounting. Significant assumptions in the income approach model included income projections, discount rates and terminal growth values. The income projections reflect an improved premium rate environment across most of our lines of business that continued throughout 2015. The income projections also included loss and LAE assumptions which reflected recent historical claim trends and the movement towards a more favorable pricing environment. The income projections also included assumptions for expense growth and investment yields which were based on business plans for each of our operating units. The discount rate was based on a risk free rate plus a beta adjusted equity risk premium and specific company risk premium. The assumptions were based on historical experience, expectations of future performance, expected market conditions and other factors requiring judgment and estimates. While we believe the assumptions used in these models were reasonable, the inherent uncertainty in predicting future performance and market conditions may change over time and influence the outcome of future testing.

During 2015, 2014, and 2013, we completed the first step prescribed by ASC 350 for testing for impairment and determined that there was no impairment.

We have obtained various intangible assets from several acquisitions since 2002. The table below details the gross and net carrying amounts of these assets by major category (in thousands):

	December 31
	2015		2014
Gross Carrying Amount:
Customer/agent relationships	$	32,177	$	32,177
Tradename		3,440		3,440
Management agreement		3,232		3,232
Non-compete & employment agreements		4,235		4,235
Insurance licenses		1,300		1,300
Total gross carrying amount		44,384		44,384
Accumulated Amortization:
Customer/agent relationships		(19,799)		(17,561)
Tradename		(2,159)		(1,929)
Management agreement		(3,232)		(3,232)
Non-compete & employment agreements		(4,235)		(4,235)
Total accumulated amortization		(29,425)		(26,957)
Total net carrying amount	$	14,959	$	17,427

Insurance licenses are not amortized because they have an indefinite life. We amortize definite-lived intangible assets straight line over their respective lives. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets for the next five years is as follows (in thousands):

2016	$	2,468
2017	$	2,468
2018	$	2,468
2019	$	2,468
2020	$	2,468

The weighted average amortization period for definite-lived intangible assets by major class is as follows:

	Years
Tradename	15
Customer/ agent relationships	15
Management agreement	4
Non-compete agreements	5

The aggregate weighted average period to amortize these assets is approximately 13 years.

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Other Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Other Assets [Abstract]

Other Assets

5.   Other Assets:

The following table details our other assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

	2015		2014
Profit sharing commission receivable	$	228	$	274
Accrued investment income		3,876		2,974
Debt issuance costs		1,145		1,104
Investment in unconsolidated trust subsidiaries		1,702		1,702
Fixed assets		4,120		1,620
Other assets		174		205
	$	11,245	$	7,879

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Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses [Abstract]

Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

6. Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses:

Activity in the reserves for unpaid losses and LAE is summarized as follows (in thousands):

		2015		2014		2013
Balance at January 1	$	415,135	$	382,640	$	313,416
Less reinsurance recoverable		91,943		70,172		49,584
Net Balance at January 1		323,192		312,468		263,832
Incurred related to:
Current year		237,102		215,258		251,391
Prior years		(6,953)		(5,203)		9,954
Total incurred		230,149		210,055		261,345
Paid related to:
Current year		83,132		76,231		101,897
Prior years		122,122		123,100		110,812
Total paid		205,254		199,331		212,709
Net Balance at December 31		348,087		323,192		312,468
Plus reinsurance recoverable		102,791		91,943		70,172
Balance at December 31	$	450,878	$	415,135	$	382,640

The $7.0 million favorable development, $5.2 million favorable development and $10.0 million unfavorable development in prior accident years recognized in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, represent normal changes in our loss reserve estimates. In 2015 and 2014, the aggregate loss reserve estimates for prior years were decreased to reflect favorable loss development when the available information indicated a reasonable likelihood that the ultimate losses would be less than the previous estimates. In 2013,  the aggregate loss reserve estimates for prior years were increased to reflect unfavorable loss development when the available information indicated a reasonable likelihood that the ultimate losses would be more than the previous estimates. Generally, changes in reserves are caused by variations between actual experience and previous expectations and by reduced emphasis on the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method due to the aging of the accident years.

The $7.0 million decrease in reserves for unpaid losses and LAE recognized in 2015 was attributable to $7.4 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2014 accident year, $1.5 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2013 accident year and $1.1 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2012 and prior accident years. Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit,  Workers Compensation operating unit, Specialty Commercial operating unit and our MGA Commercial Products operating unit accounted for $5.4 million, $2.0 million, $2.0 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of the decrease in reserves recognized during 2015.  The decrease in reserves for our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit was primarily related to our general liability lines of business. The decrease in reserves for our Workers Compensation operating unit was attributable to the 2014, 2013 and 2012 and prior accident years.  The decrease in reserves for our Specialty Commercial operating unit was primarily related to $0.9 million favorable development in our general aviation line of business, $0.8 million favorable development in our medical professional liability products and $0.3 million favorable development in our commercial excess liability line of business. The decrease in reserves in our MGA Commercial Products operating unit primarily related to our commercial auto liability and general liability lines of business. These favorable developments were partially offset by unfavorable development of $2.6 million in our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit primarily attributable to the 2014 accident year.

The $5.2 million decrease in reserves for unpaid losses and LAE recognized in 2014 was attributable to $7.2 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2013 accident year, $4.4 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2012 accident year and $2.4 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2011 and prior accident years.  Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit, Specialty Personal Lines operating unit, Workers Compensation operating unit and Specialty Commercial operating unit accounted for $4.1 million, $2.9 million, $1.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of the decrease in reserves recognized during 2014.  The decrease in reserves for our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit was primarily related to our commercial auto and general liability lines of business.  The decrease in reserves for our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit was primarily attributable to the 2013 accident year.  The decrease in reserves for our Workers Compensation operating unit was attributable to the 2013, 2012 and 2011 and prior accident years.  The decrease in reserves for our Specialty Commercial operating unit was primarily related to $0.9 million favorable development in our commercial excess liability line of business and $0.4 million favorable development in our medical professional liability products, partially offset by a $0.3 million unfavorable development in our general aviation line of business.  These favorable developments were partially offset by unfavorable development of $4.7 million in our MGA Commercial Products operating unit primarily related to our commercial auto liability and general liability lines of business.

The $10.0 million increase in reserves for unpaid losses and LAE recognized in 2013 was attributable to $5.0 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2012 accident year, $1.7 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2011 accident year and $3.3 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2010 and prior accident years.  Our MGA Commercial Products operating unit and Specialty Personal Lines operating unit accounted for $16.0 million and $1.8 million of the increase in reserves recognized during 2013.  The increase in reserves for our MGA Commercial Products operating unit was primarily related to commercial auto liability line of business.  The increase in reserves for our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit was primarily related to personal auto in the 2012 accident year.  These unfavorable developments were partially offset by favorable prior years’ loss development of $3.7 million in our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit, $2.6 million in our Specialty Commercial operating unit and $1.5 million in our Workers Compensation operating unit.  The decrease in reserves for our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit was primarily related to commercial auto and general liability lines of business.  The decrease in reserves for our Specialty Commercial operating unit was driven by $2.3 million of favorable claims development in the 2011 and prior accident years related to our aircraft liability lines of business, partially offset by $0.1 million unfavorable claims development in the 2012 accident year related to our aircraft hull coverage.  Further contributing to the decrease in reserves for our Specialty Commercial operating unit was $0.4 million of favorable claims development in our primary/excess & umbrella lines of business. The decrease in reserves for our Workers Compensation operating unit was related to the 2012 and 2011 accident years.

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Reinsurance

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Reinsurance [Abstract]

Reinsurance

7. Reinsurance:

We reinsure a portion of the risk we underwrite in order to control the exposure to losses and to protect capital resources. We cede to reinsurers a portion of these risks and pay premiums based upon the risk and exposure of the policies subject to such reinsurance. Ceded reinsurance involves credit risk and is generally subject to aggregate loss limits. Although the reinsurer is liable to us to the extent of the reinsurance ceded, we are ultimately liable as the direct insurer on all risks reinsured. Reinsurance recoverables are reported after allowances for uncollectible amounts. We monitor the financial condition of reinsurers on an ongoing basis and review our reinsurance arrangements periodically. Reinsurers are selected based on their financial condition, business practices and the price of their product offerings. In order to mitigate credit risk to reinsurance companies, most of our reinsurance recoverable balance as of December 31, 2015 was with reinsurers that had an A.M. Best rating of “A–” or better. We also mitigate our credit risk for the remaining reinsurance recoverable by obtaining letters of credit.

The following table presents our gross and net premiums written and earned and reinsurance recoveries for each of the last three years (in thousands):

Included in reinsurance recoverable on the consolidated balance sheets are paid loss recoverables of $XX million and $17.0 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

	2015		2014		2013
Premium Written :
Direct	$	514,223	$	473,233	$	458,020
Assumed		-		(15)		2,007
Ceded		(157,279)		(148,866)		(99,262)
	$	356,944	$	324,352	$	360,765
Premium Earned:
Direct	$	494,643	$	461,367	$	434,022
Assumed		-		327		3,204
Ceded		(145,562)		(140,477)		(76,685)
	$	349,081	$	321,217	$	360,541
Reinsurance recoveries	$	89,892	$	99,911	$	45,456

Included in reinsurance recoverable on the consolidated balance sheets are paid loss recoverables of $11.1 million and $17.0 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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Revolving Credit Facility and Notes Payable

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Revolving Credit Facility and Notes Payable [Abstract]

Revolving Credit Facility and Notes Payable

8. Revolving Credit Facility and Notes Payable:

Our Second Restated Credit Agreement with The Frost National Bank (“Frost”) dated June 30, 2015, reinstates the credit facility with Frost which expired by its terms on April 30, 2015. The Second Restated Credit Agreement also amends certain provisions of the credit facility and restates the agreement with Frost in its entirety.  The Second Restated Credit Agreement provides a $15.0 million revolving credit facility, with a $5.0 million letter of credit sub-facility. The outstanding balance of the revolving credit facility bears interest at a rate equal to the prime rate or LIBOR plus 2.5%, at our election. We pay an annual fee of 0.25% of the average daily unused balance of the credit facility and letter of credit fees at the rate of 1.00% per annum. The revolving credit facility contains covenants that, among other things, require us to maintain certain financial and operating ratios and restrict certain distributions, transactions and organizational changes. As of December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with all of our covenants and had no outstanding borrowings under this revolving credit facility.

On December 17, 2015, we entered into a First Amendment to Second Restated Credit Agreement (the “First Amendment”) and a Revolving Facility B Agreement (the “Facility B Agreement”) with Frost. The First Amendment amended the existing Second Restated Credit Agreement with Frost to incorporate the additional credit facility reflected by the Facility B Agreement.

The Facility B Agreement provides a new $30.0 million revolving credit facility (“Facility B”), in addition to the existing $15.0 million revolving credit facility with Frost. We may use Facility B loan proceeds solely for the purpose of making capital contributions to AHIC and HIC. We may borrow, repay and reborrow under the Facility B until December 17, 2017, at which time all amounts outstanding under the Facility B are converted to a term loan. In connection with Facility B, we paid Frost a one-time commitment fee of $75,000 and will pay Frost an additional quarterly fee through December 17, 2017 of 0.25% per annum of the average daily unused balance of Facility B.Facility B bears interest at a rate equal to the prime rate or LIBOR plus 3.00%, at our election. Until December 17, 2017, interest only on amounts from time to time outstanding under Facility B are payable quarterly. Any amounts outstanding on Facility B as of December 17, 2017 are converted to a term loan payable in quarterly installments over five years based on a seven year amortization of principal plus accrued interest. All remaining principal and accrued interest become due and payable on December 17, 2022.The obligations under Facility B are secured by the same collateral as the existing credit facility, being a security interest in the capital stock of AHIC and HIC.  Facility B is subject to the same covenants as the existing credit facility.As of December 31, 2015, we had $30.0 million outstanding under Facility B.

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Subordinated Debt Securities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Subordinated Debt Securities [Abstract]

Subordinated Debt Securities

9. Subordinated Debt Securities:

On June 21, 2005, we entered into a trust preferred securities transaction pursuant to which we issued $30.9 million aggregate principal amount of subordinated debt securities due in 2035. To effect the transaction, we formed Trust I as a Delaware statutory trust. Trust I issued $30.0 million of preferred securities to investors and $0.9 million of common securities to us. Trust I used the proceeds from these issuances to purchase the subordinated debt securities. The initial interest rate on our Trust I subordinated debt securities was 7.725% until June 15, 2015, after which interest adjusts quarterly to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 3.25 percentage points. Trust I pays dividends on its preferred securities at the same rate. Under the terms of our Trust I subordinated debt securities, we pay interest only each quarter and the principal of the note at maturity. The subordinated debt securities are uncollaterized and do not require maintenance of minimumfinancial covenants. As of December 31, 2015, the balance of our Trust I subordinated debt was $30.9 million and the interest rate was 3.76% per annum.

On August 23, 2007, we entered into a trust preferred securities transaction pursuant to which we issued $25.8 million aggregate principal amount of subordinated debt securities due in 2037. To effect the transaction, we formed Trust II as a Delaware statutory trust. Trust II issued $25.0 million of preferred securities to investors and $0.8 million of common securities to us. Trust II used the proceeds from these issuances to purchase the subordinated debt securities. Our Trust II subordinated debt securities bear an initial interest rate of 8.28% until September 15, 2017, at which time interest will adjust quarterly to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 2.90 percentage points. Trust II pays dividends on its preferred securities at the same rate. Under the terms of our Trust II subordinated debt securities, we pay interest only each quarter and the principal of the note at maturity. The subordinated debt securities are uncollaterized and do not require maintenance of minimum financial covenants. As of December 31, 2015, the balance of our Trust II subordinated debt was $25.8 million.

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Segment Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Segment Information [Abstract]

Segment Information

10. Segment Information:

We pursue our business activities primarily through subsidiaries whose operations are organized into producing units and are supported by our insurance carrier subsidiaries. Our non-carrier insurance activities are organized by operating units into the following reportable segments:

 Standard Commercial Segment. The Standard Commercial Segment includes the standard lines commercial property/casualty and occupational accident insurance products and services handled by our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit and the workers compensation insurance products handled by our Workers Compensation operating unit. Effective July 1, 2015, the Workers Compensation operating unit no longer retains any risk on new or renewal policies. Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit is comprised of our American Hallmark Insurance Services and ECM subsidiaries. Our Workers Compensation operating unit is comprised of our TBIC Holdings, TBIC and TBICRM subsidiaries.

 Specialty Commercial Segment. Our Specialty Commercial Segment includes the excess and surplus lines commercial property/casualty insurance products and services handled by our MGA Commercial Products operating unit and the general aviation, satellite launch, commercial umbrella and primary/excess liability, medical professional liability and primary/excess commercial property insurance products and services handled by our Specialty Commercial operating unit, as well as theSpecialty Programs managed at the parent level. Our MGA Commercial Products operating unit is comprised of our HSU, PAAC and TGASRI subsidiaries. Our Specialty Commercial operating unit is comprised of our Aerospace Insurance Managers, ASRI, ACMG, HXS and HDS subsidiaries.

 Personal Segment. Our Personal Segment includes the non-standard personal automobile and renters insurance products and services handled by our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit. During the fourth quarter of 2014, our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit discontinued the low value dwelling/homeowners and manufactured homes insurance products it previously offered. Our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit is comprised of AHGA and HCS.

The retained premium produced by these reportable segments is supported by our AHIC, HSIC, HIC, HNIC and TBIC insurance company subsidiaries. In addition, control and management of HCM is maintained through our wholly owned subsidiary, CYR Insurance Management Company (“CYR”). CYR has as its primary asset a management agreement with HCM which provides for CYR to have management and control of HCM. HCM is used to front certain lines of business in our Specialty Commercial and Personal Segments in Texas. HCM does not retain any business.

AHIC, HIC, HSIC and HNIC have entered into a pooling arrangement, pursuant to which AHIC retains 34% of the net premiums written by any of them, HIC retains 32% of the net premiums written by any of them, HSIC retains 24% of the net premiums written by any of them and HNIC retains 10% of the net premiums written by any of them. Neither HCM nor TBIC is a party to the intercompany pooling arrangement.

The following is additional business segment information for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

	2015		2014		2013
Revenues
Standard Commercial Segment	$	76,864	$	81,464	$	83,306
Specialty Commercial Segment		249,910		241,920		229,734
Personal Segment		45,538		20,404		71,081
Corporate		90		(6,422)		5,307
Consolidated	$	372,402	$	337,366	$	389,428
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Standard Commercial Segment	$	136	$	183	$	201
Specialty Commercial Segment		2,537		2,503		2,896
Personal Segment		779		515		1,111
Corporate		64		23		92
Consolidated	$	3,516	$	3,224	$	4,300
Interest Expense
Standard Commercial Segment	$	-	$	-	$	-
Specialty Commercial Segment		-		-		-
Personal Segment		-		-		-
Corporate		3,906		4,576		4,599
Consolidated	$	3,906	$	4,576	$	4,599
Tax Expense (Benefit)
Standard Commercial Segment	$	1,436	$	622	$	312
Specialty Commercial Segment		11,609		9,690		3,613
Personal Segment		(1,345)		(574)		(398)
Corporate		(1,677)		(4,385)		(692)
Consolidated	$	10,023	$	5,353	$	2,835
Pre-tax Income (Loss)
Standard Commercial Segment	$	6,687	$	4,595	$	1,980
Specialty Commercial Segment		40,277		34,237		19,527
Personal Segment		(885)		1,226		(3,416)
Corporate		(14,193)		(21,276)		(7,011)
Consolidated	$	31,886	$	18,782	$	11,080

The following is additional business segment information as of the following dates (in thousands):

	December 31
	2015		2014
Assets
Standard Commercial Segment	$	156,722	$	145,355
Specialty Commercial Segment		660,263		590,852
Personal Segment		239,632		222,183
Corporate		19,983		22,479
Consolidated	$	1,076,600	$	980,869

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Earnings Per Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

11. Earnings Per Share:

We have adopted the provisions of ASC 260, “Earnings Per Share,” requiring presentation of both basic and diluted earnings per share. A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per share calculations is presented below (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	2015		2014		2013
Numerator for both basic and diluted earnings per share:
Net income	$	21,863	$	13,429	$	8,245
Denominator, basic shares		19,211		19,197		19,263
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based compensation awards		194		169		98
Denominator, diluted shares		19,405		19,366		19,361
Basic earnings per share:	$	1.14	$	0.70	$	0.43
Diluted earnings per share:	$	1.13	$	0.69	$	0.43

We had 267,500shares, 544,999 shares and 779,999 shares of common stock potentially issuable upon exercise of employee stock options for years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, that were excluded from the weighted average number of shares outstanding on a diluted basis because the effect of such options would be anti-dilutive. These instruments expire at varying times from 2016 to 2021.

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Regulatory Capital Restrictions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Regulatory Capital Restrictions [Abstract]

Regulatory Capital Restrictions

12. Regulatory Capital Restrictions:

Hallmark, as a holding company, is dependent on dividend payments and management fees from its subsidiaries to fund its operating expenses, debt obligations and capital needs, including the ability to pay dividends to its stockholders. Hallmark has never paid dividends on its common stock. Hallmark intends to continue this policy for the foreseeable future in order to retain earnings for development of its business. There are no regulatory or contractual restrictions on the ability of Hallmark to pay dividends other than customary default provisions and the impact of any dividend payment on financial ratio covenants in certain credit agreements. However, there are restrictions on the ability of Hallmark’s insurance carrier subsidiaries to transfer funds to the holding company. The amount of retained earnings that is unrestricted for the payment of dividends by Hallmark to its shareholders was $68.3 million as of December 31, 2015.

AHIC and TBIC, domiciled in Texas, are limited in the payment of dividends to their stockholders in any 12-month period, without the prior written consent of the Texas Department of Insurance, to the greater of statutory net income for the prior calendar year or 10% of statutory policyholders’ surplus as of the prior year end. HIC and HNIC, both domiciled in Arizona, are limited in the payment of dividends to the lesser of 10% of prior year policyholders’ surplus or prior year’s net investment income, without prior written approval from the Arizona Department of Insurance. HSIC, domiciled in Oklahoma, is limited in the payment of dividends to the greater of 10% of prior year policyholders’ surplus or prior year’s statutory net income, not including realized capital gains, without prior written approval from the Oklahoma Insurance Department. For all our insurance companies, dividends may only be paid from unassigned surplus funds. During 2016, the aggregate ordinary dividend capacity of these subsidiaries is $27.6 million, of which $18.5 million is available to Hallmark. As a county mutual, dividends from HCM are payable to policyholders. During the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, our insurance company subsidiaries paid $8.0 million in dividends to Hallmark. The total restricted net assets of our insurance company subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015, was $193.7 million.

The state insurance departments also regulate financial transactions between our insurance subsidiaries and their affiliated companies. Applicable regulations require approval of management fees, expense sharing contracts and similar transactions. The net amount paid in management fees by our insurance subsidiaries to Hallmark and our non-insurance company subsidiaries was $1.3million, $1.1 million and $8.2 million during each of 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Statutory capital and surplus is calculated as statutory assets less statutory liabilities. The various state insurance departments that regulate our insurance company subsidiaries require us to maintain a minimum statutory capital and surplus. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, our insurance company subsidiaries reported statutory capital and surplus of $247.2 million and $210.0 million, respectively, substantially greater than the minimum requirements for each state. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, respectively, our insurance company subsidiaries reported statutory net income of $24.6 million, $22.3 million and $6.1 million, respectively.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners requires property/casualty insurers to file a risk-based capital calculation according to a specified formula. The purpose of the formula is twofold: (1) to assess the adequacy of an insurer’s statutory capital and surplus based upon a variety of factors such as potential risks related to investment portfolio, ceded reinsurance and product mix; and (2) to assist state regulators under the RBC for Insurers Model Act by providing thresholds at which a state commissioner is authorized and expected to take regulatory action. As of December 31, 2015, the adjusted capital under the risk-based capital calculation of each of our insurance company subsidiaries substantially exceeded the minimum requirements.

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Share-based Payment Arrangements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Share-based Payment Arrangements [Abstract]

Share-based Payment Arrangements

13.      Share-based Payment Arrangements:

Our 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan (“2005 LTIP”) is a stock compensation plan for key employees and non-employee directors that was initially approved by the shareholders on May 26, 2005 and expired by its terms on May 27, 2015.  As of December 31, 2015, there were outstanding incentive stock options to purchase 564,956 shares of our common stock, non-qualified stock options to purchase 304,157 shares of our common stock and restricted stock units representing the right to receive up to 289,830 shares of our common stock. The exercise price of all such outstanding stock options is equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant.

A new equity compensation plan for our key employees and non-employee directors, the 2015 Long Term Incentive Plan (“2015 LTIP”), was approved by shareholders on May 29, 2015.  There are 2,000,000 shares authorized for issuance under the 2015 LTIP.  As of December 31, 2015, restricted stock units representing the right to receive up to 155,027 shares of our common stock were outstanding under the 2015 LTIP.  There were no stock option awards granted under the 2015 LTIP as of December 31, 2015.

Stock Options:

Incentive stock options granted under the 2005 LTIP prior to 2009 vest 10%,  20%,  30% and 40% on the first, second, third and fourth anniversary dates of the grant, respectively, and terminate five to ten years from the date of grant.  Incentive stock options granted in 2009 vest in equal annual increments on each of the first seven anniversary dates and terminate ten years from the date of grant.  One grant of 25,000 incentive stock options in 2010 vests in equal annual increments on each of the first three anniversary dates and terminates ten years from the date of grant.  Non-qualified stock options granted under the 2005 LTIP generally vest 100% six months after the date of grant and terminate ten years from the date of grant.  One grant of 200,000 non-qualified stock options in 2009 vests in equal annual increments on each of the first seven anniversary dates and terminates ten years from the date of grant. 

A summary of the status of our stock options as of December 31, 2015 and changes during the year then ended is presented below:

	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)		Aggregate Instrinsic Value ($000)
Outstanding at January 1, 2015		1,062,134	$	9.51
Granted		-
Exercised		(91,827)	$	7.17
Forfeited or expired		(101,194)	$	11.67
Outstanding at December 31, 2015		869,113	$	9.51		2.5	$	2,120
Exercisable at December 31, 2015		817,328	$	9.69		2.5	$	1,857

The following table details the intrinsic value of options exercised, total cost of share-based payments charged against income before income tax benefit and the amount of related income tax benefit recognized in income for the periods indicated (in thousands):

	2015		2014		2013
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$	393	$	412	$	-
Cost of share-based payments (non-cash)	$	157	$	173	$	207
Income tax benefit of share-based payments recognized in income	$	30	$	30	$	30

As of December 31, 2015, there was $39 thousand of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options granted under our plans which is expected to be recognized in 2016.

The fair value of each stock option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of Hallmark’s and similar companies’ common stock for a period equal to the expected

term. The risk-free interest rates for periods within the contractual term of the options are based on rates for U.S. Treasury Notes with maturity dates corresponding to the options’ expected lives on the dates of grant. Expected term is determined based on the simplified method as we do not have sufficient historical exercise data to provide a basis for estimating the expected term. There were no stock options granted in 2015, 2014 or 2013. 

Restricted Stock Units:

The 2005 LTIP was amended by the stockholders on May 30, 2013 to authorize the grant of restricted stock units, in addition to the other types of awards available thereunder.  Restricted stock units awarded under the 2005 LTIP represent the right to receive shares of common stock upon the satisfaction of vesting requirements, performance criteria and other terms and conditions.  On July 27, 2012 and April 10, 2013, an aggregate of 129,463 and 122,823 restricted stock units, respectively, were conditionally granted to certain of our employees subject to shareholder approval of the amendments to the 2005 LTIP at the May 30, 2013 shareholder meeting. One conditional grant of 9,280 restricted stock units was forfeited prior to approval at the shareholder meeting.  Subsequently on September 8, 2014, an aggregate of 175,983 restricted stock units were granted to certain employees.  On May 29, 2015, an aggregate of 103,351 restricted stock units were granted to certain employees under the 2015 LTIP.

The performance criteria for all restricted stock units require that we achieve certain compound average annual growth rates in book value per share over the vesting period in order to receive shares of common stock in amounts ranging from 50% to 150% of the number of restricted stock units granted.  In addition, certain restricted stock units contain an additional performance criteria related to the attainment of an average combined ratio percentage over the vesting period.   Grantees of restricted stock units do not have any rights of a stockholder, and do not participate in any distributions to our common stockholders, until the award fully vests upon satisfaction of the vesting schedule, performance criteria and other conditions set forth in their award agreement.  Therefore, unvested restricted stock units are not considered participating securities under ASC 260, “Earnings Per Share,” and are not included in the calculation of basic or diluted earnings per share. 

On April 1, 2015, 8,616 shares of common stock were issued with respect to 8,616 restricted stock units which were granted on July 27, 2012 and vested on March 31, 2015.  If and to the extent specified performance criteria have been achieved, the restricted stock units granted on April 10, 2013 will vest on March 31, 2016, the restricted stock units granted on September 8, 2014 (except for one grant) will vest on March 31, 2017, one grant of restricted stock units granted on September 8, 2014 will vest on March 31, 2018 and the restricted stock units granted on May 29, 2015 under the 2015 LTIP will vest on March 31, 2018.

Compensation cost is measured as an amount equal to the fair value of the restricted stock units on the date of grant and is expensed over the vesting period if achievement of the performance criteria is deemed probable, with the amount of the expense recognized based on our best estimate of the ultimate achievement level.  The grant date fair value of the restricted stock units granted in 2012 and 2013 is $9.20 per unit.  The grant date fair value of the restricted stock units granted in 2014 is $9.66 per unit.  The grant date fair value of the restricted stock units granted in 2015 is $11.10 per unit.  We incurred compensation expense of $226 thousand, $49 thousand and $145 thousand related to restricted stock units during the year ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  We recorded an income tax benefit of $79 thousand, $17 thousand and $51 thousand related to restricted stock units during the year ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

A summary of the status of our restricted stock units as of December 31, 2015 and changes during the year then ended is presented below:

	Number of Restricted Stock Units
Nonvested at January 1, 2015	285,216
Granted	103,351
Vested	(8,616)
Forfeited	(83,380)
Nonvested at December 31, 2015	296,571

As of December 31, 2015, there was $0.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock units granted under our 2005 LTIP and 2015 LTIP, of which $0.4 million is expected to be recognized in 2016, $0.3million is expected to be recognized in 2017 and $0.1 million is expected to be recognized in 2018.

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Retirement Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Retirement Plans [Abstract]

Retirement Plans

14.      Retirement Plans:

Certain employees of the Standard Commercial Segment were participants in a defined cash balance plan covering all full-time employees who had completed at least 1,000 hours of service. This plan was frozen in March 2001 in anticipation of distribution of plan assets to members upon plan termination. All participants were vested when the plan was frozen.

The following tables provide detail of the changes in benefit obligations, components of benefit costs, weighted-average assumptions, and plan assets for the retirement plan as of and for the twelve months ending December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands) using a measurement date of December 31.

	2015		2014		2013
Assumptions (end of period):
Discount rate used in determining benefit obligation		4.12%		3.86%		4.49%
Rate of compensation increase		N/A		N/A		N/A
Reconciliation of funded status (end of period):
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	(12,915)	$	(13,909)	$	(12,284)
Projected benefit obligation	$	(12,915)	$	(13,909)	$	(12,284)
Fair value of plan assets		10,419		11,290		10,851
Funded status	$	(2,496)	$	(2,619)	$	(1,433)
Net actuarial loss		(3,957)		(4,000)		(2,277)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(3,957)		(4,000)		(2,277)
Prepaid pension cost		1,461		1,381		844
Net amount recognized as of December 31	$	(2,496)	$	(2,619)	$	(1,433)
Changes in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation as of beginning of period	$	13,909	$	12,284	$	13,439
Interest cost		518		532		505
Actuarial liability (gain)/loss		(646)		1,947		(824)
Benefits paid		(866)		(854)		(836)
Benefit obligation as of end of period	$	12,915	$	13,909	$	12,284
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets as of beginning of period	$	11,290	$	10,851	$	9,754
Actual return on plan assets (net of expenses)		(5)		760		1,565
Employer contributions		-		533		368
Benefits paid		(866)		(854)		(836)
Fair value of plan assets as of end of period	$	10,419	$	11,290	$	10,851
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	$	-	$	-	$	-
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation		518		532		505
Expected return on plan assets		(701)		(698)		(615)
Recognized actuarial loss		103		162		495
Net periodic pension cost	$	(80)	$	(4)	$	385
Discount rate		3.86%		4.49%		3.89%
Expected return on plan assets		6.50%		6.50%		6.50%
Rate of compensation increase		N/A		N/A		N/A

Estimated future benefit payments by fiscal year (in thousands):

2016	$	899
2017	$	913
2018	$	907
2019	$	896
2020	$	881
2021-2025	$	4,205

As of December 31, 2015, the fair value of the plan assets was composed of cash and cash equivalents of $0.3 million, debt securities of $3.4 million and equity securities of $6.7 million.

Our investment objectives are to preserve capital and to achieve long-term growth through a favorable rate of return equal to or greater than 5% over the long-term (60 year) average inflation rate as measured by the consumer price index. The objective of the equity portion of the portfolio is to achieve a return in excess of the Standard & Poor’s 500 index. The objective of the fixed income portion of the portfolio is to add stability, consistency, safety and total return to the total fund portfolio.

We prohibit investments in options, futures, precious metals, short sales and purchase on margin. We also restrict the investment in fixed income securities to “A” rated or better by Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s rating services and restrict investments in common stocks to only those that are listed and actively traded on one or more of the major United States stock exchanges, including NASDAQ. We manage to an asset allocation of 45% to 75% in equity securities. An investment in any single stock issue is restricted to 5% of the total portfolio value and 90% of the securities held in mutual or commingled funds must meet the criteria for common stocks.

To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption, we consider the historical returns and the future expectations for returns for each asset class, as well as the target asset allocation of the pension portfolio. This resulted in the selection of the 6.5% long-term rate of return on assets assumption. The expected return on plan assets uses the fair market value as of December 31, 2015. To develop the discount rate used in determining the benefit obligation we used the Wells Fargo AA Pension Discount Curve at the measurement date to match the timing and amounts of projected future benefits.  A corridor approach is used to amortize actuarial gains and losses.  We are applying the 10% threshold set forth in ASC 715. In addition, since all accrued benefits under the plan are frozen, we are amortizing the unrecognized gains and losses outside of the corridor by the average life expectancy of the plan participants.

We are not required to make a contribution to the defined benefit cash balance plan during 2016. We expect our 2016 periodic pension cost to be $(21)thousand, the components of which are interest cost of $512thousand, expected return on plan assets of ($645)thousand and amortization of actuarial loss of $112thousand.

The following table shows the weighted-average asset allocation for the defined benefit cash balance plan held as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.

	December 31
	2015	2014
Asset Category:
Debt securities	33%	33%
Equity securities	64%	64%
Other	3%	3%
Total	100%	100%

Effective January 1, 2008, we determine the fair value of our financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in ASC 820. (See Note 3.)

The following table presents, for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, our plan assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands).

	As of December 31, 2015
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Debt securities	$	-	$	3,423	$	-	$	3,423
Equity securities		6,697		-		-		6,697
Total	$	6,697	$	3,423	$	-	$	10,120

	As of December 31, 2014
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Debt securities	$	-	$	3,718	$	-	$	3,718
Equity securities		7,230		-		-		7,230
Total	$	7,230	$	3,718	$	-	$	10,948

Our plan assets also include cash and cash equivalents of $0.3 million and $0.4 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and are carried at cost which approximates fair value.

We sponsor two defined contribution plans. Under these plans, employees may contribute a portion of their compensation on a tax-    deferred basis, and we may contribute a discretionary amount each year. We contributed $0.3 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

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Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

15. Income Taxes:

The composition of deferred tax assets and liabilities and the related tax effects as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, are as follows (in thousands):

	2015		2014
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$	(7,128)	$	(7,261)
Net unrealized holding gain on investments		(5,339)		(10,886)
Agency relationship		(66)		(75)
Intangible assets		(5,118)		(5,613)
Goodwill		(519)		(479)
Fixed assets		(861)		(432)
Other		(367)		(133)
Total deferred tax liabilities		(19,398)		(24,879)
Deferred tax assets:
Unearned premiums		10,592		10,042
Amortization of non-compete agreements		298		357
Pension liability		1,385		1,400
Net operating loss carry-forward		426		518
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense		6,920		6,871
Rent reserve		297		355
Reinsurance payable		421		387
Bonus accrual		759		809
Investment impairments		1,120		625
Other		540		423
Total deferred tax assets		22,758		21,787
Deferred federal income taxes, net	$	3,360	$	(3,092)

We concluded that no valuation allowance was necessary to provide against our deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2015.

A reconciliation of the income tax provisions based on the statutory tax rate to the provision reflected in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, is as follows (in thousands):

	2015		2014		2013
Computed expected income tax expense at statutory regulatory tax rate	$	11,160	$	6,574	$	3,878
Meals and entertainment		32		27		25
Tax exempt interest		(1,259)		(1,276)		(1,314)
Dividends received deduction		(141)		(107)		(101)
State taxes (net of federal benefit)		176		259		276
Other		55		(124)		71
Income tax expense	$	10,023	$	5,353	$	2,835
Current income tax expense	$	11,053	$	5,746	$	3,092
Deferred tax benefit		(1,030)		(393)		(257)
Income tax expense	$	10,023	$	5,353	$	2,835

We have available, for federal income tax purposes, unused net operating loss of $1.2million at December 31, 2015. The losses were acquired as part of the HIC and HCM acquisitions and may be used to offset future taxable income. Utilization of the losses is limited under Internal Revenue Code Section 382. The Internal Revenue Code provides that effective with tax years beginning September 1997, the carry-back and carry-forward periods are 2 years and 20 years, respectively, with respect to newly generated operating losses. The net operating losses will expire if unused, as follows (in thousands):

Year
2022	$	878
2028		2
2029		25
2031		45
2032		77
2033		73
2034		59
2035		57
	$	1,216

We are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2012. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. There were no uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2015.

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Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

16. Commitments and Contingencies:

We have several leases, primarily for office facilities and computer equipment, which expire in various years through 2022. Certain of these leases contain renewal options. Rental expense amounted to $2.2million, $2.3 million and $2.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):

Year
2016	$	2,065
2017		1,899
2018		1,563
2019		1,482
2020		1,442
2021 and thereafter		1,015
Total minimum lease payments (a)	$	9,466
(a) Minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $0.6 million due in the future under noncancelable subleases.

From time to time, assessments are levied on us by the guaranty association of the states where we offer our insurance products. Such assessments are made primarily to cover the losses of policyholders of insolvent or rehabilitated insurers. Since these assessments can generally be recovered through a reduction in future premium taxes paid, we capitalize the assessments that can be recovered as they are paid and amortize the capitalized balance against our premium tax expense. We did not receive an assessment during 2015 or 2014.

During the third quarter of 2015 we paid $1.2 million in fulfillment of the contingent purchase price with the sellers of TBIC Holding. The sellers have disputed the calculation of the amount paid and assert that an additional $1.8 million is due. We disagree with this assertion and believe that our calculation of the contingent purchase price was substantially correct.  Pursuant to the terms of the acquisition agreement, an independent actuary has been engaged to resolve this matter.

In November 2015, HSU was informed by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts that a surplus lines tax audit covering the period January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2013 was complete. HSU frequently acts as a managing general underwriter (“MGU”) authorized to underwrite policies on behalf of Republic Vanguard Insurance Company and HSIC, both Texas eligible surplus lines insurance carriers. In its role as the MGU, HSU underwrites policies on behalf of these carriers while other agencies located in Texas (generally referred to as “producing agents”) deliver the policies to the insureds and collect all premiums due from the insureds. During the period under audit, the producing agents also collected the surplus lines premium taxes due on the policies from the insureds, held them in trust, and timely remitted those taxes to the Comptroller. We believe this system for collecting and paying the required surplus lines premium taxes complies in all respects with the Texas Insurance Code and other regulations, which clearly require that the same party who delivers the policies and collects the premiums will also collect premium taxes, hold premium taxes in trust, and pay premium taxes to the Comptroller. It also complies with long standing industry practice. In addition, effective January 1, 2012 the Texas Legislators enacted House Bill 3410 (HB3410) which allows an MGU to contractually pass the collection, payment and administration of surplus lines taxes down to another Texas licensed surplus line agent.

The Comptroller asserts that HSU is liable for the surplus lines premium taxes related to policy transactions and premiums collected from surplus lines insureds during January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2011, the period prior to the passage of HB3410, and that HSU therefore owes $2.5 million in premium taxes, as well as $0.7 million in penalties and interest for the audit period.

We disagree with the Comptroller and intend to vigorously fight their assertion that HSU is liable for the surplus lines premium taxes. We are currently in negotiations with the Comptroller to settle the matter. However, we are presently unable to reasonably estimate the possible loss or legal costs that are likely to arise out of the surplus lines tax audit or any future proceedings relating to this matter. Therefore we have not accrued any amount as of December 31, 2015 related to this matter.

We are engaged in legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, none of which, either individually or in the aggregate, are believed likely to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations, in the opinion of management. The various legal proceedings to which we are a party are routine in nature and incidental to our business.

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Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances [Abstract]

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances

17. Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances:

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income balances as of December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):

	Pension Liability		Unrealized Gains (Loss)		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance at January 1, 2013	$	(2,954)	$	10,853	$	7,899
Other comprehensive income:
Change in net actuarial gain		2,268		-		2,268
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain		(794)		-		(794)
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period		-		22,094		22,094
Tax effect on unrealized gains arising during the period		-		(7,733)		(7,733)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains		-		(10,540)		(10,540)
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense		-		3,689		3,689
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		1,474		7,510		8,984
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(1,480)	$	18,363	$	16,883
Other comprehensive income:
Change in net actuarial loss		(1,723)		-		(1,723)
Tax effect on change in net actuarial loss		603		-		603
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period		-		3,543		3,543
Tax effect on unrealized gains arising during the period		-		(1,240)		(1,240)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains		-		(408)		(408)
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense		-		143		143
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		(1,120)		2,038		918
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(2,600)	$	20,401	$	17,801
Other comprehensive loss:
Change in net actuarial gain		43		-		43
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain		(15)		-		(15)
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period		-		(10,191)		(10,191)
Tax effect on unrealized losses arising during the period		-		3,567		3,567
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains		-		(5,826)		(5,826)
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense		-		2,039		2,039
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax		28		(10,411)		(10,383)
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	(2,572)	$	9,990	$	7,418

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Concentrations of Credit Risk

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Concentrations of Credit Risk [Abstract]

Concentrations of Credit Risk

18. Concentrations of Credit Risk:

We maintain cash and cash equivalents in accounts with four financial institutions in excess of the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. We monitor the financial stability of the depository institutions regularly and do not believe excessive risk of depository institution failure existed at December 31, 2015.

We are also subject to credit risk with respect to reinsurers to whom we have ceded underwriting risk. Although a reinsurer is liable for losses to the extent of the coverage it assumes, we remain obligated to our policyholders in the event that the reinsurers do not meet their obligations under the reinsurance agreements. In order to mitigate credit risk to reinsurance companies, we monitor the financial condition of reinsurers on an ongoing basis and review our reinsurance arrangements periodically. Most of our reinsurance recoverable balances as of December 31, 2015 were with reinsurers that had an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or better. We also mitigate our credit risk for the remaining reinsurance recoverable by obtaining letters of credit.

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Unaudited Selected Quarterly Financial Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Unaudited Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]

Unaudited Selected Quarterly Financial Information

19. Unaudited Selected Financial Quarterly Information:

Following is a summary of the unaudited interim results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands, except per share data). In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the results of operations for such periods have been made.

	2015								2014
	Q1		Q2		Q3		Q4		Q1		Q2		Q3		Q4
Total revenue	$	91,450	$	97,197	$	93,684	$	90,071	$	87,109	$	80,836	$	81,417	$	88,004
Total expense		83,761		87,922		83,849		84,984		80,697		78,794		76,689		82,404
Income before tax		7,689		9,275		9,835		5,087		6,412		2,042		4,728		5,600
Income tax expense		2,346		2,899		3,137		1,641		1,864		391		1,265		1,833
Net income	$	5,343		6,376	$	6,698		3,446	$	4,548		1,651	$	3,463		3,767
Basic earnings per share:	$	0.28	$	0.33	$	0.35	$	0.18	$	0.24	$	0.09	$	0.18	$	0.20
Diluted earnings per share:	$	0.28	$	0.33	$	0.35	$	0.17	$	0.23	$	0.09	$	0.18	$	0.19

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Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]

Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

BALANCE SHEETS

December 31, 2015 and 2014

(In thousands)

	2015		2014
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	8,014	$	11,839
Investment in subsidiaries		361,769		325,608
Deferred federal income taxes		942		747
Other assets		4,488		4,061
Total assets	$	375,213	$	342,255
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities:
Revolving credit facility payable	$	30,000	$	-
Subordinated debt securities		56,702		56,702
Current federal income tax payable		72		64
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses		26,413		33,452
Total liabilities		113,187		90,218
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $.18 par value, authorized 33,333,333 shares; issued 20,872,831 shares in 2015 and in 2014		3,757		3,757
Additional paid-in capital		123,480		123,194
Retained earnings		141,501		119,638
Accumulated other comprehensive income		7,418		17,801
Treasury stock (1,775,512 shares in 2015 and 1,655,306 in 2014), at cost		(14,130)		(12,353)
Total stockholders’ equity		262,026		252,037
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	375,213	$	342,255

See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

(In thousands)

	2015		2014		2013
Investment income (loss), net of expenses	$	120	$	133	$	(190)
Dividend income from subsidiaries		8,000		8,000		-
Management fee income		10,053		9,614		8,518
Total revenues		18,173		17,747		8,328
Operating expenses		10,222		9,759		7,764
Interest expense		3,906		4,576		4,599
Total expenses		14,128		14,335		12,363
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiaries and income tax benefit		4,045		3,412		(4,035)
Income tax benefit		(1,273)		(1,623)		(1,227)
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries		5,318		5,035		(2,808)
Equity in undistributed share of earnings in subsidiaries		16,545		8,394		11,053
Net income	$	21,863	$	13,429	$	8,245
Comprehensive income	$	11,480	$	14,347	$	17,229

See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

(In thousands)

	2015		2014		2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	21,863	$	13,429	$	8,245
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense		65		68		92
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense		(195)		183		1,182
Undistributed share of earnings of subsidiaries		(16,545)		(8,394)		(11,053)
Change in current federal income tax payable (recoverable)		8		(3,290)		(3,694)
Change in all other liabilities		(7,039)		4,081		12,232
Change in all other assets		147		(131)		63
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities		(1,696)		5,946		7,067
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment, net		(159)		(47)		(116)
Capital contribution to subsidiaries		(30,000)		-		-
Net cash used in investing activities		(30,159)		(47)		(116)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options		658		1,155		-
Purchase of treasury shares		(2,532)		(1,805)		-
Activity under revolving credit facility, net		30,000		(1,473)		-
Payment of debt issuance costs		(96)		-		-
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		28,030		(2,123)		-
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents		(3,825)		3,776		6,951
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		11,839		8,063		1,112
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	8,014	$	11,839	$	8,063
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	$	3,906	$	4,576	$	4,599
Income taxes (recovered) paid	$	(1,086)	$	1,481	$	1,285

See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

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Schedule III -Supplementary Insurance Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]

Supplementary Insurance Information

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information

(In thousands)

Column A	Column B		Column C		Column D		Column E		Column F		Column G		Column H		Column I		Column J		Column K
Segment
	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs		Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims, and Loss Adjustment Expenses		Unearned Premiums		Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable		Premium Revenue		Net Investment Income		Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses		Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs		Other Operating Expenses		Net Premiums Written
2015
Personal Segment	$	1,232	$	29,932	$	20,976	$	-	$	38,828	$	1,235	$	34,414	$	5,066	$	12,205	$	44,072
Standard Commercial Segment		5,633		105,971		33,701		-		72,613		3,623		47,071		4,237		22,820		71,097
Specialty Commercial Segment		13,501		314,975		161,730		-		237,640		11,524		148,664		23,371		58,212		241,775
Corporate		-		-		-		-		-		(2,413)		-		-		10,377		-
Consolidated	$	20,366	$	450,878	$	216,407	$	-	$	349,081	$	13,969	$	230,149	$	32,674	$	103,614	$	356,944
2014
Personal Segment	$	729	$	29,595	$	15,483	$	-	$	14,083	$	1,633	$	8,964	$	9,315	$	9,977	$	16,802
Standard Commercial Segment		5,892		109,672		34,822		-		78,311		4,663		51,130		3,389		25,479		76,912
Specialty Commercial Segment		14,125		275,868		146,521		-		228,823		12,643		149,961		28,186		53,851		230,638
Corporate		-		-		-		-		-		(6,556)		-		-		10,279		-
Consolidated	$	20,746	$	415,135	$	196,826	$	-	$	321,217	$	12,383	$	210,055	$	40,890	$	99,586	$	324,352
2013
Personal Segment	$	660	$	38,294	$	17,989	$	-	$	63,800	$	2,065	$	52,656	$	17,759	$	16,957	$	45,644
Standard Commercial Segment		6,124		111,473		36,309		-		78,176		5,031		56,143		8,254		25,313		79,466
Specialty Commercial Segment		15,802		232,873		131,005		-		218,565		11,021		152,546		31,264		56,974		235,655
Corporate		-		-		-		-		-		(5,233)		-		-		7,720		-
Consolidated	$	22,586	$	382,640	$	185,303	$	-	$	360,541	$	12,884	$	261,345	$	57,277	$	106,964	$	360,765

See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

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Schedule IV -Reinsurance

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums For Insurance Companies [Abstract]

Reinsurance

Schedule IV – Reinsurance

(In thousands)

Year Ended December 31, 2015	Column B Gross Amount		Column C Ceded to Other Companies		Column D Assumed from Other Companies		Column E Net Amount		Column F Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net
Life insurance in force	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Premiums
Life insurance	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Accident and health insurance		-		-		-		-
Property and liability insurance		494,643		145,562		-		349,081	0.00%
Title Insurance		-		-		-		-
Total premiums	$	494,643	$	145,562	$	-	$	349,081	0.00%
Year Ended December 31, 2014
Life insurance in force	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Premiums
Life insurance	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Accident and health insurance		-		-		-		-
Property and liability insurance		461,367		140,477		327		321,217	0.10%
Title Insurance		-		-		-		-
Total premiums	$	461,367	$	140,477	$	327	$	321,217	0.10%
Year Ended December 31, 2013
Life insurance in force	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Premiums
Life insurance	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Accident and health insurance		-		-		-		-
Property and liability insurance		434,022		76,685		3,204		360,541	0.89%
Title Insurance		-		-		-		-
Total premiums	$	434,022	$	76,685	$	3,204	$	360,541	0.89%

See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

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Schedule VI -Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Supplemental Information For Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Abstract]

Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

Schedule VI - Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations

(In thousands)

Column A	Column B		Column C		Column D		Column E		Column F		Column G		Column H				Column I		Column J		Column K
Affiliation With Registrant	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs		Reserves for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses		Discount if any, Deducted In Column C		Unearned Premiums		Earned Premiums		Net Investment Income		Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to				Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisitions Costs		Paid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expenses		Net Premiums Written
													(1) Current Year		(2) Prior Years
(a) Consolidated property-casualty Entities
2015	$	20,366	$	450,878	$	-	$	216,407	$	349,081	$	13,969	$	237,102	$	(6,953)	$	32,674	$	205,254	$	356,944
2014	$	20,746	$	415,135	$	-	$	196,826	$	321,217	$	12,383	$	215,258	$	(5,203)	$	40,890	$	199,331	$	324,352
2013	$	22,586	$	382,640	$	-	$	185,303	$	360,541	$	12,884	$	251,391	$	9,954	$	57,277	$	212,709	$	360,765

See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

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Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

General

General

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. (“Hallmark” and, together with subsidiaries, the “Company”, “we,” “us” or “our”) is an insurance holding company engaged in the sale of property/casualty insurance products to businesses and individuals. Our business involves marketing, distributing, underwriting and servicing our insurance products, as well as providing other insurance related services.

We market, distribute, underwrite and service our property/casualty insurance products primarily through subsidiaries whose operations are organized into product-specific operating units that are supported by our insurance company subsidiaries. Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit handles commercial insurance products and services and is comprised of American Hallmark Insurance Services, Inc. (“American Hallmark Insurance Services”) and Effective Claims Management, Inc. (“ECM”). Our Workers Compensation operating unit specializes in small and middle market workers compensation business and is comprised of TBIC Holding Corporation, Inc. (“TBIC Holding”), Texas Builders Insurance Company (“TBIC”) and TBIC Risk Management (“TBICRM”). Effective July 1, 2015, this operating unit no longer markets or retains any risk on new or renewal policies. Our MGA Commercial Products operating unit handles primarily commercial insurance products and services and is comprised of Hallmark Specialty Underwriters, Inc. (“HSU”), Pan American Acceptance Corporation (“PAAC”) and TGA Special Risk, Inc. (“TGASRI”). Our Specialty Commercial operating unit offers (i) general aviation insurance products and services, (ii) low and middle market commercial umbrella and excess liability insurance, (iii) medical professional liability insurance products and services, (iv) satellite launch insurance products, and (v) primary/excess commercial property coverages for both catastrophe and non-catastrophe exposures. Our Specialty Commercial operating unit is comprised of Aerospace Insurance Managers, Inc. (“Aerospace Insurance Managers”), Aerospace Special Risk, Inc. (“ASRI”), Aerospace Claims Management Group, Inc. (“ACMG”), Heath XS, LLC (“HXS”) and Hardscrabble Data Solutions, LLC (“HDS”).  Our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit handles personal insurance products and services and is comprised of American Hallmark General Agency, Inc. (“AHGA”) and Hallmark Claims Services, Inc. (“HCS”). Our insurance company subsidiaries supporting these operating units are American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas (“AHIC”), Hallmark Insurance Company (“HIC”), Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company (“HSIC”), Hallmark County Mutual Insurance Company (“HCM”), Hallmark National Insurance Company (“HNIC”) and TBIC.

These operating units are segregated into three reportable industry segments for financial accounting purposes. The Standard Commercial Segment includes our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit and our Workers Compensation operating unit. The Specialty Commercial Segment includes our MGA Commercial Products operating unit and our Specialty Commercial operating unit, as well as certain specialty risk programs (“Specialty Programs”) which are managed at the parent level. The Personal Segment consists solely of our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of Hallmark and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) which, as to our insurance company subsidiaries, differ from statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted for insurance companies by insurance regulatory authorities.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

Our preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and our reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Since future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment may be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value estimates are made at a point in time, based on relevant market data as well as the best information available about the financial instruments. Fair value estimates for financial instruments for which no or limited observable market data is available are based on judgments regarding current economic conditions, credit and interest rate risk. These estimates involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision. As a result, such calculated fair value estimates may not be realizable in a current sale or immediate settlement of the instrument. In addition, changes in the underlying assumptions used in the fair value measurement technique, including discount rate and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect these fair value estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for these instruments approximate their fair values.

Restricted Cash: The carrying amount for restricted cash reported in the balance sheet approximates the fair value.

Revolving Credit Facility Payable: The carrying value of our bank revolving credit facility approximates the fair value based on the current interest rate.

Subordinated debt securities: Our trust preferred securities are reported at carry value of $56.7 million and $56.7 million, and have a fair value of $45.3 million and $47.6 million, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The fair value of our trust preferred securities is based on discounted cash flows using current yields to maturity of 8.0% and 8.0% as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which are based on similar issues to discount future cash flows and would be included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy if they were reported at fair value.

For reinsurance balances, premiums receivable, federal income tax payable, other assets and other liabilities, the carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of such financial instruments.

Investments

Investments

Debt and equity securities available for sale are reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are recorded as a component of stockholders’ equity, net of related tax effects. Equity securities that are determined to have other-than-temporary impairment are recognized as a loss on investments in the consolidated statements of operations. Debt securities that are determined to have other-than-temporary impairment are recognized as a loss on investments in the consolidated statements of operations for the portion that is related to credit deterioration with the remaining portion recognized in other comprehensive income. Debt security premiums and discounts are amortized into earnings using the effective interest method. Maturities of debt securities and sales of equity securities are recorded in receivable for securities until the cash is settled. Purchases of debt and equity securities are recorded in payable for securities until the cash is settled.

Realized investment gains and losses are recognized in operations on the specific identification method.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash

We collect premiums from customers and, after deducting authorized commissions, remit these premiums to the Company’s consolidated insurance subsidiaries. Unremitted insurance premiums are held in a fiduciary capacity until disbursed to the Company’s consolidated insurance subsidiaries.

Premiums Receivable

Premiums Receivable

Premiums receivable represent amounts due from policyholders or independent agents for premiums written and uncollected. These balances are carried at net realizable value.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance

We are routinely involved in reinsurance transactions with other companies. Reinsurance premiums, losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) are accounted for on bases consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. (See Note 7.)

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Policy acquisition costs (mainly commission, underwriting and marketing expenses) that are directly related to the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts are deferred and charged to operations over periods in which the related premiums are earned. The method followed in computing deferred policy acquisition costs limits the amount of such deferred costs to their estimated realizable value. In determining estimated realizable value, the computation gives effect to the premium to be earned, expected investment income, losses and LAE and certain other costs expected to be incurred as the premiums are earned. If the computation results in an estimated net realizable value less than zero, a liability will be accrued for the premium deficiency. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, we deferred $32.3 million, $39.1 million and $55.0 million of policy acquisition costs and amortized $32.7 million, $40.9 million and $57.3 million of deferred policy acquisition costs, respectively. Therefore, the net (amortization) deferrals of policy acquisition costs were ($0.4) million, ($1.8) million and ($2.3) million for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Business Combinations

Business Combinations

We account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, “Business Combinations.” The base cash purchase price plus the estimated fair value of any non-cash or contingent consideration given for an acquired business is allocated to the assets acquired (including identified intangible assets) and liabilities assumed based on the estimated fair values of such assets and liabilities. The excess of the fair value of the total consideration given for an acquired business over the aggregate net fair values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. Contingent consideration is recognized as a liability at fair value as of the acquisition date with subsequent fair value adjustments recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. The valuation of contingent consideration requires assumptions regarding anticipated cash flows, probabilities of cash flows, discount rates and other factors. Significant judgment is employed in determining the propriety of these assumptions as of the acquisition date and for each subsequent period. Accordingly, future business and economic conditions, as well as changes in any of the assumptions, can materially impact the amount of contingent consideration expense we record in any given period. Indirect and general expenses related to business combinations are expensed as incurred.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net

We account for our goodwill and intangible assets according to ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.” ASC 350 (1) prohibits the amortization of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, (2) requires testing of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets on an annual basis for impairment (and more frequently if the occurrence of an event or circumstance indicates an impairment), (3) requires testing of definite-lived intangible assets if the occurrence of an event or circumstances indicates an impairment, (4) requires that reporting units be identified for the purpose of assessing potential future impairments of goodwill, and (5) removes the forty-year limitation on the amortization period of intangible assets that have finite lives.  We have elected to perform our goodwill impairment test on the first day of the fourth quarter, October 1, of each year.

Leases

Leases

We have several leases, primarily for office facilities and computer equipment, which expire in various years through 2022. Some of these leases include rent escalation provisions throughout the term of the lease. We expense the average annual cost of the lease with the difference to the actual rent invoices recorded as deferred rent which is classified in accounts payable and other accrued expenses on our consolidated balance sheets.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment (including leasehold improvements), aggregating $17.9 million and $14.8 million, at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which is included in other assets, is recorded at cost and is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets (three to ten years). Depreciation expense for 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $1.0 million, $0.7 million and $1.2 million, respectively. Accumulated depreciation was $13.7 million and $13.2 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities

On June 21, 2005, we formed Hallmark Statutory Trust I (“Trust I”), an unconsolidated trust subsidiary, for the sole purpose of issuing $30.0 million in trust preferred securities. Trust I used the proceeds from the sale of these securities and our initial capital contribution to purchase $30.9 million of subordinated debt securities from Hallmark. The debt securities are the sole assets of Trust I, and the payments under the debt securities are the sole revenues of Trust I.

On August 23, 2007, we formed Hallmark Statutory Trust II (“Trust II”), an unconsolidated trust subsidiary, for the sole purpose of issuing $25.0 million in trust preferred securities. Trust II used the proceeds from the sale of these securities and our initial capital contribution to purchase $25.8 million of subordinated debt securities from Hallmark. The debt securities are the sole assets of Trust II, and the payments under the debt securities are the sole revenues of Trust II.

We evaluate on an ongoing basis our investments in Trust I and Trust II (collectively, (the “Trusts”)) and we do not have variable interests in the Trusts. Therefore, the Trusts are not consolidated in our consolidated financial statements.

We are also involved in the normal course of business with variable interest entities primarily as a passive investor in mortgage-backed securities and certain collateralized corporate bank loans issued by third party variable interest entities. The maximum exposure to loss with respect to these investments is limited to the investment carrying values included in the consolidated balance sheets.

Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Losses and LAE represent the estimated ultimate net cost of all reported and unreported losses incurred through December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. The reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are estimated using individual case-basis valuations and statistical analyses. These estimates are subject to the effects of trends in loss severity and frequency. Although considerable variability is inherent in such estimates, we believe that the reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are adequate. The estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as experience develops or new information becomes known. Such adjustments are included in current operations.

Recognition of Premium Revenues

Recognition of Premium Revenues

Insurance premiums are earned pro rata over the terms of the policies. Insurance policy fees are earned as of the effective date of the policy. Upon cancellation, any unearned premium is refunded to the insured. Insurance premiums written include gross policy fees of $11.2 million, $11.5 million and $13.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Insurance premiums on monthly reporting workers’ compensation policies are earned on the conclusion of the monthly coverage period. Deposit premiums for workers’ compensation policies are earned upon the expiration of the policy.

Finance Charges

Finance Charges

We receive premium installment fees for each direct bill payment from policyholders. Installment fee income is classified as finance charges on the consolidated statement of operations and is recognized as the fee is invoiced.

Relationship with Third Party Insurers

Relationship with Third Party Insurers

Through December 31, 2005, our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit marketed policies on behalf of Clarendon National Insurance Company (“Clarendon”), a third-party insurer. Through December 31, 2008, all business of our MGA Commercial Products operating unit was produced under a fronting agreement with member companies of the Republic Group (“Republic”), a third-party insurer. These insurance contracts on third party paper are accounted for under agency accounting. Ceding commissions and other fees received under these arrangements were classified as unearned commission revenue until earned pro rata over the terms of the policies.

Recognition of Commission Revenues of Our Standard and Specialty Commercial Segments

Profit sharing commission is calculated and recognized when the loss ratio, as determined by a qualified actuary, deviates from contractual targets. We received a provisional commission as policies were produced as an advance against the later determination of the profit sharing commission actually earned. The profit sharing commission is an estimate that varies with the estimated loss ratio and is sensitive to changes in that estimate.   Profit share commission is classified as commissions and fees on the consolidated statement of operations

The following table details the profit sharing commission provisional loss ratio compared to the estimated ultimate loss ratio for each effective quota share treaty between the Standard Commercial P&C operating unit and Clarendon.

	Treaty Effective Dates
	7/1/2001	7/1/2002	7/1/2003	7/1/2004
Provisional loss ratio	60.0%	59.0%	59.0%	64.2%
Estimated ultimate loss ratio recorded at December 31, 2015	63.5%	64.5%	61.6%	66.1%

As of December 31, 2015, we had a payable of $1.7million on these profit share treaties. The payable or receivable is the difference between the cash received to date and the recognized commission revenue based on the estimated ultimate loss ratio.

The following table details the profit sharing commission revenue provisional loss ratio compared to the estimated ultimate loss ratio for the effective quota share treaty between the MGA Commercial Products operating unit and Republic.

	Treaty Effective Dates
	1/1/2006	1/1/2007	1/1/2008
Provisional loss ratio	65.0%	65.0%	65.0%
Estimated ultimate loss ratio recorded at December 31, 2015	58.8%	64.0%	59.7%

As of December 31, 2015, we had a net payable of $0.3 million on these profit share treaties.  The payable or receivable is the difference between the cash received to date and the recognized commission revenue based on the estimated ultimate loss ratio.

Agent Commissions

Agent Commissions

We pay monthly commissions to agents based on written premium produced, but generally recognize the expense pro rata over the term of the policy. If the policy is cancelled prior to its expiration, the unearned portion of the agent commission is refundable to us. The unearned portion of commissions paid to agents is included in deferred policy acquisition costs. We annually pay a profit sharing commission to our independent agency force based upon the results of the business produced by each agent. We estimate and accrue this liability to commission expense in the year the business is produced.

Commission expense is classified as other operating expenses in the consolidated statement of operations.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

We file a consolidated federal income tax return. Deferred federal income taxes reflect the future tax consequences of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year end. Deferred taxes are recognized using the liability method, whereby tax rates are applied to cumulative temporary differences based on when and how they are expected to affect the tax return. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for tax rate changes in effect for the year in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share

The computation of earnings per share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the effect of common shares potentially issuable (in periods in which they have a dilutive effect), primarily from stock options. (See Notes 11 and 13.)

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance which revises the criteria for revenue recognition. Insurance contracts are excluded from the scope of the new guidance. Under the guidance, the transaction price is attributed to underlying performance obligations in the contract and revenue is recognized as the entity satisfies the performance obligations and transfers control of a good or service to the customer. Incremental costs of obtaining a contract may be capitalized to the extent the entity expects to recover those costs. The guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is to be applied retrospectively. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption, which is not expected to be material to our results of operations or financial position.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, "Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis" (Topic 810). ASU 2015-02 changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether entities should be consolidated if they are deemed variable interest entities. It is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. We have adopted this standard as of the effective date, and the adoption did not impact our financial statements.

In May 2015, the FASB issued guidance which requires additional disclosures about short-duration contracts for products in effect for typically a year or less. The disclosures will focus on the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption, which is not expected to be material to our results of operationsor financial position.

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Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule of Profit Sharing Commission

The following table details the profit sharing commission provisional loss ratio compared to the estimated ultimate loss ratio for each effective quota share treaty between the Standard Commercial P&C operating unit and Clarendon.

	Treaty Effective Dates
	7/1/2001	7/1/2002	7/1/2003	7/1/2004
Provisional loss ratio	60.0%	59.0%	59.0%	64.2%
Estimated ultimate loss ratio recorded at December 31, 2015	63.5%	64.5%	61.6%	66.1%

The following table details the profit sharing commission revenue provisional loss ratio compared to the estimated ultimate loss ratio for the effective quota share treaty between the MGA Commercial Products operating unit and Republic.

	Treaty Effective Dates
	1/1/2006	1/1/2007	1/1/2008
Provisional loss ratio	65.0%	65.0%	65.0%
Estimated ultimate loss ratio recorded at December 31, 2015	58.8%	64.0%	59.7%

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Investments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Investments [Abstract]

Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Investments in Debt and Equity Securities

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments in debt and equity securities by category is as follows (in thousands):

As of December 31, 2015	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government	$	76,323	$	7	$	(61)	$	76,269
Corporate bonds		122,894		637		(1,822)		121,709
Collateralized corporate bank loans		83,434		44		(1,882)		81,596
Municipal bonds		196,446		1,888		(5,966)		192,368
Mortgage-backed		59,532		155		(304)		59,383
Total debt securities		538,629		2,731		(10,035)		531,325
Total equity securities		24,951		23,391		(838)		47,504
Total debt and equity securities	$	563,580	$	26,122	$	(10,873)	$	578,829
As of December 31, 2014
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government	$	93,280	$	29	$	(4)	$	93,305
Corporate bonds		28,643		884		(85)		29,442
Collateralized corporate bank loans		115,358		206		(1,915)		113,649
Municipal bonds		161,546		2,384		(1,601)		162,329
Mortgage-backed		51,943		487		(370)		52,060
Total debt securities		450,770		3,990		(3,975)		450,785
Total equity securities		25,360		31,086		(2)		56,444
Total debt and equity securities	$	476,130	$	35,076	$	(3,977)	$	507,229

Major Categories of Investment Income

Major categories of net investment income are summarized as follows (in thousands):

	Twelve Months Ended December 31
	2015		2014		2013
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government	$	670	$	395	$	143
Corporate bonds		1,435		1,378		2,341
Collateralized corporate bank loans		4,727		4,400		4,653
Municipal bonds		5,901		5,232		5,245
Mortgage-backed		1,288		995		737
Equity securities		673		509		484
Cash and cash equivalents		148		230		157
		14,842		13,139		13,760
Investment expenses		(873)		(756)		(876)
Investment income, net of expenses	$	13,969	$	12,383	$	12,884

Major Categories of Net Realized Gains on Investments

Major categories of net realized gains on investments are summarized as follows (in thousands):

	Twelve Months Ended December 31
	2015		2014		2013
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government	$	-	$	-	$	-
Corporate bonds		-		263		853
Collateralized corporate bank loans		126		109		373
Municipal bonds		(83)		(140)		(156)
Mortgage-backed		240		32		-
Equity securities		5,543		144		9,470
Gain on investments		5,826		408		10,540
Other-than-temporary impairments		(3,323)		(274)		-
Net realized gains	$	2,503	$	134	$	10,540

Summary of Gross Unrealized Loss Position

The following schedules summarize the gross unrealized losses showing the length of time that investments have been continuously in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):

	As of December 31, 2015
	12 months or less				Longer than 12 months				Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government	$	41,428	$	(61)	$	-	$	-	$	41,428	$	(61)
Corporate bonds		96,475		(1,822)		-		-		96,475		(1,822)
Collateralized corporate bank loans		65,868		(1,758)		3,532		(124)		69,400		(1,882)
Municipal bonds		44,525		(488)		25,310		(5,478)		69,835		(5,966)
Mortgage-backed		36,251		(302)		48		(2)		36,299		(304)
Total debt securities		284,547		(4,431)		28,890		(5,604)		313,437		(10,035)
Total equity securities		6,584		(838)		-		-		6,584		(838)
Total debt and equity securities	$	291,131	$	(5,269)	$	28,890	$	(5,604)	$	320,021	$	(10,873)

	As of December 31, 2014
	12 months or less				Longer than 12 months				Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government	$	15,005	$	(4)	$	-	$	-	$	15,005	$	(4)
Corporate bonds		7,552		(85)		-		-		7,552		(85)
Collateralized corporate bank loans		64,712		(824)		8,898		(1,091)		73,610		(1,915)
Municipal bonds		50,546		(945)		15,684		(656)		66,230		(1,601)
Mortgage-backed		20,469		(365)		2,966		(5)		23,435		(370)
Total debt securities		158,284		(2,223)		27,548		(1,752)		185,832		(3,975)
Total equity securities		129		(2)		-		-		129		(2)
Total debt and equity securities	$	158,413	$	(2,225)	$	27,548	$	(1,752)	$	185,961	$	(3,977)

Schedule of Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Debt Securities

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at December 31, 2015 by contractual maturity are as follows. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties.

	Amortized Cost			Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Due in one year or less	$	76,739	$	76,560
Due after one year through five years		236,507		234,213
Due after five years through ten years		106,046		101,387
Due after ten years		59,805		59,782
Mortgage-backed		59,532		59,383
	$	538,629	$	531,325

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Fair Value (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Fair Value [Abstract]

Fair Value of Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis

The following table presents for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, our assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands).

	As of December 31, 2015
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government	$	-	$	76,269	$	-	$	76,269
Corporate bonds		-		121,709		-		121,709
Collateralized corporate bank loans		-		81,596		-		81,596
Municipal bonds		-		178,281		14,087		192,368
Mortgage-backed		-		59,383		-		59,383
Total debt securities		-		517,238		14,087		531,325
Total equity securities		47,504		-		-		47,504
Total debt and equity securities	$	47,504	$	517,238	$	14,087	$	578,829

	As of December 31, 2014
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government	$	-	$	93,305	$	-	$	93,305
Corporate bonds		-		29,442		-		29,442
Collateralized corporate bank loans		-		113,402		247		113,649
Municipal bonds		-		147,978		14,351		162,329
Mortgage-backed		-		52,060		-		52,060
Total debt securities		-		436,187		14,598		450,785
Total equity securities		56,444		-		-		56,444
Total debt and equity securities	$	56,444	$	436,187	$	14,598	$	507,229

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

The following table summarizes the changes in fair value for all financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands).

	2015		2014
Beginning balance as of January 1	$	14,598	$	17,517
Sales		(370)		(3,490)
Settlements		-		-
Purchases		-		-
Issuances		-		-
Total realized/unrealized gains included in net income		-		-
Net (losses) gains included in other comprehensive income		(141)		571
Transfers into Level 3		-		-
Transfers out of Level 3		-		-
Ending balance as of December 31	$	14,087	$	14,598

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Schedule of Acquired Intangible Assets by Major Category

We have obtained various intangible assets from several acquisitions since 2002. The table below details the gross and net carrying amounts of these assets by major category (in thousands):

	December 31
	2015		2014
Gross Carrying Amount:
Customer/agent relationships	$	32,177	$	32,177
Tradename		3,440		3,440
Management agreement		3,232		3,232
Non-compete & employment agreements		4,235		4,235
Insurance licenses		1,300		1,300
Total gross carrying amount		44,384		44,384
Accumulated Amortization:
Customer/agent relationships		(19,799)		(17,561)
Tradename		(2,159)		(1,929)
Management agreement		(3,232)		(3,232)
Non-compete & employment agreements		(4,235)		(4,235)
Total accumulated amortization		(29,425)		(26,957)
Total net carrying amount	$	14,959	$	17,427

Schedule of Estimated Aggregate Amortization Expense for Definite-Lived Intangible Assets

Insurance licenses are not amortized because they have an indefinite life. We amortize definite-lived intangible assets straight line over their respective lives. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets for the next five years is as follows (in thousands):

2016	$	2,468
2017	$	2,468
2018	$	2,468
2019	$	2,468
2020	$	2,468

Schedule of Weighted Average Amortization Period for Definite Lived Intangible Assets by Major Cass

The weighted average amortization period for definite-lived intangible assets by major class is as follows:

	Years
Tradename	15
Customer/ agent relationships	15
Management agreement	4
Non-compete agreements	5

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Other Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Other Assets [Abstract]

Schedule of Other Assets

The following table details our other assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

	2015		2014
Profit sharing commission receivable	$	228	$	274
Accrued investment income		3,876		2,974
Debt issuance costs		1,145		1,104
Investment in unconsolidated trust subsidiaries		1,702		1,702
Fixed assets		4,120		1,620
Other assets		174		205
	$	11,245	$	7,879

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Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses [Abstract]

Activity in the Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense

Activity in the reserves for unpaid losses and LAE is summarized as follows (in thousands):

		2015		2014		2013
Balance at January 1	$	415,135	$	382,640	$	313,416
Less reinsurance recoverable		91,943		70,172		49,584
Net Balance at January 1		323,192		312,468		263,832
Incurred related to:
Current year		237,102		215,258		251,391
Prior years		(6,953)		(5,203)		9,954
Total incurred		230,149		210,055		261,345
Paid related to:
Current year		83,132		76,231		101,897
Prior years		122,122		123,100		110,812
Total paid		205,254		199,331		212,709
Net Balance at December 31		348,087		323,192		312,468
Plus reinsurance recoverable		102,791		91,943		70,172
Balance at December 31	$	450,878	$	415,135	$	382,640

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Reinsurance (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Reinsurance [Abstract]

Schedule of Reinsurance Ceded and Recoveries

The following table presents our gross and net premiums written and earned and reinsurance recoveries for each of the last three years (in thousands):

Included in reinsurance recoverable on the consolidated balance sheets are paid loss recoverables of $XX million and $17.0 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

	2015		2014		2013
Premium Written :
Direct	$	514,223	$	473,233	$	458,020
Assumed		-		(15)		2,007
Ceded		(157,279)		(148,866)		(99,262)
	$	356,944	$	324,352	$	360,765
Premium Earned:
Direct	$	494,643	$	461,367	$	434,022
Assumed		-		327		3,204
Ceded		(145,562)		(140,477)		(76,685)
	$	349,081	$	321,217	$	360,541
Reinsurance recoveries	$	89,892	$	99,911	$	45,456

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Segment Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Segment Information [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting, by Segment

The following is additional business segment information for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

	2015		2014		2013
Revenues
Standard Commercial Segment	$	76,864	$	81,464	$	83,306
Specialty Commercial Segment		249,910		241,920		229,734
Personal Segment		45,538		20,404		71,081
Corporate		90		(6,422)		5,307
Consolidated	$	372,402	$	337,366	$	389,428
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Standard Commercial Segment	$	136	$	183	$	201
Specialty Commercial Segment		2,537		2,503		2,896
Personal Segment		779		515		1,111
Corporate		64		23		92
Consolidated	$	3,516	$	3,224	$	4,300
Interest Expense
Standard Commercial Segment	$	-	$	-	$	-
Specialty Commercial Segment		-		-		-
Personal Segment		-		-		-
Corporate		3,906		4,576		4,599
Consolidated	$	3,906	$	4,576	$	4,599
Tax Expense (Benefit)
Standard Commercial Segment	$	1,436	$	622	$	312
Specialty Commercial Segment		11,609		9,690		3,613
Personal Segment		(1,345)		(574)		(398)
Corporate		(1,677)		(4,385)		(692)
Consolidated	$	10,023	$	5,353	$	2,835
Pre-tax Income (Loss)
Standard Commercial Segment	$	6,687	$	4,595	$	1,980
Specialty Commercial Segment		40,277		34,237		19,527
Personal Segment		(885)		1,226		(3,416)
Corporate		(14,193)		(21,276)		(7,011)
Consolidated	$	31,886	$	18,782	$	11,080

Schedule of Segment Reporting Additional Information by Segment

The following is additional business segment information as of the following dates (in thousands):

	December 31
	2015		2014
Assets
Standard Commercial Segment	$	156,722	$	145,355
Specialty Commercial Segment		660,263		590,852
Personal Segment		239,632		222,183
Corporate		19,983		22,479
Consolidated	$	1,076,600	$	980,869

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Earnings Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted

A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per share calculations is presented below (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	2015		2014		2013
Numerator for both basic and diluted earnings per share:
Net income	$	21,863	$	13,429	$	8,245
Denominator, basic shares		19,211		19,197		19,263
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based compensation awards		194		169		98
Denominator, diluted shares		19,405		19,366		19,361
Basic earnings per share:	$	1.14	$	0.70	$	0.43
Diluted earnings per share:	$	1.13	$	0.69	$	0.43

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Share-based Payment Arrangements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Share-based Payment Arrangements [Abstract]

Summary of the Status of Stock Options

A summary of the status of our stock options as of December 31, 2015 and changes during the year then ended is presented below:

	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)		Aggregate Instrinsic Value ($000)
Outstanding at January 1, 2015		1,062,134	$	9.51
Granted		-
Exercised		(91,827)	$	7.17
Forfeited or expired		(101,194)	$	11.67
Outstanding at December 31, 2015		869,113	$	9.51		2.5	$	2,120
Exercisable at December 31, 2015		817,328	$	9.69		2.5	$	1,857

Schedule of Options, Grants in Period, Grant Date Intrinsic Value

The following table details the intrinsic value of options exercised, total cost of share-based payments charged against income before income tax benefit and the amount of related income tax benefit recognized in income for the periods indicated (in thousands):

	2015		2014		2013
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$	393	$	412	$	-
Cost of share-based payments (non-cash)	$	157	$	173	$	207
Income tax benefit of share-based payments recognized in income	$	30	$	30	$	30

Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity

A summary of the status of our restricted stock units as of December 31, 2015 and changes during the year then ended is presented below:

	Number of Restricted Stock Units
Nonvested at January 1, 2015	285,216
Granted	103,351
Vested	(8,616)
Forfeited	(83,380)
Nonvested at December 31, 2015	296,571

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Retirement Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Retirement Plans [Abstract]

Changes in Benefit Obligations, Components of Benefit Costs, Weighted-Average Assumptions, and Plan Assets

The following tables provide detail of the changes in benefit obligations, components of benefit costs, weighted-average assumptions, and plan assets for the retirement plan as of and for the twelve months ending December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands) using a measurement date of December 31.

	2015		2014		2013
Assumptions (end of period):
Discount rate used in determining benefit obligation		4.12%		3.86%		4.49%
Rate of compensation increase		N/A		N/A		N/A
Reconciliation of funded status (end of period):
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	(12,915)	$	(13,909)	$	(12,284)
Projected benefit obligation	$	(12,915)	$	(13,909)	$	(12,284)
Fair value of plan assets		10,419		11,290		10,851
Funded status	$	(2,496)	$	(2,619)	$	(1,433)
Net actuarial loss		(3,957)		(4,000)		(2,277)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(3,957)		(4,000)		(2,277)
Prepaid pension cost		1,461		1,381		844
Net amount recognized as of December 31	$	(2,496)	$	(2,619)	$	(1,433)
Changes in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation as of beginning of period	$	13,909	$	12,284	$	13,439
Interest cost		518		532		505
Actuarial liability (gain)/loss		(646)		1,947		(824)
Benefits paid		(866)		(854)		(836)
Benefit obligation as of end of period	$	12,915	$	13,909	$	12,284
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets as of beginning of period	$	11,290	$	10,851	$	9,754
Actual return on plan assets (net of expenses)		(5)		760		1,565
Employer contributions		-		533		368
Benefits paid		(866)		(854)		(836)
Fair value of plan assets as of end of period	$	10,419	$	11,290	$	10,851
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	$	-	$	-	$	-
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation		518		532		505
Expected return on plan assets		(701)		(698)		(615)
Recognized actuarial loss		103		162		495
Net periodic pension cost	$	(80)	$	(4)	$	385
Discount rate		3.86%		4.49%		3.89%
Expected return on plan assets		6.50%		6.50%		6.50%
Rate of compensation increase		N/A		N/A		N/A

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Estimated future benefit payments by fiscal year (in thousands):

2016	$	899
2017	$	913
2018	$	907
2019	$	896
2020	$	881
2021-2025	$	4,205

Weighted-Average Asset Allocation for the Defined Benefit Cash Balance Plan

The following table shows the weighted-average asset allocation for the defined benefit cash balance plan held as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.

	December 31
	2015	2014
Asset Category:
Debt securities	33%	33%
Equity securities	64%	64%
Other	3%	3%
Total	100%	100%

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis

The following table presents, for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, our plan assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands).

	As of December 31, 2015
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Debt securities	$	-	$	3,423	$	-	$	3,423
Equity securities		6,697		-		-		6,697
Total	$	6,697	$	3,423	$	-	$	10,120

	As of December 31, 2014
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Debt securities	$	-	$	3,718	$	-	$	3,718
Equity securities		7,230		-		-		7,230
Total	$	7,230	$	3,718	$	-	$	10,948

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Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

The composition of deferred tax assets and liabilities and the related tax effects as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, are as follows (in thousands):

	2015		2014
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$	(7,128)	$	(7,261)
Net unrealized holding gain on investments		(5,339)		(10,886)
Agency relationship		(66)		(75)
Intangible assets		(5,118)		(5,613)
Goodwill		(519)		(479)
Fixed assets		(861)		(432)
Other		(367)		(133)
Total deferred tax liabilities		(19,398)		(24,879)
Deferred tax assets:
Unearned premiums		10,592		10,042
Amortization of non-compete agreements		298		357
Pension liability		1,385		1,400
Net operating loss carry-forward		426		518
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense		6,920		6,871
Rent reserve		297		355
Reinsurance payable		421		387
Bonus accrual		759		809
Investment impairments		1,120		625
Other		540		423
Total deferred tax assets		22,758		21,787
Deferred federal income taxes, net	$	3,360	$	(3,092)

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation

A reconciliation of the income tax provisions based on the statutory tax rate to the provision reflected in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, is as follows (in thousands):

	2015		2014		2013
Computed expected income tax expense at statutory regulatory tax rate	$	11,160	$	6,574	$	3,878
Meals and entertainment		32		27		25
Tax exempt interest		(1,259)		(1,276)		(1,314)
Dividends received deduction		(141)		(107)		(101)
State taxes (net of federal benefit)		176		259		276
Other		55		(124)		71
Income tax expense	$	10,023	$	5,353	$	2,835
Current income tax expense	$	11,053	$	5,746	$	3,092
Deferred tax benefit		(1,030)		(393)		(257)
Income tax expense	$	10,023	$	5,353	$	2,835

Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards

The net operating losses will expire if unused, as follows (in thousands):

Year
2022	$	878
2028		2
2029		25
2031		45
2032		77
2033		73
2034		59
2035		57
	$	1,216

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Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):

Year
2016	$	2,065
2017		1,899
2018		1,563
2019		1,482
2020		1,442
2021 and thereafter		1,015
Total minimum lease payments (a)	$	9,466
(a) Minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $0.6 million due in the future under noncancelable subleases.

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Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances [Abstract]

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income balances as of December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):

	Pension Liability		Unrealized Gains (Loss)		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance at January 1, 2013	$	(2,954)	$	10,853	$	7,899
Other comprehensive income:
Change in net actuarial gain		2,268		-		2,268
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain		(794)		-		(794)
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period		-		22,094		22,094
Tax effect on unrealized gains arising during the period		-		(7,733)		(7,733)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains		-		(10,540)		(10,540)
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense		-		3,689		3,689
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		1,474		7,510		8,984
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(1,480)	$	18,363	$	16,883
Other comprehensive income:
Change in net actuarial loss		(1,723)		-		(1,723)
Tax effect on change in net actuarial loss		603		-		603
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period		-		3,543		3,543
Tax effect on unrealized gains arising during the period		-		(1,240)		(1,240)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains		-		(408)		(408)
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense		-		143		143
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		(1,120)		2,038		918
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(2,600)	$	20,401	$	17,801
Other comprehensive loss:
Change in net actuarial gain		43		-		43
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain		(15)		-		(15)
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period		-		(10,191)		(10,191)
Tax effect on unrealized losses arising during the period		-		3,567		3,567
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains		-		(5,826)		(5,826)
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense		-		2,039		2,039
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax		28		(10,411)		(10,383)
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	(2,572)	$	9,990	$	7,418

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Unaudited Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Unaudited Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information

Following is a summary of the unaudited interim results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands, except per share data). In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the results of operations for such periods have been made.

	2015								2014
	Q1		Q2		Q3		Q4		Q1		Q2		Q3		Q4
Total revenue	$	91,450	$	97,197	$	93,684	$	90,071	$	87,109	$	80,836	$	81,417	$	88,004
Total expense		83,761		87,922		83,849		84,984		80,697		78,794		76,689		82,404
Income before tax		7,689		9,275		9,835		5,087		6,412		2,042		4,728		5,600
Income tax expense		2,346		2,899		3,137		1,641		1,864		391		1,265		1,833
Net income	$	5,343		6,376	$	6,698		3,446	$	4,548		1,651	$	3,463		3,767
Basic earnings per share:	$	0.28	$	0.33	$	0.35	$	0.18	$	0.24	$	0.09	$	0.18	$	0.20
Diluted earnings per share:	$	0.28	$	0.33	$	0.35	$	0.17	$	0.23	$	0.09	$	0.18	$	0.19

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Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions			12 Months Ended
	Aug. 23, 2007 USD ($)	Jun. 21, 2005 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) segment	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Number of reportable segments | segment			3
Deferred policy acquisition costs, additions			$ 32.3	$ 39.1	$ 55.0
Deferred policy acquisition costs, amortized			(32.7)	(40.9)	(57.3)
Deferred policy acquisition cost, (amortization) deferrals			(0.4)	(1.8)	(2.3)
Property and equipment, gross			$ 17.9	14.8
Property and equipment, depreciation method			straight-line method
Depreciation			$ 1.0	0.7	1.2
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation			13.7	13.2
Policy fees			11.2	$ 11.5	$ 13.2
Hallmark Statutory Trust I [Member]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 30.9	$ 30.9
Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred securities		30.0
Minimum [Member]
Property and equipment, estimated useful lives			3 years	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Property and equipment, estimated useful lives			10 years	10 years
Subordinated Debt [Member]
Long-term debt, gross			$ 56.7	$ 56.7
Trust Preferred Securities, fair value			$ 45.3	$ 47.6
Current yield to maturity, percentage			8.00%	8.00%
Subordinated Debt [Member] | Hallmark Statutory Trust I [Member]
Long-term debt, gross		30.9
Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred securities		$ 30.0
Subordinated Debt [Member] | Hallmark Statutory Trust I I [Member]
Long-term debt, gross	$ 25.8		$ 25.8
Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred securities	$ 25.0
Standard Commercial P & C Business Unit [Member] | Quota Share Treaty Effective January 1, 2006 [Member]
Profit sharing payable			1.7
MGA Commercial Products [Member] | Quota Share Treaty Effective January 1, 2006 [Member]
Profit sharing payable			$ 0.3

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Accounting Policies (Schedule of Profit Sharing Commission) (Details)	Jan. 01, 2008	Jan. 01, 2007	Jan. 01, 2006	Jul. 01, 2004	Jul. 01, 2003	Jul. 01, 2002	Jul. 01, 2001
Standard Commercial P & C Business Unit [Member]
Provisional loss ratio				64.20%	59.00%	59.00%	60.00%
Estimated ultimate loss ratio recorded to at December 31, 2015				66.10%	61.60%	64.50%	63.50%
MGA Commercial Products [Member]
Provisional loss ratio	65.00%	65.00%	65.00%
Estimated ultimate loss ratio recorded to at December 31, 2015	59.70%	64.00%	58.80%

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Investments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) security	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) security	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Investments [Abstract]
Maximum restricted level of investment upon stockholders equity	10.00%	10.00%
Gross realized gains on investments	$ 6.7	$ 0.6	$ 10.9
Gross realized losses on investments	0.9	0.2	0.4
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities	$ 51.7	$ 15.3	$ 33.4
Number of debt security positions | security	39	24
Recognized other-than-temporary losses on our debt securities portfolio	$ 3.3
Securities pledged for the benefit of various state insurance departments and reinsurers	$ 17.6	$ 20.3

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Investments (Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Investments in Debt and Equity Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments, Amortized Cost	$ 563,580	$ 476,130
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	26,122	35,076
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	(10,873)	(3,977)
Total investments	578,829	507,229
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments, Amortized Cost	24,951	25,360
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	23,391	31,086
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	(838)	(2)
Total investments	47,504	56,444
Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments, Amortized Cost	538,629	450,770
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	2,731	3,990
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	(10,035)	(3,975)
Total investments	531,325	450,785
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments, Amortized Cost	76,323	93,280
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	7	29
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	(61)	(4)
Total investments	76,269	93,305
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments, Amortized Cost	122,894	28,643
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	637	884
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	(1,822)	(85)
Total investments	121,709	29,442
Collateralized Corporate Bank Loans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments, Amortized Cost	83,434	115,358
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	44	206
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	(1,882)	(1,915)
Total investments	81,596	113,649
Municipal Bonds [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments, Amortized Cost	196,446	161,546
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	1,888	2,384
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	(5,966)	(1,601)
Total investments	192,368	162,329
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments, Amortized Cost	59,532	51,943
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	155	487
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	(304)	(370)
Total investments	$ 59,383	$ 52,060

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Investments (Major Categories of Investment Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	$ 14,842	$ 13,139	$ 13,760
Investment expenses	(873)	(756)	(876)
Investment income (loss), net of expenses	13,969	12,383	12,884
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	670	395	143
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	1,435	1,378	2,341
Collateralized Corporate Bank Loans [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	4,727	4,400	4,653
Municipal Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	5,901	5,232	5,245
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	1,288	995	737
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	148	230	157
Parent Company [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income (loss), net of expenses	120	133	(190)
Equity Securities [Member] | Equity Securities All Others [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	$ 673	$ 509	$ 484

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Investments (Major Categories of Net Realized Gains on Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gain on investments	$ 5,826	$ 408	$ 10,540
Other-than-temporary impairments	(3,323)	(274)
Net realized gain	2,503	134	10,540
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gain on investments		263	853
Collateralized Corporate Bank Loans [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gain on investments	126	109	373
Municipal Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gain on investments	(83)	(140)	(156)
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gain on investments	240	32
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gain on investments	$ 5,543	$ 144	$ 9,470

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Investments (Summary of Gross Unrealized Loss Position) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value 12 months or less	$ 291,131	$ 158,413
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	(5,269)	(2,225)
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	28,890	27,548
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	(5,604)	(1,752)
Fair Value Total	320,021	185,961
Unrealized Losses Total	(10,873)	(3,977)
Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value 12 months or less	284,547	158,284
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	(4,431)	(2,223)
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	28,890	27,548
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	(5,604)	(1,752)
Fair Value Total	313,437	185,832
Unrealized Losses Total	(10,035)	(3,975)
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value 12 months or less	6,584	129
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	(838)	(2)
Fair Value Total	6,584	129
Unrealized Losses Total	(838)	(2)
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value 12 months or less	41,428	15,005
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	(61)	(4)
Fair Value Total	41,428	15,005
Unrealized Losses Total	(61)	(4)
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value 12 months or less	96,475	7,552
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	(1,822)	(85)
Fair Value Total	96,475	7,552
Unrealized Losses Total	(1,822)	(85)
Collateralized Corporate Bank Loans [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value 12 months or less	65,868	64,712
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	(1,758)	(824)
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	3,532	8,898
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	(124)	(1,091)
Fair Value Total	69,400	73,610
Unrealized Losses Total	(1,882)	(1,915)
Municipal Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value 12 months or less	44,525	50,546
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	(488)	(945)
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	25,310	15,684
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	(5,478)	(656)
Fair Value Total	69,835	66,230
Unrealized Losses Total	(5,966)	(1,601)
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value 12 months or less	36,251	20,469
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	(302)	(365)
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	48	2,966
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	(2)	(5)
Fair Value Total	36,299	23,435
Unrealized Losses Total	$ (304)	$ (370)

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Investments (Schedule of Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Debt Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost, Due in one year or less	$ 76,739
Amortized Cost, Due after one year through five years	236,507
Amortized Cost, Due after five years through ten years	106,046
Amortized Cost, Amortized Cost Due after ten years	59,805
Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost	538,629	$ 450,770
Fair Value, Due in one year or less	76,560
Fair Value, Due after one year through five years	234,213
Fair Value, Due after five years through ten years	101,387
Fair Value, Due after ten years	59,782
Debt securities	531,325	450,785
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost	59,532
Debt securities	$ 59,383	$ 52,060

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Fair Value (Fair Value of Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	$ 531,325	$ 450,785
Equity securities	47,504	56,444
Debt and equity securities	578,829	507,229
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	76,269	93,305
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	121,709	29,442
Collateralized Corporate Bank Loans [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	81,596	113,649
Municipal Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	192,368	162,329
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	59,383	52,060
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities	47,504	56,444
Debt and equity securities	47,504	56,444
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	517,238	436,187
Debt and equity securities	517,238	436,187
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	76,269	93,305
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	121,709	29,442
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Collateralized Corporate Bank Loans [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	81,596	113,402
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	178,281	147,978
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	59,383	52,060
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	14,087	14,598
Debt and equity securities	14,087	14,598
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Collateralized Corporate Bank Loans [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities		247
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	$ 14,087	$ 14,351

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Fair Value (Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value [Abstract]
Beginning balance as of January 1	$ 14,598	$ 17,517
Sales	$ (370)	$ (3,490)
Settlements
Purchases
Issuances
Total realized/unrealized gains included in net income
Net gains included in other comprehensive income	$ (141)	$ 571
Transfers into Level 3
Transfers out of Level 3
Ending balance as of December 31	$ 14,087	$ 14,598

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 15, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill				$ 44,695,000	$ 44,695,000
Impairment of goodwill				$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted average period to amortize acquired intangible assets				13 years
Standard Commercial P & C Business Unit [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill				$ 2,100,000
Workers Compensation Business Unit [Member] | Renewal Rights [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
One-time payment related to divestiture of renewal rights			$ 83,000
Gain (loss) on disposition of property, plant and equipment	$ 400,000		$ 200,000
Proceeds from sale of finite-lived assets	$ 115,000
TBIC Holding Corporation Inc [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Contingent consideration paid		$ 1,200,000
Potential remaining contingent purchase price, maximum				1,800,000
MGA Commercial Products [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill				19,800,000
Hallmark Select Business Unit [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill				17,400,000
Excess and Umbrella Business Unit [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill				7,700,000
General Aviation and Satellite Component [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill				9,700,000
Personal Lines Business Unit [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill				$ 5,400,000

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Schedule of Acquired Intangible Assets by Major Category) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total gross carrying amount	$ 44,384	$ 44,384
Total accumulated amortization	(29,425)	(26,957)
Total net carrying amount	14,959	17,427
Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total gross carrying amount	32,177	32,177
Total accumulated amortization	(19,799)	(17,561)
Trade Names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total gross carrying amount	3,440	3,440
Total accumulated amortization	(2,159)	(1,929)
Management Agreement [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total gross carrying amount	3,232	3,232
Total accumulated amortization	(3,232)	(3,232)
Non-compete & Employment Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total gross carrying amount	4,235	4,235
Total accumulated amortization	(4,235)	(4,235)
Insurance Licenses [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total gross carrying amount	$ 1,300	$ 1,300

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Schedule of Estimated Aggregate Amortization Expense for Finite-Lived Intangible Assets) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]
2016	$ 2,468
2017	2,468
2018	2,468
2019	2,468
2020	$ 2,468

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Schedule of Weighted Average Amortization Period for Definite Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average period to amortize acquired intangible assets	13 years
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average period to amortize acquired intangible assets	15 years
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average period to amortize acquired intangible assets	15 years
Management Agreement [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average period to amortize acquired intangible assets	4 years
Non-compete & Employment Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average period to amortize acquired intangible assets	5 years

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Other Assets (Schedule of Other Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Assets [Abstract]
Profit sharing commission receivable	$ 228	$ 274
Accrued investment income	3,876	2,974
Debt issuance costs	1,145	1,104
Investment in unconsolidated trust subsidiaries	1,702	1,702
Fixed assets	4,120	1,620
Other assets	174	205
Other Assets, Total	$ 11,245	$ 7,879

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Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Favorable adjustment to prior years liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense	$ 7,000	$ 5,200
Unfavorable adjustment to prior years liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense			$ 10,000
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Prior Years	(6,953)	(5,203)	9,954
Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2010 [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Unfavorable adjustment to prior years liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense			3,300
Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2011 [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Favorable adjustment to prior years liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense		2,400
Unfavorable adjustment to prior years liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense			1,700
Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2012 [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Favorable adjustment to prior years liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense	1,100
Unfavorable adjustment to prior years liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense		4,400	5,000
Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2013 [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Favorable adjustment to prior years liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense		7,200
Unfavorable adjustment to prior years liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense	1,500
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Prior Years			10,000
Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2014 [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Favorable adjustment to prior years liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense	7,400
Standard Commercial P & C Business Unit [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Favorable adjustment to prior years liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense			3,700
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Prior Years	(5,400)	(4,100)
Workers Compensation Business Unit [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Favorable adjustment to prior years liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense			1,500
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Prior Years	(2,000)	(1,900)
Specialty Commercial Segment [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Favorable adjustment to prior years liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense			2,600
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Prior Years	(2,000)
MGA Commercial Products [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Unfavorable adjustment to prior years liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense		4,700
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Prior Years	(200)
MGA Commercial Products [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2013 [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Prior Years			16,000
Hallmark Select Business Unit [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Prior Years		(1,000)
Hallmark Select Business Unit [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2011 [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Favorable adjustment to prior years liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense			2,300
Commerical Excess Liability [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Favorable adjustment to prior years liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense		900
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Prior Years	300
Medical Professional Liability Products [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Favorable adjustment to prior years liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense		400
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Prior Years	800
General Aviation [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Unfavorable adjustment to prior years liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense		300
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Prior Years	900
Personal Lines Business Unit [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Prior Years		$ (2,900)
Personal Lines Business Unit [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2013 [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Prior Years			1,800
Personal Lines Business Unit [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2014 [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Unfavorable adjustment to prior years liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense	$ 2,600
Excess and Umbrella Business Unit [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Favorable adjustment to prior years liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense			400
Aircraft Hull [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2012 [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Unfavorable adjustment to prior years liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense			$ 100

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Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Activity in the Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses [Abstract]
Balance at January 1	$ 415,135	$ 382,640	$ 313,416
Less reinsurance recoverable	91,943	70,172	49,584
Net Balance at January 1	323,192	312,468	263,832
Incurred related to:
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Current Year	237,102	215,258	251,391
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Prior Years	(6,953)	(5,203)	9,954
Total incurred	230,149	210,055	261,345
Paid related to:
Current year	83,132	76,231	101,897
Prior years	122,122	123,100	110,812
Total paid	205,254	199,331	212,709
Net Balance at December 31	348,087	323,192	312,468
Plus reinsurance recoverable	102,791	91,943	70,172
Balance at December 31	$ 450,878	$ 415,135	$ 382,640

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Reinsurance (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reinsurance [Abstract]
Paid loss recoverable	$ 11.1	$ 17.0

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Reinsurance (Schedule of Reinsurance Ceded and Recoveries) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Premium Written :
Direct	$ 514,223	$ 473,233	$ 458,020
Assumed		(15)	2,007
Ceded premiums written	(157,279)	(148,866)	(99,262)
Net premiums written	356,944	324,352	360,765
Premium Earned:
Direct	494,643	461,367	434,022
Assumed		327	3,204
Ceded	(145,562)	(140,477)	(76,685)
Premiums Earned, Net, Property and Casualty	349,081	321,217	360,541
Reinsurance recoveries	$ 89,892	$ 99,911	$ 45,456

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Revolving Credit Facility and Notes Payable (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 15,000,000
Debt instrument, description of variable rate basis	prime rate or LIBOR plus 2.5%
Line of credit facility, unused capacity, commitment fee percentage	0.25%
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	$ 0
Facility B Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 30,000,000
Debt instrument, description of variable rate basis	prime rate or LIBOR plus 3.00%
Line of credit facility, unused capacity, commitment fee percentage	0.25%
Line of credit facility, commitment fee amount	$ 75,000
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	$ 30,000,000
Line of credit facility, expiration date	Dec. 17, 2017
Letters of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 5,000,000
Line of credit facility, commitment fee percentage	1.00%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	2.50%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Facility B Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	3.00%

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Subordinated Debt Securities (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions			12 Months Ended	120 Months Ended
	Aug. 23, 2007	Jun. 21, 2005	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Subordinated Debt [Member]
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross			$ 56.7		$ 56.7
Hallmark Statutory Trust I [Member]
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 30.9	$ 30.9
Debt instrument, maturity date		Jun. 15, 2035
Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred securities		$ 30.0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		$ 0.9
Subordinated borrowing, interest rate			3.76%	7.725%
Debt instrument interest rate fixed to floating date		Jun. 15, 2015
Debt instrument, description of variable rate basis			interest adjusts quarterly to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 3.25 percentage points
Hallmark Statutory Trust I [Member] | Subordinated Debt [Member]
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 30.9
Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred securities		$ 30.0
Hallmark Statutory Trust I I [Member] | Subordinated Debt [Member]
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	$ 25.8		$ 25.8
Debt instrument, maturity date			Sep. 15, 2037
Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred securities	25.0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	$ 0.8
Subordinated borrowing, interest rate			8.28%
Debt instrument interest rate fixed to floating date			Sep. 15, 2017
Debt instrument, description of variable rate basis			three-month LIBOR rate plus 2.90 percentage points
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Hallmark Statutory Trust I [Member]
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate			3.25%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Hallmark Statutory Trust I I [Member] | Subordinated Debt [Member]
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate			2.90%

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Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
American Hallmark Insurance Company [Member]
Net premiums written, percentage	34.00%
Hallmark Insurance Company (Payer) [Member]
Net premiums written, percentage	32.00%
Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company [Member]
Net premiums written, percentage	24.00%
Hallmark National Insurance Company [Member]
Net premiums written, percentage	10.00%

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Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Reporting, by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues
Revenues	$ 90,071	$ 93,684	$ 97,197	$ 91,450	$ 88,004	$ 81,417	$ 80,836	$ 87,109	$ 372,402	$ 337,366	$ 389,428
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and Amortization Expense									3,516	3,224	4,300
Interest Expense
Interest Expense									3,906	4,576	4,599
Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 1,641	$ 3,137	$ 2,899	$ 2,346	$ 1,833	$ 1,265	$ 391	$ 1,864	10,023	5,353	2,835
Pre-tax income (loss), net of non-controlling interest:
Consolidated pre-tax income (loss), net of non-controlling interest									31,886	18,782	11,080
Standard Commercial Segment [Member]
Revenues
Revenues									76,864	81,464	83,306
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and Amortization Expense									136	183	201
Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense (benefit)									1,436	622	312
Pre-tax income (loss), net of non-controlling interest:
Consolidated pre-tax income (loss), net of non-controlling interest									6,687	4,595	1,980
Specialty Commercial Segment [Member]
Revenues
Revenues									249,910	241,920	229,734
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and Amortization Expense									2,537	2,503	2,896
Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense (benefit)									11,609	9,690	3,613
Pre-tax income (loss), net of non-controlling interest:
Consolidated pre-tax income (loss), net of non-controlling interest									40,277	34,237	19,527
Personal Segment [Member]
Revenues
Revenues									45,538	20,404	71,081
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and Amortization Expense									779	515	1,111
Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense (benefit)									(1,345)	(574)	(398)
Pre-tax income (loss), net of non-controlling interest:
Consolidated pre-tax income (loss), net of non-controlling interest									(885)	1,226	(3,416)
Corporate [Member]
Revenues
Revenues									90	(6,422)	5,307
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and Amortization Expense									64	23	92
Interest Expense
Interest Expense									3,906	4,576	4,599
Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense (benefit)									(1,677)	(4,385)	(692)
Pre-tax income (loss), net of non-controlling interest:
Consolidated pre-tax income (loss), net of non-controlling interest									(14,193)	(21,276)	(7,011)
Parent Company [Member]
Revenues
Revenues									18,173	17,747	8,328
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and Amortization Expense									65	68	92
Interest Expense
Interest Expense									3,906	4,576	4,599
Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense (benefit)									$ (1,273)	$ (1,623)	$ (1,227)

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Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Reporting Additional Information by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets	$ 1,076,600	$ 980,869
Standard Commercial Segment [Member]
Assets	156,722	145,355
Specialty Commercial Segment [Member]
Assets	660,263	590,852
Personal Segment [Member]
Assets	239,632	222,183
Corporate [Member]
Assets	19,983	22,479
Parent Company [Member]
Assets	$ 375,213	$ 342,255

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Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	267,500	544,999	779,999

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Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Numerator for both basic and diluted earnings per share:
Net income (loss) attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.									$ 21,863	$ 13,429	$ 8,245
Denominator, basic shares									19,211	19,197	19,263
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based compensation awards									194	169	98
Denominator, diluted shares									19,405	19,366	19,361
Basic earnings per share: (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.35	$ 0.33	$ 0.28	$ 0.20	$ 0.18	$ 0.09	$ 0.24	$ 1.14	$ 0.70	$ 0.43
Diluted earnings per share: (in dollars per share)	$ 0.17	$ 0.35	$ 0.33	$ 0.28	$ 0.19	$ 0.18	$ 0.09	$ 0.23	$ 1.13	$ 0.69	$ 0.43

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Regulatory Capital Restrictions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Regulatory Capital Restrictions [Line Items]
Retained earnings, unappropriated	$ 68.3
Aggregate amount of shareholder dividends, maximum available next current fiscal year	18.5
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital	8.0	$ 8.0
Hallmark Insurance Company (Payer) [Member] | Hallmark (Payee) [Member]
Regulatory Capital Restrictions [Line Items]
Insurance agency management fee	$ 1.3	1.1	$ 8.2
Subsidiaries [Member]
Regulatory Capital Restrictions [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Future Dividend Payments Restrictions	lesser of 10% of prior year policyholders' surplus or prior year's net investment income
Aggregate amount of shareholder dividends, maximum available next current fiscal year	$ 27.6
American Hallmark Insurance Company and Texas Builders Insurance Company [Member]
Regulatory Capital Restrictions [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Future Dividend Payments Restrictions	greater of statutory net income for the prior calendar year or 10% of statutory policyholders' surplus as of the prior year end
Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company [Member]
Regulatory Capital Restrictions [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Future Dividend Payments Restrictions	greater of 10% of prior year policyholders' surplus or prior year's statutory net income, not including realized capital gains
Hallmark Insurance Company Subsidiaries [Member]
Regulatory Capital Restrictions [Line Items]
Amount of restricted net assets for consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 193.7
Statutory accounting practices, statutory capital and surplus, balance	247.2	210.0
Statutory accounting practices, statutory net income amount	$ 24.6	$ 22.3	$ 6.1

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Share-based Payment Arrangements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands						6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended				24 Months Ended
	May. 29, 2015	Apr. 02, 2015	Sep. 08, 2014	Apr. 10, 2013	Jul. 27, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Next Twelve Months							$ 39
Stock options, Granted								0	0	0
Options contractual term							2 years 6 months
Other than options, granted		8,616
Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, incentive stock options to purchase number of shares							564,956
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, non-qualified stock options to purchase number of shares							304,157
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, restricted stock options to purchase number of shares							289,830
Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Option Issued Prior To 2009 [Member] | First Anniversary [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Percentage							10.00%
Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Option Issued Prior To 2009 [Member] | Second Anniversary [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Percentage							20.00%
Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Option Issued Prior To 2009 [Member] | Third Anniversary [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Percentage							30.00%
Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Option Issued Prior To 2009 [Member] | Fourth Anniversary [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Percentage							40.00%
Long Term Incentive Plan 2015 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, number of shares authorized							2,000,000
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, restricted stock options to purchase number of shares							155,027
Stock options, Granted							0
Prior to 2009 Incentive Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, award vesting rights							terminate five to ten years from the date of grant
Prior to 2009 Incentive Stock Options [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Based Compensation Incentive Stock Options Grant Under Incentive Plan Termination Period							5 years
Prior to 2009 Incentive Stock Options [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Based Compensation Incentive Stock Options Grant Under Incentive Plan Termination Period							10 years
2009 Incentive Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Based Compensation Incentive Stock Options Grant Under Incentive Plan Termination Period							10 years
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, award vesting rights							vest in equal annual increments on each of the first seven anniversary dates
Incentive Stock Options 2010 [Member] | Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | 25,000 Grant [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share based payment award options vested and expected to vest number							25,000
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, award vesting period							3 years
Stock Based Compensation Incentive Stock Options Grant Under Incentive Plan Termination Period							10 years
Non Qualified Stock Options [Member] | Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, award vesting period							6 months
Non qualified stock options termination period							10 years
Non Qualified Stock Options [Member] | Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | 200,000 Grant [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, non-qualified stock options to purchase number of shares							200,000
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, award vesting period							7 years
Non qualified stock options termination period							10 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost							$ 800
Employee Service Share-based Compensation Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Next Twelve Months							400
Employee Service Share-based Compensation Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Expected to Recognize During Remainder of Year Two							300
Employee Service Share-based Compensation Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Expected to Recognize During Remainder of Year Three							100
Allocated share-based compensation expense							226	$ 49	$ 145
Income tax benefit of share-based payments recognized in income							$ 79	$ 17	$ 51
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Other than options, granted	103,351		175,983	122,823	129,463		103,351
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period		8,616					8,616
Other than options granted, weighted average grant date fair value							$ 11.10	$ 9.66			$ 9.20
Other than options, forfeited						9,280	83,380

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Share-based Payment Arrangements (Summary of the Status of Stock Options) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Payment Arrangements [Abstract]
Stock options, Outstanding at January 1, 2015	1,062,134
Stock options, Granted		0	0	0
Stock options, exercised (in shares)	(91,827)
Stock options, forfeited or expired	(101,194)
Stock options, Outstanding at December 31, 2015	869,113	1,062,134
Stock options, Exercisable at December 31, 2015	817,328
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at January 1, 2015	$ 9.51
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised	7.17
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited or expired	11.67
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at December 31, 2015	9.51	$ 9.51
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable at December 31, 2015	$ 9.69
Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding at December 31, 2015 (in years)	2 years 6 months
Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable at December 31, 2015 (in years)	2 years 6 months
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding at December 31, 2015	$ 2,120
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable at December 31, 2015	$ 1,857

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Share-based Payment Arrangements (Schedule of Options, Grants in Period, Grant Date Intrinsic Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Cost of share-based payments (non-cash)	$ 383	$ 222	$ 352
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Intrinsic value of options exercised	393	412
Cost of share-based payments (non-cash)	157	173	207
Income tax benefit of share-based payments recognized in income	$ 30	$ 30	$ 30

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Share-based Payment Arrangements (Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity) (Details) - shares						6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May. 29, 2015	Apr. 02, 2015	Sep. 08, 2014	Apr. 10, 2013	Jul. 27, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted		8,616
Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonvested at January 1, 2015							285,216
Granted	103,351		175,983	122,823	129,463		103,351
Vested		(8,616)					(8,616)
Forfeited						(9,280)	(83,380)
Nonvested at December 31, 2015							296,571

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Retirement Plans (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) item	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets		$ 10,419	$ 11,290	$ 10,851	$ 9,754
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents		$ 10,120	$ 10,948
Favorable rate of return equal to or greater than average inflation rate		5.00%
Investment objective achievement period		60 years
Single stock issue restricted among total portfolio value		5.00%
Securities held in mutual or commingled funds		90.00%
Expected return on plan assets		6.50%	6.50%	6.50%
Net periodic pension cost		$ (80)	$ (4)	$ 385
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation		518	532	505
Defined benefit plan, expected return on plan assets		$ (701)	(698)	(615)
Defined contribution plan, number of separate plans | item		2
Defined contribution plan, employer discretionary contribution amount		$ 300	300	$ 300
Scenario, Forecast for 2016 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net periodic pension cost	$ (21)
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	512
Defined benefit plan, expected return on plan assets	(645)
Defined benefit plan, amortization of losses (gains)	$ 112
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets		300	400
Bonds and Notes [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets		3,400
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets		6,700
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents		$ 6,697	$ 7,230
Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations range, minimum		45.00%
Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations range, maximum		75.00%
Standard Commercial P & C Business Unit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Minimum hours of service to participate within defined benefit plan		1000 hours

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Retirement Plans (Changes in Benefit Obligations, Components of Benefit Costs, Weighted-Average Assumptions, and Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assumptions (end of period):
Discount rate used in determining benefit obligation	4.12%	3.86%	4.49%
Reconciliation of funded status (end of period):
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ (12,915)	$ (13,909)	$ (12,284)
Projected benefit obligation	(12,915)	(13,909)	(12,284)
Fair value of plan assets	10,419	11,290	10,851
Defined benefit plan, funded status of plan, total	(2,496)	(2,619)	(1,433)
Net actuarial loss	(3,957)	(4,000)	(2,277)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,957)	(4,000)	(2,277)
Prepaid pension cost	1,461	1,381	844
Net amount recognized as of December 31	(2,496)	(2,619)	(1,433)
Changes in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation as of beginning of period	13,909	12,284	13,439
Interest cost	518	532	505
Actuarial liability loss	(646)	1,947	(824)
Benefits paid	(866)	(854)	(836)
Benefit obligation as of end of period	12,915	13,909	12,284
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets as of beginning of period	11,290	10,851	9,754
Actual return on plan assets (net of expenses)	(5)	760	1,565
Employer contributions		533	368
Benefits paid	866	854	836
Fair value of plan assets as of end of period	$ 10,419	$ 11,290	$ 10,851
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	$ 518	$ 532	$ 505
Expected return on plan assets	(701)	(698)	(615)
Recognized actuarial loss	103	162	495
Net periodic pension cost	$ (80)	$ (4)	$ 385
Discount rate	3.86%	4.49%	3.89%
Expected return on plan assets	6.50%	6.50%	6.50%

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Retirement Plans (Estimated Future Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
2016	$ 899
2017	913
2018	907
2019	896
2020	881
2021-2025	$ 4,205

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Retirement Plans (Weighted-Average Asset Allocation for the Defined Benefit Cash Balance Plan) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations	33.00%	33.00%
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations	64.00%	64.00%
Other Liabilities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations	3.00%	3.00%

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Retirement Plans (Schedule of Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents	$ 10,120	$ 10,948
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents	3,423	3,718
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents	6,697	7,230
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents	6,697	7,230
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents	6,697	7,230
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents	3,423	3,718
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,423	$ 3,718

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Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	$ 1,216
Income tax carryback period	2 years
Income tax carryforward period	20 years
Uncertain tax positions	$ 0

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Income Taxes (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$ (7,128)	$ (7,261)
Net unrealized holding gain on investments	(5,339)	(10,886)
Agency relationship	(66)	(75)
Intangible assets	(5,118)	(5,613)
Goodwill	(519)	(479)
Fixed assets	(861)	(432)
Other	(367)	(133)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(19,398)	(24,879)
Deferred tax assets:
Unearned premiums	10,592	10,042
Amortization of non-compete agreements	298	357
Pension liability	1,385	1,400
Net operating loss carry-forward	426	518
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense	6,920	6,871
Rent reserve	297	355
Reinsurance payable	421	387
Bonus accrual	759	809
Investment impairments	1,120	625
Other	540	423
Total deferred tax assets	22,758	21,787
Deferred federal income taxes, net	$ 3,360	$ (3,092)

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Income Taxes (Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Computed expected income tax expense (benefit) at statutory regulatory tax rate									$ 11,160	$ 6,574	$ 3,878
Meals and entertainment									32	27	25
Tax exempt interest									(1,259)	(1,276)	(1,314)
Dividends received deduction									(141)	(107)	(101)
State taxes (net of federal benefit)									176	259	276
Other									55	(124)	71
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 1,641	$ 3,137	$ 2,899	$ 2,346	$ 1,833	$ 1,265	$ 391	$ 1,864	10,023	5,353	2,835
Current income tax (benefit) expense									11,053	5,746	3,092
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)									(1,030)	(393)	(257)
Income tax (benefit) expense	$ 1,641	$ 3,137	$ 2,899	$ 2,346	$ 1,833	$ 1,265	$ 391	$ 1,864	$ 10,023	$ 5,353	$ 2,835

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Income Taxes (Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Net Operating Loss	$ 1,216
Operating Loss Expires In 2022 [Member]
Net Operating Loss	878
Operating Loss Expires In 2028 [Member]
Net Operating Loss	2
Operating Loss Expires in 2029 [Member]
Net Operating Loss	25
Operating Loss Expires In 2031 [Member]
Net Operating Loss	45
Operating Loss Expires In 2032 [Member]
Net Operating Loss	77
Operating Loss Expires In 2033 [Member]
Net Operating Loss	73
Operating Loss Expires In 2034 [Member]
Net Operating Loss	59
Operating Loss Expires in 2035 [Member]
Net Operating Loss	$ 57

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Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating leases, rent expense, net		$ 2.2	$ 2.3	$ 2.2
Contingent liability premium taxes		2.5
Contingent liability penalties and interest		0.7
TBIC Holding Corporation Inc [Member]
Contingent consideration paid	$ 1.2
Potential remaining contingent purchase price, maximum		$ 1.8

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Commitments and Contingencies (Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
2016	$ 2,065
2017	1,899
2018	1,563
2019	1,482
2020	1,442
2021 and thereafter	1,015
Total minimum lease payments	9,466	[1]
Minimum sublease rentals due under noncancelable subleases	$ 600

[1] Minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $0.6 million due in the future under noncancelable subleases.

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Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances (Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 17,801
Other comprehensive income:
Change in net actuarial gain (loss)	43	$ (1,723)	$ 2,268
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain (loss)	(15)	603	(794)
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period	(10,191)	3,543	22,094
Tax effect on unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period	3,567	(1,240)	(7,733)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains	(5,826)	(408)	(10,540)
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense	2,039	143	3,689
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	(10,383)	918	8,984
Ending Balance	7,418	17,801
Pension Liability [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(2,600)	(1,480)	(2,954)
Other comprehensive income:
Change in net actuarial gain (loss)	43	(1,723)	2,268
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain (loss)	(15)	603	(794)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	28	(1,120)	1,474
Ending Balance	(2,572)	(2,600)	(1,480)
Unrealized Gains (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	20,401	18,363	10,853
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period	(10,191)	3,543	22,094
Tax effect on unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period	3,567	(1,240)	(7,733)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains	(5,826)	(408)	(10,540)
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense	2,039	143	3,689
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	(10,411)	2,038	7,510
Ending Balance	9,990	20,401	18,363
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	17,801	16,883	7,899
Other comprehensive income:
Change in net actuarial gain (loss)	43	(1,723)	2,268
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain (loss)	(15)	603	(794)
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period	(10,191)	3,543	22,094
Tax effect on unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period	3,567	(1,240)	(7,733)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains	(5,826)	(408)	(10,540)
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense	2,039	143	3,689
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	(10,383)	918	8,984
Ending Balance	7,418	17,801	$ 16,883
Parent Company [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	17,801
Other comprehensive income:
Ending Balance	$ 7,418	$ 17,801

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Unaudited Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Unaudited Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Total revenue	$ 90,071	$ 93,684	$ 97,197	$ 91,450	$ 88,004	$ 81,417	$ 80,836	$ 87,109	$ 372,402	$ 337,366	$ 389,428
Total expense	84,984	83,849	87,922	83,761	82,404	76,689	78,794	80,697	340,516	318,584	378,348
Income (loss) before tax	5,087	9,835	9,275	7,689	5,600	4,728	2,042	6,412	31,886	18,782	11,080
Income tax expense (benefit)	1,641	3,137	2,899	2,346	1,833	1,265	391	1,864	10,023	5,353	2,835
Net income (loss)	$ 3,446	$ 6,698	$ 6,376	$ 5,343	$ 3,767	$ 3,463	$ 1,651	$ 4,548	21,863	13,429	8,245
Net income (loss) attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.									$ 21,863	$ 13,429	$ 8,245
Basic earnings (loss) per share:	$ 0.18	$ 0.35	$ 0.33	$ 0.28	$ 0.20	$ 0.18	$ 0.09	$ 0.24	$ 1.14	$ 0.70	$ 0.43
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:	$ 0.17	$ 0.35	$ 0.33	$ 0.28	$ 0.19	$ 0.18	$ 0.09	$ 0.23	$ 1.13	$ 0.69	$ 0.43

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Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only) (Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 114,446	$ 130,985	$ 141,666	$ 85,145
Investment in subsidiaries	1,702	1,702
Deferred federal income taxes	1,779
Other assets	11,245	7,879
Total assets	1,076,600	980,869
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Revolving credit facility payable	30,000
Subordinated debt securities	56,702	56,702
Accrued Income Taxes		968
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses	23,253	25,766
Total liabilities	814,574	728,832
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $.18 par value, authorized 33,333,333 shares; issued 20,872,831 shares in 2013 and in 2012	3,757	3,757
Capital in excess of par value	123,480	123,194
Retained earnings	141,501	119,638
Accumulated other comprehensive income	7,418	17,801
Treasury stock (1,775,512 shares in 2015 and 1,655,306 in 2014), at cost	(14,130)	(12,353)
Total stockholders equity	262,026	252,037	238,118	220,537
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,076,600	980,869
Parent Company [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	8,014	11,839	$ 8,063	$ 1,112
Investment in subsidiaries	361,769	325,608
Deferred federal income taxes	942	747
Other assets	4,488	4,061
Total assets	375,213	342,255
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Revolving credit facility payable	30,000
Subordinated debt securities	56,702	56,702
Current federal income tax payable	72	64
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses	26,413	33,452
Total liabilities	113,187	90,218
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $.18 par value, authorized 33,333,333 shares; issued 20,872,831 shares in 2013 and in 2012	3,757	3,757
Capital in excess of par value	123,480	123,194
Retained earnings	141,501	119,638
Accumulated other comprehensive income	7,418	17,801
Treasury stock (1,775,512 shares in 2015 and 1,655,306 in 2014), at cost	(14,130)	(12,353)
Total stockholders equity	262,026	252,037
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 375,213	$ 342,255

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Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only) (Balance Sheet Extra) (Details) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.18
Common stock, authorized shares	33,333,333	33,333,333
Common stock, issued shares	20,872,831	20,872,831
Treasury stock, shares	1,775,512	1,655,306
Parent Company [Member]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.18
Common stock, authorized shares	33,333,333	33,333,333
Common stock, issued shares	20,872,831	20,872,831
Treasury stock, shares	1,775,512	1,655,306

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Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only) (Comprehensive (loss) Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investment loss, net of expenses									$ 13,969	$ 12,383	$ 12,884
Management fee income									5,952	5,279	5,830
Total revenues	$ 90,071	$ 93,684	$ 97,197	$ 91,450	$ 88,004	$ 81,417	$ 80,836	$ 87,109	372,402	337,366	389,428
Interest expense									3,906	4,576	4,599
Amortization of intangible assets									2,468	2,526	3,115
Loss before equity in undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiaries and income tax benefit	5,087	9,835	9,275	7,689	5,600	4,728	2,042	6,412	31,886	18,782	11,080
Income tax benefit	$ 1,641	$ 3,137	$ 2,899	$ 2,346	$ 1,833	$ 1,265	$ 391	$ 1,864	10,023	5,353	2,835
Net income (loss) attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.									21,863	13,429	8,245
Parent Company [Member]
Investment loss, net of expenses									120	133	(190)
Dividend income from subsidiaries									8,000	8,000
Management fee income									10,053	9,614	8,518
Total revenues									18,173	17,747	8,328
Operating expenses									10,222	9,759	7,764
Interest expense									3,906	4,576	4,599
Operating Costs and Expenses									14,128	14,335	12,363
Loss before equity in undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiaries and income tax benefit									4,045	3,412	(4,035)
Income tax benefit									(1,273)	(1,623)	(1,227)
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries									5,318	5,035	(2,808)
Equity in undistributed share of earnings (loss) in subsidiaries									16,545	8,394	11,053
Net income (loss) attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.									21,863	13,429	8,245
Comprehensive income (loss)									$ 11,480	$ 14,347	$ 17,229

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Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only) (Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 3,446	$ 6,698	$ 6,376	$ 5,343	$ 3,767	$ 3,463	$ 1,651	$ 4,548	$ 21,863	$ 13,429	$ 8,245
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense									3,516	3,224	4,300
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)									(1,030)	(393)	(257)
Realized loss									(2,503)	(134)	(10,540)
Change in current federal income tax (recoverable) payable									(2,747)	249	(799)
Change in all other liabilities									(1,420)	7,946	(6,551)
Change in all other assets									(645)	(628)	17,141
Net cash provided by operating activities									52,936	33,684	68,338
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment, net									(3,608)	(546)	(673)
Purchase of fixed maturity and equity securities									(265,482)	(188,749)	(222,399)
Maturities and redemptions of investment securities									169,409	146,777	214,738
Net cash used in investing activities									(96,289)	(42,242)	(11,817)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options									658	1,155
Purchase of treasury shares									(2,532)	(1,805)
Activity under revolving credit facility, net									30,000	(1,473)
Payment of debt issuance costs									(96)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities									26,814	(2,123)
(Decrease) Increase in cash and cash equivalents									(16,539)	(10,681)	56,521
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				130,985				141,666	130,985	141,666	85,145
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	114,446				130,985				114,446	130,985	141,666
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid									3,906	4,576	4,599
Income taxes (recovered) paid									13,800	5,497	3,891
Parent Company [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)									21,863	13,429	8,245
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense									65	68	92
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)									(195)	183	1,182
Undistributed share of (earnings) loss of subsidiaries									(16,545)	(8,394)	(11,053)
Change in current federal income tax (recoverable) payable									8	(3,290)	(3,694)
Change in all other liabilities									(7,039)	4,081	12,232
Change in all other assets									147	(131)	63
Net cash provided by operating activities									(1,696)	5,946	7,067
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment, net									(159)	(47)	(116)
Capital contribution to subsidiaries									(30,000)
Net cash used in investing activities									(30,159)	(47)	(116)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options									658	1,155
Purchase of treasury shares									(2,532)	(1,805)
Activity under revolving credit facility, net									30,000	(1,473)
Payment of debt issuance costs									(96)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities									28,030	(2,123)
(Decrease) Increase in cash and cash equivalents									(3,825)	3,776	6,951
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				$ 11,839				$ 8,063	11,839	8,063	1,112
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 8,014				$ 11,839				8,014	11,839	8,063
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid									3,906	4,576	4,599
Income taxes (recovered) paid									$ (1,086)	$ 1,481	$ 1,285

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Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	$ 20,366	$ 20,746	$ 22,586
Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Adjustment Expenses	450,878	415,135	382,640
Unearned Premiums	216,407	196,826	185,303
Premium Revenue	349,081	321,217	360,541
Net Investment Income	13,969	12,383	12,884
Benefits Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses	230,149	210,055	261,345
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	32,674	40,890	57,277
Other Operating Expenses	103,614	99,586	106,964
Net Premiums Written	356,944	324,352	360,765
Personal Segment [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	1,232	729	660
Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Adjustment Expenses	29,932	29,595	38,294
Unearned Premiums	20,976	15,483	17,989
Premium Revenue	38,828	14,083	63,800
Net Investment Income	1,235	1,633	2,065
Benefits Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses	34,414	8,964	52,656
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	5,066	9,315	17,759
Other Operating Expenses	12,205	9,977	16,957
Net Premiums Written	44,072	16,802	45,644
Standard Commercial Segment [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	5,633	5,892	6,124
Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Adjustment Expenses	105,971	109,672	111,473
Unearned Premiums	33,701	34,822	36,309
Premium Revenue	72,613	78,311	78,176
Net Investment Income	3,623	4,663	5,031
Benefits Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses	47,071	51,130	56,143
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	4,237	3,389	8,254
Other Operating Expenses	22,820	25,479	25,313
Net Premiums Written	71,097	76,912	79,466
Specialty Commercial Segment [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	13,501	14,125	15,802
Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Adjustment Expenses	314,975	275,868	232,873
Unearned Premiums	161,730	146,521	131,005
Premium Revenue	237,640	228,823	218,565
Net Investment Income	11,524	12,643	11,021
Benefits Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses	148,664	149,961	152,546
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	23,371	28,186	31,264
Other Operating Expenses	58,212	53,851	56,974
Net Premiums Written	241,775	230,638	235,655
Corporate [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Net Investment Income, Corporate	(2,413)	(6,556)	(5,233)
Other Operating Expenses	$ 10,377	$ 10,279	$ 7,720

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Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Premium Earned:
Gross amount	$ 494,643	$ 461,367	$ 434,022
Ceded to other companies	145,562	140,477	76,685
Assumed from other companies		327	3,204
Net premiums earned	$ 349,081	$ 321,217	$ 360,541
Percentage of amount assumed to net	0.00%	0.10%	0.89%
Property, Liability and Casualty Insurance Segment [Member]
Premium Earned:
Gross amount	$ 494,643	$ 461,367	$ 434,022
Ceded to other companies	145,562	140,477	76,685
Assumed from other companies		327	3,204
Net premiums earned	$ 349,081	$ 321,217	$ 360,541
Percentage of amount assumed to net	0.00%	0.10%	0.89%

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Schedule VI - Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Information For Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Abstract]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	$ 20,366	$ 20,746	$ 22,586
Reserves for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses	450,878	415,135	382,640
Unearned Premiums	216,407	196,826	185,303
Earned Premiums	349,081	321,217	360,541
Net Investment Income	13,969	12,383	12,884
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Current Year	237,102	215,258	251,391
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Prior Years	(6,953)	(5,203)	9,954
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	32,674	40,890	57,277
Paid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expenses	205,254	199,331	212,709
Premiums Written	$ 356,944	$ 324,352	$ 360,765