2008-09-02 23:56:03 -

www.ambest.com - A.M. Best Co. has assigned an "a" rating to the CHF 500 million five-year senior unsecured fixed rate bonds issued by Zurich Insurance Company and to the CHF 300 million three-year and 60 day senior unsecured fixed rate bonds issued by Zurich Finance (USA), Inc., and guaranteed by Zurich Insurance Company. Both bonds were issued under the EMTN program. The outlook for both ratings is positive.

The proceeds of these issues will be used for general corporate purposes. The CHF 500 million and CHF 300 million bonds respectively are due to mature on 23 September, 2013 and 23 November, 2011 and bear a fixed interest rate of 3.75% and 3.5%, with an issue price of 100.015% and

100.210%.

Financial and debt leverage ratios remain within A.M. Best's tolerance levels.

For Best's Debt Ratings, all other Best's Ratings, an overview of the rating process and rating methodologies, please visit www.ambest.com/ratings.

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is a global full-service credit rating organization dedicated to serving the financial and health care service industries, including insurance companies, banks, hospitals and health care system providers. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

A.M. Best Co.
Analysts
Michael Zboron, +(44) 20 7626 6264
michael.zboron@ambest.com
or
Fabien Duprez, +(44) 20 7626 6264
fabien.duprez@ambest.com
or
Public Relations
Jim Peavy, +(1) 908-439-2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com
or
Rachelle Morrow, +(1) 908-439-2200, ext. 5378
rachelle.morrow@ambest.com