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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation The Consolidated Financial Statements, which include the accounts of United Fire Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, "UFG", the "Registrant", the "Company", "we", "us", or "our"), have been prepared on the basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
Variable Interest Entities
We have investments in unconsolidated affiliates that are considered variable interest entities ("VIEs") as defined under GAAP. Our involvement with VIEs is primarily to invest in assets that allow us to gain exposure to a broadly diversified portfolio of asset classes. A VIE is an entity that does not have sufficient equity to finance its own activities without additional financial support, where investors lack certain characteristics of a controlling financial interest, or where the entity is structured with non-substantive voting rights. We assess our relationships with VIEs to evaluate if we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE. If we determine we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we consolidate the assets and liabilities of the VIE in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Segment Information We operate as one operating segment. Our revenues are primarily derived from premiums earned for property and casualty insurance products issued to customers.
Premiums and Unearned Premiums Written premium is deferred and recorded as earned premium on a daily pro rata basis over the terms of the respective policies. Unearned premium reserves are established for the portion of written premium applicable to the unexpired term of insurance policies in force.
Premiums and Unearned Premiums Premiums receivable are presented net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts, which is based on a periodic evaluation of the aging and collectability of amounts due from agents and policyholders. Credit risk is partially mitigated by the Company's ability to cancel the policy if the policyholder does not pay the premium.
Premium is reported net of reinsurance ceded. Ceded premium is charged to income over the applicable term of the various reinsurance contracts with third party reinsurers. Prepaid reinsurance premiums represent the unexpired portion of premiums ceded to reinsurers and are reported as ceded unearned premium, an asset on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Losses and Loss Settlement Expenses
To establish losses and loss settlement expense reserves, we make estimates and assumptions about the future development of claims. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates, which are subjective, complex and inherently uncertain. When we establish and adjust reserves, we do so given our knowledge at the time of the circumstances and facts of known claims. To the extent that we have overestimated or underestimated our loss and loss settlement expense reserves, we adjust the reserves in the period in which such adjustment is determined.
Losses and loss settlement expenses are reported net of reinsurance ceded. The estimation of assumed and ceded reinsurance losses and loss settlement expense reserves is subject to the same factors as the estimation of losses and loss settlement expense reserves. In addition to those factors, which give rise to inherent uncertainties in establishing losses and loss settlement expense reserves, there exists a delay in our receipt of reported claims for assumed
business due to the procedure of having claims first reported through one or more intermediary insurers or reinsurers.
Reserves for assumed reinsurance are established using methods and techniques identical to those used for direct lines of business. The additional delay inherent in assumed reinsurance reporting is considered in our reserving process and payment is not problematic. Assumed reinsurance, like every independent line of business, has unique reporting and payment patterns that are reviewed as part of the reserve estimation process.
Reinsurance Receivables Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the associated claim liability. For reinsurance receivables, the Company's model estimates expected credit loss by multiplying the exposure at default by both the probability of default and loss given default ("LGD"). The LGD is estimated by the rating of the reinsurer, historical relationship with UFG, existence of letters of credit and known regulation for which the Company may be held accountable. The ultimate LGD percentage is estimated after considering Moody's experience with unsecured year 1 bond recovery rates from 1992-2018. The allowance calculated is recorded through the line "Reinsurance receivables and recoverables" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and through the line "Other underwriting expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Investments
Fixed Maturity Securities Available-for-Sale
Investments in fixed maturity securities includes bonds. Our investments in fixed maturities securities are designated as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value. Changes in unrealized investment gain (loss), with respect to available-for-sale fixed maturities are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of deferred income taxes. We recognize investment income on fixed maturities based on the effective interest method, which results in the recognition of a constant rate of return on the investment equal to the prevailing rate at the time of purchase or at the time of subsequent adjustments of book value. Interest income from these investments is reported in "Net investment income" in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Realized gains and losses on sales of our fixed maturity securities are determined on the first-in first-out cost basis and are reported within "Net investment gains (losses)" in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. We record security transactions on a trade date basis.
Mortgage Loans

Our investment in mortgage loans consists of commercial mortgage loans on real estate, which are reported at amortized cost, less allowance for expected credit losses. Commercial mortgage loans are continuously monitored by reviewing appraisals, operating statements, rent revenues, annual inspection reports, loan specific credit quality, property characteristics, market trends and other factors. For details on our policy around allowance for expected credit losses on mortgage loans, refer to Note 2 "Investments".

Commercial mortgage loans are rated for the purpose of quantifying the level of risk. Loans are placed on a watch list when the debt service coverage ratio falls below certain thresholds and the loan-to-value ratios exceeds certain thresholds. Loans on the watchlist are closely monitored for collateral deficiency or other credit events that may lead to a potential loss of principal or interest.

Interest on loans is recognized on an accrual basis at the applicable interest rate on the principal amount outstanding. Interest income, amortization of premiums and discounts, prepayment fees, and loan commitment fees are reported in "Net investment income" in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Other long-term investments consist primarily of our interests in limited liability partnerships that are recorded on the equity method of accounting. For investments subsequently measured using the equity method (primarily limited partnerships), adjustments to the carrying amount reflect our pro rata ownership percentage of the operating results as indicated by net asset value ("NAV") in the unconsolidated affiliates' financial statements. Distributions received from investments measured using the equity method are recorded as a decrease in the investment balance. Recognition of income and adjustments to the carrying amount can be delayed due to the availability of the related financial statements, which are obtained from the general partner or managing member generally on a one to three-month delay. For investments using the equity method, management inquires quarterly with the general partner or managing member to determine whether any credit or other market events have occurred since the prior quarter to ensure material events are properly included in the current quarter valuation and investment income.
Short-term investments
Short-term investments consist of financial instruments with an original maturity of one year or less when purchased and include short-term fixed maturity securities and money market instruments, which are carried at fair value, and short-term loans, which are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
Interest and investment income
Dividends and interest income are recorded in Net investment income and recognized when earned. Income or losses upon call or prepayment of fixed maturity securities are recognized in Net investment income. Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on investments in fixed maturity securities are reflected in Net investment income over the contractual terms of the investments, and for callable investments at a premium, based on the earliest call date of the investments, in a manner that produces a constant effective yield.
Credit Losses
The Company recognizes credit losses for our available-for-sale fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans, reinsurance receivables and premium receivables by setting up allowances which are remeasured each reporting period and recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
For our available-for-sale fixed maturity securities an allowance for credit losses is recorded as an offset to "Fixed maturities, available-for-sale" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and a corresponding credit loss or gain is reported as "Net investment gains (losses)" in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company determines if an allowance for credit losses is recorded based on a number of factors including the current economic conditions, management's expectations of future economic conditions and performance indicators, such as market value versus amortized cost, investment spreads widening or contracting, rating actions, payment and default history. For more information on credit losses and the allowance for credit losses for our investments in available-for-sale fixed maturities, see Note 2 "Investments."
An allowance for mortgage loan losses is established based on historical loss information of the collective pool of the Company's commercial mortgage loan investments which have similar risk characteristics. To calculate the allowance for mortgage loan losses, the Company starts with historical loan experience to predict the future expected losses and then layers on a market-linked adjustment. On a quarterly basis, quantitative credit risk metrics, including for example, cash-flows, rent rolls and financial statements are reviewed for each loan to determine if it is performing in line with its expectations. This allowance is recorded as an offset to "Mortgage loans" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and a corresponding credit loss or gain is reported as "Net investment gains (losses)" in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair values of financial instruments presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements are estimates of the fair values at the balance sheet date using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and significant judgment in the interpretation of current
market data.
Cash and Cash Equivalents For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash, money market accounts and non-negotiable certificates of deposit with original maturities of three months or less.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs ("DAC")
DAC represents costs that are directly related to the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts and incremental direct costs of contract acquisition that are incurred in compensation to employees. Such costs primarily include commissions, premium taxes and certain underwriting and policy issuance costs.

Acquisition costs related to property and casualty business are deferred and amortized ratably over the period the related premium is earned. Deferred acquisition costs are reviewed on a quarterly basis to determine if they are recoverable from remaining unearned premium, and if not, are charged to expense.

To calculate the premium deficiency charge by line of business, we estimate an expected loss and loss settlement expense ratio which is based on our best estimate of future losses for each line of business. The premium deficiency calculation is aggregated by line of business in a manner consistent with how the policies are currently being marketed and managed. Expected losses and loss settlement expenses ratios are the only assumptions we utilize in our premium deficiency calculation. The Company does not consider anticipated investment income in determining if a premium deficiency exists. Adjustments, if necessary, are recorded as a reduction in the DAC asset and as other underwriting expenses in the current period results of operations.
Property, Equipment and Depreciation
Property and equipment used in operations, including certain costs incurred to develop computer software for internal use, is presented at cost less accumulated depreciation. We periodically review these assets for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the underlying asset may not be recoverable. A loss would be recognized if the estimated fair value of the asset were less than its carrying value. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs on property and equipment are generally expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed primarily by the straight-line method.
Intangible Assets Our other intangible assets, which consist of agency relationships, trade names, and state insurance licenses are being amortized by the straight-line method over 15 years, with the exception of state insurance licenses, which are indefinite-lived and not amortized.
Long Term Debt Debt instruments are carried at the principal amount borrowed, net of any issuance costs. Costs incurred in the issuance of debt are capitalized and amortized over the life of the non-cancellable period of the debt. Interest payments are included in "Accrued expenses and other liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and as "Interest expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Income Taxes
We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities and expected benefits of utilizing net operating loss and credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. We evaluate the
likelihood of realizing the benefit of our deferred tax assets and may record a valuation allowance if, based on all available evidence, we determine that it is more likely than not that some portion of the tax benefit will not be realized. We adjust the valuation allowance if, based on our evaluation, there is a change in the amount of deferred income tax assets that are deemed more-likely-than-not to be realized. The impact on deferred taxes of changes in tax rates and laws, if any, is applied to the years during which temporary differences are expected to be settled and reflected in the financial statements in the period enacted.
Leases The Company determines if a contract contains a lease at inception of the contract. The Company's inventory of leases consists of operating leases which are recorded as a lease obligation liability within "Accrued expenses and other liabilities" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and as a lease right-of-use asset within "Other assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The lease right-of-use asset represents the Company's right to use each underlying asset for the lease term and the lease obligation liability represents the Company's obligation over the lease term. The Company's lease obligation is recorded at the present value of the lease payments based on the term of the applied lease. The collateralized discount rate used to calculate the present value of future minimum lease payments is based, where appropriate, on current industry borrowing rates for financial companies with similar ratings. The Company excludes options to extend or terminate a lease from our recognition as part of our right-of-use assets and lease liabilities until those options are known and/or executed, as the Company typically does not exercise options to purchase the underlying leased asset. As an accounting policy election, the Company has elected the practical expedient of not separating lease components from non-lease components to each major asset class. Short-term leases of 12 months or less are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and lease payments are recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Stock-Based Compensation
We currently have two equity compensation plans. One plan allows us to grant restricted and unrestricted stock (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Performance Stock Units (PSUs)), stock appreciation rights, incentive stock options, and non-qualified stock options to employees. The other plan allows us to grant RSUs and restricted and non-qualified stock options to non-employee directors.
We utilize the Black-Scholes option pricing method to establish the fair value of non-qualified stock options granted under our equity compensation plans. Our determination of the fair value of stock options on the date of grant using this option-pricing model is affected by our stock price, as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables, which include the expected volatility in our stock price, the expected term of the award, the expected dividends to be paid over the term of the award and the expected risk-free interest rate. Any changes in these assumptions may materially affect the estimated fair value of the award. For our restricted and unrestricted stock awards, we utilize the fair value of our common stock on the date of grant to establish the fair value of the award. The fair value of RSU and PSU awards is valued using the stock price at the grant date. Compensation expense related to all stock-based compensation awards is amortized over the applicable vesting period and reflects changes in outstanding awards during the vesting period.
Comprehensive Income
We report comprehensive income (loss) in accordance with GAAP on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Comprehensive income includes all changes in stockholders' equity during a period except those resulting from investments by and dividends to stockholders. While total comprehensive income (loss) is largely driven by net income (loss) during the period, accumulated other comprehensive income or loss represents the cumulative balance of other comprehensive income, net of tax, as of the balance sheet date. Amounts reclassified to net income relate to the realized gains (losses) on investments and employee benefit costs which are included in "Net investment gains (losses)" and "Other underwriting expenses", respectively, on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Subsequent Events In the preparation of the accompanying financial statements, the Company has evaluated all material subsequent events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date through the date on which the financial statements were issued for potential recognition or disclosure in the Company's financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Accounting Standards Adopted in 2025

In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The amendments in this update enhance the transparency of the income tax disclosures by expanding on the disclosures required annually. The amendments require entities to disclose in their rate reconciliation table additional categories of information about federal, state, and foreign income taxes, in addition to providing details about the reconciling items in some categories if above a quantitative threshold. Additionally, the amendments require annual disclosure of income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by jurisdiction based on a quantitative threshold. The amendments in this update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. See Note 7 "Income Tax" in the accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.

Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income-Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. This update requires public entities to disclose additional information about specific expense categories in the notes to the financial statements on an interim and annual basis. ASU 2024-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect to early adopt this standard and are in the process of assessing its impact on our disclosures upon adoption.

In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40). The amendments in this ASU remove all references to prescriptive and sequential software development stages (referred to as "project stages") throughout Subtopic 350-40. Therefore, an entity is required to start capitalizing software costs when both of the following occur: (1) Management has authorized and committed to funding the software project, (2) It is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the function intended (referred to as the "probable-to-complete recognition threshold"). Further, the ASU specifies that the disclosures in Subtopic 360-10, Property, Plant, and Equipment-Overall, are required for all capitalized internal-use software costs, regardless of how those costs are presented in the financial statements. Additionally, the ASU clarifies that the intangibles disclosures in paragraphs 350-30-50-1 through 50-3 are not required for capitalized internal-use software costs. This ASU supersedes the website development costs guidance and incorporates the recognition requirements for website-specific development costs from Subtopic 350-50 into Subtopic 350-40. ASU 2025-06 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027, and interim periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted. The amendment can be applied using the prospective, retrospective or modified transition approach. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect to early adopt this standard and are in the process of assessing its impact on our disclosures upon adoption.

In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-11, Interim Reporting (Topic 270): Narrow-Scope Improvements. The amendments in this update clarify interim disclosure requirements and the applicability of Topic 270. This ASU requires a comprehensive list of interim disclosures to provide clarity about the current requirements, and includes a disclosure principle that requires entities to disclose events since the end of the last annual reporting period that have a material impact on the entity. The ASU further clarifies the applicability of Topic 270, the types of interim reporting, and the form and content of interim financial statements in accordance with GAAP. ASU 2025-11 is effective for interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. The amendment can be applied using the prospective or retrospective transition approach for any or all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect to early adopt this standard and are in the process of assessing its impact on our disclosures upon adoption.
In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-12, Codification Improvements. Thirty-three issues are addressed in this ASU covering technical corrections, unintended application of the Codification, clarifications, and other minor improvements. This ASU is effective for all entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. If an entity adopts the ASU in an interim period, it must adopt them as of the beginning of the annual reporting period that includes that interim reporting period. An entity may elect to early adopt the amendments on an issue-by-issue basis. The amendment can be applied using the prospective or retrospective transition approach for any or all prior periods presented in the financial statements and an entity may elect the transition method on an issue-by-issue basis. Early adoption is permitted in both interim and annual reporting periods in which financial statements have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. We do not expect to early adopt this standard and are in the process of assessing its impact on our disclosures upon adoption.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Current accounting guidance on fair value measurements includes the application of a fair value hierarchy that requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Our financial instruments that are recorded at fair value are categorized into a three-level hierarchy, which is based upon the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (i.e., Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (i.e., Level 3). Financial instruments recorded at fair value are categorized in the fair value hierarchy as follows:
Level 1: Valuations are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical financial instruments in active markets that we have the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2: Valuations are based on quoted prices for similar financial instruments in active markets, in markets that are not active or on inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for the full term of the financial instrument.
Level 3: Valuations are based on pricing or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement of the financial instrument. Such inputs may reflect management's own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the financial instrument.
If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the financial instrument. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the investment. We review our fair value hierarchy categorizations on a quarterly basis at which time the classification of certain financial instruments may change if the input observations have changed. Transfers between levels, if any, are recorded as of the beginning of the reporting period.
When a determination is made to classify an asset or liability within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable inputs to the overall fair value measurement. Because certain securities trade in less liquid or illiquid markets with limited or no pricing information, the determination of fair value for these securities is inherently more difficult. In addition to the unobservable inputs, Level 3 fair value investments may include observable components, which are components that are actively quoted or can be validated to market-based sources.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share gives effect to all dilutive common shares outstanding during the reporting period. The dilutive shares we consider in our diluted earnings per share calculation relate to our outstanding stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, and performance stock unit awards.
We determine the dilutive effect of our outstanding stock options using the "treasury stock" method. Under this method, we assume the exercise of all of the outstanding stock options whose exercise price is less than the weighted-average market value of our common stock during the reporting period. This method also assumes that the proceeds from the hypothetical stock option exercises are used to repurchase shares of our common stock at the
weighted-average market value of the stock during the reporting period. The net of the assumed stock options exercised and assumed common shares repurchased represents the number of dilutive common shares, which we add to the denominator of the earnings per share calculation.
Under applicable accounting guidance, companies in a loss position are required to use basic weighted-average common shares outstanding in the calculation of diluted loss per share.