AM Best Revises ICICI Lombard's Outlook to Positive, Affirms B++ Rating
AM Best has revised ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited's outlook to positive from stable while affirming its B++ Financial Strength Rating and bbb+ Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating. The rating agency also maintained the company's aaa.IN India National Scale Rating with a stable outlook. The positive revision reflects expectations of continued strengthening in balance sheet fundamentals, supported by robust capital generation and strong operating performance with a five-year average ROE of 17.3%. As India's second-largest non-life insurer with an 8.7% market share, ICICI Lombard maintains market-leading positions across major business lines and demonstrates resilient earnings performance.

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ICICI Lombard General Insurance has received a positive outlook revision from AM Best, marking a significant upgrade in the credit rating agency's assessment of India's second-largest non-life insurer. The development was disclosed by the company on February 28, 2026, following AM Best's announcement on February 27, 2026.
Rating Actions and Outlook Revision
AM Best has taken several rating actions for ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited:
| Rating Type | Current Rating | Outlook | Previous Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Strength Rating (FSR) | B++ (Good) | Positive | Stable |
| Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating | bbb+ (Good) | Positive | Stable |
| India National Scale Rating (NSR) | aaa.IN (Exceptional) | Stable | Stable |
The positive outlook revision reflects AM Best's expectation that ICICI Lombard's balance sheet strength fundamentals will continue to strengthen over the near to medium term, underpinned by continued robust capital generation and good capital management.
Strong Financial Performance Metrics
The rating agency highlighted ICICI Lombard's strong operating performance, with the company demonstrating consistent financial strength across multiple parameters:
| Performance Indicator | Details |
|---|---|
| Five-year Average ROE | 17.3% (fiscal-years 2021-2025) |
| Market Position | Second-largest non-life insurer in India |
| Market Share | 8.7% based on gross domestic premium income (fiscal-year 2025) |
| Balance Sheet Strength | Assessed as very strong by AM Best |
The company reported higher net income in fiscal-year 2025 compared to the prior year, driven by better investment returns and an improvement in underwriting results. Earnings remained resilient in the first nine months of fiscal-year 2026, demonstrating the company's ability to maintain strong performance.
Market Leadership and Business Profile
ICICI Lombard holds market-leading positions across several major business lines and maintains a well-diversified underwriting portfolio. The company's business profile includes:
- Market-leading positions in property/casualty, marine cargo, liability and motor insurance
- Second-ranking position in fire and engineering business lines
- Well-diversified portfolio by lines of business and distribution channels
- Premiums generated predominantly in India
Rating Rationale and Risk Assessment
The credit ratings reflect ICICI Lombard's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, along with its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. The ratings also factor in the neutral impact from ICICI Bank Limited, one of the largest private sector banks in India.
The company's balance sheet strength is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, which is expected to remain at the strongest level over the medium term, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). However, AM Best noted some offsetting factors, including the company's significant exposure to contingent liabilities relating to ongoing disputes with tax authorities in India, though these disputes have not resulted in material financial impact to date.
Investment Portfolio and Earnings Structure
ICICI Lombard's investment portfolio is characterized as moderate risk, given its exposure to higher-risk investments such as equities and fixed-income securities. Despite its lack of underwriting profitability, the company has consistently outperformed India's general insurance market. Investment income, including capital gains on equity investments, remains a key contributor to overall earnings, helping to offset underwriting losses and maintain strong financial performance.
Historical Stock Returns for ICICI Lombard General Insurance
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -2.31% | -1.78% | +5.89% | +1.54% | +11.77% | +33.35% |


































