FORT WAYNE, Ind. & DALLAS — Medical Protective, Texas’ leading admitted primary medical professional liability insurer, announced today its intention to reduce rates further, and to continue its expansion of insurance offerings to Texas healthcare providers. These actions reflect the Company’s recent review of internal company data (suggesting that 2003 tort reform measures continue to have a positive impact) and recent acquisition by Berkshire Hathaway (providing additional capital and resources for profitable growth).

To reflect the positive indications in recent loss data, Medical Protective will reduce rates in many specialties (effective January 1, 2006), with an overall impact expected to be a 5% reduction for Texas physicians. Medical Protective also plans to accept new business applications in over 30 additional specialties.

“We have consistently committed to our Texas policyholders — as well as legislators and regulators — that we would closely monitor the impact of tort reforms, and are pleased to say that the emerging data continues to suggest a moderating trend in loss costs. We are thus in a position again to reduce our Texas rates,” said Timothy Kenesey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Medical Protective. “We are also pleased to announce that our recent acquisition by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway provides us with the capital necessary to drive profitable growth by expanding our underwriting appetite to additional practice specialties that meet our underwriting criteria.”

Despite moderating loss trends, Kenesey reminded Texas physicians that challenges remain and Medical Protective is ready to help meet those challenges: “While we are encouraged by the reduction in frivolous suits and ‘lottery jury awards’, attacks on Texas doctors continue. It has never been more important for Texas doctors to insist on an insurance company with (i) extremely strong financial ratings; (ii) an impeccable, winning defense; and (iii) a clear commitment to never ask doctors for capital contributions or special assessments. We have seen many ‘optimistic competitors’ come and go in recent years because their rates did not realistically reflect the actual exposure. In stark contrast, Medical Protective is built to last and willing to back it up with AAA ratings … Texas doctors deserve nothing less than the best.”

Medical Protective has been protecting assets and reputations since 1899, and today, more healthcare providers count on Medical Protective than any other medical malpractice provider. “Our more than 10,000 Texas policyholders — and over 75,000 nationwide — choose us for three reasons: our industry-leading financial ratings and strength; our industry-leading winning defense that fights for doctors accused of malpractice and pays fairly when liability is clear; and our industry-leading risk management solutions dedicated to reducing risk and increasing patient safety,” added Steve Simmons, Medical Protective’s Vice President of Southwest Sales. “Unlike many carriers that have come and gone in the Texas market, Medical Protective has maintained the underwriting discipline and financial strength to meet our commitments today and for the years to come.”

About Medical Protective

With more than $700 million in annual premium and $2 billion in statutory assets, Medical Protective is a national leader in primary medical professional liability coverage and risk solutions to physicians, dentists, professional corporations and small hospitals. As the nation’s first provider of medical professional liability insurance and the only “AAA,” Medical Protective has been protecting the assets and reputations of healthcare providers for over 100 years. Its offerings include professional liability insurance on both claims-made and occurrence forms, risk management consulting and education, premium finance solutions, insurance support services, and — through affiliates and partners — additional financial products and services for its healthcare providers. Medical professional liability insurance products are underwritten by The Medical Protective Company and National Fire & Marine Company (both rated with Standard & Poor’s highest rating of AAA, Extremely Strong), and are distributed through a nationwide network of employee market managers and appointed agents. Medical Protective is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of businesses.