ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP
10-K, 1997-03-31
FIRE, MARINE & CASUALTY INSURANCE
Previous: YORK WATER CO, 10-K, 1997-03-31
Next: ZENITH ELECTRONICS CORP, 10-K, 1997-03-31



<PAGE>
                                                                      THE ZENITH
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Form 10-K
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
        [X]  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
              SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
        FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                                       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 1-9627
 
                        ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP.
 
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>
                DELAWARE                                95-2702776
    (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF        (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
             INCORPORATION
            OR ORGANIZATION)
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>
  21255 CALIFA STREET, WOODLAND HILLS,                  91367-5021
               CALIFORNIA                               (ZIP CODE)
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
</TABLE>
 
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (818) 713-1000
 
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE ON
            TITLE OF EACH CLASS                        WHICH REGISTERED
  ----------------------------------------  --------------------------------------
  <S>                                       <C>
       Common Stock, $1.00 Par Value               New York Stock Exchange
              (TITLE OF CLASS)
</TABLE>
 
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:
 
                                      None
                                (TITLE OF CLASS)
 
    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 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 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.  [  ]
 
    The aggregate market value of the voting stock of the registrant held by
non-affiliates of the registrant on March 26, 1997 was approximately
$257,651,000 (based on the closing sale price of such stock on such date).
 
    At March 26, 1997, 17,681,444 shares of Common Stock were outstanding, net
of 6,842,690 shares of treasury stock.
 
                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
    (1) Portions of the Annual Report to Stockholders for fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996 -- Part I and Part II.
 
    (2) Portions of the Proxy Statement in connection with the 1997 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders -- Part III.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                                     PART I
 
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
 
    Zenith National Insurance Corp. ("Zenith"), a Delaware corporation
incorporated in 1971, is a holding company. Zenith is engaged through its
wholly-owned insurance subsidiaries, Zenith Insurance Company ("Zenith
Insurance"), CalFarm Insurance Company ("CalFarm Insurance"), ZNAT Insurance
Company ("ZNAT Insurance") and Zenith Star Insurance Company ("Zenith Star"), in
the property-casualty insurance business. The average combined ratio for the 10
years ended December 31, 1996 of Zenith's property-casualty operations was
100.3%. In 1993, Zenith commenced real estate operations, developing private
residences for sale in Las Vegas, Nevada, through its wholly-owned subsidiary,
Perma-Bilt, a Nevada Corporation ("Perma-Bilt"). In 1995, Zenith sold its
wholly-owned subsidiary, CalFarm Life Insurance Company ("CalFarm Life"), to a
subsidiary of SunAmerica Inc. for approximately $120 million in cash, with
Zenith retaining the group health insurance business previously written by
CalFarm Life. The results of operations and net assets of CalFarm Life's life
and annuity business are included in Zenith's consolidated financial statements
as discontinued operations and results of the health insurance operation are
included in Other Property-Casualty results which have been restated. Net income
in 1995 includes a loss of $19.5 million associated with the sale of CalFarm
Life. On December 31, 1996, Zenith completed the acquisition of Associated
General Commerce Self-Insurers' Trust Fund ("AGC-SIF"), a Florida workers'
compensation self-insurers' fund by merging it with and into Zenith Insurance.
 
    The 1996 edition of Best's Key Rating Guide ("Best's") gives Zenith
Insurance, CalFarm Insurance, ZNAT Insurance and Zenith Star, collectively,
ratings of A+ (superior). Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") has rated the
claims-paying ability of Zenith Insurance, CalFarm Insurance, ZNAT Insurance and
Zenith Star AA- (excellent). Best's ratings and S&P's ratings of claims-paying
ability are based upon factors of concern to policyholders and insurance agents
and are not directed toward the protection of investors.
 
    At December 31, 1996, Zenith and its subsidiaries had approximately 1,500
employees.
 
    The principal executive offices of Zenith are located at 21255 Califa
Street, Woodland Hills, California 91367-5021, telephone (818) 713-1000.
 
GLOSSARY OF SELECTED INSURANCE TERMS
 
    The following terms when used herein have the following meanings:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                           <C>
Assume                        To receive from a ceding company all or a portion
                              of a risk in consideration of receipt of a
                              premium.
Cede                          To transfer to a reinsurer all or a portion of a
                              risk in consideration of payment of a premium.
Combined ratio                The sum of underwriting expenses, net incurred
                              losses, loss adjustment expenses and
                              policyholders' dividends, expressed as a
                              percentage of net premiums earned. The combined
                              ratio is the key measure of underwriting
                              profitability used in the property and casualty
                              insurance business.
Development                   The amount by which losses, measured subsequently
                              by reference to payments and additional estimates,
                              differ from those originally reported for a
                              period. Development is favorable when losses
                              ultimately settle for less than levels at which
                              they were reserved or subsequent estimates
                              indicate a basis for reserve decreases on open
                              claims. Development is unfavorable when losses
                              ultimately settle for more than levels at which
                              they were reserved or subsequent estimates
                              indicate a basis for reserve increases on open
                              claims.
</TABLE>
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>                           <C>
Excess of loss reinsurance    A form of reinsurance in which the reinsurer pays
                              all or a specified percentage of a loss caused by
                              a particular occurrence or event in excess of a
                              fixed amount and up to a stipulated limit.
Incurred but not reported     Claims relating to insured events that have
 claims                       occurred but have not yet been reported to the
                              insurer or reinsurer.
Loss adjustment expenses      The expenses of investigating and settling claims,
                              including legal and other fees, and general
                              expenses of administering the claims adjustment
                              process.
Net premiums earned           The portion of net premiums written applicable to
                              the expired period of policies.
Participating policy          A policy upon which dividends may be paid after
                              expiration.
Policyholders' surplus or     The amount remaining after all liabilities are
 statutory capital            subtracted from all admitted assets, as determined
                              in accordance with statutory accounting practices.
                              This amount is regarded as financial protection to
                              policyholders in the event an insurance company
                              suffers unexpected or catastrophic losses.
Reinsurance                   A transaction in which an original insurer, or
                              cedant, remits a portion of the premium to a
                              reinsurer, or assuming company, as payment for the
                              reinsurer's assumption of a portion of the risk.
Reserves or loss reserves     The balance sheet liability representing estimates
                              of amounts needed to pay reported and unreported
                              claims and related loss adjustment expenses
                              (stated without reduction for reinsurance ceded
                              after 1992).
Retrocession                  A reinsurance of reinsurance assumed.
Statutory accounting          Accounting principles prescribed or permitted by
 practices                    the states' departments of insurance. In general,
                              statutory accounting practices address
                              policyholder protection and solvency and are more
                              conservative in presentation of earnings, surplus
                              and assets than generally accepted accounting
                              principles.
Treaty                        A contract of reinsurance.
Underwriting                  The process whereby an insurer reviews
                              applications submitted for insurance coverage and
                              determines whether it will accept all or part, and
                              at what premium, of the coverage being requested.
Underwriting expenses         The aggregate of policy acquisition costs and the
                              portion of administrative, general and other
                              expenses attributable to the underwriting process
                              as they are accrued and expensed.
</TABLE>
 
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
 
    Zenith and its subsidiaries conduct business principally in the property and
casualty insurance industry. Property-casualty operations comprise Workers'
Compensation (47% of 1996 consolidated net premiums earned); other
property-casualty, principally automobile, homeowners, farmowners, commercial
coverages and health insurance (45% of 1996 consolidated net premiums earned);
and reinsurance (8% of 1996 consolidated net premiums earned). Results of such
operations for the three years ended December 31, 1996 are set forth in the
table on page 22 of the 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders, which table is
hereby incorporated by reference. The earnings of Zenith's property and casualty
operations are supplemented by the generation of investment income discussed
under "Investments."
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
    Zenith also conducts real estate operations through a wholly-owned
subsidiary that develops land and constructs private residences for sale in Las
Vegas, Nevada. Zenith's business segments are described in Note 16 -- "Segment
Information" on pages 50 and 51 of the 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders, which
note is hereby incorporated by reference.
 
  PROPERTY AND CASUALTY -- WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE
 
    Workers' compensation insurance provides coverage for the statutorily
prescribed benefits that employers are required to pay to their employees
injured in the course of employment. The standard workers' compensation policy
issued by Zenith Insurance provides payments for, among other things, temporary
or permanent disability benefits, death benefits, medical and hospital expenses
and expenses of vocational rehabilitation. The benefits payable and the duration
of such benefits are set by statute, and vary by state and with the nature and
severity of the injury or disease and the wages, occupation and age of the
employee. Historically, Zenith's workers' compensation business was produced
exclusively in California with minor incidental coverages out of state for its
larger policyholders. In 1992, Zenith began workers' compensation operations in
the Texas workers' compensation market. Since then, Zenith has further expanded
its national workers' compensation operations. Net premiums earned in 1996 by
state are set forth in the table below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 1996 PREMIUMS EARNED        %
                                -----------------------  ---------
<S>                             <C>                      <C>
California....................     $     148,810,000          70.5%
Texas.........................            33,899,000          16.1
Arkansas......................             9,480,000           4.5
Illinois......................             9,045,000           4.3
Other.........................             9,682,000           4.6
                                -----------------------  ---------
                                   $     210,916,000         100.0%
                                -----------------------  ---------
                                -----------------------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    According to A.M. Best, Zenith's 5 year loss ratio of 45.3% through 1995
(latest available statistics) was the lowest loss ratio of the top 50 insurers.
These statistics are attributed to Zenith's managed care efforts, return to work
strategies, safety and health, fraud and litigation efforts. During the past 10
years, the Zenith's workers' compensation combined ratio was 100.0%.
 
    Zenith Insurance is licensed to conduct business in 39 states and the
District of Columbia and has applications pending throughout most of the nation.
Zenith's goal is to be a specialist risk-oriented national workers' compensation
insurer. National results for workers' compensation insurers in recent years
have been favorable by recent historic standards and Zenith's non-California
underwriting results in 1996 were more favorable than its California results.
However, increased competition, nationally, is expected to follow from these
favorable trends and management intends to proceed cautiously with its national
expansion.
 
    On December 31, 1996, Zenith completed the acquisition of AGC-SIF. AGC-SIF's
1996 earned premium was approximately $43 million. Zenith anticipates that
non-California premium income will increase significantly in 1997 as a result of
this acquisition.
 
    Competition, regulation, rate adequacy and the feasibility of containing the
elements of the cost of claims are among the key factors in determining the
favorability of a given workers' compensation market. In California, workers'
compensation legislation was enacted in 1993 which, together with private
initiatives undertaken by Zenith and other insurers, produced significant
improvements in a theretofore runaway claims cost environment. However, the
California Insurance Commissioner reduced minimum rates on three separate
occasions in 1993 and 1994 in response to such improvements. Rates in California
were deregulated effective January 1, 1995. Insurance companies now file and use
their own, actuarially determined rates for workers' compensation insurance in
California. Zenith decreased its rates 2.5% on January 1, 1997 following an
increase of 8% on January 1, 1996. The future profitability of Zenith's workers'
compensation operation will be dependent upon its ability to compete in an open
rating environment in California, the outlook for economic growth in California,
the success of Zenith's geographic expansion outside of California
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
and Zenith's continuing efforts to control medical and indemnity costs through
return to work and managed care strategies. At present competition is intense
and Zenith is focused on returning the workers' compensation operation to
profitability and achieving the overall goal of a combined ratio of 100%.
 
    Generally, premiums for workers' compensation insurance policies are a
function of the applicable premium rate, which includes the insured employer's
experience modification factor (where applicable) and the amount of the insured
employer's payroll. Payrolls may be affected significantly by changes in
employment and wage levels. A deposit premium is paid at the beginning of the
policy period, periodic installments are paid during the period and the final
amount of the premium is generally determined as of the end of the policy period
after the policyholder's payroll records are audited. Additional policy features
may be added to enhance the outcome for the policyholder in the event of
favorable claims experience. Predominant among such features has been,
historically, the participating policy in which a dividend has been paid after
policy expiration. With the advent of open rating in California and an emphasis
on, among other things, overall pricing at inception, dividends decreased
significantly in 1995 and 1996, and are likely to become relatively
insignificant in the future as an element in workers' compensation insurance in
California.
 
    Zenith is continuing to market integrated workers' compensation, health and
disability insurance products ("24-Hour Coverage") through alliances with
selected health insurers, health maintenance organizations and UNUM Life
Insurance Company of America, one of the nation's largest disability insurance
companies. Beginning in the second quarter of 1997, Zenith plans to expand its
alliances to include United HealthCare of California, Inc. and MetraHealth Care
Plan. The policies are sold on an integrated basis in California and Arkansas
under the name "SinglePoint." At this time, it is too early for management to
predict the likely outcome of 24-Hour Coverage on the future results of its
operations.
 
  PROPERTY AND CASUALTY -- OTHER
 
    Zenith, through CalFarm Insurance, offers a comprehensive line of property
and casualty insurance, including automobile, farmowners, commercial multiple
peril packages and homeowners coverage, primarily in California. Additionally,
CalFarm Insurance has assumed the group health insurance business that was
previously written by CalFarm Life. Automobile insurance includes coverage for
automobile bodily injury, property damage and physical damage. Automobile bodily
injury and property damage insurance provide coverage for third party liability,
bodily injury and property damage arising from the ownership, maintenance or use
of an automobile. Automobile physical damage coverage insures against physical
loss of the insured's own vehicle. Farmowners and homeowners insurance includes
coverage for direct physical damage to real and personal property, loss of
personal property by theft and legal liability for injury to others and damage
to property of others. Commercial multiple peril insures businesses against
property damage and general liability. Health insurance premiums are written
under a program sponsored by the California Farm Bureau Federation (the "Farm
Bureau") which includes a preferred provider organization plan and a Medicare
supplement product. During the past 11 years, the combined ratio of Zenith's
Other Property-Casualty operation was 101.1%.
 
    Automobile insurance (both commercial and personal) is the largest line of
CalFarm Insurance's business, representing 14% of Zenith's property and casualty
premiums written in 1996. CalFarm Insurance insured approximately 19,500
personal automobiles and 65,500 commercial and farm vehicles in 1996. Farmowners
business is the second largest line of CalFarm Insurance's business,
representing approximately 11% of Zenith's property and casualty premiums
written in 1996.
 
    Zenith's Other Property-Casualty operations are subject to the regulatory
provisions of California Initiative Proposition 103 ("Proposition 103"). The
principal effects of Proposition 103 on Zenith's Other Property-Casualty
business are as follows: rates must be approved by the California Insurance
Commissioner prior to use; rates on personal automobile policies must be offered
to "good drivers" (as defined) at a discount of at least 20% from rates
otherwise charged and an
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
insurer cannot refuse to sell a "good driver" policy to a qualified applicant;
personal automobile insurance policies cannot be cancelled or non-renewed except
for non-payment of premium, fraud or material misrepresentation, or a
substantial increase in hazard; and personal automobile insurance rates must be
based on the following factors in decreasing order of importance: driving
record, number of miles driven, number of years of driving experience, and other
factors which may be adopted by the California Insurance Commissioner. New
automobile rating factor regulations pertaining to the implementation of
Proposition 103 are expected to be implemented during 1997 which will further
limit the impact of territorial rating on automobile insurance rates.
 
    The California Legislature passed legislation in September 1996 which
created the California Earthquake Authority ("CEA"). The CEA became operational
in December 1996 and is a privately financed, publicly managed state agency,
which will provide limited earthquake coverage throughout California.
Participation in the CEA is voluntary and Zenith has elected not to participate.
Zenith will continue to offer broader earthquake coverages than are available
through the CEA as long as private reinsurance is available and affordable.
Zenith can elect to participate in the CEA at a later date subject to meeting
the participation requirements at that time.
 
  PROPERTY AND CASUALTY -- REINSURANCE ASSUMED
 
    Zenith Insurance is selectively underwriting a book of assumed reinsurance.
Reinsurance contracts, or treaties, come in a variety of forms, but the
principal arrangements are either proportional in nature, in which the assuming
company shares pro-rata in the premiums and losses of the cedant, or
arrangements under which the assuming company pays losses in excess of a certain
limit in return for a premium, usually determined as a percentage of the
cedant's primary insurance premiums. Zenith operates its reinsurance activity as
a participant in treaties in which, typically, the reinsurance coverage is
syndicated to a number of assuming companies. Depending upon market conditions
and other factors, the volume of premiums written fluctuates from year to year.
Zenith's current participation in the reinsurance market emphasizes the
reinsurance of large individual property risks and property catastrophe
reinsurance. By diversifying its geographical spread, Zenith's assumed
reinsurance business is written so as to limit the company's exposure to losses
from any one event in a worst-case scenario to a maximum of approximately 5% of
consolidated stockholders' equity.
 
    An important element in the pricing of reinsurance is the supply of
reinsurance capacity (i.e. capital) relative to demand. In recent years, new
capital has been made available to provide world-wide reinsurance capacity. Most
notably, such capital has been contributed by new companies in Bermuda and by
contributions to Lloyd's syndicates by corporations with limited liability.
Zenith has observed decreases in catastrophe reinsurance rates for 1997 and
premium income in 1997 may be reduced compared to 1996.
 
    During the past 11 years, the combined ratio of Zenith's Reinsurance
operation was 96.8%
 
    Commencing January 1, 1995, Zenith Insurance became a corporate underwriting
member of Lloyd's through a 100% wholly-owned subsidiary, ZIC Lloyd's
Underwriting Limited ("ZIC Lloyd's"). ZIC Lloyd's has committed funds of $6.4
million to support the underwriting of a certain syndicate. All of the funds
committed by ZIC Lloyd's are available to satisfy claims in the event of
underwriting losses by the syndicate.
 
  PARENT
 
    Zenith is a holding company owning directly or indirectly all of the capital
stock of certain property and casualty insurance and insurance-related
companies. In 1993, Zenith commenced a real estate operation through a
newly-formed subsidiary, Perma-Bilt, for the purpose of developing, building and
selling private residences in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 1996, Perma-Bilt closed and
delivered 287 homes at an average selling price of $145,000, compared to 240
homes the prior year. Revenues in 1996 were $41,554,000 and pre-tax income was
$1,909,000 compared to sales of $31,736,000 and $2,075,000 of pre-tax income,
the previous year. Land presently owned at a cost of about $27,382,000 will
support the construction and sale of an estimated 1,561 homes over the
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
next several years and possibly some commercial construction. Increased interest
rates may impact the rate of home sales, but Zenith is confident that the land
it has acquired is strategically located and will have long-term value.
 
    Zenith and its subsidiaries are currently in the process of modifying or
replacing its computer systems for year 2000 compliance. Such activity is
expected to continue through 1999.
 
LOSS AND LOSS EXPENSE RESERVES AND CLAIMS, AND LOSS DEVELOPMENTS
 
    Zenith's property and casualty insurance subsidiaries (the "P&C Companies")
maintain reserves for the payment of losses and for the expenses of settling
both reported and unreported claims that have been incurred under their
insurance policies and reinsurance contracts. The amount of such reserves, as
related to reported claims, is based upon periodic case-by-case evaluation and
judgment by the P&C Companies' claims departments, with actuarial review. The
estimate of unreported claims arising from accidents which have not yet been
reported to the P&C Companies, commonly known in the industry as "incurred but
not reported," is based upon the P&C Companies' experience and statistical
information with respect to the probable number and nature of such claims. The
P&C Companies monitor these factors and revise their reserves as they deem
appropriate. Reserves are based on estimates and no assurance can be given that
the ultimate liability will not be more or less than such estimates.
 
    Reference is made to "Property -- Casualty Loss Development" on pages 32 and
33, and the table setting forth the reconciliation of changes in the liabilities
for losses and loss adjustment expenses included in Note 13 -- "Loss and Loss
Adjustment Expense Reserves" on page 49 of the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. These tables
show the development of loss and loss adjustment expense liabilities as
originally estimated under generally accepted accounting principles at December
31 of each year presented. The accounting methods used to estimate these
liabilities are described in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements of Zenith as set forth on pages 40 through 42 of the 1996 Annual
Report to Stockholders, which note is hereby incorporated by reference. The one
year loss and loss adjustment expense reserve development for Zenith's three
main lines of business is set forth in the table on page 23 of the 1996 Annual
Report to Stockholders, which table is hereby incorporated by reference.
 
  WORKERS' COMPENSATION
 
    Zenith's Workers' Compensation reserves, on the average, are paid within
approximately 2.5 years. Zenith regards the timely settlement of its Workers'
Compensation claims as important to its profitability and makes use of
compromises and releases for claim settlements to expedite this process.
 
    Zenith Insurance maintains five regional offices in California and offices
outside of California in Texas, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Utah, Illinois and
effective December 31, 1996, Orlando, Florida, each of which is fully staffed to
conduct all workers' compensation claims operations, including review of initial
reports of work injury, assignment of appropriate field investigation and
determination of whether subrogation should be pursued. Workers' Compensation
claims operations are supported by computer systems that provide immediate
access to policy coverage verification and claims records and enables Zenith
Insurance to detail claims payment histories and policy loss experience reports.
 
    Legislative reform of the California workers' compensation system was
enacted in 1993. In addition, Zenith undertook significant additional
expenditures on the loss adjustment process in recent years with a view to
mitigating the effect of adverse claim trends, particularly the effect of fraud
and abuse.
 
    On July 5, 1995, Zenith's new client-server based computer system became
operational, replacing its previous mainframe computer for workers' compensation
operations in California. In addition to enhancing data processing, the new
system is designed, among other things, to
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
improve work flow in the workers' compensation claims handling process and to
support expansion outside of California. Management observed certain unusual
claim reserving trends and patterns in 1995 and 1996, possibly related to
disruption of normal work flows due to implementation of the new system. Work
flows in the future may continue to be impacted as training and optimization of
the new system continues. Management believes that its estimate for liabilities
for unpaid workers' compensation losses and loss adjustment expenses (amounting
to $409,138,000 of total reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
of $620,078,000) at December 31, 1996 included in the consolidated financial
statements is adequate. However, subsequent re-interpretation of currently
available data or any new information that becomes available may change the
estimate of such liabilities in future periods and such changes, if any, will be
reflected in the financial statements of the period in which they occur.
 
  OTHER PROPERTY AND CASUALTY
 
    Other Property and Casualty loss reserves are paid, on the average, within
approximately 3.5 years.
 
    Property insurance coverages and CalFarm Insurance's concentration of
business in California expose Zenith to catastrophe losses from events in
California. Reinsurance ceded by CalFarm Insurance protects against losses in
excess of $5,000,000 from any one event -- see "Reinsurance Ceded." 1996 results
benefited from the absence of catastrophe losses. In 1995, CalFarm Insurance
sustained losses of $10,700,000 in conjunction with three major California
storms. In 1994, losses attributable to the Northridge earthquake were
$3,200,000, of which $800,000 was assessed by the California Fair Plan.
 
    CalFarm Insurance maintains three claims and legal offices in California to
conduct all claims operations of the other property and casualty business. All
claims operations of CalFarm Insurance are supervised by its home office claims
department. Health claims is a separate operation located in the home office.
 
  REINSURANCE ASSUMED
 
    Zenith expects that, on the average, its Reinsurance reserves will be paid
in approximately 4.0 years.
 
    Zenith's Reinsurance reserves constitute approximately 18% of its total
reserves, net of ceded reinsurance, for property and casualty unpaid losses and
loss adjustment expenses at December 31, 1996, reflecting the longer average
life of such reserves relative to Zenith's other principal lines of business. In
addition to information supplied by ceding companies, Zenith makes use of
industry experience in arriving at estimates of ultimate losses for certain
reinsurance assumed arrangements.
 
    Losses attributable to catastrophes were $2,500,000 in 1995, principally
from Hurricane "Marilyn".
 
    Zenith Insurance has participated, to a limited extent, in the reinsurance
arrangements of ceding companies that have written both directors' and officers'
liability coverage ("D & O") policies and professional indemnity policies,
including such coverage written for practicing certified public accountants.
Actions alleging negligence against directors, officers or accountants by
parties suffering financial losses in savings and loan failures give rise to
claims under D & O policies or professional indemnity policies which, in turn,
give rise to claims against Zenith Insurance. Such claims have not had, and are
not expected to have in the future, a material adverse effect on Zenith's
consolidated financial condition.
 
  ENVIRONMENTAL AND ASBESTOS LOSSES
 
    The exposure of the insurance industry to losses arising out of the cost of
environmental and asbestos damage has been the focus of attention of a number of
interested parties in recent years. The process of evaluating an insurance
company's exposure is subject to significant uncertainties.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
Among the complications are lack of historical data, long reporting delays,
uncertainty as to the number and identity of insureds with potential exposure
and unresolved legal issues regarding policy coverage. The legal issues
concerning the interpretations of various insurance policy provisions and
whether environmental and asbestos losses are or were ever intended to be
covered are complex. Courts have reached different and sometimes inconsistent
conclusions regarding such issues as: when the loss occurred and what policies
provide coverage, how policy limits are determined, how policy exclusions are
applied and interpreted, whether clean-up costs are covered as insured property
damage, and whether site assessment costs are either indemnity payments or
adjusting costs.
 
    Zenith has exposure to asbestos losses in its Workers' Compensation
operation for medical, indemnity and loss adjustment expenses associated with
insureds' long-term exposure to asbestos or asbestos-contained materials. Most
of these claims date back to the 1970's and early 1980's and Zenith's exposure
is generally limited to a pro-rata share of the loss for the period of time
coverage was provided. Zenith also has potential exposure to environmental and
asbestos losses and loss adjustment expenses beginning in 1985 through its
Reinsurance operation and through CalFarm Insurance, which writes liability
coverage under farmowners' and small commercial policies, however such losses
are substantially excluded from all such coverage. The business reinsured by
Zenith contains exclusion clauses for environmental and asbestos losses, and in
1988 an absolute pollution exclusion was incorporated into CalFarm Insurance's
policy forms. All claims for damages resulting from environmental or asbestos
losses are identified and handled by Zenith's most experienced claims/legal
professionals. Environmental and asbestos losses have not been material and
Zenith believes that its reserves for environmental and asbestos losses are
appropriately established based on currently available facts, technology, laws
and regulations. However, due to the long-term nature of these claims, the
inconsistencies of court coverage decisions, plaintiff's expanded theories of
liability, the risks inherent in major litigation and other uncertainties, the
ultimate exposure from these claims may vary from the amounts currently
reserved.
 
INVESTMENTS
 
    Investment policies of Zenith and its insurance subsidiaries are established
by their respective Boards of Directors, taking into consideration state
regulatory restrictions with respect to investments in connection with reserve
obligations as well as the nature and amount of various kinds of investments.
(See "Business -- Regulation.") Zenith's principal investment goal is to
maintain safety and liquidity, enhance principal values and achieve increased
rates of return consistent with regulatory constraints. The allocation amongst
various types of securities is adjusted from time to time based on market
conditions, credit conditions, tax policy, fluctuations in interest rates and
other factors (see "Investments" under Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Consolidated Financial Condition and Results of Operations on pages 26 and 27 of
Zenith's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders which is hereby incorporated by
reference). At December 31, 1996 the investment portfolios of Zenith and the P&C
Companies consisted primarily of taxable bonds and short-term investments
supplemented by smaller portfolios of redeemable and other preferred stocks and
common stocks. The average life of the consolidated portfolio was 5.1 years at
December 31, 1996. Investment income by segment is set forth in Note 16 --
"Segment Information" on pages 50 and 51 of the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders which note is hereby incorporated by reference.
 
    Stockholders' equity will fluctuate as interest rates fluctuate due to the
implementation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115 --
Accounting for Investments in Certain Debt and Equity Securities. In accordance
with its provisions, Zenith has identified certain securities, amounting to
approximately 91% of the investments in debt securities at December 31, 1996, as
available-for-sale. In 1996 stockholders' equity decreased by $9.1 million, net
of deferred taxes, as a result of changes in the fair values of such
investments.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
REINSURANCE CEDED
 
    In accordance with general industry practices, Zenith's insurance
subsidiaries annually purchase excess of loss reinsurance. Reinsurance makes the
assuming reinsurer liable to the ceding company to the extent of the
reinsurance. It does not, however, discharge the ceding company from its primary
liability to its policyholders in the event that the reinsurer is unable to meet
its obligations under such reinsurance treaty. Historically, no material costs
have been incurred by Zenith or its subsidiaries from uncollected reinsurance.
The purpose of such reinsurance is to protect Zenith from the impact of large,
unforseen losses and such reinsurance reduces the magnitude of sudden and
unpredictable changes in net income and the capitalization of insurance
operations. Zenith monitors the financial condition of its reinsurers and does
not believe that it is exposed to any material credit risk through its ceded
reinsurance arrangements. Zenith believes that its ceded reinsurance
arrangements are adequate and consistent with industry practice.
 
    Reinsurance premiums ceded by Zenith's insurance subsidiaries amounted to
$24,642,000, $21,112,000 and $21,521,000 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively,
or 5.4%, 4.9% and 4.9% of earned premiums in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
Reinsurance recoverable amounted to $93,651,000, $54,429,000 and $47,696,000 in
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, or 15.1%, 10.5% and 9.3% of gross reserves
for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively. Included in the December 31, 1996 balance is $37,261,000 of
reinsurance recoverable, including state disability trust funds, which is 36.3%
of the gross reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses acquired from AGC-SIF
on December 31, 1996. Each insurance subsidiary maintains separate reinsurance
arrangements, which during 1996 were as follows:
 
    Zenith Insurance -- Workers' Compensation reinsurance covered all claims
between $550,000 and $100,000,000 per occurrence. The coverage from $550,000 to
$5,000,000 is placed with General Reinsurance Corporation, the coverage from
$5,000,000 to $10,000,000 with Employers Reinsurance Corporation and the
remaining three layers from $10,000,000 to $60,000,000 primarily with Prudential
Reinsurance Company, NAC Reinsurance Corporation, Transatlantic Reinsurance
Company, The St. Paul Companies and the London reinsurance market (primarily
Lloyds' syndicates and certain United Kingdom reinsurance companies).
Catastrophe reinsurance covers an additional $40,000,000 in excess of
$60,000,000 and is placed with UNUM Life Insurance Company and Connecticut
General Life. Zenith's Reinsurance division did not purchase any reinsurance
protection on its assumed business in the three years ended December 31, 1996.
However, Zenith's exposure to losses from assumed reinsurance is limited by the
terms upon which it is written to a maximum probable loss from any one event of
approximately 5% of Zenith's consolidated stockholders' equity.
 
    Prior to Zenith's acquisition of AGC-SIF, AGC-SIF purchased aggregate excess
and specific excess reinsurance for protection against losses in excess of
stated retentions in each year of coverage. Such retention for 1996 was $750,000
per occurrence and the maximum coverage was the statutory limit. Such coverage
for 1996 was placed with National Union Fire Insurance Company. Beginning in
1997, reinsurance for business written in Florida will be combined with Zenith's
existing reinsurance arrangements.
 
    CalFarm Insurance -- For personal and commercial property lines of business,
reinsurance is maintained for claims in excess of $350,000 up to $4,000,000 per
occurrence. On liability coverages for both personal and commercial lines,
reinsurance covers losses up to $5,000,000 per occurrence, subject to a
retention of $500,000. This reinsurance coverage is all placed with General
Reinsurance Corporation. CalFarm Insurance has property catastrophe reinsurance
that provides for recovery of 95% of $45,000,000, excess of a retention of
$5,000,000, for which the principal reinsurers are General Reinsurance
Corporation and Cat. Ltd. The catastrophe reinsurance was increased to 95% of
$55,000,000, excess of a retention of $5,000,000 effective January 1, 1997.
CalFarm Insurance also maintains reinsurance agreements with Employers
Reinsurance Corporation and Duncanson & Holt for excess risks on its accident
and health contracts. Employers
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
Reinsurance Corporation provides coverage for CalFarm's Farm Bureau health
insurance program for aggregate losses in excess of $2,000,000 on those
individual health policy claims that exceed $120,000 for each insured in each
calendar year. Duncanson & Holt provides coverage on other group health policy
claims that exceed $100,000 in each calendar year.
 
    CalFarm Insurance participates in a quota share contract whereby it retains
20% of the first $1,000,000 on most umbrella risks (comprehensive coverage in
excess of primary policy limits) underwritten, with the remainder of up to
$10,000,000 for commercial lines and up to $5,000,000 for personal lines ceded
to General Reinsurance Corporation. Facultative reinsurance is placed on
property coverage in excess of $4,000,000 on all property lines, and on umbrella
limits in excess of $10,000,000 for commercial lines and $5,000,000 for personal
lines. Facultative reinsurance is used on fewer than 5% of CalFarm Insurance's
policies. Facultative coverage is placed primarily with General Reinsurance
Corporation. Other companies used are Employers Reinsurance Corporation, Munich
American Reinsurance Company and other reinsurers rated A+ by A.M. Best Company.
 
    Pooling Agreement -- Zenith Insurance, CalFarm Insurance, ZNAT Insurance and
Zenith Star are parties to a pooling agreement. Under the agreement, the results
of underwriting operations are ceded (the risks are transferred) to Zenith
Insurance and are then reapportioned, or retro-ceded (the risks are transferred
back), to those three companies in the following proportions: Zenith Insurance,
79.5%; CalFarm Insurance, 18%; ZNAT Insurance, 2%; and Zenith Star, 0.5%.
Transactions pursuant to the pooling agreement are eliminated on consolidation
and have no impact on Zenith's consolidated financial statements.
 
MARKETING AND STAFF
 
    Zenith Insurance's workers' compensation business is produced by
approximately 1,300 independent licensed insurance agents and brokers throughout
California, Texas, Florida and other areas in which Zenith conducts workers'
compensation operations. Certain CalFarm Insurance agents referred to below also
sell workers' compensation. Zenith Insurance's assumed reinsurance premiums are
generated nationally by brokers and reinsurance intermediaries.
 
    CalFarm Insurance, through its affiliate CalFarm Insurance Agency, maintains
a sales force of approximately 180 agents who sell insurance products
exclusively for CalFarm Insurance, primarily in rural and suburban areas. These
agents operate out of 112 offices throughout the State of California, including
30 offices shared with the Farm Bureau. In addition, 193 independent agents
market CalFarm Insurance products and 511 independent agents market the CalFarm
Insurance health insurance products.
 
    Applications for insurance submitted by all agents and brokers are evaluated
by professional underwriters based upon numerous factors, including underwriting
criteria and standards, geographic areas of underwriting concentration,
actuarial judgments of rate adequacy, economic considerations, and review of
known data on the particular risk. CalFarm Insurance uses earthquake modeling
software to monitor earthquake exposures related to its homeowners and
farmowners business. Catastrophe reinsurance is used to protect CalFarm
Insurance from excessive catastrophe losses -- see "Reinsurance Ceded." Zenith's
insurance subsidiaries, as opposed to their agents and brokers, retain authority
over underwriting, claims processing, safety engineering and auditing.
 
CALIFORNIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
 
    The Farm Bureau was formed to provide its members with a variety of
agriculture-related services, including property and casualty insurance. The
Farm Bureau is California's largest general farm organization, and represents
more than 71,000 member families in 58 counties. The Farm Bureau continues to
work actively to encourage its membership to place their insurance with CalFarm
Insurance. Farm Bureau membership is a prerequisite to the purchase of
farmowners, automobile and health insurance from CalFarm Insurance. Of the
estimated 71,000 member families, approximately 61% are insured by CalFarm
Insurance. The business of CalFarm Insurance is closely tied to the California
farm economy, however approximately 42% of Farm Bureau
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
members (and CalFarm Insurance insureds) are non-farmers and approximately 60%
of CalFarm Insurance premium volume is generated by non-farm business. Total
written premium in CalFarm Insurance attributable to sales that were sponsored
by the Farm Bureau constituted approximately 31%, 30% and 32% of Zenith's total
written premium for the years 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The agreement
of CalFarm Insurance with the Farm Bureau, which is subject to cancellation by
either party on six months' notice, requires annual payments to the Farm Bureau
of $240,000 plus 2% of the gross written premium under the Farm Bureau group
health insurance program. Pursuant to such provisions, total payments to the
Farm Bureau were approximately $1 million in each of 1996, 1995 and 1994.
 
    CalFarm Insurance continues to be the largest writer of farmowners policies
in the state and benefits from its sponsorship of the Farm Bureau. Such benefit
is derived from the use of the CalFarm name and the Farm Bureau membership
lists. Further, CalFarm Insurance's ability to sell products to Farm Bureau
members is enhanced by the Farm Bureau relationship. The Farm Bureau benefits
since Farm Bureau membership is required to obtain automobile, farmowners and
health insurance policies from CalFarm Insurance, which generates membership and
revenues for the Farm Bureau. If the relationship between CalFarm Insurance and
the Farm Bureau were terminated, Zenith believes that it could retain a
significant amount of the business it currently has with Farm Bureau members
because of the quality and tailored features of the products it offers in what
it regards as its "niche market" and the long-term relationships established
between its agents and these policyholders. In the event of such termination,
however, Zenith expects that there would be an increased risk of nonrenewal of
existing insurance coverage as well as a possible adverse effect on new policy
revenues, but it cannot estimate the financial impact of any such termination.
Zenith anticipates the continuation of a close working relationship with the
Farm Bureau and the promotion among its membership of the purchase of insurance
products from CalFarm Insurance as an attractive feature of Farm Bureau
membership.
 
COMPETITION
 
    Competition in the insurance business is based upon price, product design
and quality of service. The insurance industry is highly competitive and
competition is particularly intense in the California workers' compensation
market which was deregulated with respect to prices in 1995. Zenith's
subsidiaries compete not only with other stock companies, but with mutual
companies, and other underwriting organizations such as the State Compensation
Insurance Fund. Competition also exists from self-insurance and captive
insurers. Over the years there has been increased competition from
direct-writing companies and, in the property and casualty field, from
affiliates of large life insurance companies. Many companies in competition with
Zenith's subsidiaries have been in business for a much longer time, have a
larger volume of business, are more widely known, and/or possess substantially
greater financial resources.
 
REGULATION
 
  STATES' DEPARTMENTS OF INSURANCE
 
    Insurance companies are primarily subject to regulation and supervision by
the Department of Insurance in the state in which they are domiciled and, to a
lesser extent, other states in which they conduct business. Zenith's insurance
subsidiaries are primarily subject to regulation and supervision by the
California Department of Insurance, except for Zenith Star which is primarily
subject to regulation and supervision in the State of Texas. These states have
broad regulatory, supervisory and administrative powers. Such powers relate,
among other things, to the granting and revocation of licenses to transact
business; the licensing of agents; the standards of solvency to be met and
maintained; the nature of and limitations on investments; approval of policy
forms and rates; periodic examination of the affairs of insurance companies; and
the form and content of required financial statements.
 
    In California, Zenith Insurance, CalFarm Insurance and ZNAT Insurance are
required, with respect to their workers' compensation line of business, to
maintain on deposit investments
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
meeting specified standards that have an aggregate market value equal to the
companies' loss reserves. For this purpose, loss reserves are defined as the
current estimate of reported and unreported claims net of reinsurance plus a
statutory formula reserve based on a minimum of 65% of earned premiums for the
latest three years. Zenith Insurance and ZNAT Insurance are subject to similar
deposit requirements in certain other states based on those states' retaliatory
statutes.
 
    Detailed annual and quarterly reports must be filed by Zenith's insurance
subsidiaries with the California Department of Insurance and the Texas
Department of Insurance, and with other states in which they are licensed to
transact business, and their businesses and accounts are subject to periodic
examination by such agencies, usually at three year intervals. Zenith Insurance,
CalFarm Insurance and ZNAT Insurance, were examined by the California Department
of Insurance as of December 31, 1993, and the report on such examination
contained no material findings. Zenith Star was examined by the Texas Department
of Insurance as of June 30, 1995 and the results of such examination contained
no material findings.
 
  THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INSURANCE COMMISSIONERS
 
    The National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") is a group
formed by state Insurance Commissioners to discuss issues and formulate policy
with respect to regulation, reporting and accounting of insurance companies.
Although the NAIC has no legislative authority and insurance companies are at
all times subject to the laws of their respective domiciliary states, and to a
lesser extent other states in which they conduct business, the NAIC is
influential in determining the form in which such laws are enacted. In
particular, the Model Insurance Laws, Regulations and Guidelines of the NAIC
(the "Model Laws") have been promulgated by the NAIC as a minimum standard by
which state regulatory systems and regulations are measured. Adoption of state
laws which provide for substantially similar regulations to those described in
the Model Laws is a requirement for the accreditation by the NAIC.
 
    The NAIC has adopted model regulations to require insurers to maintain
minimum levels of capital based on their investments and operations, known as
"risk based capital" ("RBC") requirements. Such requirements were adopted by
California for property and casualty insurers in 1994. Zenith has not
experienced any adverse effects of such requirements because of the strong
capitalization of its insurance operations. At December 31, 1996, adjusted
capital under the RBC regulations was 364% of the RBC control, or required,
level of capital under the regulations for the Zenith Insurance Group
(consisting of Zenith Insurance, CalFarm Insurance, ZNAT Insurance and Zenith
Star).
 
    The NAIC Insurance Regulatory Information System ("IRIS") was developed to
assist insurance departments in overseeing the financial condition of insurance
companies. Annually, IRIS key financial ratios (11 ratios for property and
casualty companies) are calculated from data supplied in annual statutory
statements of insurance companies. These ratios are reviewed by experienced
financial examiners of the NAIC to select those companies that merit highest
priority in the allocation of the regulators' resources. The 1996 IRIS results
for the Zenith Insurance Group showed no results outside the "normal range" for
such ratios, as such range is determined by the NAIC.
 
  INSURANCE HOLDING COMPANY SYSTEM REGULATORY ACT
 
    Zenith's insurance subsidiaries are also subject to the California and Texas
Insurance Holding Company System Regulatory Acts ("Holding Company Acts"), which
contain certain reporting requirements, including the requirement that such
subsidiaries file information relating to capital structure, ownership,
financial condition and general business operation, and limit dividend payments
and material transactions by Zenith's insurance subsidiaries. See "Liquidity and
Inflation" under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Financial
Condition and Result of Operations" on pages 27 and 28 of Zenith's 1996 Annual
Report to Stockholders, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
  OTHER REGULATION
 
    Property and casualty insurance coverage is subject to certain regulation as
described herein under "Property and Casualty -- Other" and Zenith's other
property and casualty rates are subject to prior approval by the California
Department of Insurance. The provisions of Proposition 103 do not apply to
Workers' Compensation, Health insurance or Reinsurance, which combined to
account for 63% of Zenith's property and casualty earned premiums in 1996.
 
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
 
    Zenith Insurance owns a 120,000 square foot office facility in Woodland
Hills, California which, since November of 1987, has been the corporate home
office of Zenith, Zenith Insurance, and ZNAT Insurance.
 
    In addition, Zenith Insurance and CalFarm Insurance, in the regular conduct
of their business, lease offices in various cities. See Note 8 of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements of Zenith on page 46 of the 1996 Annual Report
to Stockholders, which note is hereby incorporated by reference.
 
    CalFarm Insurance owns its home office building (and surrounding property of
approximately 4 acres) in Sacramento, California, consisting of 133,000 square
feet. Approximately 20% of the building is leased to the Farm Bureau and its
affiliates.
 
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
    Zenith and its subsidiaries are involved in certain litigation. In the
opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, such litigation in
which Zenith is a defendant is either without merit or the ultimate liability,
if any, will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial
condition of Zenith.
 
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
    Not applicable.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
                                    PART II
 
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
 
    Zenith's Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, is traded on the New York
Stock Exchange. The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices of the
Common Stock for each quarterly period during the last two fiscal years.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
QUARTER                                                          1996        1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------    -------     -------
<S>                                                             <C>         <C>
First
  High......................................................     24 7/8      22 3/4
  Low.......................................................     21 1/8      19 3/8
Second
  High......................................................     28 7/8      22
  Low.......................................................     23 7/8      20
Third
  High......................................................     28 1/2      24 1/4
  Low.......................................................     26 1/4      20
Fourth
  High......................................................     28          24 5/8
  Low.......................................................     25 1/4      20
</TABLE>
 
    As of March 26, 1997, there were 375 holders of record of Zenith Common
Stock.
 
    The table below sets forth information with respect to the amount and
frequency of dividends declared on Zenith Common Stock. Based upon Zenith's
financial condition, it is currently expected that cash dividends will continue
to be paid in the future.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        DATE OF DECLARATION             TYPE AND AMOUNT OF        RECORD DATE FOR
          BY ZENITH BOARD                    DIVIDEND                 PAYMENT               PAYMENT DATE
- ------------------------------------  -----------------------  ---------------------  ------------------------
<S>                                   <C>                      <C>                    <C>
December 6, 1994....................  $.25 cash per share      January 31, 1995       February 15, 1995
March 1, 1995.......................  $.25 cash per share      April 28, 1995         May 12, 1995
May 24, 1995........................  $.25 cash per share      July 31, 1995          August 16, 1995
September 14, 1995..................  $.25 cash per share      October 31, 1995       November 15, 1995
November 30, 1995...................  $.25 cash per share      January 31, 1996       February 15, 1996
March 7, 1996.......................  $.25 cash per share      April 30, 1996         May 15, 1996
May 22, 1996........................  $.25 cash per share      July 31, 1996          August 15, 1996
September 5, 1996...................  $.25 cash per share      October 31, 1996       November 15, 1996
December 10, 1996...................  $.25 cash per share      January 31, 1997       February 14, 1997
</TABLE>
 
    The Holding Company Acts limit the ability of Zenith Insurance to pay
dividends to Zenith, and of CalFarm Insurance, ZNAT Insurance and Zenith Star to
pay dividends to Zenith Insurance, by providing that the California or Texas
Department of Insurance must approve any dividend that, together with all other
such dividends paid during the preceding twelve months, exceeds the greater of:
(a) 10% of the paying company's statutory surplus as regards policyholders at
the preceding December 31; or (b) 100% of the net income for the preceding year.
In addition, any such dividend must be paid from policyholders' surplus
attributable to accumulated earnings. During 1996, Zenith Insurance paid
dividends of $15,000,000 to Zenith. During 1997, Zenith Insurance will be able
to pay $26,534,000 in dividends to Zenith without prior approval. In 1997,
CalFarm Insurance, ZNAT Insurance and Zenith Star, together, can pay $7,832,000
to Zenith Insurance.
 
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
 
    The five-year summary of selected financial information and accompanying
notes, included in Zenith's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders on pages 30 and
31, is hereby incorporated by reference.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL CONDITION
        AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
 
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
 
    The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor
for forward-looking statements if accompanied by meaningful cautionary
statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from those discussed. Forward-looking statements include those
related to the plans and objectives of management for future operations, future
economic performance, or projections of revenues, income, earnings per share,
capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure, or other financial items.
Statements containing words such as EXPECT, ANTICIPATE, BELIEVE, or similar
words that are used in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated
Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in other parts of this Report or
in other written or oral information conveyed by or on behalf of Zenith are
intended to identify forward-looking statements. Zenith undertakes no obligation
to update such forward-looking statements, which are subject to a number of
risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially
from those projected. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited
to the following: (1) heightened competition, particularly intense price
competition; (2) adverse state and federal legislation and regulations; (3)
changes in interest rates causing a reduction of investment income; (4) general
economic and business conditions which are less favorable than expected; (5)
unanticipated changes in industry trends; (6) adequacy of loss reserves; (7)
catastrophic events or the occurrence of a significant number of storms and wind
and hail losses; and (8) other risks detailed herein and from time to time in
Zenith's other reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
    "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Financial Condition
and Results of Operations," included in Zenith's 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders on pages 21 to 28 is hereby incorporated by reference.
 
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
 
    Reference is made to pages 32 and 33 of Zenith's 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders for information setting forth the loss and loss adjustment expense
liability development for 1986 through 1996 and to the consolidated financial
statements and notes thereto on pages 34 to 51 of Zenith's Annual Report to
Stockholders, which are hereby incorporated by reference.
 
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
        FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
 
    None.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
                                    PART III
 
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.
 
    The information set forth under the captions "Section 16(a) Beneficial
Ownership Reporting Compliance" and "Election of Directors" in the Proxy
Statement in connection with Zenith's 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the
"Proxy Statement") is hereby incorporated by reference.
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  OFFICER
NAME                 AGE                    POSITION                     TERM      SINCE
- -----------------    ---    ----------------------------------------    ------    -------
<S>                  <C>    <C>                                         <C>       <C>
Stanley R. Zax       59     Chairman of the Board, President (1)        Annual      1977
Fredricka Taubitz    53     Executive Vice President and                Annual      1985
                            Chief Financial Officer (1)
James P. Ross        50     Senior Vice President and Actuary (1)       Annual      1978
John J. Tickner      58     Senior Vice President and Secretary (1)     Annual      1985
Keith E. Trotman     60     Senior Vice President (2)                   Annual      1988
Philip R. Hunt       54     Senior Vice President (2)                   Annual      1988
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1) Officer of Zenith and subsidiaries.
(2) Officer of subsidiaries only.
 
    Each of the executive officers has, for more than five years, occupied an
executive position with Zenith or a subsidiary of Zenith.
 
    There are no family relationships between any of the executive officers and
there are no arrangements or understandings pursuant to which any of them were
selected as officers.
 
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
 
    The information set forth under the headings "Directors' Compensation,"
"Summary Compensation Table," "Option/SAR Grants in Last Fiscal Year," and
"Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises in Last Fiscal Year And Fiscal Year End
Option/SAR Values," "Employment Agreements and Termination of Employment and
Change in Control Arrangements," and "Compensation Committee Interlocks and
Insider Participation" in the Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by
reference.
 
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.
 
    The information set forth under the caption "Security Ownership of Certain
Beneficial Owners and Management" in the Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated
by reference.
 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
 
    The information set forth in footnotes 3 and 6 to the table set forth under
the caption "Election of Directors" in the Proxy Statement is hereby
incorporated by reference.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
                                    PART IV
 
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
 
    (a) Documents filed as part of the report:
 
         1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
               Independent Accountant's Report
 
               Financial Statements and notes thereto incorporated by reference
               from the 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders in Item 8 of Part II
               above:
 
               Consolidated Financial Statements of Zenith National Insurance
               Corp. and Subsidiaries:
 
                     Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1996 and 1995
 
                     Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended
                     December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
 
                     Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended
                     December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
 
                     Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity for the
                     years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
 
                     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
         2.FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
           Zenith National Insurance Corp. and Subsidiaries
 
               As of December 31, 1996.
 
               I -- Summary of Investments -- Other Than Investments in Related
               Parties
 
               For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.
 
               III -- Supplementary Insurance Information
 
               IV -- Reinsurance
 
           Zenith National Insurance Corp.
 
               As of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for the years ended December
               31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.
 
               II -- Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
 
        Property and Casualty Loss Development on pages 32 and 33 of the 1996
        Annual Report to Stockholders.
 
        Schedules other than those listed above are omitted since they are not
        applicable, not required, or the information required to be set forth
        therein is included in the consolidated financial statements, or in
        notes thereto.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
       3. EXHIBITS
 
   The Exhibits listed below are filed in a separate Exhibit Volume to this
   Report.
 
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>     <C>
           2.1     Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Zenith AGC Acquisition
                   Insurance Company, Zenith Insurance Company, Zenith National Insurance Corp., Associated
                   General Commerce Self-Insurers' Trust Fund and AGC Risk Management Group Inc. dated as
                   of October 7, 1996.
           2.2     Stock Acquisition Agreement, dated as of September 19, 1995, between Anchor National
                   Life Insurance Company and Zenith National Insurance Corp. (Incorporated herein by
                   reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Zenith's Report on Form 8-K dated October 6, 1995.)
           2.3     Amendment No. 1 to Stock Acquisition Agreement dated as of December 27, 1995, by and
                   among Anchor National Life Insurance Company, SunAmerica Life Insurance Company and
                   Zenith National Insurance Corp. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to
                   Zenith's Report on Form 8-K dated January 9, 1996.)
           3.1     Certificate of Incorporation of Zenith as in effect immediately prior to November 22,
                   1985. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 to Zenith's Amendment on Form 8,
                   date of amendment October 10, 1985, to Zenith's Current Report on Form 8-K, date of
                   report July 26, 1985). Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of
                   Zenith, effective November 22, 1985. (Incorporated herein by reference to Zenith's
                   Current Report on Form 8-K, date of report November 22, 1985).
           3.2     By-Laws of Zenith, as currently in effect. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
                   3.2 to Zenith's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1988.)
           4.1     Indenture dated as of May 1, 1992 entered into between Zenith and Norwest Bank
                   Minnesota, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which Zenith issued its 9%
                   Senior Notes due May 1, 2002. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 to Zenith's
                   Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1992.)
           10.1    Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 4, 1981, among Reliance Insurance Company,
                   Zenith, the Selling Stockholders referred to therein, and Eugene V. Klein, Daniel
                   Schwartz and Harvey L. Silbert as agents for the Selling Stockholders. (Incorporated
                   herein by reference to the exhibit to the Schedule 13D filed by Reliance Financial
                   Services Corporation on March 9, 1981 with respect to the common stock of Zenith).
           10.2    Asset and Liability Assumption Agreement, dated as of June 4, 1985, between Zenith
                   Insurance and the Insurance Commissioner of the State of California (the
                   "Commissioner"). (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 to Zenith's Current
                   Report on Form 8-K, date of report July 26, 1985).
           10.3    Memorandum and Agreement of Closing dated as of July 26, 1985, among Zenith Insurance,
                   Zenith and the Commissioner (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to
                   Zenith's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1985), together with
                   the following exhibits:
                   (a) Exhibit A -- Grant Deed, dated July 25, 1985, by the Commissioner in favor of Zenith
                       Insurance. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Zenith's Annual
                       Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1985).
                   (b) Exhibit B -- Bill of Sale, dated as of July 26, 1985, by the Commissioner in favor
                       of Zenith Insurance. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Zenith's
                       Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1985).
</TABLE>
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>     <C>
                   (c) Exhibit C -- Assignment of Assets and Assumption of Liabilities, dated as of July
                       26, 1985, between the Commissioner and Zenith Insurance. (Incorporated herein by
                       reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Zenith's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
                       December 31, 1985).
                   (d) Exhibit D -- Noncompetition Agreement, dated as of July 26, 1985, between the
                       Commissioner and Zenith Insurance. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 28.3
                       to Zenith's Current Report on Form 8-K, date of report July 26, 1985).
                   (e) Exhibit E -- First Assignment Separate from Certificate, dated July 26, 1985, by the
                       Commissioner in favor of Zenith. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6
                       to Zenith's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1985).
                   (f)  Exhibit F -- Engagement and Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of July 26, 1985,
                        between Zenith Insurance and the Commissioner. (Incorporated herein by reference to
                        Exhibit 28.2 to Zenith's Current Report on Form 8-K, date of report July 26, 1985).
           *10.4   Zenith's Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, as in effect immediately prior to December 6,
                   1985. (Incorporated herein by reference to Zenith's Registration Statement on Form S-8
                   (SEC File No. 2-97962)).
           *10.5   Zenith's Amended and Restated Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, adopted by Zenith's Board
                   of Directors on December 6, 1985. (Incorporated herein by reference to Zenith's
                   Registration Statement on Form S-8
                   (SEC File No. 33-8948)).
           *10.6   Amendment No. 2 to the Zenith National Insurance Corp. Amended and Restated
                   Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, dated as of April 9, 1996. (Incorporated herein by
                   reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Zenith's Quarterly Report on Form 10Q for the quarter ended
                   June 30, 1996.)
           *10.7   Zenith National Insurance Corp. 1996 Employee Stock Option Plan, approved by the
                   Stockholders on May 22, 1996. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to
                   Zenith Quarterly report on Form 10Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996. (SEC File No.
                   333-04399)).
           *10.8   Employment Agreement, dated February 8, 1995, between Zenith and Fredricka Taubitz.
                   (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Zenith's Annual Report on Form 10K
                   for the year ended December 31, 1994).
           *10.9   Employment Agreement, dated February 16, 1995, between Zenith and John J. Tickner.
                   (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Zenith's Annual Report on Form 10K
                   for the year ended December 31, 1994).
           *10.10  Employment Agreement, dated February 2, 1995, between Zenith and Stanley R. Zax.
                   (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Zenith's Annual Report on Form 10K
                   for the year ended December 31, 1994).
           *10.11  Stock Option Agreement, dated as of March 15, 1996, between Zenith and Stanley R. Zax.
                   (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Zenith's Quarterly Report on Form
                   10Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996).
           *10.12  Zenith National Insurance Corp. Executive Officer Bonus Plan, dated as of March 21,
                   1994.
           10.13   Credit Agreement, dated as of December 14, 1994, between Zenith and Sanwa Bank of
                   California. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Zenith's Annual Report
                   on Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 1994.)
           10.14   Amendment dated as of December 28, 1995 to Credit Agreement, dated as of December 14,
                   1994, between Zenith and Sanwa Bank of California. (Incorporated herein by reference to
                   Exhibit 10.11 to Zenith's Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended December 31,
                   1995.)
</TABLE>
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>     <C>
           10.15   Second Amendment, dated June 28, 1996, to Revolving Note Agreement, dated December 14,
                   1994 between Zenith and Sanwa Bank California. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                   10.2 to Zenith's Quarterly Report of Form 10Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996.)
           10.16   Revolving Note Agreement, dated July 1, 1996, between Zenith and City National Bank.
                   (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Zenith's Quarterly Report on Form
                   10Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996.)
           10.17   Agreement of Reinsurance #8051 between General Reinsurance Corporation and Zenith
                   Insurance Company, ZNAT Insurance Company, Zenith Star Insurance Company and CalFarm
                   Insurance Company, dated as of May 22, 1995. (Incorporated herein by reference to
                   Exhibit 10.13 to Zenith's Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended December 31,
                   1995.)
           10.18   Workers' Compensation and Employers' Liability Reinsurance Agreement between Zenith
                   Insurance Company and Employers Reinsurance Corporation, effective January 1, 1986.
                   (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to Zenith's Annual Report on Form 10K
                   for the year ended December 31, 1991.)
           10.19   Agreement of Reinsurance No. 7276 between CalFarm Insurance Company and General
                   Reinsurance Corporation, dated as of February 5, 1988. (Incorporated herein by reference
                   to Exhibit 10.15 to Zenith's Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended December 31,
                   1991.)
           10.20   Agreement of Reinsurance No. B226 between CalFarm Insurance Company and General
                   Reinsurance Corporation, dated as of January 13, 1988. (Incorporated herein by reference
                   to Exhibit 10.16 to Zenith's Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended December 31,
                   1991.)
           10.21   Agreement of Reinsurance No. B197-A between CalFarm Insurance Company and General
                   Reinsurance Corporation, dated as of January 13, 1988. (Incorporated herein by reference
                   to Exhibit 10.17 to Zenith's Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended December 31,
                   1991.)
           10.22   Agreement of Reinsurance No. B196-A between CalFarm Insurance Company and General
                   Reinsurance Corporation, dated as of January 13, 1988. (Incorporated herein by reference
                   to Exhibit 10.18 to Zenith's Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended December 31,
                   1991.)
           10.23   Agreement of Reinsurance No. 420 among General Reinsurance Corporation, American
                   Reinsurance Company, Cat Limited, Renaissance Reinsurance Company and Vesta Fire
                   Insurance Company and CalFarm Insurance, Zenith Insurance and ZNAT Insurance, effective
                   September 1, 1996.
           10.24   Aggregate Excess of Loss Reinsurance Agreement between Associated General Contractors
                   Self Insurers Trust Fund and Reliance Insurance Company effective December 31, 1991.
           10.25   Specific Excess Workers' Compensation and Employers' Liability Policy between Planet
                   Insurance Company (now Reliance National Indemnity Company) and Associated General
                   Contractors of Florida Self Insurance Fund effective January 1, 1993.
           10.26   Life, Disability and Accidental Death Facultive Reinsurance Agreement between CalFarm
                   Insurance Company and Occidental Life Insurance Company of California, effective April
                   1, 1971. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to Zenith's Annual Report on
                   Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 1991.)
           11      Computation of Earnings Per Share for the three (3) years ended
                   December 31, 1996
           13      Zenith's Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended
                   December 31, 1996, but only to the extent such report is expressly incorporated by
                   reference herein, and such report is not otherwise to be deemed "filed" as a part of
                   this Annual Report on Form 10K.
</TABLE>
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>     <C>
           21      Subsidiaries of Zenith.
           23      Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., dated March 28, 1997. (Incorporated herein by
                   reference to page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10K).
           27      Financial Data Schedule
           99.1    Information required by rule 15d-21 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the
                   year ended December 31, 1996 for the Zenith Investment Partnership 401(k) Plan (to be
                   filed by amendment on Form 10-K/A within 180 days of December 31, 1996).
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
 
   (b)REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
 
      None.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
                                   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, on March 28, 1997.
 
                                          ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP.
 
                                          By            STANLEY R. ZAX
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                       Stanley R. Zax
                                            Chairman of the Board and 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 indicated, on March 28, 1997.
 
<TABLE>
<C>                                             <S>
                       STANLEY R. ZAX           Chairman of the Board, President and
- ---------------------------------------------   Director (Principal Executive Officer)
                Stanley R. Zax
 
                      GEORGE E. BELLO           Director
- ---------------------------------------------
               George E. Bello
 
                     MAX M. KAMPELMAN           Director
- ---------------------------------------------
               Max M. Kampelman
 
                       JACK M. OSTROW           Director
- ---------------------------------------------
                Jack M. Ostrow
 
                   WILLIAM S. SESSIONS          Director
- ---------------------------------------------
             William S. Sessions
 
                     HARVEY L. SILBERT          Director
- ---------------------------------------------
              Harvey L. Silbert
 
                   ROBERT M. STEINBERG          Director
- ---------------------------------------------
             Robert M. Steinberg
 
- ---------------------------------------------   Director
              Saul P. Steinberg
 
                      GERALD TSAI, JR.          Director
- ---------------------------------------------
               Gerald Tsai, Jr.
 
                     FREDRICKA TAUBITZ          Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
- ---------------------------------------------   Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting
              Fredricka Taubitz                 Officer)
</TABLE>
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT
 
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on
Form S-8 (File Nos. 33-8948, 33-22219 and 333-04399) of our report dated
February 14, 1997 on our audits of the consolidated financial statements and
financial statement schedules of Zenith National Insurance Corp. and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and for each of the three years
in the period ended December 31, 1996, which is included in this Annual Report
on Form 10-K.
 
                                          COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
Los Angeles, California
March 28, 1997
 
                                      F-1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                        INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT'S REPORT
 
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
  of Zenith National Insurance Corp.
 
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Zenith National
Insurance Corp. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, which financial
statements are included on pages 34 through 51 of the Company's 1996 Annual
Report to Stockholders and incorporated by reference herein. We have also
audited the financial statement schedules listed in the index on page 17 of this
Form 10-K. These financial statements and financial statement schedules are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedules based on
our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. 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 Zenith National
Insurance Corp. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles. In addition, in our opinion, the financial
statement schedules referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic
financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects,
the information required to be included therein.
 
                                          COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
Los Angeles, California
February 14, 1997
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
                    SCHEDULE I -- SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS --
                   OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
                ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     COLUMN D
                                                                     COLUMN C     ---------------
                     COLUMN A                          COLUMN B     ----------    AMOUNT AT WHICH
- --------------------------------------------------    ----------       FAIR        SHOWN IN THE
                TYPE OF INVESTMENT                       COST         VALUE        BALANCE SHEET
- --------------------------------------------------    ----------    ----------    ---------------
                                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                   <C>           <C>           <C>
Fixed maturities
  Bonds:
    United States Government and government
      agencies and authorities....................    $  299,447    $  297,278    $     297,248
    Public utilities..............................        19,292        19,168           19,168
    Industrial and miscellaneous..................       323,903       322,577          322,847
  Redeemable preferred stocks.....................        19,467        19,720           19,720
                                                      ----------    ----------    ---------------
        Total fixed maturities....................       662,109       658,743          658,983
                                                      ----------    ----------    ---------------
Equity securities
  Floating rate preferred stocks..................        14,614        14,071           14,071
  Convertible and nonredeemable preferred
    stocks........................................           750           784              784
  Common stocks, industrial.......................        18,030        22,771           22,771
                                                      ----------    ----------    ---------------
        Total equity securities...................        33,394        37,626           37,626
                                                      ----------    ----------    ---------------
Short-term investments............................       106,712       106,712          106,712
Other investments.................................        49,478        49,478           49,478
                                                      ----------    ----------    ---------------
        Total investments.........................    $  851,693    $  852,559    $     852,799
                                                      ----------    ----------    ---------------
                                                      ----------    ----------    ---------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
          SCHEDULE II -- CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
                        ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP.
                                 BALANCE SHEET
                                     ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                              --------------------
(DOLLARS AND SHARES IN THOUSANDS)                                                               1996        1995
                                                                                              --------    --------
<S>                                                                                           <C>         <C>
Investments
  Bonds, at market (cost $9,896, 1996)....................................................    $  9,803
  Common stocks, at market (cost $2,182, 1996 and $668, 1995).............................       2,318    $    709
  Short-term investments (at cost which approximates market)..............................      30,720      84,678
  Other invested assets...................................................................      10,000
Cash......................................................................................       1,463         996
Investment in subsidiaries (Note A).......................................................     334,227     318,620
Federal income taxes receivable (Note A)..................................................         138
Other assets..............................................................................      30,164      12,116
                                                                                              --------    --------
        Total assets......................................................................    $418,833    $417,119
                                                                                              --------    --------
                                                                                              --------    --------
 
                                                   LIABILITIES
Senior notes payable, less unamortized discount of $647, 1996 and
  $768, 1995 (Note B).....................................................................    $ 74,353    $ 74,232
Cash dividends payable to stockholders....................................................       4,401       4,455
Federal income taxes payable (Note A).....................................................                   4,676
Other liabilities.........................................................................       2,576       3,324
                                                                                              --------    --------
        Total liabilities.................................................................      81,330      86,687
                                                                                              --------    --------
 
                                               STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, $1 par--shares authorized 1,000; issued and outstanding, none in 1996 and
  1995....................................................................................
Common stock, $1 par--shares authorized 50,000; issued 24,447, outstanding 17,604, 1996;
  issued 24,310, outstanding 17,784, 1995.................................................      24,447      24,310
Additional paid-in capital................................................................     258,875     256,083
Retained earnings.........................................................................     175,684     155,634
Net unrealized appreciation on investments, net of deferred tax expense of $284, 1996 and
  $4,752, 1995............................................................................         528       8,825
                                                                                              --------    --------
                                                                                               459,534     444,852
Less treasury stock at cost (6,843 shares, 1996 and 6,526 shares, 1995)...................    (122,031)   (114,420)
                                                                                              --------    --------
        Total stockholders' equity........................................................     337,503     330,432
                                                                                              --------    --------
        Total liabilities and stockholders' equity........................................    $418,833    $417,119
                                                                                              --------    --------
                                                                                              --------    --------
</TABLE>
 
                 See notes to condensed financial information.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
          SCHEDULE II -- CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
                        ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP.
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                    ----------------------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                                                                  1996            1995             1994
                                                                                    ------------    -------------    -------------
<S>                                                                                 <C>             <C>              <C>
Investment income...............................................................    $      2,697    $         219    $         457
Realized gains on investments...................................................                               43               11
Income from legal settlement....................................................                                             1,910
                                                                                    ------------    -------------    -------------
Total revenue...................................................................           2,697              262            2,378
Operating expense...............................................................           2,970            1,863            4,059
Interest expense................................................................           4,877            6,960            5,937
                                                                                    ------------    -------------    -------------
Loss from continuing operations before federal income tax benefit and equity in
  income from continuing operations of subsidiaries.............................          (5,150)          (8,561)          (7,618)
Federal income tax benefit......................................................           1,845            3,123            2,678
                                                                                    ------------    -------------    -------------
Loss from continuing operations before equity in income from continuing
  operations of subsidiaries....................................................          (3,305)          (5,438)          (4,940)
Equity in income from continuing operations of subsidiaries (Note A)............          40,905           25,160           34,738
                                                                                    ------------    -------------    -------------
Income from continuing operations...............................................          37,600           19,722           29,798
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (Note C).............................                          (13,122)           8,102
                                                                                    ------------    -------------    -------------
Net income......................................................................    $     37,600    $       6,600    $      37,900
                                                                                    ------------    -------------    -------------
                                                                                    ------------    -------------    -------------
</TABLE>
 
                 See notes to condensed financial information.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
          SCHEDULE II -- CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
                        ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP.
                            STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                    -----------------------------------------------
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)                                                                  1996             1995             1994
                                                                                    -------------    -------------    -------------
<S>                                                                                 <C>              <C>              <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Investment income received....................................................    $         612    $         193    $         477
  Recovery from lawsuit settlement..............................................                                              6,036
  Operating expenses paid.......................................................           (3,651)          (1,455)          (4,099)
  Interest paid.................................................................           (4,908)          (6,596)          (5,842)
  Income taxes (paid) refunded..................................................             (616)           3,571           (1,471)
                                                                                    -------------    -------------    -------------
    Net cash flows from continuing operating activities.........................           (8,563)          (4,287)          (4,899)
  Net cash flow from expenses of discontinued operations........................                            (2,274)
                                                                                    -------------    -------------    -------------
    Net cash flows from operating activities....................................           (8,563)          (6,561)          (4,899)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Purchases of investments:
    Debt and equity securities Available-for-Sale...............................          (11,446)
    Other debt and equity securities and other investments......................          (10,000)
  Net change in short-term investments..........................................           55,865          (82,549)          12,867
  Other.........................................................................           (3,151)
  Proceeds from the sale of CalFarm Life........................................                           120,000
                                                                                    -------------    -------------    -------------
    Net cash flows from investing activities....................................           31,268           37,451           12,867
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Cash received from bank line of credit........................................                            43,400            2,100
  Cash paid on bank line of credit..............................................                           (43,400)          (2,100)
  Cash dividends paid to common stockholders....................................          (17,605)         (18,273)         (18,894)
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options.......................................            2,572            4,405            2,093
  Purchase of treasury shares...................................................           (7,611)         (29,318)            (346)
  Dividends received from subsidiaries..........................................           15,000           10,500           15,000
  Net cash from (to) subsidiary.................................................          (14,594)             458           (5,356)
                                                                                    -------------    -------------    -------------
    Net cash flows from financing activities....................................          (22,238)         (32,228)          (7,503)
Net increase (decrease) in cash.................................................              467           (1,338)             465
Cash at beginning of year.......................................................              996            2,334            1,869
                                                                                    -------------    -------------    -------------
Cash at end of year.............................................................    $       1,463    $         996    $       2,334
                                                                                    -------------    -------------    -------------
                                                                                    -------------    -------------    -------------
RECONCILIATION OF INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS TO NET CASH FLOWS FROM
  OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Income from continuing operations.............................................    $      37,600    $      19,722    $      29,798
  Income from continuing operations of subsidiaries.............................          (40,905)         (25,160)         (34,738)
  Cash flow from expenses of discontinued operations............................                            (2,274)
  Federal income taxes..........................................................           (2,461)             511           (4,149)
  Decrease in receivable from lawsuit settlement................................                                              3,467
  Other.........................................................................           (2,797)             640              723
                                                                                    -------------    -------------    -------------
    Net cash flow from operating activities.....................................    $      (8,563)   $      (6,561)   $      (4,899)
                                                                                    -------------    -------------    -------------
                                                                                    -------------    -------------    -------------
</TABLE>
 
                 See notes to condensed financial information.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
          SCHEDULE II -- CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
                        ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP.
                    NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
    The accompanying condensed financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of
Zenith National Insurance Corp. (Zenith) and subsidiaries.
 
A.  Investment In Subsidiaries:
 
        Zenith owns, directly or indirectly, 100% of the outstanding stock of
    Zenith Insurance Company, CalFarm Insurance Company, ZNAT Insurance Company,
    Zenith Star Insurance Company and Perma-Bilt, a Nevada Corporation. These
    investments are included in the financial statements on the equity basis of
    accounting. Temporary advances in the ordinary course of business are
    included in other assets. The excess of cost over net assets acquired of
    $2,009,000 represents the unamortized excess of cost over underlying net
    tangible assets of companies acquired prior to 1970, which is considered to
    have continuing value.
 
        Zenith partially funds the cash flow requirements of its real estate
    construction subsidiary. Intercompany interest charges to such subsidiary
    reduce Zenith's interest expense.
 
        Zenith files a consolidated federal income tax return. The equity in the
    income from continuing operations of subsidiaries of $40,905,000 in 1996,
    $25,160,000 in 1995 and $34,738,000 in 1994 is net of a provision for
    federal income tax expense of $21,362,000 in 1996, $12,823,000 in 1995 and
    $17,986,000 in 1994. Zenith has formulated tax allocation procedures with
    its subsidiaries and the 1996, 1995 and 1994 condensed financial information
    reflect Zenith's portion of the consolidated taxes.
 
        Zenith Insurance Company paid dividends to Zenith of $15,000,000 in
    1996, $10,000,000 in 1995 and $15,000,000 in 1994. CalFarm Life Insurance
    paid a dividend to Zenith of $500,000 prior to its sale in the fourth
    quarter of 1995.
 
B.  Senior Notes Payable
 
        Zenith issued $75,000,000 of 9% Senior Notes due 2002 (the "9% Notes")
    at par in May 1992. Interest on the 9% Note is payable semi-annually. The 9%
    Notes are general unsecured obligations of Zenith.
 
C.  Discontinued Operations:
 
        During the fourth quarter of 1995, Zenith completed the sale of its
    wholly-owned subsidiary, CalFarm Life Insurance Company ("CalFarm Life"), to
    a subsidiary of SunAmerica Inc. for approximately $120 million in cash. The
    group health insurance business of CalFarm Life was retained by Zenith. The
    sale resulted in a loss of approximately $19.5 million, after tax, which was
    recognized by Zenith principally in the third quarter of 1995. The life and
    annuity operations of CalFarm Life are presented as discontinued operations
    and prior-year financial statements have been restated. After tax income for
    the discontinued operation from the measurement date to the disposal date
    was $3,960,000.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
              SCHEDULE III -- SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
                ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 COLUMN C
                                                -----------
                                                  FUTURE                       COLUMN E
                                  COLUMN B        POLICY                      -----------
                                 -----------     BENEFITS,                       OTHER                       COLUMN G
                                  DEFERRED        LOSSES,       COLUMN D        POLICY        COLUMN F      -----------
           COLUMN A                POLICY         CLAIMS       -----------    CLAIMS AND     -----------        NET
- ------------------------------   ACQUISITION     AND LOSS       UNEARNED       BENEFITS        PREMIUM      INVESTMENT
           SEGMENT                  COSTS        EXPENSES       PREMIUMS        PAYABLE        REVENUE        INCOME
- ------------------------------   -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                              <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
1996
- ------------------------------
Property and Casualty
  Workers' compensation.......   $    4,870     $  329,670     $   28,330                    $  210,916
  Other property/casualty.....       14,422        108,899         88,884                       204,778
  Reinsurance.................        1,460         87,858          9,995                        37,162
                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                     20,752        526,427        127,209                       452,856     $   48,457
Reinsurance ceded.............                      93,651
Registrant....................                                                                                   2,697
                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
  Total.......................   $   20,752     $  620,078     $  127,209     $   --         $  452,856     $   51,154
                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
1995
- ------------------------------
Property and Casualty
  Workers' compensation.......   $    5,001     $  262,738     $   28,644                    $  203,252
  Other property/casualty.....       13,802        107,995         78,760                       192,276
  Reinsurance.................        1,536         92,390         12,187                        41,985
                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                     20,339        463,123        119,591                       437,513     $   45,931
Reinsurance ceded.............                      54,429
Registrant....................                                                                                     219
                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
  Total.......................   $   20,339     $  517,552     $  119,591     $   --         $  437,513     $   46,150
                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
1994
- ------------------------------
Property and Casualty
  Workers' compensation.......   $    4,430     $  264,665     $   34,123                    $  216,030
  Other property/casualty.....       12,598        101,615         77,211                       186,661
  Reinsurance.................        1,478         96,430         10,491                        36,138
                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                     18,506        462,710        121,825                       438,829     $   39,611
Reinsurance ceded.............                      47,696
Registrant....................                                                                                     457
                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
  Total.......................   $   18,506     $  510,406     $  121,825     $   --         $  438,829     $   40,068
                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                  COLUMN H       COLUMN I
                                 -----------    -----------
                                  BENEFITS,     AMORTIZATION    COLUMN J
                                   CLAIMS,      OF DEFERRED    -----------     COLUMN K
           COLUMN A              LOSSES AND       POLICY          OTHER       -----------
- ------------------------------   SETTLEMENT     ACQUISITION     OPERATING      PREMIUMS
           SEGMENT                EXPENSES         COSTS        EXPENSES        WRITTEN
- ------------------------------   -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                              <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
1996
- ------------------------------
Property and Casualty
  Workers' compensation.......   $  159,047     $   35,921     $   32,704     $   210,603
  Other property/casualty.....      137,423         43,247         16,031         212,399
  Reinsurance.................       18,230          4,925          1,709          35,059
                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                    314,700         84,093         50,444         458,061
Reinsurance ceded.............
Registrant....................                                      2,969
                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
  Total.......................   $  314,700     $   84,093     $   53,413     $   458,061
                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
1995
- ------------------------------
Property and Casualty
  Workers' compensation.......   $  153,692     $   36,358     $   22,090     $   197,773
  Other property/casualty.....      149,797         39,621         14,865         198,676
  Reinsurance.................       22,100          5,867          1,063          43,433
                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                    325,589         81,846         38,018         439,882
Reinsurance ceded.............
Registrant....................                                      1,863
                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
  Total.......................   $  325,589     $   81,846     $   39,881     $   439,882
                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
1994
- ------------------------------
Property and Casualty
  Workers' compensation.......   $  129,352     $   32,336     $   24,779     $   218,044
  Other property/casualty.....      138,925         38,782         15,920         190,922
  Reinsurance.................       25,571          6,135            110          39,674
                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                    293,848         77,253         40,809         448,640
Reinsurance ceded.............
Registrant....................                                      4,059
                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
  Total.......................   $  293,848     $   77,253     $   44,868     $   448,640
                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                           SCHEDULE IV -- REINSURANCE
                ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                          COLUMN F
                                                                             COLUMN C      COLUMN D                      ----------
                                                             COLUMN B      ------------   -----------                    PERCENTAGE
COLUMN A                                                  --------------     CEDED TO       ASSUMED        COLUMN E      OF AMOUNT
- -------------------------------------------------------       GROSS           OTHER       FROM OTHER    --------------    ASSUMED
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)                                        AMOUNT        COMPANIES      COMPANIES      NET AMOUNT       TO NET
                                                          --------------   ------------   -----------   --------------   ----------
<S>                                                       <C>              <C>            <C>           <C>              <C>
DECEMBER 31, 1996
Premiums earned........................................   $      435,568   $    24,642    $   41,930    $      452,856        9.3%
                                                          --------------   ------------   -----------   --------------   ----------
                                                          --------------   ------------   -----------   --------------   ----------
DECEMBER 31, 1995
Premiums earned........................................   $      413,258   $    21,112    $   45,367    $      437,513       10.4%
                                                          --------------   ------------   -----------   --------------   ----------
                                                          --------------   ------------   -----------   --------------   ----------
DECEMBER 31, 1994
Premiums earned........................................   $      422,563   $    21,521    $   37,787    $      438,829        8.6%
                                                          --------------   ------------   -----------   --------------   ----------
                                                          --------------   ------------   -----------   --------------   ----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-9

<PAGE>


                                 AMENDED AND RESTATED

                             AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

                                     BY AND AMONG

                      ZENITH AGC ACQUISITION INSURANCE COMPANY,

                              ZENITH INSURANCE COMPANY,

                           ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP.,

                  ASSOCIATED GENERAL COMMERCE SELF-INSURERS' TRUST FUND

                                          and

                            AGC RISK MANAGEMENT GROUP INC.










                                As of October 7, 1996



<PAGE>

                                  TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 Page
                                                                                 ----
<S>      <C>                                                                     <C>
                                      ARTICLE I
                         THE MERGER; EFFECTIVE TIME; CLOSING

    1.1  The Merger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1
    1.2  Effective Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2
    1.3  Closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2

                                      ARTICLE II
                                SURVIVING CORPORATION

    2.1  Articles of Incorporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2
    2.2  By-Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2
    2.3  Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2
    2.4  Officers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2

                                     ARTICLE III
                                 MERGER CONSIDERATION

    3.1  Right to Receive Merger Consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2
    3.2  Determination of Adjusted GAAP Net Worth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
    3.3  Payment of Merger Consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
    3.4  Assumption of Liability for Assessments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

                                      ARTICLE IV
                      REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE FUND

    4.1  Organization and Qualification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
    4.2  Subsidiaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
    4.3  Authority Relative to This Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
    4.4  Consents and Approvals; No Violation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
    4.5  Financial Statements and Reports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
    4.6  Reserves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
    4.7  Absence of Certain Changes or Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
    4.8  Litigation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
    4.9  No Regulatory Disqualifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9
    4.10 Proxy Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9
    4.11 Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9
    4.12 Employee Benefit Plans; Labor Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
    4.13 Intentionally Omitted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
    4.14 Intellectual Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
    4.15 Brokers and Finders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
    4.16 Fairness Opinion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
    4.17 Title to Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
    4.18 Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

                                      i

<PAGE>

    4.19 No Default. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
    4.20 Noncompliance with Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
    4.21 Management and Service Agreements.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
    4.22 Investment Portfolio and Other Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
    4.23 Intercompany and Affiliate Transactions; Insider Interests. . . . . . . . 14
    4.24 Officers, Directors, Trustees and Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
    4.25 No Material Adverse Change. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
    4.26 No Undisclosed Liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
    4.27 Full Disclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

                                      ARTICLE V
                      REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ZENITH,
                         ZENITH INSURANCE AND ZENITH NATIONAL

    5.1  Corporate Organization and Qualification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
    5.2  Authority Relative to This Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
    5.3  Consents and Approvals; No Violation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
    5.4  Proxy Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
    5.5  Brokers and Finders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

                                      ARTICLE VI
                         ADDITIONAL COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS

    6.1  Conduct of Business of the Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
    6.2  Alternative Proposals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
    6.3  Members' Approval; Proxy Statement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
    6.4  Satisfaction of Conditions, Receipt of
         Necessary Approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
    6.5  Access to Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
    6.6  Publicity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
    6.7  Indemnification of Trustees and Officers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
    6.8  Guaranty by Zenith Insurance and Zenith
         National. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
    6.9  Merger of Zenith and Zenith Insurance.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
    6.10 Termination of RMG Management 
         Agreements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
    6.11 Dividend Payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
    6.12 Financial Statements and Reports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

                                     ARTICLE VII
                  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER

    7.1  Conditions to Each Party's Obligations to Effect the Merger . . . . . . . 22
    7.2  Additional Conditions to the Obligations of Zenith. . . . . . . . . . . . 23
    7.3  Additional Conditions to the Obligations of the Fund. . . . . . . . . . . 25

                                      ii

<PAGE>
                                     ARTICLE VIII
                                     TERMINATION

    8.1  Termination by Mutual Consent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
    8.2  Termination by Either Zenith or the Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
    8.3  Termination by Zenith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
    8.4  Termination by the Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
    8.5  Effect of Termination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

                                      ARTICLE IX
                              MISCELLANEOUS AND GENERAL

    9.1  Payment of Expenses and Other Payments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
    9.2  Survival of Representations and Warranties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
    9.3  Modification or Amendment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
    9.4  Waiver and Extension. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
    9.5  Counterparts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
    9.6  Governing Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
    9.7  Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
    9.8  Entire Agreement; Assignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
    9.9  Parties in Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
    9.10 Certain Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
    9.11 Validity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
    9.12 Captions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
    9.13 Further Assurances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
</TABLE>


                                      iii


<PAGE>

                                       EXHIBITS

Exhibit 7.2(e)     Form of Opinion of Gerald S. Livingston,
         Esq., Counsel to the Fund

Exhibit 7.2(f)     Form of Consulting Agreement

Exhibit 7.2(g)     Form of Transfer Agreement

Exhibit 7.3(d)     Form of Opinion of Counsel to Zenith

Exhibit 7.3(f)     Form of Management Agreement












                                      iv


<PAGE>

                  AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER


         AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this "Agreement"), dated as of October
7, 1996, by and among ZENITH AGC ACQUISITION INSURANCE COMPANY, a Florida
corporation (together with its successors and assigns, "Zenith"), ZENITH
INSURANCE COMPANY, a California corporation ("Zenith Insurance"), ZENITH
NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP., a Delaware corporation ("Zenith National"), ASSOCIATED
GENERAL COMMERCE SELF-INSURERS' TRUST FUND, a qualified Florida self-insurers
fund f/k/a Associated General contractors Self-Insurers' Trust Fund (the
"Fund"), and AGC RISK MANAGEMENT GROUP INC., a Florida not-for-profit
corporation ("RMG").   


                                       RECITALS

         WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of Zenith, Zenith
Insurance and Zenith National, and the Board of Trustees of the Fund have,
subject to the conditions of this Agreement, determined that the Merger (as
defined in Section 1.1) and the other transactions contemplated by this
Agreement are in the best interests of their stockholders and policyholders,
respectively, and have approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby; and

         WHEREAS, Zenith, Zenith Insurance and Zenith National, on one hand,
and the Fund, on the other hand, require (each from the other) certain
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in connection with the
Merger;

         WHEREAS, on October 7, 1996 the parties hereto signed the original
Agreement and Plan of Merger and such parties desire to amend and restate such
Agreement as of such date; and

         WHEREAS, this Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger is
being executed on December 17, 1996 as of October 7, 1996.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein, Zenith,
Zenith Insurance, Zenith National, the Fund and RMG hereby agree as follows:


                                      ARTICLE I

                         THE MERGER; EFFECTIVE TIME; CLOSING

         1.1 THE MERGER.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
at the Effective Time, the Fund shall be merged with and into Zenith and the
separate existence of the Fund shall thereupon cease (the "Merger").  Zenith
shall be the successor or surviving corporation in the Merger and shall continue
to be governed by the Laws of the State of Florida under the name "Zenith AGC
Acquisition Insurance Company," and the separate corporate existence of Zenith
with all its rights, privileges, immunities, powers and franchises shall
continue unaffected by the Merger.  The corporation surviving the Merger is
sometimes hereinafter referred to as the "Surviving Corporation."


<PAGE>

The Merger shall have the effects set forth herein and in the FBCA and the 
FIL.  From and after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall 
possess all of the assets and other rights, privileges, immunities, powers 
and purposes of Zenith and the Fund, and shall be liable for all of the 
liabilities of each of Zenith and the Fund.

         1.2 EFFECTIVE TIME.  As soon as practicable after the satisfaction or
waiver of the conditions to the Merger set forth in this Agreement, Zenith and
the Fund will cause appropriate articles of merger (the "Articles of Merger") to
be executed and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida, as
provided in the FBCA.  Subject to the approval of the Articles of Merger by the
Secretary of State of the State of Florida, the Merger will become effective as
of 10:00 a.m. on December 31, 1996 or, if later, the date and time of the filing
of the Articles of Merger (the "Effective Time").

        1.3 CLOSING.  The Fund shall as promptly as practicable notify Zenith,
and Zenith shall as promptly as practicable notify the Fund, when the conditions
to such party's or parties' obligation to effect the Merger contained in Section
7.1 have been satisfied or waived.  The Closing shall take place (a) at the
offices of RMG, 3504 Lake Lynda Drive, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida, at 10:00
a.m., Florida time, on the Closing Date or (b) at such other place, time and
date as Zenith and the Fund may agree.


                                      ARTICLE II

                                SURVIVING CORPORATION

        2.1 ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION.  The Articles of Incorporation of Zenith
shall be the Articles of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation until
thereafter amended as provided by Law and the Articles of Incorporation.

         2.2 BY-LAWS.  The By-Laws of Zenith, as in effect immediately prior 
to the Effective Time, shall be the By-Laws of the Surviving Corporation 
until htereafter amended as provided by Law, the Articles of Incorporation 
and the By-Laws.

         2.3 DIRECTORS.  The directors of Zenith at the Effective Time shall,
from and after the Effective Time, be the directors of the Surviving Corporation
until their successors have been duly elected or appointed and qualified or
until their earlier death, resignation or removal in accordance with the
Articles of Incorporation and Surviving Corporation's By-laws.

         2.4 OFFICERS.  The officers of Zenith at the Effective Time shall, from
and after the Effective Time, be the initial officers of the Surviving
Corporation until their successors have been duly elected or appointed and
qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal in accordance
with the Articles of Incorporation and the By-Laws.


                                     ARTICLE III

                                 MERGER CONSIDERATION

                                      2
<PAGE>

         3.1 RIGHT TO RECEIVE MERGER CONSIDERATION.

         As of the Effective Time, each Member Distributee shall, by virtue of
the Merger and without any action on the part of such Member Distributee, be
entitled to receive, in accordance with the Plan of Distribution, its pro rata
portion (based on premiums paid during the five-year period ending on the
Effective Date) of the cash payments to be made pursuant to Section 3.3
(collectively, the "Merger Consideration").

         3.2 DETERMINATION OF ADJUSTED GAAP NET WORTH.

         (a)  Prior to the Closing Date, Zenith Insurance shall retain a "big
six" accounting firm selected by the Management Group (the "Accountant") to
perform the audits and prepare the reports required pursuant to this Section
3.2; provided, however, that if the Management Group fails to select an
accounting firm within 3 business days prior to the Closing Date, Zenith
Insurance may select the accounting firm that will act as the Accountant.

         (b)  Within sixty (60) days after the Effective Date, the Accountant
shall conduct and complete an audit of the Fund's statement of financial
position as of the Effective Date, which shall be prepared in accordance with
GAAP without giving effect to the Merger (the "Closing Balance Sheet").  The
Accountant shall deliver its audit report on the Closing Balance Sheet to
Zenith, Zenith Insurance, Zenith Insurance's auditors and the Management Group. 
RMG shall cooperate with the Accountant in connection with such audit, including
the provision of customary representation letters.  The Accountant's audit
report on the Closing Balance Sheet shall be final and binding on all of the
parties hereto.

         (c)  From time to time after the Effective Date, but prior to each
payment required pursuant to Section 3.3 (b), (c) and (d), the Accountant shall
audit a revised statement of financial position of the Fund as of the Effective
Date, prepared in accordance with GAAP without giving effect to the Merger
(each, a "Revised Closing Balance Sheet").  The Accountant shall issue, and
deliver to Zenith, Zenith Insurance, Zenith Insurance's auditors and the
Management Group, a special report on each Revised Closing Balance Sheet, in
accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants'
Statements on Auditing Standards.  Each of the Accountant's special reports
shall be final and binding on all of the parties hereto.

         (d)  "Adjusted GAAP Net Worth" shall mean, as of any date, (i) the
amount reflected as "member distribution payable" on the most recently prepared
Revised Closing Balance Sheet, plus (ii) $1,600,000, minus (iii) 50% of the
Accountant's fees and expenses for auditing the Closing Balance Sheet and any
Revised Closing Balance Sheet that has been prepared, minus (iv) payments made
to Members after the Effective Date in respect of Loss Sensitive Policies to the
extent that the amount reflected as "member distribution payable" on the most
recently prepared Revised Closing Balance Sheet represents an accrual for such
payments.

         3.3 PAYMENT OF MERGER CONSIDERATION.  Zenith shall pay the Merger
Consideration to the Member Distributees, as follows:  

         (a)  As soon as practical after the Effective Time, Zenith shall make
payments to Member Distributees equal, in the aggregate, to $1,140,000;


                                      3
<PAGE>

         (b)  On or before December 31, 1997, Zenith shall make payments to
Member Distributees equal, in the aggregate, to 50% of the amount by which (i)
the Fund's Adjusted GAAP Net Worth, as of the date of payment, net of any
amounts included therein that represent accruals for payments due to Members
under Loss Sensitive Policies, exceeds (ii) the amount paid pursuant to
paragraph (a) hereof; 

         (c)  On or before December 31, 1998, Zenith shall make payments to
Member Distributees equal, in the aggregate, to 50% of the amount by which (i)
the Fund's Adjusted GAAP Net Worth, as of the date of payment, net of any
amounts included therein that represent accruals for payments due to Members
under Loss Sensitive Policies, exceeds (ii) the sum of the amounts paid pursuant
to paragraphs (a) and (b) hereof; and 

         (d)  On or before December 31, 1999, Zenith shall make payments to
Member Distributees equal, in the aggregate, to the sum of:

         (i)  100% of the amount by which the Fund's Adjusted GAAP Net Worth,
    as of the date of payment,  exceeds the sum of the amounts paid pursuant to
    paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) hereof;

         (ii)  interest accrued at the rate of 7% per annum on each of the
    amounts paid pursuant to the foregoing paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) and
    clause (d)(i) hereof, in each case, from the Effective Date until the
    respective date of payment of such amounts pursuant to this Section 3.3
    (each, a "Payment Date");

         (iii)  interest accrued at the rate of 7% per annum on the interest
    calculated pursuant to the foregoing clause (ii) from the respective
    Payment Date until the date of payment pursuant to this clause (d).

         3.4 ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITY FOR ASSESSMENTS.  From and after the
Effective Time, Zenith hereby assumes all Liability for Assessments and Zenith
shall indemnify and hold harmless the Members against any Liability for
Assessments.


                                      ARTICLE IV

                            REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
                                 OF THE FUND AND RMG

         Except as described in the appropriate sections of the Disclosure
Schedule, the Fund and RMG represent and warrant to Zenith, Zenith Insurance and
Zenith National that:

         4.1 ORGANIZATION AND QUALIFICATION.

         (a)  The Fund is a self-insurance trust fund duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Florida.  RMG is a
not-for profit corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the Laws of the State of Florida.  Each of the Fund and RMG has all
requisite power and authority and all necessary governmental Consents to 



                                      4
<PAGE>


own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as it is 
now being conducted.  The Fund and RMG have heretofore made available to 
Zenith complete and correct copies of the Fund's Declaration of Trust and 
RMG's Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, respectively, each in effect as 
of the date hereof.

         (b)  The Fund is (i) duly licensed or authorized as a self-insurance
trust fund in the State of Florida, (ii) not required to be licensed or
authorized as a self-insurance trust fund or insurance company in any
jurisdiction other than the State of Florida, and (iii) duly authorized in the
State of Florida to write the line of business reported as being written in the
SAP Statements.

         (c)  RMG is (i) duly licensed or authorized as a managing general
agent and was previously licensed as a service company in the State of Florida,
and (ii) not required to be licensed or authorized as a managing general agent
or service company in any jurisdiction other than the State of Florida.

         4.2 SUBSIDIARIES.  The Fund has no Subsidiaries.  Except for RMG, the
Fund does not directly or indirectly have any equity or similar interest in, or
any interest convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any equity or
similar interest in, any corporation, partnership, joint venture or other
business association or entity that directly or indirectly conducts any activity
which is material to the Fund.  RMG has one member, which member is the Fund.

         4.3 AUTHORITY RELATIVE TO THIS AGREEMENT.  The Fund and RMG have the
requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and, subject
to approval of this Agreement by the Requisite Percentage of Voting Members in
accordance with the FIL as contemplated by Section 6.3 of this Agreement, to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.  This Agreement and the
consummation by the Fund and RMG of the transactions contemplated hereby have
been duly and validly authorized by the Board of Trustees of the Fund and the
Board of Directors of RMG, respectively, and no other proceedings on the part of
the Fund or RMG are necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby (other than the approval of this Agreement by
the Requisite Percentage of Voting Members in accordance with the FIL).  This
Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Fund and RMG
and, assuming this Agreement constitutes the valid and binding agreement of
Zenith, Zenith Insurance and Zenith National, constitutes the valid and binding
agreement of the Fund and RMG, enforceable against the Fund and RMG in
accordance with its terms, except that the enforcement hereof may be limited by
(a) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar Laws now
or hereafter in effect relating to creditors' rights generally and (b) general
principles of equity (regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a
proceeding in equity or at law).

         4.4 CONSENTS AND APPROVALS; NO VIOLATION.  Neither the execution,
delivery or performance of this Agreement by the Fund or RMG nor the
consummation by the Fund or RMG of the transactions contemplated hereby nor
compliance by the Fund or RMG with any of the provisions hereof will (a)
conflict with or result in any breach of any provision of the Declaration of
Trust of the Fund, or the Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws of RMG; (b)
require any Consent of any governmental or regulatory authority, except (i) the
filing of the Articles of Merger pursuant to the FBCA and appropriate documents
with other relevant authorities, (ii) the filing of appropriate documents with,
and approval of, the Florida Commissioner; (c) result in a Default under any of
the terms, conditions or provisions of any Contract to which the Fund or RMG may
be a party, or Permit by


                                      5
<PAGE>

which the Fund or RMG or any of their assets may be bound, except for such 
Defaults as to which requisite waivers or consents have been obtained; or (d) 
assuming the Consents and Permits referred to in this Section 4.4 are duly 
and timely obtained or made and the approval of this Agreement by the 
Requisite Percentage of Voting Members has been obtained, violate any Order 
or Law applicable to the Fund or RMG or any of their assets.

         4.5 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORTS.

         (a) SAP STATEMENTS.  The Fund has delivered to Zenith complete and
correct copies of all SAP Statements relating to periods ending, or prepared as
of any date, on or after December 31, 1993.  Each SAP Statement (and the
exhibits and schedules relating thereto) was prepared in accordance with SAP
applied on a consistent basis (except for changes, if any, disclosed therein)
and is complete in all material respects, and each SAP Statement fairly presents
(in accordance with SAP) the financial position of the Fund, as of the
respective dates thereof, or its earnings and changes in surplus or cash flows,
as the case may be, for and during the respective periods covered thereby. 
There were no material liabilities affecting the Fund as of December 31, 1995
required in accordance with SAP to be reflected or disclosed in the SAP
Statements for the period then ended, or as of June 30, 1996 required in
accordance with SAP to be reflected or disclosed in the SAP Statements for the
period then ended, which are not so reflected or disclosed.

         (b)  GAAP STATEMENTS.  

         (i) The Fund has delivered to Zenith the Interim Statements and the
    GAAP Statements.  The GAAP Statements and Interim Statements (including the
    notes thereto) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a
    consistent basis throughout the period indicated and present fairly the
    financial position of the Fund, as of the respective dates thereof, and the
    results of its operations and cash flows for the periods then ended,
    subject, in the case of the Interim Statements, to normal year-end
    adjustments which will not, in the aggregate, in the opinion of the
    Trustees of the Fund, be material.

         (ii) RMG has delivered to Zenith its  audited financial statements for
    the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995, together with the notes related
    thereto.  Such financial statements (including the notes thereto) have been
    prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout
    the period indicated and present fairly the financial position of RMG as of
    the respective dates thereof and the results of its operations and cash
    flows for the periods then ended.

         (c) The Fund has filed all SAP Statements, together with all exhibits
and schedules thereto, required to be filed with or submitted to the appropriate
regulatory authorities of the State of Florida on forms prescribed or permitted
by such authority.  The Fund has filed all other required forms, reports and
documents with the Florida Commissioner required to be filed or submitted by it
pursuant to the FIL and the rules and regulations thereunder, all of which have
complied in all material respects with all applicable requirements of such laws
and the rules promulgated thereunder.  None of such forms, reports or documents,
including, without limitation, any financial statements or schedules included
therein at the time filed, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or
omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in
order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which
they were made, not misleading.

                                      6

<PAGE>

         4.6 RESERVES.  

         (a)  Section 4.6 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth the methodology
used by the Fund in developing the reserves for incurred losses, incurred loss
adjustment expenses, incurred but not reported losses and loss adjustment
expenses for incurred but not reported losses as set forth in the SAP
Statements.  All such reserves in respect of insurance or reinsurance treaties
or agreements established or reflected in the SAP Statements were determined in
accordance with commonly accepted actuarial standards applied on a consistent
basis and are in compliance, in all material respects, with the requirements of
the FIL, as well as those of any other applicable insurance laws.

         (b)  All reserves and accrued liabilities for estimated losses,
settlements, costs and expenses from pending suits, actions and proceedings
included in each SAP Statement were determined in accordance with SAP and
generally accepted actuarial assumptions and Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 5 issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board.

         4.7 ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS.  Except as specifically
provided for in this Agreement and except as set forth in Section 4.7 of the
Disclosure Schedule, since December 31, 1995, the Fund and RMG have operated
their respective businesses only in the ordinary course of business and
consistent with past practice, and except in the ordinary course of business and
consistent with past practice, neither the Fund nor RMG has:

         (i)  declared, set aside or paid any dividends or declared or made any
    other distributions of any kind to its policyholders;

         (ii)  incurred any obligation or liability (fixed or contingent), or
    series of related obligations or liabilities, other than ordinary course
    obligations arising pursuant to the terms of its insurance or reinsurance
    treaties and contracts;

         (iii)  made any change in its accounting or reserving methods or
    practices, other than those required to be made by regulatory agencies or
    by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or made any change in
    depreciation or amortization policies or rates adopted by it which change
    materially affects any financial statement item (without giving effect to
    any offsetting change);

         (iv) made any change in the underwriting, establishment of reserves,
    investment or claims adjustment policies and practices or change in any
    activity which (A) has had the effect of accelerating the recording and
    billing of premiums or accounts receivable or delaying the payment of
    expenses or establishing loss reserves in connection with any accounts or
    business of the Fund, or (B) has had the effect of materially altering,
    modifying or changing the historic, financial or accounting practices or
    policies of the Fund, including accruals of, and reserves for, tax
    liabilities;

         (v)  amended its Declaration of Trust or By-laws or merged with or
    into or consolidated with any other person, or changed or agreed to change
    in any manner the character of its business;



                                      7
<PAGE>
         (vi)  suffered any material damage, destruction or loss, whether or
    not covered by insurance;

         (vii)  entered into any agreement, commitment or transaction
    (including, without limitation, any capital expenditure, capital financing
    or sale of assets) for any material amount, other than ordinary course
    obligations pursuant to the terms of its insurance or reinsurance treaties
    and contracts;

         (viii)  allowed any Lien on any tangible or intangible asset, or any
    sale, transfer, assignment or lease of any tangible or intangible asset;

         (ix)  effected any cancellation of any debt or waiver or release of
    any material right or claim other than under its insurance or reinsurance
    treaties and contracts;

         (x)  made any payment, discharge or satisfaction of any claim,
    liability or obligation (absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise), other
    than ordinary course payments pursuant to the terms of its insurance or
    reinsurance treaties and contracts;

         (xi)  been subjected to any labor dispute, litigation or governmental
    investigation material to their business or their financial condition;

         (xii)  made any loan or advance to any person;

         (xiii)  purchased, leased or acquired any assets or properties of any
    person;

         (xiv)  increased or agreed to increase any salary, wages, benefits or
    other forms of compensation payable or to become payable to any of its
    current or former officers, directors, trustees or employees, or any bonus
    or severance payments or arrangements made to, for or with any  of its
    officers, directors, trustees or employees, or any supplemental retirement
    plan or other program or special remuneration or compensation for any of
    its officers, directors, trustees or employees, other than those which have
    been approved by Zenith;

         (xv)  terminated or amended or failed to perform its obligations or
    caused the occurrence of any default under any agreement the result of
    which had, or in the future can reasonably be expected to have, a Material
    Adverse Effect; 

         (xvi)  entered into any agreement, whether in writing or otherwise, to
    do any of the foregoing; or

         (xvii)  entered into any material transaction or commitment of any
    kind other than in the ordinary course of business.

         4.8 LITIGATION.  Except as disclosed in the  financial statements
delivered pursuant to Section 4.5 or as set forth in Section 4.8 of the
Disclosure Schedule, there is no Litigation pending or, to the knowledge of the
Fund, threatened against or affecting the business operations or financial
condition of the Fund or RMG.  Neither the Fund nor RMG is in default with
respect to any judgement,


                                    8
<PAGE>

order, writ, injunction or decree of any court or any Federal, state, 
municipal or other governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency 
or instrumentality.

         4.9 NO REGULATORY DISQUALIFICATIONS.  To the knowledge of the Fund, no
event has occurred and no condition exists or, to the extent it is within the
reasonable control of the Fund, will occur or exist with respect to the Fund or
RMG that, in connection with obtaining any regulatory Consents required for the
Merger, would cause the Fund or RMG to fail to satisfy on its face any
applicable statute or written regulation of any applicable insurance regulatory
authority, which is reasonably likely to adversely affect the Fund's or RMG's
ability to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

         4.10 PROXY STATEMENT.   The Proxy Statement will comply with the FIL,
except that no representation is made by the Fund with respect to information
supplied in writing by Zenith or any affiliate of Zenith specifically for
inclusion in the Proxy Statement.  None of the information as to the Fund or RMG
contained in the Proxy Statement will contain, and none of the information
heretofore furnished to Zenith or its representatives by the Fund contains, any
untrue statement of a material fact required to be stated therein or omits to
state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

         4.11 TAXES.  Except as disclosed in Section 4.11 of the Disclosure
Schedule (with paragraph reference corresponding to those set forth below) or in
the SAP Statements or the GAAP Statements or as disclosed in writing to Zenith
prior to the date hereof:

         (a)  All Tax Returns required to be filed with respect to the Fund and
RMG have been duly and timely filed, and all such Tax Returns are true, correct
and complete.  All Taxes that are due and payable by the Fund and RMG have been
paid or adequate provision has been made on the Fund's and RMG's books and
records in accordance with GAAP or SAP, as the case may be, for the payment of
such Taxes.  There are no Liens on any of the assets of the Fund except for
statutory Liens for current Taxes.

         (b)  With respect to any period for which Tax Returns have not yet
been filed, or for which Taxes are not yet due or owing, the Fund or RMG, as the
case may be, has made due and sufficient current accruals for such Taxes in
accordance with SAP and GAAP, and such current accruals are duly and fully
provided for in the GAAP Statements of the Fund or RMG, as the case may be.

         (c)  The Fund and RMG have complied (and until the Effective Time will
comply) with all applicable Laws relating to information reporting and the
withholding of Taxes in connection with amounts paid or owing to any third
party.

         (d)  Neither the Fund nor RMG have been audited or examined by the
Internal Revenue Service.  Except as set forth in Section 4.11(d) of the
Disclosure Schedule, the Fund and RMG have not been required to file any state,
local or foreign income or franchise Tax Returns.  There are no outstanding
agreements, waivers or arrangements extending the statutory period of
limitations applicable to any claim for, or the period for the collection or
assessment of, Taxes due from the Fund or RMG for any taxable period.  The Fund
has delivered to Zenith copies, which are true,


                                    9
<PAGE>

correct and complete, of each of the federal income and state premium Tax 
Returns, for each of the last three taxable years, filed by the Fund and RMG.

         (e)  No audit or other proceeding by any court, governmental or
regulatory authority, or similar person is pending or to the knowledge of the
Fund, threatened with respect to any Taxes due from the Fund or RMG or any Tax
Return filed by or relating to the Fund or RMG.  No assessment of Tax has been
proposed, orally or in writing, against the Fund or RMG.

         (f)  Neither the Fund nor RMG is a party to, nor is either of them
bound by, nor does either have any obligation under, any tax sharing contract,
and neither the Fund nor RMG has any liability for indemnification of third
parties with respect to Taxes or liabilities for Taxes as a transferee.

         (g)  For all tax years for which the applicable statute of limitations
has not yet expired, the Fund's and RMG's respective tax reserves have been
computed in accordance with the requirements of the Code.

         4.12   EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS; LABOR MATTERS.

         (a)  GENERAL COMPLIANCE WITH LAW.  Each Plan has been operated in
accordance with its terms and the requirements of ERISA, the Code, and all other
applicable Laws.  All reports and disclosures relating to the Plans required to
be filed or furnished to any governmental entity, participants or beneficiaries
prior to the Closing have been filed in a timely manner and in accordance in all
material respects with applicable Law, except as set forth in Section 4.12(a) of
the Disclosure Schedule.  Section 4.12 of the Disclosure Schedule contains a
true and complete list of each Plan and ERISA Affiliate Plan.

         (b)  ERISA TITLE IV LIABILITY; DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS. (i) Neither the
Fund nor RMG, nor any ERISA Affiliate of the Fund or RMG has incurred any direct
or indirect liability under, arising out of, or by operation of Title IV of
ERISA that has not been satisfied in full, and no fact or event exists that
could reasonably be expected to give rise to any such liability, other than
liability for premiums due the PBGC (which premiums have been paid when due);
(ii) for each Plan and ERISA Affiliate Plan which is subject to Title IV of
ERISA, the aggregate accumulated benefit obligation (as determined under
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87) of such Plan or ERISA
Affiliate Plan does not exceed the fair market value of the assets of such Plan
or ERISA Affiliate Plan; (iii) no Plan or any trust established thereunder that
is subject to Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code has incurred any
"accumulated funding deficiency" (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA and Section
412 of the Code), whether or not waived; (iv) all contributions required to be
made with respect thereto (whether pursuant to the terms of any Plan or
otherwise) have been timely made; (v) no Lien exists under Section 412(n) of the
Code or Section 4068 of ERISA with respect to any assets of the Fund or RMG;
(vi) no tax under Section 4971 of the Code has been incurred with respect to any
Plan; and (vii) the Fund and RMG and each ERISA Affiliate of the Fund and RMG
does not sponsor, maintain, contribute to, or is required to contribute (and has
not within the past six (6) years contributed) to a "multiemployer pension
plan," as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA, or a plan described in Section
4063(a) of ERISA.



                                    10
<PAGE>

         (c)  PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS; FIDUCIARY DUTIES.  (i) Neither the Fund,
RMG, nor any Plan, nor any trust created thereunder and any trustee or
administrator thereof has engaged in a transaction in connection with which the
Fund or any ERISA Affiliate, any Plan, any such trust, or any trustee or
administrator thereof, or any party dealing with any Plan or any such trust,
which could result in a civil penalty assessed pursuant to Section 409 or 502(i)
of ERISA or a tax imposed pursuant to Section 4975 of the Code; and (ii) the
Fund and all fiduciaries (as defined in Section 3(21) of ERISA) with respect to
the Plans, have complied in all respects with Section 404 of ERISA.

         (d)  DETERMINATION LETTERS.  (i) Each Plan intended to be qualified
under Section 401(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination letter
from the Internal Revenue Service with respect to the Tax Reform Act of 1986 and
other applicable Laws, or an application was filed for such determination letter
on a timely basis, and (ii) nothing has occurred from the date of such letter or
such filing that could reasonably be expected to affect the qualified status of
such Plan.

         (e)  NO ACCELERATION OF LIABILITY.  The consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not (i) entitle any current or
former employee, trustee, director or officer of the Fund or RMG to severance
pay, unemployment compensation or any other payment, except as expressly
provided in this Agreement or (ii) accelerate the time of payment or vesting, or
increase the amount of compensation or benefit due any such employee, trustee,
director or officer.

         (f)  ABILITY TO TERMINATE PLANS; POST-RETIREMENT PLANS.  Each Plan is
terminable in accordance with the terms expressly set forth therein, except as
may be limited by applicable Law.  No Plan provides death, medical or other
benefits with respect to current or former employees after retirement or other
termination of service, other than coverage mandated by applicable Law.

         (g)  EMPLOYEE RELATIONS.  Except to the extent set forth in Section
4.12(g) of the Disclosure Schedule, (i) there is no labor strike, dispute,
slowdown, stoppage or lockout actually pending or threatened against or
affecting the Fund or RMG and during the past three years there has not been any
such action; (ii) no union claims to represent the employees of the Fund or RMG;
(iii) neither the Fund nor RMG is a party to or bound by any collective
bargaining or similar agreement with any labor organization, or work rules or
practices agreed to with any labor organization or employee association
applicable to employees of the Fund or RMG; (iv) none of the employees of the
Fund or RMG are represented by any labor organization and the Fund and RMG do
not have any knowledge of any current union organizing activities among the
employees of the Fund or RMG, nor does any question concerning representation
exist concerning such employees; (v) true and correct copies of all written
personnel policies, rules and procedures applicable to employees of the Fund or
RMG have heretofore been delivered to Zenith by the Fund and RMG; (vi) there is
no grievance arising out of any collective bargaining agreement or other
grievance procedure pending against the Fund or RMG; (vii) neither the Fund nor
RMG has received notice of the intent of any federal, state, local or foreign
agency responsible for the enforcement of labor or employment laws to conduct an
investigation of the Fund or RMG, nor is such an investigation in progress;
(viii) there are no employment contracts or severance agreements with any
employees of the Fund or RMG; and (ix) no employee of the Fund or RMG has
suffered an "employment loss" (as defined in the Worker Adjustment and
Retraining Notification Act) during the three (3) month period prior to the
Closing.

         4.13 INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.



                                    11
<PAGE>

         4.14 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.  (a) Each of the Fund and RMG is the owner
of, or a licensee under a valid license for, all items of intellectual property
which are material to its business as currently conducted, including, without
limitation, (i) copyrights, patents, trademarks, logos, service marks, trade
names, service names, all applications therefor and all registrations thereof,
and (ii) rights and licenses, computer software, trade secrets, know-how,
inventions, processes, formulae and other intellectual property rights
(collectively, the "Intellectual Property"); (b) with respect to all
Intellectual Property owned by the Fund or RMG, the Fund or RMG, as the case may
be, is the sole owner and has the exclusive right to use such Intellectual
Property, and such owned Intellectual Property is not subject to any Liens; (c)
there is no infringement or other adverse claim against the rights of the Fund
or RMG with respect to any of the Intellectual Property; and (d) neither the
Fund nor RMG has not been charged with, nor to the knowledge of the Fund or RMG,
is the Fund or RMG threatened to be charged with nor is there any basis for any
such charge of, infringement or other violation of, nor has the Fund or RMG
infringed, nor is it infringing upon, any unexpired rights of any third party in
any of the Intellectual Property.

         4.15 BROKERS AND FINDERS.  Neither the Fund nor RMG has employed any
investment banker, broker, finder, consultant or intermediary in connection with
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement which would be entitled to any
investment banking, brokerage, finder's or similar fee or commission in
connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

         4.16 FAIRNESS OPINION. The Fund has engaged Raymond James, as financial
advisor to the Fund, to render a fairness opinion with respect to the
consideration to be received by the Members in the Merger.  Upon receipt of such
opinion, a copy thereof will be provided to Zenith.

         4.17 TITLE TO PROPERTY.

         (a)  Each of the Fund and RMG (i) has good, valid and marketable title
to all of its properties, assets and other rights that do not constitute real
property, free and clear of all Liens, and (ii) owns, or has valid leasehold
interests in or valid contractual rights to use, all of the assets, tangible and
intangible, used by, or necessary for the conduct of, its business.

         (b) Each of the Fund and RMG:

         (i)  is in peaceful and undisturbed possession of the space and/or
    estate under each real property lease under which it is a tenant, and there
    are no defaults by it as tenant thereunder; and

         (ii) has good and valid rights of ingress and egress to and from all
    the real property leased by it from and to the public street systems for
    all usual street, road and utility purposes.

         4.18 INSURANCE.  Section 4.18 of the Disclosure Schedule is a 
complete and accurate list of all primary, excess and umbrella policies of 
general liability, fire, products liability, employers' liability, directors' 
and officers' liability, workers' compensation, bonds and any other form of 
insurance owned or held by or on behalf of or providing insurance coverage to 
the Fund and RMG, including the following information for each such policy: 
type(s) of insurance coverage provided; 


                                    12



<PAGE>

name of insurer; effective dates of the oplicy; policy number; per occurrence 
and annual aggregate deductibles or self-insured retention; and per 
occurrence and annual aggregate limits of liability; and the extent, if any, 
to which the limits of liability of any products liability or general 
liability insurance have been invaded or exhausted.  The Fund and RMG are, 
and have been continuously since January 1, 1995, insured with financially 
responsible insurers in such amounts and against such risks and losses as are 
customary for companies conducting the business as conducted by the Fund and 
RMG during such time period.  Neither the Fund nor RMG is in Default under, 
nor have they received any notice of cancellation or termination with respect 
to, any insurance policy of the Fund or RMG.  The insurance policies of the 
Fund and RMG are valid and enforceable policies.  The Fund and RMG maintain 
all insurance coverage required to be maintained pursuant to the FIL, 
including, without limitation, excess insurance in accordance with Florida 
Administration Code Rule 4-190.061.


         4.19 NO DEFAULT. Neither the Fund nor RMG is in Default under any term,
condition or provision of (a) its Declaration of Trust, or Articles of
Incorporation, respectively, (b) any Contract or other instrument or obligation
to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties or assets may be
bound or affected; (c) any Order applicable to it or any of its properties or
assets; or (d) any Permit necessary for it to conduct its business as currently
conducted.

         4.20 NONCOMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.  The businesses of the Fund and RMG are
being conducted in compliance with all applicable Laws.  Except as set forth in
Section 4.20 of the Disclosure Schedule, since January 1, 1993, neither the Fund
nor RMG has received any written notification or written communication from any
agency or department of federal, state, or local government (a) asserting that
the Fund or RMG is not in compliance with any of the Laws, Orders or Permits of
any governmental agency or authority or that any such agency or authority
enforces, or (b) requiring the Fund or RMG to enter into or consent to the
issuance of a cease and desist order, formal agreement, directive or commitment
which restricts the conduct of its business or which affects its capital, its
credit or reserve policies, its management, or the payment of dividends.

         4.21  MANAGEMENT AND SERVICE AGREEMENTS.  

         (a) All management and/or service agreements entered into by the Fund
as now in force are set forth in Section 4.21 of the Disclosure Schedule, and to
the extent required under applicable Law, are in a form acceptable to applicable
regulatory authorities or, to the extent required by Law, have been filed and
not objected to by such authorities within the period provided for objection. 

         (b)  Except as set forth in Section 4.21 of the Disclosure Schedule,
each agreement set forth in Section 4.21 of the Disclosure Schedule is valid and
binding against the Fund and each other party thereto, and is in full force and
effect in accordance with its terms.  Except as set forth in Section 4.21 of the
Disclosure Schedule, the Fund and each other party thereto is and has been in
compliance with the terms of such agreements.  There are no defaults (or
circumstances or events that, with the giving of notice or lapse of time or
both, would become defaults) with respect to any such contract or other
agreement and no such contract or other agreement contains any provisions
providing that the other party thereto may terminate the same by reason of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other provision which would
be altered or otherwise become applicable by reason of such transactions.



                                      13
<PAGE>

         4.22  INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO AND OTHER ASSETS. Section 4.22 of the
Disclosure Schedule contains the Fund's investment guidelines and a list of the
securities and other investments in the Fund's investment portfolio, as of June
30, 1996, with information included thereon as to the amortized cost of each
such investment and the market value thereof as of such date.  None of such
investments included in the investment portfolio is in default in the payment of
principal or interest or dividends or materially impaired.  All such investments
included in such portfolio comply with all insurance laws and regulations of
each of the states to which the Fund is subject relating thereto including,
without limitation, Florida Administrative Code Rule 4-190.071.

         4.23  INTERCOMPANY AND AFFILIATE TRANSACTIONS; INSIDER INTERESTS. 
Section 4.23 of the Disclosure Schedule lists all intercompany agreements or
arrangements of any kind between or among the Fund, RMG or their officers,
directors, trustees or policyholders.

         4.24  OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, TRUSTEES AND EMPLOYEES.  The Fund and RMG
have previously delivered to Zenith true and correct information as to (a) the
name of each of the Fund's officers, directors, trustees and employees, (b) the
name of each of RMG's officers, directors and employees as of September 30,
1996, and (c) the total compensation of all such officers, directors, employees
and trustees.

         4.25  NO MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE.  Since December 31, 1995, there has
been no change in the business, properties, assets, condition (financial or
otherwise), liabilities or operations of the Fund or RMG which, individually or
in the aggregate has had, or is reasonably likely to have, a Material Adverse
Effect.  The Fund is not aware of any fact or facts which, individually or in
the aggregate, is or are reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

         4.26  NO UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES.  Except for liabilities and
obligations (x) incurred in the ordinary course of business and consistent with
past practice or (y) pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, since December 31,
1995 to the date hereof, neither the Fund nor RMG has incurred any liabilities
or obligations of any nature, whether or not accrued, contingent or otherwise,
that have, or would be reasonably likely to have, individually or in the
aggregate a Material Adverse Effect or would be required by GAAP or SAP to be
reflected on a balance sheet of the Fund or RMG (including the notes thereto).

         4.27  FULL DISCLOSURE.  The representations and warranties made by the
Fund in this Agreement, or in any documents referenced or delivered pursuant
hereto or thereto, do not, and will not, contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated herein or
therein, or necessary to make the statements and facts contained herein or
therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not false or
misleading.  Copies of all documents heretofore or hereafter delivered or made
available to Zenith pursuant hereto were or will be complete and accurate copies
of such documents.



                                      14
<PAGE>

                                      ARTICLE V

                      REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ZENITH,
                         ZENITH INSURANCE AND ZENITH NATIONAL

         Each of Zenith, Zenith Insurance and Zenith National represents and
warrants to the Fund that:

         5.1 CORPORATE ORGANIZATION AND QUALIFICATION.

         (a)  Zenith, Zenith Insurance and Zenith National are corporations
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the
States of Florida, California and Delaware, respectively, and each is qualified
and in good standing as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction where the
properties owned, leased or operated, or the business conducted, by it require
such qualification.  Zenith is a wholly owned subsidiary of Zenith Insurance,
and Zenith Insurance is a wholly owned subsidiary of Zenith National.  Zenith,
Zenith Insurance, Zenith National, and each Subsidiary of Zenith Insurance has
all requisite corporate power and authority and all necessary governmental
Consents to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business
as it is now being conducted.

         (b)  Zenith Insurance is (i) duly licensed or authorized as an
insurance company in its jurisdiction of incorporation, (ii) duly licensed or
authorized as an insurance company in each other jurisdiction where it is
required to be so licensed or authorized, and (iii) duly authorized in its
jurisdiction of incorporation and each other applicable jurisdiction to write
each line of business reported as being written in Zenith's Annual Statement for
the year ended December 31, 1995.  Zenith, Zenith Insurance and Zenith National
have heretofore provided to the Fund complete and correct copies of their
charters and bylaws, each as in effect as of the date hereof.

         (c)  Prior to the Effective Time, Zenith will be duly licensed or
authorized as an insurance company in the State of Florida and duly authorized
in the State of Florida to write workers' compensation insurance business.

         5.2 AUTHORITY RELATIVE TO THIS AGREEMENT.  Each of Zenith, Zenith
Insurance and Zenith National has the requisite corporate power and authority to
execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby.  This Agreement and the consummation by Zenith, Zenith
Insurance and Zenith National of the transactions contemplated hereby have been
duly and validly authorized by the Boards of Directors of Zenith, Zenith
Insurance and Zenith National, and no other corporate proceedings on the part of
Zenith, Zenith Insurance or Zenith National are necessary to authorize this
Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.  This Agreement
has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Zenith, Zenith Insurance and
Zenith National and, assuming this Agreement constitutes the valid and binding
agreement of the Fund and RMG, constitutes the valid and binding agreement of
Zenith, Zenith Insurance and Zenith National, enforceable against Zenith, Zenith
Insurance and Zenith National in accordance with its terms, except that the
enforcement hereof may be limited by (a) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium or other similar Laws now or hereafter in effect relating to
creditors' rights generally and (b) general principles of equity (regardless of
whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity).



                                      15
<PAGE>

         5.3 CONSENTS AND APPROVALS; NO VIOLATION. Neither the execution,
delivery or performance of this Agreement by Zenith or Zenith Insurance nor the
consummation by Zenith or Zenith Insurance of the transactions contemplated
hereby nor compliance by Zenith or Zenith Insurance with any of the provisions
hereof will (a) conflict with or result in any breach of any provision of the
Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws of Zenith or Zenith Insurance; (b) require
any Consent of any governmental or regulatory authority, except (i) in
connection with the applicable requirements of the HSR Act, (ii) the filing of
the Articles of Merger pursuant to the laws of the State of Florida, the filing
of an agreement of merger pursuant to the laws of the State of California, and
the filing of appropriate documents with the relevant authorities of other
states in which Zenith Insurance or any of its Subsidiaries is authorized to do
business, (iii) the filing of appropriate documents with, or approval of, the
respective Commissioners of Insurance of the states of Florida, California and
other states in which Zenith Insurance conducts business; (c) result in a
Default under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any Contract to
which Zenith, Zenith Insurance or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their
respective assets may be bound, except for such Defaults as to which requisite
waivers or consents have been obtained; or (d) assuming the Consents referred to
in this Section 5.3 are duly and timely obtained or made, violate any Order or
Law applicable to Zenith, Zenith Insurance or any of its Subsidiaries or to any
of their respective assets.

         5.4    PROXY STATEMENT.  None of the information supplied by Zenith or
its affiliates in writing specifically for inclusion in the Proxy Statement
will, at the time the Proxy Statement is mailed, at the time of the Special
Meeting, or at the Effective Time, contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading.

         5.5 BROKERS AND FINDERS.  Zenith and its affiliates have not employed
any investment banker, broker, finder, or intermediary in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement which would be entitled to any
investment banking, brokerage, finder's or similar fee or commission in
connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.


                                      ARTICLE VI

                         ADDITIONAL COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS

         6.1 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS OF THE FUND. During the period from the date of
this Agreement to the Effective Time (unless Zenith shall otherwise agree in
writing and except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement), the Fund will
conduct its operations according to its ordinary and usual course of business
consistent with past practice and shall use all reasonable efforts to preserve
intact its current business organization, keep available the services of its
current officers and employees, maintain its Permits and Contracts and preserve
its relationships with customers, suppliers and others having business dealings
with it.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and except as
otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, the Fund will not, without the prior
written consent of Zenith:



                                      16
<PAGE>

         (i)  adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution,
    merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other
    reorganization of the Fund (other than the Merger);

         (ii) except as set forth in Section 6.1(ii) of the Disclosure
    Schedule, adopt any amendments to its Declaration of Trust;

         (iii)     make any acquisition, by means of merger, consolidation or
    otherwise, or enter into any agreement for the disposition, of assets or
    securities;

         (iv) other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with
    past practice, incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or guarantee any
    such indebtedness or make any loans, advances or capital contributions to,
    or investments in any other person other than the Fund;

         (v)  grant any increases in the compensation of any of its directors
    or trustees or, except in the ordinary course of business and in accordance
    with past practice, grant any increases in the compensation of any of its
    officers, employees or agents;

         (vi) except in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
    Agreement, enter into any new or amend any existing employment agreement
    or, except as may be consistent with Fund policies in effect as of the date
    of this Agreement, enter into any new or amend any existing severance or
    termination agreement with any officer or employee of the Fund;

         (vii)     except as may be required to comply with applicable Law,
    become obligated under any new pension plan, welfare plan, multiemployer
    plan, employee benefit plan, severance plan or similar plan, which was not
    in existence on the date hereof, or amend any Plan;

         (viii)    amend, increase, accelerate the payment or vesting of the
    amount payable or to become payable under or fail to make any required
    contribution to, any benefit plan or increase any non-salary benefits
    payable to any employee or former employee, except in the ordinary course
    of business consistent with past practice;

         (ix) change any method of accounting or accounting practice by the
    Fund, except for any such required change in GAAP or applicable statutory
    accounting principles;

         (x)  change its investment guidelines or policies or conduct
    transactions in investments except in compliance with its investment
    guidelines and policies and approved programs or transactions and all
    applicable insurance Laws;

         (xi) enter into any Contract to purchase, or to lease for a term in
    excess of one year, any real property, provided that the Fund may as a
    tenant renew any existing lease for a term not to exceed two years;



                                      17


<PAGE>
         (xii)     enter into any insurance, reinsurance, coinsurance or
    similar Contract, whether as insurer, reinsurer or reinsured, except in the
    ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

         (xiii)    enter into any Contract with any insurance agent or broker
    that provides, by its terms, for exclusivity (including, without
    limitation, by territory, product, or distribution) or that is not
    terminable by its terms within 180 days by the Fund without substantial
    premium or penalty or, in the case of career agents, without commission
    renewal liability, except to the extent that the Contract provides for
    vesting commissions;

         (xiv)     (x) take, or agree or commit to take any action that would
    make any representation and warranty of the Fund hereunder inaccurate at
    the Effective Time (except for representations and warranties which speak
    as of a particular date, which need be accurate only as of such date), (y)
    omit, or agree or commit to omit, to take any action necessary to prevent
    any such representation or warranty from being inaccurate at the Effective
    Time (except for representations and warranties which speak as of a
    particular date, which need be accurate only as of such date), or (z) take,
    or agree or commit to take, any action that would result in, or is
    reasonably likely to result in, any of the conditions of the Merger set
    forth in Article VII not being satisfied;

         (xv) authorize, recommend, propose or announce an intention to do any
    of the foregoing, or enter into any contract, agreement, commitment or
    arrangement to do any of the foregoing; or

         (xvi)     settle any tax audit, or make or change any tax election or
    file amended Tax Returns.

         6.2 ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS.  The Fund will not authorize, and will use
its best efforts to cause its officers, trustees, directors, employees or agents
not to, directly or indirectly, solicit, initiate or encourage any inquiries
relating to, or the making of any proposal which constitutes, an Alternative
Proposal, or recommend or endorse any Alternative Proposal, or participate in
any discussions or negotiations, or provide third parties with any nonpublic
information, relating to any such inquiry or proposal or otherwise facilitate
any effort or attempt to make or implement an Alternative Proposal; provided,
however, that the Fund may, and may authorize and permit its officers, trustees,
directors, employees or agents to provide third parties with nonpublic
information reasonably necessary to facilitate an Alternative Proposal,
recommend or endorse any Alternative Proposal with or by any third party, and
participate in discussions and negotiations with any third party relating to any
Alternative Proposal, if the Fund's Board of Trustees, after having consulted
with and considered the advice of outside counsel, has reasonably determined in
good faith that the failure to do so would be inconsistent with its fiduciary
duties to the Fund's Members under applicable Law.  If the Fund enters into a
definitive agreement with respect to any Alternative Proposal, it shall
concurrently with entering into such agreement pay, or cause to be paid to
Zenith the expenses outlined in Section 9.1(b).  The Fund will immediately cease
and cause to be terminated any activities, discussions or negotiations conducted
prior to the date of this Agreement with any parties other than Zenith with
respect to any of the foregoing.  The Fund shall immediately advise Zenith
following the receipt by it of any Alternative Proposal and the material terms
and conditions thereof, and the identity of the 

                                       18
<PAGE>

person making any such Alternative Proposal, and advise Zenith of any 
developments with respect to such Alternative Proposal immediately upon the 
occurrence thereof.

         6.3 MEMBERS' APPROVAL; PROXY STATEMENT.  The Fund shall duly call, give
notice of, convene and hold the Members' Meeting as soon as practicable
following the execution of this Agreement for the purpose of obtaining the
approval of the Requisite Percentage of the Voting Members with respect to this
Agreement and the Merger.  The Fund shall use its best efforts to obtain and
furnish the information required to be included by it in the Proxy Statement to
be furnished to the Fund's Members regarding the Merger.  Zenith shall have the
right to approve the form and contents of the Proxy Statement and any
preliminary versions thereof prior to the time it is filed with the Florida
Commissioner.  After consultation with Zenith, the Fund shall respond promptly
to any comments made by the Florida Commissioner with respect to the Proxy
Statement and any preliminary version thereof, and cause the Proxy Statement to
be mailed to its Voting Members, at the earliest practicable time following the
execution of this Agreement.  The Fund shall use its best efforts to obtain the
approval of the Requisite Percentage of the Voting Members with respect to this
Agreement and the Merger, and the Fund shall, through its Board of Trustees,
subject to its fiduciary duties under applicable Law, recommend to its Members
approval of this Agreement, unless, in each case, the members of the Board of
Trustees of the Fund, after having consulted with and considered the advice of
outside counsel, reasonably determine in good faith that under the circumstances
the foregoing actions would be reasonably likely to result in a breach of their
fiduciary duties to the Members under applicable Law.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Board of Trustees of the Fund may at any time prior to the
Effective Time withdraw, modify, or change any recommendation and declaration
regarding this Agreement, or recommend and declare advisable any other offer or
proposal, if the Board of Trustees, after consultation with its outside counsel,
has reasonably determined in good faith that the making of such recommendation,
or the failure to withdraw, modify or change its recommendation, would be
reasonably likely to result in a breach of their fiduciary duties to the Members
under applicable Law.  Additionally, the Board of Trustees of the Fund may
withdraw, modify or change any recommendation or declaration regarding this
Agreement if the fairness opinion rendered by Raymond James in connection with
this Agreement and the Related Documents determines the value of the
consideration to be received by the Members of the Fund not to be fair to the
Members, from a financial point of view.

        6.4 SATISFACTION OF CONDITIONS, RECEIPT OF NECESSARY APPROVALS.  Subject
to the terms and conditions herein provided, each of the parties hereto agrees
to (i) promptly effect all necessary registrations, submissions and filings,
including, but not limited to, filings under the HSR Act and submissions of
information requested by governmental authorities, which may be necessary or
required in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement, (ii) to use its best efforts to secure federal and state
antitrust clearance (including taking steps to avoid or set aside any
preliminary or permanent injunction or other order of any federal or state court
of competent jurisdiction or other governmental authority), (iii) use its best
efforts to take all other action and to do all other things necessary, proper or
advisable to consummate and make effective as promptly as practicable the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (iv) use its best efforts to
obtain all other necessary or appropriate Consents (including but not limited to
any required Consents of the Commissioners).  Each of the parties hereto
acknowledges that certain actions may be necessary with respect to the foregoing
in making notifications and obtaining Consents which are material to the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and each of the parties
hereto agrees to take such action as is necessary to complete such notifications
and obtain such Consents,

                                       19
<PAGE>

provided, however, that nothing in this Section 6.4 or elsewhere in this 
Agreement shall require any party hereto to hold separate or make any 
divestiture of any asset or otherwise agree to any restriction on their 
operations which would in any such case be material to the assets, 
liabilities or business of, (a) in the case of the Fund or RMG, the Fund, and 
(b) in the case of Zenith, Zenith Insurance or Zenith National, Zenith 
National and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in order to obtain any 
Consent required by this Agreement.  All necessary registrations, submissions 
and filings under the HSR Act or in connection with securing federal or state 
antitrust clearance, shall be at the cost of Zenith, provided, however, that 
the HSR Act filing fee shall be shared equally by Zenith and the Fund.  
Additionally, Zenith shall be primarily responsible for all filings required 
hereunder, unless such filings are specifically required of the Fund or RMG, 
in which case the Fund or RMG, as the case may be, shall promptly make such 
filings following receipt of written notification of the requirement for such 
filings.

         6.5 ACCESS TO INFORMATION.

         (a)  Upon reasonable notice, the Fund shall afford to officers,
employees, counsel, accountants and other authorized representatives of Zenith
("Representatives"), in order to evaluate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, reasonable access, during normal business hours throughout the period
prior to the Effective Time, to its properties, books and records and, during
such period, shall furnish promptly to such Representatives all information
concerning its business, properties and personnel as may reasonably be
requested.

         (b)  Zenith agrees that it will not, and will cause its
Representatives not to, use any information obtained pursuant to this Section
6.5 for any purpose unrelated to the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.

         (c)  Zenith will hold, and will use its best efforts to cause its
Representatives to hold, in strictest confidence, unless compelled to disclose
by judicial or administrative process, or, in the opinion of its counsel, by
other requirements of Law, all documents and information concerning the Fund
furnished to Zenith or its Representatives in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement (except to the extent that such information can
be shown to have been (i) previously known by Zenith or its Representatives,
(ii) in the public domain through no fault of Zenith or its Representatives, or
(iii) later lawfully acquired by Zenith or its Representatives from other
sources (unless Zenith knows that such other sources are not entitled to
disclose such information)) and will not release or disclose such information to
any other person, except its Representatives in connection with this Agreement,
provided that such Representative shall have first been advised by Zenith of the
confidentiality provision of this Section 6.5.  

         (d)  Notwithstanding the provisions hereof, during the period prior to
the Effective Time, the parties shall take appropriate precautions to ensure
that competitively sensitive information is not exchanged in a manner which is
inconsistent with applicable Law.

         6.6 PUBLICITY.  Zenith and the Fund will consult with each other and
will mutually agree upon any press releases or public announcements pertaining
to the Merger and shall not issue any such press releases or make any such
public announcements prior to such consultation and agreement, except as may be
required by applicable Law or by obligations pursuant to any listing agreement
with any national securities exchange, in which case the party proposing to
issue such press

                                       20
<PAGE>

release or make such public announcement shall use its best efforts to 
consult in good faith with the other party before issuing any such press 
releases or making any such public announcements.

         6.7 INDEMNIFICATION OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS.  Zenith shall indemnify
and hold harmless the Indemnified Parties from and against all costs, damages,
judgments, attorney's fees, expenses, obligations and liabilities of whatsoever
kind or nature, without limitation as to time, amount or otherwise, which the
Indemnified Parties may incur or sustain in connection with any claim, action,
suit, proceeding or investigation arising out of or pertaining to any action or
omission in their capacity as trustee, fiduciary, officer, employee or agent of
the Fund or RMG (including, without limitation, any which arise out of or relate
to actions or omissions which relate to the Merger and the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement); provided, however, that Zenith shall not be
obligated to indemnify the Indemnified Parties if and to the extent that such
costs, damages, judgments, attorney's fees, expenses, obligations or liabilities
arise as a result of (a) a violation of criminal law resulting in a conviction,
(b) any deliberately dishonest or fraudulent act or omission, or (c) any act or
omission committed in bad faith or with malicious purpose or constituting gross
negligence, and, in the case of any claim, action, suit, proceeding or
investigation arising out of or pertaining to the Merger or any transaction
contemplated by this Agreement or the Related Documents,  Zenith shall not be
obligated to indemnify the Indemnified Parties if and to the extent that all
material aspects of the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and the Related Documents were not fully described and disclosed in
the Proxy Statement.  At its option, Zenith may provide insurance policies of
its choosing which insure and cover Zenith's obligation of indemnification to
the Indemnified Parties as contained herein; provided, however, that the
provision of such insurance polices by Zenith shall not relieve Zenith from its
obligation of indemnification to the Indemnified Parties; and provided further,
that any deductibles required under any such insurance policies shall be the
sole responsibility of Zenith.

         6.8 GUARANTY BY ZENITH INSURANCE AND ZENITH NATIONAL.  Zenith Insurance
and Zenith National hereby jointly and severally guarantee the performance by
Zenith of its covenants and obligations under this Agreement and the Related
Documents.  The parties acknowledge and agree that this guaranty by Zenith
Insurance and Zenith National constitutes an important inducement to the Fund to
execute this Agreement and, consequently, constitutes an essential part of the
consideration to be received by the Fund hereunder.  This guaranty by Zenith
National shall survive the merger of Zenith and Zenith Insurance, and shall
continue in full force until all obligations of Zenith (and all obligations of
Zenith Insurance acquired pursuant to the merger of Zenith and Zenith Insurance)
under this Agreement and the Related Documents have been satisfied and
discharged.  Zenith Insurance and Zenith National shall not be discharged from
liability under this guaranty so long as any obligation of Zenith existing under
this Agreement or the Related Documents remains outstanding and unperformed. 
This guaranty by Zenith Insurance and Zenith National shall inure to the benefit
of the Fund, its Members, the Indemnified Parties and the parties to the Related
Documents.

         6.9 MERGER OF ZENITH AND ZENITH INSURANCE.  As soon as practical after
the Effective Time, Zenith, Zenith Insurance and Zenith National shall cause
Zenith to be merged with and into Zenith Insurance, with (a) Zenith Insurance as
the surviving corporation in such merger, (b) the outstanding shares of Zenith
being cancelled and no shares of Zenith Insurance being issued in exchange
therefor, and (c) the outstanding shares of Zenith Insurance remaining
outstanding and unaffected by such merger, all in accordance with the GCL and
the FBCA.  The merger of Zenith and Zenith Insurance shall have the effect set
forth in the GCL, including (i) the separate existence

                                       21
<PAGE>

of Zenith shall cease, (ii) Zenith Insurance shall succeed, without other 
transfer, to all the rights and property of Zenith, and (iii) Zenith 
Insurance shall be subject to all the debts and liabilities of Zenith in the 
same manner as if Zenith Insurance had itself incurred them.

        6.10 TERMINATION OF RMG MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS.  The Fund and RMG hereby
agree that, from and after the Effective Time, all management agreements between
RMG and the Fund are hereby terminated and of no further force or effect.

        6.11 DIVIDEND PAYMENTS.  As soon as practical after the Effective Time,
Zenith shall, subject to the approval of the Florida Department, pay dividends
on the Fund's Loss Sensitive Policies equal to $1,381,583.

        6.12 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORTS.

         (a)  As promptly as practicable after the date hereof, but in no event
later than five business days prior to the Closing Date, the Fund and RMG shall
prepare and deliver to Zenith financial statements of the Fund that present
fairly the financial position of the Fund as of September 30, 1996, and the
results of its operations and cash flows for the period then ended in accordance
with GAAP (the "September Financial Statements").

         (b)  As promptly as practicable after the date hereof, but in no event
later than five business days prior to the Closing Date, the Fund and RMG shall
cause Milliman & Robertson, Inc. to prepare and deliver to Zenith an actuarial
review of the Fund's reserves as of September 30, 1996.

         (c)  As promptly as practicable after the Fund or RMG files or submits
any financial statement or other report to the insurance regulatory authorities
of the State of Florida (but in no event later than five business days
thereafter), the Fund and RMG shall deliver to Zenith a true and correct copy of
each such statement and report, together with all exhibits and schedules
thereto.

         (d)  After the date hereof, the Fund and RMG shall continue to prepare
in the ordinary course and shall deliver, as soon as available, to Zenith, true
and complete copies of such financial statements (including, but not limited to,
annual and quarterly financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP and
SAP), reports or analyses as may be prepared or received by the Fund or RMG and
as relate to any of the business, operations or affairs of the Fund or RMG,
including, without limitation, normal internal reports which the Fund or RMG
prepares and special reports (such as those of financial consultants).


                                     ARTICLE VII

                  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER

        7. 1 CONDITIONS TO EACH PARTY'S OBLIGATIONS TO EFFECT THE MERGER.  The
respective obligations of each party to effect the Merger are subject to the
satisfaction or, where permissible, waiver at or prior to the Closing Date of
the following conditions (provided that any such condition may not be waived
without the consent of the Florida Commissioner):

                                       22


<PAGE>
         (a)  MEMBER APPROVAL.  This Agreement shall have been duly approved by
the Requisite Percentage of the Voting Members in accordance with applicable
Law.

         (b)  FAIRNESS OPINION.  Raymond James shall have delivered to the Fund
and Zenith its written opinion that the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and the Related Documents are fair, from a financial point of view, to
the Members.

         (c)  NO INJUNCTIONS.  There shall not be in effect any Law or Order of
a court or governmental or regulatory agency of competent jurisdiction directing
that the transactions contemplated herein not be consummated; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that, subject to the terms and provisions herein provided, prior to invoking
this condition each party shall use its reasonable efforts to have any such
Order vacated.

         (d)  GOVERNMENTAL FILINGS AND CONSENTS.  Subject to the terms and
provisions herein provided all governmental Consents legally required for the
consummation of the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby shall have
been obtained and be in effect on the Closing Date (including but not limited to
the approval of the Commissioners and any Consents which may be required under
the insurance Laws of any state in which Zenith Insurance conducts any business
or owns any assets), without any limitations unacceptable to Zenith, and the
waiting periods under the HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated.  

         7.2 ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF ZENITH.  The obligation
of Zenith to effect the Merger is subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the
Closing Date of the following conditions, any or all of which may be waived in
whole or in part by Zenith, to the extent permitted by applicable Law:

         (a)  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  For purposes of this Section
7.2(a), the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Fund and RMG
set forth in Article IV of this Agreement shall be assessed as of the date of
this Agreement and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as though all
such representations and warranties had been made on and as of the Closing Date
(provided that representations and warranties which are confined to a specified
date shall speak only as of such date).  All representations and warranties set
forth in Article IV which are qualified by reference to materiality shall be
true and correct as qualified and all other representations and warranties set
forth in Article IV of this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material
respects.

         (b)  PERFORMANCE.  Each of the Fund and RMG shall have performed, in
all material respects, all covenants and agreements herein required to be
performed by it prior to the Closing Date.

         (c)  OFFICER'S CERTIFICATE.  Zenith shall have received on the Closing
Date a certificate, dated the Closing Date and executed by the Chairman of the
Board of Trustees of the Fund, certifying as to the fulfillment of the
conditions specified in Sections 7.2(a) and (b) hereof.

         (d)  DOCUMENTS.  Zenith and its counsel shall have received all such
documents and instruments, or copies thereof, certified, if requested, as may be
reasonably requested in connection with the compliance with the conditions
precedent to Zenith's obligations hereunder.

                                       23

<PAGE>

         (e)  OPINION.  Zenith shall have received an opinion prepared in
accordance with the Florida Opinion Standards established by the business
section of the Florida Bar Association, dated the Closing Date, from Gerald S.
Livingston, Esq., counsel to the Fund, in form and substance satisfactory to it
and its counsel and substantially in the form of Exhibit 7.2(e) hereto.

         (f) CONSULTING AGREEMENT.  The Management Group shall have entered
into an agreement with Zenith, substantially in the form annexed hereto as
Exhibit 7.2(f) (the "Consulting Agreement"), pursuant to which the Management
Group shall, for five years after the Effective Date, provide consulting
services to Zenith in connection with insurance business written by the Fund
prior to the Effective Date and the development of Zenith's workers'
compensation business in Florida, as required by Zenith as a condition to
entering into this Agreement.  The Consulting Agreement shall provide, among
other things, that (i) each member of the Management Group shall be compensated
by Zenith for his or her services in the amount of $25,000 per year, and (ii)
the Management Group (other than Doris Oberhardt) shall not engage in or
undertake any workers compensation insurance business beginning on the date of
the Effective Time and ending July 31, 2006.

         (g)  TRANSFER AGREEMENT.  RMG and ZRM shall have entered into an
agreement, substantially in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit 7.2(g) (the
"Transfer Agreement"), pursuant to which (i) RMG shall transfer all of its
assets to ZRM, and ZRM shall assume all of the liabilities of RMG, (ii) ZRM may
seek to hire any employees of RMG that ZRM deems to be necessary or useful in
the operation or management of ZRM's business, and (iii) as soon as practical
after the Effective Time, RMG shall take all appropriate action to effect its
dissolution and liquidation in accordance with Florida law.

         (h)  ACCOUNTANT'S LETTER.  Shores & Company, P.A. shall have delivered
to Zenith a letter, dated the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Zenith, containing statements and information of the type
customarily included in accountants "comfort letters" with respect to the
September Financial Statements, including, without limitation, the following:

         (i) Shores & Company, P.A. are independent with respect to the Fund;

         (ii) with respect to the nine-month period ended September 30, 1996,
    they have (A) performed the procedures specified by the American Institute
    of Certified Public Accountants for a review of the interim financial
    information as described in SAS No. 71, "Interim Financial Information," on
    the September Financial Statements, and (B) inquired of certain officials
    of the Fund and RMG who have responsibility for financial and accounting
    matters; and 

         (iii) nothing came to their attention as a result of the foregoing
    procedures that caused them to believe that (A) any material modifications
    should be made to the September Financial Statements for them to be in
    conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, or (B) there has
    been any decrease in the Fund's "member distribution payable" as compared
    with the amount shown in the September Financial Statements.

                                       24

<PAGE>


         (i)  TERMINATION OF PENSION PLAN.  The Fund shall have taken all
appropriate action to effect the termination of the Associated General
Contractors Self-Insurers' Fund Pension Plan in accordance with applicable Law,
and Zenith shall have received evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of such
action.

         (j)  OPINION REGARDING GUARANTY FUND LIABILITY.  Zenith shall have
received an opinion, dated the Closing Date, from counsel to Zenith, in form and
substance satisfactory to Zenith, to the effect that from and after the
Effective Time, none of Zenith National, Zenith or Zenith Insurance shall have
any liability under the Florida Self-Insurance Fund Guaranty Association Act,
FIL Section 631.90 ET. SEQ. ("FIGA"), except for liability of the Fund under
FIGA with respect to adjustments, if any, to the assessment of the Fund for the
1996 calendar year.

         7.3 ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE FUND.  The
obligation of the Fund to effect the Merger is subject to the satisfaction at or
prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions, any and all of which may
be waived in whole or in part by the Fund to the extent permitted by applicable
Law:

         (a)  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  For purposes of this Section
7.3(a), the accuracy of the representations and warranties set forth in Article
V of this Agreement shall be assessed as of the date of this Agreement and as of
the Closing Date with the same effect as though all such representations and
warranties had been made on and as of the Closing Date (provided that
representations and warranties which are confined to a specified date shall
speak only as of such date).  All representations and warranties set forth in
Article V of this Agreement which are qualified by reference to materiality
shall be true and correct and all other representations and warranties set forth
in Article V of this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material
respects.

         (b)  PERFORMANCE.  Zenith, Zenith Insurance and Zenith National shall
have performed, in all material respects, all covenants and agreements herein
that are required to be performed by Zenith, Zenith Insurance and Zenith
National prior to the Closing Date.

         (c)  OFFICER'S CERTIFICATE.  The Fund shall have received at the
Closing Date a certificate dated the Closing Date and executed by the Chief
Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer of Zenith certifying to the
fulfillment of the conditions specified in Sections 7.3(a) and (b) hereof.

         (d)  OPINION.  The Fund shall have received an opinion, dated the
Closing Date, from counsel to Zenith, in form and substance satisfactory to it
and its counsel and substantially in the form of Exhibit 7.3(d) hereto.

         (e) FORMATION OF ZRM.  Zenith Insurance shall have formed ZRM and
appointed each of the members of the Management Group as a director of ZRM.

         (f) MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT.  Zenith shall have entered into an agreement
with ZRM, substantially in the form of Exhibit 7.3(f) hereto (the "Management
Agreement"), pursuant to which ZRM shall provide management services to Zenith
after the Merger.

                                       25

<PAGE>


                                     ARTICLE VIII

                                     TERMINATION

         8.1 TERMINATION BY MUTUAL CONSENT.  This Agreement may be terminated 
 and the Merger may be abandoned at any time prior to the Closing Date, 
before or after the approval by Members of the Fund, by the mutual written 
consent of Zenith and the Fund.

         8.2  TERMINATION BY EITHER ZENITH OR THE FUND.  This Agreement may be
terminated and the Merger may be abandoned by Zenith or the Fund, before or
after the approval by Members of the Fund, if (i) any court of competent
jurisdiction in the United States or some other governmental body or regulatory
authority shall have issued an Order permanently restraining, enjoining or
otherwise prohibiting the Merger and such Order shall have become final and
nonappealable, PROVIDED, that the party seeking to terminate this Agreement
pursuant to this clause (i) shall have used all reasonable efforts to remove
such Order, (ii) the Merger shall not have been consummated by December 31,
1996;  PROVIDED that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this
clause (ii) shall not be available to any party whose failure to fulfill any of
its obligations under this Agreement results in the failure of the Merger to
occur on or prior to such date, or (iii) this Agreement shall have been voted on
by Voting Members of the Fund and the vote shall not have been sufficient to
satisfy the condition set forth in Section 7.1(a).

         8.3 TERMINATION BY ZENITH.  This Agreement may be terminated by Zenith
and the Merger may be abandoned prior to the Closing Date, before or after the
approval by Members of the Fund, (i) in the event of a breach by the Fund or RMG
of any covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement which, by its nature,
cannot be cured prior to the Closing or which has not been cured within 30 days
after the giving of written notice to the Fund of such breach, (ii) in the event
of an inaccuracy of any representation or warranty of the Fund or RMG contained
in this Agreement which, by its nature, cannot be cured prior to the Closing or
which has not been cured within 30 days after the giving of written notice to
the Fund of such inaccuracy and which inaccuracy, in either case, would cause
the conditions set forth in Section 7.2(a) not to be satisfied, (iii) in the
event that any of the conditions precedent to the obligations of Zenith to
consummate the Merger cannot be satisfied or fulfilled by the date set forth in
Section 8.2(ii) of this Agreement, provided that the failure of such conditions
to be so satisfied shall not be as a result of Zenith's failure to fulfill its
obligations under this Agreement, or (iv) the Board of Trustees of the Fund
withdraws or materially modifies or changes its recommendation or approval of
this Agreement in a manner adverse to Zenith or Zenith Insurance.

         8.4 TERMINATION BY THE FUND.  This Agreement may be terminated by the
Fund and the Merger may be abandoned at any time prior to the Closing Date,
before or after the approval by Members of the Fund, (i) in the event of a
breach by Zenith, Zenith Insurance or Zenith National of any covenant or
agreement contained in this Agreement which, by its nature, cannot be cured
prior to the Closing or which has not been cured within 30 days after the giving
of written notice to Zenith of such breach, (ii) in the event of an inaccuracy
of any representation or warranty of Zenith, Zenith Insurance or Zenith National
contained in this Agreement which, by its nature, cannot be cured prior to the
Closing or which has not been cured within 30 days after the giving of written
notice to Zenith of such inaccuracy and which inaccuracy, in either case, would
cause the conditions set forth in Section 7.3(a) not to be satisfied, (iii) in
the event that any of the conditions precedent to the obliga-

                                       26

<PAGE>

tions of the Fund to consummate the Merger cannot be satisfied or fulfilled 
by the date set forth in Section 8.2(ii) of this Agreement, provided that the 
failure of such conditions to be so satisfied shall not be as a result of the 
Fund's failure to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement, or (iv) prior 
to the Members Meeting, the Board of Trustees of the Fund has (y) withdrawn 
or modified or changed its recommendation or approval of this Agreement in a 
manner adverse to Zenith or Zenith Insurance in order to approve and permit 
the Fund to execute a definitive agreement relating to an Alternative 
Proposal and (z) determined, based on the advice of outside legal counsel to 
the Fund, that the failure to take such action as set forth in the preceding 
clause (y) would be reasonably likely to result in breach of the Board of 
Trustees' fiduciary duties under applicable Law; provided, however, that the 
Board of Trustees of the Fund shall have been advised by such outside counsel 
that notwithstanding a binding commitment to consummate transactions of the 
nature contemplated by this Agreement entered into in the proper exercise of 
their applicable fiduciary duties, such fiduciary duties would also be 
reasonably likely to require the trustees to terminate this Agreement as a 
result of such Alternative Proposal; provided, further, that the Fund shall 
immediately advise Zenith following the receipt by it of any Alternative 
Proposal and the details thereof, and advise Zenith of any developments with 
respect to such Alternative Proposal immediately upon the occurrence thereof. 

         8.5 EFFECT OF TERMINATION.  In the event of termination of this
Agreement and the abandonment of the Merger pursuant to this Article VIII,
written notice thereof shall as promptly as practicable be given to the other
party to this Agreement, and this Agreement shall terminate and the transactions
contemplated hereby shall be abandoned, without further action by any of the
parties hereto.  If this Agreement is terminated as provided herein:  (i) there
shall be no liability or obligation on the part of Zenith, Zenith Insurance,
Zenith National, the Fund, RMG or their respective trustees, officers and
directors, and all obligations of the parties shall terminate, except (A) for
the obligations of the parties pursuant to this Section 8.5, (B) for the
provisions of Section 9.1, and (C) that a party who is in breach of any of its
representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement
shall be liable for damages occasioned by such breach, including, without
limitation, any expenses incurred by the other party in connection with this
Agreement, and (ii) all filings, applications and other submissions made
pursuant to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall, to the extent
practicable, be withdrawn from the agency or person to which it has been made.


                                      ARTICLE IX

                              MISCELLANEOUS AND GENERAL

         9.1 PAYMENT OF EXPENSES AND OTHER PAYMENTS.  

         (a)  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, whether or not the
Merger shall be consummated and except as otherwise provided in this Agreement,
each party hereto shall pay its own expenses incident to preparing for, entering
into and carrying out this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby.

         (b)  The Fund shall pay, or cause to be paid, in same day funds to
Zenith the sum of all Expenses upon demand, if (i) Zenith terminates this
Agreement under Section 8.3(iv), (ii) the Fund terminates this Agreement under
Section 8.4(iv), or (iii) prior to any termination of this Agreement, an
Alternative Proposal shall have been made and within nine months of the
termination of this
                                       27

<PAGE>

Agreement a transaction constituting an Alternative Proposal is consummated 
with respect to, or the Fund enters into an agreement with respect to, or 
approves or recommends an Alternative Proposal, in each case made prior to 
any termination of this Agreement; provided, however, that in the case of 
(iii) above in this paragraph (b), no payment shall be made if this Agreement 
has been terminated pursuant to Sections 8.4(i) and (ii) hereof.  The amount 
of Expenses so payable shall be the amount set forth in an estimate delivered 
by Zenith, subject to upward or downward adjustment (not to be in excess of 
the amount set forth in the definition of Expenses) upon delivery of 
reasonable documentation therefor.

         9.2 SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  The respective
representations and warranties of the parties made in Articles IV and V hereof
shall not survive beyond the earlier of termination of this Agreement or the
Effective Time.  

         9.3 MODIFICATION OR AMENDMENT.  Subject to the applicable provisions of
the FBCA, the GCL, the FIL and the California Insurance Code, at any time prior
to the Effective Time, the parties hereto may modify or amend this Agreement, by
written agreement executed and delivered by duly authorized officers of the
respective parties; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that after approval of this Agreement by
the Members of the Fund, no amendment shall be made which changes the
consideration payable pursuant to the Merger or adversely affects the rights of
the Fund's Members hereunder without the approval of such Members.

         9.4 WAIVER AND EXTENSION.  At any time prior to the Effective Time, 
the parties hereto may (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the 
obligations or other acts of the other parties hereto, (b) waive any 
inaccuracies in the representations and warranties contained herein or in any 
document delivered pursuant hereto or (c) except to the extent prohibited by 
Law, waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions contained 
herein. Any agreement on the part of a party hereto to any such extension or 
waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed on 
behalf of such party.  The failure of any party to this Agreement to assert 
any of its rights under this Agreement or otherwise shall not constitute a 
waiver of those rights.

         9.5 COUNTERPARTS.  For the convenience of the parties hereto, this
Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each such counterpart
being deemed to be an original instrument, and all such counterparts shall
together constitute the same agreement.

         9.6 GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement shall be governed by, and 
construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of Florida without giving 
effect to the principles of conflicts of law thereof.  Venue for the purposes 
of any cause of action, of whatsoever kind or nature, by any party against 
any other hereunder, shall be Orange County, Florida.

         9.7 NOTICES.  Any notice, request, instruction or other document to be
given hereunder by any party to the other parties shall be in writing and shall
be deemed given when delivered personally, upon receipt of a transmission
confirmation (with a confirming copy sent by overnight courier) if sent by
telecopy or like transmission, and on the next business day when sent by Federal
Express, Express Mail, or other reputable overnight courier, as follows:

                                       28


<PAGE>

    (a)  If to the Fund or RMG, to

         Doris Oberhardt
         Associated General Commerce
           Self-Insurers' Trust Fund
         1363B Lafayette Street
         Tallahassee, Florida  32301
         (904) 878-4261 (telephone)
         (904) 656-3237 (telecopier)

         with a copy to:

         Gerald S. Livingston, Esq.
         255 South Orange Avenue
         Suite 850
         Orlando, Florida  32801
         (407) 422-2524 (telephone)
         (407) 422-2529 (telecopier)

(b) If to Zenith, Zenith Insurance or Zenith National, to

         John J. Tickner, Esq.
         Zenith Insurance Company
         21255 Califa Street
         Woodland Hills, CA  91367-5021
         (818) 594-5564 (telephone)
         (818) 594-7269 (telecopier)

         with a copy to:

         Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
         919 Third Avenue
         New York, New York  10019
         Attention:  Bertil Lundqvist, Esq.
         (212) 735-3000 (telephone)
         (212) 735-2000 (telecopier)

         and



                                     29
<PAGE>

         Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
         300 South Grand Avenue
         Los Angeles, CA  90071
         Attention:  Jerome L. Coben, Esq.
         (312) 687-5010 (telephone)
         (312) 687-5600 (telecopier)

or to such other persons or addresses as may be designated in writing by the
party to receive such notice.  Nothing in this Section 9.7 shall be deemed to
constitute consent to the manner and address for service of process in
connection with any legal proceeding (including litigation arising out of or in
connection with this Agreement), which service shall be effected as required by
applicable Law.

         9.8 ENTIRE AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENT.  This Agreement (a) constitutes the
entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes all other prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral,
among the parties or any of them with respect to the subject matter hereof and
(b) shall not be assigned by operation of law or otherwise.

         9.9 PARTIES IN INTEREST. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure
solely to the benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors and
permitted assigns.  Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, other than
the right to receive the consideration payable in the Merger pursuant to Article
III hereof, is intended to or shall confer upon any other person any rights,
benefits or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this
Agreement; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the provisions of Section 6.7 shall inure to
the benefit of and be enforceable by the Indemnified Parties or Fund Indemnified
Parties, as the case may be.

         9.10 CERTAIN DEFINITIONS.  As used herein:

         "Accountant" shall have the meaning specified in Section 3.2.

         "Adjusted GAAP Net Worth" shall have the meaning specified in 
Section 3.2.

         "Alternative Proposal" shall mean (i) any proposal or offer for a
merger, consolidation, asset acquisition, assumption reinsurance transaction, or
other business combination involving the Fund or any proposal or offer to
acquire a significant equity interest in, or a significant portion of the assets
of, the Fund, other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or
(ii) any other transaction the consummation of which would reasonably be
expected to impede, interfere with, prevent or materially delay the Merger.

         "Articles of Merger" shall have the meaning specified in Section 1.2.

         "Business of the Fund" shall mean workers' compensation insurance
business written by the Fund prior to the Effective Time and acquired by Zenith.


         "California Commissioner" shall mean the Commissioner of Insurance of
the State of California.



                                     30
<PAGE>

         "Closing" shall mean the closing of the transactions contemplated by
Article I of this Agreement.

         "Closing Balance Sheet" shall have the meaning specified in Section
3.2.

         "Closing Date" shall mean the date on which the Closing occurs.

         "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and
the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

         "Commissioners" shall mean the California Commissioner and the Florida
Commissioner.

         "Consent" shall mean any consent, approval, authorization, clearance,
exemption, waiver, or similar affirmation by, or filing with or notification to,
a person pursuant to any Contract, Law, Order, or Permit.

         "Consulting Agreement" shall have the meaning specified in Section
7.2(f).

         "Contract" shall mean any written or oral agreement, arrangement,
commitment, contract, indenture, instrument, lease or other obligation of any
kind or character, or other obligation that is binding on any person or its
capital stock, properties or business.

         "Default" shall mean (i) any breach or violation of or default under
any Contract, Order or Permit, (ii) any occurrence of any event that with the
passage of time or the giving of notice or both would constitute a breach or
violation of or default under any Contract, Order or Permit, or (iii) any
occurrence of any event that with or without the passage of time or the giving
of notice would give rise to a right to terminate or revoke, change the current
terms of, or renegotiate, or to accelerate, increase, or impose any liability
under, or create any Lien in Connection with, any Contract, Order or Permit.

         "Disclosure Schedule" shall mean the disclosure schedule attached
hereto.

         "Effective Date" shall mean the date on which the Effective Time
occurs.

         "Effective Time" shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section
1.2.

         "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended.

         "ERISA Affiliate" shall mean any corporation or trade or business,
whether or not incorporated, that together with an entity or any Subsidiary of
such entity would be deemed a "single employer" within the meaning of Section
4001 of ERISA, or considered as being members of a controlled group of
corporations, under common control, or members of an affiliated service group
within the meaning of Subsections 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code or Section
4001(a)(14) of ERISA.



                                     31
<PAGE>

         "ERISA Affiliate Plan" shall mean each employee benefit, welfare and
compensation plan maintained, sponsored or contributed to be any ERISA
Affiliate.

         "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

         "Expenses" shall mean the out-of-pocket expenses of Zenith, Zenith
Insurance and Zenith National, in an amount not to exceed $150,000, payable in
accordance with Section 9.1(b).

         "FBCA" shall mean the Florida Business Corporations Act.

         "FIL" shall mean the Florida Insurance Laws and the related rules and
regulations thereunder as contained in the Florida Administrative Code, Rule
Section 4-190.56 et. seq., F.A.C.

         "Florida Commissioner" shall mean the Commissioner of Insurance of the
State of Florida.

         "GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles,
consistently applied throughout the specified period and in the immediately
prior comparable period.

         "GAAP Statements" shall mean the audited financial statements of the
Fund as of, and for the fiscal years ended, December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995,
together with the notes related thereto.

         "GCL" shall mean the California General Corporation Law.

         "Governmental Authority" shall mean the government of the United
States or any foreign country, any state or political subdivision thereof, or
any entity, body or authority exercising executive, legislative, judicial,
regulatory, administrative or other governmental functions or any court,
department, commission, board, agency, instrumentality or administrative body of
any of the foregoing.

         "HSR Act" shall mean the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act
of 1976, as amended.

         "Indemnified Parties" shall mean the Fund's present or former
trustees, officers, employees or agents covered by the Funds directors' and
officers' liability insurance prior to the Effective Time.

         "Interim Statements" shall mean the financial statements that present
the financial position of the Fund as of June 30, 1996, and the results of its
operations and cash flows for the six months then ended in accordance with GAAP.

         "Law" shall mean any law, ordinance, regulation, rule, or statute of
any governmental authority (Federal, state, local or otherwise) applicable to a
person or its properties, liabilities or business.



                                     32
<PAGE>

         "Liability for Assessments" shall mean the amount of contingent
liability for which Members of the Fund are either jointly and severally liable,
or jointly and proportionately liable, by reason of their participation as
Members of the Fund.

         "Lien" shall mean any conditional sale agreement, default of title,
easement, encroachment, encumbrance, hypothecation, infringement, lien,
mortgage, option, pledge, reservation, restriction, security interest, title
retention or other security arrangement, or any adverse right or interest,
charge, or claim of any nature whatsoever of, on, or with respect to any
property or property interest.

         "Litigation" shall mean any action, arbitration, cause of action,
claim, complaint, criminal prosecution, demand letter, governmental or other
administrative or other proceeding, whether at law or at equity, before or by
any federal, state or foreign court, tribunal, or agency or before any
arbitrator.

         "Loss Sensitive Policy" shall mean a Retrospectively Rated Policy,
including the policies written by the Fund known as Deluxe Retention Plan,
Regular Retention Plan, Sliding Scale Plan and Retention Dividend Plan.

         "Management Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
7.3(f).

         "Management Group" shall mean, collectively, Howard Hice, John G.
Martin, Ronald Morrick, Armand Mouw, Ronald Shafer, Jr., and Doris Oberhardt.

         "Material Adverse Effect" shall mean any change or effect (or any
development that, insofar as can reasonably be foreseen, is likely to result in
any change or effect) that has a material adverse effect on (i) the business,
properties, assets, financial condition, or results of operations or prospects
of the Fund or RMG or (ii) the ability of the Fund or RMG to perform its
obligations under this Agreement.

         "Member(s)" or "Member(s) of the Fund" shall mean each employer member
of the Fund who has executed an agreement to participate in the Fund and who has
agreed to become bound by an indemnity agreement, which binds such member to
individual, several, or proportionate liability as set forth in Sections 624.472
and 624.474 of the FIL, and as set forth in the indemnity agreement and/or
amendments thereto filed with the Florida Department of Insurance, or previously
filed with the Division of Workers Compensation, Florida Department of Labor and
Employment Security, and who have further agreed to assume all obligations
imposed upon them as set forth in the Florida Worker's Compensation Act, the
rules and regulations adopted from time to time by the trustees of the Fund and
the conditions of the application to the Department of Labor and Employment
Security for membership in the Fund.

         "Member Distributee" shall mean each corporation, partnership, 
person or other legal entity who was a Member of the Fund at any time during 
the five-year period ending on the date of the Effective Time.

         "Members' Meeting" shall mean the special meeting of the Members
contemplated by Section 6.3.



                                     33


<PAGE>

         "Merger" shall have the meaning specified in Section 1.1.

         "Merger Consideration" shall have the meaning specified in Section
3.1.

         "Order" shall mean any administrative decision or award, decree,
injunction, judgment, order, quasi-judicial decision or award, ruling, or writ
of any federal, state, local or foreign or other court, arbitrator, mediator,
tribunal, administrative agency or authority.

         "PBGC" shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

         "Permit" shall mean any federal, state, local or foreign governmental
approval, authorization, certificate, declaration, easement, filing, franchise,
license, notice, permit, variance, clearance, exemption, closure or right to
which any person is a party or that is or may be binding upon or inure to the
benefit of any person or its securities, properties or business.

         "Plan of Distribution" shall mean the plan of distribution relating to
the payment of the Merger consideration to the Member Distributees that has been
approved by the Florida Department of Insurance.

         "Plans" shall mean the employee benefit, welfare and compensation
plans, programs, policies and arrangements maintained, sponsored or contributed
to or required to be contributed to by the Fund or RMG.

         "Proxy Statement" shall mean, collectively, the letter to
policyholders, notice of meeting, proxy statement and form of proxy, or the
information statement, as the case may be, to be distributed to Members in
connection with the Merger, or any schedules required to be filed with the
Florida Commissioner in connection therewith.

         "Raymond James" shall mean Raymond James & Associates, Inc.

         "Related Documents" shall mean the Consulting Agreement, the
Management Agreement, the Transfer Agreement and the Proxy Statement.

         "Requisite Percentage" shall mean 66 2/3%.

         "Reserve Liabilities" shall mean all reserves and other liabilities
with respect to insurance and reinsurance and for claims and benefits incurred
but not reported, as established or reflected in the SAP Statements.

         "Retrospectively Rated Policy" shall mean a policy whose premium is
established based on a review of policy experience subsequent to the expiration
of the policy period.

         "Revised Closing Balance Sheet" shall have the meaning specified in
Section 3.2.

         "RMG" shall mean AGC Risk Management Group, Inc., a not-for-profit
corporation organized under the Business Corporation Law of the State of
Florida.



                                     34


<PAGE>

         "SAP" shall mean the accounting practices required or permitted by the
insurance regulatory authorities of the State of Florida, consistently applied
throughout the specified period.

         "SAP Statements" shall mean all of the Funds' annual and quarterly
financial statements, together with all exhibits and schedules thereto, required
to be filed with or submitted to the appropriate insurance regulatory
authorities of the State of Florida on forms prescribed or permitted by such
authorities utilizing such accounting methods as have been required from time to
time by such authorities.

         "September Financial Statements" shall have the meaning specified in
Section 6.12.

         "Surviving Corporation" shall mean Zenith, as the corporation
surviving the Merger.

         "Subsidiary" shall mean, when used with reference to any entity, any
corporation with a majority of the outstanding voting securities owned directly
or indirectly by such former entity.

         "Tax Return" shall mean any report, return or other information
required to be supplied to a Governmental Authority in connection with any
Taxes.

         "Taxes" shall mean all taxes, charges, fees, duties (including customs
duties), levies or other assessments, including without limitation, income,
gross receipts, net proceeds, ad valorem, turnover, real and personal property
(tangible and intangible), sales, use, franchise, excise, value added, stamp,
leasing, lease, user, transfer, fuel, excess profits, occupational, interest
equalization, windfall profits, severance, license, payroll, environmental,
capital stock, disability, employee's income withholding, other withholding,
unemployment and Social Security taxes, which are imposed by an Governmental
Authority, and such term shall include any interest, penalties or additions to
tax attributable thereto.

         "Transfer Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
7.2(g).

         "Voting Member" shall mean each Member who (i) as reflected on the
records of the Fund, was an owner of an in-force policy at the close of business
on the record date for determining Members entitled to vote at the Members'
Meeting, and (ii) casts a vote at the Members' Meeting.

         "ZRM" shall mean a newly-formed Florida corporation, 100% of the stock
of which will be owned by Zenith Insurance or Zenith National.

         "Date of this Agreement" and words of similar import (such as "date
hereof") shall mean October 7, 1996.

         9.11 VALIDITY.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of
this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other
provisions of this Agreement each of which shall remain in full force and
effect.



                                     35


<PAGE>

         9.12 CAPTIONS.  The Article, Section and paragraph captions herein are
for convenience of reference only, do not constitute part of this Agreement and
shall not be deemed to limit or otherwise affect any of the provisions hereof.

        9.13 FURTHER ASSURANCES.  Each of the Fund and RMG agrees that, upon the
reasonable request of Zenith, Zenith Insurance or Zenith National, it shall
cooperate and cause its affiliates, employees and agents to cooperate with
Zenith, Zenith Insurance and Zenith National to effect the orderly transition of
the business, operations and affairs of the Fund and RMG to Zenith and ZRM,
respectively.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, RMG will (a)
give, and cause its affiliates, employees and agents to give, Zenith, Zenith
Insurance and Zenith National reasonable access to all books and records of the
Fund and RMG, (b) cooperate with Zenith, Zenith Insurance and Zenith National in
the preparation of any financial statements, reports or tax returns and in
making any filings or claims for refund or responding to any audit or inquiry of
any governmental or regulatory body, and (c) allow Zenith, Zenith Insurance and
Zenith National to control (i) the preparation of any tax return or amended tax
return to be filed by, or which includes, the Fund after the Closing Date, and
(ii) any contest with any taxing authority concerning taxes of the Fund.

(THE NEXT PAGE IS THE SIGNATURE PAGE)



                                     36


<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be executed by their respective duly authorized officers as of the date first
above written.


Attest:                 ZENITH AGC ACQUISITION 
                          INSURANCE COMPANY
[seal]

____________________________ By:_______________________
                               Name:
                               Title:


Attest:                 ZENITH INSURANCE COMPANY

[seal]

____________________________ By:_______________________
                               Name:
                               Title:


Attest:                 ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP.

[seal]

____________________________ By:_______________________
                               Name:
                               Title:


Attest:                 ASSOCIATED GENERAL COMMERCE
                         SELF INSURERS' TRUST FUND
[seal]

____________________________ By:_______________________
                               Name:
                               Title:


Attest:                 AGC RISK MANAGEMENT GROUP, INC.

[seal]

____________________________ By:_______________________
                               Name:
                               Title:



                                     37


<PAGE>

                                                                  EXHIBIT 7.2(e)

                        OPINION OF GERALD S. LIVINGSTON, ESQ.,
                                 COUNSEL TO THE FUND

         Gerald S. Livingston, Esq. will deliver an opinion, subject to
customary assumptions, exceptions and conditions, to the effect that:

         1.   The Fund is a self-insurance trust fund duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Florida.  RMG is a
not-for-profit corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the Laws of the State of Florida.  Each of the Fund and RMG has all
requisite power and authority and all necessary governmental Consents to own,
lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as it is now being
conducted.  The Fund and RMG have heretofore made available to Zenith complete
and correct copies of their Declaration of Trust and Articles of Incorporation,
respectively, and, in the case of RMG, its By-Laws, each in effect as of the
date hereof.

         2.   The Fund is (a) duly licensed or authorized as a self-insurance
trust fund in the State of Florida,(b) not required to be licensed or authorized
as a self-insurance trust fund or insurance company in any jurisdiction other
than the State of Florida, and (c) duly authorized in the State of Florida to
write the line of business reported as being written in the SAP Statements.

         3. RMG is (a) duly licensed or authorized as a managing general agent
and was previously licensed as a service company in the State of Florida, and
(b) not required to be licensed or authorized as a managing general agent or
service company in any jurisdiction other than the State of Florida.

         4.   The Fund has no Subsidiaries.  Except as set forth in Section 4.2
of the Disclosure Schedule, the Fund does not directly or indirectly have any
equity or similar interest in, or any interest convertible into or exchangeable
or exercisable for any equity or similar interest in, any corporation,
partnership, joint venture or other business association or entity that directly
or indirectly conducts any activity which is material to the Fund.  RMG has one
member, which member is the Fund.

         5.   Each of the Fund and RMG has the requisite power and authority to
execute and deliver the Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated thereby.  The Agreement and the consummation by the Fund and RMG of
the transactions contemplated thereby have been duly and validly authorized by
the Board of Trustees of the Fund and the Board of Directors of RMG, and no
other proceedings on the part of the Fund or RMG are necessary to authorize the
Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby.  The Agreement
has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Fund and RMG and,
assuming the Agreement constitutes the valid and binding agreement of Zenith,
Zenith Insurance and Zenith National, constitutes the valid and binding
agreement of the Fund and RMG, enforceable against the Fund and RMG in
accordance with its terms, except that the enforcement hereof may be limited by
(a) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar Laws now
or hereafter in effect relating to creditors' rights generally and (b) general
principles of equity (regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a
proceeding in equity or at law).

         6.   Neither the execution, delivery or performance of the Agreement
by the Fund or RMG, nor the consummation by the Fund or RMG of the transactions
contemplated thereby nor compliance by the Fund or RMG with any of the
provisions thereof will (a) conflict with or result in any breach of any



                                      1
<PAGE>

provision of the Declaration of Trust of the Fund, or the Articles of
Incorporation or By-Laws of RMG;(b) require any Consent of any governmental or
regulatory authority, except the filing of Articles of Merger pursuant to the
FBCA;(c) result in a Default under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of
any Contract to which the Fund or RMG may be a party, or Permit by which the
Fund or RMG or any of their assets may be bound, except for such Defaults as to
which requisite waivers or consents have been obtained; or (d) violate any Order
or Law applicable to the Fund or RMG or any of their assets.

         7.   Except as disclosed in the financial statements delivered
pursuant to Section 4.5 of the Agreement or as set forth in Section 4.8 of the
Disclosure Schedule, there is no Litigation pending or, to my knowledge,
threatened against or affecting the business operations or financial condition
of the Fund or RMG.  Neither the Fund nor RMG is in default with respect to any
judgement, order, writ, injunction or decree of any court or any Federal, state,
municipal or other governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or
instrumentality.

         8.   The Proxy Statement complies with the FIL.  None of the
information as to the Fund or RMG contained in the Proxy Statement contains any
untrue statement of a material fact required to be stated therein or omits to
state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

         Such counsel's opinion shall be limited to the laws of the State of
Florida and the federal laws of the United States of America, to the extent
specifically referred to in such opinion.



                                      2


<PAGE>

                                                                  EXHIBIT 7.2(f)

                                 CONSULTING AGREEMENT

         CONSULTING AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of December 18, 1996
by and among Howard Hice, John G. Martin, Ronald Morrick, Armand Mouw, Ron
Shafer, Jr., and Doris Oberhardt (hereinafter collectively referred to as the
"Management Group") and ZENITH AGC ACQUISITION INSURANCE COMPANY, a Florida
corporation (together with its successors and assigns, "Zenith").


                                 W I T N E S S E T H:

         WHEREAS, Zenith, Zenith Insurance Company, Zenith National Insurance
Corp., Associated General Commerce Self-Insurers' Trust Fund (the "Fund") and
AGC Risk Management Group, Inc. have heretofore entered into an Agreement and
Plan of Merger, dated as of October 7, 1996 (as the same may be amended from
time to time, the "Merger Agreement"), providing for, among other things, the
merger of the Fund with and into Zenith (the "Merger");

         WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 7.2(f) of the Merger Agreement, the
obligation of Zenith to consummate the Merger is conditioned upon, among other
things, the Management Group and Zenith entering into this Consulting Agreement;
and

         WHEREAS, Zenith desires to retain the Management Group's services as
independent contractors and consultants in order to procure for itself the
benefits of the extensive familiarity of the Management Group with the business
and operations of the Fund, and the Management Group desires to make such
services available to Zenith on the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants of the
parties hereto and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged and intending to be legally bound
hereby, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

         FIRST:  The Management Group and Zenith agree that the Management
Group will be retained as consultants for the period beginning at the Effective
Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement) and ending on the fifth anniversary
thereof (hereinafter referred to as the "Period").  The Management Group agrees
to provide Zenith, its subsidiaries and affiliates with consulting services as
requested by Zenith.  Such consulting services shall be provided at mutually
convenient times as Zenith may reasonably request during the Period.  There will
be no established schedule for the Management Group's services, and Zenith
agrees to provide the Management Group with reasonable notice of the dates,
times and places where the Management Group is or are to be available for
consultation.  Except as expressly provided herein, Zenith acknowledges that the
services to be provided hereunder by the Management Group shall not require the
full-time services of the Management Group and shall not preclude the Management
Group from engaging in any other full-time or part-time activity or employment
in any business except for the Workers' Compensation Insurance Business (as
hereinafter defined).  The Management Group (except Doris Oberhardt) agrees that
they shall not engage in or undertake any Workers' Compensation Insurance
Business beginning on the date of this Agreement and for a period of five (5)
years following the end of the Period.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained herein, it is expressly agreed and understood that Doris Oberhardt
shall not engage



                                      1
<PAGE>

in any other full-time or part-time activity or employment during the Period 
other than employment with Zenith Risk Management, Inc.  It is the 
expectation of the parties that the amount of time devoted by the Management 
Group (except Doris Oberhardt) to consulting services hereunder will decrease 
during the Period as Zenith becomes more familiar with the business and 
operations of the Fund.  For purposes of this Agreement, "Workers'
Compensation Insurance Business" shall mean the business of providing 
insurance coverage for income, medical, death, disability and/or 
rehabilitation benefits to employers for employee job-related injuries or 
diseases, and shall include any management, administration, or consulting 
services relating thereto. 

         SECOND:  In consideration of the foregoing services, Zenith agrees to
compensate each member of the Management Group in the amount of $25,000 per
year.  Payment shall be made by Zenith within ten (10) days of the beginning of
each payment period, except that payment for the first payment period will be
made on the date of this Agreement.

         THIRD:  The Management Group agrees that, during the Period, the
Management Group (except Doris Oberhardt) will be independent contractors and
therefore will be responsible for the payment of all taxes with respect to
payments made under this Agreement.  All payments under this Agreement will be
made free and clear of, and without deduction or withholding for, any taxes.  In
the event that applicable law requires that any withholding be made in respect
of the payments to be made hereunder, Zenith agrees to withhold such amounts as
may be required, pay such withheld amounts over to the applicable taxing
authority and pay to the Management Group the remainder of the amount specified
in paragraph SECOND hereof after deducting such withholding.

         FOURTH:  This Agreement may not be assigned by either party, other
than by Zenith to a subsidiary or affiliate of Zenith, at any time during the
Period without the prior written consent of the other party.

         FIFTH:  Any notice, request, instruction or other document to be given
hereunder by any party to the other parties shall be in writing and shall be
deemed given when delivered personally, upon receipt of a transmission
confirmation (with a confirming copy sent by overnight courier) if sent by
telecopy or like transmission, and on the next business day when sent by Federal
Express, Express Mail, or other reputable overnight courier as follows:

    (a)  If to the Management Group, to:

         Howard Hice
         Park Square, Suite 15
         2105 Park Avenue
         Orange Park, Florida  32073
         Telephone:  (904) 269-1141
         Telecopy:  (904) 269-1572

         John G. Martin
         906 West Main Street
         Pensacola, Florida  32501
         Telephone:  (904) 438-5491
         Telecopier:  (904) 434-9344



                                      2
<PAGE>

         Ronald Morrick
         730 S. Sterling Avenue, Suite 200
         Tampa, Florida  33609
         Telephone:  (813) 253-2271
         Telecopy:  (813) 354-1702

         Armand Mouw
         409 N. E. 3rd Street
         Delray Beach, Florida  33483
         Telephone:  (561) 276-9640
         Telecopy:  (561) 265-3886

         Ron C. Shafer, Jr.
         6855 S. W. 81st Street
         Miami, Florida  33143
         Telephone:  (305) 333-7107
         Telecopy:  (305) 665-5299

         and

         Doris Oberhardt
         1363 East Lafayette
         Tallahassee, Florida  32302
         Telephone:  (904) 878-4261
         Telecopy:  (904) 656-3237

         with a copy to:

         Gerald S. Livingston, Esq.
         255 South Orange Avenue
         Suite 850
         Orlando, Florida  32801
         (407) 422-2524 (telephone)
         (407) 422-2529 (telecopier)


    (b)  If to Zenith, to it at:

         Zenith AGC Acquisition Insurance Company
         c/o Zenith Insurance Company
         21255 Califa Street
         Woodland Hills, CA  91367-5021
         Attention:  John J. Tickner, Esq.
         Telephone: (818) 594-5564
         Telecopy:  (818) 594-7269



                                      3
<PAGE>

         with a copy to:

         Bertil Lundqvist, Esq.
         Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
         919 Third Avenue
         New York, NY  10028
         Telephone: (212) 735-3000
         Telecopy:  (212) 735-2000

         and

         Jerome L. Coben, Esq.
         Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
         300 South Grand Avenue
         Los Angeles, CA 90071
         Telephone: (312) 687-5010
         Telecopy:  (312) 687-5600

or to such other persons or addresses as may be designated in writing by the
party to receive such notice.  Nothing in this Section FIFTH shall be deemed to
constitute consent to the manner and address for service of process in
connection with any legal proceeding (including litigation arising out of or in
connection with this Agreement), which service shall be effected as required by
applicable law.

         SIXTH:  This Agreement will be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of Florida without giving effect to the
principles of conflicts of law thereof.  Venue for the purposes of any cause of
action, of whatsoever kind or nature, by any party against any other hereunder,
shall be Orange County, Florida.

         SEVENTH:  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the
parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all other prior
agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties or any
of them with respect to the subject matter hereof.

         EIGHTH:  All information disclosed by any party to the other party in
connection with this Agreement or the services to be provided hereunder shall be
kept confidential by the party receiving such information and no public
statements shall be issued by any party relating to such information without the
other party's prior written consent.  The obligations contained in this
Paragraph EIGHTH shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

         NINTH:  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the
benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors and permitted
assigns.  Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall
confer upon any other person any rights, benefits or remedies of any nature
whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

         TENTH:  For the convenience of the parties hereto, this Agreement may
be executed in any number of counterparts, each such counterpart being deemed to
be an original instrument, and all such counterparts shall together constitute
the same agreement.



                                      4
<PAGE>

         ELEVENTH: The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this
Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision
of this Agreement each of which shall remain in full force and effect.

         TWELFTH:  Zenith agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Management
Group from and against all costs, damages, judgments, attorney's fees, expenses,
obligations and liabilities of whatsoever kind or nature, which, in good faith,
the Management Group may incur or sustain in connection with or arising from the
Management Group's performance hereunder, except such costs, damages, judgments,
attorney's fees, expenses, obligations or liabilities which may be incurred by
the Management Group as a result of (a) a violation of a criminal law resulting
in a conviction, (b) any deliberately dishonest or fraudulent act or omission,
or (c) any act or omission committed in bad faith or with malicious purpose or
constituting gross negligence.
 
         THIRTEENTH:  This Agreement shall terminate in the event that the
Merger Agreement is terminated, in which case the parties hereto shall have no
liability to each other under this Agreement (except as expressly provided in
the Merger Agreement).  In the event that any member of the Management Group
shall die or become incapacitated such that he or she is unable to perform his
or her duties under this Agreement, then Zenith's obligation to compensate such
member of the Management Group pursuant to paragraph SECOND shall terminate.

(THE NEXT PAGE IS THE SIGNATURE PAGE)



                                      5
<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have each executed this
Agreement as of the date first written above.


                        ZENITH AGC ACQUISITION
                          INSURANCE COMPANY


                        By:___________________________
                           Name:
                           Title:



                        ______________________________
                        Howard Hice



                        ______________________________
                        John G. Martin



                        ______________________________
                        Ronald Morrick



                        ______________________________
                        Armand Mouw



                        ______________________________
                        Ronald Shafer, Jr.



                        ______________________________
                        Doris Oberhardt


<PAGE>
                                                                 EXHIBIT 7.2(g)

                                  TRANSFER AGREEMENT

         TRANSFER AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of December 18, 1996,
by and between AGC RISK MANAGEMENT GROUP, INC., a Florida not-for-profit
corporation ("RMG"), and ZENITH RISK MANAGEMENT, INC., a Florida corporation
("ZRM").  Terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective
meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of
October 7, 1996, by and among Zenith AGC Acquisition Insurance Company, a
Florida corporation ("Zenith"), Zenith Insurance Company, a California
corporation ("Zenith Insurance"), Zenith National Insurance Corp., a Delaware
corporation ("Zenith National"), Associated General Commerce Self-Insurers'
Trust Fund, a qualified Florida self-insurers fund (the "Fund"), and AGC Risk
Management Group, Inc., a Florida not-for-profit corporation ("RMG") (as the
same may be amended from time to time, the "Merger Agreement").  


                           W  I  T  N  E  S  S  E  T  H:

         WHEREAS, Zenith, Zenith Insurance, Zenith National, the Fund and RMG
have heretofore entered into the Merger Agreement providing for the merger of
the Fund with and into Zenith pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Merger
Agreement (the "Merger"), and the subsequent merger of Zenith with and into
Zenith Insurance; and

         WHEREAS, pursuant to section 7.2(g) of the Merger Agreement, the
obligation of Zenith to consummate the Merger is conditioned upon, among other
things, the execution and delivery by RMG and ZRM of this Agreement.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants of the
parties hereto and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be
legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

         1.   As of the Effective Time, RMG hereby assigns, sells, transfers,
conveys and delivers to ZRM, its successors and assigns all of RMG's right,
title and interest in and to all of RMG's assets, including the assets
identified in SCHEDULE A hereto (collectively, the "Assets").

         2.   As of the Effective Time, ZRM hereby purchases and accepts the
assignment and transfer of all of RMG's right, title and interest in and to the
Assets, and hereby assumes the liabilities and obligations of RMG set forth on
SCHEDULE B hereto.

         3.   RMG hereby represents and warrants that (a) the Assets constitute
all of the assets currently being used by RMG in its business,(b) RMG has good
and marketable title to the Assets, with the free and unencumbered right to
transfer the same, and that the Assets are free and clear of all liens and
encumbrances, and (c) ZRM and its successors and assigns will have all right,
title and interest in and to the Assets upon the delivery of this Agreement.

         4.   RMG hereby agrees and acknowledges that ZRM may hire any
employees of RMG that ZRM deems to be necessary or useful in the operation or
management of ZRM's business.
                                       1

<PAGE>

RMG waives any and all claims it may have against ZRM or any former employee 
of RMG which may be hired by ZRM, whether such claims are based on written 
employment agreements with such employees or otherwise. RMG's waiver of its 
rights pursuant to this paragraph shall be deemed to be for the benefit of 
both ZRM and any such employee.  RMG shall take any and all actions, 
consistent with applicable law, as ZRM may request with respect to the Plans, 
including but not limited to actions concerning the termination of any Plan 
and/or the transfer, distribution and/or other disposition of the assets of 
any Plan.

         5.   As soon as practical after the Effective Time, RMG shall take all
appropriate action to effect its dissolution and liquidation in accordance with
Florida law.

         6.   For the convenience of the parties hereto, this Agreement may be
executed in any number of counterparts, each such counterpart being deemed to be
an original instrument, and all such counterparts shall together constitute the
same agreement.

         7.   This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of Florida without giving effect to the principles of
conflicts of law thereof.  Venue for the purposes of any cause of action, of
whatsoever kind or nature by any party against any other hereunder, shall be
Orange County, Florida.

         8.   RMG and ZRM, as reasonably requested to do so by the other party
from time to time, shall, at their own expense, do, execute, acknowledge and
deliver any and all such other further acts, transfers and any instruments or
further assurances, approvals and consents as are necessary or proper in order
to accomplish and complete the transactions contemplated hereby and the purposes
hereof.

         9.   Any notice, request, instruction or other document to be given
hereunder by any party to the other parties shall be in writing and shall be
deemed given when delivered personally, upon receipt of the transmission
confirmation (with a confirming copy sent by overnight courier) if sent by
telecopy or like transmission, and on the next business day when sent by Federal
Express, Express Mail, or other reputable overnight courier, as follows:

         (a)  If to RMG, to:

              Doris Oberhardt
              Associated General Commerce 
              Self-Insurers' Trust Fund
              1363 East Lafayette Street
              Tallahassee, Florida  32301
              Telephone:  (904) 878-4261
              Telecopy:   (904) 656-3237

                                       2

<PAGE>


              with a copy to:

              Gerald S. Livingston, Esq.
              255 South Orange Avenue
              Suite 850
              Orlando, Florida  32801
              Telephone:  (407) 422-2524
              Telecopy:   (407) 422-2529

         (b) If to ZRM, to:

              John J. Tickner, Esq.
              Zenith Risk Management, Inc.
              c/o Zenith Insurance Company
              21255 Califa Street
              Woodland Hills, California  91367
              Telephone:  (818) 594-5564
              Telecopy:   (818) 594-7269

              with a copy to:

              Bertil Lundqvist, Esq.
              Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
              919 Third Avenue
              New York, NY  10028
              Telephone: (212) 735-3000
              Telecopy:  (212) 735-2000

              and

              Jerome L. Coben, Esq.
              Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
              300 South Grand Avenue, Suite 3400
              Los Angeles, California  90071
              Telephone:  (213) 687-5010
              Telecopy:   (213) 687-5600

or to such other persons or addresses as may be designated in writing by the
party to receive such notice.  Nothing in this paragraph 9 shall be deemed to
constitute consent to the manner and address for service of process in
connection with any legal proceeding (including litigation arising out of or in
connection with this Agreement), which service shall be effected as required by
applicable law.

         10.  This Agreement (a) constitutes the entire agreement among the
parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all other prior
agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties or any
of them with respect to the subject matter hereof and (b) shall not be assigned
by operation of law or otherwise.

                                       3

<PAGE>



         11.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the
benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors and permitted
assigns.  Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall
confer upon any other person any rights, benefits or remedies of any nature
whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

         12.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this
Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other
provisions of this Agreement each of which shall remain in full force and
effect.

(THE NEXT PAGE IS THE SIGNATURE PAGE)

                                       4

<PAGE>


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be executed by their respective duly authorized officers as of the date first
above written.

                        AGC RISK MANAGEMENT GROUP, INC.



                        By:___________________________
                           Name:
                           Title:


                        ZENITH RISK MANAGEMENT, INC.



                        By:___________________________
                           Name:
                           Title:


<PAGE>


                                                                      SCHEDULE A


                                        ASSETS


<PAGE>
                                                                      SCHEDULE B


                                 ASSUMED LIABILITIES



<PAGE>
                                                                  EXHIBIT 7.3(d)

                                      OPINION OF
                                  COUNSEL TO ZENITH

         Counsel to Zenith will deliver one or more opinions, subject to
customary assumptions, exceptions and conditions, to the effect that:

    1.   Each of Zenith, Zenith Insurance and Zenith National (collectively,
the "Companies") has been duly incorporated and is validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the States of Florida, California and Delaware,
respectively.  Each of the Companies is qualified to do business and is in good
standing as a foreign corporation under the laws of the States of _________.

    2.   Each of Zenith and Zenith Insurance is duly licensed as an insurance
company in the State of Florida, authorized to write workers' compensation
insurance.

    3.   Zenith Insurance is duly licensed or authorized as an insurance
company in the State of California, authorized to write the following lines of
business: _________.

    4.   Each of the Companies has the corporate power and corporate authority
to execute, deliver and perform all of its obligations under the Agreement.  The
execution and delivery of the Agreement and the consummation by the Companies of
the transactions contemplated thereby have been duly authorized by all requisite
corporate action on the part of the Companies.  The Agreement has been duly
executed and delivered by the Companies.

    5.   The Agreement constitutes the valid and binding obligation of the
Companies, enforceable against the Companies in accordance with its terms.

    6.   The execution and delivery by the Companies of the Agreement, and the
performance by the Companies of their obligations under the Agreement, in
accordance with its terms, do not conflict with the articles of incorporation,
the certificate of incorporation or the bylaws of any of the Companies.

    7.   Neither the execution, delivery or performance by the Companies of the
Agreement, nor the compliance by the Companies with the terms and provisions
thereof will contravene any provision of any Applicable Law (as hereinafter
defined).  "Applicable Laws" shall mean those laws, rules and regulations of the
States of California and Florida, the general corporate law of the State of
Delaware and of the United States of America which, in our experience, are
normally applicable to transactions of the type contemplated by the Agreement.

    8.   No Governmental Approval (as hereinafter defined), which has not been
obtained or taken and is not in full force and effect, is required to authorize
or is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of the
Agreement by the Companies except (a) in connection with the applicable
requirements of the HSR Act, (b) the filing of articles of merger pursuant to
the FBCA, and the filing of an agreement of merger pursuant to the laws of the
State of California, (c) the filing of appropriate documents with the relevant
authorities of each state in which Zenith, Zenith Insurance or any of their
Subsidiaries is authorized to do business, (d) the filing of appropriate
documents with, and the approval of, the insurance regulatory authorities of the
states of Florida, California, and other states in which Zenith

<PAGE>

Insurance conducts its business.  "Governmental Approval" means any consent, 
approval, license, authorization or validation of, or filing, recording or 
registration with, any Governmental Authority pursuant to Applicable Laws.



                                      2


<PAGE>


                                                                  EXHIBIT 7.3(f)

                                 MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

         MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of December 18,
1996, by and between ZENITH INSURANCE COMPANY, a California corporation acting
by and through its authorized Board of Directors (hereinafter referred to as the
"Insurer"), and ZENITH RISK MANAGEMENT, INC., a Florida corporation ("ZRM").


I.  PURPOSE OF AGREEMENT

         The Insurer hereby appoints ZRM, and ZRM hereby acknowledges its
appointment, as the Insurer's manager, for the purpose of providing, subject to
the provisions of applicable statutes and rules, all services which are
necessary and required in the planning, management and administration of the
day-to-day operations, business and affairs of the Insurer with respect to the
workers' compensation insurance business acquired from Associated General
Commerce Self-Insurers Trust Fund ("AGC-SIF").  For purposes of this Agreement,
all references to the business, operations, or affairs of the Insurer shall mean
the business, operations or affairs of the Insurer transacted in the State of
Florida and consisting of workers' compensation insurance business acquired from
AGC-SIF and any other insurance business mutually agreed upon by the parties
hereto.


II. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ZRM

         ZRM shall be responsible for managing and administering the affairs of
the Insurer as set forth in Article I, including, but not limited to, marketing,
underwriting, billing, claims administration, termination, reinstatement, safety
and loss prevention, policy issuance, accounting, regulatory reporting, and
general administration.  Specifically, but without limitation, ZRM shall be
responsible for the following:

    A.   ERRORS AND OMISSIONS AND FIDELITY COVERAGE.

         1.   ZRM shall secure, place and provide on behalf of the Insurer,
errors and omissions coverage and fidelity coverage in an amount sufficient to
comply with applicable regulations which may be adopted from time to time by the
Florida Department of Insurance, hereinafter referred to as "Department."

         2.   ZRM with the concurrence of the Insurer, shall secure and place
on behalf of the Insurer, such additional errors and omissions coverage and
fidelity coverage as may be reasonably required from time to time to
sufficiently protect and ensure the integrity and continued sound operation of
the Insurer.

    B.   CLAIMS ADMINISTRATION.

         1.   All claims shall be reported to the Insurer in a timely manner
and all claims shall be adjusted by properly licensed persons.



                                      1
<PAGE>

         2.   Notice shall be sent by ZRM to the Insurer as soon as it becomes
known that the claim:

              (a)  Exceeds the limit set by the Insurer;

              (b)  Involves a coverage dispute;

              (c)  Exceeds ZRM's claims settlement authority;

              (d)  Is open for more than 6 months; or

              (e)  Is closed by payment of an amount set by the Department or
an amount set by the Insurer, whichever is less.

         3.   All paper and electronic claims files shall be the joint property
of the Insurer and ZRM.  However, upon an order of liquidation of the Insurer,
the paper and electronic claims and related application files shall become the
sole property of the Insurer or its estate.  ZRM shall have reasonable access to
and the right to copy the claims files on a timely basis.

         4.   Any settlement authority granted to ZRM may be terminated for
cause upon the Insurer's written notice to ZRM or upon the termination of this
agreement.  The Insurer may suspend the settlement authority during the pendency
of any dispute regarding the cause for termination.

         5.   ZRM shall provide timely magnetic media transfer of data, as
required by the Insurer or the Department.

    C.   MARKETING.

         ZRM shall provide a state-wide marketing program directed to licensed
insurance agents, and shall furnish state-wide marketing services designed and
tailored to ensure continued and orderly growth in both the number of
policyholders of the Insurer and the annual premium of the Insurer.

    D.   UNDERWRITING.

         ZRM shall strictly adhere to the underwriting guidelines established
by the Insurer.  Said guidelines are more specifically set forth in ADDENDUM "A"
and made part of this Agreement.  The Insurer may suspend the underwriting
authority of ZRM during the pendency of any dispute regarding the cause for
termination as set forth in Article IV.  The Insurer or ZRM must fulfill all
obligations on policies regardless of any disputes.

    E.   LOSS CONTROL.

         1.   ZRM shall be responsible for development of all safety programs,
safety rules and regulations as are required by the Florida Insurance Laws and
applicable provisions of the Florida Administrative Code, and shall further be
responsible for the submittal of such safety programs, rules and regulations.



                                      2
<PAGE>

         2.   ZRM shall be responsible for securing approval of safety programs
submitted in compliance with the Florida Insurance Laws and applicable
provisions of the Florida Administrative Code.

         3.   ZRM shall be responsible for the coordination and implementation
of approved loss control programs.

    F.   DATA PROCESSING AND REPORTING.

         ZRM shall provide comprehensive data processing and reporting, on a
timely basis, all reports, statistical data, and information necessary to ensure
that all operations of the Insurer are conducted on a sound businesslike basis,
including, but not limited to, claims processing, billing, termination,
reinstatement, policy issuance, and disaster recovery capability in accordance
with the Insurer's disaster recovery program adopted by ZRM.

    G.   AUDIT, ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATION.

         1.   ZRM shall require that all funds and/or remittances received from
agents and/or insureds be payable directly to the Insurer.  All funds collected
for the account of the Insurer shall be held by ZRM in a fiduciary capacity in a
bank which is a member of the Federal Reserve System.  This account shall be
used for all payments as directed by the Insurer.  ZRM may retain no more than
sixty (60) days of estimated claims payments and allocated loss adjustment
expenses.  

         2.   ZRM shall provide such audit, accounting and administrative 
services as may be required from time to time to ensure the efficient and 
cost-effective operations of the Insurer.

         3.   ZRM shall render accounts to the Insurer detailing all
transactions under the terms of this Agreement to the Insurer on a monthly or
more frequent basis, as determined from time to time by the Insurer.

         4.   Separate records of business written by ZRM shall be maintained
by ZRM.  The Insurer shall have access and the right to audit and to copy all
electronic and paper books, bank accounts and records related to its business,
and such bank accounts and records shall be maintained in a form usable by the
Insurer.  The Department shall have access to all books, bank accounts, and
records of ZRM, and such books, bank accounts and records shall be maintained in
a form usable to the Department.  The records shall be retained according to
Section 626.561, Florida Insurance Laws.

    H.   REGULATORY REPORTING.

         ZRM shall provide comprehensive regulatory reporting, on a periodic
basis and upon prescribed forms, as required by Florida Statutes and applicable
provisions of the Florida Administrative Code.

    I.   GENERAL ADMINISTRATION AND MISCELLANEOUS.



                                      3
<PAGE>

         1.   ZRM shall:

              (a) At the request of the Insurer, represent the Insurer at all
hearings, meetings, conventions and administrative inquiries involving the
interests of the Insurer, and before any agency of the State of Florida, except
those requiring representation by an attorney-at-law.

              (b) Provide such services as may be necessary in the development
of gross premiums, standard premiums, normal premiums, loss reserves and loss
funds.

              (c) Coordinate and facilitate provision of rehabilitative
services to injured employees pursuant to the Florida Insurance Laws and
applicable provisions of the Florida Administrative Code.  Any rehabilitation
services provided hereunder shall be from the approved list of providers of such
services maintained by the appropriate state agencies.

              (d) File with the Department such reports as are required from
time to time, including, but not limited to:  payroll records, accident
experience and compensation payments, summary loss reports and reports of
outstanding workers' compensation liabilities.

              (e) Timely, routinely and as directed by the Insurer, provide to
the Insurer and its actuaries and certified public accountants, the data
necessary for a full, complete and ongoing evaluation of the Insurer's business
which is the subject of this Agreement.

              (f) Attend management meetings of the Insurer as requested.

              (g) As directed by the Insurer, make such reports as are
requested relating to matters of concern or general interest with respect to the
Insurer.

              (h) Provide sufficient personnel to perform ZRM's duties and
obligations pursuant to this Agreement and maintain a sufficient number of
experienced and qualified personnel, employed on a full-time basis, to meet the
needs of the Insurer.

              (i)  Implement any managed care options required by Florida law.

         2.   ZRM shall not:

              (a) Bind reinsurance or retrocessions on behalf of the Insurer.

              (b) Commit the Insurer to participate in insurance or reinsurance
syndicates.

              (c) Appoint any producer without assuring that the producer is
lawfully licensed to transact the type of insurance for which he is appointed.

              (d) Without prior approval of the Insurer, pay or commit the
Insurer to pay a claim over a specified amount, net of reinsurance, which
exceeds $125,000.



                                      4
<PAGE>

              (e) Collect any payment from a reinsurer or commit the Insurer to
any claims settlement with a reinsurer without prior approval of the Insurer. 
If prior approval is given, a report must be promptly forwarded to the Insurer.

              (f) Permit a producer or subproducer to serve on its Board of
Directors.

              (g) Appoint a submanaging general agent.

              (h)  Enter into any contract or arrangement other than those
necessary to perform the services contemplated hereunder, without the approval
of the Insurer.

              (i)  Implement the hiring or firing of any senior officer of ZRM
except as reasonably and jointly determined by ZRM and the Insurer.


III. DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS OF THE INSURER

         1.   In consideration for the services provided under this Agreement,
the Insurer shall pay or advance funds to ZRM for all costs, fees and expenses
(as reasonably and jointly determined by the Insurer and ZRM) incurred by ZRM in
providing the services described under this Agreement.  The Insurer shall pay
the costs of reinsurance as provided in any reinsurance contract and shall pay
the costs of any other insurance purchased in the name of, and for the
protection of, the Insurer.  It is the intent of the Insurer and ZRM that
payment or advancement of funds shall be limited to the actual fair and
reasonable cost of the operations of ZRM.

         2.   All funds received by the Insurer shall be held by said Insurer
in a bank which is a member of the Federal Reserve System.

         3.   ZRM shall not share in interim profits.

         4.   The Insurer shall have ultimate control and responsibility over
the functions delegated to ZRM under this Agreement.


IV. TERM AND TERMINATION

    A.   This Agreement shall become effective as of the Effective Time (as
defined in the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 7, 1996, by and
among the Insurer, Zenith Insurance Company, Zenith National Insurance Corp.,
AGC-SIF and AGC Risk Management Group, Inc.) and shall remain in force for a
period of five (5) years thereafter unless terminated earlier pursuant to the
following sentence.  This Agreement may be terminated:

         1.   By mutual agreement of the parties hereto;

         2.   Upon dissolution of the Insurer, whether voluntary or due to
cessation of the Insurer's authority to operate within the State of Florida;



                                      5


<PAGE>

         3.   Upon dissolution of the Insurer due to insolvency or bankruptcy;

         4.   Upon ten (10) days' written notice by either party if the other
party is in material breach of any term, covenant or condition contained herein;
provided, however, that as a condition precedent to termination under this
clause, the terminating party shall give written notice to the other party, who
shall have thirty (30) days from the date of such notice to cure or correct the
grounds for termination.  If the grounds for termination are not corrected or
cured during the thirty (30) day period, this Agreement may be terminated on the
termination date specified in the notice, but not prior to the expiration of the
thirty (30) day period described herein.  

    B.   Should this Agreement be terminated, ZRM will cease providing
services, turn over to the Insurer all paper and electronic records and files of
the Insurer in the custody of ZRM, which shall include loss control records,
reports, surveys and correspondence, underwriting surveys and premium
calculations, all active and closed claims files, Insured's files, and readable
form copies of all regulatory filings.  Notwithstanding the termination of this
Agreement, ZRM will, at the request and expense of the Insurer, continue to:

         1.   Provide continued administration of the open claims files;

         2.   Assist in the preparation of a payroll audit and any regulatory
audit, including but not limited to an annual financial audit, for the final
year this Agreement is in effect;

         3.   Cooperate with any successor manager or the Insurer in the
orderly transfer of all functions; and

         4.   Provide timely magnetic media transfer of data, as required by
the Insurer or the Department.

    C.   Unless canceled earlier, ZRM and the Insurer mutually agree to a
renegotiation and extension of this Agreement at the end of its initial five
year term.


V.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENT

         This Agreement (a) constitutes the entire agreement among the parties
with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all other prior
agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties or any
of them with respect to the subject matter hereof and (b) may not be assigned in
whole or in part by ZRM.


VI. INDEMNIFICATION

         The Insurer agrees to indemnify and hold ZRM harmless from and against
all costs, damages, judgments, attorney's fees, expenses, obligations and
liabilities of whatsoever kind or nature, which, in good faith, ZRM may incur or
sustain in connection with or arising from ZRM's performance hereunder, except
such costs, damages, judgments, attorney's fees, expenses, obligations or
liabilities which may be incurred by ZRM as a result of (a) a violation of a
criminal law resulting in a conviction,

                                       6


<PAGE>

(b) any deliberately dishonest or fraudulent act or omission, or (c) any act 
or omission committed in bad faith or with malicious purpose or constituting 
gross negligence.

         ZRM agrees to indemnify and hold the Insurer harmless from and against
all costs, damages, judgments, attorney's fees, expenses, obligations and
liabilities of whatsoever kind or nature, which the Insurer may incur or sustain
as a result of any acts or omissions within the scope of clauses (a), (b) or (c)
of the immediately preceding paragraph.


VII.  EXCLUSIVITY AND OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY

    A.   ZRM covenants that the Insurer shall be the only client of ZRM.  

    B.   The Insurer shall be the owner of all computer hardware and software
(including software licenses) and any other property and property rights
acquired or developed by ZRM for purposes of this Agreement and the Insurer
shall have title to all such hardware, software, media, property and property
rights.  The compensation payable to ZRM as provided for in Article III above
shall be deemed to include fair compensation for all such hardware, software,
property and property rights.  ZRM shall execute all documents and take all
actions necessary in the Insurer's opinion to perfect title in the Insurer as
provided for herein.


VIII.  EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATION OF ZRM;
       FIDUCIARY DUTY.

         1.  ZRM represents and warrants that its principals and employees have
the experience and qualifications to meet the needs of the Insurer, including,
without limitation, claims administration, overall planning and coordination of
the business of the Insurer, providing summary data relating to the Insurer's
costs of providing benefits, and the skill and experience to prevent and correct
deficiencies which may arise in the operation of the Insurer.

         2.  ZRM acknowledges its fiduciary duty to the Insurer and agrees to
exercise good faith in all transactions on behalf of the Insurer and agrees to
fully, completely and promptly inform the Insurer of all of its material
communications (both oral and written) to and from the Department or other
regulatory authorities.


IX. NOTICES

         Any notice, request, instruction or other document to be given
hereunder by any party to the other parties shall be in writing and shall be
deemed given when delivered personally, upon receipt of a transmission
confirmation (with a confirming copy sent by overnight courier) if sent by
telecopy or like transmission, and on the next business day when sent by Federal
Express, Express Mail, or other reputable overnight courier, as follows:

         (a)  If to ZRM, to:

                                       7


<PAGE>



              Zenith Risk Management, Inc.
              _________________
              _________________
              Telephone:  ______________
              Telecopy:   ______________

         (b)  If to the Insurer, to:

              John J. Tickner, Esq.
               Zenith Insurance Company
              21255 Califa Street
              Woodland Hills, CA 91367-5021
              Telephone: (818) 594-5564
              Telecopy:  (818) 594-7269

              with a copy to:

              Bertil Lundqvist, Esq.
              Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
              919 Third Avenue
              New York, NY 10019
              Telephone: (212) 735-3000
              Telecopy:  (212) 735-2000

              and

              Jerome L. Coben, Esq.
              Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
              300 South Grand Avenue
              Los Angeles, CA 90071
              Telephone: (312) 687-5010
              Telecopy:  (312) 687-5600


X.  CONSTRUCTION

         This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with,
the laws of the State of Florida without giving effect to the principles of
conflicts of laws thereof.  Venue for the purposes of any cause of action, of
whatsoever kind or nature, by either party against the other hereunder, shall be
Orange County, Florida.


XI.  COUNTERPARTS

         For the convenience of the parties hereto, this Agreement may be
executed in any number of counterparts, each such counterpart being deemed to be
an original instrument, and all such counterparts shall together constitute the
same agreement.


                                       8


<PAGE>


XII.  PARTIES IN INTEREST

         This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit
of each party hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. 
Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer
upon any other person any rights, benefits or remedies of any nature whatsoever
under or by reason of this Agreement.


XIII.  VALIDITY

         The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement
shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this
Agreement, each of which shall remain in full force and effect.


XIV.  CAPTIONS

         The Section captions herein are for convenience of reference only, do
not constitute part of this Agreement and shall not be deemed to limit or
otherwise affect any of the provisions hereof.


                                       9


<PAGE>


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the above-named parties have hereunto set their
hands and seals on the day above written for themselves, their assigns and
successors, and do hereby agree to fully perform the covenants and agreements as
hereinabove set forth.


                                              ZENITH INSURANCE COMPANY


                                              By:  
                                                  ------------------------  
                                              Name:
                                              Title:


                                              Attest:


                                              By:                    
                                                  ------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title: Secretary


                                               ZENITH RISK MANAGEMENT, INC.


                                              By:                        
                                                  -------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:


                                              Attest:

                                              By:
                                                  --------------------------   
                                              Name:
                                              Title:  Secretary



<PAGE>

                                                                      ADDENDUM A

                               UNDERWRITING GUIDELINES


Maximum annual
premium volume:                   $60 million.


Basis of the rates
to be charged:                    Standard workers' compensation in accordance
                                  with the insurance laws of the State of 
                                  Florida.


Types of risks which
may be written:                   Any risk except those excluded from time to
                                  time under Zenith reinsurance treaties.


Maximum limits of liability:      Statutory workers' compensation and $2
                                  million employers' liability.


Applicable exclusions:            None.


Territorial limitations:          United States, subject to required licenses.


Policy cancellation
provisions:                       Statutory as per policy.


Maximum policy periods:           One year.



<PAGE>

                        Zenith National Insurance Corp. 
                         Executive Officer Bonus Plan

1.   DEFINED TERMS

          "Company" shall mean Zenith National Insurance Corp. and any successor
thereto.
          
          "Company Combined Ratio" for any fiscal year shall mean the total
combined ratio of the Zenith National Insurance Group for such fiscal year as
determined from the consolidated statutory financial statements of the property
and casualty insurance subsidiaries of the Zenith National Insurance Group.
          
          "Industry Combined Ratio" for any fiscal year shall mean the combined
ratio for the insurance industry, as a whole, based on statutory financial
statements for such fiscal year.
          
          "executive officer" shall have the meaning given thereto in Regulation
S-K promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
          
2.   AMOUNT OF BONUS

          If the Company Combined Ratio is at least three percentage points, but
less than five percentage points below the Industry Combined Ratio (as published
or announced by any independent organization prior to the last day of the third
month of the following year) for any fiscal year, then each executive officer
shall be paid a bonus for such fiscal year in an amount equal to 100% of such
executive officer's base salary in effect at the beginning of such fiscal year,
which bonus amount shall, on a case by case basis, be subject to reduction or
elimination in the sole discretion of the Performance Bonus Committee of the
Board of Directors of the Company.
          
          If the Company Combined Ratio is at least five percentage points below
the Industry Combined Ratio (as published or announced by any independent
organization prior to the last day of the third month of the following year) for
any fiscal year, then each executive officer shall be paid a bonus for such
fiscal year in an amount equal to 150% of such executive officer's base salary
in effect at the beginning of such fiscal year, which bonus amount shall, on a
case by case basis, be subject to reduction or elimination in the sole
discretion of the Performance Bonus Committee of the Board of Directors of the
Company.


<PAGE>

                                                           EXHIBIT 10.23
[LOGO]

                              HCI AGREEMENT NO. 420

                    PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS
                           REINSURANCE AGREEMENT
                  (hereinafter referred to as "Agreement")

                                    between

                           CALFARM INSURANCE COMPANY
                            Sacramento, California
                           ZENITH INSURANCE COMPANY
                          Woodland Hills, California
                            ZNAT INSURANCE COMPANY
                          Woodland Hills, California
                        ZENITH STAR INSURANCE COMPANY
                          Woodland Hills, California
                     And  Their Quota Share Reinsurers
             (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Company")

                                      and

                     The Subscribing Reinsurers executing
     the Interests and Liabilities Agreements attached to this Agreement
         (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Reinsurers")
______________________________________________________________________________


In consideration of the promises set forth in this Agreement, the parties agree
as follows:


ARTICLE I - SCOPE OF AGREEMENT

     As a condition precedent to the Reinsurers' obligations under this
Agreement, the Company shall cede to the Reinsurers the property business
described in this Agreement, and the Reinsurers shall accept such business as
reinsurance from the Company.

     This Agreement is comprised of Articles I through XXII and the Exhibits
listed below.  The terms of the Articles and of the Exhibits shall determine the
rights and obligations of the parties.  The terms of the Articles shall apply to
each Exhibit unless specifically amended therein.


<PAGE>

[LOGO]

EXHIBIT A - FIRST EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE (CATASTROPHE)
                            of
                      PROPERTY BUSINESS

EXHIBIT B - SECOND EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE (CATASTROPHE)
                            of
                      PROPERTY BUSINESS

EXHIBIT C -THIRD EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE (CATASTROPHE)
                            of
                      PROPERTY BUSINESS

EXHIBIT D - FOURTH EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE (CATASTROPHE)
                            of
                      PROPERTY BUSINESS


ARTICLE II - PARTIES TO THE AGREEMENT

     This Agreement is solely between the Company and the Reinsurers.  When more
than one Company is named as a party to this Agreement, the first Company named
shall be the agent of the other companies as to all matters pertaining to this
Agreement.  Performance of the obligations of each party under this Agreement
shall be rendered solely to the other party.  However, if the Company becomes
insolvent, the liability of the Reinsurers shall be modified to the extent set
forth in the article entitled INSOLVENCY OF THE COMPANY.  In no instance shall
any insured of the Company or any claimant against an insured of the Company
have any rights under this Agreement .


ARTICLE III - TERM

     This Agreement shall apply to loss events which commence during the period
from September 1, 1996 to August 31, 1997, both dates inclusive, at the place of
the loss event.

     This Agreement shall not apply to loss events which commence prior to the
effective date of this Agreement and continue during any part of the term of
this Agreement.  However, this Agreement shall apply to loss events which
commence during and continue beyond the term of this Agreement and in the
computation of the liability of the Reinsurers the entire ultimate net loss
resulting from each such loss event shall be included, subject to the
limitations set forth in paragraph (f) of the article entitled DEFINITIONS.


                                      -2-
                         HCI REFERENCE DNB/DNC/DND/DPG

<PAGE>

[LOGO]

     The Company shall have the option to cancel and rewrite this Agreement up
to and including January 1, 1997.  If such option is exercised and, subject to
no known or reported losses at such date, and subject to terms for the ongoing
reinsurance to be agreed, the premium for the period hereon shall be pro-rata of
the reinsurance premium set forth in the Premium Section of the Exhibit.

     Alternatively, the Company shall have the sole option to cancel this
Agreement up to and including January 1, 1997 at terms to be mutually agreed.


ARTICLE IV - DEFINITIONS

     (a)  PROPERTY BUSINESS
     
          This term shall mean direct property business written by the
          Company, as defined, and classified in its Association Edition of
          Annual Statement for Fire and Casualty Companies as:
     
          (l)  Fire;
          
          (2)  Allied lines (including extended coverage);
          
          (3)  Farmowners multiple peril (applicable property and inland
               marine lines only);
          
          (4)  Blanket personal property;
          
          (5)  Homeowners multiple peril (applicable property and inland
               marine lines only);
          
          (6)  Commercial multiple peril (applicable property lines only);
          
          (7)  Inland marine;
          
          (8)  Earthquake;
          
          (9)  Garagekeepers legal liability (comprehensive only),
          
          on risks located in the United States of America.
     
     (b)  COMPANY RETENTION
     
          This term shall mean the amount the Company shall retain for its
          own account; however, this requirement shall be satisfied if this


                                      -3-
                         HCI REFERENCE DNB/DNC/DND/DPG

<PAGE>

[LOGO]

          amount is retained by the Company or its affiliated companies
          under common management or common ownership.
     
     (c)  ULTIMATE NET LOSS
     
          This term shall mean all payments by the Company in settlement of
          claims and losses, within the limits of liability or amounts of
          insurance of the policies of the Company, and adjustment expense,
          after deduction of salvage and other recoveries and after
          deduction of amounts due from all other reinsurance, other than
          the reinsurance pooling arrangement between Zenith Insurance
          Company, CalFarm Insurance Company, ZNAT Insurance Company and
          Zenith Star Insurance Company, whether collectible or not.  If
          the Company becomes insolvent, this definition shall be modified
          to the extent set forth in the article entitled INSOLVENCY OF THE
          COMPANY.
     
     (d)  ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE
     
          This term shall mean expenditures by the Company in the direct
          defense of claims and as allocated to an individual claim or
          loss, other than for office expenses and for the salaries and
          expenses of employees of the Company or of any subsidiary or
          related or wholly owned company of the Company, made in
          connection with the disposition of a claim, loss, or legal
          proceeding including investigation, negotiation, and legal
          expenses; court costs; prejudgment interest or delayed damages;
          and interest on any judgment or award.
     
     (e)  PREJUDGMENT INTEREST OR DELAYED DAMAGES
     
          This term shall mean interest or damages added to a settlement,
          verdict, award, or judgment based on the amount of time prior to
          the settlement, verdict, award, or judgment whether or not made
          part of the settlement, verdict, award, or judgment.
     
     (f)  LOSS EVENT
     
          This term shall mean an occurrence or series of occurrences
          arising out of one event, provided that only the claims and
          losses sustained by the Company during the continuous period of
          168 hours selected by the Company shall be used in the
          determination of the ultimate net loss; and only one such
          continuous period of 168 hours shall apply with respect to one
          event.


                                      -4-
                         HCI REFERENCE DNB/DNC/DND/DPG

<PAGE>

[LOGO]

          Additionally, with respect to riot or civil commotion and other
          causes of loss resultant therefrom only claims and losses
          sustained by the Company on risks within the limits of one city,
          town, or village or immediately adjacent thereto shall be used in
          the determination of ultimate net loss.
     
     (g)  SUBJECT NET EARNED PREMIUM
     
          This term shall mean the direct premium earned by the Company
          during the term of the Agreement on the business reinsured
          hereunder, after deduction of return premiums and after deduction
          of premiums paid for reinsurance which inures to the benefit of
          the Reinsurer.
     
          For the purposes of this Agreement, subject net earned premium
          shall be deemed to be 100% of the premiums on the lines of
          business reinsured hereunder.  However, on the following lines,
          which are the so-called package policies (only when written on an
          indivisible premium basis) subject net earned premium shall be
          determined as:
     
          (1)  88% of the total homeowners and boatowners policy premiums;
     
          (2)  65% of the total farmowners and commercial multiple peril
               policy premiums.
     
          When any of the above policies is written on a divisible premium
          basis, the actual premium for the lines of business included in
          this Agreement shall be used rather than the percentage stated
          above.


ARTICLE V - EXCLUSIONS

     This Agreement shall not apply to:
     
     (a)  All lines of business not specifically covered hereunder;
     
     (b)  Reinsurance assumed by the Company other than reinsurance assumed
          by Zenith Insurance Company from CalFarm Insurance Company, ZNAT
          Insurance Company or Zenith Star Insurance Company; all liability
          assumed under excess of loss insurance or reinsurance contracts;
     

                                      -5-
                         HCI REFERENCE DNB/DNC/DND/DPG

<PAGE>

[LOGO]

     (c)  All business excluded by the Pools, Associations and Syndicates
          Exclusion Clause attached hereto and made a part hereof;
     
     (d)  Policies issued under retrospectively rated plans; policies
          issued with a deductible of more than $100,000, provided this
          exclusion shall not apply to policies which customarily provide a
          percentage deductible on the perils of earthquake or windstorm;
     
     (e)  Liability coverages under homeowners, farmowners and commercial
          package policies; i.e., comprehensive personal, farm or
          commercial liability, medical payments and physical damage to
          property of others;
     
     (f)  All casualty, fidelity, surety, forgery, boiler and machinery,
          burglary or glass business or coverages (not applicable to
          Section I coverages of multiple peril policies);
     
     (g)  The following risks, coverages and kinds of insurance:
     
          (l)  Accident and health;
          
          (2)  Animal or livestock mortality policies; however, this
               exclusion shall not apply to fowl;
          
          (3)  Automobile; however, this exclusion shall not apply with
               respect to garagekeepers legal liability coverages;
          
          (4)  Aviation;
          
          (5)  Commercial hulls or hulls other than outboard motorboat and
               sailboat coverages;
          
          (6)  Credit warranty, financial guarantees;
          
          (7)  First class or registered mail;
          
          (8)  Gas or oil drilling risks;
          
          (9)  Growing or standing crops, other than fire insurance; all
               crop hail insurance or any other coverages provided in
               connection therewith;
          
          (10) Jewelers and furriers block;
          
          (11) Negative film syndicates;
          

                                      -6-
                         HCI REFERENCE DNB/DNC/DND/DPG

<PAGE>

[LOGO]

          (12) Ocean marine;
          
          (13) Railroad Property;
     
     (h)  Flood, surface water, waves, tidal water or tidal waves, overflow
          of streams or other bodies of water or spray from any of the
          foregoing, all whether driven by wind or not, unless written in
          conjunction with the peril of fire of similar amount;
     
     (i)  Mortgage impairment insurance and similar kinds of insurance,
          howsoever styled, providing coverage to an insured with respect
          to its mortgagee interest in property or its owner interest in
          foreclosed property;
     
     (j)  Difference in conditions insurance and similar kinds of
          insurance, howsoever styled;
     
     (k)  Consequential, punitive, exemplary or compensatory damages
          resulting from an action taken by any policyholder, insured or
          assignee, against the Company for alleged or actual bad faith,
          fraud or negligence in the settlement of a claim;
     
     (l)  Risks which have a total insurable value of more than
          $250,000,000;
     
     (m)  War risk, bombardment, invasion, insurrection, rebellion,
          revolution, military or usurped power, or confiscation by order
          of any government or public authority, as excluded under a
          standard policy containing a standard war exclusion clause;
     
     (n)  Nuclear incident per the Nuclear Incident Exclusion - Physical
          Damage - Reinsurance (NMA 1119) attached hereto;
     
     (o)  Liability of the Company arising from its participation or
          membership, whether voluntary or involuntary, in any insolvency
          fund, including any guarantee fund, association, pool, plan or
          other facility which provides for the assessment of, payment by,
          or assumption by the Company of a part or the whole of any claim,
          debt, charge, fee or other obligations of an insurer, or its
          successors or assigns, which has been declared insolvent by any
          authority having jurisdiction;
     
     (p)  Loss of, damage to, or failure of, or consequential loss
          resulting therewith (including but not limited to earnings and
          extra expense) of satellites, spacecraft, and launch vehicles,
          including cargo and 


                                      -7-
                         HCI REFERENCE DNB/DNC/DND/DPG

<PAGE>

[LOGO]

          freight carried therein, in all phases of operation (including but 
          not limited to manufacturing, transit, pre-launch, launch, and 
          in-orbit);
     
     (q)  Coverage afforded by ISO Pollutant Clean Up and Removal
          Additional Aggregate Limit of Insurance Endorsement CP 04 07 (Ed.
          4/86) or as subsequently amended or by any similar endorsement
          affording such coverage;
     
     (r)  Pollutant clean up or removal under any commercial property
          policy or any inland marine policy written by the Company which
          does not contain ISO Changes-Pollutants Endorsement CP 01 86 (Ed.
          4/86) or as subsequently amended; however, this exclusion does
          not apply to any risk located in a jurisdiction which has not
          approved the Insurance Services Office exclusion or where other
          regulatory constraints prohibit the Company from attaching such
          endorsement.  If the Company elects to file an endorsement
          independent of ISO, such endorsement will be deemed a suitable
          substitute provided the Company has submitted the wording to the
          Reinsurers and received the Reinsurers' prior approval.


ARTICLE VI - AUTOMATIC REINSTATEMENT

     The Limit of Liability of the Reinsurers under each Exhibit with respect to
each loss event shall be reduced by an amount equal to the amount of liability
paid by the Reinsurers, but that part of the liability of the Reinsurers that is
so reduced shall be automatically reinstated from the commencement of the loss
event for which payment is made; however, the Limit of Liability of the
Reinsurers with respect to all loss events commencing during the term of this
Agreement shall not exceed the amount set forth in the section entitled LIMIT
AND RETENTION of each Exhibit.  In consideration of this automatic
reinstatement, the Company shall pay to the Reinsurers for each amount
reinstated an additional reinsurance premium that shall be pro rata of the
reinsurance premium set forth in the section entitled REINSURANCE PREMIUM of
each Exhibit.  The additional reinsurance premium shall be the product of the
reinsurance premium set forth in the section entitled REINSURANCE PREMIUM of the
applicable Exhibit, multiplied by the amount of the reinstated Limit of
Liability of the Reinsurers divided by the total Limit of Liability of the
Reinsurers for each loss event irrespective of the time of the commencement of
the loss event.

     The reinsurance premium so developed for each amount reinstated shall be in
addition to the reinsurance premium set forth in the section entitled
REINSURANCE PREMIUM.


                                      -8-
                         HCI REFERENCE DNB/DNC/DND/DPG

<PAGE>

[LOGO]

ARTICLE VII - MANAGEMENT OF CLAIMS AND LOSSES

     The Company shall investigate and settle or defend all claims and losses. 
When requested by the Reinsurers, the Company shall permit the Reinsurers, at
the expense of the Reinsurers, to be associated with the Company in the defense
or control of any claim, loss, or legal proceeding which involves or is likely
to involve the Reinsurers.  All payments of claims or losses by the Company
within the limits of its policies which are within the limits set forth in this
Agreement shall be binding on the Reinsurers, subject to the terms of this
Agreement.


ARTICLE VIII - RECOVERIES

     The Company shall pay to or credit the Reinsurers with the Reinsurers'
portion of any recovery obtained from salvage, subrogation, or other insurance. 
Adjustment expenses for recoveries shall be deducted from the amount recovered.

     The Reinsurers shall be subrogated to the rights of the Company to the
extent of their loss payments to the Company.  The Company agrees to enforce its
rights of salvage, subrogation, and its rights against insurers or to assign
these rights to the Reinsurers.  Recoveries shall be distributed to the parties
in an order inverse to that in which their liabilities accrued.


ARTICLE IX - ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

     The Reinsurers shall not be relieved of liability because of an error or
accidental omission of the Company in reporting any claim or loss or any
business reinsured under this Agreement, provided that the error or omission is
rectified promptly after discovery.  The Reinsurers shall be obligated only for
the return of the premium paid for business reported but not reinsured under
this Agreement.


ARTICLE X - REPORTS AND REMITTANCES
               
          (a)  CLAIMS AND LOSSES
               
          The Company shall report to the Reinsurers as soon as possible but
          within 60 days of each loss event, which in the Company's opinion, may
          involve the reinsurance afforded by this Agreement.  The Company shall
          advise the Reinsurers of the estimated amount of ultimate net loss in
          connection with each loss event and of any subsequent changes in such
          estimates.
          

                                      -9-
                         HCI REFERENCE DNB/DNC/DND/DPG

<PAGE>

[LOGO]

          As soon as possible but within 45 days after receipt of a
          definitive statement of ultimate net loss from the Company, the
          Reinsurers shall pay to the Company the Reinsurers' portion of 
          ultimate net loss.  Any subsequent changes in the amount of ultimate
          net loss shall be reported by the Company to the Reinsurers and the 
          amount due either party shall be remitted as soon as possible but 
          within 45 days after receipt of such report.
               
     (b)  P.C.S. CATASTROPHE BULLETINS
               
          The Company shall furnish to the Reinsurers, upon request, the
          following information with respect to each catastrophe set forth in 
          the Catastrophe Bulletins published by the Property Claim Services:
          
          (l)  The preliminary estimate of the amount recoverable from the 
               Reinsurers;
               
          (2)  The Reinsurers' portion of claims, losses, and adjustment expense
               paid less salvage recovered during each calendar quarter;
                
          (3)  The Reinsurers' portion of reserves for claims, losses, and 
               adjustment expense at the end of each calendar quarter.
               
     (c)  GENERAL
               
          In addition to the reports required by (a) and (b) above and by
          the Exhibits, the Company shall furnish such other information as 
          may be required by the Reinsurers for the completion of the 
          Reinsurers' quarterly and annual statements and internal records.
               
          All reports shall be rendered on forms acceptable to the Company
          and the Reinsurers.


ARTICLE XI - CURRENCY

     Wherever the sign "$" is used in this Agreement it shall mean United States
Dollars.  Premiums due the Reinsurers and loss payments due the Company shall be
remitted in United States Dollars.


ARTICLE XII - REINSURANCE OVER THIS AGREEMENT

     The Company shall advise the Reinsurers of any reinsurance of the Company
that 


                                      -10-
                         HCI REFERENCE DNB/DNC/DND/DPG

<PAGE>

[LOGO]

would apply over and beyond the Limit of Liability of the Reinsurers under
Exhibit D of this Agreement.


ARTICLE XIII - SPECIAL ACCEPTANCES

     Business not within the terms of this Agreement may be submitted to the
Reinsurers for special acceptance and, if accepted by the Reinsurers, shall be
subject to all of the terms of this Agreement except as modified by the special
acceptance.


ARTICLE XIV - RESERVES AND TAXES

     The Reinsurers shall maintain the required reserves as to the Reinsurers'
portion of unearned premium, if any, claims, losses, and adjustment expense.

     The Company shall be liable for all premium taxes on premium ceded to the
Reinsurers under this Agreement.  If the Reinsurers are obligated to pay any
premium taxes on this premium, the Company shall reimburse the Reinsurers;
however, the Company shall not be required to pay taxes twice on the same
premium.


ARTICLE XV - OFFSET

     The Company or the Reinsurers may offset any balance, whether on account of
premium, commission, claims or losses, adjustment expense, salvage, or
otherwise, due from one party to the other under this Agreement.


ARTICLE XVI - INSPECTION OF RECORDS

     The Company shall allow the Reinsurers to inspect, at reasonable times, the
records of the Company relevant to the business reinsured under this Agreement,
including Company files concerning claims, losses, or legal proceedings which
involve or are likely to involve the Reinsurers.


ARTICLE XVII - ARBITRATION

     Any unresolved difference of opinion between any of the Reinsurers and the
Company shall be submitted to arbitration by three arbitrators.  If more than
one Reinsurer is involved in the same dispute, all such Reinsurers shall
constitute and act as one party for purposes of this Article and communications
shall be made by the Company to each of the Reinsurers constituting the one
party; provided, however, that nothing herein shall impair the rights of such
Reinsurers to assert several, rather than joint, defenses of claims, nor be
construed as changing the liability of the Reinsurers 


                                      -11-
                         HCI REFERENCE DNB/DNC/DND/DPG

<PAGE>

[LOGO]

under the terms of this Agreement from several to joint.

     One arbitrator shall be chosen by the Reinsurer(s), and one shall be chosen
by the Company.  The third arbitrator shall be chosen by the other two
arbitrators within ten (10) days after they have been appointed.  If the two
arbitrators cannot agree upon a third arbitrator, each arbitrator shall nominate
three persons of whom the other shall reject two.  The third arbitrator shall
then be chosen by drawing lots.  If either party fails to choose an arbitrator
within thirty (30) days after receiving the written request of the other party
to do so, the latter shall choose both arbitrators, who shall choose the third
arbitrator.  The arbitrators shall be impartial and shall be persons who are or
have been employed or engaged in a senior position in the insurance or
reinsurance business.

     The party requesting arbitration (the "Petitioner") shall submit its brief
to the arbitrators within thirty (30) days after notice of the selection of the
third arbitrator.  Upon receipt of the Petitioner's brief, the other party (the
"Respondent") shall have thirty (30) days to file a reply brief.  On receipt of
the Respondent's brief, the Petitioner shall have twenty (20) days to file a
rebuttal brief.  Respondent shall have twenty (20) days from the receipt of
Petitioner's rebuttal brief to file its rebuttal brief.  The arbitrators may
extend the time for filing of briefs at the request of either party.

     The arbitrators are relieved from judicial formalities and, in addition to
considering the rules of law and the customs and practices of the insurance and
reinsurance business, shall make their award with a view to effecting the intent
of this Agreement.  The decision of the majority shall be final and binding upon
the parties.  The costs of arbitration, including the fees of the arbitrators,
shall be shared equally unless the arbitrators decide otherwise.  The
arbitration shall be held at the times and places agreed upon by the
arbitrators.


ARTICLE XVIII - INSOLVENCY OF THE COMPANY

     In the event of the insolvency of the Company, the reinsurance proceeds
will be paid to the Company or the liquidator immediately upon demand, with
reasonable provision for verification, on the basis of the amount of the claim
allowed in the insolvency proceeding without diminution by reason of the
inability of the Company to pay all or part of the claim.

     The Reinsurers shall be given written notice of the pendency of each claim
against the Company on the policy(ies) reinsured hereunder within a reasonable
time after such claim is filed in the insolvency proceedings.  The Reinsurers
shall have the right to investigate each such claim and to interpose, at their
own expense, in the proceeding where such claim is to be adjudicated, any
defenses which they may deem available to the Company or its liquidator.  The
expense thus incurred by the Reinsurers shall be chargeable, subject to court
approval, against the insolvent Company as part of the expense of liquidation to
the extent of a proportionate share of the benefit which may accrue to the
Company solely as a result of the defense undertaken by the Reinsurers.


                                      -12-
                         HCI REFERENCE DNB/DNC/DND/DPG

<PAGE>

[LOGO]

ARTICLE XIX - LOSS RESERVES (U.S. DOLLAR REINSURANCE LETTERS OF CREDIT)
     
     (This Article applies only to those Reinsurers who cannot qualify for
     credit in any State or any other governmental body having jurisdiction over
     the Company's loss reserves.)

     As regards all business coming within the scope of this Agreement, the
Company agrees that when it shall file with the Insurance Department or set up
on its books reserves for losses covered hereunder which it shall be required to
set up by law, it will forward to the Reinsurers a statement showing the
proportion of such loss reserves which is applicable to them.  These reserves
will consist solely of known outstanding losses that have been reported to the
Reinsurers and allocated adjustment expense relating thereto.  Each such
Reinsurer hereby agrees it will apply for and secure delivery to the Company of
a clean, unconditional, irrevocable Letter of Credit issued by Citibank, New
York, New York, in an amount equal to such Reinsurer's proportion of said loss
reserves or, at the option of such Reinsurer, provide a cash advance in an
amount equal to such Reinsurer's proportion of said loss reserves.  No reserves
established in accordance with the foregoing shall include or be applied towards
security for losses incurred but not reported.

     The Company undertakes to use and apply any amounts which it may draw upon
such Irrevocable Letter of Credit pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, if
any, under which the Letter of Credit is held, and for the following purposes
only:

     (a)  To pay such Reinsurer's share or to reimburse the Company for
          such Reinsurer's share of any ultimate net loss reinsured by this
          Agreement.
          
     (b)  To make refund of any sum which is in excess of the actual amount
          required to pay such Reinsurer's share of any ultimate net loss
          reinsured by this Agreement.

     Citibank, New York, New York shall have no responsibility whatsoever in
connection with the propriety of withdrawals made by the Company or the
disposition of funds withdrawn, except to see that withdrawals are made only
upon the order of properly authorized representatives of the Company.


ARTICLE XX - SERVICE OF SUIT

     (This Article applies only to those Reinsurers who are domiciled outside
     the United States of America and also to Reinsurers unauthorized in the
     State of New York.)


                                      -13-
                         HCI REFERENCE DNB/DNC/DND/DPG

<PAGE>

[LOGO]

     In the event of the failure of the Reinsurers to whom this Article applies,
or any one of them, to pay any amount claimed to be due hereunder, such
Reinsurers, at the request of the Company, will submit to the jurisdiction of
any court of competent jurisdiction within the United States and will comply
with all requirements necessary to give such court jurisdiction, and all matters
arising hereunder shall be determined in accordance with the law and practice of
such court.

     Service of process in such suit may be made upon Messrs. Mendes and Mount,
750 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10010-6829, and in any suit instituted
against any one of them upon this Agreement, the Reinsurers will abide by the
final decision of such court or any appellate court in the event of an appeal.

     The above named are authorized and directed to accept service of process on
behalf of the Reinsurers in any such suit and/or upon the request of the Company
to give a written undertaking to the Company that they will enter a general
appearance on behalf of Reinsurers or any one of them in the event such a suit
shall be instituted.

     Further, pursuant to any statute of any state, territory, or district of
the United States which makes provisions therefor, the Reinsurers to whom this
Article applies hereby designate the Superintendent, Commissioner or Director of
Insurance or other officer specified for that purpose in the statute, or his
successor or successors in office, as their true and lawful attorney upon whom
may be served any lawful process in any action, suit, or proceeding instituted
by or on behalf of the Company or any beneficiary hereunder arising out of this
Agreement, and hereby designate the above named Mendes and Mount as the firm to
whom the said officer is authorized to mail such process or a true copy thereof.


ARTICLE XXI - FEDERAL EXCISE TAX

     (This Article applies only to those Reinsurers domiciled outside the United
     States of America, excepting Reinsurers exempt from the Federal Excise
     Tax.)

     The Reinsurers have agreed to allow for the purpose of paying Federal
Excise Tax 1% of the premium payable hereon to the extent such premium is
subject to Federal Excise Tax.

     In the event of any return of premium becoming due hereon the Reinsurers
will deduct 1% from the amount of the return and the Company or its Agent should
take steps to recover the tax from the United States Government.


ARTICLE XXII - INTERMEDIARY

     Herbert Clough Inc. is hereby recognized as the Intermediary negotiating
this Agreement for all business hereunder.  All communications (including but
not limited to 


                                      -14-
                         HCI REFERENCE DNB/DNC/DND/DPG

<PAGE>

[LOGO]
 notices, statements, premiums, return premiums, commissions, taxes, losses, 
loss adjustment expense, salvages, and loss settlements) relating thereto 
shall be transmitted to the Company or the Reinsurers through Herbert Clough 
Inc., Financial Centre, P.O. Box 10216, Stamford, Connecticut 06904-2216. 
Payments by the Company to the Intermediary shall be deemed to constitute 
payment to the Reinsurers.  Payments by the Reinsurers to the Intermediary 
shall be deemed only to constitute payment to the Company to the extent that 
such payments are actually received by the Company.


                                      -15-
                         HCI REFERENCE DNB/DNC/DND/DPG

<PAGE>

[LOGO]

                                               Effective:     September 1, 1996

                                   EXHIBIT A

                        Attached to and made a part of
                            HCI Agreement No. 420
            PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE AGREEMENT

                 FIRST EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE (CATASTROPHE)
                                      of
                               PROPERTY BUSINESS
_______________________________________________________________________________


SECTION 1 - LIABILITY OF THE REINSURERS

     The Reinsurers shall pay to the Company, with respect to each loss 
event, 95% of the amount of ultimate net loss in excess of the Company 
Retention of $5,000,000, but not exceeding the Limit of Liability of the 
Reinsurers of 95% of the next $10,000,000 of ultimate net loss with respect 
to such loss event nor 95% of $20,000,000 with respect to all loss events 
commencing during the term of this Agreement.

     The Company shall retain net for its own account, with respect to each loss
event, the remaining 5% of such ultimate net loss.


SECTION 2 - REINSURANCE PREMIUM

     As a condition precedent to the Reinsurers' obligations hereunder, the
Company shall pay to the Reinsurers 1.96% of the Company's subject net earned
premium during the term of the Agreement, subject to a minimum reinsurance
premium of $1,291,500 and a deposit reinsurance premium of $1,614,400.


SECTION 3 - REINSURANCE PREMIUM REPORTS AND REMITTANCES

     The Company shall pay to the Reinsurers the deposit reinsurance premium
stipulated in the section entitled REINSURANCE PREMIUM in equal quarterly
installments of $403,600 each on or before each on or before September 1, 1996, 
December 1, 1996, March 1, 1997 and June 1, 1997.

     Within 60 days after the expiration of this Agreement, the Company shall
render to the Reinsurers a report of the Company's subject net earned premium
during the term of the Agreement.  The Company shall calculate the reinsurance
premium thereon, shall balance such amount against the deposit reinsurance
premium previously paid, and the amount due either party, subject to the minimum
reinsurance premium, shall be remitted within 60 days.


                               HCI REFERENCE DNB

<PAGE>

[LOGO]

                                              Effective:      September 1, 1996

                                   EXHIBIT B

                        Attached to and made a part of
                            HCI Agreement No. 420 
           PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE AGREEMENT

               SECOND EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE (CATASTROPHE)
                                      of
                                PROPERTY BUSINESS
_______________________________________________________________________________


SECTION 1 - LIABILITY OF THE REINSURERS

     The Reinsurers shall pay to the Company, with respect to each loss event,
95% of the amount of ultimate net loss in excess of the sum of:
      
     (a)  The Company Retention of $5,000,000; and
     
     (b)  The First Excess Cover of $10,000,000,

but not exceeding the Limit of Liability of the Reinsurers of 95% of the next
$10,000,000 of ultimate net loss with respect to such loss event nor 95% of
$20,000,000 with respect to all loss events commencing during the term of this
Agreement.

     The Company shall retain net for its own account, with respect to each loss
event, the remaining 5% of such ultimate net loss.


SECTION 2 - REINSURANCE PREMIUM

     As a condition precedent to the Reinsurers' obligations hereunder, the
Company shall pay to the Reinsurers 1.18% of the Company's subject net earned
premium during the term of the Agreement, subject to a minimum reinsurance
premium of $777,500 and a deposit reinsurance premium of $971,900.


SECTION 3 - REINSURANCE PREMIUM REPORTS AND REMITTANCES

     The Company shall pay to the Reinsurers the deposit reinsurance premium
stipulated in the section entitled REINSURANCE PREMIUM in equal quarterly
installments of $242,975 each on or before each on or before September 1, 1996,
December 1, 1996, March 1, 1997 and June 1, 1997.


                               HCI REFERENCE DNC

<PAGE>

[LOGO]

     Within 60 days after the expiration of this Agreement, the Company shall
render to the Reinsurers a report of the Company's subject net earned premium
during the term of the Agreement.  The Company shall calculate the reinsurance
premium thereon, shall balance such amount against the deposit reinsurance
premium previously paid, and the amount due either party, subject to the minimum
reinsurance premium, shall be remitted within 60 days.


                                      B-2
                               HCI REFERENCE DNC
<PAGE>

[LOGO]

                                               Effective:     September 1, 1996

                                   EXHIBIT C

                        Attached to and made a part of
                            HCI Agreement No. 420
            PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE AGREEMENT

                 THIRD EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE (CATASTROPHE)
                                       of
                                PROPERTY BUSINESS
_______________________________________________________________________________

SECTION 1 - LIABILITY OF THE REINSURERS

     The Reinsurers shall pay to the Company, with respect to each loss event,
95% of the amount of ultimate net loss in excess of the sum of:

     (a)  The Company Retention of $5,000,000; and
     
     (b)  The First Excess Cover of $10,000,000; and

     (c)  The Second Excess Cover of $10,000,000,

but not exceeding the Limit of Liability of the Reinsurers of 95% of the next
$15,000,000 of ultimate net loss with respect to such loss event nor 95% of
$30,000,000 with respect to all loss events commencing during the term of this
Agreement.

     The Company shall retain net for its own account, with respect to each loss
event, the remaining 5% of such ultimate net loss.


SECTION 2 - REINSURANCE PREMIUM

     As a condition precedent to the Reinsurers' obligations hereunder, the
Company shall pay to the Reinsurers 1.25% of the Company's subject net earned
premium during the term of the Agreement, subject to a minimum reinsurance
premium of $823,600 and a deposit reinsurance premium of $1,029,600.


SECTION 3 - REINSURANCE PREMIUM REPORTS AND REMITTANCES

     The Company shall pay to the Reinsurers the deposit reinsurance premium
stipulated in the section entitled REINSURANCE PREMIUM in equal quarterly


                               HCI REFERENCE DND

<PAGE>

[LOGO]

installments of $257,400 each on or before September 1, 1996, December 1, 1996,
March 1, 1997 and June 1, 1997.

     Within 60 days after the expiration of this Agreement, the Company shall
render to the Reinsurers a report of the Company's subject net earned premium
during the term of the Agreement.  The Company shall calculate the reinsurance
premium thereon, shall balance such amount against the deposit reinsurance
premium previously paid, and the amount due either party, subject to the minimum
reinsurance premium, shall be remitted within 60 days.


                                      C-2
                               HCI REFERENCE DND
<PAGE>

[LOGO]

                                               Effective:     September 1, 1996

                                   EXHIBIT D

                        Attached to and made a part of
                            HCI Agreement No. 420
          PROPERTY CATASTROPHE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE AGREEMENT

              FOURTH EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE (CATASTROPHE)
                                       of
                                PROPERTY BUSINESS
_______________________________________________________________________________

SECTION 1 - LIABILITY OF THE REINSURERS

     The Reinsurers shall pay to the Company, with respect to each loss event,
95% of the amount of ultimate net loss in excess of the sum of:

     (a)  The Company Retention of $5,000,000; and
     
     (b)  The First Excess Cover of $10,000,000; and

     (c)  The Second Excess Cover of $10,000,000,

     (d)  The Third Excess Cover of $15,000,000,

but not exceeding the Limit of Liability of the Reinsurers of 95% of the next
$10,000,000 of ultimate net loss with respect to such loss event nor 95% of
$20,000,000 with respect to all loss events commencing during the term of this
Agreement.

     The Company shall retain net for its own account, with respect to each loss
event, the remaining 5% of such ultimate net loss.


SECTION 2 - REINSURANCE PREMIUM

     As a condition precedent to the Reinsurers' obligations hereunder, the
Company shall pay to the Reinsurers 0.61% of the Company's subject net earned
premium during the term of the Agreement, subject to a minimum reinsurance
premium of $401,900 and a deposit reinsurance premium of $502,400.


                               HCI REFERENCE DPG

<PAGE>

[LOGO]

SECTION 3 - REINSURANCE PREMIUM REPORTS AND REMITTANCES

     The Company shall pay to the Reinsurers the deposit reinsurance premium
stipulated in the section entitled REINSURANCE PREMIUM in equal quarterly
installments of $125,600 each on or before September 1, 1996, December 1, 1996,
March 1, 1997 and June 1, 1997.

     Within 60 days after the expiration of this Agreement, the Company shall
render to the Reinsurers a report of the Company's subject net earned premium
during the term of the Agreement.  The Company shall calculate the reinsurance
premium thereon, shall balance such amount against the deposit reinsurance
premium previously paid, and the amount due either party, subject to the minimum
reinsurance premium, shall be remitted within 60 days.


                                      D-2
                               HCI REFERENCE DPG
<PAGE>

[LOGO]



POOLS, ASSOCIATIONS AND SYNDICATES EXCLUSION CLAUSE


SECTION A

Excluding:

     (a)  All Business derived directly or indirectly from any Pool, Association
          or Syndicate which maintains its own reinsurance facilities.

     (b)  Any Pool or Scheme (whether voluntary or mandatory) formed after 
          March 1, 1968 for the purpose of insuring Property whether on a 
          country-wide basis or in the respect of designated areas.  This 
          exclusion shall not apply to so-called Automobile Insurance Plans or 
          other pools formed to provide coverage for Automobile Physical damage.


SECTION B

It is agreed that business written by the Company for the same perils, which is
known at the time to be insured by, or in excess of underlying amounts placed in
the following Pools, Associations or Syndicates, whether by way of insurance or
reinsurance, is excluded hereunder:

     Industrial Risk Insurers (formerly Factory Insurance Association and Oil
     Insurance Association), including Underwriters Grain Division.
     Associated Factory Mutuals.
     Improved Risk Mutuals.
     Any Pool, Association or Syndicate formed for the purpose of writing Oil, 
     Gas or Petro-Chemical Plants and/or Oil or Gas Drilling Rigs.
     Nuclear Energy Property Insurance Association.
     Nuclear Energy Liability Insurance Association.
     Mutual Atomic Energy Reinsurance Pool.
     Mutual Atomic Energy Liability Underwriters.
     United States Aircraft Insurance Group.
     Canadian Aircraft Insurance Group.
     Associated Aviation Underwriters.
     American Aviation Underwriters.

Section B does not apply:

     (a)  Where the Total Insured value over all interests of the risk in 
          question is less than $250,000,000.

     (b)  To interests traditionally underwritten as Inland Marine or Stock 
          and/or Contents written on a Blanket basis.

<PAGE>

[LOGO]

     (c)  To Contingent Business Interruption, except when the Company is aware
          that the key location is known at the time to be insured in any Pool,
          Association or Syndicate named above, other than as provided for 
          under Section B (a).

     (d)  To risks as follows:  Offices, Hotels, Apartments, Hospitals, 
          Educational Establishments, Public Utilities (other than Railroad 
          Schedules) and Builders Risks on the classes of risks specified in 
          this subsection (d) only.

     Where this Clause attaches to Catastrophe Excesses, the following 
     SECTIONS C and D are added:

SECTION C


NEVERTHELESS the Reinsurers specifically agree that liability accruing to the
Company from its participation in residual market mechanisms including but not
limited to:

     (1)  The following so-called "Coastal Pools"

          ALABAMA INSURANCE UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION
          FLORIDA WINDSTORM UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION
          LOUISIANA INSURANCE UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION
          MISSISSIPPI WINDSTORM UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION
          NORTH CAROLINA INSURANCE UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION
          SOUTH CAROLINA WINDSTORM AND HAIL UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION
          TEXAS CATASTROPHE PROPERTY INSURANCE ASSOCIATION

          and

     (2)  All "Fair Plan" and "Rural Risk Plan" Business, including but not 
          limited to:

          Florida Windstorm Underwriting Association (FWUA)
          Florida Property and Casualty Joint Underwriting Association (FPCJUA)
          Residential Property and Casualty Joint Underwriting 
          Association (RPCJUA)

     for all perils otherwise protected hereunder shall not be excluded, except
     that this reinsurance does not include any increase in such liability 
     resulting from:

     (i)  The inability of any other participant in such Residual Market 
          Mechanism including but not limited to "Coastal Pool" and/or "Fair 
          Plan" and/or "Rural Risk Plan" to meet its liability.

<PAGE>

[LOGO]

     (ii) Any claim against such Residual Market Mechanism including but not 
          limited to "Coastal Pool" and/or "Fair Plan" and/or "Rural Risk Plan"
          or any participant therein, including the Company, whether by way of 
          subrogation or otherwise, brought by or on behalf of any insolvency 
          fund.


SECTION D

NOTWITHSTANDING Section C above, in respect of the FWUA, FPCJUA, and RPCJUA,
where an assessment is made against the Company by the FWUA, the FPCJUA, the
RPCJUA, or any combination thereof, the maximum loss that the Company may
include in the Ultimate Net Loss in respect of any loss occurrence hereunder
shall nor exceed the lesser of:

1.   The Company's assessment from the relevant entity (FWUA, FPCJUA and/or
     RPCJUA) for the accounting year in which the loss occurrence commenced, or

2.   The product of the following:

    a)   The Company's percentage participation in the relevant entity for the
         accounting year in which the loss occurrence commenced, and

    b)   The relevant entity's total losses in such loss occurrence.

     Any assessments for accounting years subsequent to that in which the loss
occurrence commenced may not be included in the Ultimate Net Loss hereunder. 
Moreover, notwithstanding Section C above, in respect of the FWUA, the FPCJUA
and/or the RPCJUA, the Ultimate Net Loss hereunder shall not include any monies 
expended to purchase or retire bonds as a consequence of being a member of the
FWUA, the FPCJUA and/or the RPCJUA.  For the purposes of this Agreement, the
Company may not include in the Ultimate Net Loss any assessment or any
percentage assessment levied by the FWUA, the FPCJUA and/or the RPCJUA to meet
the obligations of any insolvent insurer member or other party, or to meet any
obligations arising from the deferment by the FWUA, FPCJUA and/or RPCJUA of the
collection of monies.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:   Wherever used herein the terms:

         "Company"    shall be understood to mean "Reinsured", "Reassured" or 
                      whatever other term is used in the attached reinsurance 
                      document to designate the reinsured company or companies.

         "Contract"   shall be understood to mean "Agreement", "Policy" or 
                      whatever other term is used to designate the attached 
                      reinsurance document.

<PAGE>

         "Reinsurers" shall be understood to mean "Underwriters" or whatever 
                      other term is used in the attached reinsurance document to
                      designate the reinsurer or reinsurers.

<PAGE>

[LOGO]


    NUCLEAR INCIDENT EXCLUSION CLAUSE - PHYSICAL DAMAGE - REINSURANCE - USA


    (1)   This Agreement does not cover any loss or liability accruing to the 
Company directly or indirectly and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, from any 
Pool of Insurers or Reinsurers formed for the purpose of covering Atomic or 
Nuclear Energy risks.

    (2)   Without in any way restricting the operation of paragraph (1) of 
this Clause, this Agreement does not cover any loss or liability accruing to 
the Company, directly or indirectly and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, from 
any insurance against Physical Damage (including business interruption or 
consequential loss arising out of such Physical Damage) to:

    (i)   Nuclear reactor power plants including all auxiliary property on 
          the site, or

    (ii)  Any other nuclear reactor installation, including laboratories 
          handling radioactive materials in connection with reactor 
          installations, and "critical facilities" as such, or

    (iii) Installations for fabricating complete fuel elements or for 
          processing substantial quantities of "special nuclear material", and 
          for reprocessing, salvaging, chemically separating, storing or 
          disposing of "spent" nuclear fuel or waste materials, or

    (iv)  Installations other than those listed in paragraph (2)(iii) above 
          using substantial quantities of radioactive isotopes or other products
          of nuclear fission.

    (3)   Without in any way restricting the operations of paragraphs (1) and 
(2) hereof, this Agreement does not cover any loss or liability by 
radioactive contamination accruing to the Company, directly or indirectly, 
and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, from any insurance on property which is 
on the same site as a nuclear reactor power plant or other nuclear 
installation and which normally would be insured therewith except that this 
paragraph (3) shall not operate:

    (a)   where the Company does not have knowledge of such nuclear reactor 
          power plant or nuclear installation, or

    (b)   where said insurance contains a provision excluding coverage for 
          damage to property caused by or resulting from radioactive 
          contamination, however caused. However on and after 1st January 1960 
          this sub-paragraph (b) shall only apply provided the said radioactive
          contamination exclusion provision has been approved by the 
          Governmental Authority having jurisdiction thereof.

    (4)   Without in any way restricting the operations of paragraphs (1),(2) 
and (3) hereof, this Agreement does not cover any loss or liability by 
radioactive contamination accruing to the Company, directly or indirectly, 
and whether as Insurer or Reinsurer, when such radioactive contamination is a 
named hazard specifically insured against.

    (5)   It is understood and agreed that this Clause shall not extend to 
risks using radioactive isotopes in any form where the nuclear exposure is not 
considered by the Company to be the primary hazard.

    (6)   The term "special nuclear material" shall have the meaning given it 
in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 or by any law amendatory thereof.

    (7)   The Company to be sole judge of what constitutes:

    (a)   substantial quantities, and

    (b)   the extent of installation, plant or site.

Note: Without in any way restricting the operation of paragraph (1) hereof, 
      it is understood and agreed that:

    (a)   all policies issued by the Company on or before 31st December 1957 
          shall be free from the application of the other provisions of this 
          Clause until expiry date or 31st December 1960 whichever first occurs
          whereupon all the provisions of this Clause shall apply.

    (b)   with respect to any risk located in Canada policies issued by the 
          Company on or before 31st December 1958 shall be free from the 
          application of the other provisions of this Clause until expiry date 
          or 31st December 1960 whichever first occurs whereupon all the 
          provisions of this Clause shall apply.


<PAGE>

                AGGREGATE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE AGREEMENT
                                    BETWEEN

 ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS SELF INSURERS TRUST FUND (FUND ID #59-2445257)
                                 (the Company)

                                      AND

                           RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                (the Reinsurer)

TYPE:               Aggregate Excess of Loss Reinsurance

REINSURER'S SHARE:  One-hundred percent (100%).

EFFECTIVE DATE:     December 31, 1991.

COVERAGE:           In consideration of the premium payment from the Company, 
                    the Reinsurer agrees to indemnify the Company for 
                    Ultimate Net Loss in the Subject Business in excess of the
                    Company's Retention occurring in the Coverage Period,
                    regardless of when reported, for which the Company is or
                    becomes obligated to pay.

SUBJECT BUSINESS:   Workers' Compensation and Employers' Liability coverages 
                    provided by the Company effective during the Coverage
                    Period.

COVERAGE PERIOD:    January 1, 1985, through December 31, 1991.

COMPANY'S           The Company's Retention is the Company's liabilities for 
RETENTION:          Ultimate Net Loss, whether or not paid or payable by the 
                    Company, less the Aggregate Limit of the reinsurance. The
                    Company's Retention as of December 31, 1991 shall be  * .
                    The Company's Retention shall be adjusted annually
                    thereafter to reflect loss development and a new Retention 
                    shall be established. Adjustments shall be made in
                    accordance with the Settlement Account to reflect changes in
                    the Company's Retention as it may affect payment made or due
                    in accordance with Remittances.

                    Any adjustment to the Company's Retention will be used in 
                    settling losses hereunder in accordance with the 
                    provision for Remittances.

                    *  As reflected per Shores and Company's final audited 
                    financial statements.

AGGREGATE LIMIT:    Twenty-one million dollars ($21,000,000).

REINSURANCE         Thirteen million, nine hundred twenty-five thousand dollars
PREMIUM:            ($13,925,000), including commissions and applicable 
                    taxes, payable no later than July 31, 1992. The Company
                    shall pay to the Reinsurer accrued interest at the rate of
                    one percent (1%) per month from 


                                 Page 1 of 13
<PAGE>

                    December 31, 1991 to the date the Reinsurance Premium is
                    paid.

ULTIMATE NET LOSS:  The Company's Ultimate Net Loss includes all claims 
                    arising from occurrences in the Subject Business during the
                    Coverage Period, and expenses directly related to the
                    adjustment of claims incurred, regardless of when reported,
                    during the coverage period. Such expenses shall include, but
                    not to be limited to, expenses and costs associated with 
                    policy coverage disputes, pre-judgment interest, and
                    expenses incurred in connection with subrogation. Ultimate
                    Net Loss shall be adjusted to reflect recoverables, either
                    collected or uncollected, under specific excess insurance,
                    and subrogation recoveries, but shall not be adjusted to
                    include recoverables, either collected or uncollected, under
                    the Special Disability Fund (SDF). Judgments in Excess of
                    Policy Limits and Extra Contractual Obligations are included
                    in determining the Company's Ultimate Net Loss.

COMMUTATION:        At any time the Company has the option to commute the 
                    Reinsurers' liability and relieve the Reinsurer of all
                    further liability. In the event the Company elects to
                    commute this Agreement, the Reinsurer shall pay to the
                    Company the balance in the Experience Account.

EXPERIENCE ACCOUNT: An Experience Account shall be established by the 
                    Reinsurer and maintained during the term of this Agreement.
                    The Experience Account shall consist of (a) ninety percent
                    (90%) of the Reinsurance Premium received, less (b) actual
                    losses paid by the Reinsurer, plus (c) interest on the
                    average account balance calculated and credited at each
                    December 31 at the rate of ninety percent (90%) of the last
                    published One Year U.S. Treasury Bill Rate (as published in
                    The Wall Street Journal) on the date the Reinsurance Premium
                    is received by the Reinsurer and annually thereafter.

REPORTS:            The Company shall report monthly to the Reinsurer the 
                    Company's account of losses and expenses paid and 
                    outstanding, under the Subject Business coverage. Such
                    account statement shall include a Summary Report by policy
                    year on a monthly basis and a detailed report by policy year
                    on a quarterly basis, containing all relevant information as
                    per the attached CRIMS Reports.

                    The Company shall furnish to the Reinsurer within statutory 
                    filing time after the close of each calendar year an 
                    actuarially-certified projection of the Company's Ultimate 
                    Net Loss. This projection must be certified by an Associate 
                    of the Casualty Actuarial Society. The Ultimate Net Loss 
                    must be based on paid and incurred loss data valued through 
                    December 31st of the most recent year.

REMITTANCES:        The Reinsurers' payments under this Agreement will be made 
                    within forty-five (45) days of the receipt of the calendar
                    quarterly account statements once the Company's Retention
                    has been exceeded.


                                 Page 2 of 13
<PAGE>

ADJUSTMENTS TO      Any remittances determined by the projection of Ultimate 
REMITTANCES:        Net Loss made hereunder shall not be final as regards future
                    Company Retention levels. Such remittances shall be
                    reconciled through the Settlement Account.

SETTLEMENT ACCOUNT: An account shall be maintained by the Reinsurer for the 
                    purpose of reconciling adjustments to the Company's 
                    Retention subsequent to reinsurance remittances.

                    Adjustments shall be made as follows: (1) Additional 
                    remittance payments plus interest credit shall be made at 
                    the next remittance payment period; (2) Over-remittance  
                    to date plus interest credit shall offset subsequent 
                    reinsurance payments.

                    The interest applied to (1) or (2) above shall be based 
                    on the average prime rate plus 200 basis points for that 
                    payment period.

DISCLOSURES         With respect to this Agreement and the transactions 
AND APPROVALS:      hereunder, the Company represents and agrees that it has
                    made or obtained, or will make or obtain, all disclosures
                    and approvals that are, in the opinion of its counsel,
                    necessary and appropriate under applicable law.

INSOLVENCY:         The Insolvency Clause attached hereto (Exhibit 1) is
                    incorporated herein.

EXCLUSIONS:         A.  Reinsurance Assumed
(Exhibit 2)         B.  Pools, Syndicates and Associations
                    C.  Insolvency Funds
                    D.  Medical Malpractice Liability
                    E.  War
                    F.  Member Assessments

OTHER:              A.  Access to Records
(Exhibit 3)         B.  Agreement not assignable
                    C.  Arbitration
                    D.  Choice of Law: Florida
                    E.  Entire Agreement
                    F.  Errors and Omissions
                    G.  Right of Offset
                    H.  Headings


                                 Page 3 of 13
<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Binder of 
Reinsurance to be executed by their duly authorized representatives in 
Orlando, Florida this 27th day of JULY, 1992.

     ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS SELF INSURERS TRUST FUND (FUND ID 
#59-2445257)


BY: /s/ Ronald J. Morrick              BY: /s/ Doris M. Oberhardt
   --------------------------             --------------------------

NAME: Ronald J. Morrick                NAME: Doris M. Oberhardt
     ------------------------               ------------------------

TITLE: Chairman                        TITLE: Administrator
      -----------------------                -----------------------

This 27th day of July, 1992.


     RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY


ATTEST: /s/ (illegible)                BY: /s/ Jeffrey DiTieri
       ----------------------             --------------------------

NAME: (illegible)                      NAME: Jeffrey DiTieri
     ------------------------               ------------------------

TITLE: Asst Gen Counsel                TITLE: Vice President
      -----------------------                -----------------------

                                 Page 4 of 13

<PAGE>


                                   EXHIBIT 1

                                  INSOLVENCY

In the event of the insolvency of the Company, this reinsurance shall be 
payable directly to the Company, or to its liquidator, receiver, conservator 
or statutory successor on the basis of the liability of the Reinsurer to the 
Company, within the timing and terms of this Agreement, and without 
diminution because of the insolvency of the Company or without diminution 
because the liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the 
Company has failed to pay all or a portion of any claim, not withstanding any 
provisions of this Agreement to the contrary.

The liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor of the Company 
shall give written notice to the Reinsurer of the pendency of a claim against 
the Company which would involve a possible liability on the part of the 
Reinsurer, such notice to be given within a reasonable time after such claim 
is filed in the conservation or liquidation proceeding or in the 
receivership, and that during the pendency of such claim, the Reinsurer may 
investigate such claim and interpose, at its own expense, in the proceeding 
where such claim is to be adjudicated, any defense or defenses that the 
Reinsurer deems available to the Company, or its liquidator, receiver, 
conservator or statutory successor. The expense thus incurred by the 
Reinsurer shall be chargeable, subject to the approval of the court, against 
the Company as part of the expense of conservation or liquidation to the 
extent of a pro rata share of the benefit which may accrue to the Company 
solely as a result of the defense undertaken by the Reinsurer.

Where two or more reinsurers are involved in the same claim and a majority in 
interest elect to interpose defense to such claim, the expense shall be 
apportioned in accordance with the terms of the reinsurance Agreement as 
though such expense had been incurred by the Company.

The reinsurance shall be payable by the Reinsurer to the Company or to its 
liquidator, receiver, conservator or statutory successor, (except as provided 
by applicable Insurance Law or) except (a) where the Agreement specifically 
provides another payee of such reinsurance in the event of the insolvency of 
the Company, and (b) where the Reinsurer with the consent of the direct 
insured or insureds has assumed such policy obligations of the Company as 
direct obligations of the Reinsurer to the payees under such policies and in 
substitution for the obligations of the Company to such payees.


                                 Page 5 of 13

<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT 2

                                   EXCLUSIONS

A.  REINSURANCE ASSUMED BY THE COMPANY
    This Agreement does not apply to any reinsurance assumed by the Company 
    whether directly or indirectly.

B.  POOLS, SYNDICATES AND ASSOCIATIONS
    This Agreement does not apply to any liabilities assumed (whether 
    voluntarily or involuntarily) from any Pool, Association, Syndicate or 
    other facility (other than the liabilities of the Company itself) that 
    maintain their own underwriting facilities.

C.  INSOLVENCY FUNDS
    This Agreement does not apply to any liabilities arising by contract, 
    operation of law, or otherwise, from the Company's participation in any 
    Insolvency Fund. "Insolvency Fund" shall mean any guarantee fund, 
    insolvency fund, plan, pool, association or other arrangement however 
    denominated or established that provides for any assessment of or payment 
    or assumption by the Company of all or part of any claim, debt, charge, 
    fee, or other obligation of an insurer, fund or employer, or any of their 
    successors or assigns, that is unable to meet any claim, debt, charge, 
    fee or other obligation in whole or in part due to its insolvency or due 
    to it having been declared insolvent or bankrupt.

D.  MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LIABILITY
    This Agreement shall not apply to any liabilities arising out of the 
    rendering or failing to render any medical services by a physician or 
    other providers of medical services, or arising out of any error or 
    omission in the performance thereof by a physician or other providers of 
    medical services.

E.  WAR
    This Agreement shall not apply to any claim which is occasioned by war, 
    invasion, hostilities, acts of foreign enemies, civil war, rebellion, 
    insurrection, military or usurped power, or martial law. This shall not 
    apply to riots, strikes, civil commotion, vandalism, or malicious mischief.

F.  MEMBER ASSESSMENTS

    This Agreement does not apply to member assessments under Section 
    38F-5.065 (5) of the Rules for Self-Insurers under the Workers' 
    Compensation Act in the State of Florida.


                                 Page 6 of 13

<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT 3

                                     OTHER

A.  ACCESS TO RECORDS
    Reinsurer shall have the right at any reasonable time upon five (5) 
    working days prior notice during or at any time after the expiration of 
    this Agreement, and as frequently as deemed reasonably necessary by 
    Reinsurer, to visit the offices of Company to inspect, examine, audit, and 
    verify any of the policy or claim files ("records") relating to the 
    business reinsured under this Agreement. Reinsurer shall have the right to 
    make, at its own expense, copies or extracts of any records. 
    Notwithstanding the above, Reinsurer shall not have any right of access to 
    the records of Company if it is not current in all payments due to Company 
    and Company shall have no right to reimbursement under this Agreement if 
    it fails or refuses to provide the reasonable access required by this 
    section other than by reason of Reinsurer's failure to pay.  Reinsurer 
    shall keep confidential all information and reports derived from the 
    records of Company to which it has received access and shall not publish or 
    communicate that information or report(s) to any other person or reinsurer 
    without Company's express prior written consent. Reinsurer shall promptly 
    upon Company's request deliver a complete copy of any report(s) concerning 
    the records and information to which it has received access.

B.  AGREEMENT NOT ASSIGNABLE
    This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Company 
    and Reinsurer and their respective successors and assigns provided, 
    however, that this Agreement may not be assigned by either Company or 
    Reinsurer without the prior written consent of the other which consent may 
    be withheld by either party in its sole unfettered discretion. Except as 
    expressly provided for in the Clause entitled INSOLVENCY, the provisions of 
    this Agreement are intended solely for the benefit of Company and 
    Reinsurer. Nothing in this Agreement shall in any manner create or be 
    construed to create any obligations to or establish any rights against any 
    party to this Agreement in favor of any other persons not party to this 
    Agreement.

C.  ARBITRATION
    As a condition precedent to any cause of action, any and all disputes 
    between Company and Reinsurer arising out of, relating to, or concerning 
    this Agreement, whether sounding in contract or tort and whether arising 
    during or after termination of this Agreement, shall be submitted to the 
    decision of a board of arbitration composed of two arbitrators and an 
    umpire ("Board") meeting at a site in Orange County, Florida. The 
    arbitration shall be conducted under the Federal Arbitration Act and shall 
    proceed as follows:


                                 Page 7 of 13

<PAGE>

    1.  SUBMISSION TO ARBITRATION.  A notice requesting arbitration, or any 
    other notice made in connection therewith, shall be in writing and shall be 
    sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested to the affected 
    parties. The notice requesting arbitration shall state in particulars all 
    issues to be resolved in the view of the claimant, shall appoint the 
    arbitrator selected by the claimant and shall set a tentative date for the 
    hearing, which date shall be no sooner than ninety (90) days and no later 
    than one hundred fifty (150) days from the date that the notice requesting 
    arbitration is mailed. Within thirty (30) days of receipt of claimant's 
    notice, the respondent shall notify claimant of any additional issues to be 
    resolved in the arbitration and of the name of its appointed arbitrator.

    2.  ARBITRATION BOARD MEMBERSHIP.  Unless otherwise mutually agreed, the 
    members of the Board shall be impartial and disinterested and shall be 
    active or retired lawyers, familiar with insurance and reinsurance, or 
    active or retired officers of property-casualty insurance companies, 
    reinsurance companies, or Lloyds Underwriters. Company and Reinsurer as 
    aforesaid shall each appoint an arbitrator and the two (2) arbitrators 
    shall choose an umpire before instituting the hearing. As time is of the 
    essence, if the respondent fails to appoint its arbitrator within thirty 
    (30) days after having received claimant's written request for arbitration, 
    the claimant is authorized to and shall appoint the second arbitrator if 
    the two arbitrators fail to agree upon the appointment of an umpire within 
    thirty (30) days after notification of the appointment of the second 
    arbitrator, within ten (10) days thereof, the two (2) arbitrators shall 
    request the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") to appoint an umpire 
    for the arbitration with the qualifications set forth above in this 
    Article. If the AAA fails to name an umpire, either party may apply to the 
    court named below to appoint an umpire with the above required 
    qualifications. The umpire shall promptly notify in writing all parties to 
    the arbitration of his selection and of the scheduled date for the hearing. 
    Upon resignation or death of any member of the Board, a replacement shall 
    be appointed in the same fashion as the resigning or decreased member was 
    appointed.

    3.  SUBMISSION OF BRIEFS.  The claimant and respondent shall each submit 
    initial briefs to the Board outlining the issues in dispute and the basis, 
    authority, and reasons for their respective positions within thirty (30) 
    days of the date of notice of appointment of the umpire. The claimant and 
    the respondent may submit reply briefs to the Board within ten (10) days 
    after filing of the initial briefs(s). Initial and reply briefs may be 
    amended by the submitting party at any time, but not later than ten (10) 
    days prior to the date of commencement of the arbitration hearing. 
    Reasonable responses shall be allowed at the arbitration hearing to new 
    material contained in any amendments filed to the briefs but not previously 
    responded to.

    4.  ARBITRATION AWARD.  The Board shall make a decision and award with 
    regard to the terms of this Agreement, the original intentions of the 
    parties to the extent reasonably ascertainable, and the custom and usage 
    of the property and casualty insurance and reinsurance business which 
    decision and award shall be in writing and shall state the factual and 
    legal basis for the decision and award. The decision and award shall be 
    based upon a hearing in which evidence shall be allowed and which the 
    formal rules of evidence shall not strictly apply but in which cross 
    examination and rebuttal shall be allowed. At its own election or at


                                 Page 8 of 13

<PAGE>

    the request of the Board, either party may submit a post-hearing brief 
    for consideration of the Board within twenty (20) days of the close of the 
    hearing. The Board shall make its decision and award within thirty (30) 
    days following the close of the hearing or the submission of post-hearing 
    briefs, whichever is later, unless the parties consent to an extension. 
    Every decision by the Board shall be by a majority of the members of the 
    Board and each decision and award by the majority of the members of the 
    board shall be final and binding upon all parties to the proceeding. 
    Either party may apply to the Circuit Court in and for Orange County, 
    Florida for an order confirming any decision and the award; a judgment of 
    that Court shall thereupon be entered on any decision or award. If such an 
    order is issued, the attorneys' fees of the party so applying and court 
    costs will be paid by the party against whom confirmation is sought. The 
    Board may award interest at a rate of two hundred (200) basis points 
    above the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal on the date of 
    the award of the Board calculated from the date the Board determines that 
    any amounts due the prevailing party should have been paid to the 
    prevailing party should have been paid to the prevailing party but may not 
    award punitive, exemplary, or treble damages.

    5.  ARBITRATION EXPENSE.  Each party shall bear the expense of the one 
    arbitrator appointed by it and shall jointly and equally bear with the 
    other party the expense of any stenographer requested, and of the umpire. 
    The remaining costs of the arbitration proceedings shall be finally 
    allocated by the Board.

    6.  EVIDENCE.  Subject to customary and recognized legal rules of 
    privilege, each party participating in the arbitration shall have the 
    obligation to produce those documents and as witnesses to the arbitration 
    those of its employees, those of its affiliates, and those of any 
    intermediary or underwriting manager as any other participating party 
    reasonably requests providing always that the same witnesses and documents 
    be obtainable and relevant to the issues before the arbitration and not be 
    unduly burdensome or excessive. The parties may mutually agree as to 
    pre-hearing discovery prior to the arbitration hearing and in the absence 
    of agreement, upon the request of any party, pre-hearing discovery may be 
    conducted as the umpire shall determine in his/her sole discretion to be in 
    the interest of fairness, full disclosure, and a prompt hearing, decision 
    and award by the Board. The umpire shall be the final judge of the 
    procedures of the Board, the conduct of the arbitration, of the rules of 
    evidence, the rules of privilege and production and of excessiveness and 
    relevancy of any witnesses and documents upon the petition of any 
    participating party. To the extent permitted by law, the Board and the 
    umpire shall have the authority to issue subpoenas and other orders to 
    enforce their decisions.

    7.  EQUITABLE RELIEF.  Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent any 
    participating party from applying to the Circuit Court in and for Orange 
    County, Florida to issue a restraining order or other equitable relief to 
    maintain the "status quo" of the parties participating in the arbitration 
    pending the decision and award by the Board or to prevent any party from 
    incurring irreparable harm or damage at any time prior to the decision and 
    award of the Board. The Board shall also have the authority to issue 
    interim decisions or awards in the interest of fairness, full disclosure, 
    and a prompt and orderly hearing and decision and award by the Board.


                                 Page 9 of 13

<PAGE>

D.  CHOICE OF LAW
    This Agreement shall be construed according to the laws of the State of 
    Florida with venue in Orange County, Florida.

E.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT
    This Agreement supersedes and merges with any and all previous 
    agreements, whether written or oral, between Company and Reinsurer, or 
    their predecessors with respect to this reinsurance of Company by Reinsurer 
    effective December 31, 1991 and constitutes the full and complete Agreement 
    between the parties with respect to that reinsurance. No amendment to this 
    Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and signed by both parties.

F.  ERRORS OR OMISSIONS
    Any inadvertent act, neglect, delay, omission, or error by either party 
    to this Agreement, including its representatives, will not be held to 
    relieve either party to this Agreement from any liability that would attach 
    to it under this Agreement if that act, neglect, delay, omission, or error 
    had not been made, providing that act, neglect, delay, omission, or error 
    is sought to be rectified immediately upon discovery.

G.  RIGHT OF OFFSET
    All amounts due either Company or Reinsurer, whether by reason of 
    premium, commission, loss, ultimate net loss or allocated loss expense, or 
    otherwise, under this Agreement or any other Agreement later in force 
    between Reinsurer and Company, whether as ceding company, reinsurer or 
    otherwise, shall be subject to the right of recoupment and offset and upon 
    the exercise of the same, only the net balance shall be due. All claims for 
    amounts of premium, commission, loss, ultimate net loss or allocated loss 
    expense, whether or not fixed in amount at the time of the insolvency of 
    any party to this Agreement, arising from coverage placed in effect under 
    this Agreement prior to the insolvency of any party to this Agreement shall 
    be deemed pre-liquidation debts and subject to this Article. In the event 
    of insolvency of Company, offset shall be in accord with applicable law.

H.  HEADINGS
    The headings preceding the text of the Clauses and paragraphs of this 
    Agreement are intended and inserted solely for the convenience of 
    references and shall not affect the meaning, interpretation, construction 
    or effect of this Agreement.


                                 Page 10 of 13

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                              CRIMS
   
                                      1 UNDERWRITING REPORT

FUND:  880 ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS SELF INSURERS FUND
FUND YEAR:  1989
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                            OUT-
                                              IN-         IN-                                                               STAND-
                                              JURY        JURY    CODES LOST   DATE   COMPEN-               TOTAL   TOTAL   ING
EMPLR DIV CASE   CLAIMANT         SOC SEC     DATE    O/C NAT PRT CAU   TIME RECEIVED SATION  MEDICAL OTHER PAID  INCURRED  RES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>   <C> <C>    <C>              <C>         <C>     <C> <C> <C> <C>   <C>  <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>   <C>   <C>       <C>
419       507202 BULMER, MICHAEL  ###-##-#### 9/28/89  C   81 32  11     N   10/04/89   .00      .00    .00    .00     .00   .00
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1444      507767 STADFELD         ###-##-#### 10/18/89 C   81 32  11     N   11/20/89   .00   165.09    .00 165.09  165.09   .00
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>


1  Report information to be reconciled by Agreement.




                                 Page 11 of 13

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         CRIMS

                                                                    1 REFUND REPORT

FUND:  880 ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS SELF INSURERS FUND        FUND YEAR:  1989



- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                           ACCEPTED CLAIMS      
                                                                                               -----------------------------------
                                                                            REIM-      UNFILED    UNFILED                        
                                                          DATE         BURSEMENTS FROM  EST.       EST.     
                                   ACCIDENT    TOTAL    NOTIFIED/       REFUND STATUS   REIM-      REIM-      AMOUNT       AMOUNT
EMPLR  DIV  CASE   NAME              DATE    INCURRED   ACCEPTED  CODE  SDF ATTORNEY  BURSEMENT  BURSEMENT  UNCOLLECTED  COLLECTED
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>    <C>  <C>    <C>             <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>   <C>           <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>  

630         507602 BRYANT, JOHNNY  10/30/89  127,000.00 0/00/00   09    SPECIAL DISA-  50,800.00               .00
                                                                        BILITY FUND    
                                                                        MERGER
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
106         506453 CARROLL, ROGER  7/27/89    94,677.37 2/22/91   05    SPECIAL DISA-  75,000.00       
                                                                        BILITY FUND
                                                                        AFFIDAVIT/
                                                                        MERGER
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>




1  Report information to be reconciled by Agreement



                                 Page 12 of 13


<PAGE>

                         1  SPECIFIC EXCESS CLAIMS

                              AGC 1/1/89 - 1/1/90
                                     AS OF
                                  DEC 31, 1991

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Individual    Excess Over
Claimant            Paid         Reserve         Total      Retention      Retention

<S>              <C>          <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>
J. DANIELS       379,840.92   1,150,159.08   1,530,000.00   500,000.00   1,030,000.00
505474
D/A 5/3/89

R. HOFFMAN       356,819.76     227,180.24     584,000.00   500,000.00      84,000.00
508187
D/A 10/16/89
                 ----------   ------------   ------------   ----------   ------------
                 379,840.92   1,150,159.08   1,530,000.00   500,000.00

                            SPECIFIC EXCESS OVER RETENTION               1,114,000.00
</TABLE>

                1  Report information to be reconciled by Agreement


                                 Page 13 of 13

<PAGE>
 
                             [LOGO]  RELIANCE
                    A RELIANCE GROUP HOLDINGS COMPANY




                SPECIFIC EXCESS WORKERS' COMPENSATION
                     AND EMPLOYERS' LIABILITY POLICY

                                             
<PAGE>

                         PLANET INSURANCE COMPANY

A Stock Insurance Company, herein called the Company, agrees with the Insured,
named in the Declarations made a part hereof, in consideration of the payment of
the premium and in reliance upon the statements in the Declarations and subject
to the limit of liability, exclusions, conditions and other terms of this
policy:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INSURING AGREEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. APPLICATION OF   This policy applies to loss sustained by the Insured on 
   POLICY.          account of:

                    (A) compensation and other benefits required of the Insured 
                        by the workers' compensation law; and

                    (B) sums which the Insured shall become legally obligated to
                        pay as damages because of bodily injury by accident or 
                        disease, including death at any time resulting 
                        therefrom, sustained in the United States of America, 
                        its territories or possessions, or Canada by any 
                        employee of the Insured arising out of and in the course
                        of his employment by the Insured either in operations in
                        a state designated in Item 5 of the Declarations or in 
                        operations necessary or incidental thereto,

                    as a result of injury(1) by accident occurring during the 
                    policy period, or (2) by disease caused or aggravated by 
                    exposure of which the last day of the last exposure, in the
                    employment of the Insured, to conditions causing the disease
                    occurs during the policy period.

II. RETENTION AND   The Insured shall retain as its own retention in the amount
    INDEMNITY.      stated in Item 6 of the Declarations and the Company hereby
                    agrees to indemnify the Insured against loss in excess of 
                    such retention, subject to the limit of indemnity stated in
                    Item 7 of the Declarations; provided, that the retention and
                    limit of indemnity apply as respects:

                    (A) bodily injury by accident, including death resulting 
                        therefrom, sustained by one or more employees in each 
                        accident; or

                    (B) bodily injury by disease, including death resulting 
                        therefrom, sustained by each employee.

                    The inclusion herein of more than one Insured shall not 
                    operate to increase the retention or the limit of indemnity.

III. CLAIM          As respects each such accident and each such disease for
     EXPENSES.      which indemnity against loss is afforded by this policy, the
                    Company will indemnify the Insured against that proportion 
                    of claim expenses (other than appeal claim expenses handled
                    as hereinafter provided) paid by the Insured that the amount
                    of the loss ultimately borne by the Company bears to the 
                    total amount of the loss. As respects claim expenses 
                    connected with appeal taken by the Insured from an award, 
                    verdict or judgment which is in excess of the Insured's 
                    retention hereunder, if the Company consents to such appeal
                    the Company shall indemnify the Insured against that
                    proportion of the claim expenses paid by the Insured in 
                    connection with such appeal that the amount of such award,
                    verdict or judgment in excess of the Insured's retention 
                    bears to the total amount of such award, verdict or
                    judgment.

                    Claim expenses are payable by the Company in addition to 
                    the limit of indemnity of this policy.

IV. DEFINITIONS.    (A) WORKERS' COMPENSATION LAW. The unqualified term 
                        "workers' compensation law" means the workers' 
                        compensation law and any occupational disease law of 
                        a state designated in Item 5 of the Declarations, 
                        while the Insured is a duly qualified self-insurer 
                        under such law, but does not include those 
                        provisions of any such law which provide 
                        non-occupational disability benefits. 

<PAGE>

                    (B) STATE. The word "state" means any state or territory of
                        the United States of America and the District of 
                        Columbia.
                          
                    (C) BODILY INJURY BY ACCIDENT. An event or circumstance, 
                        other than bodily injury by disease, which is unexpected
                        and unintended from the standpoint of the Insured and 
                        results in injury or impairment to bodily or mental 
                        function. The contraction of disease is not an accident
                        within the meaning of the word "accident" in the term 
                        "bodily injury by accident" and only such disease as
                        results directly from a bodily injury by accident is 
                        included within the term "bodily injury by accident".
          
                    (D) BODILY INJURY BY DISEASE. An illness or sickness, other 
                        than bodily injury by accident, resulting in injury or 
                        impairment to the bodily or mental functions. The term 
                        "bodily injury by disease" includes only such disease
                        as is not included within the term "bodily injury by 
                        accident".
          
                    (E) ASSAULT AND BATTERY. Under Section I B. of the of 
                        Insuring Agreements, assault and battery shall be 
                        deemed an accident unless committed by or at the 
                        direction of the Insured.
          
                    (F) DAMAGES BECAUSE OF BODILY INJURY BY ACCIDENT OR DISEASE,
                        INCLUDING DEATH AT ANY TIME RESULTING THEREFROM. The 
                        words "damages because of bodily injury by accident or 
                        disease, including death at any time resulting 
                        therefrom", in Section I B. of Insuring Agreements, 
                        includes damages for care and loss of services and 
                        damages for which the Insured is liable by reason of 
                        suits or claims brought against the Insured by others 
                        to recover the damages obtained from such others 
                        because of such bodily injury sustained by employees of 
                        the Insured arising out of and in the course of their 
                        employment.
          
                    (G) LOSS. The word "loss" shall mean only such amounts as 
                        are actually paid in cash by the Insured in payment of
                        benefits under the workers' compensation law, in 
                        settlement of claims or in satisfaction of awards of
                        judgments; but the word "loss" shall not include claim
                        expenses, salaries paid to employees of the Insured, nor
                        annual retainers.
          
                    (H) CLAIMS EXPENSES. The term "claims expenses" shall mean 
                        court costs, interest upon awards and judgments, and 
                        allocated investigation, adjustment and legal expenses; 
                        but the term "claim expenses" shall not include salaries
                        paid to employees of the Insured nor annual retainers.
          
                    (I) REMUNERATION. When used as a premium basis, 
                        "remuneration" means the entire remuneration, computed 
                        in accordance with the excess manuals and rating plans 
                        in use by the Company, earned during the policy period 
                        by (a) all executive officers and other employees of the
                        Insured engaged in operations covered by this policy, 
                        and (b) any other person performing work which may 
                        render the Insured liable for injury to or death of such
                        person in accordance with the workers' compensation law.
                        "Remuneration" shall not include the remuneration of any
                        person within division (b) foregoing if the Insured 
                        maintains evidence satisfactory to the Company that the
                        payment of compensation and other benefits under such 
                        law to such person is secured by other valid and 
                        collectible insurance or by any other undertaking 
                        approved by the governmental agency having jurisdiction
                        thereof.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXCLUSIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This policy does not apply:

I.   to loss arising out of operations (A) as respects to which the Insured
     carries a full coverage workers' compensation or employers' liability 
     policy, or (B) as respect to which any workers' compensation law has been
      rejected;

II.  unless required by law or described in the Declarations, to domestic
     employment or to farm or agricultural employment;

<PAGE>

III. to any payments required on the Insured under the workers' compensation
     law, in excess of the benefits regularly provided by such law, solely 
     because of injury to (A) any employee by reason of the serious and 
     willful misconduct of the Insured; or (B) any employee employed by the 
     Insured in violation of law with the knowledge or acquiescence of the 
     Insured or any executive officer thereof;

IV.  under Subsection I B. of the Insuring Agreements, to liability assumed by
     the Insured under any contract or agreement;

V.   under Subsection I B. of the Insuring Agreements, (A) to punitive or 
     exemplary damages on account of bodily injury to or death of any employee
     in violation of law, or (B) with respect to any employee employed in 
     violation of law with the knowledge or acquiescense of the Insured or any
     executive officer thereof;

VI.  under Subsection I B. of the Insuring Agreements, to bodily injury by
     disease unless prior to thirty-six months after the end of the policy 
     period written claim is made or suit is brought against the Insured for
     damages because of such injury or death resulting therefrom;

VII. under Subsection I B. of the Insuring Agreements, to any obligation for
     which the Insured or any carrier as his insurer may be held liable under 
     any workers' compensation or occupational disease law of a state designated
     in Item 5 of the Declarations, any other workers' compensation or 
     occupational disease law, any unemployment compensation or disability 
     benefits law, or under any similar law.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONDITIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.  QUALIFIED      The Insured, by the acceptance of this policy, warrants that 
    SELF-INSURER.  it has qualified as a self-insurer as provided in the 
                   workers' compensation law and will continue to maintain such
                   qualification during the period of this policy. In the event
                   the Insurer should at any time while this policy is in force 
                   terminate its qualifications as a self-insurer or if such 
                   qualification should be cancelled or revoked, this policy, to
                   the extent of such termination, cancellation or revocation, 
                   shall automatically terminate at the same time.

II. PREMIUM.       (A) The premium bases and rates for the classifications of 
                       operations described in the Declarations are as stated 
                       therein and for classifications not so described are 
                       those applicable in accordance with the excess manuals 
                       and rating plans in use by the Company. The policy is 
                       issued by the Company and accepted by the Insured with 
                       the agreement that if any change in classifications, 
                       rates or rating plans is or becomes applicable to this 
                       policy under any law regulating this insurance or because
                       of any amendments affecting the benefits provided by
                       the workers' compensation law, such change with the 
                       effective date thereof shall be stated in an endorsement
                       issued to form a part of this policy.

                   (B) If the Declarations provide for adjustment of premium on 
                       other than an annual basis, the Insured shall pay the 
                       deposit premium to the Company upon the inception of this
                       policy and thereafter in interim premiums shall be 
                       computed in accordance with the excess manuals and rating
                       plans in use by the Company and paid by the Insured 
                       promptly after the end of each interval specified in the
                       Declarations. The deposit premium shall be retained by 
                       the Company until termination of this policy and credited
                       to the final premium adjustment.
 
                   (C) The Insured shall maintain records of the information 
                       necessary for premium computation on the bases stated in
                       the Declarations, and shall send copies of such records
                       to the Company at the end of the policy period and at 
                       such times during the policy period as the Company may 
                       direct. If the Insured does not furnish records of the 
                       remuneration of persons within divisions (b) of the
                       definition of remuneration foregoing, the remuneration of
                       such persons shall be computed in accordance with the 
                       excess manuals and rating plans in use by the Company.

                   (D) The premium stated in the Declarations is an estimated 
                       premium only. Upon termination of this policy, the earned
                       premium shall be computed in accordance with the rules, 
                       rates, premiums and minimum premium applicable to this 
                       insurance in accordance with the excess manuals and 
                       rating plans in use
<PAGE>

                       by the Company. If the earned premium exceeds the premium
                       previously paid, the Insured shall pay the excess to the 
                       Company; if less, the Company shall return to the Insured
                       the unearned portion paid by the Insured. All premiums 
                       shall be fully earned whether any workers' compensation 
                       law, or any part thereof, is or shall be declared invalid
                       or unconstitutional.

III. LONG-TERM     If this policy is written for a period longer than one year,
     POLICY.       all the provisions of this policy shall apply separately to 
                   each consecutive twelve-month period, or, if the first or 
                   last consecutive period is less than twelve months, to such
                   period of less than twelve months, in the same manner as if a
                   separate policy had been written for each consecutive period.
                   The earned premium for each such period shall be computed as
                   provided by Section II under Conditions, subject, except as 
                   otherwise provided in the excess manuals and rating plans in 
                   use by the Company with respect to classifications of of 
                   operations for which this policy provides a per capita 
                   premium basis, to the following provisions:

                   (A) The premium rates for the first consecutive period shall 
                       be those stated in the Declarations and those applicable 
                       for such period in accordance with the excess manuals and
                       rating plans in use by the Company;

                   (B) The premium bases, classification of operations, rates, 
                       rating plans, premiums and minimum premiums for each such
                       subsequent period shall be those applicable for such 
                       period in accordance with the excess manuals and rating
                       plans in use by the Company.

IV. PARTNERSHIP    If the Insured is a partnership or joint venture, such
    OR JOINT       insurance as is afforded by this policy applies to each 
    VENTURE        partner or member thereof as an Insured only while he
    AS INSURED.    is acting within the scope of his duties as such partner or
                   member.

V. INSPECTION      The Company and any rating authority having jurisdiction by
   AND AUDIT.      law shall each be permitted to inspect the workplaces, 
                   machinery and equipment covered by this policy and to 
                   examine and audit the Insured's books, vouchers, contracts,
                   documents and records of any and every kind at any reasonable
                   time during the policy period and any extension thereof and 
                   within three years after termination of this policy, as far 
                   as they relate to the premium bases or the subject matter
                   of this insurance.

VI. NOTICE OF      When an injury occurs that appears reasonably likely to
    INJURY.        involve liability on the part of the Company, written notice
                   shall be given by or on behalf of the Insured to the Company 
                   or any of its authorized agent as soon as practicable, except
                   that immediate notice shall be given to the Company where an
                   injury of the following type occurs:

                   (A) any claim, award or judgment or the reopening of any 
                       claim which exceeds 50% of the retention specified in 
                       Item 6 of the policy applicable to the occurrence which
                       gives rise to such claim, award or judgment, and any 
                       action, suit or proceeding which might result in such an
                       award or judgment;

                   (B) any case involving:

                       (1) death;
                       (2) disability for a period of nine months or more;
                       (3) spinal cord injury;
                       (4) amputation of a major extremity;
                       (5) a permanent, total disability as defined in the 
                           workers' compensation law of the applicable state
                           named in Item 5 of the Declarations;

                   (C) any occurrence which causes serious injury to two or 
                       more employees;

                   Such notice shall contain particulars sufficient to identify
                   the Insured and also the fullest information obtainable at 
                   the time. The Insured shall give like notice, with full 
                   particulars, of any claim made on account of such injury. If
                   thereafter suit or other proceeding is instituted against the
                   insured to enforce such claim, the Insured shall, when 
                   requested by the Company, forward to the Company every 
                   demand, notice, summons, or other process or true copies 
                   thereof, received by the


<PAGE>

                   insured or the Insured's representative together with copies
                   of reports of investigations made by the Insured with respect
                   to such claim, suit or proceeding.

                   The Insured shall not make any voluntary settlement involving
                   loss to the Company hereunder except with the written consent
                   of the Company.

                   The Company, at its own election and expense, shall have the 
                   right to participate with the Insured in the settlement, 
                   defense or appeal of any claim, suit or proceeding which 
                   might involve liability of the Company.

VII. COOPERATION   The Company shall not be called upon to assume charge of the 
     OF THE        settlement of defense of any claim made or suit or proceeding
     INSURED.      instituted against the Insured, but shall have the right and
                   shall be given the opportunity to associate with the Insured
                   in the defense and control of any claim, suit or proceeding 
                   where the claim or suit involves, or appears reasonably 
                   likely to involve the Company, in which event the Insured 
                   and the Company shall cooperate in all things in the defense
                   of such claim, suit or proceeding.

VIII. LOSS         The Company shall pay any loss for which it may be liable 
      PAYABLE.     under this policy in the following manner:

                   (A) if a loss is payable under the workers' compensation law
                       of the applicable state, payment therefor shall first be
                       made by the Insured in accordance with the provisions of
                       the law, and the Company shall reimburse the Insured for
                       such loss periodically, at intervals of not less than one
                       month, upon receipt from the Insured of proper proofs of
                       payment. No voluntary commutation of compensation awards
                       to a lump sum basis shall be made by the Insured without
                       the consent of the Company.

                  (B) if a loss is not payable under the workers' compensation
                      law of the applicable state, and damages are recovered 
                      against the Insured, payment therefor shall be made by 
                      the Company within thirty (30) days after proper proof 
                      of payment by the Insured shall have been received by the
                      Company.

IX. ACTION        No action shall lie against the Company unless, as a condition
    AGAINST       precendent thereto, the Insured shall have fully complied with
    COMPANY       all the terms of this policy, nor until the amount of the
    INSURING      Insured's obligation to pay shall have been finally determined
    AGREEMENTS    either by judgment against the Insured after actual trial or
    SECTION I B.  by written agreement of the Insured, the claimant and the 
                  Company.


                  Any person or organization or the legal representative thereof
                  who has secured such judgment or written agreement shall 
                  thereafter be entitled to recover under this policy to the 
                  extent of the insurance afforded by this policy. Nothing
                  contained in this policy shall give any person or organization
                  any right to join the Company as a co-defendant in any action 
                  against the Insured to determine the Insured's liability.

                  Bankruptcy or insolvency of the Insured or of the Insured's 
                  estate shall not relieve the Company of any of its obligations
                  under Insuring Agreements Section I B.

X. OTHER          If the Insured carries other valid and collectible insurance
   INSURANCE.     covering a loss also covered by this policy (other than
                  insurance that is purchased to apply in excess of the sum of 
                  the retention and the limit of liability hereunder of policies
                  of coinsurance within the limits of this policy), the 
                  insurance afforded by this contract shall apply in excess of 
                  and shall not contribute with such other insurance or 
                  reinsurance.

XI. SUBROGATION.  In the event of any payment under this policy, the Company 
                  shall be subrogated of all rights of recovery therefor of the
                  Insured and any person entitled to the benefits of this policy
                  against any person or organization, and the Insured shall 
                  execute and deliver instruments and papers and do whatever 
                  else is necessary to secure such rights. The Insured shall do
                  nothing after a loss to prejudice such rights.

<PAGE>
 
XII. CHANGES.      Notice to any agent or knowledge possessed by any agent or by
                   any other person shall not effect a waiver or a change in any
                   part of this policy or estop the Company from asserting any 
                   right under the terms of this policy; nor shall the terms of 
                   this policy be waived or changed, except by endorsement 
                   issued to form a part of this policy, signed by a duly 
                   authorized representative of the Company.

XIII. ASSIGNMENT.  Assignment of interest under this policy shall not bind the 
                   Company until its consent is endorsed hereon.

XIV. CANCELLATION. This policy may be cancelled by the Insured by mailing to the
                   Company written notice stating when thereafter the 
                   cancellation shall be effective. The policy may be cancelled 
                   by the Company by mailing to the Insured at the address shown
                   in this policy written notice stating when not less than ten 
                   days thereafter such cancellation shall be effective. The 
                   mailing of notice as aforesaid shall be sufficient proof of 
                   notice. The effective date of cancellation stated in the
                   notice shall become the end of the policy period. Delivery of
                   such written notice either by the Insured or by the Company 
                   shall be equivalent to mailing.

                   If the Insured cancels, unless the excess manuals and rating 
                   plans in use by the Company otherwise provide, earned premium
                   shall be (A) computed in accordance with the customary short
                   rate table and procedure; and (B) not less than the minimum 
                   premium stated in the Declarations. If the Company cancels, 
                   earned premium shall be computed pro rata. Premium adjustment
                   may be made at the time cancellation is effected and, if not
                   then made, shall be made as soon as practicable after 
                   cancellation becomes effective. The Company's check or the
                   check of its representative mailed or delivered as aforesaid
                   shall be sufficient tender of any refund or premium due to 
                   the Insured.

                   When excess insurance under the workers' compensation law may
                   not be cancelled except in accordance with such law, this 
                   condition so far as it applies to the insurance under this 
                   policy with respect to such law, is amended to conform to
                   such law.

XV. CONFORMITY TO  Terms of this policy which are in conflict with the 
    STATUTE.       provisions of the workers' compensation law are hereby 
                   amended to conform to such law.

XVI. WARRANTY.     By acceptance of this policy, the Insured warrants that the
                   statements in the Declarations are the Insured's agreements
                   and representations, that this policy is issued in reliance
                   upon the truth of such representations and that this policy
                   embodies all agreements existing between himself and the 
                   Company or any of its agent relating to this insurance.


<PAGE>

                        SPECIFIC EXCESS WORKERS COMPENSATION
                            AND EMPLOYERS' LIABILITY POLICY

NXC 0105918                                          PLANET INSURANCE COMPANY
- ---------------                                      Home 0ffice-Sun Prairie,
Renewal of NEW              RELIANCE  [LOGO]         Wisconsin
                                                     Administrative 0ffices-
                                                     Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
        
                                                  Agency Code, Name and Address
DECLARATIONS                                      80-971
ITEM 1. NAME INSURED AND P. 0. ADDRESS            BRENTWOOD SERVICES, INC.
(No., Street, Town, County, State)                213-A WARD CIRCLE
     ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONSTRUCTORS OF           BRENTWOOD, TN
     FLORIDA SELF INSURANCE FUND
     P.O. BOX 678148
     ORLANDO, FL. 32867
     
ITEM 2. POLICY PERIOD:
     From      1/1/93 To 1/1/94    12:01 a.m., standard time at the address of
                                   the insured as stated herein.
     
ITEM 3. The Named Insured is: / / Individual / / Partnership  / / Corporation
                             /X/ Other

ITEM 4. Locations--All usual workplaces of the insured at or from which 
        operations covered by this policy are conducted are located at the above
        address unless otherwise stated herein:
                   ALL LOCATIONS
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
ITEM 5. Subsection I (A) under Insuring Agreements applies to the workers'
        compensation law and any occupational disease law of each of the 
        following states:
              FLORIDA
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
ITEM 6. Retention $750,000           ITEM 7. Limit of Indemnity $ SEE END'T. #1
                  --------                                      ----------------

ITEM 8.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             ESTIMATED    RATES PER    ESTIMATED
                                     CODE  TOTAL ANNUAL    $100 OF       ANNUAL
      CLASSIFICATION OF OPERATIONS  NUMBER REMUNERATION  REMUNERATION   PREMIUMS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AS ON FILE WITH THE COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum Premium $943,800                           TOTAL ESTIMATED
                --------                           ANNUAL PREMIUM    $
                                                                      ----------
Deposit Premium $1,048,668 - SEE END'T. #2
                --------------------------
          RATE - .3703 PER $100 OF PAYROLL

If indicated below, interim adjustments of premium shall be made:          

 / / Semi-Annually / / Quarterly  / / Monthly

ITEM 9. The insured is not conducting other operations at or from the locations
        described herein or any operation at or from any other location in a 
        state designated in Item 5; exception, if any
     
                    NOT APPLICABLE
        -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Countersigned by  /s/ R. Villafane
                 --------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Authorized Representative
        
In Witness Whereof, the Company issuing this policy has cause this policy to be
signed by its authorized officers, but this policy shall not be valid unless
signed by a duly authorized representative of the Company.

                       PLANET INSURANCE COMPANY

           /s/ Linda C. Hohn         /s/ Robert M. Stanley
               Secretary                President
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>                 <C>              <C>                <C>                 <C>
Company Numbers          If this endorsement is issued concurrently with the policy, the Attaching Clause    Endt. No. 1
                         need to be completed
1=RELIANCE INSURANCE     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  COMPANY                Issued by Co. No.   Insured    ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONSTRUCTORS OF FLORIDA SELF      Policy No.
                                2                 INSURANCE FUND                                             NXC 0105918
2=PLANET INSURANCE       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  COMPANY                Effective Date      Policy Period     Addt'l Premium     Return Premium      Premium subject
                           1/1/93            1/1/93 TO 1/1/94                                         / /    to audit
3=UNITED PACIFIC         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  INSURANCE COMPANY      Unearned Premium Factor    All terms and conditions of the policy remain     Countersigned
                                                    unchanged except as amended by this endorsement.
4=RELIANCE INSURANCE     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  CO. OF ILLINOIS

Item 7, Limit of Liability, of the Declarations (Form # 32-003 ed. 1/92) is
completed as follows:
     
     1. Coverage A - Workers' Compensation - Statutory.
     
     2. Coverage B - Employers' Liability - $2,000,000.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/ /  THE PREMIUM FOR THIS ENDORSEMENT IF ON INSTALLMENTS IS PAYABLE AS FOLLOWS:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         ADDITIONAL          RETURN    REVISED ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AT DATE OF ENDORSEMENT   $              $                    (NOT APPLICABLE)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIRST ANNIVERSARY        $              $         $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECOND ANNIVERSARY       $              $         $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GEN-47c Ed. 03/87
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>                 <C>              <C>                <C>                 <C>
Company Numbers          If this endorsement is issued concurrently with the policy, the Attaching Clause    Endt. No. 2
                         need to be completed
1=RELIANCE INSURANCE     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  COMPANY                Issued by Co. No.   Insured    ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONSTRUCTORS OF FLORIDA SELF      Policy No.
                                2                 INSURANCE FUND                                             NXC 0105918
2=PLANET INSURANCE       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  COMPANY                Effective Date      Policy Period     Addt'l Premium     Return Premium      Premium subject
                           1/1/93            1/1/93 TO 1/1/94                                         / /    to audit
3=UNITED PACIFIC         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  INSURANCE COMPANY      Unearned Premium Factor    All terms and conditions of the policy remain     Countersigned
                                                    unchanged except as amended by this endorsement.
4=RELIANCE INSURANCE     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  CO. OF ILLINOIS


                               INSTALLMENT SCHEDULE

     In consideration of the premium charged, it is agreed that the deposit
premium is payable as follows:
     
                  Due                                    AMOUNT
                  ---                                    ------
                 1/1/93                                 $262,167
 
                 3/1/93                                 $262,167
                                        
                 7/1/93                                 $262,167
                                        
                 10/1/93                                $262,167
                                        
                                        
                                        
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/ /  THE PREMIUM FOR THIS ENDORSEMENT IF ON INSTALLMENTS IS PAYABLE AS FOLLOWS:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         ADDITIONAL          RETURN    REVISED ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AT DATE OF ENDORSEMENT   $              $                    (NOT APPLICABLE)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIRST ANNIVERSARY        $              $         $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECOND ANNIVERSARY       $              $         $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GEN-47c Ed. 03/87
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>                 <C>              <C>                <C>                 <C>
Company Numbers          If this endorsement is issued concurrently with the policy, the Attaching Clause    Endt. No. 3
                         need to be completed
1=RELIANCE INSURANCE     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  COMPANY                Issued by Co. No.   Insured    ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONSTRUCTORS OF FLORIDA SELF      Policy No.
                                2                 INSURANCE FUND                                             NXC 0105918
2=PLANET INSURANCE       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  COMPANY                Effective Date      Policy Period     Addt'l Premium     Return Premium      Premium subject
                           1/1/93            1/1/93 TO 1/1/94                                         / /    to audit
3=UNITED PACIFIC         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  INSURANCE COMPANY      Unearned Premium Factor    All terms and conditions of the policy remain     Countersigned
                                                    unchanged except as amended by this endorsement.
4=RELIANCE INSURANCE     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  CO. OF ILLINOIS


                       AVIATION WORKER'S COMPENSATION ENDORSEMENT
    
IN CONSIDERATION OF THE PREMIUM CHARGED IT IS AGREED THAT COVERAGE FOR
INDUSTRIAL AID AIRCRAFT IS  LIMITED TO THE AIRCRAFT LISTED BELOW::
     
     YEAR AND MAKE                           HANGARED
     -------------                           --------
  (1) 1970 GULFSTREAM                        MARIANNA, FL.
  (2) 1978 CESSNA 210                        VAN AIR
     
NEWLY ACQUIRED AIRCRAFT WILL BE COVERED FOR A THIRTY DAY PERIOD DURING
WHICH THE AIRCRAFT MUST BE REPORTED TO THE COMPANY. ALL COVERAGE WILL CEASE
AUTOMATICALLY AT THE END OF THIRTY DAYS FROM THE DATE THE MEMBER OF THE
ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS SELF INSURANCE FUND ACQUIRED THE AIRCRAFT.
     
     
     
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/ /  THE PREMIUM FOR THIS ENDORSEMENT IF ON INSTALLMENTS IS PAYABLE AS FOLLOWS:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         ADDITIONAL          RETURN    REVISED ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AT DATE OF ENDORSEMENT   $              $                    (NOT APPLICABLE)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIRST ANNIVERSARY        $              $         $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECOND ANNIVERSARY       $              $         $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GEN-47c Ed. 03/87
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>                 <C>              <C>                <C>                 <C>
Company Numbers          If this endorsement is issued concurrently with the policy, the Attaching Clause    Endt. No. 4
                         need to be completed
1=RELIANCE INSURANCE     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  COMPANY                Issued by Co. No.   Insured    ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONSTRUCTORS OF FLORIDA SELF      Policy No.
                                2                 INSURANCE FUND                                             NXC 0105918
2=PLANET INSURANCE       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  COMPANY                Effective Date      Policy Period     Addt'l Premium     Return Premium      Premium subject
                           1/1/93            1/1/93 TO 1/1/94                                         / /    to audit
3=UNITED PACIFIC         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  INSURANCE COMPANY      Unearned Premium Factor    All terms and conditions of the policy remain     Countersigned
                                                    unchanged except as amended by this endorsement.
4=RELIANCE INSURANCE     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  CO. OF ILLINOIS


                         ALL STATES ENDORSEMENT

It is agreed that:
     
A. In the event the Insured undertakes operations in any state not
designated in item 5 of the Declarations, other than North Dakota, or Wyoming,
the Company agrees as follows:
     
     1. To indemnify the Insured excess of the Insured's Retention for all
     compensation and other benefits under the Workers' Compensation law of such
     State.
     
     2. Such insurance as afforded by the policy under coverage I.(B) also
     applies to Bodily Injury by Accident or Disease, including Death at any 
     time resulting therefrom, sustained by any employee of the Insured arising
     out of and in the course of his employment in operations in such State or 
     in operations incidental thereto. The limit of liability for Bodily Injury
     by Disease including Death resulting therefrom, applies as though each 
     State in which such operations are conducted were designated in Item 5 of 
     the Declarations.
     
     3. Such insurance as is afforded by the policy by virtue of this
     endorsement does not apply to such operations if the Insured has, under any
     Workers' Compensation or Occupational Disease law, other insurance or is a
     qualified self insurer or has rejected the Workers' Compensation or 
     Occupational Disease law applicable to such operations.
     
B.  The agreements in paragraph A forgoing are subject to the following 
Conditions:
     
     1. The Insured shall give notice to the Company before or as soon as
     practicable after the commencement of such operations but  failure to give
     such notice shall not invalidate the insurance afforded by this 
     endorsement.
     

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/ /  THE PREMIUM FOR THIS ENDORSEMENT IF ON INSTALLMENTS IS PAYABLE AS FOLLOWS:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         ADDITIONAL          RETURN    REVISED ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AT DATE OF ENDORSEMENT   $              $                    (NOT APPLICABLE)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIRST ANNIVERSARY        $              $         $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECOND ANNIVERSARY       $              $         $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GEN-47c Ed. 03/87
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>                 <C>              <C>                <C>                 <C>
Company Numbers          If this endorsement is issued concurrently with the policy, the Attaching Clause    Endt. No. 4
                         need to be completed                                                                     CONT'D
1=RELIANCE INSURANCE     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  COMPANY                Issued by Co. No.   Insured    ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONSTRUCTORS OF FLORIDA SELF      Policy No.
                                2                 INSURANCE FUND                                             NXC 0105918
2=PLANET INSURANCE       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  COMPANY                Effective Date      Policy Period     Addt'l Premium     Return Premium      Premium subject
                           1/1/93            1/1/93 TO 1/1/94                                         / /    to audit
3=UNITED PACIFIC         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  INSURANCE COMPANY      Unearned Premium Factor    All terms and conditions of the policy remain     Countersigned
                                                    unchanged except as amended by this endorsement.
4=RELIANCE INSURANCE     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  CO. OF ILLINOIS


     Page - 2 -
     
     2. The Insured shall take whatever action is necessary to bring  
     themselves into compliance with the Workers' Compensation or
     Occupational Disease laws of such State with respects to such operations.
     If the  Insured  becomes  a qualified  self  insurer  in  the  State,  
     the Company shall thereupon endorse this policy to include the State under
     item 5 at a retention to be mutually agreed to.
     
     3. The premium bases and rates for the classifications of operations in
     such State or operations necessary or incidental thereto shall be those 
     which would have been applicable under the excess manuals in use by the 
     Company had coverage A of the policy applied to such operations and the 
     premium for the insurance afforded by this endorsement with respect to 
     such operations shall be computed accordingly and in accordance to the 
     provisions of Condition II of the policy.
     
     4. The word "State" as used in this endorsement means any State of the
     United States of America and the District of Columbia.
     
C. Such insurance as is afforded by the policy by virtue of this
endorsement shall not apply to:
     
     1. To Injury or Death of the master or a member of the crew of vessel;or,
     
     2. Any fines or penalties levied against the Insured for not being a
     qualified self insurer in the State and/or for failure to comply with the
     requirements of any Workers' Compensation law.
     
D. The insurance afforded the policy by virtue of this endorsement shall
not constitute Workers' Compensation insurance as required of an employer under
the laws of any State.
     

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/ /  THE PREMIUM FOR THIS ENDORSEMENT IF ON INSTALLMENTS IS PAYABLE AS FOLLOWS:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         ADDITIONAL          RETURN    REVISED ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AT DATE OF ENDORSEMENT   $              $                    (NOT APPLICABLE)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIRST ANNIVERSARY        $              $         $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECOND ANNIVERSARY       $              $         $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GEN-47c Ed. 03/87
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>                 <C>              <C>                <C>                 <C>
Company Numbers          If this endorsement is issued concurrently with the policy, the Attaching Clause    Endt. No. 5
                         need to be completed
1=RELIANCE INSURANCE     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  COMPANY                Issued by Co. No.   Insured    ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONSTRUCTORS OF FLORIDA SELF      Policy No.
                                2                 INSURANCE FUND                                             NXC 0105918
2=PLANET INSURANCE       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  COMPANY                Effective Date      Policy Period     Addt'l Premium     Return Premium      Premium subject
                           1/1/93            1/1/93 TO 1/1/94                                         / /    to audit
3=UNITED PACIFIC         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  INSURANCE COMPANY      Unearned Premium Factor    All terms and conditions of the policy remain     Countersigned
                                                    unchanged except as amended by this endorsement.
4=RELIANCE INSURANCE     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  CO. OF ILLINOIS

           VOLUNTARY COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYERS' LIABILITY COVERAGE
                                 ENDORSEMENT

In consideration of the premium charged, it is agreed that the Specific
Excess  Workers'  Compensation  and  Employers'  Liability Policy (form 32-005)
IS extended as follows:
     
     In the event that any of the Insured's employees are exempt from the
     Workers' Compensation Law(s) of the State designated on item 5 of the
     Declarations and the Insured Voluntary agrees to cover them, this policy is
     extended to cover said employees as if they were subject to the Worker's
     Compensation Law(s) of the Covered State(s).
     

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/ /  THE PREMIUM FOR THIS ENDORSEMENT IF ON INSTALLMENTS IS PAYABLE AS FOLLOWS:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         ADDITIONAL          RETURN    REVISED ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AT DATE OF ENDORSEMENT   $              $                    (NOT APPLICABLE)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIRST ANNIVERSARY        $              $         $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECOND ANNIVERSARY       $              $         $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GEN-47c Ed. 03/87
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>                 <C>              <C>                <C>                 <C>
Company Numbers          If this endorsement is issued concurrently with the policy, the Attaching Clause    Endt. No. 6
                         need to be completed
1=RELIANCE INSURANCE     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  COMPANY                Issued by Co. No.   Insured    ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONSTRUCTORS OF FL S.I.F.         Policy No.
                                2                                                                            NXC 0105918
2=PLANET INSURANCE       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  COMPANY                Effective Date      Policy Period     Addt'l Premium     Return Premium      Premium subject
                           1/1/93            1/1/93 TO 1/1/94                                         / /    to audit
3=UNITED PACIFIC         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  INSURANCE COMPANY      Unearned Premium Factor    All terms and conditions of the policy remain     Countersigned
                                                    unchanged except as amended by this endorsement.
4=RELIANCE INSURANCE     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  CO. OF ILLINOIS

                           BANKRUPTCY OR INSOLVENCY ENDORSEMENT

In consideration of the premium charged, it is agreed that the following
additional Condition is added to the Specific Excess Workers' Compensation and
Employers' Liability Policy (form 32-005)

     In the event that the Insured is unable to pay part or all of the 
     Insured's Retention, as shown in Item 6 of the Declarations, by reason 
     of Bankruptcy or Insolvency, the coverage afforded by this policy shall
     continue in effect but only excess of the amount shown in Item 6, Insured's
     Retention.
          

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/ /  THE PREMIUM FOR THIS ENDORSEMENT IF ON INSTALLMENTS IS PAYABLE AS FOLLOWS:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         ADDITIONAL          RETURN    REVISED ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AT DATE OF ENDORSEMENT   $              $                    (NOT APPLICABLE)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIRST ANNIVERSARY        $              $         $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECOND ANNIVERSARY       $              $         $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GEN-47c Ed. 03/87
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
                                   EXHIBIT 11
                ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                  ----------------------------------------------
                                                                       1996            1995            1994
                                                                  --------------  --------------  --------------
<S>                                                               <C>             <C>             <C>
A) Net income...................................................  $   37,600,000  $    6,600,000  $   37,900,000
    Number of shares used in calculating primary earnings per
     share:
      Weighted average outstanding shares during the period.....      17,594,000      18,273,000      18,906,000
      Additional common shares issuable under employee stock
       options using the treasury stock method (Note 1).........         240,000          91,000         184,000
                                                                  --------------  --------------  --------------
B) Average outstanding shares...................................      17,834,000      18,364,000      19,090,000
                                                                  --------------  --------------  --------------
                                                                  --------------  --------------  --------------
    Primary earnings per share (A)/(B)..........................  $         2.11  $         0.36  $         1.99
                                                                  --------------  --------------  --------------
                                                                  --------------  --------------  --------------
    Number of shares used in calculating fully diluted earnings
     per share:
      Weighted average outstanding shares during the period.....      17,594,000      18,273,000      18,906,000
      Additional common shares issuable under employee stock
       options using the treasury stock method (Note 2).........         278,000         106,000         191,000
                                                                  --------------  --------------  --------------
C) Average outstanding shares...................................      17,872,000      18,379,000      19,097,000
                                                                  --------------  --------------  --------------
                                                                  --------------  --------------  --------------
    Fully diluted earnings per share (A)/(C)....................  $         2.10  $         0.36  $         1.98
                                                                  --------------  --------------  --------------
                                                                  --------------  --------------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Based on the average quarterly market price of each period.
 
(2) Based on the higher of the average market price at the end of each period.

<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
OVERVIEW
 
   Zenith's principal source of consolidated earnings is the income from
operations of its property-casualty insurance businesses. Property-
casualty operations are comprised of: Workers' Compensation (47% of 1996
consolidated net premiums earned); Other Property-Casualty, principally
automobile, homeowners, farmowners and commercial coverages and health insurance
(45% of 1996 consolidated net premiums earned); and Reinsurance (8% of 1996
consolidated net premiums earned). Results of such operations for the three
years ended December 31, 1996 are set forth in the table on page 22.
Historically, Zenith's Workers' Compensation operation has been focused almost
entirely in California. In each of the three years ended December 31, 1996 an
increasing volume of business has been generated outside of California.
Substantially all of Zenith's Other Property-Casualty business is written in
California. Reinsurance business assumed by Zenith provides reinsurance coverage
for world-
wide exposures with a particular emphasis on catastrophe losses and large
property risks. Property insurance and reinsurance coverages expose Zenith to
the risk of significant loss in the event of major adverse natural phenomena,
known in the insurance industry as catastrophes. These catastrophes may cause
significant contemporaneous financial statement losses since catastrophe losses
may not be accrued in advance of the event. Zenith also conducts real estate
operations through Perma-Bilt, a Nevada Corporation ("Perma-Bilt"), a
wholly-owned subsidiary that develops land and constructs private residences for
sale in
Las Vegas, Nevada.
 
   On December 31, 1996, Zenith completed the purchase of Associated General
Commerce Self-Insurers' Trust Fund ("AGC-SIF"), a Florida workers' compensation
self-insurers' fund. AGC-SIF's 1996 earned premium was approximately $43
million.
 
   In 1995, Zenith sold its wholly-owned subsidiary, CalFarm Life Insurance
Company ("CalFarm Life"), to a subsidiary of SunAmerica Inc. for approximately
$120 million in cash, with Zenith retaining the group health insurance business
previously written by CalFarm Life. The results of operations and net assets of
CalFarm Life's life and annuity business are included as discontinued operations
and results of the health insurance operation are included in restated Other
Property-Casualty results in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Net income in 1995 includes a loss of $19.5 million associated with the sale of
CalFarm Life.
 
   The table below sets forth the components of net income for the three years
ended December 31, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)                                                  1996       1995       1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                   <C>        <C>        <C>
Investment income, after tax                                          $  34,069  $  30,690  $  26,995
Realized gains on investments, after tax                                  7,025      2,354        929
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub-total                                                                41,094     33,044     27,924
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property-casualty underwriting, after tax:
  Income (loss) excluding catastrophes                                      356       (226)    15,652
  Catastrophe losses                                                                (8,710)    (9,945)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property-casualty underwriting income (loss)                                356     (8,936)     5,707
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from real estate operations, after tax                             1,251      1,349      1,423
Interest expense, after tax                                              (3,170)    (4,524)    (3,859)
Parent net expenses, after tax                                           (1,931)    (1,211)    (2,638)
Other items, after tax:
  Lawsuit settlement                                                                            1,241
  Income (loss) from discontinued life and annuity operations                      (13,122)     8,102
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income                                                            $  37,600  $   6,600  $  37,900
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 CalFarm
 
 [THE ZENITH]
                                                                              21
<PAGE>
PROPERTY-CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS
 
   Premiums earned and underwriting results of Zenith's property-casualty
subsidiaries were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)                                1996       1995       1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>        <C>        <C>
Premiums earned
  Workers' Compensation                             $210,916   $203,252   $216,030
  Other Property-Casualty                            204,778    192,276    186,661
  Reinsurance                                         37,162     41,985     36,138
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total                                             $452,856   $437,513   $438,829
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Underwriting income (loss) before taxes
  Workers' Compensation                             $(19,462)  $(14,548)  $ 12,151
  Other Property-Casualty                              8,076    (12,007)    (6,966)
  Reinsurance                                         12,479     12,955      4,322
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total                                             $  1,093   $(13,600)  $  9,507
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
   Our key operating goal is to achieve a combined ratio of 100%. The combined
ratio, expressed as a percentage, is the key measure of underwriting
profitability traditionally used in the property-casualty insurance business. It
is the sum of net incurred losses, loss adjustment expenses, underwriting
expenses and policyholders' dividends, expressed as a percentage of net premiums
earned. Combined ratios were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  1996       1995       1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C>        <C>        <C>
Combined loss and expense ratios
  Workers' Compensation
    Losses                                                          55.2%      48.8%      32.3%
    Loss adjustment expenses                                        20.2%      26.8%      27.6%
    Underwriting expenses                                           32.6%      28.8%      26.4%
    Dividends to policyholders                                       1.2%       2.8%       8.1%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Combined ratio                                               109.2%     107.2%      94.4%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Other Property-Casualty
    Losses and loss adjustment expenses                             67.1%      77.9%      74.4%
    Underwriting expenses                                           29.0%      28.3%      29.3%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Combined ratio                                                96.1%     106.2%     103.7%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Reinsurance
    Losses and loss adjustment expenses                             49.0%      52.6%      70.7%
    Underwriting expenses                                           17.4%      16.5%      17.3%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Combined ratio                                                66.4%      69.1%      88.0%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total combined ratio                                              99.8%     103.1%      97.8%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
22
<PAGE>
   The profitability of property-casualty insurance underwriting operations is
dependent upon, principally, the adequacy of rates charged to the insured for
insurance protection, the frequency and severity of claims, the ability to
accurately estimate and accrue reported and unreported losses in the correct
period, the level of dividends paid to policyholders, and the ability to service
claims, maintain policies and acquire business efficiently.
 
   The amount by which losses, measured subsequently by reference to payments
and additional estimates, differ from those originally reported for a period is
known as development. This is favorable when losses ultimately settle for less
than the amount reserved or subsequent estimates indicate a basis for reducing
reserves on open claims. The following shows the one-
year loss reserve development for losses and loss expenses for the three main
lines of property-casualty business:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in            Workers'          Other
thousands)           Compensation   Property-Casualty Reinsurance   Total
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>            <C>              <C>          <C>
One-year loss
development in:
  1996                 $    (869)      $  (2,716)     $    (224)  $  (3,809)
  1995                      (517)          1,337         (2,955)     (2,135)
  1994                   (12,944)          4,051           (827)     (9,720)
  Favorable development is shown in brackets.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
   The exposure of the insurance industry to losses arising out of the cost of
environmental and asbestos damage has been the focus of attention of a number of
interested parties in recent years. The process of evaluating an insurance
company's exposure is subject to significant uncertainties. Among the
complications are lack of historical data, long reporting delays, uncertainty as
to the number and identity of insureds with potential exposure and unresolved
legal issues regarding policy coverage. The legal issues concerning the
interpretations of various insurance policy provisions and whether environmental
and asbestos losses are or were ever intended to be covered are complex. Courts
have reached different and sometimes inconsistent conclusions regarding such
issues as: when the loss occurred and what policies provide coverage, how policy
limits are applied and determined, how policy exclusions are applied and
interpreted, whether clean-up costs are covered as insured property damage and
whether site assessment costs are either indemnity payments or adjusting costs.
 
   Zenith has exposure to asbestos losses in its Workers' Compensation operation
for medical, indemnity and loss adjustment expenses associated with insureds'
long-term exposure to asbestos or asbestos-contained materials. Most of these
claims date back to the 1970's and early 1980's and Zenith's exposure is
generally limited to a pro-rata share of the loss for the period of time
coverage was provided. Zenith also has potential exposure to environmental and
asbestos losses and loss adjustment expenses beginning in 1985 through its
Reinsurance operation and through CalFarm Insurance, which writes liability
coverage under farmowners' and small commercial policies, however such losses
are substantially excluded from all such coverage. The business reinsured by
Zenith contains exclusion clauses for environmental and asbestos losses, and in
1988 an absolute pollution exclusion was incorporated into CalFarm Insurance's
policy forms. All claims for damages resulting from environmental or asbestos
losses are identified and handled by Zenith's most experienced claims/legal
professionals. Environmental and asbestos losses have not been material and
Zenith believes that its reserves for environmental and asbestos losses are
appropriately established based on currently available facts, technology, laws
and regulations. However, due to the long-term nature of these claims, the
inconsistencies of court coverage decisions, plaintiffs' expanded theories of
liability, the risks inherent in major litigation and other uncertainties, the
ultimate exposure from these claims may vary from the amounts currently
reserved.
 
   Zenith is currently in the process of modifying or replacing its computer
systems for year 2000 compliance. This activity is expected to continue through
1999 and the costs of modifications are being expensed as incurred.
 
   Some of the factors that continue to impact the business and economic
environment in which Zenith operates include: an uncertain political and
regulatory environment, both state and federal; the outlook for economic growth
in parts of California; the expansion of Zenith's Workers' Compensation business
outside of California; a highly competitive insurance industry; and the changing
environment for controlling medical, legal and rehabilitation costs, as well as
fraud and abuse. Although management is currently unable to predict the
 
 CalFarm
 
 [THE ZENITH]
                                                                              23
<PAGE>
effect of any of the foregoing, these trends and
uncertainties could have a material effect on Zenith's future operations and
financial condition.
 
WORKERS' COMPENSATION
 
   Underwriting results in the Workers' Compensation operation deteriorated
significantly in 1996 and 1995 compared to 1994. In 1996, the decreased results
were due to higher severity of reported claims in California as well as
continued high operating costs, although somewhat improved from 1995. In 1996,
increased claim costs attributable to 1994 and 1995 accident years were offset
by improvements in claim handling costs for the same periods. The decline in
1995 is the result of lower premium income and the inability of Zenith to adjust
operating expenses commensurate with the decrease in premiums and additional
operating costs associated with the computer system which became operational in
mid-1995.
 
   Effective January 1, 1995, the minimum rate law in California was repealed
and insurers were allowed to charge their own rates for Workers' Compensation
coverage. Competition in the industry based on price became intense, negatively
impacting overall industry rates in 1995 and 1996. Zenith began using its own
actuarially-determined rates in 1995, which were substantially similar to those
in effect at the end of 1994, but raised its rates January 1, 1996, based on
increased costs of adjusting claims. The number of California policies in force
decreased approximately 8% from 1995 to 1996. Premium income in 1995 was
negatively impacted by rate decreases of 12.7% at January 1, 1994 and 16.0% at
October 1, 1994, in the California minimum statutory rates.
 
   Zenith has partially mitigated the impact of decreasing premium and
profitability in its California Workers' Compensation business by diversifying
outside of the state. Zenith's non-
California Workers' Compensation operations include Texas, Arkansas, Illinois,
Pennsylvania, Utah and, effective January 1, 1997, Florida. During 1996, 1995
and 1994, approximately 29%, 22% and 11%, respectively, of earned premiums were
attributable to Zenith's non-California Workers' Compensation operations. Zenith
expects this percentage to increase beginning in the first quarter of 1997 as a
result of the AGC-SIF acquisition. AGC-SIF's 1996 earned premium was
approximately $43 million. National results for Workers' Compensation insurers
in recent years have been favorable by recent historic standards and Zenith's
non-
 
California underwriting results in 1996 and 1995 were more favorable than its
California results. However, increased competition, nationally, is expected to
follow from these favorable trends and management intends to proceed cautiously
with its national expansion.
 
   The outlook for future profitability in the Workers' Compensation operation
is dependent upon the ability to maintain adequate rates, manage claims costs
and to keep operating expenses in line with premium volume.
 
   Zenith is continuing to develop integrated Workers' Compensation, Health and
Disability insurance products in alliances with selected health insurers, health
maintenance organizations and UNUM Life Insurance Company of America, one of the
nation's largest disability insurance companies, in California and, beginning in
1996, Arkansas. In addition to enhancing the marketability of its Workers'
Compensation policies, Zenith also expects to derive the benefit of applying
managed care techniques to the medical component of Workers' Compensation
claims. Beginning in the second quarter of 1997, Zenith will expand its
alliances to include United HealthCare of California, Inc. and MetraHealth Care
Plan. At this time, it is too early for management to predict the likely outcome
of these initiatives on the future results of its operations.
 
   Zenith is required to participate in the National Workers' Compensation
Reinsurance Pool ("NWCRP"), which is an involuntary assigned risk pool that
covers several states in which Zenith conducts business. Zenith's participation
in NWCRP premiums earned in 1996 and 1995 was approximately $3.6 million and
$1.4 million, respectively. The underwriting results for NWCRP did not
materially impact Workers' Compensation underwriting results in 1996 or 1995.
 
   Florida, as distinguished from other states, has created a trust Fund and
assesses workers' compensation insurers to pay for what is commonly referred to
as "Second Injuries". Assessments have been inadequate to completely fund
obligations of the Fund and the present balance of the Fund is probably
insufficient to
 
24
<PAGE>
pay all current Second Injury liabilities. Zenith expects future political
changes, the nature of which cannot be determined at this time. Zenith has
recorded its receivable from the Fund based on specific Second Injury claims and
historical experience, the recoverability of which is dependent upon such
political activity, if any.
 
OTHER PROPERTY-CASUALTY
 
   Results for the Other Property-Casualty operation in 1994 have been restated
to include group health insurance, previously written by CalFarm Life, which was
sold in 1995. Health insurance premiums earned were $36.0 million, $34.1
million, and $36.9 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
   The improved 1996 Other Property-Casualty underwriting results were primarily
due to favorable loss experience, including the absence of any catastrophes.
Underwriting results in 1995 and 1994 were adversely impacted by catastrophe
losses as follows: in 1995, losses of $10.7 million were incurred in conjunction
with California storm damage; and in 1994, losses of $3.2 million were sustained
from claims arising out of the Northridge earthquake.
 
   Premiums earned increased in 1996 and 1995 compared to 1994 due primarily to
new business writings and rate increases for homeowners, earthquake, farmowners
and commercial coverages. Rate increases are subject to prior approval by the
California Department of Insurance (the "Department"). Management is unable to
predict whether requests for future rate increases, if any, will be granted by
the Department. Failure by the Department to act upon such requests would
adversely affect the adequacy of such rates and the profitability of operations
in the associated lines of business.
 
   The California Legislature passed legislation in September 1996 which created
the California Earthquake Authority (CEA). The CEA became operational in
December 1996 and is a privately financed, publicly managed state agency, which
will provide limited earthquake coverage throughout California. Participation in
the CEA is voluntary and Zenith has elected not to participate. Zenith will
continue to offer broader earthquake coverages than available through the CEA as
long as private reinsurance is available and affordable. Zenith can elect to
participate in the CEA at a later date subject to meeting the participation
requirements at that time.
 
   Zenith is required to participate in involuntary market plans, including the
California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan ("CAARP"), the Commercial Automobile
Insurance Procedure ("CAIP") and the California Fair Plan. CAARP, CAIP and the
California Fair Plan are organizations that were established by statute in
California but are serviced by the insurance industry. The 1996, 1995 and 1994
underwriting results for CAARP, CAIP and the California Fair Plan together did
not materially impact the Other Property-Casualty underwriting results.
 
   The private passenger automobile insurance market continues to be affected by
legislative actions, including the mandatory insurance law and the "Personal
Responsibility Act of 1996" created by Proposition 213, both of which were
effective in January 1997, and new rating factor regulations with expected
implementation in late 1997. The new rating factor regulations pertain to the
implementation of Proposition 103 and will further limit the impact of
territorial rating on automobile insurance rates. At this time, it is too early
for management to predict how these regulations will affect the future results
of the private passenger automobile insurance operations and the level of
involuntary automobile assignments from CAARP.
 
   In January, 1997, California experienced wide-spread flooding, primarily in
Northern California. Management estimates that losses will not significantly
affect results of operations in the first quarter of 1997.
 
REINSURANCE
 
   Zenith's assumed reinsurance operation emphasizes the reinsurance of
accumulated losses from catastrophes and the reinsurance of large property
risks. Because of the severity of losses, culminating with Hurricane "Andrew"
in 1992, rates for such reinsurance increased significantly in 1993. Zenith's
premium revenue from reinsurance increased in 1994 with an increase in the
number of treaties in which it participated and in 1995, Zenith increased its
premium revenues with increased participation in some casualty-oriented
treaties.
 
 CalFarm
 
 [THE ZENITH]
                                                                              25
<PAGE>
   Underwriting results were favorable during the last three years even though
losses were incurred in 1995 of approximately $2.5 million principally
attributable to Hurricane "Marilyn" and in 1994 losses of $9.3 million were
incurred attributable to the Northridge earthquake of January 1994.
 
   The outlook for profitability in the reinsurance operation is dependent upon,
among other things, the level of rates for property and catastrophe reinsurance
and the frequency and severity of world-wide property losses. Premium earned in
our reinsurance operation decreased in 1996 due to selected non-renewal of
certain reinsurance treaties and generally softening of such rates in the
industry. If rates do not improve, premiums may continue to decrease in 1997.
 
INVESTMENTS
 
   At December 31, 1996, approximately 91% of Zenith's consolidated portfolio of
fixed maturity investments were classified as Available-for-Sale under the
provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115 -- Accounting
for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. In 1995, Zenith
reclassified certain investments previously classified as "Held-to-Maturity" --
See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The unrealized appreciation
or depreciation on investments which are classified as Available-for-Sale is
recorded as a separate component of stockholders' equity. The effect on
consolidated stockholders' equity of the decrease in the value of fixed
maturities classified as Available-for-Sale in 1996 compared to 1995 was a
decrease of $9.1 million, net of deferred taxes. Any future changes in interest
rates will impact stockholders' equity through changes in the values of fixed
maturity investments which are classified as Available-for-Sale.
 
   Zenith's primary investment goal is to maintain safety and liquidity, enhance
principal values and achieve increased rates of return consistent with
regulatory constraints. The allocation amongst various types of securities is
adjusted from time to time based on market conditions, credit conditions, tax
policy, fluctuations in interest rates and other factors.
 
   The change in the carrying value of Zenith's consolidated investment
portfolio in 1996 was as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                         <C>        <C>
Carrying value at beginning of year                                                    $ 835,214
  Purchases at cost                                                                      465,888
  Investments acquired in AGC-SIF merger                                                  44,528
  Maturities and exchanges of investments                                               (188,797)
  Proceeds from sales of investments:
    Available-for-sale                                                      $(261,410)
    Other investments                                                          (9,656)
                                                                            ---------
      Total proceeds from disposal of investments                                       (271,066)
  Realized losses from maturities and exchanges of investments:
    Available-for-sale                                                            (10)
  Realized gains from sales of investments:
    Available-for-sale                                                          6,209
    Trading portfolio                                                             242
    Other investments                                                           4,445
  Realized losses from writedowns of investments                                  (79)
                                                                            ---------
      Total net realized gains on investments                                             10,807
  Unrealized losses on investments                                                       (12,765)
  Decrease in short-term investments                                                     (34,716)
  Net amortization of bonds and preferred stocks and other changes                         3,706
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carrying value at end of year                                                          $ 852,799
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
26
<PAGE>
   At December 31, 1996, and 1995, Zenith's consolidated investment portfolio
emphasized high-quality, taxable bonds and short-term investments. Bonds
constituted 75% and 72%, and short-term investments constituted 13% and 16%, of
the carrying value of Zenith's consolidated investment portfolio at December 31,
1996 and 1995, respectively. At December 31, 1996 and 1995, 97% and 96% of the
consolidated carrying values of investments in bonds were rated investment
grade.
 
   Investment income during the years ended December 31, was as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in
thousands)             1996       1995       1994
- ----------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>        <C>        <C>
  Before tax         $  51,154  $  46,150  $  40,068
  After tax             34,069     30,690     26,995
- ----------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
   The yields on invested assets vary with the general level of interest rates,
the average life of invested assets and the amount of funds available for
investment, and for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------
                       1996       1995       1994
- ----------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>        <C>        <C>
  Before tax              6.1%       6.0%       5.2%
  After tax               4.0%       4.0%       3.5%
- ----------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
REAL ESTATE
 
   Zenith recognized revenue of $41.6 million, $31.7 million and $30.2 million
in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, related to its real estate operations
which commenced in 1993. Income from real estate operations before taxes was
$1.9 million, $2.1 million and $2.2 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively. Construction in progress, including undeveloped land, was $45.1
million at December 31, 1996 compared to $25.5 million at December 31, 1995. In
addition to its continuing home construction, land presently owned may be used
for some commercial construction.
 
LIQUIDITY AND INFLATION
 
   Zenith's property-casualty insurance subsidiaries create liquidity because
insurance premiums are generally collected prior to disbursements for claims and
benefits. These net cash flows, as set forth on page 37 in the Consolidated
Financial Statements, are invested as described in "Investments" above. Net cash
flows from continuing operating activities were $9.7 million, $9.6 million and
$15.9 million, for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
   Zenith's principal liquidity requirements in the long-term and the short-term
are the funds needed to pay its expenses, service its outstanding debt, pay any
cash dividends which may be declared to its stockholders and fund the land
acquisitions of its real estate subsidiary, Perma-Bilt. To meet these
requirements, Zenith
 
has been principally dependent upon its lines of credit of up to $50.0 million,
all of which was available at December 31, 1996, and dividends from Zenith
Insurance. In the opinion of management, Zenith's sources of liquidity are
sufficient to fund its short-term and long-term requirements for liquidity.
 
   Zenith's insurance subsidiaries are subject to insurance regulations which
restrict their ability to distribute dividends. Such dividend capabilities are
set forth in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Such restrictions
have not had, and under current regulations are not expected to have, a material
adverse impact on Zenith. Zenith received dividends from its subsidiaries
amounting to $15.0 million in 1996, $10.5 million in 1995 and $15.0 million in
1994. Maximum dividend capability, without prior approval of the Department, of
Zenith's subsidiaries in 1997 is $26.5 million. Risk-based capital guidelines
issued by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 1994 for
property-casualty companies are not expected to have any material adverse
consequences for Zenith's insurance subsidiaries.
 
   Perma-Bilt maintains certain bank credit facilities to provide financing for
its development and construction of private residences for sale. At December 31,
1996, maximum permitted borrowing under the facilities was $20.0 million, with a
balance outstanding of $11.1 million. Perma-Bilt is obligated under various
notes arising from its purchase of several parcels of land. The amount
outstanding for such notes at December 31, 1996 was $3.4 million.
 
   Workers' compensation insurers are required to have securities on deposit for
the protection of policyholders in accordance with various states' regulations.
At December 31, 1996, investments carried at their fair value of $305.4 million
were on deposit to comply with such regulations.
 
 CalFarm
 
 [THE ZENITH]
                                                                              27
<PAGE>
   At December 31, 1996, Zenith was authorized to purchase up to 1,104,000
shares of Zenith common stock pursuant to resolutions from its Board of
Directors under a share repurchase program. These purchases, which are made at
prevailing market prices, are discretionary and can be adequately funded from
Zenith's existing sources of liquidity.
 
   Inflation rates impact the financial statements and operating results in
several areas. Fluctuations in inflation rates impact the market value of the
investment portfolio and yields on new investments. Inflation also impacts the
portion of the loss reserves that relates to hospital and medical expenses and
property claims and loss adjustment expenses, but not the portion of loss
reserves that relates to workers' compensation indemnity payments for lost wages
which are fixed by statute. Adjustments for inflationary impacts are implicitly
included as part of Zenith's subsidiaries' continuous review of property-
casualty reserve estimates. Actuarial account of increased costs is considered
in setting adequate rates, and this is particularly important in the health
insurance area where hospital and medical inflation rates have exceeded general
inflation rates. Workers' compensation premium income is determined primarily by
applying a rate to payrolls, and as inflation increases, average wage rates are
generally adjusted, resulting in decreases in premium rates. Operating expenses,
including payrolls, are impacted to a certain degree by the inflation rate.
 
   Social inflation affects the loss reserves for other property-casualty
liability claims for which settlements are determined in court proceedings.
 
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN FASB ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
   In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 Earnings per Share ("SFAS
No. 128").
SFAS No. 128 requires dual presentation of newly defined basic and diluted
earnings per share on the face of the income statement for all entities with
complex capital structures. The accounting standard is effective for fiscal
years ending after December 15, 1997, including interim periods, and Zenith has
not yet determined the impact of SFAS No. 128.
 
28
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL RECORD
 
 CalFarm
 
[THE ZENITH]
<PAGE>
FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,              Note     1996        1995
<S>                                  <C>   <C>         <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars and shares in thousands,
  except per share data)
REVENUES                              1
  Property-casualty insurance
   operations
    Premiums earned                        $  452,856  $  437,513
    Investment income                          51,154      46,150
  Realized gains on investments                10,807       3,621
  Real estate operations                       41,554      31,736
  Income from legal settlement
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL REVENUES                        1       556,371     519,020
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
  AFTER TAX AND
  BEFORE REALIZED GAINS              1, 2      30,575      17,368
Per share                            1, 2        1.72         .95
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
  AFTER TAX                           8        37,600      19,722
Per share                             8          2.11        1.08
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
COMPONENTS OF NET INCOME              1
  Underwriting income (loss)          3
    Excluding catastrophe losses                  356        (226)
    Including catastrophe losses                  356      (8,936)
  Net investment income                        34,069      30,690
  Realized gains on investments       4         7,025       2,354
  Real estate operations                        1,251       1,349
  Parent operations                            (5,101)     (5,735)
  Income (loss) from discontinued
   life and annuity operations        8                   (13,122)
  Cumulative effect of change in
   accounting and extraordinary
   items                             5, 6
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME                                     37,600       6,600
Per share                                        2.11         .36
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
CASH DIVIDENDS PER SHARE TO COMMON
  STOCKHOLDERS                                   1.00        1.00
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES
  OUTSTANDING                                  17,834      18,364
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL CONDITION                   1
Total assets                                1,242,724   1,115,433
Investments                                   852,799     835,214
Property-casualty unpaid claims               620,078     517,552
Senior notes, bank debt and other
  notes payable                                88,861      83,135
Total stockholders' equity                    337,503     330,432
Stockholders' equity per share                  19.17       18.58
Stockholders' equity per share,
  excluding effect of SFAS No. 115    7         19.28       18.18
Return on average equity                        11.4%        2.0%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
PROPERTY-CASUALTY INSURANCE
  STATISTICS (GAAP)                   1
  Paid loss and loss expense ratio              69.9%       74.3%
  Loss and loss expense ratio                   69.5%       74.4%
  Underwriting expense ratio                    29.7%       27.4%
  Policyholder dividends ratio                    .6%        1.3%
  Combined ratio before Proposition
   103 rollback refund                          99.8%      103.1%
  Combined ratio after Proposition
   103 rollback refund                3         99.8%      103.1%
  Net premiums earned-to-surplus
   ratio                                          1.4         1.4
  Loss and loss expense
   reserves-to-surplus ratio (net
   of reinsurance)                    9           1.6         1.5
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
30
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       1994       1993      1992
<S>                                 <C>        <C>        <C>     <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars and shares in thousands,
  except per share data)
REVENUES
  Property-casualty insurance
   operations
    Premiums earned                 $  438,829 $  447,270 $421,557
    Investment income                   40,068     39,309   45,478
  Realized gains on investments          1,428     14,272    9,977
  Real estate operations                30,220
  Income from legal settlement           1,910      7,561
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL REVENUES                         512,455    508,412  477,012
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
  AFTER TAX AND
  BEFORE REALIZED GAINS                 27,628     27,820   13,204
Per share                                 1.45       1.44      .70
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
  AFTER TAX                             29,798     42,177   20,749
Per share                                 1.56       2.19     1.10
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPONENTS OF NET INCOME
  Underwriting income (loss)
    Excluding catastrophe losses        15,652      8,801  (14,061)
    Including catastrophe losses         5,707      7,436  (23,961)
  Net investment income                 26,995     26,888   32,953
  Realized gains on investments            929      9,443    8,792
  Real estate operations                 1,423
  Parent operations                     (5,256)     (1,590)   (6,399)
  Income (loss) from discontinued
   life and annuity operations           8,102     11,023    7,951
  Cumulative effect of change in
   accounting and extraordinary
   items                                                     9,364
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME                              37,900     53,200   28,700
Per share                                 1.99       2.76     1.52
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH DIVIDENDS PER SHARE TO COMMON
  STOCKHOLDERS                            1.00       1.00     1.00
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES
  OUTSTANDING                           19,090     19,297   18,918
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Total assets                         1,093,675  1,125,211 1,060,545
Investments                            709,030    754,107  713,579
Property-casualty unpaid claims        510,406    519,418  504,902
Senior notes, bank debt and other
  notes payable                         76,582     73,989   73,868
Total stockholders' equity             309,860    349,465  301,598
Stockholders' equity per share           16.35      18.55    16.03
Stockholders' equity per share,
  excluding effect of SFAS No. 115       18.79      17.90    16.03
Return on average equity                 11.7%      16.3%     9.7%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPERTY-CASUALTY INSURANCE
  STATISTICS (GAAP)
  Paid loss and loss expense ratio       69.6%      67.9%    71.4%
  Loss and loss expense ratio            66.9%      68.5%    77.1%
  Underwriting expense ratio             26.9%      25.5%    26.8%
  Policyholder dividends ratio            4.0%       3.4%     0.7%
  Combined ratio before Proposition
   103 rollback refund                   97.8%      97.4%   104.6%
  Combined ratio after Proposition
   103 rollback refund                   97.8%      97.4%   108.4%
  Net premiums earned-to-surplus
   ratio                                   1.7        1.6      1.7
  Loss and loss expense
   reserves-to-surplus ratio (net
   of reinsurance)                         1.7        1.7      1.9
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 (1) 1992 through 1994 restated for health insurance included in
property-casualty operations.
 
 (2) Excludes extraordinary items and cumulative effect of accounting change.
Excludes $1,241,000, or $.06 per share, in 1994 and $4,914,000, or $.26 per
share, in 1993 for the effect of legal settlement. In 1992, also excludes
$10,611,000, or $.56 per share, for the effect of Proposition 103 rollback
refund, after taxes.
 
 (3) Includes Proposition 103 rollback refund of $16,078,000, net of
reinsurance, before tax or $10,611,000 ($.56 per share) after tax in 1992.
 
 (4) Taxes on realized gains were reduced in 1992 and 1993 for the tax benefit
associated with capital losses carried forward from 1990.
 
 (5) Debt redemption costs of $1,355,000, net of $698,000 of tax benefit, (or
$.07 per share) were recognized as an extraordinary item in 1992.
 
 (6) Net income in 1992 includes an increase of $10,719,000 for the cumulative
effect of adoption of SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes.
 
 (7) Effective December 31, 1993, Zenith adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and
Equity Securities (SFAS No. 115), under which the unrealized appreciation or
depreciation, net of deferred taxes, on debt securities classified as
available-for-sale is recorded in stockholders' equity.
 
 (8) In 1995, Zenith sold CalFarm Life (see Note 15 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements).
 
 (9) Computed including AGC-SIF net reserves of $65,429,000 acquired through
merger on December 31, 1996 (see Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements).
 
 CalFarm
 
 [THE ZENITH]
                                                                              31
<PAGE>
PROPERTY-CASUALTY LOSS DEVELOPMENT
 
ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
   The table that follows shows analysis of development of loss and loss
adjustment expense liabilities as originally estimated on a GAAP basis at
December 31 of each year presented. The accounting policies used to estimate
these liabilities are described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements. Amounts represent all property-casualty operations. Information for
1994 and prior years has been restated to include the health insurance business
previously written by CalFarm Life Insurance Company.
 
ANALYSIS OF LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE LIABILITY DEVELOPMENT
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
32
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,               1996*      1995
<S>                                  <C>       <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
LIABILITY FOR UNPAID LOSS AND LOSS
  ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES, NET           $526,427  $463,123
- -------------------------------------------------------
PAID, NET (CUMULATIVE) AS OF:
  One year later                                185,764
  Two years later
  Three years later
  Four years later
  Five years later
  Six years later
  Seven years later
  Eight years later
  Nine years later
  Ten years later
- -------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITY, NET RE-ESTIMATED AS OF:
  One year later                                459,314
  Two years later
  Three years later
  Four years later
  Five years later
  Six years later
  Seven years later
  Eight years later
  Nine years later
  Ten years later
- -------------------------------------------------------
FAVORABLE (DEFICIENT) DEVELOPMENT              $  3,809
- -------------------------------------------------------
NET LIABILITY -- DECEMBER 31,        $526,427  $463,123
Receivable from reinsurers and
  state trust funds                    93,651    54,429
- -------------------------------------------------------
GROSS LIABILITY -- DECEMBER 31,      $620,078   517,552
Re-estimated liability, net of
  reinsurance                                   459,314
Re-estimated receivable from
  reinsurers                                     55,692
- -------------------------------------------------------
Re-estimated liability, gross                   515,006
- -------------------------------------------------------
FAVORABLE (DEFICIENT) DEVELOPMENT,
  GROSS                                        $  2,546
- -------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
* On December 31, 1996, Zenith acquired through merger the liabilities for
unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses of Associated General Commerce
Self-Insurers' Trust Fund (AGC-SIF). The AGC-SIF balances included in the
December 31, 1996 amounts were: $65,429,000 net liability for loss and loss
adjustment expenses, $37,261,000 receivable from reinsurers and state trust
funds and $102,690,000 gross liability for loss and loss adjustment expenses.
Zenith's prior year reserves and development have not been restated. All
subsequent development of AGC-SIF's acquired reserves will be reflected as
development of the 1996 year.
   The analysis above presents the development of Zenith's balance sheet
liabilities for 1986 through 1996. The first line in the table shows the
liability for loss and loss adjustment expense as estimated at the end of each
calendar year. The first section shows the actual payments of losses and
expenses that relate to each year end liability as they are paid during
subsequent annual periods. The second section includes revised estimates of the
original unpaid amounts, net of reinsurance, including the subsequent payments.
The next line shows the favorable or deficient developments of the original
estimates for each year through 1996, net of reinsurance. This loss reserve
development table is cumulative and, therefore, ending balances should not be
added since the amount at the end of each calendar year includes activity for
both the current and prior years. Hence, the liability at the end of each year
includes an estimate of the amount yet unpaid and still due at the subsequent
re-evaluation date for all previously estimated liabilities. For example, the
liability at the end of 1995 includes an estimate of the amount still due on the
1994 and prior liabilities.
 
   Since conditions and trends that have affected loss and loss adjustment
expense development in the past may not occur in the future in exactly the same
manner, if at all, future results may not be reliably predicted by extrapolation
of the data presented.
 
 CalFarm
 
 [THE ZENITH]
                                                                              33
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       1994      1993      1992      1991      1990      1989      1988      1987      1986
<S>                                  <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
LIABILITY FOR UNPAID LOSS AND LOSS
 ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES, NET            $462,710  $474,499  $471,832  $447,702  $424,373  $386,445  $347,888  $293,981  $223,011
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAID, NET (CUMULATIVE) AS OF:
  One year later                      175,488   173,699   184,498   184,593   162,642   129,605   118,332   105,939    89,361
  Two years later                     274,560   272,221   292,914   291,228   264,904   205,132   179,241   159,746   134,848
  Three years later                             325,916   355,710   352,208   323,685   258,632   216,321   189,980   162,555
  Four years later                                        389,417   390,459   357,233   289,963   245,629   207,890   178,111
  Five years later                                                  412,600   380,524   309,524   263,971   225,849   187,558
  Six years later                                                             394,741   323,041   275,983   237,474   199,609
  Seven years later                                                                     332,239   284,877   245,429   207,163
  Eight years later                                                                               290,126   251,801   212,854
  Nine years later                                                                                          256,423   217,881
  Ten years later                                                                                                     221,142
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITY, NET RE-ESTIMATED AS OF:
  One year later                      460,575   464,779   480,903   467,636   427,458   381,096   341,679   293,526   219,734
  Two years later                     450,675   453,497   483,334   485,399   442,332   371,272   332,541   290,002   225,541
  Three years later                             452,330   482,019   485,816   453,802   374,455   327,961   289,074   227,251
  Four years later                                        487,447   488,723   454,744   380,983   325,457   285,801   228,382
  Five years later                                                  491,216   455,971   381,703   328,415   280,860   227,972
  Six years later                                                             456,860   382,280   328,640   281,385   229,472
  Seven years later                                                                     382,219   329,058   282,498   231,909
  Eight years later                                                                               328,465   282,882   234,455
  Nine years later                                                                                          282,454   235,045
  Ten years later                                                                                                     236,165
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FAVORABLE (DEFICIENT) DEVELOPMENT    $ 12,035  $ 22,169  $(15,615) $(43,514) $(32,487) $  4,226  $ 19,423  $ 11,527  $(13,154)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET LIABILITY -- DECEMBER 31,        $462,710  $474,499  $471,832
Receivable from reinsurers and
 state trust funds                     47,696    44,919    33,070
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
GROSS LIABILITY -- DECEMBER 31,       510,406   519,418   504,902
Re-estimated liability, net of
 reinsurance                          450,675   452,330   487,447
Re-estimated receivable from
 reinsurers                            46,318    54,487    70,264
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Re-estimated liability, gross         496,993   506,817   557,711
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
FAVORABLE (DEFICIENT) DEVELOPMENT,
 GROSS                               $ 13,413  $ 12,601  $(52,809)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
34
<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
 
ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                               <C>   <C>         <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,                                                                      Note     1996        1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                               <C>   <C>         <C>
(Dollars in thousands)
 
ASSETS
 
Investments
 
 Fixed maturities:
 
  At amortized cost (fair value $53,113, 1996 and $57,816, 1995)                        $   53,353  $   56,674
 
  At fair value (cost $608,756, 1996 and $555,922, 1995)                                   605,630     566,826
 
 Floating rate preferred stocks, at fair value (cost $14,614, 1996 and 1995)                14,071      13,588
 
 Convertible and non-redeemable preferred stocks, at fair value (cost $750, 1996
   and $250, 1995)                                                                             784         281
 
 Common stocks, at fair value (cost $18,030, 1996 and $18,937, 1995)                        22,771      22,656
 
 Short-term investments (at cost, which approximates market)                               106,712     137,083
 
 Other investments                                                                          49,478      38,106
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  Total investments                                                               1, 2     852,799     835,214
 
Cash                                                                                        12,125       6,919
 
Accrued investment income                                                                   10,973       8,810
 
Premiums receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,725 in 1996
  and $612 in 1995                                                                          80,545      70,155
 
Receivable from reinsurers, state trust funds and prepaid reinsurance premiums     8       104,748      64,781
 
Deposit receivable                                                                 14       14,776
 
Deferred policy acquisition costs                                                           20,752      20,339
 
Properties and equipment, less accumulated depreciation                            3        49,179      48,702
 
Federal income taxes                                                               6        29,939      14,609
 
Other assets                                                                       1        66,888      45,904
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSETS                                                                            $1,242,724  $1,115,433
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
 
34
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DECEMBER 31,                                                                              Note        1996           1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                     <C>       <C>            <C>
(Dollars and shares in thousands)
 
LIABILITIES
 
Policy liabilities and accruals
 
  Unpaid losses and loss expenses                                                          13     $    620,078   $    517,552
 
  Unearned premiums                                                                                    127,209        119,591
 
Policyholders' dividends accrued                                                                         7,670         12,100
 
Other policyholder funds                                                                                 9,109         15,491
 
Reserves on loss portfolio transfers                                                                     8,359          9,073
 
Payable to banks and other notes payable                                                   4            14,508          8,903
 
Senior notes payable, less unamortized issue costs
  of $647, 1996 and $768, 1995                                                             5            74,353         74,232
 
Other liabilities                                                                                       43,935         28,059
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities                                                                                      905,221        785,001
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Commitments and contingent liabilities                                                     8
 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
Preferred stock, $1 par -- shares authorized 1,000; issued and outstanding,
  none in 1996 and 1995
 
Common stock, $1 par -- shares authorized 50,000; issued 24,447, outstanding 17,604,
  1996; issued 24,310, outstanding 17,784, 1995                                            9            24,447         24,310
 
Additional paid-in capital                                                                             258,875        256,083
 
Retained earnings                                                                                      175,684        155,634
 
Net unrealized appreciation on investments, net of deferred tax expense of $284, 1996
  and $4,752, 1995                                                                        1, 2             528          8,825
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                       459,534        444,852
Less treasury stock at cost (6,843 shares, 1996 and 6,526 shares, 1995)                    9          (122,031)      (114,420)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total stockholders' equity                                                                             337,503        330,432
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                        $  1,242,724   $  1,115,433
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 CalFarm
 
 [THE ZENITH]
                                                                              35
<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                     <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                                                                   Note      1996       1995       1994
<S>                                                                                     <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)
CONSOLIDATED REVENUES:
Premium earned                                                                             7      $ 452,856  $ 437,513  $ 438,829
Net investment income                                                                      2         51,154     46,150     40,068
Realized gains on investments                                                              2         10,807      3,621      1,428
Real estate sales                                                                                    41,554     31,736     30,220
Income from legal settlement                                                               8                                1,910
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenues                                                                                      556,371    519,020    512,455
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXPENSES:
Losses and loss expenses incurred                                                        7, 13      314,700    325,589    293,848
Policy acquisition costs                                                                             84,093     81,846     77,253
Other underwriting and operating expenses                                                            53,413     39,882     44,868
Policyholders' dividends and participation                                                            2,526      5,660     17,412
Real estate construction and operating costs                                                         39,645     29,661     28,031
Interest expense                                                                          4, 5        4,877      6,960      5,937
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses                                                                                      499,254    489,598    467,349
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from continuing operations before federal income tax expense                                  57,117     29,422     45,106
Federal income tax expense                                                                 6         19,517      9,700     15,308
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS                                                                    37,600     19,722     29,798
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from life and annuity operations of CalFarm Life (less income tax expense of
  $3,463 and $4,363)                                                                       15                    6,431      8,102
Loss on disposal of CalFarm Life, including income tax expense of $4,099                   15                  (19,553)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS                                                                     (13,122)     8,102
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME                                                                                        $  37,600  $   6,600  $  37,900
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Income from continuing operations                                                                 $    2.11  $    1.08  $    1.56
Income (loss) from discontinued operations                                                                        (.72)       .43
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE                                                                       $    2.11  $     .36  $    1.99
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING                                                           17,834     18,364     19,090
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
 
36
<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                             <C>        <C>        <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                                                                           1996       1995       1994
<S>                                                                                             <C>        <C>        <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
    Premiums collected                                                                          $ 474,831  $ 457,907  $ 469,151
    Investment income received                                                                     46,167     45,606     37,819
    Proceeds from sales of real estate                                                             41,554     31,736     30,220
    Losses and loss adjustment expenses paid                                                     (316,949)  (325,200)  (305,142)
    Underwriting and other operating expenses paid                                               (127,975)  (120,533)  (111,275)
    Real estate construction costs paid                                                           (54,480)   (34,307)   (36,133)
    Reinsurance premiums paid                                                                     (23,748)   (21,586)   (21,995)
    Dividends paid to policyholders                                                                (5,985)   (13,744)   (18,171)
    Interest paid                                                                                  (7,626)    (8,390)    (6,949)
    Income taxes paid                                                                             (23,090)    (4,578)   (25,953)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash flows from continuing operating activities, excluding cash from trading portfolio          2,699      6,911     11,572
Net proceeds from sales of trading portfolio investments                                            7,050      2,677      4,363
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash flows from continuing operating activities, including cash from trading portfolio          9,749      9,588     15,935
Net cash from discontinued operating activities, including cash from trading portfolio                        12,655    118,644
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash flows from operating activities                                                            9,749     22,243    134,579
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
    Purchases of investments:
      Debt securities Held-to-Maturity                                                             (5,342)  (141,531)
      Debt and equity securities Available-for-Sale                                              (447,251)  (210,600)  (478,179)
      Other debt and equity securities and other investments                                      (13,295)   (13,885)    (5,571)
    Proceeds from maturities and exchanges of investments:
      Debt securities Held-to-Maturity                                                              8,460      4,284
      Debt and equity securities Available-for-Sale                                               173,287     16,869     30,556
      Other debt and equity securities and other investments                                                   2,085      1,839
    Proceeds from sales of investments:
      Debt and equity securities Available-for-Sale                                               261,410    293,024    333,949
      Other debt and equity securities and other investments                                        9,656      5,086        238
    Proceeds from the sale of CalFarm Life Insurance Company                                                 120,000
    Net change in short-term investments                                                           34,716    (38,522)   123,055
    Other                                                                                          (5,784)    (6,289)    (7,301)
    Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations                                         (30,093)  (144,314)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash flows from investing activities                                                           15,857        428   (145,728)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
    Cash advanced from bank line of credit                                                                    43,400      2,100
    Cash repaid on bank line of credit                                                                       (43,400)    (2,100)
    Cash advanced from bank loans and other notes payable                                          27,935     30,657     11,316
    Cash repaid on bank loans and other notes payable                                             (25,691)   (24,225)    (8,845)
    Cash dividends paid to common stockholders                                                    (17,605)   (18,273)   (18,894)
    Proceeds from exercise of stock options                                                         2,572      4,405      2,093
    Purchase of treasury shares                                                                    (7,611)   (29,318)      (346)
    Net cash provided by financing activities of discontinued operations                                      15,644     24,375
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash flows from financing activities                                                          (20,400)   (21,110)     9,699
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash                                                                     5,206      1,561     (1,450)
Cash at beginning of year                                                                           6,919      5,358      6,808
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH AT END OF YEAR                                                                             $  12,125  $   6,919  $   5,358
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECONCILIATION OF INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS TO NET CASH FLOWS
    FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Income from continuing operations                                                               $  37,600  $  19,722  $  29,798
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating
    activities:
    Depreciation and amortization                                                                   3,081      4,975      4,001
    Realized gains on investments                                                                 (10,807)    (3,621)    (1,428)
    Net cash from trading portfolio                                                                 7,050      2,677      4,363
    Net cash flow from discontinued operations                                                                12,655    118,644
    Change in assets and liabilities excluding effects from merger of AGC-SIF on
      December 31, 1996 (See Note 14):
      Decrease (increase) in:
        Premiums receivable                                                                        (3,467)    (3,243)    (1,518)
        Receivable from reinsurers                                                                 (1,824)    (6,168)    (1,980)
        Deferred policy acquisition costs                                                            (413)    (1,833)    (1,490)
        Real estate construction in progress                                                      (19,601)    (5,596)   (12,671)
      Increase (decrease) in:
        Unpaid losses and loss expenses                                                              (164)     7,416     (8,906)
        Unearned premiums                                                                           7,618      2,234      9,962
        Policyholders' dividends accrued and accumulated                                           (5,570)    (8,422)       (80)
        Federal income taxes                                                                       (3,574)     4,946    (10,644)
        Other                                                                                        (180)    (3,499)     6,528
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash flows from operating activities                                                        $   9,749  $  22,243  $ 134,579
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
 
 CalFarm
 
 [THE ZENITH]
                                                                              37
<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 PREFERRED       COMMON
THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996    NOTE     STOCK $1 PAR  STOCK $1 PAR
<S>                                  <C>        <C>           <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands, except per
  share data)
BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 1994                                     $   23,910
Net income for 1994
Net unrealized (depreciation) on
  investments,
  net of deferred tax benefit of
  $11,062                                2
Exercise of 124,000 stock options        9                            124
Tax benefit on options exercised in
  1994
Purchase of 15,000 treasury shares
  at cost
Cash dividends declared to common
  stockholders ($1.00 per share,
  paid quarterly)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1994                                       24,034
Net income for 1995
Net unrealized appreciation on
  investments,
  net of deferred tax expense of
  $8,721                                 2
Exercise of 276,000 stock options        9                            276
Tax benefit on options exercised in
  1995
Purchase of 1,442,000 treasury
  shares at cost
Cash dividends declared to common
  stockholders ($1.00 per share,
  paid quarterly)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1995                                       24,310
Net income for 1996
Net unrealized (depreciation) on
  investments,
  net of deferred tax benefit of
  $4,468                                 2
Exercise of 137,000 stock options        9                            137
Tax benefit on options exercised in
  1996
Purchase of 317,000 treasury shares
  at cost
Cash dividends declared to common
  stockholders ($1.00 per share,
  paid quarterly)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1996                                   $   24,447
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
 
38
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   NET UNREALIZED APPRECIATION
                                       ADDITIONAL      RETAINED         (DEPRECIATION) ON        TREASURY
                                     PAID-IN CAPITAL   EARNINGS            INVESTMENTS             STOCK      TOTAL
<S>                                  <C>              <C>          <C>                           <C>        <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands, except per
 share data)
BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 1994              $ 249,092      $ 148,043            $   13,176           $ (84,756) $ 349,465
Net income for 1994                                       37,900                                               37,900
Net unrealized (depreciation) on
 investments,
 net of deferred tax benefit of
 $11,062                                                                       (60,636)                       (60,636)
Exercise of 124,000 stock options           1,969                                                               2,093
Tax benefit on options exercised in
 1994                                         302                                                                 302
Purchase of 15,000 treasury shares
 at cost                                                                                              (346)      (346)
Cash dividends declared to common
 stockholders ($1.00 per share,
 paid quarterly)                                         (18,918)                                             (18,918)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1994              251,363        167,025               (47,460)            (85,102)   309,860
Net income for 1995                                        6,600                                                6,600
Net unrealized appreciation on
 investments,
 net of deferred tax expense of
 $8,721                                                                         56,285                         56,285
Exercise of 276,000 stock options           4,129                                                               4,405
Tax benefit on options exercised in
 1995                                         591                                                                 591
Purchase of 1,442,000 treasury
 shares at cost                                                                                    (29,318)   (29,318)
Cash dividends declared to common
 stockholders ($1.00 per share,
 paid quarterly)                                         (17,991)                                             (17,991)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1995              256,083        155,634                 8,825            (114,420)   330,432
Net income for 1996                                       37,600                                               37,600
Net unrealized (depreciation) on
 investments,
 net of deferred tax benefit of
 $4,468                                                                         (8,297)                        (8,297)
Exercise of 137,000 stock options           2,435                                                               2,572
Tax benefit on options exercised in
 1996                                         357                                                                 357
Purchase of 317,000 treasury shares
 at cost                                                                                            (7,611)    (7,611)
Cash dividends declared to common
 stockholders ($1.00 per share,
 paid quarterly)                                         (17,550)                                             (17,550)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1996            $ 258,875      $ 175,684            $      528           $(122,031) $ 337,503
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 CalFarm
 
 [THE ZENITH]
                                                                              39
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTE 1
SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES, OPERATIONS AND PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
   Zenith National Insurance Corp. ("Zenith") is engaged through its
wholly-owned property-
casualty insurance subsidiaries in the business of writing workers' compensation
insurance, approximately 71% of which is in California; Reinsurance, principally
of world-wide property and catastrophe risks; and auto, homeowners, farmowners,
health and other coverages primarily in the rural areas of California. Zenith's
subsidiaries sell insurance and reinsurance through agents and brokers and not
directly to consumers. The market for insurance products and services is highly
competitive. Zenith also conducts real estate operations, developing private
residences for sale in Las Vegas, Nevada, through its wholly-owned subsidiary,
Perma-Bilt, a Nevada Corporation ("Perma-Bilt"). On December 31, 1996, Zenith
acquired through merger the assets and liabilities of Associated General
Commerce Self-Insurers' Trust Fund ("AGC-SIF"), a Florida workers' compensation
self-insurers' fund (See Note 14). In 1995, Zenith sold its wholly-
owned life insurance subsidiary, CalFarm Life Insurance Company (See Note 15).
 
   The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and include Zenith and its subsidiaries.
GAAP requires the use of assumptions and estimates in reporting certain assets
and liabilities and related disclosures and actual results could differ from
those estimates. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have
been eliminated in consolidation.
 
FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
   Financial instruments are contractual obligations that result in the delivery
of cash or an ownership interest in an entity. Disclosures, included in these
notes, regarding the fair value of financial instruments have been derived using
external market sources, estimates using present value or other valuation
techniques.
 
   The following summarizes the carrying amounts and fair value of Zenith's
financial instruments as of December 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 1996                    1995
                                        ----------------------  ----------------------
                                         CARRYING      FAIR      Carrying      Fair
(Dollars in thousands)          NOTE      AMOUNT      VALUE       amount      value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
ASSETS:
Investments:
  Trading securities              2     $    4,149  $    4,149  $   10,944  $   10,944
  Other investments               2        848,650     848,410     824,270     825,412
                                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                           852,799     852,559     835,214     836,356
LIABILITIES:
Other notes payable               4          3,361       3,361
Payable to banks                  4         11,147      11,147       8,903       8,903
Senior notes payable              5         74,353      82,406      74,232      85,853
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
INVESTMENTS
 
   Zenith accounts for its investment portfolio in accordance with the
provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, Accounting
for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities ("SFAS No. 115") which
requires investments in debt and equity securities
to be identified in three categories as follows: held-to-maturity -- those
securities, which by their terms must be redeemed by the issuing company and
that the enterprise has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity, are
reported at amortized cost; trading securities
- -- those securities that are held principally for the purpose of selling them in
the near term and are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses
included in earnings; available-
for-sale -- those securities not classified as either held-to-maturity or
trading securities and are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and
losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of
stockholders' equity.
 
   When, in the opinion of management, a decline in market value of investments
is considered to be "other than temporary," such investments are written down to
their net realizable value. The determination of "other than temporary"
includes, in addition to consideration of other relevant factors, a presumption
that if the market value is below cost by a significant amount for a period of
time, a writedown is necessary.
 
   The market value of investments was supplied by the Merrill Lynch pricing
service, with the exception of 39 items whose values were obtained from other
brokers making a market in the investment, the Bloomberg
 
40
<PAGE>
financial news service, and analytical pricing methods for issues for which
there is no market. These market values are considered fair value.
 
   The cost of securities sold is determined by the "identified cost" method.
Short-term investments include certificates of deposit, commercial paper and
U.S. Treasury securities with maturities of less than one year at the time of
purchase. For these short-term investments, the carrying amount is a reasonable
estimate of fair value.
 
RECOGNITION OF PROPERTY-CASUALTY
REVENUE AND EXPENSE
 
   Property-casualty premiums are earned on a pro rata basis over the terms of
the policies. Premiums applicable to the unexpired terms of policies in force
are recorded as unearned premiums. Premiums earned reflect an estimate
for earned but unbilled audit premiums. Workers'
compensation insurance premiums are based upon the payroll of the insured.
 
   Policy acquisition costs, consisting of commissions, premium taxes and
certain other underwriting costs, are deferred and amortized as the related
premiums are earned.
 
   Zenith's insurance subsidiaries make provision for the settlement of all
incurred claims, both reported and unreported. The liabilities for unpaid losses
and loss expenses are estimates for the eventual costs of claims incurred but
not settled, less estimates of salvage and subrogation. Estimates for reported
claims are primarily determined by evaluation of individual reported claims.
Estimates for claims incurred but not reported are based on experience with
respect to the probable number and nature of such claims. The methods for making
such estimates and for establishing the resulting liabilities are continually
reviewed and updated and any adjustments resulting therefrom are reflected in
earnings currently. Estimates of losses from environmental and asbestos related
claims are included in overall loss reserves and to date have not been material.
Due to the significant uncertainties inherent in establishing such reserves, the
ultimate exposure may vary from the amounts currrently reserved.
 
   An estimated provision for workers' compensation policyholders' dividends is
accrued as the related premiums are earned. Such dividends do not become a fixed
liability unless and until declared by the respective Boards of Directors of
Zenith's insurance subsidiaries. Due to deregulation in California,
policyholders' dividends are not anticipated to be material in the foreseeable
future.
 
   Property insurance and reinsurance coverages expose Zenith to the risk of
significant loss in the event of major adverse natural phenomena, known in the
insurance industry as catastrophes. These catastrophes may cause significant
contemporaneous financial statement losses since catastrophe losses may not be
accrued in advance of the event.
 
   The concentration of Zenith's business in California makes the results of
operations highly dependent upon the State's economy, social and cultural
trends, legislative and regulatory changes, and catastrophic events such as
windstorms and the Northridge earthquake. In addition, premium revenues for most
property-casualty insurance coverages written in California (except workers'
compensation) are subject to prior approval of rates by the California
Department of Insurance.
 
REINSURANCE
 
   In accordance with general industry practices, Zenith's insurance
subsidiaries annually purchase reinsurance to protect themselves against
liabilities in excess of certain
limits on insurance risks they have underwritten.
Such arrangements are known in the industry as "excess of loss" protection. The
purpose of such reinsurance is to protect Zenith from the impact of large,
unforeseen losses and such reinsurance reduces the magnitude of sudden and
unpredictable changes in net income and the capitalization of insurance
operations.
 
   The ceding of reinsurance does not discharge the original insurer from
primary liability to its policyholder. Balances due from reinsurers on unpaid
losses, including an estimate of such recoverables related to reserves for
incurred but not reported losses, are reported as assets and are included in
receivables from reinsurers. Earned premiums are stated in the consolidated
financial statements after deduction of amounts ceded to reinsurers.
Approximately 53% of amounts recoverable from reinsurers at December 31, 1996
are attributable to reinsurance arrangements with one large United States
reinsurance
 
 CalFarm
 
 [THE ZENITH]
                                                                              41
<PAGE>
company. No material amounts due from reinsurers have been written off as
uncollectible in the three years ended December 31, 1996.
 
REAL ESTATE OPERATIONS
 
   Land, land development costs and construction costs, including costs of
acquisition and development, property taxes and related interest are
capitalized. Such costs, and an estimate of the costs to complete a project, are
recognized pro rata against sales of completed units. Such capitalized costs are
included in other assets.
 
   Profitable real estate operations are dependent upon real estate values,
interest rates, construction costs, competition and management ability.
 
PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT
 
   Properties and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.
Depreciation is calculated principally on a straight-line basis using the
following useful lives: buildings, 10 to 40 years; furniture, fixture and
equipment, 3 to 10 years.
 
   Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as
incurred. Additions and improvements to buildings and other fixed assets are
capitalized and depreciated. Upon disposition, the asset cost and related
depreciation are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is
included in income.
 
   The cost of purchased software for internal use is capitalized and amortized
over the useful life of the software. The cost of internally-
developed software for internal use is expensed as incurred. The cost of
modifying software for year 2000 compliance is expensed as incurred.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
   Purchased intangibles and the costs in excess of tangible assets acquired,
including those related to the acquisition of AGC-SIF discussed in Note 14, are
included in Other Assets. The amounts assigned to such assets acquired since
1970 are being amortized on a straight-line basis over 20 to 25 years.
Amortization expense was $412,000 in 1996 and $487,000 in 1995 and 1994, and
accumulated amortization was $6,168,000 at December 31, 1996 and $5,756,000 at
December 31, 1995. At December 31, 1996, intangible assets were $8,343,000, of
which $6,334,000 are amortizable.
 
RECLASSIFICATIONS AND RESTATEMENTS
 
   Certain 1995 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 1996
presentation. Financial information with respect to Life and Annuity operations
for 1994 has been restated as discontinued operations (see Note 15). Health
insurance for 1994 has been reclassified to property-casualty operations.
 
NOTE 2
INVESTMENTS
 
   The amortized cost and fair values of investments held-to-maturity,
available-for-sale and trading securities were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
TYPE OF SECURITY
(Dollars in                              GROSS        GROSS
thousands)                AMORTIZED   UNREALIZED   UNREALIZED     FAIR
DECEMBER 31, 1996           COST         GAINS      (LOSSES)      VALUE
<S>                      <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
HELD-TO-MATURITY
Corporate debt            $   5,339                 $    (270)  $   5,069
Mortgage-backed              48,014    $      36           (6)     48,044
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total,
      held-to-maturity    $  53,353    $      36    $    (276)  $  53,113
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
U.S. Treasuries           $ 173,971    $      57    $    (694)  $ 173,334
Corporate debt              334,448        4,018       (5,036)    333,430
Mortgage-backed              77,906          197       (1,821)     76,282
Redeemable preferred
  stocks                     19,467          449         (196)     19,720
Equities                     32,503        5,027       (1,189)     36,341
Short-term investments      106,712                               106,712
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total, available-
      for-sale            $ 745,007    $   9,748    $  (8,936)  $ 745,819
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRADING
Corporate debt            $   2,964                 $    (100)  $   2,864
Equities                        891    $     394                    1,285
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total, trading        $   3,855    $     394    $    (100)  $   4,149
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
42
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
TYPE OF SECURITY
(Dollars in                              GROSS        GROSS
thousands)                AMORTIZED   UNREALIZED   UNREALIZED     FAIR
DECEMBER 31, 1995           COST         GAINS      (LOSSES)      VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
HELD-TO-MATURITY
Mortgage-backed           $  56,674    $   1,142                $  57,816
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total,
      held-to-maturity    $  56,674    $   1,142                $  57,816
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
U.S. Treasuries           $ 176,997    $     641    $    (251)  $ 177,387
Corporate debt              231,198       10,485         (126)    241,557
Mortgage-backed             117,876          427         (861)    117,442
Redeemable preferred
  stocks                     19,849          643                   20,492
Equities                     32,910        4,185       (1,566)     35,529
Short-term investments      137,083                               137,083
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total, available-
      for-sale            $ 715,913    $  16,381    $  (2,804)  $ 729,490
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRADING
U.S. Treasuries           $   7,044                 $     (17)  $   7,027
Corporate debt                2,958                       (37)      2,921
Equities                        891    $     105                      996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total, trading        $  10,893    $     105    $     (54)  $  10,944
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
   In 1995, Zenith owned certain debt securities issued by ITT Corporation
("ITT") with an amortized cost of $7,302,000 and a market value of $8,089,000.
In June of 1995, Zenith received information from ITT and other sources
concerning the proposed treatment of its debt securities, including those owned
by Zenith, in connection with a plan of reorganization of ITT into three new
companies. Management concluded from this information that a significant
deterioration in creditworthiness, as described in SFAS No. 115, would occur
with respect to Zenith's investments in ITT debt securities upon consummation of
the reorganization. Accordingly, these securities were transferred from the
held-to-maturity portfolio to the available-for-sale portfolio and unrealized
appreciation on these securities amounting to $787,000 was recorded as an
adjustment to stockholders' equity in the second quarter of 1995.
 
   On December 28, 1995, under the guidance of FASB Special Report, A Guide to
Implementation of Statement 115 on Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt
and Equity Securities -- Questions and Answers, Zenith re-evaluated its
portfolio of held-to-maturity securities. As a result, Zenith reclassified
certain held-to-maturity securities, with an amortized cost of $76,029,000 and
an unrealized gain of $6,651,000 at the date of transfer, to available-
for-sale.
 
   Debt securities at December 31, 1996, are due as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)           AMORTIZED     FAIR
DECEMBER 31, 1996                  COST        VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>          <C>
HELD-TO-MATURITY:
  Due after ten years            $  53,353   $  53,113
- ------------------------------------------------------
    Total                        $  53,353   $  53,113
- ------------------------------------------------------
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:
  Due in one year or less        $ 136,372   $ 136,435
  Due after one year through
    five years                     222,680     222,836
  Due after five years through
    ten years                      186,933     187,040
  Due after ten years              166,519     163,167
- ------------------------------------------------------
    Total                        $ 712,504   $ 709,478
- ------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
   Fluctuating interest rates will impact stockholders' equity, profitability
and maturities of certain debt and preferred securities. Expected maturities
will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to
call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
Mortgage-backed securities are shown as being due at their average expected
maturity dates. Redeemable preferred stocks with sinking fund redemption periods
are shown as being due at the mid-
point of the sinking fund period. During the past three years, Zenith has not
incurred any material losses due to the credit quality of its investments and
has not included in its financial statements any allowance for possible future
losses.
 
   The gross realized gains on sales of investments classified as
available-for-sale during 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $8,564,000, $4,161,000 and
$4,310,000, respectively and the gross realized losses were $2,355,000,
$1,604,000 and $2,140,000, respectively.
 
 CalFarm
 
 [THE ZENITH]
                                                                              43
<PAGE>
   Investment income is summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,      1996         1995         1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>          <C>          <C>
Fixed maturities
  Bonds                    $  37,968    $  37,019    $  29,391
  Redeemable
    preferred stocks           1,578        1,143        2,199
Equity securities
  Floating rate
    preferred stocks             876        1,229        1,439
  Convertible and
    nonredeemable
    preferred stocks             402          281          484
  Common stocks                  758          571          441
Short-term investments         9,257        6,555        6,931
Other                          3,608        1,703        2,112
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
                              54,447       48,501       42,997
Less investment expenses       3,293        2,351        2,929
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income      $  51,154    $  46,150    $  40,068
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
   Investments carried at their fair value of $305,440,000 at December 31, 1996
and $310,107,000 at December 31, 1995 were on
deposit with regulatory authorities in compliance
with insurance company regulations.
 
   At December 31, 1996, Zenith and its subsidiaries owned $5,886,000, at fair
value, of securities issued by Reliance Insurance Company, its parent and
affiliates. Reliance Insurance Company is a major stockholder of Zenith. At
December 31, 1996, Zenith and its subsidiaries owned $12,500,000, at fair value,
of securities in Delta Life Corporation. The Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Delta Life Corporation is also a Director of Zenith.
 
NOTE 3
PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT
 
   Properties and equipment consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
DECEMBER 31,                        1996       1995
- ------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>        <C>
Land                              $  14,836  $  14,836
Buildings                            31,642     31,142
Furniture, fixtures and
  equipment                          32,249     26,218
- ------------------------------------------------------
                                     78,727     72,196
Less accumulated depreciation        29,548     23,494
- ------------------------------------------------------
  Total                           $  49,179  $  48,702
- ------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
   Depreciation expense amounted to $5,503,000, $4,949,000 and $4,267,000 in
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
NOTE 4
PAYABLE TO BANKS AND OTHER NOTES PAYABLE
 
   Zenith has lines of credit available of $50 million. As of December 31, 1996
and 1995, there were no outstanding balances on these unsecured lines of credit.
Interest on funds borrowed through one of these lines of credit is payable at
the bank's prime rate, less .55%, or a fixed rate chosen by Zenith, and at the
bank's prime rate, less .50%, or a fixed rate chosen by Zenith on the other line
of credit.
 
   Under these agreements, certain restrictive covenants apply including the
maintenance of a specific level of net worth for Zenith and its insurance
subsidiaries.
 
   There were no borrowings on the lines of credit in 1996. The weighted average
interest rate for 1995 and 1994 was 6.8% and 8.5%, respectively. The prime
interest rate was 8.25% and 8.5% at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
   Perma-Bilt has two construction loan agreements, each providing for a
subdivision lot development loan and a construction revolving line of credit
loan, bearing interest at prime plus 1.5% and prime plus 1.25%, respectively.
Each agreement pertains to a separate residential housing project and the
maximum that may be borrowed under the two agreements combined is $20,048,000.
At December 31, 1996, $11,147,000 was outstanding with respect to these loans.
The loans mature between June 20, 1997 and January 10, 1998. The carrying value
of these variable-rate loans approximates fair value at December 31, 1996.
 
   Perma-Bilt is also obligated under various notes payable arising from its
purchase of several parcels of property. Such notes are collateralized by the
land parcels and bear interest at rates between 8% and 12%, with a maximum
maturity of September 2001. The balance outstanding with respect to these notes
was $3,361,000 at December 31, 1996.
 
NOTE 5
SENIOR NOTES PAYABLE
 
   Zenith issued $75,000,000 of 9% Senior Notes due 2002 (the "9% Notes") at par
in May 1992. Interest on the notes is payable semi-
annually. The notes are general unsecured obligations of Zenith. Issue costs of
$1,213,000
 
44
<PAGE>
are being amortized over the term of the notes and $121,000, $121,000 and
$122,000 of such costs were amortized during 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
Covenants contained in the indenture include restrictions on the ability of
Zenith and its subsidiaries to incur secured debt and the right of holders of
the 9% Notes to require Zenith to repurchase the 9% Notes upon a decline in the
rating of the 9% Notes within ninety days after the occurrence of certain
events. Those events are: (a) a person or group becomes the beneficial owner of
more than 50% of Zenith common stock; (b) 10% or more of Zenith common stock is
acquired by Zenith within any 12-month period; or (c) the sum of the fair market
value of distributions (other than regular dividends or distributions of capital
stock) and the consideration for purchases of Zenith common stock by Zenith
during a 12-month period is 30% or more of the fair market value of outstanding
Zenith common stock. The fair value at December 31, 1996 of the 9% Notes is
$82,406,000 based on a price published by a rating agency.
 
   Interest incurred on all borrowing is summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                         1996    1995    1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>     <C>     <C>
Interest capitalized for real estate
 operations                                    $3,127  $1,572  $1,219
Interest not related to real estate
  operations                                    4,877   6,960   5,937
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Total interest incurred                        $8,004  $8,532  $7,156
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 6
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
 
   The components of the provision (benefit) for taxes on income from continuing
operations are:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,        1996       1995       1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>        <C>        <C>
Current                      $  19,979  $   5,947  $  16,716
Deferred                          (462)     3,753     (1,408)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Total federal income taxes   $  19,517  $   9,700  $  15,308
- ------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
   The difference between the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% and
Zenith's effective tax rate on income from continuing operations, as reflected
in the financial statements, is explained as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                    1996     1995     1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>      <C>      <C>
Statutory federal income tax              $19,991  $10,298  $15,787
Increase (reduction) in taxes:
  Dividend received
    deduction                                (846)    (710)    (944)
  Other                                       372      112      465
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total federal income taxes              $19,517  $ 9,700  $15,308
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
   Deferred taxes are provided based upon temporary differences between the tax
and book basis of assets and liabilities. The components of the net deferred tax
assets and liabilities were as follows:
<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                         1996                    1995
(Dollars in thousands)               DEFERRED TAX            Deferred Tax
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,          ASSETS    LIABILITIES   Assets    Liabilities
<S>                             <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Differences between the tax
  basis and carrying value of
  investments, principally
  unrealized appreciation on
  available-for-sale
  investments                               $     602               $   6,291
Deferred policy acquisition
  costs                                         7,263                   7,119
Purchased intangibles                           1,991                   5,372
Properties and equipment                        2,385                   2,224
Property-casualty loss reserve
  discount                      $  28,070               $  25,408
Limitation on deduction for
  unearned premiums                 8,515                   7,921
Policyholders' dividends
  accrued                           2,286                   4,235
Other                               2,272       5,348       1,711       4,079
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   41,143      17,589      39,275      25,085
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net deferred tax assets         $  23,554               $  14,190
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
   Zenith's deferred tax assets are considered fully realizable because of the
historic profitability of Zenith's property-casualty operations, therefore no
valuation allowance was recorded at December 31, 1996 and 1995.
 
   Property-casualty loss reserves are not discounted for book purposes, however
the Tax Reform Act of 1986 requires property-casualty loss reserves to be
discounted for tax purposes.
 
   Current taxes receivable and deferred taxes were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,               1996       1995
- --------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>        <C>
Current taxes                       $   6,385  $     419
Deferred taxes                         23,554     14,190
- --------------------------------------------------------
Federal income taxes                $  29,939  $  14,609
- --------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 CalFarm
 
 [THE ZENITH]
                                                                              45
<PAGE>
   Zenith files a consolidated federal income tax return. Zenith's insurance
subsidiaries pay premium taxes on gross premiums written in lieu of state income
or franchise tax.
 
NOTE 7
REINSURANCE
 
   Reinsurance transactions reflected in the financial statements are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)         1996       1995       1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>        <C>        <C>
Ceded reinsurance netted
  against earned premiums
  for the year               $  24,642  $  21,112  $  21,521
Ceded reinsurance netted
  against property and
  casualty losses and loss
  adjustment expenses
  incurred                      12,396     15,532     17,133
Net assumed reinsurance
  included in earned
  premiums for the year         41,930     45,367     37,787
- ------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
   Zenith Insurance has an assumed reinsurance agreement with Reliance Insurance
Company, a major stockholder of Zenith. Estimated costs paid to Reliance
relating to this arrangement amounted to $181,000, $460,000 and $370,000 for
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Such costs are unrelated to the business
conducted between AGC-SIF and Reliance Insurance Company discussed in Note 14.
 
   Zenith maintains excess of loss and catastrophic reinsurance protection which
varies based on the type of coverage. Excess of loss reinsurance covers losses
per occurrence in excess of $350,000 for property, $550,000 for workers'
compensation and $700,000 for liability and umbrella. Zenith's catastrophic
reinsurance coverage provides protection against aggregate losses per event up
to $45,000,000 for property and $100,000,000 for workers' compensation. Assumed
reinsurance business is not covered by such catastrophe reinsurance. Credit
quality of reinsurers may impact profitability and stockholders' equity. No
losses have been incurred from uncollectible reinsurance during the past three
years and no allowances are carried on the financial statements for
unrecoverable reinsurance.
 
NOTE 8
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
 
   Zenith and its subsidiaries lease space for some of its offices expiring
through 2002, equipment on leases expiring through 1998 and automobiles on two
through five-year leases. The minimum rentals on these operating leases as of
December 31, 1996 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)      EQUIPMENT
                               AND
YEAR                       AUTO FLEET    OFFICES     TOTAL
- ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>          <C>        <C>
1997                        $     799   $   2,680  $   3,479
1998                              374       2,675      3,049
1999                               64       2,336      2,400
2000                                        1,912      1,912
2001                                        1,437      1,437
Thereafter                                  1,463      1,463
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Total                       $   1,237   $  12,503  $  13,740
- ------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
   Rental expenses for 1996, 1995 and 1994 amounted to $5,358,000, $5,397,000
and $5,033,000, respectively.
 
   Zenith is a corporate underwriting member of Lloyd's and has committed funds
of $6.4 million to support the underwriting of a certain syndicate.
 
   Zenith and its subsidiaries are involved in certain litigation. In the
opinion of management and legal counsel, such litigation is either without merit
or the ultimate liability, if any, will not have a material effect on the
consolidated financial condition of Zenith.
 
CONTINGENCIES SURROUNDING
RECOVERABILITY OF STATE DISABILITY
TRUST FUND RECEIVABLES
 
   Florida has created a trust fund ("SDTF") and assesses workers' compensation
insurers to pay for what is commonly referred to as "Second Injuries".
Assessments, based upon premium written, have been inadequate to completely fund
obligations of SDTF. Zenith expects future political changes to affect SDTF, the
nature of which cannot be determined at this time. Zenith has recorded a
receivable from SDTF at December 31, 1996 based on specific claims identified by
AGC-SIF and its historical recovery experience, the recoverability of which is
dependent upon such political changes, if any. Zenith has not recorded a
liability for any future assessments from SDTF.
 
46
<PAGE>
CONTINGENCIES SURROUNDING ESTIMATES
OF LIABILITIES FOR UNPAID LOSSES AND
LOSS EXPENSES
 
   On July 5, 1995, Zenith's new workers' compensation computer system became
operational. In addition to enhancing data processing, the new system is
designed, among other things, to improve work flow in the workers' compensation
claims handling process. Management observed certain unusual claim reserving
trends and patterns in 1995 and 1996, possibly related to disruption of normal
work flows due to implementation of the new system. Work flows in the future may
continue to be impacted as training and optimization of the new system
continues. Management believes that its estimate for liabilities for unpaid
workers' compensation losses and loss adjustment expenses (amounting to
$409,138,000 of total reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses of
$620,078,000) at December 31, 1996 included in these financial statements is
adequate. However, subsequent re-interpretation of currently available data or
any new information that becomes available may change the estimate of such
liabilities in future periods and such changes, if any, will be reflected in the
financial statements of the period in which they occur.
 
RESOLUTION OF CONTINGENCIES
SURROUNDING CERTAIN LITIGATION
 
   Other income of $1,910,000 was recognized in 1994 relating to the settlement
in 1993 of litigation associated with Zenith's write-down of non-investment
grade securities in 1990.
 
NOTE 9
COMMON STOCK
 
   Under employee non-qualified stock option plans adopted by the Board of
Directors and Stockholders in 1978 and in 1996, options are granted to officers
and key employees for the purchase of Zenith's common stock at 100% of
the market price at the date of grant. The options
outstanding at December 31, 1996 expire five years after the date of grant or
three months after termination of employment. Options granted vest one-fourth
per year after the first year. One grant for one million shares is for a term of
ten years and vests one-fifth per year after the first year.
 
   Zenith has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation ("SFAS No.
123") effective for the year ended December 31, 1996. Accordingly, no
compensation cost has been recognized for the stock option plans. Had
compensation cost for Zenith's stock option plans been determined based on the
fair value at the grant date for awards in 1996 and 1995 consistent with the
provisions of SFAS No. 123, Zenith's net income and net income per share would
have been reduced to the pro-forma amounts indicated below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands except per share
data)                                        1996       1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>        <C>
Net income -- as reported                  $  37,600  $   6,600
Net income -- pro-forma                       36,647      6,541
Earnings per share -- as reported               2.11        .36
Earnings per share -- pro-forma                 2.00        .36
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
   The pro-forma effect on net income for 1996 and 1995 is not representative of
the pro-forma effect on net income in future years because it does not take into
consideration pro-forma compensation expense related to grants made prior to
1995.
 
   The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using
the Black-
Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions
used for grants in 1996: dividend yield of 4.2%; expected volatility of 27.4%;
risk-free interest rate of 6.5% and expected lives of 4 years for options with a
five-year term and 10 years for options with a ten-year term.
 
   The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during 1996 and
1995 was $6.16 and $4.43, respectively.
 
 CalFarm
 
 [THE ZENITH]
                                                                              47
<PAGE>
   Additional information with respect to stock options is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       WEIGHTED
                                                       AVERAGE
                                           NUMBER      EXERCISE
(Options in thousands)                    OF SHARES     PRICE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>          <C>
Outstanding at January 1, 1994                1,304      $19.74
Granted                                         190       23.49
Exercised                                       124       16.88
Expired or cancelled                             75       18.87
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1994              1,295       20.62
Granted                                         509       21.52
Exercised                                       276       15.96
Expired or cancelled                            394       21.24
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1995              1,134       21.94
Granted                                       1,422       24.51
Exercised                                       136       18.90
Expired or cancelled                             72       22.56
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1996              2,348      $23.65
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
   The number of shares exercisable and the weighted average exercise price of
options outstanding at December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 were 474,000 and $22.44,
335,000 and $21.40 and 764,000 and $19.19, respectively.
   The range of exercise price of options outstanding at December 31, 1996 was
$16.68-$28.19 per share. The weighted average remaining contractual life of the
options with a five-year term was 3.3 years. Such life for the options with a
ten-year term was 9.2 years.
 
   At December 31, 1996, Zenith had authority from its Board of Directors to
purchase 1,104,000 common shares at prevailing market prices.
NOTE 10
DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS
   State insurance regulations limit the maximum dividends that may be paid to
Zenith by its insurance company subsidiaries during any 12-month period without
prior regulatory approval. Stockholder's equity of Zenith's insurance
subsidiaries, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
amounted to $327,948,000 as of December 31, 1996, of which $26,534,000 can be
paid in 1997 to Zenith in dividends without prior approval, leaving a restricted
balance of $301,414,000.
 
NOTE 11
STATUTORY FINANCIAL DATA
 
   Capital stock and surplus and net income of Zenith's insurance subsidiaries
on a statutory basis as reported to regulatory authorities were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in
thousands)
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,             1996       1995       1994
- ------------------------------------------------------
<S>                    <C>        <C>        <C>
Capital stock and
  surplus              $ 265,341  $ 223,019  $ 230,040
Net income                33,384     17,157     32,856
- ------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
   The insurance business is subject to state-by-
state regulation and legislation focused on solvency, pricing, market conduct,
claims practices, underwriting, accounting, investment criteria and other areas.
Such regulation and
legislation is constantly changing and compliance
is essential and is an inherent risk of the business.
 
NOTE 12
UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands
except per share data)
YEAR ENDED                MARCH      JUNE      SEPTEMBER    DECEMBER
DECEMBER 31, 1996          31         30          30           31
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
Premium earned          $ 112,237  $ 108,255   $ 112,492    $ 119,872
Net investment
  income                   12,054     12,836      12,574       13,690
Realized gains on
  investments               4,272      3,778         178        2,579
Real estate sales           5,985      8,810      11,822       14,937
Net income                 12,400     10,700       9,100        5,400
Net income per share          .70        .60         .51          .30
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in
thousands
except per share
data)
YEAR ENDED           MARCH      JUNE      SEPTEMBER    DECEMBER
DECEMBER 31, 1995     31         30          30           31
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
Premium earned     $ 107,059  $ 106,439   $ 108,401    $ 115,614
Net investment
  income              11,291     11,949      11,510       11,400
Realized gains
  on investments         166      1,013       1,548          894
Real estate sales      8,820     11,273       8,859        2,784
Income from continuing
  operations           4,358      7,511       6,000        1,853
Income from
  continuing
  operations per
  share                  .23        .40         .34          .10
Net income (loss)      6,900     10,200     (11,800)       1,300
Net income (loss)
  per share              .36        .54        (.66)         .07
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
Amounts for the first two quarters of 1995 have been restated to reflect the
life and annuity operations of CalFarm Life Insurance Company as discontinued
operations.
 
48
<PAGE>
NOTE 13
LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT
EXPENSE RESERVES
   The following table represents a reconciliation of changes in liabilities for
unpaid property-
casualty losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three years ended December
31, 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)            1996       1995       1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>        <C>        <C>
Beginning of year, net of
 reinsurance recoverable        $ 463,123  $ 462,710  $ 474,499
Incurred claims:
  Current year                    318,509    327,724    303,568
  Prior years                      (3,809)    (2,135)    (9,720)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Total incurred claims             314,700    325,589    293,848
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Payments:
  Current year                   (131,061)  (149,688)  (131,938)
  Prior years                    (185,764)  (175,488)  (173,699)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Total payments                   (316,825)  (325,176)  (305,637)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
End of year, net of
 reinsurance                      460,998    463,123    462,710
Reinsurance recoverable            56,390     54,429     47,696
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
End of year, before AGC-SIF       517,388    517,552    510,406
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
AGC-SIF reserves acquired on
 December 31, 1996, net            65,429
AGC-SIF recoverable from
 reinsurers & state trust
 funds                             37,261
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
End of year                     $ 620,078  $ 517,552  $ 510,406
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
Statutory reserves differ from GAAP in 1996 by the amount of the deposit
receivable from Reliance, which is treated as reinsurance recoverable for
statutory purposes.
NOTE 14
ACQUISITION
 
   On December 31, 1996, Zenith completed the previously-announced acquisition
of AGC-SIF. Under the terms of the acquisition, Zenith acquired by merger all of
AGC-SIF's assets and assumed its liabilities, including the liabilities of the
insured Members of AGC-SIF for future assessments. Over a three-year period,
Zenith will distribute to AGC-SIF's Members a minimum amount of $1.14 million to
a maximum amount equal to AGC-SIF's Adjusted GAAP Net Worth, as defined in the
Agreement, based on a formula and audited by an independent certified public
accounting firm.
 
   The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and the assets and
liabilities of AGC-SIF at December 31, 1996 were merged into Zenith's
wholly-owned subsidiary, Zenith Insurance Company, and are included in Zenith's
December 31, 1996 consolidated balance sheet.
 
   The following table summarizes the fair value of AGC-SIF's assets acquired
and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)                           DECEMBER
31, 1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>
Assets
Invested assets, primarily U.S. Government
issues                                            $  44,527
Cash                                                  2,662
Premiums receivable                                   6,923
Receivable from reinsurers and state trust funds     38,143
Deposit receivable                                   14,776
Other assets, including intangible assets             8,137
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Total assets                                      $ 115,168
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities
Unpaid losses and loss expenses                   $ 102,690
Other liabilities                                    12,478
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities                                 $ 115,168
- -----------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
   Intangible assets arising from the merger amounted to approximately
$2,889,000 which will be amortized over 20 years. The purchase price allocation
has been prepared on a preliminary basis, subject to adjustment should new or
additional facts become known.
 
   The following pro-forma financial information combines Zenith and AGC-SIF's
results of operations assuming that the acquisition took place at the beginning
of 1995. These pro-
forma results are not necessarily indicative of future operations of the
combined company.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands
except per share data)                1996       1995
- --------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>        <C>
Total revenues                      $ 600,469  $ 564,114
Income from continuing operations      35,932     18,837
Net income                             35,932      5,715
Earnings per share:
  Income from continuing
  operations                             2.01       1.03
  Net income                             2.01        .31
- --------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
   AGC-SIF purchased aggregate excess and specific excess reinsurance for
protection against losses in excess of stated retentions in each year of
coverage. The maximum coverage varies by year. For the three years ended
December 31, 1996, the retention was $750,000 per occurrence and the maximum
coverage was the statutory limit. Beginning in 1997, reinsurance for business
written in Florida will be combined with Zenith's existing reinsurance
arrangements as described in Note 7.
 
   AGC-SIF maintained certain reinsurance agreements with Reliance Insurance
Company, which is a major stockholder of Zenith. On December 31, 1996, Zenith
acquired balances relating to these contracts of $20,215,000, of which
$14,776,000 is included as a deposit receivable in
 
 CalFarm
 
 [THE ZENITH]
                                                                              49
<PAGE>
Zenith's consolidated balance sheet. The remainder is included in receivable
from reinsurers.
 
NOTE 15
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
 
   During the fourth quarter of 1995, Zenith completed the sale of its
wholly-owned subsidiary, CalFarm Life Insurance Company ("CalFarm Life"), to a
subsidiary of SunAmerica, Inc. for approximately $120 million in cash. The group
health insurance business of CalFarm Life was retained by Zenith. The sale
resulted in a loss of approximately $19.5 million, after tax, which was
recognized by Zenith principally in the third quarter of 1995. The life and
annuity operations of CalFarm Life are presented as discontinued operations and
prior-year financial statements have been restated. The unrealized loss
associated with investments classified as available-for-sale in the life and
annuity operation at December 31, 1994 was $22,539,000 net of deferred taxes.
Group health insurance operations are included in the property-casualty business
segment.
 
   Revenues for the discontinued operation were $88,610,000 and $83,357,000 for
1995 and 1994, respectively. After tax income for the discontinued operation
from the measurement date to the disposal date was $3,960,000.
 
NOTE 16
SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
   Zenith's operations are conducted through two business segments. These
segments and their respective operations are as follows:
 
PARENT
 
   Zenith is a holding company owning directly or indirectly all of the capital
stock of certain
California insurance and insurance-related companies. In 1993, Zenith commenced
a real estate operation through a newly formed subsidiary, Perma-Bilt.
 
PROPERTY-CASUALTY OPERATIONS
 
   Zenith's property-casualty insurance operations offer multiple product line
direct insurance and reinsurance. Investments and related income of the
property-casualty insurance companies are available for payment of claims and
benefits and have not been identified with individual product lines.
 
50
<PAGE>
   The following table is a summary of results by major segments:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31                                           1996          1995          1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>
PROPERTY-CASUALTY
    Net written premiums                                      $   458,061   $   439,882   $   448,640
    Net earned premiums                                           452,856       437,513       438,829
    Investment income                                              48,457        45,931        39,611
    Underwriting income (loss)                                      1,093       (13,600)        9,507
    Income from continuing operations after taxes and before
      realized gains(1)                                            32,629        21,608        32,405
    Income from continuing operations after taxes                  39,654        23,934        33,327
    Identifiable assets                                         1,137,520     1,005,133       961,212
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PARENT
    Real estate sales                                              41,554        31,736        30,220
    Investment income                                               2,697           219           457
    (Loss) from continuing operations after taxes and before
      realized gains(1)                                            (2,054)       (4,240)       (3,536)
    (Loss) from continuing operations after taxes                  (2,054)       (4,212)       (3,529)
    Identifiable assets                                           108,350       115,429        28,752
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED TOTAL
    Net earned premiums                                           452,856       437,513       438,829
    Real estate sales                                              41,554        31,736        30,220
    Investment income                                              51,154        46,150        40,068
    Underwriting income (loss)                                      1,093       (13,600)        9,507
    Income from continuing operations after taxes and before
      realized gains(1)(2)                                         30,575        17,368        27,628
    Income from continuing operations                              37,600        19,722        29,798
    Income (loss) from discontinued life and annuity
      operations, net of tax                                                    (13,122)        8,102
    Net income                                                     37,600         6,600        37,900
      Per share                                                      2.11           .36          1.99
    Total assets(3)                                           $ 1,242,724   $ 1,115,433   $ 1,093,675
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Realized gains on investments after taxes were as
    follows:
                                                                 1996          1995          1994
                                                              ---------------------------------------
   Property-Casualty                                          $     7,025   $     2,326   $       922
   Parent                                                                            28             7
                                                              ---------------------------------------
   Consolidated Total                                         $     7,025   $     2,354   $       929
(2) Excludes $1,241,000 in 1994 for effect of legal settlement.
(3) Reflects elimination entry of $3,146,000, $5,129,000 and $661,000 in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
    respectively and net assets of discontinued operations of $104,372,000 in 1994.
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 17
UNAUDITED COMMON STOCK MARKET PRICES
 
   The following table shows the high and low common stock prices during each
quarter for the past two years.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             1996                    1995
                                    ----------------------  ----------------------
                                       HIGH        LOW         High        Low
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
March 31                                   247/8        211/8        223/4        193/8
June 30                                    287/8        237/8        22        20
September 30                               281/2        261/4        241/4        20
December 31                                28          251/4        245/8        20
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 CalFarm
 
 [THE ZENITH]
                                                                              51
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT'S REPORT
 
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Zenith National Insurance Corp.
 
      We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Zenith
National Insurance Corp. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows, and stockholders'
equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
 
      We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. 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 Zenith National
Insurance Corp. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
 
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
 
Los Angeles, California, February 14, 1997
 
52

<PAGE>
                                   EXHIBIT 21
                             SUBSIDIARIES OF ZENITH
 
    Set forth below are the names of certain subsidiaries of Zenith. Certain
subsidiaries, which considered in the aggregate would not constitute a
significant subsidiary, are omitted from the listing below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         JURISDICTION OF
                              NAME                                        ORGANIZATION
- -----------------------------------------------------------------  ---------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>
Zenith Insurance Company                                                   California
CalFarm Insurance Company                                                  California
ZNAT Insurance Company                                                     California
CalFarm Insurance Agency                                                   California
Zenith Star Insurance Company                                                 Texas
Perma-Bilt, a Nevada Corporation                                             Nevada
ZIC Lloyd's Underwriting Limited                                             England
</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 7
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE>                           712,342
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE>                           53,353
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE>                             53,113
<EQUITIES>                                      37,626
<MORTGAGE>                                           0
<REAL-ESTATE>                                        0
<TOTAL-INVEST>                                 852,799
<CASH>                                          12,125
<RECOVER-REINSURE>                                   0
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION>                          20,752
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,242,724
<POLICY-LOSSES>                                620,078
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS>                            127,209
<POLICY-OTHER>                                       0
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS>                            9,109
<NOTES-PAYABLE>                                 88,861
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        24,447
<OTHER-SE>                                     313,056
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,242,724
                                     452,856
<INVESTMENT-INCOME>                             51,154
<INVESTMENT-GAINS>                              10,807
<OTHER-INCOME>                                  41,554
<BENEFITS>                                     314,700
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION>                     84,093
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER>                            53,413
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 57,117
<INCOME-TAX>                                    19,517
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             37,600
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    37,600
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.11
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0
<RESERVE-OPEN>                                 463,123
<PROVISION-CURRENT>                            318,509
<PROVISION-PRIOR>                              (3,809)
<PAYMENTS-CURRENT>                             131,061
<PAYMENTS-PRIOR>                               185,764
<RESERVE-CLOSE>                                526,427
<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY>                        (3,809)
        

</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission