<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 7
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the December
31, 1999 10-K and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial
statements.
</LEGEND>
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE> 1,194,099
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE> 233,815
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE> 237,542
<EQUITIES> 264,796
<MORTGAGE> 0
<REAL-ESTATE> 0
<TOTAL-INVEST> 1,752,614
<CASH> 49,986<F1>
<RECOVER-REINSURE> 9,655
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION> 123,441
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 2,597,701
<POLICY-LOSSES> 1,286,741<F2>
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS> 459,708
<POLICY-OTHER> 0
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS> 0
<NOTES-PAYABLE> 170,786<F3>
0
0
<COMMON> 77,337
<OTHER-SE> 486,196
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 2,597,701
605,643
<INVESTMENT-INCOME> 72,257
<INVESTMENT-GAINS> 2,647
<OTHER-INCOME> 59,371
<BENEFITS> 457,421<F4>
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION> 191,701
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER> 0
<INCOME-PRETAX> 17,230
<INCOME-TAX> (2,159)
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 0
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 19,389
<EPS-BASIC> 0.77
<EPS-DILUTED> 0.73
<RESERVE-OPEN> 1,273,808<F5>
<PROVISION-CURRENT> 0
<PROVISION-PRIOR> 0
<PAYMENTS-CURRENT> 0
<PAYMENTS-PRIOR> 0
<RESERVE-CLOSE> 1,286,741
<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY> 0
<FN>
<F1>Equals the sum of short-term investment and cash.
<F2>Equals the sum of reserve for losses and the reserve for loss expenses.
<F3>Equals the sum of notes payable, short-term debt and converitible
subordinated debentures.
<F4>Equals the sum of losses incurred and loss expenses incurred.
<F5>Equals the sum of reserve for losses and reserve for loss expenses at the
beginning of the year.
</FN>
</TABLE>
