EXHIBIT 99.1

                                   [AMERICAN PHYSICIANS CAPITAL INC. LETTERHEAD]
NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                 Contacts: Ann Storberg, Investor Relations
                                                (517) 324-6629

              AMERICAN PHYSICIANS CAPITAL, INC. ANNOUNCES DEPARTURE
                             OF SUBSIDIARY EXECUTIVE

         EAST LANSING, Mich. (July 16, 2003) American Physicians Capital, Inc.
(APCapital) (NASDAQ: ACAP) today announced that Raymond Jacobsen, Chief
Executive Officer of the Company's workers' compensation business unit, has
submitted his resignation effective immediately. APCapital's President and Chief
Executive Officer, William B. Cheeseman will oversee the workers' compensation
business unit until management selects a successor.
         "We remain committed to our two core lines of business, medical
professional liability and workers' compensation," stated William B. Cheeseman.
"With the favorable market conditions in the medical professional liability
sector, we will continue to grow this line aggressively in targeted markets. We
will maintain our profitable workers' compensation book and grow this line of
business at a moderate rate until market conditions change."
         American Physicians Capital, Inc. is a national provider of medical
professional liability coverage and workers' compensation, through American
Physicians Assurance Corporation and its other subsidiaries. The group of
companies is rated A- (Excellent) by A. M. Best and A- by Standard & Poor's.
Further information about the companies is available on the Internet at
www.apcapital.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT: Certain statements made by American Physicians
Capital, Inc. in this release may constitute forward-looking statements within
the meaning of the federal securities laws. While we believe any forward-looking
statements we have made are reasonable, they are subject to risks and
uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially. These risks and
uncertainties include, but are not limited to the factors listed or discussed in
the reports filed by APCapital from time to time with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. APCapital does
not undertake, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to update or alter its
forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events
or otherwise, except as required by law.

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