1 EXHIBIT 12.1 HCC INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) ------------------------------------------------------ 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 ------- -------- ------- ------- ------- Earnings before income tax provision ... $37,394 $107,486 $73,064 $48,467 $41,641 Interest expense ....................... 12,964 6,021 6,004 4,993 6,471 Estimated interest factor (33.3%) of rental expense ....................... 1,900 1,433 1,233 833 667 ------- -------- ------- ------- ------- Income as adjusted ..................... 52,258 114,940 80,301 54,293 48,779 ======= ======== ======= ======= ======= Fixed Charges: Interest expense ..................... 12,964 6,021 6,004 4,993 6,471 Capitalized interest ................. 110 -- -- -- -- Estimated interest factor (33.3%) of rental expense ..................... 1,900 1,433 1,233 833 667 ------- -------- ------- ------- ------- Total fixed charges .................... 14,974 7,454 7,237 5,826 7,138 ------- -------- ------- ------- ------- Ratios of earnings to fixed charges .... 3.49 15.42 11.10 9.32 6.83 ======= ======== ======= ======= =======