<ARTICLE> 7
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the balance
sheet as of December 31, 1997 and the related statement of earnings for the year
ended December 31, 1997 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such
financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE>                           209,506
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE>                                0
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE>                                  0
<EQUITIES>                                           0
<MORTGAGE>                                           0
<REAL-ESTATE>                                        0
<TOTAL-INVEST>                                 245,267
<CASH>                                          30,391
<RECOVER-REINSURE>                                   0
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION>                               0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 417,691
<POLICY-LOSSES>                                156,791
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS>                                  0
<POLICY-OTHER>                                       0
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS>                                0
<NOTES-PAYABLE>                                 19,087
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         6,906
<OTHER-SE>                                     202,598
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   417,691
<PREMIUMS>                                     692,618
<INVESTMENT-INCOME>                             15,929
<INVESTMENT-GAINS>                                 363
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<BENEFITS>                                      29,794
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION>                          0
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER>                                 0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 23,679
<INCOME-TAX>                                     8,391
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             15,288
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    15,288
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.24
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.22
<RESERVE-OPEN>                                 150,331
<PROVISION-CURRENT>                             27,188
<PROVISION-PRIOR>                                2,606
<PAYMENTS-CURRENT>                               5,991
<PAYMENTS-PRIOR>                                17,343
<RESERVE-CLOSE>                                156,791
<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY>                              0