A/A2 is generally the second- or third-highest rating that a rating agency gives to a security or carrier. This rating indicates that there is a comparatively low risk of default as the issuer or carrier is quite stable. Investors and policyholders are thus taking very small risk with these companies.

The ratings allocated by the diverse ratings agencies are on the basis of the insurer's or issuer's creditworthiness. This rating can thus be taken as a direct measure of the probability of default. Though, credit stability and priority of payment are also taken into the rating.