Assets recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value.  Level inputs, as defined by current accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures, are as follows:

The Corporation uses observable inputs when available. Fair value is based upon quoted market prices when available. The Corporation limits valuation adjustments to those deemed necessary to ensure that the security’s fair value adequately represents the price that would be received or paid in the marketplace. Valuation adjustments may include consideration of counterparty credit quality and liquidity as well as other criteria.  The estimated fair value amounts are subjective in nature and may involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment for certain financial instruments. Changes in the underlying assumptions used in estimating fair value could affect the results.  The fair value measurement levels are not indicative of risk of investment.

The fair value of investment securities is estimated based on quoted market prices for those or similar investments.  Additional information pertinent to the estimated fair value of investment in securities is included in note 3.

 

The following table summarizes fair value measurements by level at December 31, 2016 and 2015 for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

The fair value of fixed maturity and equity securities included in the Level 2 category were based on market values obtained from independent pricing services, which utilize evaluated pricing models that vary by asset class and incorporate available trade, bid and other market information and for structured securities, cash flow and when available loan performance data.  Because many fixed income securities do not trade on a daily basis, the models used by independent pricing service providers to prepare evaluations apply available information, such as benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings, and matrix pricing.  For certain equity securities, quoted market prices for the identical security are not always available and the fair value is estimated by reference to similar securities for which quoted prices are available.  The independent pricing service providers monitor market indicators, industry and economic events, and for broker-quoted only securities, obtain quotes from market makers or broker-dealers that they recognize to be market participants. The fair value of the investments in partnerships included in the Level 3 category was based on the net asset value (NAV) which is affected by the changes in the fair market value of the investments held in these partnerships.

Transfers into or out of the Level 3 category occur when unobservable inputs, such as the Company’s best estimate of what a market participant would use to determine a current transaction price, become more or less significant to the fair value measurement.  Transfers between levels, if any, are recorded as of the actual date of the event or change in circumstance that caused the transfer.  There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31 is as follows:

In addition to the preceding disclosures on assets recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets, accounting guidance also requires the disclosure of fair values for certain other financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate fair value, whether or not such values are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets.

Non-financial instruments such as property and equipment, other assets, deferred income taxes and intangible assets, and certain financial instruments such as claim liabilities are excluded from the fair value disclosures. Therefore, the fair value amounts cannot be aggregated to determine our underlying economic value.

 

The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and short-term borrowings approximate fair value because of the short term nature of these items.  These assets and liabilities are not listed in the table below.

The following methods, assumptions and inputs were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:

(i)  Policy Loans

Policy loans have no stated maturity dates and are part of the related insurance contract. The carrying amount of policy loans approximates fair value because their interest rate is reset periodically in accordance with current market rates.

(ii)  Policyholder Deposits

The fair value of policyholder deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date, and accordingly, the carrying value amount approximates fair value.

(iii)  Long-term Borrowings

The carrying amount of the loans payable to bank – variable approximates fair value due to its floating interest-rate structure.  The fair value of the loans payable to bank – fixed and senior unsecured notes payable was determined using broker quotations.

 

A summary of the carrying value and fair value by level of financial instruments not recorded at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: