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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 17, 2012

Registration No. 333-          

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549



FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933



LOGO

RLI Corp.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

Illinois
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  37-0889946
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

9025 North Lindbergh Drive
Peoria, Illinois 61615
(309) 692-1000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrants' principal executive offices)



Daniel O. Kennedy
Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
RLI Corp.
9025 North Lindbergh Drive
Peoria, Illinois 61615
(309) 692-1000

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)



Copies to:
Edward S. Best
Mayer Brown LLP
71 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(312) 782-0600

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.

            If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.    o

            If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 check the following box.    ý

            If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

            If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

            If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box.    ý

            If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box.    o

            Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer: ý   Accelerated filer: o   Non-accelerated filer: o
(Do not check is a
smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company: o

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

   
 
Title of Each Class of
Securities to be Registered(1)

  Amount to be Registered(1)(2)/Proposed Maximum
Offering Price per Unit(2)/Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering Price(2)/Amount of
Registration Fee

 

Common Shares, par value $1.00 per share(2)(3)

  (5)
 

Preferred Shares, par value $.01 per share(2)(3)

   
 

Debt Securities(4)

   

 

(1)
Additional securities (including securities to be issued by additional registrants) may be added by automatically effective post-effective amendments pursuant to Rule 413.

(2)
Such indeterminate number or amount of Common Shares, Preferred Shares and Debt Securities as may from time to time be issued at indeterminate prices, in U.S. Dollars or the equivalent thereof denominated in foreign currencies or units.

(3)
Unless otherwise indicated in an amendment to this filing, no separate consideration will be received for Common Shares or Preferred Shares issuable upon conversion or exchange of other securities registered under this registration statement.

(4)
Subject to note (1), an indeterminate principal amount of debt securities, which may be senior or subordinated.

(5)
Pursuant to Rule 456(b) and Rule 457(r) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), the registrant is deferring payment of the registration fee.

   


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PROSPECTUS

LOGO

RLI Corp.

Common Shares, Preferred Shares and Debt Securities

        We from time to time may offer to sell the securities listed above. The debt securities and preferred shares may be convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our common or preferred shares or other securities issued by us or debt or equity securities of one or more other entities.

        We will provide the specific terms of these securities in supplements to this prospectus. The prospectus supplements may also add to or update the information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any supplements carefully before you invest.

        Our common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "RLI". On December 14, 2012, the closing price of our common shares, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange, was $63.57 per share.

        Investing in our securities involves risks. See "Risk Factors" on Page 2.

        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

        This prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of offered securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

        You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any supplement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. We are offering these securities only in states where the offer is permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those documents. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

        The date of this prospectus is December 17, 2012.



TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

  1

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 
1

RLI CORP. 

 
1

RISK FACTORS

 
2

USE OF PROCEEDS

 
2

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

 
2

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE OFFERED SECURITIES

 
2

DESCRIPTION OF OUR CAPITAL STOCK

 
3

DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES

 
6

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 
19

LEGAL MATTERS

 
21

EXPERTS

 
21

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 
21

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

        This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") utilizing a "shelf" registration process, relating to the common shares, preferred shares and debt securities described in this prospectus. Under this shelf process, we are registering an unspecified amount of each class of the securities described in this prospectus, and we may sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. As permitted by the rules and regulations of the Commission, this prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement. For additional information regarding us and the offered securities, please refer to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add to, update, supplement or clarify information contained in this prospectus. The rules of the Commission allow us to incorporate by reference information into this prospectus. This information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the Commission will automatically update and supersede this information.

        You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information."

        Unless otherwise indicated, all references in this prospectus to "RLI," "we," "us," "our," the "Company" or similar terms refer to RLI Corp. together with its subsidiaries.


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This prospectus and the documents incorporated herein by reference may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to our current expectations, beliefs, intentions, goals or strategies regarding the future and are based on certain underlying assumptions by us. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "believes," "expects," "potential," "continued," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "approximately," "predicts," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "anticipates" or the negative version of those words or other comparable words. Any forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus

        These assumptions are, in turn, based on information available and internal estimates and analyses of general economic conditions, competitive factors, conditions specific to the property and casualty insurance and surety bond industries, claims development and the impact thereof on our loss reserves, the adequacy of our reinsurance programs, developments in the securities market and the impact on our investment portfolio, regulatory changes and conditions and other factors and are subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, under the caption "Item 1A Risk Factors," which is incorporated herein by reference. These risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement we make. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. Except to the extent required by applicable law, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. For a discussion of factors that could cause actual results to differ, see "Risk Factors" below and the information contained in our publicly available filings with the Commission. These filings are described below under the caption "Where You Can Find More Information"


RLI CORP.

        RLI Corp., through its four principal insurance subsidiaries collectively known as the RLI Insurance Group, underwrites selected property and casualty insurance and surety bonds. RLI Insurance Company, our principal subsidiary, writes multiple lines insurance on an admitted basis in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Contractors Bonding and Insurance Company has


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authority to write multiple lines of insurance on an admitted basis in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Mt. Hawley Insurance Company writes surplus lines insurance in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam. RLI Indemnity Company has authority to write multiple lines of insurance on an admitted basis in 48 states and the District of Columbia as well as to write fidelity and surety in North Carolina.

        We are an Illinois corporation that was organized in 1965. Our principal executive offices are located at 9025 North Lindbergh Drive, Peoria, Illinois 61615, and our telephone number is (309) 692-1000.


RISK FACTORS

        An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. The prospectus supplement applicable to each offering of our securities will contain a discussion of the risks applicable to an investment in our securities. Prior to making a decision about investing in our securities, you should carefully consider the specific factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the applicable prospectus supplement, together with all of the other information contained or incorporated by reference in the prospectus supplement or appearing or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You should also consider the risks, uncertainties and assumptions discussed under Item 1A, "Risk Factors," in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference, and may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time by other reports we file with the Commission in the future and any prospectus supplement related to a particular offering. The risks and uncertainties we have described are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our operations.


USE OF PROCEEDS

        Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, we will use the net proceeds from the sale of offered securities to repay indebtedness, for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, stock repurchases and other general corporate purposes. Until we use the net proceeds in the manner described above, we may temporarily use them to make short-term investments or reduce short-term borrowings.


RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

        The following table shows our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated. For purposes of the computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of income before income taxes, preferred dividends, change in accounting and extraordinary items plus fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest expense, capitalized interest, amortization of financing costs and one-third of minimum rental payments under operating leases. No preferred share dividends were paid during such periods.

 
  Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2012
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2011   2010   2009   2008   2007  

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

    19.7x     25.6x     25.7x     18.2x     13.7x     31.0x  


GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE OFFERED SECURITIES

        We may from time to time offer under this prospectus, separately or together:

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        The debt securities and preferred shares may be convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our common or preferred shares or other securities issued by us or debt or equity securities of one or more other entities.


DESCRIPTION OF OUR CAPITAL STOCK

Authorized and Outstanding Capital Stock

        Pursuant to our Restated Articles of Incorporation, our authorized capital stock is 105,000,000 shares, consisting of:

        As of November 30, 2012, we had 23,280,859 outstanding common shares, which excludes unissued shares reserved under various employee compensation plans. No preferred shares are currently outstanding.

        No holders of any class of our capital stock are entitled to preemptive rights.

        In general, the classes of authorized capital stock are afforded preferences with respect to dividends and liquidation rights in the order listed above. Our board of directors is empowered, without approval of our shareholders, to cause the preferred shares to be issued in one or more series, with the numbers of shares of each series and the rights, preferences and limitations of each series to be determined by it. The specific matters that may be determined by our board of directors include the dividend rights, voting rights, redemption rights, liquidation preferences, if any, conversion and exchange rights, retirement and sinking fund provisions and other rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of any wholly unissued series of preferred shares, the number of shares constituting that series and the terms and conditions of the issue of the shares.

        The following is a summary of the material provisions and features of our Restated Articles of Incorporation and our By-Laws. You should refer to our Restated Articles of Incorporation and our By-Laws for complete information regarding the provisions of our Restated Articles of Incorporation and our By-Laws, including the definitions of some of the terms used below. Copies of our Restated Articles of Incorporation and our By-Laws are incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Whenever particular sections or defined terms of our Restated Articles of Incorporation and our By-Laws are referred to, such sections or defined terms are incorporated herein by reference, and the statement in connection with which such reference is made is qualified in its entirety by such reference.

Common Shares

        Holders of our common shares are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders. Our shareholders do not have the right to cumulate their votes in the election of directors. The quorum required at a shareholders' meeting for consideration of any matter is a majority of the shares entitled to vote on that matter, represented in person or by proxy. If a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares voting on the matter is required for shareholder approval.

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        Subject to the rights of the holders, if any, of preferred shares, the holders of our common shares shall be entitled to receive dividends at such times and in such amounts as may be declared by our board of directors out of assets we can legally use to pay dividends.

        In the event of any dissolution, liquidation, or winding up of our affairs, holders of our common shares are entitled to share ratably in all of our assets remaining after payment of our debts and other liabilities and any amounts payable to the holders, if any, of preferred shares.

        All of our common shares outstanding are fully paid and non-assessable, and all of our common shares offered by this prospectus will be fully paid and non-assessable.

        Holders of our common shares have no redemption or conversion rights and no preemptive or other rights to subscribe for our securities.

        The transfer agent and registrar for our common shares is Wells Fargo Shareowner Services.

        Our common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "RLI."

        Generally, under Illinois law, plans of merger, consolidation or exchange and sales, leases, exchanges or other dispositions of all, or substantially all, of a corporation's property and assets, other than in the usual and regular course of business, must be approved by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the matter and at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of each class or series of shares entitled to vote on the matter as a class. A corporation's articles of incorporation may provide for a greater or lesser vote, but not less than a majority of (1) the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the matter and (2) the outstanding shares of each class or series entitled to vote as a class on the matter. Our Restated Articles of Incorporation require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the matter to approve any plan of merger, consolidation or exchange or any sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of all, or substantially all, of our property and assets, if not made in the usual and regular course of business.

        Generally, under Illinois law, an amendment to a corporation's articles of incorporation must be approved by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the amendment and at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of each class or series of shares entitled to vote as a class on the amendment. A corporation's articles of incorporation may supersede this requirement by specifying any greater or lesser vote requirement, but not less than a majority of the votes of outstanding shares entitled to vote on the amendment and not less than a majority of the outstanding shares of each class or series entitled to vote on the amendment as a class. Our Restated Articles of Incorporation require an amendment to be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of (1) the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the amendment and (2) the outstanding shares of each class or series entitled to vote on the amendment as a class.

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        Blank Check Preferred Shares—Our board of directors, without shareholder approval, can issue preferred shares with voting and conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power of the holders of common shares. This right of issuance could be used as a method of preventing a party from gaining control of us.

        Illinois Anti-Takeover Law—We are subject to Section 7.85 of the Illinois Business Corporation Act of 1983, as amended (the "IBCA"). In general, Section 7.85 requires business combinations between Illinois corporations with a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act or (other Illinois corporations that elect to be subject to Section 7.85) and interested shareholders to be approved by (i) 80% of the voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote, voting together as a single class, and (ii) the affirmative vote of a majority of this voting power held by disinterested shareholders. These requirements will not apply if the business combination is approved by two-thirds of the disinterested directors or prescribed price and procedural requirements are met. We are also subject to Section 11.75 of the IBCA. In general, Section 11.75 prohibits a publicly-held Illinois corporation from engaging in a business combination with an interested shareholder for a period of three years following the date the person became an interested shareholder, unless the business combination or the transaction in which the person became an interested shareholder is approved in a prescribed manner. Generally, under Sections 7.85 and 11.75, a business combination includes a merger, asset or stock sale, or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested shareholder. Generally, an interested shareholder is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns 15% or more of a corporation's voting stock or who is an affiliate or associate of a corporation and within three years prior to the determination of interested shareholder status owned 15% or more of that corporation's voting stock. The existence of these provisions may have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions not approved in advance by the board of directors, including discouraging attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for our common shares held by shareholders.

        Insurance Regulations on Change of Control—State insurance holding company laws require advance approval by state insurance commissioners of any change in control of an insurance company that is domiciled (or, in some cases, having such substantial business that it is deemed to be commercially domiciled) in that state. "Control" is generally presumed to exist through the ownership of 10% or more of the voting securities of a domestic insurance company or of any company that controls a domestic insurance company. In addition, insurance laws in many states contain provisions that require pre-notification to the insurance commissioners of a change in control of a non-domestic insurance company licensed in those states. Any future transactions that would constitute a change in control of our insurance company subsidiaries, including a change of control of us, would generally require the party acquiring control to obtain the prior approval by the insurance departments of the insurance company subsidiaries' states of domicile (Illinois and Washington) or commercial domicile, if any, and may require pre-acquisition notification in applicable states that have adopted pre-acquisition notification provisions. Obtaining these approvals could result in a material delay of, or deter, any such transaction.

Preferred Shares

        The particular terms of any series of preferred shares will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the offering.

        The rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including dividend rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, retirement and sinking fund provisions and liquidation preferences, if any, of the preferred shares of each series will be fixed or designated pursuant to a certificate of designation adopted by our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of our board of directors. The terms, if any, on

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which any series of preferred shares are convertible or exchangeable into common shares will also be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the offering. These terms may include provisions for conversion or exchange, either mandatory, at the option of the holder, or at our option, in which case the number of common shares to be received by the holders of preferred shares would be calculated as of a time and in the manner stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. The description of the terms of a particular series of preferred shares that will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the certificate of designation relating to such series.


DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES

        The following description of our debt securities sets forth the material terms and provisions of the debt securities to which any prospectus supplement may relate. Our senior debt securities are to be issued under an indenture between us and a trustee, the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. We refer to this indenture in this prospectus as the "senior indenture." Our subordinated debt securities are to be issued under an indenture between us and a trustee, the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. We refer to this indenture in this prospectus as the "subordinated indenture." The senior indenture and the subordinated indenture are sometimes referred to herein collectively as the "indentures" and each individually as an "indenture." The particular terms of the debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement, and the extent to which the general provisions described below may apply to the offered debt securities, will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        The following are summaries of the material terms and provisions of the indentures and the related debt securities. You should refer to the forms of the indentures and the debt securities for complete information regarding the terms and provisions of the indentures, including the definitions of some of the terms used below, and the debt securities. The senior indenture and the subordinated indenture are substantially identical, except for certain covenants of ours and provisions relating to subordination.

General

        The indentures do not limit the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities which we may issue thereunder and provide that we may issue the debt securities thereunder from time to time in one or more series. The indentures do not limit the amount of other Indebtedness or the debt securities, other than certain secured Indebtedness as described below, which we or our Subsidiaries may issue.

        Neither of the indentures limits the amount of debt securities that we may issue under that indenture and provides that debt securities may be issued under that indenture from time to time in one or more series. We may from time to time, without giving notice to or seeking the consent of the holders of a series of debt securities issued under an indenture, issue debt securities under that indenture having the same terms (except for the issue date, and, in some cases, the public offering price and the first interest payment date) as, and ranking equally and ratably with, the debt securities of a series previously issued under that indenture. Any additional debt securities having such similar terms, together with the debt securities of the applicable series, will constitute a single series of securities under the applicable indenture, including for purposes of voting and redemptions. No such additional debt securities may be issued if an Event of Default under the applicable indenture has occurred and is continuing with respect to the applicable series of debt securities.

        Unless otherwise provided in a prospectus supplement, the senior debt securities will be unsecured obligations of ours and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness outstanding from time to time. The subordinated debt securities will be unsecured

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obligations of ours, subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness of ours as described below under "Subordination of the Subordinated Debt Securities" and in the applicable prospectus supplement. The indentures do not limit the amount of senior, pari passu and junior Indebtedness that we may issue. As of September 30, 2012, we had outstanding approximately $100 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Indebtedness.

        Because we are a holding company, our rights and the rights of our creditors, including the holders of our debt securities, and shareholders to participate in any distribution of assets of any Subsidiary upon the Subsidiary's liquidation or reorganization or otherwise would be subject to the prior claims of the Subsidiary's creditors, except to the extent that we may ourselves be a creditor with recognized claims against the Subsidiary. The rights of our creditors, including the holders of our debt securities, to participate in the distribution of stock owned by us in certain of the Subsidiaries, including our insurance Subsidiaries, may also be subject to approval by certain insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over such Subsidiaries. As of September 30, 2012, our Subsidiaries had no outstanding indebtedness for borrowed money.

        The prospectus supplement relating to the particular debt securities offered thereby will describe the following terms of the offered debt securities:

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        Unless otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement, principal, premium, interest and additional amounts, if any, with respect to any debt securities will be payable at the office or agency maintained by us for such purposes. In the case of debt securities issued in registered form, interest may be paid by check mailed to the persons entitled thereto at their addresses appearing on the security register or by transfer to an account maintained by the payee with a bank located in the United States. Interest on debt securities issued in registered form will be payable on any interest payment date to the persons in whose names the debt securities are registered at the close of business on the regular record date with respect to such interest payment date. All paying agents initially designated by us for the debt securities will be named in the related prospectus supplement. We may at any time designate additional paying agents or rescind the designation of any paying agent or approve a change in the office through which any paying agent acts, except that we will be required to maintain a paying agent in each place where the principal of, any premium or interest on or any additional amounts with respect to the debt securities are payable.

        Unless otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement, the debt securities may be presented for transfer or exchanged for other debt securities of the same series, containing identical terms and provisions, in any authorized denominations, and of a like aggregate principal amount, at the office or agency maintained by us for such purposes. Such transfer or exchange will be made without

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service charge, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge and any other expenses then payable. We will not be required to:

        We have appointed the trustee as security registrar. Any transfer agent, in addition to the security registrar, initially designated by us for any debt securities will be named in the related prospectus supplement. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents or rescind the designation of any transfer agent or approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts, except that we will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place where the principal of, any premium or interest on or any additional amounts with respect to the debt securities are payable.

        Unless otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be issued only in fully registered form without coupons in minimum denominations of $2,000 and any integral multiple thereof. The debt securities may be represented in whole or in part by one or more global debt securities registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee and, if so represented, interests in such global debt security will be shown on, and transfers thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by the designated depositary and its participants as described below. Where the debt securities of any series are issued in bearer form, the special restrictions and considerations, including special offering restrictions and special United States Federal income tax considerations, applicable to such debt securities and to payment on and transfer and exchange of such debt securities will be described in the related prospectus supplement.

        The debt securities may be issued as original issue discount securities, bearing no interest or bearing interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market rates, to be sold at a substantial discount below their principal amount. Special United States Federal income tax and other considerations applicable to original issue discount securities will be described in the related prospectus supplement.

        If the purchase price of any debt securities is payable in one or more foreign currencies or if any debt securities are denominated in one or more foreign currencies or if the principal of, or any premium or interest on, or any additional amounts with respect to, any debt securities is payable in one or more foreign currencies, the restrictions, elections, certain United States Federal income tax considerations, specific terms and other information with respect to such debt securities and such foreign currency will be set forth in the related prospectus supplement.

        We will comply with Section 14(e) under the Exchange Act, and any other tender offer rules under the Exchange Act which may then be applicable, in connection with any obligation of ours to purchase debt securities at the option of the holders. Any such obligation applicable to a series of debt securities will be described in the related prospectus supplement.

        Unless otherwise described in a prospectus supplement relating to any debt securities, the indentures do not contain any provisions that would limit our ability to incur indebtedness or that would afford holders of the debt securities protection in the event of a sudden and significant decline in our credit quality or a takeover, recapitalization or highly leveraged or similar transaction involving us. Accordingly, we could in the future enter into transactions that could increase the amount of indebtedness outstanding at that time or otherwise affect our capital structure or credit rating. You should refer to the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of the debt securities for information regarding any modifications of or additions to the Events of Default described below or

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our covenants contained in the indentures, including any addition of a covenant or other provisions providing event risk or similar protection.

Conversion and Exchange

        The terms, if any, on which debt securities of any series are convertible into or exchangeable for common shares, preferred shares or other securities property or cash, or a combination of any of the foregoing, will be set forth in the related prospectus supplement. Such terms may include provisions for conversion or exchange, either mandatory, at the option of the holder, or at our option, in which the securities, property or cash to be received by the holders of the debt securities would be calculated according to the factors and at such time as described in the related prospectus supplement.

Global Securities

        The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global debt securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depositary identified in the prospectus supplement relating to such series. The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to a series of the debt securities will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such series.

        The indentures provide that if:

then, in an such case, the global securities will be exchanged for the debt securities of such series in definitive form of like tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in authorized denominations. Such definitive debt securities will be registered in such name or names as the depositary shall instruct the trustee. It is expected that such instructions may be based upon directions received by the depositary from participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in global securities.

Redemption

        If provided in the related prospectus supplement, we will have the right to redeem some or all of the debt securities. The prospectus supplement relating to the particular debt securities offered thereby will describe:

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        Each indenture provides that if we do not redeem all of the debt securities thereunder, the trustee will select the securities to be redeemed by such method as it shall deem fair and appropriate. If any debt securities are to be redeemed in part only, we will issue a new note for such securities in principal amount equal to the unredeemed principal portion. If a portion of your debt securities is selected for partial redemption and you convert or elect repurchase of a portion of your securities, the converted or repurchased portion will be deemed to be taken from the portion selected for redemption. Unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement, notice of redemption setting forth the redemption date and redemption price must be given at least thirty days and not more than sixty days prior to the redemption date.

        Notice of any redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of debt securities to be redeemed at its registered address. Unless we default in payment of the redemption price, on and after the redemption date interest will cease to accrue on the debt securities or portions thereof called for redemption.

Certain Covenants With Respect To Senior Debt Securities

        Under the senior indenture, we will covenant that, so long as any senior debt securities are outstanding, we will not, nor will we permit any subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or guarantee or otherwise permit to exist any indebtedness secured by any security interest on any shares of capital stock of any designated subsidiary, unless we concurrently provide that the senior debt securities and, if we elect, any other indebtedness that is not subordinate to the senior debt securities and with respect to which the governing instruments require, or pursuant to which we are obligated, to provide such security, will be secured equally with this indebtedness for at least the time period this other indebtedness is so secured.

        The term "designated subsidiary" means any present or future consolidated subsidiary, the consolidated net worth of which constitutes at least 5% of our consolidated net worth.

        For purposes of the senior indentures, the term "indebtedness" means, with respect to any person:

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        The senior indenture also provides that, so long as any senior debt securities are outstanding and except in a transaction otherwise governed by the senior indentures, we will not issue, sell, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of any shares of securities convertible into, or warrants, rights or options to subscribe for or purchase shares of, capital stock, other than preferred stock having no voting rights, of any designated subsidiary. Similarly, we will not permit any designated subsidiary to issue, other than to us or a subsidiary the shares of capital stock of which we own at least 80%, these types of securities, warrants, rights or options, other than director's qualifying shares and preferred stock having no voting rights, of any designated subsidiary, if, after giving effect to the transaction and the issuance of the maximum number of shares issuable upon the conversion or exercise of all the convertible securities, warrants, rights or options, we would own, directly or indirectly, less than 80% of the shares of capital stock of the designated subsidiary, other than preferred stock having no voting rights.

        However, we may issue, sell, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of securities if the consideration is at least a fair market value as determined by our board or if required by law or regulation. We may also merge or consolidate any designated subsidiary into or with another direct or indirect subsidiary, the shares of capital stock of which we own at least 80% or, subject to the provisions described under "—Consolidation, Amalgamation, Merger and Sale of Assets" below, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of the entire capital stock of any designated subsidiary at one time if the consideration is at least fair market value as determined by our board.

Consolidation, Amalgamation, Merger and Sale of Assets

        Each indenture provides that we may not:

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Events of Default

        Except as otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement and specifically deleted or modified in or pursuant to the related supplemental indenture, board resolution or officer's certificate establishing the terms of any series of debt securities pursuant to the applicable indenture, each of the following events will constitute an Event of Default under the applicable indenture with respect to any series of debt securities issued thereunder, whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it will be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body:

        If an Event of Default with respect to the debt securities of any series, other than an Event of Default described in (7) of the preceding paragraph, occurs and is continuing, either the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series by written notice as provided in the applicable indenture may declare the principal amount, or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the debt securities of such series, of all outstanding debt securities of such series to be due and payable immediately. At any time after a declaration of acceleration has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of money has been obtained by the trustee, and subject to applicable law and certain other provisions of the applicable indenture, the holders of a

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majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of such series may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration. An Event of Default described in (7) of the preceding paragraph will cause the principal amount and accrued interest, or such lesser amount as provided for in the debt securities of such series, to become immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act by the trustee or any holder.

        Each indenture provides that, within 90 days after the occurrence of any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to the debt securities of any series, the trustee will transmit, in the manner set forth in such indenture, notice of such default to the holders of the debt securities of such series unless such default has been cured or waived; provided, however, that the trustee may withhold such notice if and so long as the board of directors, the executive committee or the trust committee of directors and/or responsible officers of the trustee in good faith determine that the withholding of such notice is in the best interest of the holders of the debt securities of such series; and provided, further, that in the case of any default of the character described in (5) of the second preceding paragraph, no such notice to holders will be given until at least 30 days after the default occurs.

        If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to the debt securities of any series, the trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the holders of the debt securities of such series by all appropriate judicial proceedings. Each indenture provides that, subject to the duty of the trustee during any default to act with the required standard of care, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under such indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of the debt securities, unless such holders shall have offered to the trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the trustee. Subject to such provisions for the indemnification of the trustee, and subject to applicable law and certain other provisions of the applicable indenture, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee, with respect to debt securities of such series.

Modification and Waiver

        We and the applicable trustee may modify or amend an indenture with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected thereby; provided, however, that no such modification or amendment may, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security affected thereby:

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        In addition, no supplemental indenture may directly or indirectly modify or eliminate the subordination provisions of a subordinated indenture in any manner which might terminate or impair the subordination of the subordinated debt securities to Senior Indebtedness without the prior written consent of the holders of the Senior Indebtedness.

        We and the applicable trustee may modify or amend an indenture and the debt securities of any series without the consent of any holder in order to, among other things:

        The holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of any series may, on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series, waive compliance by us with certain restrictive provisions of the applicable indenture. The holders of not less than a majority in aggregate

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principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may, on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series, waive any past default and its consequences under the applicable indenture with respect to debt securities of that series, except a default:

        Under each indenture, we are required to furnish the trustee annually a statement as to performance by us of certain of our obligations under such indenture and as to any default in such performance. We are also required to deliver to the trustee, within five days after occurrence thereof, written notice of any Event of Default or any event which after notice or lapse of time or both would constitute an Event of Default.

Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

        We may discharge certain obligations to holders of any series of debt securities that have not already been delivered to the trustee for cancellation and that either have become due and payable or will become due and payable within one year, or scheduled for redemption within one year, by depositing with the trustee, in trust, funds in U.S. dollars or in the foreign currency in which such debt securities are payable in an amount sufficient to pay the entire indebtedness on such debt securities with respect to principal and any premium and interest to the date of such deposit, if such debt securities have become due and payable, or to the maturity thereof, as the case may be.

        Each indenture provides that, unless the provisions described below thereof are made inapplicable to debt securities of or within any series, we may elect either:

Such defeasance or such covenant defeasance, as the case may be, will be conditioned upon the irrevocable deposit by us with the trustee, in trust, of an amount in U.S. dollars or in the foreign currency in which such debt securities are payable at stated maturity, or Government Obligations, or both, applicable to such debt securities which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of, any premium and interest on, and any additional amounts with respect to, such debt securities on the scheduled due dates.

        Such a trust may only be established if, among other things:

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        "Government Obligations" means debt securities which are:

Subordination of the Subordinated Debt Securities

        The subordinated debt securities will, to the extent set forth in the subordinated indenture, be subordinate in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness. In the event of:

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then and in any such event the holders of Senior Indebtedness will be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due or to become due on or in respect of all Senior Indebtedness, or provision will be made for such payment in cash, before the holders of the subordinated debt securities are entitled to receive or retain any payment on account of principal of, or any premium or interest on, or any additional amounts with respect to, subordinated debt securities, and to that end the holders of Senior Indebtedness will be entitled to receive, for application to the payment thereof, any payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, including any such payment or distribution which may be payable or deliverable by reason of the payment of any other Indebtedness of ours being subordinated to the payment of subordinated debt securities, which may be payable or deliverable in respect of subordinated debt securities in any such case, proceeding, dissolution, liquidation or other winding up event.

        By reason of such subordination, in the event of our liquidation or insolvency, holders of Senior Indebtedness and holders of other obligations of ours that are not subordinated to Senior Indebtedness may recover more, ratably, than the holders of subordinated debt securities.

        Subject to the payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, the rights of the holders of subordinated debt securities will be subrogated to the rights of the holders of Senior Indebtedness to receive payments or distributions of cash, property or securities of ours applicable to such Senior Indebtedness until the principal of, any premium and interest on, and any additional amounts with respect to, subordinated debt securities have been paid in full.

        No payment of principal, including redemption and sinking fund payments, of or any premium or interest on or any additional amounts with respect to the subordinated debt securities may be made:

        The subordinated indenture does not limit or prohibit us from incurring additional Senior Indebtedness, which may include Indebtedness that is senior to subordinated debt securities, but subordinate to our other obligations. The senior debt securities will constitute Senior Indebtedness under the subordinated indenture.

        The term "Senior Indebtedness" means all Indebtedness of ours outstanding at any time, except:

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        The subordinated indenture provides that the foregoing subordination provisions, insofar as they relate to any particular issue of subordinated debt securities, may be changed prior to such issuance. Any such change would be described in the related prospectus supplement.

New York Law to Govern

        The indentures and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements made or instruments entered into and, in each case, performed wholly in that state.

Information Concerning the Trustee

        We may from time to time borrow from, maintain deposit accounts with and conduct other banking transactions with the trustee and its affiliates in the ordinary course of business. The trustee will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        Under each indenture, the trustee may be required to transmit annual reports to all holders regarding its eligibility and qualifications as trustee under the applicable indenture and related matters.


PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

        We may sell offered securities in any one or more of the following ways from time to time: through agents; to or through underwriters; through dealers; or directly to purchasers. The prospectus supplement with respect to the offered securities will set forth the terms of the offering of the offered securities, including the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents; the purchase price of the offered securities and the proceeds to us from such sale; any underwriting discounts and commissions or agency fees and other items constituting underwriters' or agents' compensation; any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers and any securities exchange on which such offered securities may be listed. Any initial public offering price, discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.

        The distribution of the offered securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.

        Offers to purchase offered securities may be solicited by agents designated by us from time to time. Any such agent involved in the offer or sale of the offered securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered will be named, and any commissions payable by us and/or the trust to such agent will be set forth, in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise indicated in such prospectus supplement, any such agent will be acting on a reasonable best efforts basis for the period of its appointment. Any such agent may be deemed to be an underwriter, as that term is defined in the Securities Act, of the offered securities so offered and sold.

        If offered securities are sold by means of an underwritten offering, we will execute an underwriting agreement with an underwriter or underwriters, and the names of the specific managing underwriter or underwriters, as well as any other underwriters, and the terms of the transaction, including commissions, discounts and any other compensation of the underwriters and dealers, if any, will be set forth in the prospectus supplement which will be used by the underwriters to make resales of the offered securities. If underwriters are utilized in the sale of the offered securities, the offered securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at fixed public offering prices or at varying prices determined by the underwriters at the time of sale. Offered securities may be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters or directly by the

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managing underwriters. If any underwriter or underwriters are utilized in the sale of the offered securities, unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, the underwriting agreement will provide that the obligations of the underwriters are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the underwriters with respect to a sale of offered securities will be obligated to purchase all such offered securities of a series if any are purchased.

        We may grant to the underwriters options to purchase additional offered securities, to cover over-allotments, if any, at the public offering price, with additional underwriting discounts or commissions, as may be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating thereto. If we grant any over-allotment option, the terms of such over-allotment option will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such offered securities.

        If a dealer is utilized in the sales of offered securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered, we will sell such offered securities to the dealer as principal. The dealer may then resell such offered securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealer at the time of resale. Any such dealer may be deemed to be an underwriter, as such term is defined in the Securities Act, of the offered securities so offered and sold. The name of the dealer and the terms of the transaction will be set forth in the related prospectus supplement.

        Offers to purchase offered securities may be solicited directly by us and the sale thereof may be made by us directly to institutional investors or others, who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any resale thereof. The terms of any such sales will be described in the related prospectus supplement.

        Offered securities may also be offered and sold, if so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or more firms, acting as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us. Any such remarketing firm will be identified and the terms of its agreements, if any, with us and its compensation will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters, as such term is defined in the Securities Act, in connection with the offered securities remarketed thereby.

        Agents, underwriters, dealers and remarketing firms may be entitled under relevant agreements entered into with us to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act that may arise from any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or any omission or alleged omission to state a material fact in this prospectus, any supplement or amendment hereto, or in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, or to contribution with respect to payments which the agents, underwriters or dealers may be required to make.

        If so indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will authorize underwriters or other persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase offered securities from us at the public offering price, pursuant to contracts providing for payments and delivery on a future date. Institutions with which such contracts may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and others, but in all cases such institutions must be approved by us and/or the trust. The obligations of any purchaser under any such contract will be subject to the condition that the purchase of the offered securities shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of the jurisdiction to which such purchaser is subject. The underwriters and such other agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of such contracts. Disclosure in the prospectus supplement of our use of delayed delivery contracts will include the commission that underwriters and agents soliciting purchases of the securities under delayed contracts will be entitled to receive in addition to the date when we will demand payment and delivery of the securities under the delayed delivery contracts. These delayed delivery contracts will be subject only to the conditions described in the prospectus supplement.

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        Each series of offered securities will be a new issue and, other than the common shares which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, will have no established trading market. We may elect to list any series of offered securities on an exchange, and in the case of common shares, on any additional exchange, but, unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will be obligated to do so. We cannot predict the liquidity of the trading market for any of the offered securities.

        Underwriters, dealers, agents and remarketing firms, or their affiliates, may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us and our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.


LEGAL MATTERS

        Unless otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of any securities offered by us in the applicable prospectus supplement will be passed upon for us by Mayer Brown LLP, Chicago, Illinois. The validity of any securities offered in the applicable prospectus supplement will be passed upon for any underwriters, dealers or agents by legal counsel to be named in the applicable prospectus supplement.


EXPERTS

        The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement schedules of RLI Corp. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, included in our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 17, 2012, and management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

        The reports on the consolidated financial statements and schedules dated February 28, 2012, except as to Note 1C and Schedules II, III, and VI, as to which the date is December 17, 2012 included in our Current Report on Form 8-K, refer to the Company's change in its method of accounting for the costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts due to the retrospective adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2010-26: Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts.


WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. You may read and copy any document we file in the SEC's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also obtain copies of this information by mail from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. You may obtain information on the operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Our SEC filings are also available at the office of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. For further information on obtaining copies of our public filings at the NYSE, you should call (212) 656-5060.

        The SEC also maintains an Internet web site that contains reports, proxy statements and other information about issuers, like us, that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that site is http://www.sec.gov. The SEC file number for documents filed by us under the Exchange Act is 00-09463.

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        The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference into this prospectus the information we file with the SEC. This means that we are disclosing important information to you by referring to other documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus, except for any information superseded by information contained directly in this prospectus. Information that we file later with the SEC under the Exchange Act will automatically update information in this prospectus. In all cases, you should rely on the later information over different information included in this prospectus. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below (other than any portions thereof, which under the Exchange Act and applicable SEC rules, are not deemed "filed" under the Exchange Act) and any future filings made with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act until this offering is completed:

        All other documents that we file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the initial filing of the registration statement and prior to the termination of the offerings being made by this prospectus shall also be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus and to be a part hereof from the respective dates of the filing of such documents (other than any such documents, or portions thereof, which under the Exchange Act and applicable SEC rules, are not deemed "filed" under the Exchange Act). If we have incorporated by reference any statement or information in this prospectus and we subsequently modify that statement or information with information contained in this prospectus or a subsequent incorporated document, the statement or information previously incorporated in this prospectus is also modified or superseded in the same manner.

        You may also request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at:

RLI Corp.
9025 North Lindbergh Drive
Peoria, Illinois 61615
Attn: Investor Relations
(309) 692-1000

        Exhibits to any documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus will not be sent, however, unless those exhibits have been specifically referenced in this prospectus.

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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14.    Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

        The following table sets forth the expenses expected to be incurred in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities registered hereby, other than underwriting discounts and commissions. All amounts shown are estimates except the Commission registration fee.

Commission registration fee

  $   (1)

Trustee's fees and expenses

      (1)

Printing and engraving expenses

    10,000 (2)

Accounting fees and expenses

    10,000 (2)

Legal fees and expenses

    50,000 (1)

Rating agency fees

      (1)

Miscellaneous

    5,000 (2)
       

Total

  $ 75,000 (3)
       

(1)
Because an indeterminate amount of securities are covered by this registration statement, certain expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of securities, such as the SEC Registration Fee, Rating agency fees and Trustee fees and expenses, are not currently determinable. An estimate of the aggregate expenses in connection with each sale of the securities being offered will be included in the applicable prospectus supplement.

(2)
Estimated.

(3)
Does not include the SEC Registration Fee, Rating agency fees and Trustee fees and expenses, which are not currently determinable.

Item 15.    Indemnification of Directors and Officers

        Article Five of our Restated Articles of Incorporation provides that we shall indemnify any present or former director or officer, who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the company) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of our company, or who is or was serving at our request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to our best interests, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. Article Five of our Restated Articles of Incorporation also provides that expenses, including attorney's fees, incurred by an officer or director in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding may be paid by us in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding, as authorized by our board of directors upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay such amount, if it shall ultimately be determined that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified by us.

        Section 8.75 of the Illinois Business Corporation Act provides that a corporation may indemnify any person who, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, was or

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is a party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, other than one brought on behalf of the corporation, against reasonable expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and settlement payments incurred in connection with the action, suit or proceeding, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be not opposed to the best interests of such corporation and, in criminal actions or proceedings, in addition, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. In the case of actions on behalf of the corporation, indemnification may extend only to reasonable expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit and only if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, provided that no such indemnification is permitted in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person is adjudged to be liable to the corporation except to the extent that the adjudicating court otherwise provides. To the extent that a present or former director, officer or employee of the corporation has been successful in defending any such action, suit or proceeding (even one on behalf of the corporation) or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person is entitled to indemnification for reasonable expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by such person in connection therewith if the person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be not opposed to the best interests of the corporation.

        The indemnification provided for by the Illinois Business Corporation Act is not exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any by-law, agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, and a corporation may maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent against liabilities for which indemnification is not expressly provided by the Illinois Business Corporation Act.

        We maintain policies of insurance under which we and our directors and officers are insured subject to specified exclusions and deductible and maximum amounts against loss arising from any claim which may be made against us or any of our directors or officers by reason of any breach of duty, neglect, error, misstatement, omission or act done or alleged to have been done while acting in our or their respective capacities.

Item 16.    Exhibits

        Please see the Exhibit Index included herewith, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 17.    Undertakings

        The registrant hereby undertakes:

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provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(i), (a)(ii) and (a)(iii) above do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

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        The registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of such registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

        Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the provisions set forth or described in Item 15 of this registration statement, or otherwise, the registrant have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of such registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of their counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by them is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

        The registrant hereby undertakes that:

        The registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriter at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements, certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

        The registrant hereby undertake to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Peoria, Illinois, on the 17th day of December, 2012.

    RLI CORP.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ JONATHAN E. MICHAEL

        Name:   Jonathan E. Michael
        Title:   Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board


POWER OF ATTORNEY

        Each individual whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints each of Jonathan E. Michael, Thomas L. Brown and Daniel O. Kennedy, and each of them, as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents for the undersigned, with full power of substitution, for and in the name, place and stead of the undersigned to sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 (i) any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this registration statement, (ii) any registration statement relating to this offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, (iii) any exhibits to any such registration statement or amendments, including post-effective amendments, or (iv) any and all applications and other documents in connection with any such registration statement or amendments, including post-effective amendments, and generally to do all things and perform any and all acts and things whatsoever requisite and necessary or desirable to enable the Registrants to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement on Form S-3 has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 17th day of December, 2012.

Signature
 
Title

 

 

 
/s/ JONATHAN E. MICHAEL

Jonathan E. Michael
  Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board (Principal Executive Officer); Director

/s/ THOMAS L. BROWN

Thomas L. Brown

 

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/ KAJ AHLMANN

Kaj Ahlmann

 

Director

II-5


Table of Contents

Signature
 
Title

 

 

 
/s/ BARBARA R. ALLEN

Barbara R. Allen
  Director

/s/ JOHN T. BAILY

John T. Baily

 

Director

/s/ DAVID B. DUCLOS

David B. Duclos

 

Director

/s/ JORDAN W. GRAHAM

Jordan W. Graham

 

Director

/s/ GERALD I. LENROW

Gerald I. Lenrow

 

Director

/s/ CHARLES M. LINKE

Charles M. Linke

 

Director

/s/ F. LYNN MCPHEETERS

F. Lynn McPheeters

 

Director

/s/ MICHAEL J. STONE

Michael J. Stone

 

Director

/s/ ROBERT O. VIETS

Robert O. Viets

 

Director

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Table of Contents


EXHIBIT INDEX

  *1.1   Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to common stock, preferred shares and debt securities

 

4.1

 

Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 8, 2009 (File No. 001-09463))

 

4.2

 

By-laws, as amended through November 13, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 18, 2008 (File No. 001-09463))

 

4.5

 

Form of senior indenture

 

4.6

 

Form of subordinated indenture

 

5.1

 

Opinion of Mayer Brown LLP

 

12.1

 

Statement re: Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

 

23.1

 

Consent of KPMG LLP

 

23.2

 

Consent of Mayer Brown LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1 above)

 

24.1

 

Power of Attorney (included on signature pages)

*
To be filed, if necessary, subsequent to the effective date of this registration statement by an amendment to this registration statement or incorporated by reference pursuant to a Current Report on Form 8-K in connection with the offering of securities.