Press Release /
September 18, 2012

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. Announces That UPCIC Has Received Approval of Homeowners Insurance Rates and Forms in Maryland

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL–(Marketwire – Sep 18, 2012) – Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. (“Company”) (NYSE MKT: UVE) announced that the Maryland Insurance Administration has approved the homeowners insurance rates and forms of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (“UPCIC”). UPCIC expects to begin writing homeowners insurance in Maryland by the end of November.

Sean Downes, chief operating officer, commented, “We are very pleased with our recent approval to write homeowners insurance in Maryland, which will continue UPCIC’s expansion beyond Florida and mark our seventh state of operation, upon the anticipated writing of our first policies by the end of November. In preparation we have conducted preliminary educational marketing efforts to over 750 independent agents in Maryland and are hopeful they are excited to write our homeowners insurance products within the state. We look forward to offering UPCIC’s homeowners insurance products to the citizens of Maryland and to growing our network of independent Maryland-area agents.”

About Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.
Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. is a vertically integrated insurance holding company which, through its subsidiaries, covers substantially all aspects of insurance underwriting, distribution, claims processing and exposure management. Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (“UPCIC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is one of the three leading writers of homeowners insurance in Florida and is now fully licensed and has commenced its operations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Hawaii, Georgia and Massachusetts. American Platinum Property and Casualty Insurance Company, also a wholly owned subsidiary, currently writes homeowners multi-peril and inland marine insurance on Florida homes valued in excess of $1 million, which are limits and coverages currently not targeted through its affiliate UPCIC. For additional information on the Company, please visit our investor relations website at www.universalinsuranceholdings.com.

Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors
This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made. Such statements may include commentary on plans, products and lines of business, marketing arrangements, reinsurance programs and other business developments and assumptions relating to the foregoing. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future results could differ materially from those described and the Company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statements. For further information regarding risk factors that could affect the Company’s operations and future results, refer to the Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012.

Investor Contact:
Philip Kranz
Dresner Corporate Services
312-780-7240
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