Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. Announces That UPCIC Has Written Its First Homeowners Insurance Policies in Maryland

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL–(Marketwire – Oct 16, 2012) – Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. (Company) (NYSE MKT: UVE), a vertically integrated insurance holding company, announced that its subsidiary, Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (UPCIC), has written its first homeowners insurance policies in Maryland.

Sean Downes, chief operating officer, commented, “With its entrance into the Maryland homeowners insurance market, UPCIC has continued the diversification of its operations by expanding into its seventh state. Prior to having had our rates approved in Maryland, we had conducted preliminary educational marketing efforts to over 750 independent agents in the state and continue to do so. Now that we have written our first policies in Maryland, we are even more excited about the opportunity to grow our presence within the state.”

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, Massachusetts and Maryland. American Platinum Property and Casualty Insurance Company (APPCIC), also a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, 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.