UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. SUBSIDIARY UPCIC RECEIVES CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY FROM DELAWARE
State Approves UPCIC as a Licensed Insurance Entity
Fort Lauderdale, FL, April 10, 2014 – Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UVE) announced today that the Insurance Commissioner of Delaware has issued a Certificate of Authority to Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (UPCIC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc., thereby approving UPCIC as a licensed insurance entity in the state of Delaware.
UPCIC expects to file its homeowners insurance rates and forms with the Delaware Insurance Commissioner shortly, and expects to begin writing homeowners insurance in Delaware by the end of the second quarter, pending normal regulatory approvals.
Sean P. Downes, the Company’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Geographic diversification is a key component of our strategy to drive shareholder value, and this approval marks another important step in that process. We look forward to building strong relationships with independent agents in Delaware and offering our insurance products to citizens of the state.”
UPCIC is one of the leading writers of homeowners insurance in Florida and a fully licensed operator in North Carolina, South Carolina, Hawaii, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland and now Delaware. As previously announced, the Company has additional applications pending in Indiana, Minnesota and Pennsylvania.
About Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.
Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc., with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is a vertically integrated insurance holding company performing all aspects of insurance underwriting, distribution and claims. Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (UPCIC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is one of the 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, also a wholly-owned subsidiary, currently writes homeowners multi-peril 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, 2013.
Investor Contact:
Andy Brimmer / Steve Frankel / Mahmoud Siddig
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
212-355-4449