Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. Subsidiary UPCIC Writes First Homeowners Insurance Policy and Launches Universal Direct in Alabama

Fort Lauderdale, FL, June 28, 2016 – Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UVE) (“Universal Insurance” or the “Company”) announced today that the State of Alabama Department of Insurance has approved the homeowners insurance rates and forms of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (UPCIC), and that UPCIC has subsequently written its first homeowners insurance policy in Alabama. The Company also announced the official launch of Universal Direct®, Universal Insurance’s Direct-to-Consumer online platform for UPCIC products, in Alabama.

Alabama marks the thirteenth state of operation for Universal Insurance and the third state, including Pennsylvania and Minnesota, to offer customers access to UPCIC homeowners insurance policies through Universal Direct®. Independent appointed agents operating in Alabama have the opportunity to receive commissions from policies written by UPCIC via Universal Direct®.

Sean P. Downes, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are pleased to begin offering our homeowners insurance products to customers in Alabama, whether they choose to purchase policies through an independent agent or via our easy-to-use online platform. We look forward to building our network of independent agents in Alabama and growing our direct-to-consumer platform in the state.”

UPCIC is one of the leading writers of homeowners insurance nationally and is licensed to offer its homeowners insurance products in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Hawaii, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Delaware, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Virginia, Alabama, West Virginia, New Hampshire, New Jersey and New York.

For additional information about Universal Direct®, please visit www.universaldirect.com.

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, Maryland, Delaware, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Michigan. 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 Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016.

Investor Contact:
Andy Brimmer / Mahmoud Siddig
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
212-355-4449