Universal Gets Approval to Write in North Carolina

Universal Insurance Holdings Inc. announced that its subsidiary Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Company (UPCIC), has received approval from North Carolina's Department of Insurance to write property and casualty insurance in the state of North Carolina.

UPCIC intends to file for the approval of its rates and forms by the North Carolina Department of Insurance by the first quarter of 2009, with anticipation of writing new business in North Carolina promptly following approval of its rates and forms.

Bradley Meier, president and chief executive officer, commented, "Universal is pleased to have been approved to write property and casualty insurance in North Carolina, and we look forward to meeting the property and casualty needs of its citizens. With Universal's approval in North Carolina, coupled with the prior announcements of approval in South Carolina and Hawaii, we continue to execute on our plans for geographic expansion beyond Florida."