Fireman`s Fund Insurance Company Offers Equipment Breakdown Coverage to Homeowners in Washington

New Insurance is Designed for `Smart Homes`
NOVATO, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
Security systems, central heat and air conditioning, lighting systems, and the
`smart` computer systems that regulate them, are just a few necessities supplied
by equipment that is susceptible to breaking down. That`s why Fireman`s Fund
Insurance Company is offering homeowners in Washington a new coverage to protect
against the breakdown of equipment used to provide these and other critical
services in the home.

The coverage is unusual since most homeowners` policies do not cover mechanical,
electrical, or heating equipment breakdown, resulting in costly repair bills for
the homeowner.

With the growing number of higher-end `smart` homes, this equipment has become
much more critical. Typically, smart homes integrate technology and services
through digital networking for a better quality of living. Fireman`s Fund`s new
insurance also protects the computer systems that manage the equipment. These
systems run security systems, pools, spas, central heating and air conditioning,
lighting systems, vacuum systems, and more.

Bill and Melinda Gates` home just outside of Seattle, Washington, might be the
most famous smart home to date, according to howstuffworks.com. The Web site
notes that everyone in the Gates` home is pinned with an electronic tracking
chip. Lights come on and fade out as people move through the home.

"With the trend toward larger homes, smart homes and more sophisticated
equipment, homeowners face greater financial losses from breakdowns than ever
before," said Don Soss, vice president, Fireman`s Fund Personal Insurance.
"Families depend on this equipment for comfort, safety and convenience. It
represents a significant part of a home`s value. The breakdown coverage helps
protect that investment so a homeowner isn`t surprised by a large repair bill."

Under the new coverage, many types of equipment are covered, including central
air conditioning systems (including compressors, condensers, and air handler
units), heating equipment and heat pumps, ventilating systems, and boilers and
hot water heaters. Also covered are emergency generators, well pumps, filtration
systems for air and water, central vacuum systems, swimming pool filtration,
pumps, and heating equipment, and chair lifts and elevators.

About Fireman`s Fund

Fireman`s Fund Insurance Company is a premier property and casualty insurance
company providing personal, commercial and specialty insurance products
nationwide. It is rated `AA-` by Standard & Poor`s Rating Services. Fireman`s
Fund is a member of the Allianz Group (NYSE:AZ), one of the world`s largest
providers of insurance and financial services. For additional information, visit
www.firemansfund.com.

© 2009 Fireman`s Fund Insurance Company, Novato, CA 94998

Fireman`s Fund
Janet Ruiz, 415-899-5381
janet.ruiz@ffic.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009