Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. Announces That UPCIC Has Received Approval of Homeowners Insurance Rates and Forms in Maryland

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, Sep 18 (Marketwire) --
Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. ("Company") (NYSE MKT: UVE) announced
that the Maryland Insurance Administration has approved the homeowners
insurance rates and forms of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Universal
Property & Casualty Insurance Company ("UPCIC"). UPCIC expects to begin
writing homeowners insurance in Maryland by the end of November.

Sean Downes, chief operating officer, commented, "We are very pleased
with our recent approval to write homeowners insurance in Maryland, which
will continue UPCIC's expansion beyond Florida and mark our seventh state
of operation, upon the anticipated writing of our first policies by the
end of November. In preparation we have conducted preliminary educational
marketing efforts to over 750 independent agents in Maryland and are
hopeful they are excited to write our homeowners insurance products
within the state. We look forward to offering UPCIC's homeowners
insurance products to the citizens of Maryland and to growing our network
of independent Maryland-area agents."

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 and Massachusetts. American Platinum Property and Casualty
Insurance Company, also a wholly owned subsidiary, 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.

Investor Contact:
Philip Kranz
Dresner Corporate Services
312-780-7240
pkranz@dresnerco.com

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