United Insurance Holdings Corp. Previews Q1-2021 Estimated Catastrophe Losses and Reserve Charge From Surge in Florida Homeowners Litigation 

Rhea-AI Summary

United Insurance Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: UIHC) reported estimated catastrophe losses of approximately $24 million before income taxes for Q1 2021, primarily due to Winter Storm Uri and several other events. The company faced a significant rise in litigated claims in Florida, leading to unexpected loss reserve development. Consequently, UPC Insurance plans to bolster reserves by $30 million to address the increase in loss severity. This trend in litigation was anticipated, but the volume of new lawsuits has exceeded expectations.

Positive

• The company has identified the need to strengthen reserves by $30 million, indicating proactive financial management.

Negative

• Catastrophe losses for Q1 2021 reached approximately $24 million before taxes, impacting financial performance.
• The significant increase in litigated claims volume in Florida has led to excessive loss reserve development, with reserves needing adjustments.

United Insurance Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: UIHC) (UPC Insurance or the Company), a property and casualty insurance holding company, today announced estimated current year catastrophe losses incurred during the first quarter ending March 31, 2021 of approximately $24 million before income taxes (approximately $19 million after tax), net of expected reinsurance recoveries. The Company’s first quarter catastrophe losses included claims from Winter Storm Uri, seven additional PCS catastrophe events and two non-PCS catastrophe events.

UPC Insurance also experienced a significant increase in litigated claims volume from Florida homeowners’ during the first quarter compared to prior periods, which led to actual loss reserve development exceeding our expectations across most accident years. As a result of higher-than-expected frequency of litigation in Florida, the Company intends to strengthen its reserves for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses on prior accident years by $30 million (approximately $24 million after tax) for the quarter ending March 31, 2021.

“We anticipated the unfavorable trend of litigated homeowners claims in Florida continuing in 2021, but the actual number of new lawsuits filed during the first quarter was extremely disappointing and requires us to re-estimate our ultimate loss liabilities due to the overall increase in loss severity,” said Brad Martz, President & CFO of UPC Insurance.

About UPC Insurance

Founded in 1999, UPC Insurance is an insurance holding company that sources, writes and services personal and commercial residential property and casualty insurance policies using a group of wholly owned insurance subsidiaries and one majority owned insurance subsidiary through a variety of distribution channels. The Company currently writes policies in Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Texas. From its headquarters in St. Petersburg, UPC Insurance's team of dedicated professionals manages a completely integrated insurance company, including sales, underwriting, customer service and claims.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements made in this press release may be “forward-looking statements.” These statements are made subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and may be identified by their use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” "endeavor," "project," “believe,” "plan," “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “would,” “estimate” or “continue” or the negative variations thereof or comparable terminology. We believe these statements are based on reasonable estimates, assumptions and plans. However, if the estimates, assumptions or plans underlying the forward-looking statements prove inaccurate or if other risks or uncertainties arise, actual results could differ materially from those communicated in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements may be found in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the “Risk Factors” section in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and, except as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210416005523/en/

FAQ

What were the estimated catastrophe losses for UIHC in Q1 2021?

United Insurance Holdings Corp. reported estimated catastrophe losses of approximately $24 million before income taxes for Q1 2021.

How much is UIHC increasing its reserves for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses?

UIHC is planning to strengthen its reserves by $30 million for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses.

What impact did Winter Storm Uri have on UIHC's financials?

Winter Storm Uri contributed to approximately $24 million in estimated catastrophe losses for UIHC in Q1 2021.

What has caused the increase in litigated claims for UIHC in Florida?

The increase in litigated claims volume in Florida is attributed to a higher frequency of litigation among homeowners.