PURE Offers Customized Property-Casualty Insurance Coverage for Owners of High-Value Homes in Louisiana

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Dec. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE) today announced the expansion of its customized property and casualty insurance coverage to owners of well-built, high-value homes in Louisiana.

"The sophistication and professionalism of Louisiana's top insurance agents and brokers, combined with the unprecedented recent investment in the infrastructure that protects the greater New Orleans area, are two of the main reasons for our enthusiasm for entering Louisiana's personal insurance market," said Ross Buchmueller, President and Chief Executive Officer of PURE. "PURE and its chosen agent partners understand that high-value homes in Louisiana require specific and customized levels of protection, and that many homeowners are likely underserved by standard insurers.  A select group of responsible, successful owners of these exceptional properties may now rely on PURE to provide high-quality property-casualty insurance coverage."

PURE serves more than 13,000 affluent individuals and families by offering high-value homeowners, private fleet auto, fine art and jewelry collection, personal excess liability and watercraft insurance. Through its multiple policy lines, PURE provides affordable, comprehensive insurance solutions to successful individuals and families in 30 markets across the U.S.

Rewarding Mitigation

As a proud member of the Institute for Building and Home Safety, PURE continues to advocate for improvements in hurricane mitigation.  PURE provides generous premium credits to reward those households who have taken steps to reduce the likelihood of loss. 

"Since 2005, $14 billion have been invested in improvements in New Orleans' levees and flood walls, as well as in the enforcement of stricter building codes," said Martin Hartley, Chief Operating Officer and head of underwriting for PURE. "These improvements have made Louisiana a more attractive market for financially strong insurers like PURE to begin writing business, and will help ensure that more of Louisiana's homeowners are able to find adequate coverage."

PURE also helps its members with the prevention of losses.  Following a major claim, PURE's High Value Homeowners policy covers the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property and, in some cases, will contribute up to $2,500 to the cost of preventing a similar loss from re-occurring.  Over the past year, PURE has facilitated contributions for alarm systems, lightning suppression devices, back-up generators and dozens of other remedies to help members control the long-term cost of risk.

Alignment with Policyholders

While PURE offers some of the broadest coverage available on the market, rates remain affordable. PURE members have reported an average annual savings of more than $3,200* on their homeowners insurance premiums since the company began writing business five years ago.

In addition, in any year when premiums earned by PURE exceed the cost of all policies (including losses, expenses and reinsurance costs), PURE commits to allocate the balance to Subscriber Savings Accounts (SSAs) held in the name of each member. SSAs enable members to participate in the continued success of their insurance company, while actually enhancing the claims-paying ability of PURE through tax-advantaged surplus growth. In 2010, PURE allocated $1,000,000 of surplus growth to Subscriber Savings Accounts. For more information, go to www.pureinsurance.com/ssa.

As another unique benefit of its policyholder-owned model, PURE operates in a transparent manner.  At the end of each year, policyholders will receive an accounting of all premiums, losses and expenses so they can see where their money is going.

Community Ties

PURE is proud to provide insurance solutions through a select group of trusted, qualified ambassadors that cater to the high net worth community. Prospective PURE members can visit pureinsurance.com/agents to locate an appointed agent in their area. In Louisiana, current partners include Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., BancorpSouth Insurance Services, Inc. (formerly Wright & Percy Insurance), Eagan Insurance Agency, Gillis, Ellis & Baker, Inc., Hartwig Moss Insurance Agency and HUB International Gulf South.

About PURE
For promotional purposes, PURE refers to the members of the PURE Group of Insurance Companies, "the PURE Group".  With nearly $100 million of surplus capital, $1 million of which is held in Subscriber Savings Accounts, the PURE Group is rated "A-" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company.  Insurance coverage is underwritten through Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange, a Florida-domiciled reciprocal insurance exchange and member of the PURE Group. PURE provides coverage for high-value homes, automobiles, jewelry, art, personal liability and watercraft to more than 13,000 successful individuals and families in 30 markets across the U.S. Visit www.pureinsurance.com/footprint to follow PURE's national expansion and see a map of the states where PURE is licensed and actively writing business. PURE is committed to helping its members reduce the price of insurance today while controlling their long-term cost of risk. PURE Risk Management LLC, a member of the PURE Group, serves as the attorney-in-fact for PURE. For more information, visit www.pureinsurance.com.

Editor's Notes:

Interviews with PURE's executives, agents and members may be coordinated. Copies of the A.M Best Company report are available.

This material is descriptive only. The precise coverage offered is subject to the terms and conditions of the policies issued. The rights and responsibilities of members are subject to the Subscriber's Agreement and Power of Attorney. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions. *Average annual savings on homeowners insurance for 900 members reporting prior carrier premium through 2/26/2009. Actual savings, if any, will vary.

SOURCE PURE Insurance