UPCIC says that its new online platform is already functional
Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. has announced the official launch of its new online platform, Universal Direct (www.universaldirect.com) in Massachusetts. The “direct-to-consumer” platform allows homeowners here to buy Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company products directly.
“We are excited to announce the expansion of Universal Direct into Massachusetts and Maryland, where homeowners can now benefit from the convenience and flexibility of our easy to use online platform,” said Sean P. Downes, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We continue to receive positive feedback from customers and are encouraged by the steady organic growth achieved to date. We will continue to focus on driving sustainable growth by entering new states, as well as exploring strategic partnerships to meet the demand from our customers for insurance products beyond our traditional homeowners insurance.”
With the addition of Massachusetts and Maryland, Universal Direct is now available in 13 states.
While at first blush, the new platform may appear to attempt to cut out independent agents, that may not be the case. The insurer noted in its official release that independent agents appointed to UPCIC and operating in Massachusetts may have the opportunity to receive commissions from those UPCIC policies written via Universal Direct.
