News Room

March 27, 2007

Assurant Solutions to Offer Maintenance Contract Programs, Access to National Service Network to Commercial Markets

New Product Line Targets OEMs, Office Equipment Providers, Hotels, Restaurants, Grocery and Convenience Stores

ATLANTA: Assurant Solutions has launched a commercial version of its extended service contract product line.

“For any business – especially small businesses – the cost of an equipment failure is substantially higher than the cost to repair that equipment,” said Joe Erdeman, president of the Assurant Solutions personal property protection business. “Many businesses can’t afford to have technicians or other equipment maintenance personnel on staff.  But they also can’t risk damaging customer relationships. Our comprehensive program streamlines access to service providers, ensures minimal downtime, reduces operating costs and guarantees maintenance budgets while allowing a business to maintain a consistent customer experience.”

Assurant Solutions is part of Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ). Its extended services business has distribution relationships for extended service contract products with six of the ten largest retailers of consumer electronics and major appliances in North America.

With the Assurant Solutions commercial equipment maintenance and repair program a business can consolidate its maintenance contracts into a single program, thus simplifying administration.  The program also includes a management tool that offers insight into equipment performance and operational information at all hours of the day.

Key components include:

• Coverage for equipment operated in a commercial environment.
• Accelerated service, up to and including same-day site visits.
• Preventative maintenance.
• Fixed price solutions coverage multiple assets.
• New and used equipment coverage.

Erdeman said that offering a commercial version of the company’s successful consumer-targeted ESC programs is a natural evolution of the business.  “In 2006, our domestic ESC business produced over $1.6 billion in gross written premium revenue,” he said. “We see a tremendous opportunity to apply our successful vertically-integrated business model to commercial markets.”

Samantha Jones, vice president and general manager of personal property protection emerging business, said the markets being targeted include original equipment manufacturers, office equipment providers, utilities, hotels, restaurants and grocery stores.  Equipment coverage can range from refrigeration to espresso machines and commercial ovens to office automation equipment.  Programs can be customized on a client-by-client basis.

“Many small businesses are left on their own to service and maintain equipment once original product warranties expire,” Jones said. “We see this product line as an opportunity to serve what we believe is a largely underserved market.”

For more information about Assurant Solutions commercial maintenance and service contracts, contact product manager Bill Brennan, 770.763.1409, or email bill.brennan@assurant.com.

About Assurant Solutions and Assurant

Assurant Solutions businesses develop, underwrite, market and administer specialty insurance, extended service contracts and other risk management solutions through collaborative relationships with leading financial institutions, retailers, automobile dealers, funeral homes, utilities and other entities. With operations in 17 locations, including executive offices in Atlanta, Ga., Assurant Solutions serves clients and their customers in 11 countries throughout North America, the Caribbean, Latin America and Europe. www.assurantsolutions.com

Assurant Solutions is part of Assurant, a premier provider of specialized insurance products and related services in North America and selected international markets. A Fortune 500 company, Assurant is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AIZ. Assurant has over $20 billion in assets and $7 billion in annual revenue. www.assurant.com

Media Contact

James A. Sykes
Assurant Solutions
Telephone: 770.763.1015
E-mail: james.sykes@assurant.com