Small Insurer Gets Slammed After Making a Big Bet on Florida

  • Universal takes risks shunned by Allstate, State Farm
  • Stock regains some losses after Tuesday’s 15% plunge

Irma in 'Perfect Storm' Conditions, Says Meteorologist

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As Hurricane Irma edges closer to Florida, investors on Wall Street are watching a small insurer with an unusually big commitment to the state.

Universal Insurance Holdings Inc., with a market capitalization dwarfed by industry giants like Allstate Corp. and Travelers Cos., has the largest share in the Florida homeowners industry. It’s one of several lesser-known firms that have grown rapidly in a state that’s among the most vulnerable to Atlantic storms.