News Releases

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ACE Private Risk Services^SM, part of the ACE Group, today announced the launch of its Wildfire Safety and Preparedness Program emphasizing family safety, as well as property protection, for its ACE Platinum Portfolio^SM clients with homes in California.

For homes in high risk locations, an experienced and independent wildfire safety expert will visit the property and develop an emergency safety plan for the entire family to ensure that everyone understands the correct steps to take when a wildfire approaches. The plan addresses such topics as evacuation routes, emergency meeting places outside the home, the locations of utility shut off devices, procedures for conducting a family fire drill, and contents of emergency supply kits for the home and vehicles.

“When we insure a client, we understand that their focus is first and foremost family safety,” said Bob Courtemanche, CEO of ACE Private Risk Services. “Our program proactively addresses that concern – as well as protecting the structure and its contents from the risk of wildfire.”

To help the client protect the home, ACE Private Risk Services’ Wildfire Safety and Preparedness Program also provides time-tested guidance commonly recommended by fire agencies in California. The wildfire expert creates a customized action plan to ensure three key elements of structural safety are in place: defensible space, fuel reduction, and use of fire-resistive materials. The action plan also identifies local resources specializing in vegetation removal, fire resistant paints, fire resistant attic treatments, fire protection equipment, spray on gels, fire protection clothing, emergency bags, and other supplies.

ACE Private Risk Services delivers these customized action plans and consultations on a complimentary basis to its covered homeowners through a strategic alliance with Wildfire Safety Services, a firm consisting of a network of wildfire safety experts who average more than 20 years of fire fighting experience. By implementing the recommendations, the homeowner can earn credits and other benefits that can reduce premium payments.

“Our wildfire specialists come from a wide range of fire department backgrounds, with hands-on experience battling thousands of fires,” said Tom Spencer, Chief Officer of Wildfire Safety Services. “Not only do they understand the latest techniques and science of fire prevention, but they recognize the personal trauma wildfires cause and know how to connect with everyone in the family, especially the children, about safe behavior. We are pleased to be working with ACE Private Risk Services to help ensure the safety of both family and home when a wildfire strikes.”

ACE Private Risk Services designed the ACE Platinum Portfolio personal insurance program to meet the unique needs of affluent and high net worth individuals and families. In California, homeowners often have high value homes in scenic locations where wildfires represent a substantial threat. High value homes insured by the ACE Platinum Portfolio policy receive a complimentary home and safety assessment by a risk consultant. If this review reveals at least a moderate exposure to wildfire, the home will be evaluated for inclusion in the special Wildfire Safety and Preparedness Program.

The ACE Platinum Portfolio also provides specialized coverage for automobiles, watercraft, jewelry and other valuables, and excess liability protection that in most cases, offers the savings of a package discount and the convenience of one bill.

ACE plans to complete a national rollout of ACE Platinum Portfolio in 2009, and upon successful expansion domestically, will utilize ACE’s unique global network to serve customers with substantial assets around the world. To obtain additional information regarding ACE Private Risk Services, please visit:www.aceprivateriskservices.com. Product highlights are summaries only; please see actual policy for terms and conditions. Products may not be available in all states.

ACE Private Risk Services is the high-net-worth personal lines business of ACE, which provides specialty coverage for homeowners, automobile, recreational marine, umbrella liability and collections insurance for affluent individuals and families. The ACE Group of Companies is headed by ACE Limited (NYSE:ACE), and is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and A+ (Strong) by Standard & Poor’s. The ACE Group provides insurance and reinsurance for a diverse group of clients around the world. To learn more about the ACE Group of Companies, please visit: www.acelimited.com.