ATLANTIC MUTUAL COMPANIES UNVEILS RESIDENTIAL APPRAISAL SERVICE FOR FINE HOMES

NEW YORK, NY, July 31 -- The Personal Insurance Division of Atlantic Mutual Companies has announced the creation of its Fine Homes Appraisal Service, providing qualified home appraisers selected and trained by Atlantic Mutual to conduct residential inspections and appraisals of high-value homes.

"The Fine Home Appraisal Service is an important benefit to our policyholders and our agents," emphasizes Linda De Francesco, Atlantic Mutual's new manager of Residential Evaluations and a veteran appraisal expert with more than a decade of experience creating and managing high value home appraisal services.

"Our most important charge is to make certain our policyholders have adequate coverage limits," notes Ms. De Francesco, "taking into account all of the special features and custom architectural details characteristic of high-value residences. Our specialists have broad experience in a number of critical areas including architectural and interior design, the fine arts and collectibles, and the essentials of fire protection and home security unique to fine homes."

Following each inspection and appraisal, the insured will receive a personalized Fine Home Appraisal Report detailing customized architectural and construction elements such as custom paint, wood paneling, use of marble and wood boards. The report focuses on specific rooms of the residence noting where custom construction materials, appliances and fixtures are employed.

The report covers mechanical and fire and burglar alarm systems and provides replacement cost information for the living area, basement, attic, porches, decks and special treatments such as a second-floor balcony. Full-color photos of the interior and exterior of the house are also included as part of the appraisal.

The Service is an added boon to agents and brokers already selling Atlantic Master Plan® (AMP) and Distinctive Home (DH) personal lines insurance policies. "Agent and broker response has been very strong and positive to the service," notes De Francesco. "The ability to appraise high-value properties is an added tool for the agent. And our appraisers will also provide important loss control recommendations to help protect the property -- information agents like their customers to have."

The new service is nationwide with residential evaluation consultants supervising appraisals, staffing and training in Atlantic Mutual's three personal lines regions.

About The Atlantic Companies

The Atlantic Companies, also known as Atlantic Mutual, is a group of diversified financial services companies with a Wall Street heritage dating back to 1842. The group is widely known for the Atlantic Master Plan insurance program, which is designed specifically for affluent individuals and sold through a select group of independent agents. The Atlantic Companies acts as a property-casualty insurer, manages claims for commercial insurance, and helps other business partners target profitable niches in the insurance marketplace. Additional information about The Atlantic Companies and the Atlantic Master Plan can be found at www.atlanticmasterplan.com.


Contact: Peter G. Scott
Corporate Marketing & Communications
973-408-6044