FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 2002

RESIDENTIAL WARRANTY COMPANY, LLC ANNOUNCES

NEW PLATINUM ADVANTAGE EXTENDED WARRANTY PROGRAM FOR

APPLIANCES AND SYSTEMS

Harrisburg, PA – Residential Warranty Company, LLC (RWC), long known as the Innovator in the home warranty industry, recently developed an extended warranty program for appliances and systems, Platinum Advantage. Offered exclusively through a network of approved builders, Platinum Advantage extends warranty protection beyond the original manufacturer’s standard warranty on a variety of appliances and systems in the home. This package approach provides the homeowner the security of more comprehensive and long term coverage but at a substantially lower rate than if they were to buy individual extended warranties on each item of equipment.

The average homeowner understands that eventually most things break down. Appliances and systems typically carry a one-year warranty from the manufacturer. Extended warranties are a cost-effective way to deal with expensive and unexpected repair bills. Through Platinum Advantage, homeowners are protected against this potential financial burden for up to seven years on covered items. Without an extended warranty, homeowners may have to pay hundreds of dollars for repairs. With Platinum Advantage, homeowners are responsible for only a small service fee.

Setting this program apart from others is the level of flexibility built into the coverage. Homeowners choose the length of warranty term, the level of service fee, and which repair provider to use when a covered appliance or system breaks down. Additionally, they can select optional coverage to further customize their plan. Platinum Advantage will be administered by RWC’s affiliate, USHP, LLC.

The builder benefits from Platinum Advantage in a variety of ways. Exposure to customer service issues is dramatically reduced since USHP takes over complaint handling for problems with covered appliances and systems. An administrative fee is paid to the builder for every warranty sold, generating extra revenue to make the program profitable and benefit that important bottom line. Ultimately, Platinum Advantage provides a unique marketing tool that will set the builder apart from the competition.

As the nation’s leading home warranty company, RWC has issued over two million warranties on new homes over the last 25 years. In addition to the Platinum Advantage extended warranty, RWC offers programs for site built, modular, log, panelized, and HUD-code homes. Manufacturers of homes may also participate in a program tailored to their specialized needs. Coverage is available for remodeling and commercial projects. The Incentive program is a unique benefit exclusive to the members of RWC and its affiliated companies. Participating members have received over $11.8 million in cash distributions due to their quality construction and customer service.

Through its affiliate, the RWC Insurance Advantage, RWC members have access to general liability insurance designed to meet the specific needs of builders. Members benefit from a competitive rate structure that takes into consideration the screening involved in attaining RWC membership.

Western Pacific Mutual Insurance Co., a Risk Retention Group, the insurer for the new home structural warranties issued by RWC, has earned an "A- (Excellent)" rating from A.M. Best. This is a great advantage for builder members knowing that their insurer has the strength and stability to achieve this accomplishment. Only companies that have excellent financial strength, operating performance and market profile when compared to the standards established by the A.M. Best Company can achieve this rating.

Platinum Advantage is not yet available in all states. For availability and more information about Platinum Advantage, click here or call 866-394-5135 ext. 2149.