The Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company of Canada (HSB BI&I), part of Munich Re, today announced a new concept in homeowners insurance -- Home Systems Protection, offering equipment breakdown coverage for home equipment systems, appliances, electronics and service lines -- available through insurers that partner with HSB BI&I.

"Systems in the home are becoming more complex, costly and prone to breakdown," said Derrick Hughes, vice president for HSB BI&I. "Yet, homeowners policies do not cover losses caused by electrical or mechanical breakdown. Manufacturer warranties, extended warranties and service contracts have limitations -- our Home Systems Protection provides broad coverage at much less cost than extended warranties. It closes an important coverage gap."

The program provides breakdown coverage for heating, cooling, water and power, security and other home systems, appliances and electronics.

Coverages include damage caused by sudden and accidental mechanical or electrical breakdown; loss of use and additional living expenses if a home becomes uninhabitable; and spoilage of refrigerated goods. Coverage also includes efficiency incentives, paying up to 150 percent on a covered loss for replacement of damaged equipment that is better for the environment, safer for people, or more energy or water efficient.

Service Lines Protection is an optional coverage that pays for service line failure -- physical damage that results in a leak, break, rupture or collapse of a pipe or line delivering water, drainage, heat, steam or power to or from a dwelling. Physical damage can be caused by accidents during digging or other work, root damage, deterioration, freezing and electrical arcing.

About The Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company of Canada
The Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company of Canada, a member of the HSB Group and part of Munich Re's Risk Solutions family, provides the industry-leading range of specialty equipment breakdown insurance coverages for business and home. As Canada's leading equipment breakdown insurer, the company helps clients reduce risk through a unique combination of specialty coverages, engineering-based risk management strategies, and an in-house team of jurisdictional and loss-prevention inspectors. For more information, visit biico.com.

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About Munich Re
In North America, Munich Re provides access to a full range of property and casualty reinsurance and specialty insurance products through Munich Reinsurance America, Inc., American Modern Insurance Group and Hartford Steam Boiler Group. Munich Re stands for exceptional solution-based expertise, consistent risk management, financial stability and client proximity. This is how Munich Re creates value for clients, shareholders and staff. In the financial year 2012, the Group - which combines primary insurance and reinsurance under one roof - achieved a profit of ?3.2bn on premium income of around ?52bn. It operates in all lines of insurance, with around 45,000 employees throughout the world. With premium income of around ?28bn from reinsurance alone, it is one of the world's leading reinsurers. Especially when clients require solutions for complex risks, Munich Re is a much sought-after risk carrier. Its primary insurance operations are concentrated mainly in the ERGO Insurance Group, one of the major insurance groups in Germany and Europe. ERGO is represented in over 30 countries worldwide and offers a comprehensive range of insurances, provision products and services. In 2012, ERGO posted premium income of ?19bn. In international healthcare business, Munich Re pools its insurance and reinsurance operations, as well as related services, under the Munich Health brand. Munich Re's global investments amounting to ?214bn are managed by MEAG, which also makes its competence available to private and institutional investors outside the Group.

HSB BI&I
Silvana Martins, 416-216-7204
Media Relations
or
Munich Reinsurance America
Terese Rosenthal, 609-243-4339
Media Relations