UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): September 19, 2014


UNITED INSURANCE HOLDINGS CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
 
 
Delaware
 
001-35761
 
75-3241967
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
 
(Commission File Number)
 
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
 
 
360 Central Avenue
Suite 900
Saint Petersburg, FL
 
33701
 
(727) 895-7737
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)


Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
 
c Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

c Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

c Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

c Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))





Item 5.02: Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

Forms of Restricted Stock Award Agreements

On September 19, 2014, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of United Insurance Holdings Corp. (the “Company”) approved form restricted stock award agreements that it intends to use under the Company’s 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan for future awards of restricted stock to non-employee directors, employees, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors. These form restricted stock award agreements are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2, and 10.3, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 8.01: Other Events.

Agreement with Non-Executive Chairman

The Company entered into a Non-Executive Chairman Agreement, dated as of September 19, 2014 (the “Chairman Agreement”), with Gregory C. Branch pursuant to which Mr. Branch will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board until the earlier of (1) the date of the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of stockholders, at which the Class A directors of the Board will be elected, and (2) the date on which Mr. Branch ceases to serve as Chairman of the Board due to removal, failure to be elected or appointed, resignation or otherwise (the “Term”). Mr. Branch’s duties will include presiding over Board meetings, serving on committees of the Board as requested by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board, and advising and assisting the Company with respect to its strategic planning model, reinsurance program and other corporate and business development projects.

Mr. Branch will receive $40,000 in annual cash compensation, subject to increase in the Board’s discretion, in addition to any cash retainers or fees paid to directors generally. During the Term, Mr. Branch will also receive an annual grant of 40,000 shares of restricted common stock of the Company, provided that he does not transfer his beneficial ownership of 1,647,785 shares of the Company’s common stock without approval of the Board, other than to certain family members and affiliates for estate planning purposes. Each such grant will vest in full on the earlier of (1) the anniversary of the grant date and (2) immediately prior to the first annual meeting of stockholders of the Company that occurs in the calendar year following the year of the grant date, provided that Mr. Branch continues to serve as Chairman of the Board on such date and has complied with the restrictions on transfer of his shares described above. The annual grants of restricted common stock to Mr. Branch shall be made pursuant to the Company’s 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan and a restricted stock award agreement, a copy of which is filed with this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.3.

The foregoing description of the Chairman Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full agreement filed with this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.4.

Item 9.01: Financial Statements and Exhibits.

See the Exhibit Index set forth below for a list of exhibits included with this Current Report on Form 8-K.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


UNITED INSURANCE HOLDINGS CORP.

By:     /s/ B. Bradford Martz
Name:     B. Bradford Martz
Title:     Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)


Date: September 25, 2014





EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
No.
 
Description
10.1
 
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (for Non-Employee Members of the Board of Directors) under the United Insurance Holdings Corp. 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

 
 
 
10.2
 
Form of Restricted Stock Award (for Employees) under the United Insurance Holdings Corp. 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

 
 
 
10.3
 
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (for Chairman of the Board) under the United Insurance Holdings Corp. 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

 
 
 
10.4
 
Non-Executive Chairman Agreement, dated September 19, 2014, between United Insurance Holdings Corp. and Gregory C. Branch.






Exhibit 10.1
Non-Employee Director Grantee: _________     
Grant Date: ___________________________
No. of Restricted Shares: ________________     


UNITED INSURANCE HOLDINGS CORP.
2013 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT
(for Non-Employee Members of the Board of Directors)

THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into as of the Grant Date specified above (the “Grant Date”) by and between United Insurance Holdings Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the Non-Employee Director Grantee specified above (“Grantee”).

WHEREAS, the Company maintains the United Insurance Holdings Corp. 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), and Grantee is receiving this Restricted Stock Award under the Plan as part of the Grantee’s annual retainer for services as a non-employee member of the Board of Directors of the Company.
   
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED, by and between the Company and Grantee, as follows:

1.
Award of Restricted Stock

1.1 Effective as of the Grant Date, the Company hereby grants to Grantee an award of the number of shares of restricted Common Stock of the Company specified above (“Restricted Stock”), subject to, and in accordance with, the restrictions, terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and this Agreement.

1.2 This Agreement (including any appendices or exhibits) shall be construed in accordance with, and subject to, the provisions of the Plan (which are incorporated herein by reference) and, except as otherwise expressly set forth herein, the capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the same definitions as set forth in the Plan.

1.3 This Restricted Stock Award is conditioned upon Grantee’s acceptance of the terms of this Agreement, as evidenced by Grantee’s execution of this Agreement or by Grantee’s electronic acceptance of the Agreement in a manner and during the time period allowed by the Company. If the terms of this Agreement are not timely accepted by execution or by such electronic means, this Restricted Stock Award may be cancelled.

2.
Restrictions

2.1 Subject to the terms of the Plan and this Agreement, if the Grantee remains a member of the Board of Directors of the Company as of the applicable vesting date, the Restricted Stock shall vest on the earlier of (i) the first anniversary of the Grant Date or (ii) immediately prior to the first annual meeting of stockholders of the Company that occurs in the year following the year of the Grant Date.








2.2 Subject to vesting in accordance with Section 2.1, the terms of the Plan and this Agreement, Grantee shall own the vested Restricted Stock free and clear of all restrictions imposed by this Agreement. The Company shall transfer the vested Restricted Stock to an unrestricted account in the name of the Grantee as soon as practical after the anniversary of the Grant Date.

2.3 In the event, prior to vesting, (i) Grantee dies while serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company or (ii) Grantee has his or her directorship terminated by reason of disability (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)) (“Disability”), any Restricted Stock shall become fully vested and nonforfeitable as of the date of Grantee’s death or Disability. The Company shall transfer the Restricted Stock, free and clear of any restrictions imposed by this Agreement to Grantee (or, in the event of death, his or her surviving spouse or, if none, to his or her estate) as soon as practical after his or her date of death or termination for Disability.

2.4 Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Agreement, in the event of a Change of Control (as defined in the Plan) prior to vesting, all otherwise unvested Restricted Shares shall become fully vested and nonforfeitable as of the date of the Change of Control. The Company shall transfer the Restricted Stock that vests pursuant to this Section 2.4 to an unrestricted account in the name of Grantee as soon as practical after the date of the Change of Control.

2.5 Except for death or Disability as provided in Section 2.3 or in the event of a Change of Control as provided in Section 2.4, if Grantee’s status as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company terminates prior to vesting for any reason, the Restricted Stock shall cease to vest further, all of the unvested Restricted Stock shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled, and Grantee shall only be entitled to the Restricted Stock that has vested as of his or her date of termination as a director.

2.6 The Restricted Stock may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, or otherwise encumbered prior to the date Grantee becomes vested in the Restricted Stock, and any such attempted sale, assignment, transfer, pledge or other encumbrance shall be null and void. In addition, Grantee shall not sell any shares acquired under this Agreement except as permitted by the terms of the Plan and at a time when applicable laws, Company policies and any agreement between the Company and its underwriters do not prohibit a sale.

3.
Stock; Dividends; Voting

3.1 The Restricted Stock shall be registered in the name of Grantee as of the respective Grant Date for such shares of Restricted Stock. The Company may evidence the registration of the Restricted Stock in such manner as the Committee (as defined in the Plan) may deem appropriate, including by issuing stock certificates or using a restricted book entry account with the Company’s transfer agent. Physical possession or custody of any stock certificates that are issued shall be retained by the Company until such time as the Restricted Stock is vested in accordance with Section 2. The Company reserves the right to place a legend on such stock certificate(s), or an appropriate stop-transfer order in the case of book-entry registration, restricting the transferability of the Restricted Stock and referring to the terms and conditions (including forfeiture) of this Agreement and the Plan.

3.2 While the Restricted Stock is subject to forfeiture, the Grantee may exercise full voting rights and will be credited with all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the Restricted Stock, in each case so long as the applicable record date occurs before the Restricted Stock is forfeited. If, however, any such dividends or distributions are paid in shares of Company capital stock, such shares will be subject to the same risk of forfeiture, restrictions on transferability and other terms of this Agreement as are the shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid.






4.
No Right to Continued Service or Additional Grants

Nothing in this Agreement or the Plan shall be interpreted or construed to confer upon Grantee any right with respect to continuance of service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company, nor shall this Agreement or the Plan interfere in any way with the right of the Company to terminate Grantee’s service at any time or for any reason in accordance with the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws. The Plan may be terminated at any time, and, even if the Plan is not terminated, Grantee shall not be entitled to any additional awards under the Plan.

5.
Taxes and Withholding

Grantee shall be responsible for all federal, state, local and foreign taxes payable with respect to this award of Restricted Stock and dividends or other distributions paid on such Restricted Stock. Grantee shall have the right to make such elections under the Code as are available in connection with this Restricted Stock Award. Grantee shall rely solely on the determinations of Grantee’s own tax advisors or his or her own determinations and not on any statements or representations by the Company or any of its agents with regard to all such tax matters. Grantee acknowledges that it is his or her sole responsibility, and not the Company’s, to make any filings required to make any such elections under the Code, even if Grantee requests that the Company or its representatives make the filings on his or her behalf. Grantee agrees to report the value of the Restricted Stock in a manner consistent with the Company’s reporting for income tax purposes.

6.
Grantee Bound by the Plan

Grantee hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and the prospectus for the Plan, and agrees to be bound by all the terms and provisions thereof.

7.
Modification of Agreement

This Agreement may be modified, amended, suspended, or terminated, and any terms or conditions may be waived, but only by mutual agreement of the parties in writing except as otherwise provided in the Plan.

8.
Severability

Should any provision of this Agreement be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable or invalid for any reason, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected by such holding and shall continue in full force in accordance with their terms.

9.
Governing Law

The validity, interpretation, construction, and performance of this Agreement and agreements incorporated by reference herein shall be governed by the laws of the State of Florida without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.






10.
Successors in Interest

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the Company and its successors and assigns, whether by merger, consolidation, reorganization, sale of assets, or otherwise. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of Grantee’s legal representatives. All obligations imposed upon Grantee and all rights granted to the Company under this Agreement shall be final, binding, and conclusive upon Grantee’s heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, guardians and successors.

11.
Resolution of Disputes

Any dispute or disagreement which may arise under, or as a result of, or in any way relate to the interpretation, construction, or application of this Agreement shall be determined by the Committee (as defined in the Plan) in its absolute discretion. Any determination made hereunder shall be final, binding, and conclusive on Grantee and the Company for all purposes.

12.
Pronouns; Including

Wherever appropriate in this Agreement, personal pronouns shall be deemed to include the other genders and the singular to include the plural. Wherever used in this Agreement, the term “including” means “including, without limitation.”

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank, signature page follows.]






IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the Grant Date first above written.

UNITED INSURANCE HOLDINGS CORP.

___________________________________
By: ________________________            Grantee
Title: _______________________





Exhibit 10.2


UNITED INSURANCE HOLDINGS CORP.
OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN
RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD

(for Employees)
______________________            
______________________
______________________                

Dear [______________]:

You have been granted an award of shares of the common stock (“ Common Stock ”) of United Insurance Holdings Corp. (the “ Company ”) constituting a Restricted Stock Award (this “ Award ”) under the United Insurance Holdings Corp. Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) with terms and conditions described below. This Award is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan. Additional provisions regarding this Award and definitions of capitalized terms used and not defined in this Award can be found in the Plan.

Grant Date:
[____________]
Number of Shares of Restricted Stock
(“Restricted Shares”):
[____________]
Vesting Schedule:
_____ ( ) percent of the Restricted Shares will vest per year on each of the first _____ anniversaries of the Grant Date, provided you are continuously employed by or in the service of the Company through the applicable anniversary date.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Restricted Shares will vest in full upon the date your employment or service relationship with the Company is terminated by the Company other than for Cause.

Except as otherwise provided above, upon your termination of employment with, or cessation of services to, the Company prior to the date the Restricted Shares are vested, you will forfeit the unvested Restricted Shares.

For purposes of this Award, “Cause” shall have the meaning given such term in the Plan, unless such term is defined in your employment agreement with the Company, in which case “Cause” shall have the meaning set forth in such employment agreement.

Release of Shares:
The Restricted Shares will be held in escrow by the Company or the Company’s transfer agent pending vesting. As soon as reasonably practicable after any Restricted Shares vest, the applicable restrictions on the Restricted Shares will be removed and such Shares will be issued according to your instructions.
Transferability of
Restricted Shares:
You may not sell, transfer or otherwise alienate or hypothecate any of your Restricted Shares until they are vested. In addition, by accepting this Award, you agree not to sell any Shares acquired under this Award other than as set forth in the Plan and at a time when applicable laws, Company policies or an agreement between the Company and its underwriters do not prohibit a sale.





Voting and Dividends:
While the Restricted Shares are subject to forfeiture, you may exercise full voting rights and will be credited with all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the Restricted Shares, in each case so long as the applicable record date occurs before you forfeit the Restricted Shares. If, however, any such dividends or distributions are paid in shares of Company capital stock, such shares will be subject to the same risk of forfeiture, restrictions on transferability and other terms of this Award as are the Restricted Shares with respect to which they were paid .
Transferability of Award:
You may not transfer or assign this Award for any reason, other than as set forth in the Plan. Any attempted transfer or assignment will be null and void.
Market Stand-Off:
In connection with any underwritten public offering by the Company of its equity securities pursuant to an effective registration statement filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, you agree that you shall not directly or indirectly sell, make any short sale of, loan, hypothecate, pledge, offer, grant or sell any option or other contract for the purchase of, purchase any option or other contract for the sale of, or otherwise dispose of or transfer or agree to engage in any of the foregoing transactions with respect to, any Shares acquired under this Award without the prior written consent of the Company and the Company’s underwriters. Such restriction shall be in effect for such period of time following the date of the final prospectus for the offering as may be determined by the Company. In no event, however, shall such period exceed one hundred eighty (180) days.
Tax Withholding:
You understand that you (and not the Company or any Affiliate) shall be responsible for your own federal, state, local or foreign tax liability and any other tax consequences that may arise as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Award. You shall rely solely on the determinations of your tax advisors or your own determinations, and not on any statements or representations by the Company or any of its agents, with regard to all such tax matters. You understand that you may alter the tax treatment of the Shares subject to this Award by filing an election under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Such election must be filed within thirty (30) days after the date of this Award to be effective. You should consult with your tax advisor to determine the tax consequences of acquiring the Shares and the advantages and disadvantages of filing the Code Section 83(b) election. You acknowledge that it is your sole responsibility, and not the Company’s, to file a timely election under Code Section 83(b), even if you request the Company or its representatives to make this filing on your behalf.

To the extent that the receipt or the vesting of the Restricted Shares, or the payment of dividends on the Restricted Shares, results in income to you for federal, state or local income tax purposes, except as otherwise provided in the following paragraph, you shall deliver to the Company at the time the Company is obligated to withhold taxes in connection with such receipt, vesting or payment, as the case may be, such amount as the Company requires to meet its withholding obligation under applicable tax laws or regulations. If you fail to do so, the Company has the right and authority to deduct or withhold from other compensation payable to you an amount sufficient to satisfy its withholding obligations or to delay delivery of the shares.

If you do not make an election under Code Section 83(b) in connection with this Award, you may satisfy the withholding requirement in connection with the vesting of the Restricted Shares, in whole or in part, by electing to have the Company withhold for its own account that number of Restricted Shares otherwise deliverable to you from escrow hereunder on the date the tax is to be determined having an aggregate Fair Market Value (on the date the tax is to be determined) equal to the minimum statutory total tax that the Company must withhold in connection with the vesting of such Restricted Shares. Your election must be irrevocable, in writing, and submitted to the Secretary of the Company before the applicable vesting date. The Fair Market Value of any fractional Share not used to satisfy the withholding obligation (as determined on the date the tax is determined) will be paid to you in cash.





Miscellaneous:
Ÿ This Award may be amended only by written consent signed by both you and the Company, unless the amendment is not to your detriment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Award may be amended or terminated by the Board or the Committee without your consent in accordance with the provisions of the Plan.
  
Ÿ The failure of the Company to enforce any provision of this Award at any time shall in no way constitute a waiver of such provision or of any other provision hereof.

Ÿ In the event any provision of this Award is held illegal or invalid for any reason, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect the legality or validity of the remaining provisions of this Award, and this Award shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had not been included in this Award.

Ÿ As a condition to the grant of this Award, you agree (with such agreement being binding upon your legal representatives, guardians, legatees or beneficiaries) that this Award shall be interpreted by the Committee and that any interpretation by the Committee of the terms of this Award or the Plan, and any determination made by the Committee pursuant to this Award or the Plan, shall be final, binding and conclusive.

Ÿ This Award may be executed in counterparts.

BY SIGNING BELOW AND ACCEPTING THIS RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD, YOU AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS DESCRIBED HEREIN AND IN THE PLAN. YOU ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THE PLAN.

UNITED INSURANCE HOLDINGS CORP.


By:      _____________________________          _____________________________
[Name of Authorized Officer]              [Name of Recipient]


Date:      _______________________





Exhibit 10.3

Grant Date:      _________________________
No. of Restricted Shares: ________________     


UNITED INSURANCE HOLDINGS CORP.
2013 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT
(for Chairman of the Board)

THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into as of the Grant Date specified above (the “Grant Date”) by and between United Insurance Holdings Corp. a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Gregory C. Branch (“Grantee”).

WHEREAS , the Company and the Grantee entered into that certain Non-Executive Chairman Agreement, dated as of September 19, 2014 (the “Chairman Agreement”), whereby the Grantee shall serve as Non-Executive Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS , both the Company and the Grantee wish to enter into this Agreement to memorialize, and set forth the specific terms of the grant of restricted Common Stock described in the Chairman Agreement.

WHEREAS , the Company maintains the United Insurance Holdings Corp. 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), and Grantee is receiving this award of restricted Common Stock under the Plan.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED, by and between the Company and Grantee, as follows:

1.
Award of Restricted Stock

1.1 Effective as of the Grant Date, the Company hereby grants to Grantee an award of the number of shares of restricted Common Stock of the Company specified above (“Restricted Stock”), subject to, and in accordance with, the restrictions, terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and this Agreement.

1.2 This Agreement (including any appendices or exhibits) shall be construed in accordance with, and subject to, the provisions of the Plan (which are incorporated herein by reference) and, except as otherwise expressly set forth herein, the capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the same definitions as set forth in the Plan.

1.3 This Restricted Stock Award is conditioned upon Grantee’s acceptance of the terms of this Agreement, as evidenced by Grantee’s execution of this Agreement or by Grantee’s electronic acceptance of the Agreement in a manner and during the time period allowed by the Company. If the terms of this Agreement are not timely accepted by execution or by such electronic means, this Restricted Stock Award may be cancelled.

2.
Restrictions

2.1 Subject to the terms of the Plan and this Agreement, the Restricted Stock shall vest on the earlier of (a) the first anniversary of the Grant Date or (b) immediately prior to the first annual meeting of stockholders of the Company that occurs in the year following the year of the Grant Date unless (i) a Forfeiture





Event (as defined in the Chairman Agreement) occurs or (ii) the Grantee’s service with the Company pursuant to the Chairman Agreement terminates prior to the vesting date, unless such termination is the result of the expiration of the term of the Chairman Agreement immediately following the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of stockholders pursuant to Section 2(a) of the Chairman Agreement.

2.2 Subject to vesting in accordance with Section 2.1, the terms of the Plan and this Agreement, Grantee shall own the vested Restricted Stock free and clear of all restrictions imposed by this Agreement. The Company shall transfer the vested Restricted Stock to an unrestricted account in the name of the Grantee as soon as practical after each applicable anniversary of the Grant Date.

2.3 In the event, prior to vesting, (i) Grantee dies while serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company, or (ii) Grantee has his or her directorship terminated by reason of disability (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)) (“Disability”), any Restricted Stock shall become fully vested and nonforfeitable as of the date of Grantee’s death or Disability. The Company shall transfer the Restricted Stock, free and clear of any restrictions imposed by this Agreement to Grantee (or, in the event of death, his or her surviving spouse or, if none, to his or her estate) as soon as practical after his or her date of death or termination for Disability.

2.4 Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Agreement, in the event of a Change of Control (as defined in the Plan) prior to vesting, all otherwise unvested Restricted Shares granted pursuant to this Agreement shall become fully vested and nonforfeitable as of the date of the Change of Control. The Company shall transfer the Restricted Stock that vests pursuant to this Section 2.4 to an unrestricted account in the name of Grantee as soon as practical after the date of the Change of Control.

2.5 Except for death or Disability as provided in Section 2.3 or in the event of a Change of Control as provided in Section 2.4, if Grantee’s status as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company terminates prior to vesting for any reason (other than the expiration of the term of the Chairman Agreement immediately following the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of stockholders pursuant to Section 2(a) of the Chairman Agreement) or a Forfeiture Event (as defined in the Chairman Agreement) occurs, the Restricted Stock shall cease to vest further, all of the unvested Restricted Stock shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled, and Grantee shall only be entitled to the Restricted Stock that has vested as of his or her date of termination as a director.

2.6 The Restricted Stock may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, or otherwise encumbered prior to the date Grantee becomes vested in the Restricted Stock, and any such attempted sale, assignment, transfer, pledge or other encumbrance shall be null and void. In addition, Grantee shall not sell any shares acquired under this Agreement except as permitted by the terms of the Plan and at a time when applicable laws, Company policies and any agreement between the Company and its underwriters do not prohibit a sale.

3.
Stock; Dividends; Voting

3.1 The Restricted Stock shall be registered in the name of Grantee as of the respective Grant Date for such shares of Restricted Stock. The Company may evidence the registration of the Restricted Stock in such manner as the Committee (as defined in the Plan) may deem appropriate, including by issuing stock certificates or using a restricted book entry account with the Company’s transfer agent. Physical possession or custody of any stock certificates that are issued shall be retained by the Company until such time as the Restricted Stock is vested in accordance with Section 2. The Company reserves the right to place a legend on such stock certificate(s), or an appropriate stop-transfer order in the case of book-entry registration,





restricting the transferability of the Restricted Stock and referring to the terms and conditions (including forfeiture) of this Agreement and the Plan.

3.2 While the Restricted Stock is subject to forfeiture, the Grantee may exercise full voting rights and will be credited with all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the Restricted Stock, in each case so long as the applicable record date occurs before the Restricted Stock is forfeited. If, however, any such dividends or distributions are paid in shares of Company capital stock, such shares will be subject to the same risk of forfeiture, restrictions on transferability and other terms of the Agreement as are the shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid.

4.
No Right to Continued Service or Additional Grants

Nothing in this Agreement or the Plan shall be interpreted or construed to confer upon Grantee any right with respect to continuance of service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company, nor shall this Agreement or the Plan interfere in any way with the right of the Company to terminate Grantee’s service at any time or for any reason in accordance with the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws.

5.
Taxes and Withholding

Grantee shall be responsible for all federal, state, local and foreign taxes payable with respect to this award of Restricted Stock and dividends or other distributions paid on such Restricted Stock. Grantee shall have the right to make such elections under the Code as are available in connection with this Restricted Stock Award. Grantee shall rely solely on the determinations of Grantee’s own tax advisors or his or her own determinations and not on any statements or representations by the Company or any of its agents with regard to all such tax matters. Grantee acknowledges that it is his or her sole responsibility, and not the Company’s, to make any filings required to make any such elections under the Code, even if Grantee requests that the Company or its representatives make the filings on his or her behalf. Grantee agrees to report the value of the Restricted Stock in a manner consistent with the Company’s reporting for income tax purposes.

6.
Grantee Bound by the Plan

Grantee hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and the prospectus for the Plan, and agrees to be bound by all the terms and provisions thereof.

7.
Modification of Agreement

This Agreement may be modified, amended, suspended, or terminated, and any terms or conditions may be waived, but only by mutual agreement of the parties in writing except as otherwise provided in the Plan.

8.
Severability

Should any provision of this Agreement be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable or invalid for any reason, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected by such holding and shall continue in full force in accordance with their terms.






9.
Governing Law

The validity, interpretation, construction, and performance of this Agreement and agreements incorporated by reference herein shall be governed by the laws of the State of Florida without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.

10.
Successors in Interest

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the Company and its successors and assigns, whether by merger, consolidation, reorganization, sale of assets, or otherwise. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of Grantee’s legal representatives. All obligations imposed upon Grantee and all rights granted to the Company under this Agreement shall be final, binding, and conclusive upon Grantee’s heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, guardians and successors.

11.
Resolution of Disputes

Any dispute or disagreement which may arise under, or as a result of, or in any way relate to the interpretation, construction, or application of this Agreement shall be determined by the Committee (as defined in the Plan in its absolute discretion. Any determination made hereunder shall be final, binding, and conclusive on Grantee and the Company for all purposes.

12.
Pronouns; Including

Wherever appropriate in this Agreement, personal pronouns shall be deemed to include the other genders and the singular to include the plural. Wherever used in this Agreement, the term “including” means “including, without limitation.”

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank, signature page follows.]






IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the Grant Date first above written.

UNITED INSURANCE HOLDINGS CORP.

___________________________________
By: ________________________            Gregory C. Branch
Title: _______________________





Exhibit 10.4

NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN AGREEMENT

This NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made as of September 19, 2014 (the “ Effective Date ”), by and between United Insurance Holdings Corp., a Delaware Corp. (the “ Company ”) and Gregory C. Branch (the “ Chairman ”).

WHEREAS, the Chairman has significant experience in the insurance industry, is a founder of the Company and has served continuously as a director and Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “ Board ”) since its inception and accordingly has substantial and unique knowledge of the Company, its business and market and has developed relationships that are important to the Company’s business;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue the services which can be performed by the Chairman, and the Chairman can provide and desires to render to the Company such services, and the parties agree that it would be to their mutual advantage to enter into this Agreement in order to define the terms and conditions which shall control the rendering of services provided to the Company by the Chairman.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. Appointment . The Chairman has been appointed by the members of the Board as the non-executive Chairman of the Board and agrees to serve as Chairman of the Board during the term of this Agreement. The consideration set forth in Section 5 shall be the sole consideration due the Chairman for his services rendered hereunder.

2. Term . The Chairman’s service hereunder shall be for a term (the “ Term ”) commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the earliest to occur of (a) the date on which the Chairman ceases to serve as the Chairman of the Company’s Board, whether due to removal, failure to be elected or appointed, resignation or otherwise, (b) the date of the annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders occurring in 2019 at which the Class A directors of the Board are nominated for re-election to the Board, and (c) December 31, 2019.

3. Duties . During the Term, the Chairman shall continue to serve as Chairman of the Board in a non-executive capacity and shall not be either an employee or officer of the Company. The Chairman may serve on one or more committees of the Board consistent with this Section 3. During the Term, the Chairman shall, in a manner consistent with applicable legal and corporate governance standards: (a) advise and assist the Company with respect to the Company’s strategic planning model, the Company’s reinsurance program and projects for corporate development, business development and/or marketing, (b) advise and assist the Company with respect to identifying potential opportunities with respect to financing, acquisition, joint venture and similar transactions, (c) regularly attend and preside at Board meetings, (d) chair the annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders, and (e) be eligible to serve on such committees of the Board as may be requested by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board, subject to applicable independence standards pursuant to applicable law and listing exchange regulations. The Company is entering into this Agreement in reliance on the Chairman’s special and unique abilities in rendering the foregoing services and the Chairman will use his best effort, skill, judgment and ability in rendering such services.






4. Commitment . During and throughout the Term, the Chairman will devote such reasonable time, attention, skill and efforts to the business and affairs of the Company as is necessary to discharge the duties and responsibilities assigned to the Chairman hereunder and under the Company’s applicable governing documents, and shall serve the Company faithfully and to the best of his ability. The Chairman may maintain his existing roles and responsibilities with respect to other entities and organizations; however, he will not engage in other business activities that could reasonably be deemed to interfere with his responsibilities to the Company.

5. Compensation and Benefits .

(a) Annual Cash Compensation . During the Term, the Chairman shall receive a fee of forty thousand dollars ($40,000) per annum (the “ Chairman Retainer ”), which amount shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any cash retainers/fees and other cash compensation paid to directors generally (including without limitation committee retainers and/or meeting fees) pursuant to the Company’s Non-Employee Director Compensation Program, as in effect from time to time (the “ Director Compensation Program ”). The amount of the Chairman Retainer may be increased at the discretion of the Board. Payments of the Chairman Retainer shall be made on the same schedule as retainers for serving as a committee chairman pursuant to the Director Compensation Program. All other payments to the Chairman described in this Section 5(a) shall be on the same schedule that such compensation is paid to non-employee directors generally pursuant to the Director Compensation Program.

(b) Equity Awards .

(i) Initial Restricted Stock Award . During the Term and provided that no Forfeiture Event has occurred, the Chairman shall receive a grant of 40,000 shares of restricted Common Stock or restricted stock units per annum (an “ RS Award ”) pursuant to the Company’s 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”). For the avoidance of doubt, the Chairman will receive no more than five grants of an RS Award pursuant to this Agreement. The initial grant of an RS Award shall occur promptly following the Effective Date unless otherwise agreed by the parties hereto and shall vest in full on the earlier of (1) the first anniversary of the date of grant or (2) immediately prior to the first annual meeting of stockholders of the Company that occurs in the year following the year of the date of grant, provided that no Forfeiture Event has occurred. Each subsequent RS Award shall be granted promptly following the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders commencing in 2015 and shall vest in full on the earlier of (1) the first anniversary of the date of grant or (2) immediately prior to the first annual meeting of stockholders of the Company that occurs in the year following the year of the date of grant, provided that no Forfeiture Event has occurred. The terms and conditions of each RS Award shall be set forth in a separate award agreement in a form prescribed by the Company (the “ Award Agreement ”), to be entered into by the Company and the Chairman, which shall evidence the grant of the RS Award. All RS Awards shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement or in any applicable Award Agreement, (i) upon the occurrence of a Forfeiture Event, the Chairman will forfeit to the Company any unvested RS Award and will be ineligible to receive any additional grants of RS Awards pursuant to this Agreement and (ii) if the Chairman’s service with the Company pursuant to this Agreement terminates prior to the applicable vesting date, any unvested RS Award shall be forfeited.






(ii) Change of Control . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement or in any applicable equity award agreement between the Chairman and the Company, if a Change of Control (as defined in the Plan) occurs and the Chairman remains in continuous service at least until immediately prior to the Change of Control, any unvested RS Award that has been granted to the Chairman in an Award Agreement pursuant to Section 5(b)(i) hereof, shall accelerate and vest in full immediately prior to such Change of Control.

(c) Business Expenses . During the Term, upon submission of appropriate documentation in accordance with its policies in effect from time to time, the Company shall pay or reimburse the Chairman for all reasonable business-related expenses that the Chairman incurs in performing his duties under this Agreement.

(d) Deferral . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, if the Board determines that payments to directors of cash compensation or equity grants pursuant to the Director Compensation Plan shall be suspended or deferred due to possible catastrophe losses of the Company or extraordinary, unusual and/or non-recurring items of expense or loss of the Company, then any cash compensation or equity grants payable to the Chairman pursuant to this Section 5 shall be similarly suspended or deferred.

6. Termination of Services .

(a) General . Subject to the provisions of this Section 6, nothing in this Agreement shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company to terminate the Chairman’s service with the Company in accordance with the Company’s governing documents and Delaware corporate law, nor shall it interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Chairman to voluntarily terminate his services as Chairman and no longer provide the services contemplated hereby at his discretion.

(b) Obligations Upon Termination . Within thirty (30) days following the last day of the Term (or such earlier date as may be required by applicable law), the Company shall pay to the Chairman (i) the pro rata amount of the Chairman Retainer earned but not yet paid under Section 5(a) of this Agreement and (ii) if the Chairman ceases to serve as a director of the Company immediately following the last day of the Term, the pro rata amount of any other cash compensation earned but not yet paid to the Chairman pursuant to the Director Compensation Program plus the amount of any reimbursable expenses (under Section 5(c) above) incurred through the last day of the Term but not yet paid.

7. Transfer Restrictions . The Chairman shall not directly or indirectly Transfer all or any part of the Restricted Securities during the Restricted Period without the prior approval of the Board; except that the Chairman is permitted to Transfer any or all of the Restricted Securities to any Person that, at the time of such Transfer, is a Permitted Transferee, but only if, the Chairman retains sole voting and dispositive power over such Restricted Securities during the Restricted Period. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the forfeiture by the Chairman of any unvested RS Awards and the Chairman’s becoming ineligible to receive additional grants of RS Awards following a Forfeiture Event as specifically set forth in Section 5(b)(i) shall be the exclusive remedy of the Company for claims arising under this Agreement for breach of the restrictions on Transfer of the Restricted Securities set forth in this Section 7. The foregoing shall not be deemed to limit the Company’s remedies under any other agreement between the Company and the Chairman or any Company policy or any law, rule, regulation or other restriction relating to the sale, conveyance, exchange, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, gift, bequest, hypothecation, issuance, or other transfer or disposition of securities.





8. Miscellaneous .

(a) Independent Contractor . The Chairman expressly acknowledges and agrees that he is solely an independent contractor and shall not be construed to be an employee of the Company in any matter under any circumstances or for any purposes whatsoever. The Company shall not be obligated to (i) pay, on the account of the Chairman, any unemployment tax or other taxes required under the law to be paid with respect to employees, (ii) withhold any monies from the fees of the Chairman for income tax purposes or (iii) provide the Chairman with any benefits, including without limitation health, welfare, pension, retirement, or any kind of insurance benefits, including workers’ compensation insurance. The Chairman acknowledges and agrees that the Chairman is obligated to report as income all compensation received by the Chairman pursuant to this Agreement, and to pay any applicable income, self-employment and other taxes thereon.

(b) Form of Securities . The Chairman acknowledges and agrees that the Restricted Securities shall remain in certificated form until the earlier of the occurrence of a Forfeiture Event and the expiration of the Restricted Period.

(c) Notices . All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

If to the Chairman :    at the Chairman’s most recent address on the records of the Company.

If to the Company :

United Insurance Holdings Corp.
360 Central Avenue, Suite 900
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Attn: General Counsel

(d) Section 409A of the Code . To the extent applicable, this Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder (“ Section 409A ”). Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if the Company determines that any compensation or benefits payable under this Agreement may be subject to Section 409A, the Company shall work in good faith with the Chairman to adopt such amendments to this Agreement or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions, that the Company determines are necessary or appropriate to avoid the imposition of taxes under Section 409A, including without limitation, actions intended to (i) exempt the compensation and benefits payable under this Agreement from Section 409A, and/or (ii) comply with the requirements of Section 409A; provided , however , that this Section 8(d) shall not create an obligation on the part of the Company to adopt any such amendment, policy or procedure or take any such other action, nor shall the Company have any liability for failing to do so or for any failure of the compensation or benefits payable under this Agreement to comply with or be exempt from Section 409A. Any right to a series of installment payments pursuant to this Agreement is to be treated as a right to a series of separate payments. To the extent permitted under Section 409A, any separate payment or benefit under this Agreement or otherwise shall not be deemed





“nonqualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A to the extent provided in the exceptions in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4), Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) or any other applicable provision of Section 409A.

(e) Severability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

(f) Entire Agreement . As of the Effective Date, this Agreement and the Award Agreement, constitute the final, complete and exclusive agreement between the Chairman and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof and replace and supersede any and all other agreements, offers or promises, whether oral or written, by the Company and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates, or representatives thereof.

(g) Applicable Law; Jurisdiction . THIS AGREEMENT IS MADE UNDER, AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA APPLICABLE TO AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED SOLELY THEREIN, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW. In any action between or among any of the parties arising out of this Agreement (i) each of the parties irrevocably and unconditionally consents and submits to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts having jurisdiction over Pinellas County, Florida; (ii) if any such action is commenced in a state court, then, subject to applicable law, no party shall object to the removal of such action to any federal court having jurisdiction over Pinellas County, Florida; (iii) each of the parties irrevocably waives the right to trial by jury; and (iv) each of the parties irrevocably consents to service of process by first class certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepared, to the address at which such party is to receive notice in accordance with this Agreement.

(h) Captions . The captions contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only, shall not be deemed to be a part of this Agreement and shall not be referred to in connection with the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.

(i) Further Assurances . The Chairman hereby represents and warrants (i) that he has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and that this Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Chairman, enforceable in accordance with its terms and (ii) the record and beneficial ownership of the Restricted Securities is as set forth in Section 9(g) hereof.

(j) Amendments . This Agreement may not be amended, modified, altered or supplemented other than by means of a written instrument duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Company and the Chairman.

(k) Counterparts . Each party is permitted to execute and deliver this Agreement in multiple counterparts (including delivery via fax or as an attachment in portable document format (.pdf) (or other format in which the recipient can view such signed counterpart) to an email), each of which will be deemed an original and all of which taken together will constitute one and the same instrument.






9. Definitions. As used herein, the following capitalized terms have the following respective meanings:

(a) Common Stock ” means the common stock of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share.

(b) Contract ” means any contract, agreement, or other contractual arrangement, commitment, or mutual understanding, whether written or oral.

(c) Entity ” means a corporation, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated organization, association, company, partnership, governmental agency, or other entity.

(d) Forfeiture Event ” means (i) any Transfer by the Chairman, directly or indirectly, of all or any part of his Restricted Securities during the Restricted Period without the prior approval of the Board, except for Transfers pursuant to and in accordance with Section 7 of this Agreement or (ii) any Transfer by a Permitted Transferee, directly or indirectly, of all or any part of the Restricted Securities during the Restricted Period to any Person who is not a Permitted Transferee, without the prior approval of the Board.

(e) Permitted Transferee ” means (i) the spouse or any lineal descendant (including adopted children and stepchildren) of the Chairman, (ii) any son-in-law or daughter-in-law of the Chairman, (iii) any trust of which the Chairman is the trustee and (A) that is established solely for the Chairman’s benefit and/or for the benefit of any of the individuals described in the immediately foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) and (B) the terms of which are not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, (iv) a corporation the stockholders of which are only the Chairman or the individuals described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), or (v) a limited liability company the members of which are only the Chairman or the individuals described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii).

(f) Person ” means any individual or Entity.

(g) Restricted Period ” means the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the earlier of (i) the date of the annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders occurring in 2019 at which the Class A directors of the Board are nominated for re-election to the Board and (ii) December 31, 2019.

(h) Restricted Securities ” means 1,647,785 shares of Common Stock, 1,529,197 of which are owned of record and beneficially on the Effective Date by the Chairman and 118,588 of which are owned of record on the Effective Date by Branch Journey, LLC and owned beneficially by the Chairman, together with any securities issued with respect to such Common Stock as a result of any share dividend, stock split, reclassification, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, or similar event or upon the conversion, exchange, or exercise thereof.

(i) Transfer ” means, with respect to any Restricted Security, (a) a sale, conveyance, exchange, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, gift, bequest, hypothecation, issuance, or other transfer or disposition by any other means, whether for value or not and whether voluntary or involuntary (including by operation of law), with respect to such Restricted Security, (b) the entry into a Contract that would afford a Person (other than the Chairman) the right to direct all or a portion of the voting rights, or would afford a Person (other than the Chairman or his Permitted Transferee) the right to receive all or a portion of the economic benefits, with respect to such Restricted Security, or (c) the entry into a Contract to do any of the events described in the foregoing clauses (a) and (b); provided however, that the pledge or hypothecation of





or granting of any security interest in or other encumbrance on any Restricted Security for the purpose of the Restricted Security serving as collateral for a loan shall not be deemed a Transfer pursuant to the foregoing clauses (a), (b) and (c) unless and until (i) a Person other than the Chairman or his Permitted Transferee becomes the record or beneficial owner of such Restricted Security or (ii) a Person other than the Chairman, has any voting or dispositive over such Restricted Security. Used as a verb, “Transfer” means effecting any of the foregoing actions described in this definition.


[the next page is the signature page]







IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.


UNITED INSURANCE HOLDINGS CORP.



_____________________________________            
By:    John Forney
Its:    Chief Executive Officer


CHAIRMAN



_____________________________________            
Gregory C. Branch