Category: Insurance

Categories
Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway’s Insurance Group Launching THREE Insurance Product

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Insurance Group announces the launch of THREE, its three-page, game-changing, comprehensive insurance product for small business. Businesses typically need several types of insurance to protect their interests, but until now they could only get that protection by buying multiple, unconnected and overly complex policies–each of which can be over fifty pages in length.

In three straightforward, plain English pages, THREE provides insurance coverage for workers compensation, multiple liability coverages (including general liability, errors and omissions, and cyber), property and auto – all the insurance most any small business could need. Replacing the usual chores of time-consuming, multiple applications and coordination,

THREE delivers one fully comprehensive (and comprehensible) small business policy, in a fast, easy one-stop shopping experience. Efficiency is increased further by providing THREE direct to small businesses, without the need to go through a broker or third party.

Minimizing the risk of not knowing what is being covered, and which policy might apply, makes THREE the right policy for risk averse risk takers.

Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Warren Buffett said, “Insurance is important protection for any business, but few small businesses have the time to actually read through the policy forms that are supposed to protect them. With THREE a small business can be confident in the protection it is getting, because the whole policy can be read in a few moments. Every day, America’s small businesses prove that great things come in small packages. Now they can get insurance on the same basis.”

THREE will be rolled out across the country as quickly as state regulatory filings and approvals can be obtained, but all are now welcome to preview THREE at “threeinsure.com”.

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
GEICO Insurance

GEICO Adding Employees in Buffalo

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

The GEICO regional office in Buffalo, New York, is hiring.

Even in a tight labor market, GEICO’s Buffalo office has grown from 500 to more than 3,000 associates since first opening its doors in 2004. This immense growth led to the opening of a second building in 2017. To better serve GEICO’s growing customer base in New England, GEICO is seeking to add an estimated 200 more associates this year.

“The tremendous pool of talent in Western New York has helped this office prosper over the years,” Regional Vice President Jeremy Connor said. “We are excited to extend an invitation to others to join our GEICO family and help us continue to offer the top-notch customer experience that GEICO is known for.”

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Expands into Transactional Liability Insurance in UK & Europe

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) is expanding its North American Transactional Liability Insurance business into the UK and Europe and has appointed Ed Martin as Head of Transactional Liability, UK and Europe.

“As the need for solutions for the risks and uncertainties in corporate transactions continues to grow, BHSI is pleased to bring to market the local expertise, financial strength, and capacity that will enable companies in the UK and throughout Europe to respond, quickly and strategically, to the exposures of mergers, acquisitions and other transactions,” said Robert Underhill, Senior Vice President, Head of Transactional Liability, BHSI. “Ed is a stellar addition to our expanding Transactional Liability team worldwide.”

“Our capabilities in the UK, throughout Europe and around the world continue to expand to help our customers respond to pressing risks,” said Chris Colahan, Head of UK and Europe, BHSI. “This latest expansion follows the well set pattern of BHSI’s growth: We grow where and when we can offer outstanding expertise and provide meaningful long-term solutions, backed by our stable capacity and financial strength.”

BHSI will provide Warranty and Indemnity, Tax, and Contingent Liability Insurance in the UK and throughout Europe. The company also provides Representations & Warranties, Contingent Liability, and Class Action Settlement Insurance in the U.S. and Canada.

Martin joins BHSI from global legacy and run-off specialist Enstar Group Limited. At Enstar, Ed was the lead in-house M&A lawyer working alongside Enstar’s dedicated M&A team. Prior to joining Enstar, Ed was Of Counsel at Norton Rose (now Norton Rose Fulbright) with their London Corporate and Regulatory Insurance team. Ed qualified as a lawyer in England and Wales in 2000.

Martin will be based in BHSI’s office in London.

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Adds Property Construction in UK & Ireland

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) announced today that it is expanding into the Property Construction insurance market in the UK and Ireland and has appointed Simeon Seamer to lead the effort as Head of Property Construction, UK and Ireland.

“With the current uncertainty surrounding available capacity for the construction industry in London, BHSI is pleased to provide a stable, reliable solution. We enter the property construction market with substantial capacity backed by stellar financial strength, BHSI’s long-view market commitment, and the expertise of Simeon to lead our growing team,” said Chris Colahan, Head of UK and Europe, BHSI.

In addition to property construction, BHSI in the UK and Ireland now offers a wide range of insurance products for the construction industry including CAR, liability and professional indemnity coverages.

Simeon comes to BHSI after nearly two decades in the construction insurance and reinsurance industry, having led underwriting for some of the largest infrastructure projects in the U.S. and Europe. He was most recently EMEA Head of Construction & Senior Underwriter at SCOR Global P&C. Prior to that he was Senior Construction Underwriter at Zurich Global Corporate UK. He began his insurance career as a London Market broker specializing in construction.

BHSI’s construction team for the UK and Ireland also includes James Emson, VP of Casualty, who joins BHSI from QBE in Hong Kong, and Farhad Dabestani, Senior Underwriter, Professional Indemnity, who comes to BHSI from AXA XL.

© 2019 David Mazor


Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection Unveils Cruise Coverage

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP), a leading provider of travel insurance, today announced the launch of a new product, WaveCare, which provides travel insurance specifically tailored for the needs of cruise travelers.

“WaveCare is expressly designed for the fastest growing sector of the industry, cruising,” said Dean Sivley, president of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. “Our comprehensive solution provides cruisers with higher medical and evacuation coverage limits for their trip and introduces BHTP’s innovative fixed benefit in the event the cruise is disabled along the way.”

Specifically, WaveCare provides:
• Up to $750,000 in medical evacuation coverage, BHTP’s highest limit
• Up to $75,000 in emergency travel medical insurance
• A fixed benefit of $500 when the traveler is confined on board for more than five hours because the cruise ship is disabled
• Comprehensive trip cancellation, interruption, delay, missed connection, and baggage protection
• A pre-existing condition waiver when insurance is purchased within 15 days of the initial trip deposit date
• 24/7 global travel assistance

BHTP has also announced enhancements to its industry-first fixed benefit insurance product for air travelers, AirCare®. Starting at only $26 for domestic and international round-trip flights, AirCare now covers late night delays and flight diversions as well as flight cancellations, flight departure delays, tarmac delays, missed connections, lost baggage, and baggage delays. Travel insurance fixed benefits ensure faster claims payment – no receipts necessary.

BHTP, well known for its revolutionary travel insurance products and services, also provides travelers with an easy “pic-and-a-click” claims process, flight tracking and expedited payments for travel disruptions via BHTP Burst.

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
Insurance National indemnity

Berkshire Hathaway Assumes Motor Accident Commission’s Back Book of Compulsory Third Party Claims

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway is investing in South Australia, the conglomerate is taking over the Motor Accident Commission’s ‘back book’ of Compulsory Third Party (CTP) vehicle insurance claims.

The South Australia treasurer, Rob Lucas, said Berkshire Hathaway would establish operations in Adelaide as its Reinsurance Division takes over management of the Motor Accident Commission’s ‘back book’ of Compulsory Third Party (CTP) vehicle insurance claims.

Lucas said the move – to take effect from January 1, next year – was a natural consequence of the former Labor government’s decision in 2014 to privatize the provision of CTP vehicle insurance in SA and would put the state on the map with global investors.

“This is a significant coup for South Australia,’’ said Treasurer Lucas.

“Having an investment company of Berkshire Hathaway’s global standing come and set up in Adelaide not only speaks volumes for our sound business environment, but for the progressive leadership of the new Liberal government under Premier Steven Marshall.

“Berkshire Hathaway’s reinsurance arm, National Indemnity Company, is the only reinsurance company in the world with the same AA+ credit rating as South Australia, offering SA policy claimants security over future claims, as well as excellent value for taxpayers who no longer bear the risk of movements in investments and claims outcomes.

“For example, this year’s Mid-Year Budget Review will include a significant reduction in returns to the budget from MAC.

“Put simply, assets and liabilities from MAC will be transferred to Berkshire Hathaway’s National Indemnity Company, so that all the risks of managing MAC’s liabilities will be transferred to Berkshire Hathaway.

“Part of the arrangement will see $300 million of the reinsurance premium retained in South Australia – with at least $100 million retained for five years – for local funds management.

“The Government will consider a range of options to help implement a key election commitment to grow local funds management activity.”

Berkshire Hathaway CEO and Chairman Warren Buffett said he looked forward to the potential of growing his business in South Australia.

“We are thrilled to have agreed terms with South Australia to reinsure their auto liabilities, and we would love to find more opportunities to do business there,” Buffett said.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. also has significant worldwide interests in energy, utilities, infrastructure, rail, retail and manufacture.

In October, the State Government announced it would wind down the Motor Accident Commission, a ‘natural consequence’ of the former Labor Government’s decision in 2014 to privatize the provision of CTP vehicle insurance in SA – which had been MAC’s core function.

MAC ceased writing new CTP insurance policies from July 1, 2016 but has remained responsible for managing a ‘back book’ of claims issued up to and including June 30, 2016.

The MAC Board has approved acceptance of the Berkshire Hathaway bid.

Background

The former Labor government, in September 2014, approved a new framework to assess unsolicited proposals to government.

Under this framework, and just prior to the state election, Berkshire Hathaway submitted an unsolicited proposal to the former Labor government to manage the ‘MAC back book’. This bid was only valid for an off-market exclusive transaction.

Treasury engaged respected financial advisory firm Moelis who concluded the proposal was unique and presented as value for money. Moelis recommended approval for the proposal and concluded Berkshire Hathaway’s history supported the conclusion that the Berkshire Hathaway bid was only valid for an off-market exclusive transaction.

The existing Allianz claims management contract will remain in place at least until its current expiry of June 30, 2019. Berkshire Hathaway will explore with Allianz long-term arrangements. Claimants will not experience any change in their claims management experience.

After the deal is concluded, budgeted returns from MAC to the budget will reduce by up to an estimated $68 million over the 3-year period from 2019-20.

Early next year, the Government intends to release most of the contractual documentation with some commercially confidential provisions redacted.

© 2018 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
Acquisitions Insurance National indemnity

New York’s Top Medical Liability Insurer Now a Berkshire Hathaway Company

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

MLMIC Insurance Company (formerly known as Medical Liability Mutual Insurance Company) (“MLMIC”), has completed a conversion from a property and casualty mutual insurance company to a property and casualty stock insurance company and its acquisition by National Indemnity Company, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.

As a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, MLMIC will have enhanced capacity and financial strength to continue to serve New York State physicians, hospitals and dentists as it has for over 40 years. MLMIC remains the largest underwriter of medical professional liability insurance in New York and continues to be a New York‐focused medical malpractice writer regulated by New York State. It will be operated by the same Board of Directors and staff that have served the market well for several decades.

Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway’s CEO stated, “MLMIC is a gem of a company that has protected New York’s physicians, mid‐level providers, hospitals and dentists like no other for over 40 years. We are delighted to add them to the Berkshire Hathaway family and enhance their capacity to serve these and other policyholders for many years to come.”

© 2018 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
GEICO Insurance

GEICO Named a Top 5 Company for Women in IT

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

GEICO has been recognized as one of the Top 5 Companies for Women Technologists by AnitaB.org, a global nonprofit agency that recognizes companies building workplaces where women can thrive.

Using a rigorous methodology that looks at representation, employee experience, programs and policies, AnitaB.org analyzed data from 80 companies. The five companies with the highest cumulative scores in their respective workforce size categories earned placement on the 2018 Top Companies for Women Technologists Top 5 lists. GEICO was recognized for companies with a technical workforce of between 1,000 and 10,000 employees.

Marie Motowylak, GEICO’s director of decision sciences and business transformation, said GEICO is both appreciative and motivated by the recognition.

“We are very proud of the efforts we have made to develop an inclusive environment with a keen focus on training, career-advancement and promotional opportunities for women into leadership roles,” she said. “More and more women are taking advantage of the many IT career opportunities at GEICO, and we will continue to create rewarding career paths for them.”

Even before this latest recognition, GEICO’s efforts to support women in IT had not gone unnoticed. Earlier this year, two of the company’s IT associates were recognized by the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit Women in Technology, and last year, GEICO was the winner of AnitaB.org’s coveted Top Companies for Women Technologists award.

“IT at GEICO plays a central role in creating seamless, innovative and dynamic insurance experiences for our customers. The inclusiveness and the diversity of our team of technologists drives our innovation and makes us a stronger and better company,” said GEICO Executive Vice President and CIO Greg Kalinsky.

© 2018 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
Insurance

Berkshire Provides $2 Billion Loan to Seritage Growth Properties

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Seritage Growth Properties a national owner of 249 properties totaling over 39 million square feet of gross leasable area, announced today that the Company has entered into a $2.0 billion term loan facility (the “Term Loan Facility”) with Berkshire Hathaway Life Insurance Company of Nebraska.

“This new financing is a transformational step in the evolution of our Company, which we started three years ago, and positions us to further accelerate our role as a leading retail and mixed-use developer across the country,” said Benjamin Schall, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We very much appreciate Berkshire Hathaway’s confidence in our team and platform, and are energized by our growing opportunities to create lasting value for our shareholders, partners and local communities.”

The $2.0 billion Term Loan Facility, which matures on July 31, 2023, provides for an initial funding of $1.6 billion at closing (the “Initial Funding”) and includes a committed $400 million incremental funding facility (the “Incremental Funding Facility”). Funded amounts under the Term Loan Facility bear interest at a fixed annual rate of 7.00%, while amounts available under Incremental Funding Facility will be subject to a 1.00% annual fee until drawn.

The Company used a portion of the proceeds from the Initial Funding to fully repay its outstanding mortgage loan and unsecured term loan. Net proceeds from the Initial Funding, combined with existing balance sheet cash and the release of cash reserves held by the previous lender as of June 30, 2018, provide the Company with over $600 million of cash liquidity, in addition to access to the $400 million Incremental Funding Facility.

© 2018 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Categories
GEICO Insurance

GEICO to Hire 400 IT Professionals in Indianapolis

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

GEICO is now hiring up to 400 software engineers, IT architects and analysts for the new IT Center of Excellence at its expanded site in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Career opportunities are available from entry to senior levels.

GEICO’s Center of Excellence seeks to develop innovative methods to better serve customers.

“We are excited about building a strong team that will play an essential role in helping GEICO create state-of-the-art cloud software applications,” said Katie Sauls, GEICO Indianapolis’ director of IT. “We are looking to hire those who can unleash creative ways to use tomorrow’s technology to lead the way to better customer interaction.”

GEICO IT received a prestigious 2017 Top Companies for Women Technologists Award from AnitaB.org for creating a “culture that revolves around promoting diversity and inclusion” and offering “programs for entry level technologists and management that provide ongoing training for continued professional growth.”

GEICO has been named as a “Top Workplace” by the Indianapolis Star for three consecutive years, and is ranked as the top global insurance group in the world based on revenue and as one of Fortune magazine’s “World’s Most Admired Companies.”

© 2018 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.