Category: Insurance

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GEICO Insurance

GEICO Providing $2.5 Billion to Policyholders Through Policy Credits

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GEICO is providing a 15 percent credit to its auto and motorcycle customers as their policy comes up for renewal between April 8 and Oct 7. The credit will also apply to any new policies purchased during this period.

The credit is part of GEICO’s ongoing efforts to assist customers during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The average auto policy has a semi-annual premium of about $1,000 and generally covers more than one vehicle.

GEICO expects credits to average about $150 per auto policy and $30 per motorcycle policy. The company estimates the benefit to its 18 million auto and one million motorcycle customers will be approximately $2.5 billion.

Current customers can expect to see the discount when they renew. Customers do not need to take any action to receive this credit.

Shelter in place policies have reduced driving significantly. Vehicle accidents are down considerably, and although GEICO expects a return to near normal once the impacts of COVID-19 subside, GEICO remains committed to serving its customers’ changing needs in the best way it can.

“This ongoing crisis has widespread effects that will linger. That is why we wanted to give this credit for at least six months,” said GEICO President and CEO Todd Combs. “Our customers have been loyal, and we are committed to doing all we can to help them.”

Last month, GEICO announced it was pausing cancellations of coverage due to non-payment and policy expiration through at least April 30, 2020. Beyond that, the company has committed to offering maximum flexibility to policyholders who need special payment options as well as transitioning nearly all of its associates to work from home to continue providing the 24/7 service it is known for.

© 2020 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.

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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Appoints Michael Pille Head of Healthcare Underwriting in Germany

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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance has promoted team member Michael Pille to head its fast-growing healthcare underwriting operation and team in Germany.

“As Head of Healthcare, Michael will lead our effort to service the German healthcare market and expand our local healthcare team,” said Andreas Krause, Country Manager for Germany, BHSI. “In this newly created position, Michael will elevate our ability to deliver innovative professional liability solutions for the healthcare industry, including novel SIR (stop loss) alternatives, backed by BHSI’s underwriting expertise and commitment to claims handling excellence.”

Michael, who has more than a decade of underwriting experience in the German market, joined BHSI in 2017 as Senior Underwriter, Liability. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Insurance Management and a master’s Degree in Insurance Law from Cologne University of Applied Science. Michael is a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute.

© 2020 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.

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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Rolls Out Professional First Technology Liability Insurance in Australia and New Zealand

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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance has launched Professional First Technology Liability Insurance policies in Australia and New Zealand. Both policies clearly articulate broad, customizable professional liability protection for the full scope of services provided by technology and tech-related firms.

“BHSI is committed to simplicity and that is evident in these easy-to-navigate policy forms which are readily tailored to the individual needs and exposures of technology firms and backed by BHSI’s financial strength,” said Cameron McLisky, Head of Executive & Professional Lines for Australasia at BHSI. “We take a partnership approach to this market, with our brokers and customers collaborating with our decision makers, from underwriting, to claims service.

With BHSI’s Professional First Technology Liability Insurance, customers choose any or all of three separate towers to secure professional indemnity, cyber and general liability covers. Limits and coverage can be structured to address the individual needs and preferences of a wide variety of tech firms, including those involved in software design and development, systems integration, technology consulting, telecommunications and IT training.

© 2020 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.

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Insurance National indemnity

Berkshire Hathaway’s MLMIC Offers Medical Professional Liability Coverage for Physicians Returning as Volunteers During the COVID-19 Pandemic – No New Premium Required

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As part of ongoing efforts to support our dedicated physicians throughout New York, Berkshire Hathaway’s MLMIC Insurance Company is extending medical professional liability coverage – without requiring any new premium – to retired physicians who were last insured with MLMIC and are coming back as volunteers to provide care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MLMIC defines “volunteer,” in this case, as a retired physician providing professional services for no fee, salary or other compensation with the exception of reimbursement for expenses incurred delivering those services. Qualifying physicians may apply online.

The coverage limits of the medical professional liability offered to these volunteers will be the same as what they held when actively practicing prior to retirement and when last insured by MLMIC. Coverage also includes defense costs if a claim is filed against them while volunteering.

In addition, if the returning physician previously held regulatory defense coverage, it will be provided for actions resulting from volunteer professional services. There is no new premium for this coverage, which is included through physicians’ expired policies without impact upon any presently existing tail policies.

New York physicians can access this information at https://www.mlmic.com/covid-19/returning-physicians. To request coverage, interested volunteers can apply online or call (800) ASK-MLMIC (1-800-275-6564) and ask for Underwriting.

© 2020 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.

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GEICO Insurance

Commentary: GEICO Right to Bet on Maintaining Policyholder Loyalty

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Berkshire Hathaway’s auto insurer GEICO is pausing cancellation of coverage due to non-payment and policy expiration, effectively immediately. This pause will remain in effect through April 30, 2020.

In addition, GEICO is prepared to offer maximum flexibility, including special payment plans, to those who need it once normal billing operations are scheduled to resume.

“This ongoing situation impacts everyone, and we want our policyholders to have some peace of mind knowing we’ll be there when they need us most,” said GEICO President and CEO Todd Combs.

In taking this step, GEICO is betting that maintaining policyholder loyalty is more important than trying to squeeze cash out of customers that are out of the blue in a severe cash crunch.

While they may have some policies in arrears, on the positive side for GEICO is that self-quarantining due to the Coronavirus will lead to a dramatic reduction in new claims filed due to reduced mileage.

GEICO, like other leading auto insurers, such as Progressive, Liberty Mutual, and State Farm, normally runs multiple media campaigns. The reason for this is that in recent years the battle for policyholders is primarily a branding battle, not one of service or policy features.

Capturing the wallet of the consumer through the GEICO gecko, wood chucking wildlife, and office wandering camels, is a far more effective than listing the dry insurance features that policyholders are actually purchasing.

GEICO’s doing the right thing, both for consumers and for its bottom line. After all, losing customers at a time when they are down may add to customer acquisition costs down the road when the economy revives.

If GEICO can maintain brand loyalty, it will have done more to cement itself in the heart of the consumer than all the geckos in the world ever could.

© 2020 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.

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Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway Denies Ownership Stake in IRB Brasil Re

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Berkshire Hathaway has taken the unusual step of refuting rumors of an ownership stake in a company.

In a release, the company said:

There have been recent stories in the Brazilian press that Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is a shareholder of IRB Brasil Re (“IRB”). Those stories are incorrect. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is not currently a shareholder of IRB, it has never been a shareholder of IRB and it has no intention of becoming a shareholder of IRB.

© 2020 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.

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GEICO Insurance

GEICO Files Federal RICO Lawsuit in California Against Glass Repairer

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Following several lawsuits in Arizona and Florida, GEICO has filed a federal lawsuit in California alleging an auto glass repair shop submitted fraudulent glass repair bills. GEICO seeks to recover damages alleging violations of the Civil RICO statute and the California Business and Professional Code as well as claims for common law fraud and unjust enrichment.

GEICO alleges that owners Tal Elzari and Navid Vatankhahan used their business, Winaffix Auto Glass, in a fraudulent scheme to overbill for windshield glass replacement.

Their alleged scheme involved creating false glass invoices designed to mimic those from legitimate car dealerships in order to fraudulently claim they were using expensive original equipment glass rather than less expensive alternative glass. In fact, it is alleged that Winaffix never purchased the glass their invoices claimed. They are also alleged to have performed glass replacement services without a license to do so.

GEICO says it intends to file future lawsuits in California and around the country in its continuing efforts to protect its customers and the public from fraudulent glass repair operators.

“GEICO is committed to protecting our customers from the negative effect that insurance fraud has on premiums,” said James Jones, assistant vice president of claims in GEICO’s Poway, California, office. “These incidents of fraud hurt consumers in California because they cause premiums to increase, and we will continue to pursue them with a zero tolerance.”

© 2020 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.

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GEICO Insurance

GEICO on Hiring Spree in Georgia

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GEICO’s Macon, Georgia regional office is looking to extend job offers to more than 500 Central Georgia residents in 2020.

There are full-time and part-time career opportunities in Claims, Salvage, Emergency Roadside Service, Customer Service and Sales. Recent college graduates and others looking to train for leadership positions are encouraged to apply for the Emerging Leaders Program or Management Development Program. No prior insurance experience is necessary; training, mentorship and support are provided to all new associates.

New associates will join Central Georgia’s largest private employer and GEICO’s largest regional operation. They will be welcomed onto a team with a proven track-record of success. Last year, nearly 40 percent of GEICO associates in Macon received promotions for their efforts to provide quality service to GEICO’s ever-growing policyholders.

GEICO associates are offered the Total Rewards Program, with a wide range of benefits, including a health benefits package, retirement and finance options and continuing education opportunities. In addition, associates can expect career growth opportunities and a friendly and supportive environment in which to develop and thrive.

GEICO also provides associates with many opportunities to be involved in their community. GEICO has been the biggest contributor to the United Way of Central Georgia for the past 14 years, and associates have been honored for their volunteer work at Bibb County Public Schools and Middle Georgia Community Food Bank.

© 2020 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.

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Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Group Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies using AI Technology

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Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies, a group of six insurance carriers that are part of the Berkshire Hathaway insurance group, has selected CLARA analytics, the leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the commercial insurance industry, in order to advance its workers’ compensation claims operations.

BHHC will integrate the full suite of CLARA products, including CLARA providers, CLARA litigation and CLARA claims as well as its popular Medicare Set-Aside solution.

“AI offers an unprecedented opportunity to improve the entire claims process by analyzing millions of data points — making connections, spotting trends, and developing meaningful insights in a matter of seconds,” said Russ Selinger, Senior Vice President of Claims at Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies.

CLARA products utilize AI and advanced machine learning to deliver key insights that help commercial insurance organizations increase efficiency and make data-driven decisions that substantially improve operations as well as client service. This comprehensive product suite empowers teams to reduce loss costs incurred in claims handling by keeping claims on track throughout their life cycle.

“BHHC is one of the most respected companies in the insurance landscape, always focused on providing compassionate care to recovering workers and superior service to its customers,” said Gary Hagmueller, CEO of CLARA analytics. “CLARA will help BHHC further differentiate itself by facilitating and informing the claims process in incredible new ways. Our platform will deliver powerful insights to claims representatives, turning them into instant experts who can handle each claim with precision, respect and empathy at scale.”

© 2020 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.

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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Names Hilary Browne Country Manager, Ireland & Head of Casualty, UK & Europe

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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance has named Hilary Browne to the dual role of Country Manager for Ireland and Head of Casualty for UK and Europe.

“Hilary’s excellent technical underwriting and leadership skills make her a stellar addition to our European team,” said Chris Colahan, President, UK & Europe. “Our customers and brokers are in good hands with Hilary providing our insurance and services with the certainty of BHSI’s long-term commitment and financial strength.”

Hilary comes to BHSI with nearly 20 years of European market experience. She has held numerous insurance underwriting and leadership roles in the UK and Ireland and was most recently Head of International Casualty at AIG.

BHSI’s Casualty offering across UK & Europe includes, Public & Products Liability, Employers Liability, Excess Casualty, Construction Liability, Energy and Environmental Impairment Liability (EIL).

Hilary is based in BHSI’s office in Dublin.

© 2020 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.