Tag: Insurance

Categories
Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Expands Homeowners Coverage to Missouri, Washington, and Wisconsin

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies, a property and casualty insurance specialist writing $2 billion in premium nationwide, recently announced it has added Missouri, Washington, and Wisconsin to the list of states where the insurer offers its Homeowners product.

“Our goal is to become a ‘One Stop Shop’ for our agents and their insureds,” said Sy Foguel, Berkshire Hathaway GUARD CEO. “We continue to expand our portfolio to supply our network of independent agents with quality products that enable them to grow. With these three states, we now offer our Personal Lines products in 15 states with plans for further expansion in the months ahead.”

Senior VP of Personal Lines Dovid Tkatch explains that “We are very pleased with the results we’ve already experienced in our previous states, and we fully expect to see that trend continue. Our success can be attributed to Berkshire Hathaway GUARD providing a quality, easily understood product along with a high level of service to both agents and policyholders.”

GUARD’s insurance product targets dwellings valued over $75,000 and includes one- to four-family residences, renters, and condo units (both owner-occupied and those held for rental). Tkatch explains, “By mixing and matching policy forms, endorsements, and optional coverages aimed at broader protection, policyholders can obtain property insurance suited to their circumstances. A Personal Umbrella with limits up to $5,000,000 is also available.”

According to GUARD’s spokesperson and Assistant Vice President of Marketing Elizabeth Hartman, “We believe we can provide a great service to agents that write both commercial and personal accounts. We feature a competitively priced product with a variety of available discounts, including one for insureds who have commercial policies with GUARD. We also believe certain aspects of our underwriting appetite are unique and will appeal to producers anxious to cross-sell and achieve a greater client share.”

© 2020 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway and BYD, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a 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

GenStar and Lockton Affinity Launch Architects and Engineers Liability Program

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s GenStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Reinsurance Corporation, has launched its Architects and Engineers program with Lockton Affinity.

GenStar President and CEO Marty Hacala commented, “GenStar is pleased to associate with Lockton Affinity. They are insurance specialists with a proven history of understanding the risks of architects and engineers.”

The GenStar and Lockton Affinity Architects and Engineers Professional Liability program protects architecture, civil engineering, construction management, design build, electrical engineering, HVAC engineering, interior design, landscape architecture, mechanical engineering and surveying professionals. Liability limits up to $2,000,000 will be available on a claims-made basis. Professionals will receive complimentary risk management and contract review assistance, as well as disabled partner replacement.

“Industry professionals will receive comprehensive coverage. Architects and engineers can request a price indication for this new, customized offering, typically in several minutes or fewer,” said Jeff Severino, Producer at Lockton Affinity.

The program is available in the following ten states: AZ, IL, KY, MI, MN, NM, NV, SC, TX, and WY.

The GenStar and Lockton Affinity Architect and Engineer Professional Liability program will be written on an admitted basis by GenStar’s General Star National Insurance Company (GSN), which is rated A++ (Superior) by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and carries an AA+ Insurance Financial Strength Rating from S&P’s Global Ratings.

© 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.

Categories
GEICO Insurance

GEICO On Hiring Spree

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

GEICO is looking to fill hundreds of positions at 14 of its regional locations across the country.

The company has career opportunities available in Sales, Service, Claims and Information Technology at its offices in Buffalo, Chevy Chase, Dallas, Fredericksburg, Honolulu, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Lakeland, Macon, North Liberty, San Diego, Tucson, Virginia Beach and Woodbury.

Applications are currently being accepted online; potential candidates can apply by visiting the GEICO Careers homepage at geico.jobs.

With the vast majority of GEICO’s 41,000-associate population working from home, all interviewing, hiring, onboarding and training will be done virtually.

New hires will also work remotely until the company transitions associates back to offices.

© 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.

Categories
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Insurance

Berxi and GreenLight Workforce Solutions Partner on Independent Professional Insurance Offerings

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance’s Berxi is partnering with GreenLight Workforce Solutions to provide independent professionals with access to Berxi’s liability insurance products through GreenLight’s next generation workforce compliance software solution.

Berxi provides skilled independent professionals with fast and affordable liability insurance, which encompasses both errors & omissions (professional liability) and general liability coverage. Berxi’s offering includes a range of limit options and industry-specific features. Quotes are facilitated online in minutes via Berxi’s technology-driven platform.

“As part of our commitment to supporting independent professionals, as well as the enterprises who are contracting with those professionals, we are pleased to partner with Berxi, part of Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, to provide access to top-quality liability insurance from a trusted industry player – one who also provides direct-to-customer speed and a modern technology-driven experience that is customer-centric,” said Jason Posel, Founder & CEO of GreenLight.

“We look forward to working with GreenLight to make it simple and frictionless for the independent professionals who use their software to secure the appropriate insurance coverage they need to be successful and thrive,” said Adam Yasan, Managing Director of Berxi.

The collaboration is already in effect.

© 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.

Categories
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Rolls Out Environmental Impairment Liability Insurance in France

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has introduced Environmental Impairment Liability (EIL) Insurance in France.

The new policy pairs coverage for multiple environmental risks with technical and legal support to help insureds mitigate environmental incidents and claims.

“Our experienced environmental team has created a policy that provides expansive coverage in clear, simple policy language, backed by BHSI’s financial strength and excellent service,” said François-Xavier d’Huart, Country Manager, France, at BHSI. “We are pleased to continue to round out our product offerings in France and fill an important market need.”

The policy provides coverage for an insured’s operating sites as well as off-site services, such as transport operations. Coverage includes third-party claims arising from accidental and gradual environmental damage, environmental liability, and cleanup costs for the insured site. Costs to mitigate an incident, including emergency response expenses are also covered.

BHSI can provide EIL coverage for operations of all sizes on a primary or excess basis.

© 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.

Categories
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Now Providing Defense Base Act Coverage

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance is now providing Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance on a global basis through its DBA-dedicated underwriting and claims team in Dubai.

“We are pleased to bring this mandatory coverage to contractors and companies operating throughout the Middle East and around the globe,” said Neeraj Yadvendu, Head of Third-Party Lines, BHSI Middle East. “Our coverage is supported by BHSI’s experienced Dubai-based DBA specialists who have well-established relationships with key vendors in volatile regions, ensuring exceptional services to customers when and where coverage is most needed.”

DBA insurance provides disability, medical and death benefits to covered employees, whether the injury or death occurs on or off the job in the course of employment. Further to its standard offering, BHSI can provide additional coverage in other key areas, such as Emergency Medical Evacuation and Supplementary Repatriation Expenses, tailoring its approach to meet customer needs.

U.S. federal law mandates DBA insurance for U.S.-government contractors, private employers and contractors working outside the U.S. on American military bases or under a contract with the U.S. government for public works or for national defense. These works include providing defense equipment, life support, materials or services to U.S. allies; or providing welfare services to benefit U.S. Armed Services.

© 2020 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway and BYD, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a 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
Appointments Insurance

Gen Re Names Ulrich Pasdika to Executive Board

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Gen Re has announced that Ulrich Pasdika has been appointed to the Executive Board of General Reinsurance AG, effective 1 August 2020.

General Reinsurance AG is Gen Re’s German legal entity and the main risk carrier for its international business.

The appointment comes as part of Gen Re’s succession plan for its long-standing Head of International Life/Health business, Winfried Heinen, whose forthcoming retirement was announced earlier this year. Mr. Heinen will continue to serve in his roles until 31 July 2020.

Ulrich (Uli) Pasdika is an experienced re/insurance executive who has been with Gen Re for close to 20 years. He will continue to be responsible for the recently created Life/Health business segment Europe, Latin America and MENA. Prior to this role, he led Gen Re’s Life/Health business in Germany and headed-up the international Research & Development team – a core unit that combines underwriting and actuarial resources and underpins Gen Re’s successful risk management and product development services.

Mr. Heinen stated “I am very pleased about this move. Uli and I have worked closely together for almost two decades. During this time, he has played an instrumental role in building our franchise in the German market. In addition, in recent years he has spearheaded our digitisation and insurtech activities. He embodies both Gen Re’s traditional strengths and values and our focus on the future.”

Charlie Shamieh, Gen Re’s Chairman, said “I’m delighted about Uli’s appointment. His vast experience and strong expertise in the international protection markets, in combination with his unwavering client focus, make him the ideal candidate for this position.”

© 2020 David Mazor


Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway and BYD, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a 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 Names Dubai-based Alessandro Cerase to Global Property Underwriting Officer Team

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance has expanded its Global Property Underwriting Officer team to include Alessandro Cerase, who will focus on General Property, Energy and Construction. Alessandro will also retain his role as Senior Executive Officer (SEO) for BHSI’s Middle East region.

“With our property portfolio growing worldwide, it is the perfect time to expand our global property leadership team, led by Dean LaPierre, and to expand Alessandro’s invaluable contributions to BHSI globally,” said David Fields, Global Chief Underwriting Officer, BHSI. “This move is indicative of the strength and depth of BHSI’s team, not only in property but across all our lines of business — and of the excellent advancement opportunities available for BHSI teammates around the globe.”

Alessandro joined BHSI as SEO for the Middle East in 2018. A chemical engineer by background, he has more than 20 years of experience with energy and technical risks. As he assumes his additional responsibilities, Alessandro will remain based in Dubai.

© 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.

Categories
GEICO Insurance

GEICO Extends Policy Cancellation Pause Through May 31

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

With the economic effects of COVID-19 continuing to touch so many Americans, GEICO is extending its GEICO Giveback policy cancellation pause through May 31, 2020.

The company estimates the GEICO Giveback benefit to its customers will be approximately $2.5 billion.

On March 20, 2020, GEICO voluntarily announced it would pause policy cancellations due to non-payment and policy expiration through April 30, 2020. The company is extending the cancellation pause to further assist customers during this period of great uncertainty.

“As an insurer, we are used to being there for our customers at difficult times,” GEICO President and CEO Todd Combs said. “Our commitment to our customers is unwavering, and we are committed to supporting them through this unprecedented crisis.”

Earlier this month, GEICO announced it was providing a 15 percent credit to its private passenger auto, motorcycle and RV policyholders, where permitted. The GEICO Giveback is applied as policies come up for renewal between April 8 and Oct 7 (or April 8, 2020, and April 7, 2021, for 12-month policies). The credit also applies to new policies purchased through Oct. 7.

GEICO has also committed to offering maximum flexibility to policyholders who need special payment options and adjusting policies for customers driving less because of stay-at-home directives.

© 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.

Categories
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Expands Offerings for UK Financial Institutions, Launches D&O and Civil Liability Policies

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) today announced that it has introduced two new policies tailored expressly for UK financial institutions: Professional First Financial Institutions Civil Liability Insurance, and Executive First Financial Institutions D&O Liability Insurance.

Both policies clearly articulate broad coverage for liability exposures faced by large financial institutions. In an era where managing reputational risk is critical, both policies also include coverage to support crisis management and offer expansive coverage for investigations.

“Executives and professionals across Europe face significant liability exposures, and a volatile market for coverage. BHSI is pleased to provide UK financial institutions with the certainty of broad, clearly-written coverage, backed by the financial strength, stability and claims service of BHSI,” said Thomas Dilley, Head of Financial Institutions, BHSI, UK & Ireland.

Professional First Financial Institutions Civil Liability Insurance includes state-of-the-market features such as continuity coverage and express coverage for claims arising from breaches of privacy. Executive First D&O Liability Insurance includes key features designed to ensure the most reliable coverage for individuals, from automatic reinstatement of Side A limits, to an unlimited discovery period for retired executives.
Last year, BHSI introduced Professional First Asset Management Liability Insurance in the UK and Ireland.

© 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.