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GEICO Insurance

GEICO’s Rynthia Rost Receives Prestigious Urban League Award

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GEICO’s vice president of public affairs, Rynthia Rost, received the Charles B. Collins Distinguished Trustee Award at the recent 2019 National Urban League Conference in Indianapolis.

The annual honor goes to a notable Urban League advocate who embodies the ideals of the organization and the esteemed Charles B. Collins – who helped to usher-in great growth and improvements during his long affiliation with the National Urban League.

Rost’s commitment to community service and mentorship is longstanding and well-known. She began her career as a pro bono attorney and continues to dedicate her life and work to uplifting communities.

“Rynthia Rost embodies the Urban League’s mission of empowerment and service,” said Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League. “Her work on financial literacy programs, in particular, has made an enormous difference in the lives of underserved people. As a member of the Audit Committee of the National Urban League Board of Trustees, she serves a vital function in overseeing the fiscal soundness of our movement. She is a role model and mentor not only within the Urban League but in the community at large. We are proud to honor her with the Charles B. Collins Distinguished Trustee Award.”

Rost also serves on the boards of Urban League affiliates in Washington, D.C., and Essex County, New Jersey. In addition, she is vice-president and an executive board member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and chair of the Children’s National Hospital Corporate Advisory Board. Rost has earned many other accolades for her work, including the Community Partner Award from Mentor’s Inc. and the Service to Youth Award from the National Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

Rost has led GEICO’s public affairs efforts since 1994. She directs community affairs and GEICO Cares, the company’s country-wide associate community service and volunteer program.

“I am grateful to the National Urban League for this tremendous honor and for allowing me to be part of your efforts to empower local communities,” Rost said. “I also want to thank GEICO for the privilege of working with our 40,000 associates across the country on exciting community service projects that are positively impacting so many people.”

© 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.

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GEICO Insurance

Shane Wheeler Named GEICO’s VP of Claims Operations

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The GEICO Board of Directors has promoted Shane Wheeler to vice president in charge of the company’s claims operations. Wheeler will be based at GEICO corporate headquarters in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Since 2016, he had served as assistant vice president of claims for GEICO’s regional operations in Tucson, Arizona. Before that, he was the liability director for the regional office in Dallas.

Wheeler joined GEICO in 1999 as a service counselor at the San Diego regional office and entered the management internship program shortly thereafter. After completing the program, he was named a supervisor in the claims division.

He transferred to the Tucson regional office in 2004 and the Dallas regional office in 2011, holding claims management roles at both locations. He was named liability director for the Dallas region in 2013. Three years later, he was elected the Tucson region’s assistant vice president of claims.

Wheeler holds a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma and a master’s degree from the University of Arizona. He earned his Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriting (CPCU) designation in 2007.

© 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.

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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Opens New Office in Cologne

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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has appointed Andreas Krause as Country Manager for Germany and established a new office in Cologne.

BHSI also has an office in Munich, Germany, and underwrites property, casualty, medical malpractice, marine and executive & professional lines for a wide range of customers throughout the country.

“Drawing on his extensive experience in the European insurance industry, Andreas will lead our efforts to grow our team and our customer and broker relationships in Germany, and coordinate with colleagues throughout Europe and around the world to bring BHSI’s formidable underwriting, service and financial strength to the marketplace.” said Chris Colahan, President, BHSI, Europe and the UK. “We are pleased to further establish our geographic presence in Germany and our leadership team in Europe.”

Andreas comes to BHSI with nearly 20 years of industry experience. He was most recently General Manager, Germany, at QBE Europe. Before that he held various roles in both underwriting and distribution at AIG Europe, and was Director of Broking at AON Germany in Hamburg. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Johann-Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Catholic University Eichstätt.

© 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.

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Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies Complete Pilot of Safe Drive Systems Radar Collision Avoidance Tech

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Safe Drive Systems (SDS), a leading developer and distributor of aftermarket advanced auto safety technologies, and its partner, Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies, have announced the end of the first stage of their ongoing fleet technology pilot project.

Ten months ago, Safe Drive Systems radar accident prevention systems were installed in the vehicles of selected fleet customers of Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies to evaluate whether the system and the provided service would reduce the frequency and severity of their claims. The vehicles were equipped with an integrated radar accident prevention system and fleet management system, including real-time tracking abilities, report generation software, driver behavior scoring, and the Fleet SDS mobile application.

According to Safe Drive System’s CEO Tuvi Cohen, “The system is currently installed in more than 580 vehicles that collectively have been driven more than 5,000,000 miles and showcases the driver education process to yield positive trends and results in driver performance.”

As noted by SDS’s Cohen, “The radar accident prevention system sends alerts and notifications to the driver which creates a subconscious awareness that was absent prior to installing the system. Ninety-two percent of drivers immediately reduced their speed whenever the radar system warned them of a potentially high-risk situation that could have caused an accident on the road.”

The radar accident prevention system works in all weather conditions and uses both radar and camera sensors to alert drivers of potential hazards. The system paired with the fleet management tool provides the owner or operator insight in “real time” to improve driver behavior and performance with ease.

Cohen notes “Our mission for years has been to make the road a safer place to be through technology. An ambitious idea that drives everything we do — from individual vehicle protection to entire fleet management solutions.”

Sy Foguel, President and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies added, “The SDS system helps our insureds manage their fleets and also provides us with telematics data. What we value most, however, is the potential of the system to help avoid auto accidents and save lives.”

© 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.

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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Names Mark Walker, Head of Customer and Broker Engagement for UK

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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has expanded its team in the UK with the appointment of Mark Walker as Head of Customer and Broker Engagement. Mark will be based in BHSI’s London office.

“I’m extremely pleased to have Mark leading our efforts to expand our broker and customer relationships across the UK. He brings to this new role more than two decades of industry experience and a great passion and commitment to growing BHSI’s partnerships in this important market,” said Chris Colahan, President, UK and Europe, BHSI.

Mark was most recently Head of SME, Affinity & Digital, Asia Pacific at QBE. Before that, he was CEO Hong Kong at QBE. He also served as CEO, Hong Kong & Specialty at RSA and held numerous other leadership positions at RSA in the UK and Emerging Markets over more than a decade.

© 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.

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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Establishes Adelaide Office

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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has expanded its presence in Australia to South Australia, opening a new office in Adelaide and naming Monica Holland as Underwriting Manager.

“We are pleased to expand our team and geographic reach with our new Adelaide office, which will provide our suite of specialty products to customers and brokers. Monica has extensive experience in the South Australia insurance industry, and we are pleased to have her representing BHSI. Monica’s local expertise will allow us to partner more effectively with our brokers and customers in South Australia.” said Mark Lingafelter, President, Australasia, BHSI.

As Underwriting Manager for South Australia, Monica will work closely with BHSI’s team in Melbourne to deliver the company’s full range of product offerings. This includes property, liability, executive & professional lines, marine, accident & health and healthcare insurance solutions. She will also serve as Casualty Manager for South Australia.

Monica brings nearly 25 years of diverse industry experience to BHSI. She has most recently served as State Manager and Distribution Manager for a global insurer. Monica holds a University Certificate of Management, Business Management, from Deakin University and is a Senior Associate, Insurance, at ANZIIF.

© 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.

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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance HomeServices of America Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Opens Office in Paris

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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI), in coordination with its affiliate, has received its insurance license in France, established a new office in Paris, and appointed François-Xavier d’Huart as Country Manager.

“We are pleased to continue our strategic expansion in Europe, with our new office in France and François-Xavier leading our efforts to bring BHSI’s underwriting and claims acumen, financial strength, and long-term focus to the French market,” said Chris Colahan, President, BHSI in Europe and the UK. “François-Xavier brings extensive experience to BHSI, and I am so pleased to have him at the helm as we build our product line and team in Paris.”

Beginning immediately, BHSI is underwriting property, casualty, and executive & professional lines in France. The company expects to launch several other products in France in the months ahead.

François-Xavier comes to BHSI with 15 years of industry experience. He was most recently Head of Client and Broker Management for France at AXA XL (previously XL Catlin). Before that he was Chief Executive Officer, Office Lyonnais d’Assurances and Interassur, at SATEC, and Head of Marine Cargo & Hull for Asia at AXA Asia.

François-Xavier holds a master’s degree in Engineering from SUPELEC and a master’s degree in Economics and Management from the IFP School. He received his actuarial degree from Centre d’Etudes Actuarielles.

BHSI’s Paris office is located at 88 & 92 Avenue Charles de Gaulle, 92200 Neuilly-sur-Seine.

© 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.

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Insurance

Berkshire Launches New Comprehensive Small Business Insurance Brand, “THREE”

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Why is small business insurance so complicated? It’s a question that Berkshire Hathaway’s out to answer.

Boasting a simple, plain English approach, Berkshire Hathaway’s new insurance Brand, THREE, is looking to make small business insurance a more straight forward and lower-priced product.

Traditionally, small businesses seek separate coverage for business property, professional liability, worker’s compensation insurance, commercial vehicles, cyber coverage, and directors and officers coverage, but THREE is looking to modernize coverage by offering comprehensive insurance that covers all of these areas.

THREE is a brand of Berkshire Hathaway Direct Insurance Company, and a company representative says it will save customers roughly 20% over the cost of these insurances purchased separately.

With an inclusive policy, the company notes that customers will be less likely to find that they have gaps in coverage despite owning multiple policies.

“Most policies take pages and pages of legalese to tell you what’s not covered,” a THREE representative noted. “Our three-page, plain-English policy eliminates all that by making it comprehensive.”

For now, THREE is available in Connecticut, Illinois, Nebraska and Texas, with the plan to be available in most states by 2020.

© 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.

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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Insurance

Feeling Adventurous? Berkshire Hathaway Has Insurance For You

If you’ve got the adrenaline, Berkshire Hathaway has the insurance for your adventures.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP), a leading provider of travel insurance, has announced the launch of AdrenalineCare, a new comprehensive travel insurance that is specifically tailored for adventure travelers, with features such as enhanced baggage protection, coverage for extreme activities and higher medical limits
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“Our annual State of Travel Insurance study found that adventure travel continues to be one of the most popular and fastest-growing travel types,” said Dean Sivley, president of BHTP. “Adventure travelers are eager to explore the world but also know that their adrenaline-packed trips warrant more protection. We created AdrenalineCare so they can fully enjoy their adventures without worrying about equipment delays or insufficient medical coverage if traveling in a remote location.”

AdrenalineCare coverage includes:

• Up to $750,000 in medical evacuation coverage, BHTP’s highest limits
• Up to $50,000 in emergency travel medical insurance
• Up to $500 in equipment delay coverage if the traveler’s sports equipment such as skis, scuba gear, mountain climbing equipment or other gear is delayed 6 hours or longer
• Up to $1,500 in baggage coverage to cover lost, stolen or damaged luggage
• A $150 fixed benefit for the inconvenience if baggage is delayed 12 or more hours; if eligible, travelers are awarded the full $150 to use as they wish for simply enduring the delay
• Up to $200 to reimburse the fee paid for a hunting or fishing license if the insured must cancel
• Comprehensive trip cancellation, interruption, delay, and missed connection protection
• 24/7 global travel assistance available via phone or email for travel and medical emergencies.

According to BHTP’s State of Travel Insurance 2019 report, adventure travelers take more trips than regular road trippers (4.87 annually versus 3.45). Whether they are traveling to experience a sport like motor racing, or packing expensive equipment to ski or climb, they also face greater risk. AdrenalineCare is tailored specifically for these adventurous travelers.

Well-known for its revolutionary travel insurance products and services, BHTP 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.

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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company Adds Transactional Liability Insurance in Asia and the Middle East

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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (BHSI) has begun offering Transactional Liability Insurance through its Asia and Middle East (AME) regions and appointed Steven Harwood as the Head of Transactional Liability in AME.

“Properly navigating the risks of corporate transactions is critical to growing companies and industry leaders alike,” said Marc Breuil, Head of AME, BHSI. “This expansion enhances our ability to provide transactional liability underwriting expertise and know-how through our regional hubs of Singapore, Hong Kong, and Dubai.”

“Steve Harwood has extensive experience helping companies respond swiftly and strategically to the risks of mergers, acquisitions and other transactions, and we are delighted that he has joined BHSI.”

BHSI will focus primarily on providing Representations and Warranties Insurance as well as Tax Liability Insurance across AME. The company already provides Transactional Liability coverage from offices in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.

Steven comes to BHSI from Pembroke Managing Agency Underwriting at Lloyd’s Japan, where he was Senior Underwriter & Solicitor, M&A Insurance. Before that, he was Senior Associate at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, and Divisional Director (London and Tokyo) at Willis Faber & Dumas Ltd, a Lloyd’s Reinsurance Broker. Steven, who served as a Royal Navy Officer, holds a bachelor’s degree from London University and a master’s degree from International Budo University in Japan.

© 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.