Berkshire Hathaway

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies are A.M. Best rated A+ (“Superior”) and specialize in providing insurance coverage to small- and mid-sized businesses across the country. Products are available through the independent agents and brokers representing the company. In 2014, Berkshire Hathaway GUARD’s insurance subsidiaries (Am GUARD, East GUARD, Nor GUARD, and West GUARD Insurance Companies) insured over 100,000 businesses.

History

In July 1982, the company's original subsidiaries were formed in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, by Susan and Judd Shoval and a group of private investors. One year later, the first Workers’ Compensation insurance policy was issued in Pennsylvania and about a half million dollars in premium were written throughout 1983. The company successfully continued to grow, adding states, opening insurance and non-insurance subsidiaries, and acquiring Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Saco, Maine, in 1995. By 2007, GUARD had expanded under the Shovals' leadership to four insurance carriers (Nor GUARD, Am GUARD, East GUARD, and West GUARD) writing $200 million of Workers’ Compensation insurance in 23 statesTo facilitate future plans, the company was acquired in 2007 by Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd., an international insurance group. In 2012, the organization changed hands yet again and became a wholly owned subsidiary of National Indemnity Company, which is part of the Berkshire Hathaway Group.

By the end of 2015, the company was writing over $700 million in premium, operating in all states that are not monopolistic for Workers' Compensation insurance, and actively writing five other lines of insurance — Businessowner’s Policies and Commercial Excess/Umbrella (now in 30 states as of May 1st, 2016) and Commercial Auto and Disability in select jurisdictions with further expansion planned. Berkshire Hathaway GUARD currently has nine locations throughout the United States but remains headquartered in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

Workers’ Compensation

The company’s flagship product, Workers’ Compensation is written by Berkshire Hathaway GUARD nationwide.

Businessowner’s Policies

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD’s Businessowner’s Policy is currently available in select states throughout the country with plans for expansion into additional states underway. All the major business property and liability coverages are included with the availability of specialized and customizable coverages and increased limits.

Commercial Auto

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD’s Commercial Auto Policy is currently available in a limited number of states along the East Coast with plans for expansion into additional states underway. The policy includes liability, physical damage, and statutory coverages with optional increased limits and a stretch endorsement available.

Commercial Liability Umbrella/Excess 

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD’s Commercial Liability Umbrella/Excess Policy is currently available in select states throughout the country with plans for expansion into additional states underway. The product can be attached over a variety of liability coverages.

Community service

Through a group of volunteers called the Special Projects Committee, employees contribute their money and time, including "work hours," to community-based activities. One example of their accomplishment is participation in the United Way’s “Christmas in July” program across a 25-year period; during that time, well over 150 tons of food were donated to kitchens, shelters, and food banks. Berkshire Hathaway GUARD also has a foundation that matches employees' contributions and independently supports select civic organizations and educational institutions.