Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Business Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies: Commercial Insurance Overview

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies is a commercial property and casualty insurer specializing in coverage for small and medium-sized businesses across the United States. The group operates through several underwriting companies (including AmGUARD, EastGUARD, NorGUARD, WestGUARD, and AZGUARD) under a pooling arrangement and is ultimately owned by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Policies are distributed primarily through independent agents and brokers.

Financial Strength

GUARD carries an A+ (Superior) Financial Strength Rating from A.M. Best, with Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of “aa-” (Superior). In August 2026, A.M. Best revised the outlook to stable from negative while affirming the ratings. The affirmation reflects the group’s very strong balance sheet, continued explicit and implicit support from its immediate parent National Indemnity Company (a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary), and early positive results from corrective underwriting actions.

The company benefits from the substantial capital resources and reinsurance capacity of the Berkshire Hathaway organization, which supports claims-paying ability even in periods of elevated losses.

Recent Performance Context

Like many commercial insurers, GUARD experienced underwriting pressure in 2023–2025, including adverse reserve development in certain lines (notably commercial auto and businessowners policies) and catastrophe-related losses. In response, management tightened underwriting standards, exited or reduced exposure in underperforming segments, and reduced overall premium volume. Berkshire Hathaway reported a substantial decline in GUARD’s written premiums in 2025 (approximately 33%) as a result of these actions. The subsequent outlook revision by A.M. Best indicates that corrective measures are showing early improvement.

Core Commercial Insurance Products

GUARD offers a range of property and casualty products designed primarily for main-street and mid-market businesses:

• Businessowners Policy (BOP) — Packages property and general liability coverage, often with options for commercial auto, employment practices liability, cyber, and other endorsements. Industry-specific versions are available for retail, restaurants, contractors, professional offices, hospitality, wholesale, and similar operations.
• Workers’ Compensation — Coverage for workplace injuries, medical costs, wage replacement, and related compliance requirements.
• Commercial Auto — Liability and physical damage protection for business vehicles and fleets.
• Umbrella / Excess Liability — Additional limits above primary policy limits.
• Professional Liability / Specialty — Errors and omissions, cyber liability, and other specialized covers, with availability varying by state and risk.
• Excess & Surplus lines — Through AZGUARD and related capacity for certain non-admitted risks.

Coverage availability, forms, and limits vary by state and underwriting guidelines.

Underwriting, Claims, and Service

GUARD underwrites on a risk-by-risk basis, with flexibility for both smaller main-street accounts and larger commercial risks within its appetite. Claims can be reported by phone, online, or through the agent. The company maintains dedicated claims handling and offers risk-management and loss-control resources to policyholders.

Customer service is provided through U.S.-based centers supporting billing, policy changes, and related inquiries. A policyholder portal is available for account management.

Who GUARD Serves Best

• Small and mid-sized businesses seeking packaged commercial coverage
• Contractors, retailers, restaurants, professional offices, and similar main-street operations
• Accounts that prefer working through independent agents
• Risks that fit the company’s current underwriting guidelines after recent portfolio adjustments

Businesses with complex or high-hazard exposures may need specialty markets outside GUARD’s core appetite.

Frequently Asked Questions

How strong is GUARD financially?
A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best with a stable outlook (as of August 2026), backed by National Indemnity and Berkshire Hathaway.

Why did premiums decline in 2025?
The company deliberately reduced volume by exiting or tightening unprofitable lines and strengthening underwriting standards.

What products does GUARD emphasize?
Businessowners policies, workers’ compensation, commercial auto, umbrella, and selected specialty covers for small and mid-sized commercial risks.

How are policies sold?
Primarily through independent agents and brokers nationwide.

How are claims handled?
Via phone, online reporting, or the agent, with dedicated claims teams.

Contact Information

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
39 Public Square
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701

Mailing Address: P.O. Box AH, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703-0020

Customer Service / Claims: 1-800-673-2465
Email: csr@guard.com
Website: www.guard.com
Policyholder Portal: policyholder.guard.com

Agent locator and additional contact options are available on the company website.

Summary

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD is a commercially focused property and casualty group that provides businessowners, workers’ compensation, commercial auto, and related coverages to small and mid-sized enterprises across the United States. Its A+ (Superior) A.M. Best rating and Berkshire Hathaway ownership provide strong financial backing. After a period of underwriting challenges and deliberate premium reduction in 2025, the company has implemented corrective actions that have supported a return to a stable rating outlook. Businesses seeking commercial coverage through independent agents can evaluate GUARD alongside other carriers for fit with current underwriting appetite and local market needs.

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