Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies: A Distinctive Legacy and Robust Commercial Insurance Provider
Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies trace their roots back to the early 1980s, beginning as a modest collection of regional insurance carriers. Founded originally in 1982 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, by industry professionals including Susan and Judd Shoval alongside private investors, the company initially focused on Workers’ Compensation insurance within a handful of states. By 1983, GUARD issued its first Workers’ Comp policy, marking the onset of years of steady expansion and diversification.
Throughout the late 20th century and into the 21st, GUARD strategically broadened its footprint and product suite. It added new companies such as NorGUARD Insurance Company in 1987 and acquired Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Saco, Maine, which became EastGUARD in 1995. The early 2000s saw further growth with the establishment of WestGUARD Insurance Company in 2003. The collective companies rebranded under the GUARD Insurance Group name, positioning themselves as a unified commercial property and casualty insurance provider.
A significant turning point occurred in 2007, when GUARD was acquired by Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd., a publicly traded international insurance group, greatly enhancing its capital resources and management expertise. In 2012, Berkshire Hathaway’s National Indemnity Company, one of the world’s most powerful reinsurers and a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary, acquired GUARD, thus incorporating it into one of the most respected and financially stable global conglomerates.
This affiliation brought tremendous benefits, including fortified capital reserves, access to deep reinsurance support, and operational synergies. The company was rebranded as Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies in 2013 and underwent corporate restructuring to streamline its operations, enhancing efficiency and scalability.
Corporate Philosophy and Market Position
GUARD’s guiding philosophy hinges on delivering “superior service and operational efficiency” while providing tailored commercial insurance solutions that meet the unique demands of small and mid-sized businesses, artisan contractors, wholesalers, habitational property owners, and a wide array of other industries.
As part of Berkshire Hathaway, GUARD boasts a formidable financial foundation underscored by an A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best, instilling confidence in policyholders through a robust claim-paying ability. This rating reflects the insurer’s prudent risk management, reinsurance arrangements, and rigorous underwriting discipline.
GUARD’s customer-centric approach seeks to empower independent retail insurance agents—its primary distribution channel—with the product flexibility, local underwriting authority, and support tools they need to serve their clients effectively. The company’s mid-sized business focus is complemented by specialty products enabling coverage for niche markets often underserved by larger insurers.
Comprehensive Product Offerings with Industry-Specific Tailoring
Berkshire Hathaway GUARD’s commercial insurance portfolio is expansive, encompassing property, casualty, liability, workers’ compensation, auto, umbrella, professional liability, cyber liability, and specialized coverage lines. Key highlights include:
- Businessowners Policy (BOP):
GUARD’s BOP combines property coverage, general liability, and business income protection with broad endorsement options. It caters to multiple industries, including retail stores, restaurants, contractors, professional offices, and hospitality. The BOP can be extensively customized to include endorsements for cyber risk, employment practices, and commercial auto. - Workers’ Compensation:
GUARD has historical strength in Workers’ Compensation insurance, offering policies that provide injured workers with medical care and wage replacement. The company leverages loss control and return-to-work programs designed to minimize downtime and manage claims costs effectively. - Commercial Auto Insurance:
Comprehensive coverage for fleets and individual vehicles ensures protection against liability, physical damage, and uninsured motorists. Coverage suits delivery services, contractors, and transportation companies. - Umbrella and Excess Liability:
These policies extend underlying insurance limits, safeguarding businesses against catastrophic liability exposures. GUARD’s umbrella forms are known for worldwide coverage and streamlined policy language. - Professional and Specialty Lines:
These include Errors & Omissions (E&O), Directors & Officers (D&O) liability, Employment Practices Liability (EPLI), fiduciary liability, and cyber liability. GUARD customizes these coverages to fit sensitive lines such as health care providers, artisans, and habitational property owners. - Industry-Specific Programs:
Recognized for scrutinizing industry-specific risks, GUARD designs programs for retail, food services, habitational dwellings, wholesalers, healthcare, and artisan contractors, enabling precise underwriting and optimized coverage terms.
Claims Management and Risk Control Initiatives
Berkshire Hathaway GUARD prides itself on robust claims management supported by technology and hands-on adjusters. Claims can be reported via multiple convenient channels, including an online portal. Specialized teams work closely with insureds to ensure prompt evaluations and fair settlements.
GUARD also maintains a dedicated risk engineering and loss control division that partners with policyholders to identify hazards, enhance safety protocols, and reduce potential losses. These services not only reduce claims costs but also improve insurance terms and foster long-term relationships.
Real-World Success Stories
Retail Fire Recovery:
After a warehouse fire damaged inventory and disrupted business, GUARD’s property and business income coverage helped the retail chain cover rebuilding expenses and loss of income, allowing fast resumption of operations.
Artisan Contractor Liability:
A plumbing contractor faced property damage claims. GUARD’s general liability policy covered legal expenses and settlements, protecting the contractor’s credit and continuance of business.
Data Breach in Healthcare:
Following a cyberattack exposing patient data, GUARD’s cyber liability responded by financing breach investigation, notification, and regulatory penalties, restoring operational integrity.
Automotive Fleet Collision:
A transport company’s truck involved in an accident benefited from GUARD’s commercial auto insurance paying for vehicle repair, liability claims, and medical payments.
School Employment Claim:
A school district faced a wrongful dismissal suit, and GUARD’s employment practices liability coverage provided legal assistance and defended the district’s interests.
FAQs about Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
Q1: What makes GUARD financially secure?
A1: Backed by Berkshire Hathaway’s capital and National Indemnity’s reinsurance, GUARD maintains a superior financial rating ensuring claims can be paid promptly.
Q2: Are GUARD’s products customizable?
A2: Policies are highly modular, designed to fit specific industries, risks, and business sizes—not “one-size-fits-all.”
Q3: How accessible is GUARD to small businesses?
A3: Primarily distributed through independent agents, GUARD offers solutions to small and mid-sized businesses with a personal agent’s assistance.
Q4: How is the claims process handled?
A4: GUARD provides streamlined, multi-channel claims reporting and a hands-on approach to ensure fair and swift settlements.
Q5: Has GUARD faced operational challenges?
A5: Yes, recent years included adverse loss developments and natural disasters, prompting strategic realignments while maintaining strong ratings.
Contact Details
Headquarters:
Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
39 Public Square
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Mailing Address: P.O. Box AH
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703-0020
Phone: 1-800-673-2465
Fax: 570-820-7968
Email: csr@guard.com
Website: www.guard.com
Policyholder portal: policyholder.guard.com
Agent locator: www.guard.com/find-an-agent
California Office:
3150 E Willow Street
Signal Hill, CA 90755
Phone: (562) 595-5355
Email: service@driscollinsured.com
Conclusion
Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies represent a blend of legacy, financial strength, and innovative insurance solutions tailored for American businesses. From its humble origins as a regional workers’ compensation insurer, GUARD has evolved into a comprehensive commercial insurance provider backed by the power of Berkshire Hathaway. Its industry-focused products, strong capital base, and commitment to service make it uniquely positioned to help businesses navigate the evolving risk environment while growing confidently into the future.
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