Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies: History, Products, and Market Position

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies is a commercial property and casualty insurer focused on small and mid-sized businesses in the United States. The group traces its origins to 1982 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and today operates as part of Berkshire Hathaway under the support of National Indemnity Company.

Company History

GUARD began as a regional workers’ compensation specialist. Its founders, including industry professionals and private investors, issued the first workers’ compensation policy in 1983. Over the following decades the company expanded through organic growth and acquisitions:

• 1987 — Formation of NorGUARD Insurance Company
• 1995 — Acquisition of Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Saco, Maine (later EastGUARD)
• 2003 — Establishment of WestGUARD Insurance Company

The companies operated under the GUARD Insurance Group name before a major ownership change. In 2007 Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings acquired the group. In 2012 National Indemnity Company, a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary, purchased GUARD. The business was rebranded Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies in 2013 and restructured for greater operational efficiency.

This ownership history provides GUARD with substantial capital support and reinsurance capacity from one of the strongest financial organizations in the insurance industry.

Financial Strength

GUARD maintains 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 balance-sheet strength and continued support from National Indemnity and Berkshire Hathaway, even after a period of underwriting challenges and deliberate premium reduction in 2023–2025.

Commercial Insurance Portfolio

GUARD underwrites a range of commercial lines tailored primarily to main-street and mid-market risks:

Businessowners Policy (BOP)
Combines property, general liability, and business income coverage. Industry-specific versions and endorsements are available for retail, restaurants, contractors, professional offices, hospitality, and similar operations. Optional coverages can include commercial auto, employment practices liability, and cyber.

Workers’ Compensation
A historical strength of the company. Policies cover medical costs, wage replacement, and related benefits, supported by loss-control and return-to-work resources.

Commercial Auto
Liability and physical damage protection for business vehicles and fleets used by contractors, delivery operations, and other commercial users.

Umbrella and Excess Liability
Additional limits above primary policies, useful for businesses with higher liability exposures.

Professional and Specialty Lines
Errors and omissions, employment practices liability, cyber liability, and selected other specialty coverages, with availability varying by state and risk profile.

Industry Programs
Targeted offerings for retail, food service, habitational properties, wholesale, healthcare-related risks, and artisan contractors.

Distribution, Claims, and Risk Management

Policies are sold primarily through independent agents and brokers. Claims can be reported by phone, online portal, or through the agent. GUARD maintains dedicated claims handling and offers risk-engineering and loss-control services intended to help policyholders identify hazards and reduce losses.

Who GUARD Serves

GUARD is designed for small and mid-sized commercial accounts that fit its current underwriting guidelines. Businesses seeking packaged coverage through independent agents, particularly in traditional main-street industries, form the core of its book. Larger or more complex risks may require specialty markets outside the group’s primary appetite.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GUARD’s ownership and rating?
It is owned by Berkshire Hathaway through National Indemnity and carries an A+ (Superior) A.M. Best rating with a stable outlook (as of August 2026).

What types of businesses does GUARD typically insure?
Small and mid-sized commercial risks, including retail, restaurants, contractors, professional offices, hospitality, and similar operations, subject to underwriting guidelines.

How are policies distributed?
Primarily through independent agents and brokers.

How are claims handled?
Via phone, online reporting, or the agent, with dedicated claims teams and multi-channel access.

Has the company adjusted its underwriting recently?
Yes. In response to underwriting results in 2023–2025, GUARD tightened guidelines and reduced exposure in certain lines, resulting in lower premium volume while aiming to improve profitability.

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

Phone: 1-800-673-2465
Fax: 570-820-7968
Email: csr@guard.com
Website: www.guard.com
Policyholder Portal: policyholder.guard.com

An agent locator is available on the company website.

Summary

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies has evolved from a regional workers’ compensation writer founded in 1982 into a multi-line commercial insurer backed by Berkshire Hathaway. Its A+ (Superior) rating, independent-agent distribution model, and focus on small and mid-sized business risks position it as a relevant option for many main-street and mid-market accounts. Recent underwriting discipline and portfolio adjustments reflect the company’s efforts to maintain long-term stability while continuing to serve commercial clients across the United States.

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