Berkshire Hathaway, led by Warren Buffett, is a diverse conglomerate with significant interests in the insurance sector.
The company’s insurance operations form a cornerstone of its business model, providing a steady stream of revenue and substantial float, which Berkshire Hathaway uses for investment opportunities.
Key Insurance Subsidiaries Owned by Berkshire Hathaway
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) GEICO is one of the most well-known subsidiaries of Berkshire Hathaway. It provides private passenger automobile insurance to millions of drivers across the United States. GEICO also offers insurance for motorcycles, boats, RVs, and commercial vehicles. Its direct-to-consumer marketing strategy, including internet and phone sales, has been highly successful, making it one of the largest auto insurers in the country .
General Re General Re (Gen Re) is a leading global reinsurance company. It provides reinsurance solutions for life, health, and property-casualty risks. Gen Re operates through several subsidiaries, offering a wide range of reinsurance products worldwide .
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group This group offers various reinsurance coverages, including excess-of-loss and quota-share reinsurance for property-casualty risks. It also writes life and health reinsurance. The reinsurance group operates through multiple subsidiaries, including National Indemnity Company, which is one of the largest insurance entities in the world.
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance This subsidiary provides commercial property, casualty, healthcare professional liability, executive and professional lines, surety, travel, homeowners, and other insurance products. It has a global presence with offices in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies GUARD offers a range of commercial insurance products, including workers’ compensation, business owner’s policies, commercial auto, and umbrella insurance. It serves small and mid-sized businesses across the United States through a network of independent agents and brokers .
MedPro Group MedPro Group provides healthcare liability insurance and risk management solutions to healthcare professionals and institutions. It is one of the leading providers of such insurance in the United States and also has operations in Europe .
National Indemnity Company This company offers a wide array of insurance and reinsurance products, including commercial auto, general liability, and property insurance. It plays a crucial role in Berkshire’s reinsurance operations, providing significant underwriting capacity and expertise .
MLMIC Insurance Company Acquired by Berkshire Hathaway in 2018, MLMIC is a leading provider of medical professional liability insurance in New York State. It offers comprehensive coverage to healthcare professionals, including physicians, surgeons, and dentists .
United States Liability Insurance Group (USLI) USLI underwrites commercial, professional, and personal lines insurance. It markets its products through a network of wholesale and retail agents across the United States, focusing on specialty insurance lines .
Central States Indemnity This small yet significant subsidiary focuses on credit insurance and specialty lines, providing niche insurance products to a targeted market .
Importance of Insurance to Berkshire Hathaway
Insurance operations are integral to Berkshire Hathaway’s business model for several reasons:
Steady Cash Flow: The insurance subsidiaries generate substantial premium income, providing Berkshire Hathaway with a steady cash flow.
Investment Float: Premiums received from policyholders are held as reserves (float) until claims are paid out. Berkshire Hathaway invests this float, using it to acquire other companies and invest in various securities. As of recent reports, Berkshire’s insurance float stood at approximately $164 billion .
Risk Diversification: The diverse array of insurance products offered by Berkshire’s subsidiaries helps mitigate risk and ensures stability across different market conditions .
Conclusion
Berkshire Hathaway’s insurance businesses are a critical component of its overall strategy, providing a reliable income stream and substantial capital for investments. The company’s ability to leverage the float from its insurance operations has been a cornerstone of Warren Buffett’s investment philosophy, allowing Berkshire Hathaway to grow into one of the most successful conglomerates in the world. With a wide range of insurance subsidiaries, from auto and health to specialty lines and reinsurance, Berkshire Hathaway continues to maintain a dominant position in the insurance industry .