Berkshire Hathaway’s insurance appetite for trucking is managed through several specialized subsidiaries, each targeting different segments of the market. The general appetite is broad, covering everything from owner-operators to large corporate fleets across local and long-haul operations.
Appetite Guide & Targeted Classes
The program generally favors non-passenger vehicular risks. Specific target classes include:
- For-Hire Trucking: General commodity, auto transport, agriculture/livestock, and dry van/refrigerated freight.
- Specialized Hauling: Flatbeds, tankers, and hazardous materials (with ability to provide federal filings).
- Service & Corporate Fleets: Vehicles used by contractors (plumbers, electricians), delivery firms, and private corporate fleets.
- New Ventures: Some subsidiaries, such as Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (BHHC), explicitly welcome new business ventures with no radius or unit count restrictions.
Ideal Customer Profiles by Subsidiary
Berkshire Hathaway segments its ideal customers based on the complexity and size of the operation:
| Subsidiary | Ideal Customer Profile | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| biBERK | Small businesses and owner-operators who prefer managing insurance online without a broker. | Direct-to-business model; potential savings of up to 20%. |
| BHHC | Small to medium fleets (1–10 units) looking for quick online quotes (BQuick/Breeze) or larger risks needing flexible radius options. | Broad appetite including logging, energy, and heavy equipment. |
| BH Specialty (BHSI) | Large corporate fleets and high-capacity risks requiring lead umbrella or excess liability. | High capacity ($5M+) and minimum premiums typically starting at $50k–$80k. |
| BH GUARD | Mainstream commercial auto customers looking to bundle with other lines like Workers’ Comp. | Focus on established safety cultures and clean Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs). |
Prohibited & Restricted Classes
Most Berkshire Hathaway trucking programs typically avoid or restrict the following:
- Public Passenger Transport: Shuttles, buses, taxis, limos, and ride-sharing.
- High-Risk Operations: Stand-alone truck brokering, coal hauling, and retail propane distribution.
- Poor Driving Histories: Drivers with major violations (DUI, reckless driving, hit and run) or more than three at-fault accidents in three years.
