Berkley Southeast Insurance Group Insurance Review & Complaints: Commercial Insurance (2024)

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About Berkley Southeast Insurance Group

W. R. Berkley Corporation was founded in 1967 as an investment company, acquiring a group of commercial and reinsurance companies over the decades. In 2013, the company founded Berkley Southeast Insurance Group, serving the southeastern United States. The parent company owns insurers across the nation and the globe.

Berkley Southeast underwrites commercial insurance in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Additional companies under the Berkley banner include:

• Acadia Insurance Company
• Continental Western Insurance Company
• Fireman’s Insurance Company of Washington, D.C.
• Union Insurance Company
• Tri-State Insurance Company of Minnesota

Corporate offices are located in Lawrenceville, Georgia, but there are regional offices in multiple states. Claims are handled out of the Meridian, Missouri office. All of Berkley’s products are sold by independent agents across the service region, although not all products are available in every state. Products are available for small businesses, mid-sized businesses, and specialty markets.

Berkley Southeast Products

Small Business

Berkley provides small business insurance for more than 450 different classes of business in eight markets. Their product for small businesses, BSIG Advantage, is a customizable, comprehensive insurance package to meet the specific needs of various types of businesses. This format allows the agent to work with individual companies to determine what insurance coverage is needed and add or remove as required.

Among the items that can be adjusted or added to the basic package are:

• General Liability and Property Enhancement Adjustments
• Business Income
• Professional Liability
• First-Party Data Breach
• Employment Practices Liability
• Commercial Auto
• Inland Marine
• Worker’s Compensation

Mid-Size Business

Although they call this division “middle market”, the company website states that they write policies for both mid-size and large companies. Berkley divides its middle-market business products into six main business categories:

• Construction
• Hospitality
• Manufacturing
• Real Estate
• Retailers and Wholesalers
• Services

Package policies are available in each market segment that can be customized to provide the specific protection needed in that industry. Because companies can vary greatly, companies are directed to speak to an agent regarding policy details.

Specialty Products

In addition to serving a large base of common business types, Berkley has specialized policies for two business classes that have particular needs.

Social Services policies are available in North and South Carolina for businesses such as Adult Day Cares, Community Development Agencies, Food Banks, rehabilitation facilities, and more.

The company also writes farm owners’ and ranch owners’ policies. These cover specific risks such as farm personal property, farm buildings, and other items specific to running a farm or ranch.

Berkley’s Rates

Because business insurance is very specific and customized, it is impossible to provide a rate comparison against other companies. Rate quotes can be obtained by contacting an agent, who will create a package and quote it specifically for the company.

Claims Process at Berkley Southeast Insurance Group Insurance

Ease of Filing a Claim (Online, Over the Phone, Mobile Apps)

Berkley Southeast Insurance Group offers multiple convenient options for filing insurance claims. Customers can choose to report claims online, over the phone, or even through mobile apps, providing flexibility and ease of access in times of need.

Average Claim Processing Time

The average claim processing time can be a crucial factor for policyholders. While Berkley Southeast Insurance Group does not specify a single claim processing time due to the complexity of business insurance, they do provide various channels and resources to streamline the claims process.

The efficiency of claim processing may vary depending on the nature and complexity of the claim.

Customer Feedback on Claim Resolutions and Payouts

As a relatively new entity in the insurance industry, Berkley Southeast Insurance Group has limited customer feedback available, particularly in the area of claim resolutions and payouts. However, they hold an A rating from the Better Business Bureau and have no complaints listed in the past three years, indicating a positive track record in customer satisfaction.

Berkley Southeast Insurance Group Insurance’s Digital and Technological Features

Mobile App Features and Functionality

Berkley Southeast Insurance Group offers a mobile app that provides policyholders with access to various features and functionalities. While specific details about the app are not provided in this review, mobile apps typically offer the ability to manage policies, report claims, view policy documents, and even make payments on the go.

These features enhance convenience and accessibility for customers.

Online Account Management Capabilities

Policyholders can take advantage of online account management capabilities offered by Berkley Southeast Insurance Group. These capabilities likely include the ability to access policy information, review coverage details, update personal information, and more.

Online account management simplifies the insurance experience by allowing customers to make changes and inquiries at their convenience.

Digital Tools and Resources

In addition to mobile app and online account management, Berkley Southeast Insurance Group may provide various digital tools and resources to assist policyholders. These tools could include educational resources, calculators, and guides to help customers better understand their insurance coverage and make informed decisions.

Please note that the availability and specific features of digital and technological tools may vary, so policyholders are encouraged to explore Berkley Southeast Insurance Group’s digital offerings for a comprehensive overview of their capabilities.

Ratings and Consumer Reviews

Berkley Southeast Insurance Group is a relatively new entity, although the parent company has been around for half a century. It is also a business insurer, and so there are far fewer reviews available than we usually see for a personal lines company.

The company does have a Better Business Bureau profile, with an A rating and does not list any complaints filed in the past three years. It is always encouraging to see a lack of complaints filed, but the lowering of the rating to A rather than A+ is unusual given that lack.

We were unable to locate any specific reviews of the company’s products or services written by customers. Since this company has only been operating since 2013, more time may be needed for a clear picture of their reputation to emerge.

The Bottom Line

If you are in the market for business insurance within Berkley’s service area, they are worth investigating, particularly if your business fits into any of the specialty niches they cover. Due to a general lack of information on the company’s reputation, it is difficult to form a specific recommendation. The complex nature of business insurance generally warrants speaking with an agent in order to choose the right company for your needs.