Redwood Fire and Casualty Insurance Company: A Trusted Home State Insurer

Redwood Fire and Casualty Insurance Company has a long and storied history as part of the Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (BHHC) group. For over 50 years, it has provided quality insurance products to consumers across the United States. This article provides an in-depth profile of Redwood Fire and Casualty, exploring its roots, evolution, key offerings, and what makes it stand out as a leading regional insurance provider.

Overview of Redwood Fire and Casualty Insurance Company

Redwood Fire and Casualty Insurance Company is a Nebraska-domiciled property and casualty insurer that has been in business since 1970. It is part of the Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies, a group of regional insurers operating under the Berkshire Hathaway brand.

As an AM Best “A++” rated carrier, Redwood Fire and Casualty provides the financial strength and security expected from a Berkshire Hathaway company. It offers a range of commercial and personal insurance products including:

• Business insurance
• Homeowners insurance
• Automobile insurance
• Umbrella insurance
• Farm and ranch insurance

The company employs over 500 insurance professionals operating from offices across the Midwest and Western states. It retains deep roots in the communities it serves while providing national-scale resources as part of the Berkshire Hathaway enterprise.

History and Origins of Redwood Fire and Casualty

Redwood Fire and Casualty Insurance Company has its origins dating back to 1970:

• 1970 – Founded as Kerkling Reinsurance Corporation, a Nebraska domestic insurance company.

• 1976 – Acquired by Berkshire Hathaway, providing added financial strength.

• 1977 – Name changed to Central Fire & Casualty Company to reflect expanded focus beyond reinsurance.

• 1980 – Renamed to current identity as Redwood Fire and Casualty Insurance Company.

• 1990s – Expanded offerings beyond commercial policies to include personal insurance products.

• 2000s – Broadened footprint across Midwestern and Western states.

• Today – Operates as part of Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies, with $9 billion in assets.

Throughout its history, Redwood Fire and Casualty has retained a focus on providing localized insurance solutions combined with the capabilities of a Fortune 500 national insurer.

Insurance Products Offered by Redwood Fire and Casualty

Redwood Fire and Casualty provides both commercial and personal insurance policies tailored to policyholders in its regional territories:

Commercial Insurance

• General liability insurance
• Commercial property insurance
• Commercial auto insurance
• Workers compensation insurance
• Business owners policies (BOP)
• Commercial umbrella insurance

Personal Insurance

• Homeowners insurance
• Condo insurance
• Renters insurance
• Personal auto insurance
• Recreational vehicle insurance
• Personal umbrella insurance
• Farm and ranch insurance

Policyholders can work directly with local Redwood Fire and Casualty agents and offices to get quotes and craft customized insurance solutions. Multiline discounts are available by bundling multiple policies.

Why Redwood Fire and Casualty Stands Out

There are several key reasons Redwood Fire and Casualty is considered a top choice for insurance:

• Local expertise – Relative to national insurers, Redwood Fire and Casualty has specialized regional knowledge and experience.

• Superior financial ratings – Consistently maintains AM Best “A++” rating as part of Berkshire Hathaway group.

• Quality service – High marks for friendly, responsive customer service from local agents.

• Policyholder dividends – Eligible policyholders can qualify for annual dividend payments.

• Bundle discounts – Bundling home and auto policies provides multiline discounts.

• Claims service – Prompt claims servicing with 24/7 support.

• Multi-product offerings – Provides a complete range of personal and commercial policies.

With deep community roots combined with the backing of Berkshire Hathaway, Redwood Fire and Casualty hits the sweet spot between hometown feel and national strength.

Is Redwood Fire and Casualty the Right Insurer for You?

When shopping for insurance, it’s always wise to compare multiple carriers. But Redwood Fire and Casualty stands out as an excellent choice if you:

• Value quality service – You want friendly, knowledgeable support from a local agent.

• Seek financial security – Berkshire Hathaway’s backing provides peace of mind.

• Want potential dividends – Eligibility for annual dividend payments is a nice perk.

• Seek bundle discounts – You maintain multiple policies like home and auto that can be combined.

• Have specialty insurance needs – Such as a farm, ranch or recreational vehicle.

• Live in Redwood’s service regions – Spanning over a dozen Midwestern and Western states.

Reach out to a local Redwood Fire and Casualty agent to request a quote and learn more about this trusted insurance provider.

Locations and Regions Serviced by Redwood Fire and Casualty

With headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska, Redwood Fire and Casualty provides insurance products through a network of offices and agents in the following states:

Midwest Region

• Nebraska
• Iowa
• Minnesota
• North Dakota
• South Dakota

Western Region

• Colorado
• Wyoming
• Montana
• Idaho
• Nevada
• Oregon
• Washington

The company can write policies on an admitted basis throughout these states. It also has surplus lines capabilities for writing specialty policies countrywide, subject to state regulations.

Professional Insurance Agents Representing Redwood Fire

Policyholders have the option to purchase Redwood Fire and Casualty insurance directly from the company or through independent insurance agencies appointed to represent the company.

These independent agencies often represent multiple insurers, giving them expertise across a range of insurance products and the ability to shop for the best coverage and rates on behalf of clients.

When searching online for local Redwood Fire and Casualty agents, look for listings of appointed agencies in your state. Reaching out to multiple appointed agents allows you to compare quotes across the company’s available insurance plans.

Customer Service, Claims Resources and Online Support

Redwood Fire and Casualty provides resources to help customers after purchasing a policy:

• 24/7 claims reporting – Policyholders can report a claim anytime online or by phone.

• Online account access – Manage your policy and pay bills through the self-service customer portal.

• Policy documents online – Access your insurance ID cards, auto ID cards, policies and invoices digitally.

• Payment flexibility – Make payments easily via credit card, bank account, mail or over the phone.

• Mobile app – Download the BHHC mobile app for iOS or Android for account access on the go.

The insurer’s experienced claims staff provides prompt resolutions for reported losses. Redwood Fire and Casualty puts the needs of its policyholders first.

The Bottom Line: A Trusted Local Insurer

With over 50 years serving commercial and personal customers, Redwood Fire and Casualty Insurance Company has a proven track record as a trusted insurance provider in the regions it operates.

The company pairs localized expertise with the financial backing of insurance giant Berkshire Hathaway. For customers seeking quality coverage combined with home state service, Redwood Fire and Casualty is a carrier worth considering.