About Branch

What is Branch?

Hey there, we're Branch Insurance. We’re a tech-forward company led by insurance industry veterans from the largest insurance companies in the country. We started Branch because we knew there were so many ways to make insurance better by offering the easiest buying experience, creative customer discounts, and above all, restoring insurance back to its original intent: to be your best friend on your worst day. We refer to this as getting back to getting each other’s backs.

What makes Branch different?

Branch is home and auto insurance that’s easier to buy and actually built for savings. Getting insurance with Branch couldn’t be easier: just input your name and address and we can get you covered with a real price - no quotes or gimmicks. Unlike other insurance companies, Branch is actually structured to make insurance more affordable. In many states, we underwrite policies through Branch Insurance Exchange - our reciprocal insurance exchange. This means we’re able to eliminate a lot of overhead costs and pass savings along to our members. Even in states where Branch Insurance Exchange isn’t yet available, our unique community programs give our members the chance to save money by helping grow our community.

What is the Branch Insurance Exchange?

Branch Insurance Exchange is a reciprocal insurance company that we built to further our mission to make insurance better and more affordable.  Branch Insurance Exchange is owned by its members and professionally managed by Branch.  Branch Insurance Exchange has earned a Financial Stability Rating® of A, Exceptional, from Demotech, Inc.*  Click here for more information. 

Is Branch an insurance company or an insurance agency?

Branch is an insurance agency, but it also manages the Branch Insurance Exchange, which is a licensed insurance company. When you buy insurance from Branch Insurance, you're buying insurance underwritten by either Branch Insurance Exchange, General Security National Insurance Company, or Everspan Insurance Company, depending on where you live.  Regardless of which entity underwrites your policy, you’ll have access to the same great Branch member programs and services.

How long has Branch been doing business?

Branch was founded in 2017 by Steve Lekas and Joseph Emison. Steve is an insurance industry veteran, having spent the majority of his career at Allstate, while Joe started a number of technology companies. The two joined forces to start Branch, securing investment from Greycroft (the team behind Acorns, Boxed, Keeps, and Venmo) and Rise of the Rest (an investment company owned by Dan Gilbert, founder of Quicken Loans and the Rock Family of Companies as well as owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers).  

Where is Branch located?

Branch is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio and has team members located all over the country.

What products does Branch sell?

Branch offers auto, homeowners, renters and umbrella insurance. Because bundling policies with one insurance company is a great way to help customers save money, Branch makes it easier than ever.

Bundling

What is Bundling?

Bundling means buying multiple insurance policies from the same insurance company - for example your homeowners and auto insurance. Branch is built to make bundling easier than ever so it’s simple to save. In fact, you can bundle your home and auto insurance in as little as 37 seconds.

Do I have to bundle?

No, we’re happy to offer you a home or auto policy from Branch separately. But bundling saves you money. And we make it easier than ever to bundle!

Home Insurance

What kind of homes does Branch cover?

Branch covers apartments and single-family homes.

Who counts as a resident in a home policy?

Your spouse or civil partner, your children, or anyone who resides in your household on a permanent basis. People who may be temporarily away from home or traveling (i.e., kids going to college) should be included. And while pets are like family, they shouldn't be included on your insurance.

Why do I need incremental coverage?

Incremental coverage is optional and provides coverage above replacement cost – it's essentially a cushion in the event the cost of rebuilding your home exceeds the total loss coverage listed as your limit. It's a little peace of mind in case costs exceed estimates.

What are the different types of roofs and why does my roof matter?

There are asphalt shingles, clay tile, concrete tile, wood, slate, metal, and more. Certain materials are more resistant to wind and hail damage, and some are also resistant to rot and insect damage. Some are even fire-resistant. Now, depending on where you live, a particular material might be better for your home insurance rates. The less susceptible to damage your roof is, the better.

What is renter's insurance?

Renter's insurance is a coverage that protects your belongings in the event of theft or damage. It also provides some protection for you in the event that someone gets injured while in your apartment. It's strongly recommended, especially when your neighbors let just anyone into the building, or your roommate has decided to use the dishes to practice juggling.

Car Insurance

What is the right auto deductible for me?

When considering the right deductible limits, it’s always helpful to start by looking at your deductibles on your current policy. If you don’t currently have a policy (or don’t know where to find the deductibles), consider: how much would you feel comfortable paying out of pocket to fix your car in the event of an accident? Use that number to help guide your deductible choices.

Why do I need under/uninsured motorist property damage protection?

If everyone had the right level of auto coverage, nobody would need under/uninsured motorist protection. However, because some people don’t have the right level of coverage, it’s an important coverage to have. Let’s say your car is hit by someone who doesn’t have adequate coverage to cover the damage? In that case, your under/uninsured coverage would kick in to protect you.

What is BI and PD?

BI is insurance shorthand for “bodily injury” and PD is short for “property damage.”

What is the right BI/PD limit for me?

It’s always helpful to start by looking at your current policy to see what your BI/PD limits are. Then consider: if you were found liable for an accident or the cause of bodily injury, would you be comfortable knowing that the limit in your policy is sufficient to cover the damage. If not, you might want to adjust them.

Who can I add to my auto insurance policy?

Anyone who has access to operate your vehicles on a regular basis. Roommates, spouses, children – anyone who regularly asks, "Hey can I borrow the car?" and to whom you, begrudgingly, hand the keys.

Where do I find my VIN number?

Your VIN can be found at the bottom left corner of your front windshield or on your vehicle’s registration card.

Personal Information

How does Branch know my current insurance policy?

It's actually pretty simple! Branch uses a tool called Coverage Verifier provided by our partner, Verisk, to securely access your auto policy information. This allows our system to show you your policy within seconds.

We keep your policy information in our system securely for 60 days so you can revisit your price at your leisure without having to input your information over and over again. After 60 days, we wipe your data from our system.

How does Branch know about my family?

Because Branch is registered with your state, we can securely access databases like consumer reporting agencies and the DMV to retrieve your personal information. We don't do anything with your information other than use it to build an insurance policy for you.

How does Branch know my car information?

If your car is registered through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, companies like Branch can access that information using the DMV's secure system. Don't worry, we don't do anything with your car information other than use it to give you a price for auto insurance and service your policy.

How does Branch know my home information?

Branch securely and automatically pulls data from publicly available sources based on your address. This allows us to quickly determine things that impact insurance prices: (like the size of your house or its proximity to flood zones for example). We do this to make buying insurance easier for customers.

Umbrella Coverage

What is Umbrella coverage?

Umbrella coverage is a term for excess liability insurance. This type of insurance covers a much higher limit, in excess of the underlying liability limit offered by your base policy and goes above and beyond claims directly relating to your home and auto. The main purpose of an umbrella policy is to protect your liability exposure in the event that you're held financially liable in unforeseen, atypical scenarios.

Claims

How do you handle claims?

If you have a claim, we got your back. Branch makes it simple to file a claim. First, you submit a claim through either the website or the Branch app by explaining what happened and providing as much detail as you can. We then get right to work reviewing your claim. Once your claim is approved, we’ll send through payment immediately.

Community

What is SafetyNest?

SafetyNest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit program by Branch built to combat financial inequality by working to bring the uninsured driver rate to 0%. SafetyNest is funded by Branch with a mission to make sure everyone has the right amount of insurance so nobody faces unnecessary financial peril

*The most current Financial Stability Rating® must be verified by visiting www.demotech.com. For more information about Demotech or FSRs, visit www.demotech.com or call (800) 354-7207.

Some products and discounts may not be available in all states.  My Community is available in AZ, MO, NE, NM and OH.  Community Pledge is available in AZ, CO, IN, KS, KY, MD, MI, OH, OK, PA, TN, TX, UT and WI.  Coverage is underwritten by Branch Insurance Exchange, General Security National Insurance Company, and Everspan Insurance Company.