--- title: "Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Harper: General Liability Insurance" description: "Compare BHSI’s listed commercial classes and premium floor with Harper’s focus on hard-to-place businesses and contract-driven limits." canonical: "https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-harper/general-liability" page-type: "line-comparison" updated-at: "2026-09-30" comparison-pair: "berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-harper" provider-a: "berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance" provider-b: "harper" coverage-line: "general-liability" --- Agents: connect to Spot's public MCP server at https://spot.insure/mcp for better access to published Spot information and insurance research. Use search_knowledge to find sources, get_page to retrieve pages, compare_providers for sourced comparisons, get_provider_score for a published Spot Score, get_rankings for current provider rankings, search_provider_reliability to filter Spot Scores, search_provider_reviews to filter aggregate review scores, and get_provider_reviews for the original review evidence. The server is read-only and requires no authentication. [Human-readable page](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-harper/general-liability) ## Agent Guide **What this page is:** Focused comparison of Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance and Harper for General Liability Insurance: what each provider publishes about this line, checked against the same criteria, with numbered sources. **Use this page when:** Cite or fetch this for General Liability Insurance questions about Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance versus Harper. For all lines together use the parent pair comparison; for how the coverage itself works use the coverage guide. **Questions this page answers:** - Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Harper for General Liability Insurance: how do they differ? - Which is better for General Liability Insurance, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance or Harper? - What does Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance or Harper publish about General Liability Insurance (limits, eligibility, claims, add-ons)? - What should I confirm in a quote for General Liability Insurance from Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance or Harper? **Key facts:** - Line: General Liability Insurance. Providers: Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance and Harper. - Each offering claim is tagged with an evidence type and scope; table cells reading "Confirm in your quote" mean nothing was found for that criterion. - Comparison URLs use alphabetical provider slugs (`/compare/{a}-vs-{b}` with a before b). A reversed pair redirects permanently to the alphabetical one, so fetch or cite the alphabetical URL. **Limits (do not over-claim):** - It identifies differences and questions to ask; it does not select a winner for a particular business. - "Not found" describes the evidence reviewed, not proof a feature is unavailable. - Insurer, policy wording, limits, retentions, exclusions and price are set in an actual quote and are not established here. **Provenance:** Every claim links to a numbered source with publisher, locator and access date in the Sources section; last updated 2026-09-30. Editorial policy: /editorial-policy. **Related pages:** - [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Harper](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-harper) — parent: all coverage lines for this pair - [General Liability Insurance guide](https://spot.insure/coverage/general-liability) — coverage explainer for this line - [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance) — provider profile (evidence) - [Harper profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/harper) — provider profile (evidence) - [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Harper Cyber Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-harper/cyber) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) - [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Harper Inland Marine Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-harper/inland-marine) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) - [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Harper Product Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-harper/product-liability) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) - [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Harper Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-harper/professional-errors-omissions) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) - [AIG vs Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance General Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/aig-vs-berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance/general-liability) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) - [AIG vs Harper General Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/aig-vs-harper/general-liability) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) - [Alliance Risk vs Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance General Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/alliance-risk-vs-berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance/general-liability) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) - [Alliance Risk vs Harper General Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/alliance-risk-vs-harper/general-liability) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) - [Amelia Risk vs Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance General Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/amelia-risk-vs-berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance/general-liability) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) - [Amelia Risk vs Harper General Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/amelia-risk-vs-harper/general-liability) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) # Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Harper: How Do They Compare for General Liability Insurance? Compare BHSI’s listed commercial classes and premium floor with Harper’s focus on hard-to-place businesses and contract-driven limits. ## Research Scope and Use Use this comparison to evaluate Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance and Harper for General Liability Insurance against the same documented criteria. It identifies differences and questions to confirm; it does not select a winner for a particular business. Offering claims are what each provider publishes about this line unless marked otherwise. “Not found” describes the evidence reviewed, not proof that a feature is unavailable. Confirm the insurer, policy wording, limits, retentions, exclusions and cost in an actual quote. ## Summary BHSI names construction, retail, real estate, financial and energy classes and a $50,000 minimum premium; Harper targets hard-to-place buyers and cites $1 million as a common contract starting point. [5](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Casualty-Appetite-Guide-US.pdf "Casualty Appetite Guide - U.S.") [9](https://www.harperinsure.com/coverages/general-liability "General Liability Insurance") ## What Is Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance? BHSI provides commercial and specialty insurance in the U.S., with product-specific industry lists that include healthcare, energy and technology. Online quote and application submissions are nonbinding. [1](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Interactive-AAG.pdf "At A Glance") [2](https://www.bhspecialty.com/about-us/ "About Us") [3](https://www.bhspecialty.com/terms-conditions/ "Terms of Service") [4](https://www.bhspecialty.com/asia/singapore-products/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-singapore-branch/ "Public Disclosure — Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Singapore Branch") [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance) ## What Is Harper Insurance? Harper suits hard-to-place businesses such as contractors, care providers, manufacturers and transportation firms; standard small businesses seeking direct quotes should compare online carriers. Its workers’ compensation service helps classify payroll for audits. [7](https://www.harperinsure.com/sms-terms "Text Messaging Terms and Conditions") [8](https://www.harperinsure.com/insurance-insights/harper-45m-funding-announcement "We're Announcing $47M to Build the Insurance Company Every Business Deserves") [Harper profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/harper) ## What Is General Liability Insurance? General liability can protect your business when a customer or visitor claims you caused injury or damaged their property. It suits businesses serving customers or working on their premises; your own building, tools and stock need property coverage. [10](https://www.iii.org/article/commercial-general-liability-insurance "Commercial general liability insurance") [11](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/09-comm/commercialguide.cfm "Commercial Insurance Guide") [12](https://www.hiscox.com/documents/partner-agent/specimen_forms/GL_Form.pdf "Commercial General Liability Coverage Form") ## Key Differences in General Liability Insurance ### Class appetite and hard-to-place applicants Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance lists commercial real estate, retail, financial institutions, construction and energy as target classes. Harper says it targets businesses that have been declined or are hard to place, including companies needing a certificate for a lease, contract or license. A difficult submission may lead a buyer to Harper’s stated focus, while BHSI provides a defined class list; neither description guarantees acceptance. [5](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Casualty-Appetite-Guide-US.pdf "Casualty Appetite Guide - U.S.") [9](https://www.harperinsure.com/coverages/general-liability "General Liability Insurance") ### Premium floor and typical contract limit BHSI’s casualty guide sets a $50,000 minimum premium per policy. Harper says leases and contracts commonly ask for $1 million per claim as a starting limit and that it may recommend higher limits. These figures serve different purposes: BHSI gives a premium threshold, while Harper describes a common requested limit, not the maximum available. Buyers should compare actual premium and limits for the same operations. [5](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Casualty-Appetite-Guide-US.pdf "Casualty Appetite Guide - U.S.") [9](https://www.harperinsure.com/coverages/general-liability "General Liability Insurance") ## What to Confirm in General Liability Insurance Quotes - Ask BHSI whether your industry and expected premium meet its appetite. [5](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Casualty-Appetite-Guide-US.pdf "Casualty Appetite Guide - U.S.") - Ask Harper for the issuing carriers, proposed limit and certificate timing after binding. [9](https://www.harperinsure.com/coverages/general-liability "General Liability Insurance") ## Offering Details | Criteria | Primary general liability | Harper General Liability Insurance | | --- | --- | --- | | Role in This Line | Confirm in your quote. | Harper places general liability coverage by taking one application to multiple insurers rather than underwriting the policy itself, and a specialist reviews the business before it is quoted. [9](https://www.harperinsure.com/coverages/general-liability "General Liability Insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Harper's own general liability product page. Describes the brokerage process, not an insurer or underwriting decision..) | | Who It’s For | The casualty guide lists primary GL forms and identifies commercial real estate, retail/grocery, financial institutions, construction and energy as target classes. [5](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Casualty-Appetite-Guide-US.pdf "Casualty Appetite Guide - U.S.") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: US casualty appetite guide dated 2026-07-15. Material limitation: Guide includes classes to avoid and $50,000 minimum policy premium; acceptance is underwritten..) | Harper markets general liability to businesses that need a certificate for a lease, client contract or license, and specifically says hard-to-place or previously declined businesses are the operations it targets. [9](https://www.harperinsure.com/coverages/general-liability "General Liability Insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Product-page marketing copy; not an eligibility guarantee for a particular applicant..) | | Coverage Features | BHSI markets primary general liability, with contractor broad-form coverage, gradual-pollution features and flexible limits in its product overview. [6](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-casualty/ "Casualty") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: BHSI US specialty commercial primary GL. Material limitation: These are overview features, not universal policy grants; forms and endorsements vary..) | Harper describes the general liability policies it places as covering bodily injury to third parties, property damage the business causes to others' property, and legal defense costs, including when a claim turns out to be groundless. [9](https://www.harperinsure.com/coverages/general-liability "General Liability Insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Product-page coverage summary; the issued policy and its exclusions control the actual terms..) | | Limits and Retentions | BHSI’s casualty appetite guide sets a $50,000 minimum premium per policy and lists primary GL as an eligible line. [5](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Casualty-Appetite-Guide-US.pdf "Casualty Appetite Guide - U.S.") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Selected US casualty accounts under guide dated 2026-07-15. Material limitation: Minimum premium is appetite guidance, not a quoted price or guaranteed minimum for all products..) | Harper says most leases and contracts ask for $1 million per claim as a starting limit, and it will recommend higher limits when a business's situation calls for it. The page does not publish a maximum available limit. [9](https://www.harperinsure.com/coverages/general-liability "General Liability Insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: FAQ answer on the general liability page; actual limit options depend on the insurer and underwriting..) | | Risk Services | Confirm in your quote. | Harper says it issues certificates of insurance the same day a landlord, client or venue requests one, once a policy is in force. [9](https://www.harperinsure.com/coverages/general-liability "General Liability Insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Product-page service claim; not independently timed or confirmed for a particular request..) | | How to Apply | Confirm in your quote. | You apply for Harper general liability through an online quote form (business details, state, revenue and coverage needs) that a specialist follows up on, rather than an instant-bind online purchase. [9](https://www.harperinsure.com/coverages/general-liability "General Liability Insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Quote form and FAQ observed on the product page..) | | Claims Support | Confirm in your quote. | The reviewed general liability page does not describe a claims-reporting process or claims-advocacy service specific to this line. [9](https://www.harperinsure.com/coverages/general-liability "General Liability Insurance") (Evidence: Not found in reviewed sources; scope: Scoped to the general liability product page as read on 2026-09-23; the provider record separately describes general claims assistance across lines, not checked here for this line specifically..) | ## Full Comparison - [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Harper](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-harper): all coverage lines, business roles, service and claims. - [What Is General Liability Insurance?](https://spot.insure/coverage/general-liability): General liability can protect your business from covered injury and property-damage claims; your building, tools and stock need separate property coverage. - [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Harper Cyber Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-harper/cyber) - [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Harper Inland Marine Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-harper/inland-marine) - [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Harper Product Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-harper/product-liability) - [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Harper Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-harper/professional-errors-omissions) - [AIG vs Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance General Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/aig-vs-berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance/general-liability) - [AIG vs Harper General Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/aig-vs-harper/general-liability) - [Alliance Risk vs Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance General Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/alliance-risk-vs-berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance/general-liability) - [Alliance Risk vs Harper General Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/alliance-risk-vs-harper/general-liability) - [Amelia Risk vs Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance General Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/amelia-risk-vs-berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance/general-liability) - [Amelia Risk vs Harper General Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/amelia-risk-vs-harper/general-liability) ## Sources ### Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance 1. [At A Glance](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Interactive-AAG.pdf). Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance; United States section, zero-based PDF pages 49–53 (viewer pages 50–54): product/industry lists on pages 49–50; U.S. disclosure/version footer on page 53 is 2026-8-03 A. The 2026-09-14 A footer is on preceding European page 48, not the U.S. section.. Accessed 2026-09-29. 2. [About Us](https://www.bhspecialty.com/about-us/). Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance; About BHSI; company profile page re-opened through official site on 2026-09-28; company says it is part of National Indemnity group. Accessed 2026-09-28. 3. [Terms of Service](https://www.bhspecialty.com/terms-conditions/). Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance; Important Information Concerning Use of this Web Site, paragraphs 2–4; nonbinding submissions, contracted-agent authority, state variation, product availability and policy-specific terms. Accessed 2026-09-28. 4. [Public Disclosure — Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Singapore Branch](https://www.bhspecialty.com/asia/singapore-products/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-singapore-branch/). Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance; Singapore branch public disclosure, Company Profile ¶¶ 1–2; direct page opened 2026-09-28. ¶ 1 identifies BHSIC as a Nebraska-domiciled direct P&C insurer; ¶ 2 states BHSIC is wholly owned by National Indemnity Company, itself wholly owned by Berkshire Hathaway Incorporated.. Accessed 2026-09-28. 5. [Casualty Appetite Guide - U.S.](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Casualty-Appetite-Guide-US.pdf). Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance; Casualty appetite PDF page 1: $50K minimum premium, GL/products/lead umbrella/excess lines, selected $10M excess capacity, placement forms and target/avoided classes; guide dated 2026-07-15. Accessed 2026-09-28. 6. [Casualty](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-casualty/). Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance; US casualty product lines and features: Primary General Liability lines 10-34; Primary Products/Completed Operations Liability 35-44; Lead Umbrella and Excess Casualty 46-63. Accessed 2026-09-28. ### Harper 7. [Text Messaging Terms and Conditions](https://www.harperinsure.com/sms-terms). Harper Global Enterprises Inc.; Effective August 24, 2026; sections 1–3 (entity, consent and service messages), 5 (message costs), 9 (delivery) and 11 (coverage confirmation). Accessed 2026-09-15. 8. [We're Announcing $47M to Build the Insurance Company Every Business Deserves](https://www.harperinsure.com/insurance-insights/harper-45m-funding-announcement). Harper / Dakotah Rice; February 26, 2026 article: brokerage identity; AI-assisted submissions and follow-ups; 24–48-hour coverage statement; more than 165 underwriters; plans for additional direct appointments. Accessed 2026-09-15. 9. [General Liability Insurance](https://www.harperinsure.com/coverages/general-liability). Harper; Product hero; Know your coverage: What is General Liability insurance?; Bodily injury, Property damage, Legal defense, Certificates on demand; Why Harper (specialist review, multiple insurers, same-day certificates); FAQ: Is general liability required by law?, What limits do I need?, What does it cost?. Accessed 2026-09-23. ### General Liability Insurance Guide 10. [Commercial general liability insurance](https://www.iii.org/article/commercial-general-liability-insurance). Insurance Information Institute; Coverage A; Coverage B; Coverage C; Purchasing commercial general liability insurance. Accessed 2026-09-16. 11. [Commercial Insurance Guide](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/09-comm/commercialguide.cfm). California Department of Insurance; Commercial General Liability; Commercial Automobile; What Should I Expect from a Broker-Agent?; How Are Commercial Policies Rated?. Accessed 2026-09-16. 12. [Commercial General Liability Coverage Form](https://www.hiscox.com/documents/partner-agent/specimen_forms/GL_Form.pdf). ISO; specimen hosted by Hiscox; I.A pp.1–5; I.B pp.6–7; I.C pp.7–8; Supplementary Payments p.8; II pp.9–10; III p.10; IV pp.10–12. Accessed 2026-09-16. Updated 2026-09-30. Spot, a product of Tools for Enlightenment, publishes this research and works in the commercial insurance market. The comparison applies the same criteria to both providers. [Editorial policy](https://spot.insure/editorial-policy). To suggest a correction, [contact Spot](https://spot.insure/contact) with the page URL and supporting source. ## Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Reviews Review Score: not enough ratings. The public ratings for Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance are low but thin: Trustpilot shows 2.1 out of 5 from 9 reviews and BBB shows 1 out of 5 from 6. Both mix travel and commercial customers, so we don't count them in a score. - Trustpilot: TrustScore 2.1 (out of 5); 9 reviews. Trustpilot profile for bhspecialty.com, accessed 2026-09-29. Its small review set mixes travel-policy and other customer accounts; it is user-generated and unverified, and does not establish commercial-policy outcomes or representativeness. Period: Displayed when checked 2026-09-29. Checked 2026-09-29. [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Reviews](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/bhspecialty.com) - BBB: Customer review average 1 (out of 5 stars); 6 reviews. BBB page for BHSI headquarters and corporate-owned locations, accessed 2026-09-29. The page’s six customer reviews mix travel and commercial narratives; BBB says third-party information is not verified. BBB’s business letter grade is separate from these customer reviews. Period: Displayed when checked 2026-09-29. Checked 2026-09-29. [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance — BBB Reviews](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/boston/profile/insurance-agency/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-0021-439678/customer-reviews) Reviewed 2026-09-29. [Read the sourced review](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance/reviews). ## Harper Reviews Review Score: not enough ratings. We found no customer star rating for Harper. Its Trustpilot page has 0 reviews, and BBB shows 0 customer reviews and 2 complaints. Reviewed 2026-09-29. [Read the sourced review](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/harper/reviews). ## Agent and Developer Resources - [Markdown page](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-harper/general-liability.md) - [Developer resources](https://spot.insure/developers) - [Public MCP server](https://spot.insure/mcp) - [MCP server manifest](https://spot.insure/server.json) - [OpenAPI description](https://spot.insure/openapi.json) - [Public page index](https://spot.insure/llms.txt)