---
title: "Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Layr"
description: "Layr supplies broker-branded small-business insurance workflow and service while the incumbent brokerage retains broker-of-record status; BHSI is a specialty insurer."
canonical: "https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-layr"
page-type: "provider-comparison"
updated-at: "2026-09-29"
---

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[Human-readable page](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-layr)

# Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Layr

Layr supplies broker-branded small-business insurance workflow and service while the incumbent brokerage retains broker-of-record status; BHSI is a specialty insurer.

## Before You Quote

Ask each provider about eligibility, the issuing insurer, policy wording, limits, retentions, exclusions and costs for your business.

## Highlights

Layr’s platform is marketed to independent brokerages that want to digitize small-commercial sales and service under the brokerage’s brand while retaining broker-of-record status. BHSI publishes specialty insurance products and says online submissions do not bind; contracted agents with state authority handle binding. A small-business owner may encounter Layr through an existing broker rather than as a separate carrier, while a buyer seeking BHSI specialty underwriting should confirm the product and authorized agent. [26](https://withlayr.com/whos-with-layr/brokers-agents "Software for Insurance Brokers & Agents") [29](https://withlayr.com/platform/secure-portal "Online Portal with Cyber Security for Insurance Companies") [28](https://withlayr.com/platform/insurance-quote "New Business Capture from Layr — Quote Policies in 10 Min") [1](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Interactive-AAG.pdf "At A Glance") [5](https://www.bhspecialty.com/terms-conditions/ "Terms of Service")

## Provider Reliability Assessments

These sourced assessments are shown for context; this comparison does not select a winner.

### Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance

Role: Insurance carrier.

Carrier & MGA Spot Score: **7.0/10** (partial score; 85% of this role's weighting included). Assessed 2026-09-29; review due 2026-10-29. Excluded factors: Carrier-Network Strength (The supplied evidence did not support a score for Carrier-Network Strength; this factor is excluded, not scored as zero. Canonical evidence gaps: The AM Best rating carries a group-affiliation code, so it reflects the Berkshire Hathaway group rather than a standalone view.; No NAIC complaint index or state complaint data for BHSIC was found, so service outcomes are not measured.; Which BHSI-branded product is written on BHSIC paper versus an affiliate (Direct, Homestate, travel programs) is not mapped by product.; A state-by-state license lookup was not run; the all-states statement comes from the Nebraska exam report.; Non-U.S. regulators (FCA and PRA for the U.K. entity, Singapore, Australia and others) were not searched.).

Read the [full reliability assessment](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance/reliability).

### Layr

Role: Broker.

Broker Spot Score: **5.6/10** (partial score; 15% of this role's weighting included). Assessed 2026-09-22; review due 2026-10-22. Excluded factors: Identity and Authority (Current authority and applicable appointments or delegations have not been independently established across the assessed scope.); Carrier-Network Strength (The reviewed evidence does not name the carrier and capacity arrangements behind the assessed programs, so the relationships cannot be assessed.); Regulatory Conduct (A complete, exact-entity regulatory-conduct review for the preceding five years is unavailable.).

Read the [full reliability assessment](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/layr/reliability).

## 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).

## Layr Reviews

Review Score: not enough ratings.

Layr has no customer reviews of its insurance service yet. Its Trustpilot profile has no reviews, and its only rating is one review of its broker software.

- Capterra: Capterra rating 5.0 (out of 5); 1 reviews. Capterra listing for Layr as agency management software for brokers. Rates the software, not the insurance service. One review. Checked 2026-09-29. [Layr Software Pricing, Alternatives & More](https://www.capterra.com/p/190549/Layr/)
- Software Advice: Software Advice rating 5.0 (out of 5); 1 reviews. Software Advice listing (same review pool as Capterra) for Layr's broker software. One review. Checked 2026-09-29. [Layr Software Reviews, Demo & Pricing](https://www.softwareadvice.com/insurance/layr-profile/)

Reviewed 2026-09-29. [Read the sourced review](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/layr/reviews).

## Introduction

Layr is a brokerage technology and service platform, not the risk-bearing insurer. It says a participating brokerage can move small-business sales, service and support to Layr while retaining broker-of-record status and commissions. The buyer-facing experience can therefore remain under the familiar broker’s brand even when Layr supplies the digital workflow. BHSI, by contrast, publishes U.S. specialty insurance products across commercial sectors; its website terms say an online application or quote is nonbinding, and only contracted National Indemnity group agents with authority in the state may bind, issue or change coverage. A small business comparing options should first determine whether Layr is being offered through its current broker and who will service the account; a specialty buyer considering BHSI should identify the specific product and authorized placing agent. Neither platform description identifies the insurer or guarantees a quote for an individual account.

Layr provides insurance workflow software and licensed support for independent brokerages serving small-commercial accounts. Policyholders use a broker-branded experience rather than necessarily buying from a storefront carrying the Layr name. [26](https://withlayr.com/whos-with-layr/brokers-agents "Software for Insurance Brokers & Agents") [27](https://withlayr.com/company/insurance-technology "The Team Improving Insurance Technology") [29](https://withlayr.com/platform/secure-portal "Online Portal with Cyber Security for Insurance Companies") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Current broker-facing business model described on Layr's live company, broker and portal pages; functions are company-reported and were not tested through an account.; verified: 2026-09-15.)

Layr says a participating brokerage can offload small-business sales, service and support to Layr while retaining broker-of-record status and 100% of its commissions. [26](https://withlayr.com/whos-with-layr/brokers-agents "Software for Insurance Brokers & Agents") [30](https://withlayr.com/faq "Insurance Technology Frequently Asked Questions") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Broker-facing Layr Apex arrangement as marketed publicly; actual allocation of duties and compensation depends on the brokerage agreement.; verified: 2026-09-15.)

[26](https://withlayr.com/whos-with-layr/brokers-agents "Software for Insurance Brokers & Agents") [1](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Interactive-AAG.pdf "At A Glance") [5](https://www.bhspecialty.com/terms-conditions/ "Terms of Service")



## Coverage Comparison

| Coverage Type | Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance | Layr |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Builders risk](https://spot.insure/coverage/builders-risk) | Listed: BHSI’s current U.S. Builder’s Risk page lists construction-project coverage, including hot testing/commissioning, delay and soft-cost features, and selectively considered Master Builder’s Risk programs. Project scope, eligibility, terms and issuer remain policy-specific. [22](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-builders-risk/ "Builder’s Risk") | Not listed |
| [Cargo and transit](https://spot.insure/coverage/cargo-transit) | Listed: BHSI's current Marine catalog lists Ocean Cargo, Stock Throughputs, and Project Cargo. The older US-12/22-A guide lists Project Cargo as out of appetite, so confirm its current status; BHSI lists Inland Marine separately. [9](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-marine/ "Marine") [10](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Ocean-Marine-Cargo-Overview-US.pdf "Ocean Marine Cargo Overview") | Not listed |
| [Commercial property](https://spot.insure/coverage/commercial-property) | Listed: BHSI lists all-risk commercial property and selected single-peril options, including earthquake, flood, and windstorm. [11](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-property/ "Property") [12](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Property-Appetite-Guide-US.pdf "General Property Appetite Guide") | Not listed |
| [Crime](https://spot.insure/coverage/crime) | Listed: BHSI lists Commercial Crime within its Executive First Private Company Portfolio’s comprehensive form, alongside D&O, employment-practices, fiduciary and employed-lawyer coverages. The page targets private companies with at least $10 million in revenue; portfolio limits up to $50 million may be shared or separate and are not a crime-specific limit. Crime coverage is distinct from fidelity bonds. [14](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-executive-and-professional-lines/public-company/private-company-portfolio/ "Executive First Private Company Portfolio") | Not listed |
| [Cyber liability](https://spot.insure/coverage/cyber) | Listed: BHSI markets a U.S. Network Security & Privacy product with third-party breach, response-expense and network-interruption features; its Professional First overview also describes stand-alone Cyber and blended E&O/Cyber forms. Product form, eligibility, terms and issuer depend on the risk and policy. [23](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-executive-and-professional-lines/professional-liability/network-security-privacy-policy/ "Professional First Network Security & Privacy Policy") [18](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Professional-First-Professional-Liability-Overview-US.pdf "Professional First Professional Liability Overview") | Not listed |
| [Directors and officers](https://spot.insure/coverage/directors-officers) | Listed: Executive First D&O liability materials describe separate public-company and private-company products. [13](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-executive-and-professional-lines/public-company/do-liability-insurance/ "Executive First Directors & Officers Liability Insurance") [14](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-executive-and-professional-lines/public-company/private-company-portfolio/ "Executive First Private Company Portfolio") | Not listed |
| [Employment practices liability](https://spot.insure/coverage/employment-practices) | Listed: BHSI lists employment-practices liability within its Executive First Private Company Portfolio’s comprehensive form, alongside D&O, fiduciary, crime and employed-lawyer coverages. The page targets private companies with at least $10 million in revenue; portfolio limits up to $50 million may be shared or separate and are not an EPL-specific limit. [14](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-executive-and-professional-lines/public-company/private-company-portfolio/ "Executive First Private Company Portfolio") | Not listed |
| [Fiduciary liability](https://spot.insure/coverage/fiduciary) | Listed: BHSI lists fiduciary liability within its Executive First Private Company Portfolio’s comprehensive form, alongside D&O, employment-practices, crime and employed-lawyer coverages. The page targets private companies with at least $10 million in revenue; portfolio limits up to $50 million may be shared or separate and are not a fiduciary-specific limit. [14](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-executive-and-professional-lines/public-company/private-company-portfolio/ "Executive First Private Company Portfolio") | Not listed |
| [General liability](https://spot.insure/coverage/general-liability) | Listed: BHSI lists primary general liability, with contractor and pollution features described in its casualty materials. [15](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Casualty-Appetite-Guide-US.pdf "Casualty Appetite Guide - U.S.") [16](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-casualty/ "Casualty") | Not listed |
| [Media liability](https://spot.insure/coverage/media) | Listed: BHSI’s Professional First overview names Media Liability, and its architects/engineers product describes media liability only within a specialized combined design-industry form. The overview’s catalogue listing does not establish standalone terms or current account availability. [18](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Professional-First-Professional-Liability-Overview-US.pdf "Professional First Professional Liability Overview") [19](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-executive-and-professional-lines/professional-liability/professional-firsttm-architects-engineers-and-consultants-professional-liability/ "Professional First Architects, Engineers and Consultants Professional Liability") | Not listed |
| [Product liability](https://spot.insure/coverage/product-liability) | Listed: BHSI lists primary products and completed-operations liability as a casualty product. [15](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Casualty-Appetite-Guide-US.pdf "Casualty Appetite Guide - U.S.") [16](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-casualty/ "Casualty") | Not listed |
| [Professional errors and omissions (E&O)](https://spot.insure/coverage/professional-errors-omissions) | Listed: Professional First materials describe a professional-liability portfolio with several professions and service types. [17](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-executive-and-professional-lines/professional-liability/ "Professional First Professional Liability") [18](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Professional-First-Professional-Liability-Overview-US.pdf "Professional First Professional Liability Overview") [19](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-executive-and-professional-lines/professional-liability/professional-firsttm-architects-engineers-and-consultants-professional-liability/ "Professional First Architects, Engineers and Consultants Professional Liability") | Not listed |
| [Representations and warranties](https://spot.insure/coverage/representations-warranties) | Listed: BHSI lists Representations & Warranties Insurance within its Transactional Liability products. [20](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-executive-and-professional-lines/transactional-liability/ "Transactional Liability") [21](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Transactional-Liability-Overview-US.pdf "Transactional Liability Overview") | Not listed |
| [Surety bonds](https://spot.insure/coverage/surety-bonds) | Listed: BHSI’s U.S. Surety page lists performance, payment, advance-payment, maintenance, supply and warranty bonds for contractor and construction-supplier accounts. Bond obligations depend on the bond form, principal, obligee and jurisdiction; this catalogue listing does not establish bond approval or terms. [24](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-surety/ "Surety") | Not listed |
| [Technology errors and omissions (E&O)](https://spot.insure/coverage/technology-errors-omissions) | Listed: Professional First materials identify Technology E&O as a professional-liability product. [18](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Professional-First-Professional-Liability-Overview-US.pdf "Professional First Professional Liability Overview") [19](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-executive-and-professional-lines/professional-liability/professional-firsttm-architects-engineers-and-consultants-professional-liability/ "Professional First Architects, Engineers and Consultants Professional Liability") | Not listed |
| [Tools, equipment and inland marine](https://spot.insure/coverage/inland-marine) | Listed: BHSI lists inland transit, motor-truck cargo, warehouse legal liability, contractor equipment, and floaters under Inland Marine. [9](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-marine/ "Marine") | Not listed |
| [Umbrella and excess liability](https://spot.insure/coverage/umbrella-excess) | Listed: BHSI lists lead umbrella and excess casualty within its U.S. casualty products. [15](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Casualty-Appetite-Guide-US.pdf "Casualty Appetite Guide - U.S.") [16](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-casualty/ "Casualty") | Not listed |

A listing may be arranged through an insurer or partner. “Not listed” means this catalogue has no separate offering recorded; ask the provider whether it can quote the coverage and request the policy terms.



## Optional Spot Service Handoff

Spot can help prepare applications, coordinate brokers, and compare proposals. If that work is needed, collect the company's task, known deadline, current broker, and open questions for a [free consultation](https://spot.insure/pricing.md). The company decides what to buy; Spot does not automatically bind coverage.

## Key Differences Between Layr and Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance

### Broker-branded service and insurance role

Layr targets independent brokerages that want to offload small-commercial account handling while keeping the broker-of-record relationship. A policyholder may interact with a Layr-powered portal but still have its brokerage remain the producer. BHSI is the insurer offering the specialty policy, while its terms assign online intake and binding to different steps. If a local business already works with a broker, ask whether Layr is simply a new way to manage that brokerage’s account; if a risk needs a BHSI product, confirm the insurer, the contracted agent and which party handles servicing after the policy is issued.

Layr Holdings, Inc. operates withlayr.com and markets the Layr Apex platform and licensed support service. Public materials describe Layr handling sales, service and support while its brokerage customer keeps the broker-of-record relationship; they do not identify Layr as the insurer underwriting every policy. [33](https://withlayr.com/terms-of-use "Terms of Use") [25](https://withlayr.com/ "Grow Your Broker Profits") [26](https://withlayr.com/whos-with-layr/brokers-agents "Software for Insurance Brokers & Agents") [29](https://withlayr.com/platform/secure-portal "Online Portal with Cyber Security for Insurance Companies") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Entity and functional roles in current public materials. The precise producer role can depend on the partner arrangement and proposed policy.; verified: 2026-09-15.)

BHSI’s U.S. At A Glance section (version 2026-8-03 A) lists commercial property, casualty, healthcare professional liability, executive and professional lines, surety, travel, programs, employer stop loss, and homeowners insurance. The guide is informational, not policy coverage, and its brand-level list does not identify the insurer on a particular policy. [1](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Interactive-AAG.pdf "At A Glance") [2](https://www.bhspecialty.com/about-us/ "About Us") [5](https://www.bhspecialty.com/terms-conditions/ "Terms of Service") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: A description of BHSI's U.S. line list in its U.S. At A Glance section (version 2026-8-03 A) only. The guide says its descriptions are informational and are not coverage; its brand-level list does not assign an issuing insurer to a particular product or policy. This is not a claim that one legal insurer issues every BHSI product.; verified: 2026-09-29.)

### Digital quote workflow and effective coverage

Layr describes a digital small-business workflow that can collect an application and send the submission for underwriting; its pages use different “fast quote” time claims, and neither time establishes when an actual risk will be quoted or bound. BHSI states directly that its online submissions are nonbinding. A business needing a certificate should ask the broker whether an indication is still subject to underwriting and obtain a written binder or issued policy with the effective date.

Layr describes an online workflow in which a small-business owner assesses and selects coverage, pays, and then has the submission sent to underwriting. Current pages use different speed claims—10 minutes on New Business Capture and 12 minutes in a 2024 announcement—so neither figure establishes the time to receive or bind an actual quote. [28](https://withlayr.com/platform/insurance-quote "New Business Capture from Layr — Quote Policies in 10 Min") [35](https://withlayr.com/resources/blog/layr-welcomes-new-ceo-mark-hara "Layr Welcomes New CEO Mark Hara") (Evidence: Conflicting sources; scope: Company-described digital workflow. No form was completed and no quote, payment or underwriting decision was requested during research.; verified: 2026-09-15.)

BHSI's website terms say online application or quote submissions are informational and nonbinding; only contracted agents of the National Indemnity group may bind coverage, issue policies or certificates, or change coverage. Group companies' authority also varies by state, so the terms do not show that every application must begin through an agent. [5](https://www.bhspecialty.com/terms-conditions/ "Terms of Service") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: The website's own online submissions and binding authority described by BHSI's terms; not a statement about every product's intake process or a claim that purchase can be completed online.; verified: 2026-09-28.)

## What to Confirm in Quotes

- Ask whether Layr is serving your existing brokerage, who remains broker of record, which insurer will issue the policy and how policy changes are serviced. [26](https://withlayr.com/whos-with-layr/brokers-agents "Software for Insurance Brokers & Agents") [29](https://withlayr.com/platform/secure-portal "Online Portal with Cyber Security for Insurance Companies")
- Ask BHSI which specialty product is proposed and which contracted agent has state authority to bind. [1](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Interactive-AAG.pdf "At A Glance") [5](https://www.bhspecialty.com/terms-conditions/ "Terms of Service")
- Compare the actual insurer, limits, exclusions, service contacts and written effective date; a broker portal, quote workflow and insurance policy are different parts of the purchase. [28](https://withlayr.com/platform/insurance-quote "New Business Capture from Layr — Quote Policies in 10 Min") [5](https://www.bhspecialty.com/terms-conditions/ "Terms of Service")

## Compare Services

What each provider documents about the services you may need.

| Criteria | Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance | Layr |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Business role | BHSI’s U.S. At A Glance section (version 2026-8-03 A) lists commercial property, casualty, healthcare professional liability, executive and professional lines, surety, travel, programs, employer stop loss, and homeowners insurance. The guide is informational, not policy coverage, and its brand-level list does not identify the insurer on a particular policy. [1](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Interactive-AAG.pdf "At A Glance") [2](https://www.bhspecialty.com/about-us/ "About Us") [5](https://www.bhspecialty.com/terms-conditions/ "Terms of Service") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: A description of BHSI's U.S. line list in its U.S. At A Glance section (version 2026-8-03 A) only. The guide says its descriptions are informational and are not coverage; its brand-level list does not assign an issuing insurer to a particular product or policy. This is not a claim that one legal insurer issues every BHSI product.; verified: 2026-09-29.)<br><br>Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (BHSIC) identifies itself in its Singapore-branch public disclosure as a Nebraska-domiciled direct property and casualty insurer, wholly owned by National Indemnity Company, which is wholly owned by Berkshire Hathaway Incorporated. The Singapore-branch disclosure states this ownership chain. A Missouri Department of Insurance record separately lists BHSIC as active, NAIC 22276, and Property and Casualty in Missouri. Neither source identifies BHSIC as the issuer of every BHSI-branded U.S. policy. [3](https://www.bhspecialty.com/asia/singapore-products/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-singapore-branch/ "Public Disclosure — Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Singapore Branch") [4](https://insurance.mo.gov/find-insurance-company/company-details?id=104347139 "Company Details — Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company") [5](https://www.bhspecialty.com/terms-conditions/ "Terms of Service") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Company-reported corporate identity and ownership in BHSI's Singapore-branch public disclosure, corroborated for company identity and Missouri P&C authority by the Missouri Department of Insurance record accessed 2026-09-28. Neither source maps BHSIC as issuer for every BHSI-branded U.S. product; use policy-specific documents for that.; verified: 2026-09-28.) | Layr Holdings, Inc. operates withlayr.com and markets the Layr Apex platform and licensed support service. Public materials describe Layr handling sales, service and support while its brokerage customer keeps the broker-of-record relationship; they do not identify Layr as the insurer underwriting every policy. [33](https://withlayr.com/terms-of-use "Terms of Use") [25](https://withlayr.com/ "Grow Your Broker Profits") [26](https://withlayr.com/whos-with-layr/brokers-agents "Software for Insurance Brokers & Agents") [29](https://withlayr.com/platform/secure-portal "Online Portal with Cyber Security for Insurance Companies") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Entity and functional roles in current public materials. The precise producer role can depend on the partner arrangement and proposed policy.; verified: 2026-09-15.)<br><br>The reviewed sources identify Layr Holdings, Inc., its leaders and several investors, but do not disclose a current controlling parent or ownership percentages. [33](https://withlayr.com/terms-of-use "Terms of Use") [34](https://withlayr.com/company/leadership-team "Leadership Team") [36](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/11/01/2770846/0/en/layr-secures-10-million-investment-to-bridge-the-small-business-insurance-tech-gap-for-brokers.html "Layr Secures $10 Million Investment to Bridge the Small Business Insurance Tech Gap for Brokers") (Evidence: Not found in reviewed sources; scope: Current website operator and public ownership review. Investor participation is not treated as control, and no independence claim is made.; verified: 2026-09-15.)<br><br>Layr says a participating brokerage can offload small-business sales, service and support to Layr while retaining broker-of-record status and 100% of its commissions. [26](https://withlayr.com/whos-with-layr/brokers-agents "Software for Insurance Brokers & Agents") [30](https://withlayr.com/faq "Insurance Technology Frequently Asked Questions") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Broker-facing Layr Apex arrangement as marketed publicly; actual allocation of duties and compensation depends on the brokerage agreement.; verified: 2026-09-15.) |
| Customer focus | BHSI's U.S. industry focus spans real estate, public entities, financial institutions, healthcare, education, manufacturing, retail, logistics, transportation, energy, and technology. The at-a-glance guide associates these industries with particular product segments; it does not say every segment serves every listed industry. [1](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Interactive-AAG.pdf "At A Glance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Company-stated industry focus in the United States section of the At A Glance (U.S. section version 2026-8-03 A); industry lists are segment-specific, not a universal eligibility statement.; verified: 2026-09-29.)<br><br>Within its U.S. executive-lines commercial and financial segment, BHSI lists publicly traded and large privately owned commercial firms; investment, money-center, national, and regional banks; asset managers; and insurance companies and brokerages. The size description applies to the commercial-firm entry, not every listed institution or all BHSI products. [1](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Interactive-AAG.pdf "At A Glance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Only the U.S. Executive Lines, Commercial & Financial segment, At A Glance p. 50. The “publicly traded and large privately owned” qualifier attaches to the Commercial Firms bullet only.; verified: 2026-09-28.) | Layr provides insurance workflow software and licensed support for independent brokerages serving small-commercial accounts. Policyholders use a broker-branded experience rather than necessarily buying from a storefront carrying the Layr name. [26](https://withlayr.com/whos-with-layr/brokers-agents "Software for Insurance Brokers & Agents") [27](https://withlayr.com/company/insurance-technology "The Team Improving Insurance Technology") [29](https://withlayr.com/platform/secure-portal "Online Portal with Cyber Security for Insurance Companies") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Current broker-facing business model described on Layr's live company, broker and portal pages; functions are company-reported and were not tested through an account.; verified: 2026-09-15.) |
| Application process | BHSI's website terms say online application or quote submissions are informational and nonbinding; only contracted agents of the National Indemnity group may bind coverage, issue policies or certificates, or change coverage. Group companies' authority also varies by state, so the terms do not show that every application must begin through an agent. [5](https://www.bhspecialty.com/terms-conditions/ "Terms of Service") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: The website's own online submissions and binding authority described by BHSI's terms; not a statement about every product's intake process or a claim that purchase can be completed online.; verified: 2026-09-28.) | Layr describes an online workflow in which a small-business owner assesses and selects coverage, pays, and then has the submission sent to underwriting. Current pages use different speed claims—10 minutes on New Business Capture and 12 minutes in a 2024 announcement—so neither figure establishes the time to receive or bind an actual quote. [28](https://withlayr.com/platform/insurance-quote "New Business Capture from Layr — Quote Policies in 10 Min") [35](https://withlayr.com/resources/blog/layr-welcomes-new-ceo-mark-hara "Layr Welcomes New CEO Mark Hara") (Evidence: Conflicting sources; scope: Company-described digital workflow. No form was completed and no quote, payment or underwriting decision was requested during research.; verified: 2026-09-15.) |

## Related Reading

- [What Is Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance?](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance)
- [What Is Layr?](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/layr)

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## Sources

### [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Official Website](https://www.bhspecialty.com/)

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. [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.
4. [Company Details — Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company](https://insurance.mo.gov/find-insurance-company/company-details?id=104347139). Missouri Department of Insurance; Company Details fields: legal name, active license status, NAIC number 22276, and Property and Casualty description; Missouri regulator record also lists 2025 property-casualty lines. Accessed 2026-09-28. Accessed 2026-09-28.
5. [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.
6. [United States](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/). Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance; United States products directory, opened 2026-09-28. Rendered page lists U.S. category links and Casualty/Property headings (lines 6–44); this directory view is navigation, not the linked product pages or a full review of product materials. Accessed 2026-09-28.
7. [Claims — United States](https://www.bhspecialty.com/claims/). Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance; Claims Reporting, lines 34–91; separate product-specific directions, then “All other claims” email, 24-hour toll-free phone, postal/overnight mail. Accessed 2026-09-28.
8. [Claims Excellence — United States](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Claims-Excellence-US.pdf). Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance; Claims Service Standards, version US 2024-10-07A in footer/document end; page 2 lines 30–34 describe coverage discussion and third-party settlement communications. Accessed 2026-09-28.
9. [Marine](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-marine/). Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance; Inland and ocean marine product list, covered property classes and target businesses; lines 18-69. Accessed 2026-09-28.
10. [Ocean Marine Cargo Overview](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Ocean-Marine-Cargo-Overview-US.pdf). Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance; Two-page U.S. marketing PDF marked US-12/22-A; product types lines 14-20; ocean marine cargo appetite, capacity and placement lines 43-57; out-of-appetite and target risk characteristics lines 58-72; terms disclaimer lines 103-114. Accessed 2026-09-28.
11. [Property](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-property/). Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance; All-risk, single-peril, catastrophe, inland/ocean marine and builder's risk offerings; target account descriptions. Accessed 2026-09-28.
12. [General Property Appetite Guide](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Property-Appetite-Guide-US.pdf). Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance; Page 1: minimum premium, product/forms, territory, attachment and working capacity; page 2 footer identifies 2026-02-10 A; lines 0-9, 89-99. Accessed 2026-09-28.
13. [Executive First Directors & Officers Liability Insurance](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-executive-and-professional-lines/public-company/do-liability-insurance/). Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance; Product Highlights: government investigations, shareholder derivative actions, late-notice qualification, defense counsel selection; Top Targets: large commercial and financial firms, lines 6–19. Accessed 2026-09-28.
14. [Executive First Private Company Portfolio](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-executive-and-professional-lines/public-company/private-company-portfolio/). Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance; Product Highlights: D&O, EPL, Fiduciary, Commercial Crime and Employed Lawyers in one comprehensive form; shared or separate limits to $50m; EPL First services. Top Targets: private companies at $10m+ revenues and listed industries, lines 11–25. Portfolio limit is not a separate line limit. Accessed 2026-09-28.
15. [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.
16. [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.
17. [Professional First Professional Liability](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-executive-and-professional-lines/professional-liability/). Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance; U.S. Professional Liability landing page links Professional Liability / Network Security & Privacy, stand-alone Network Security & Privacy, and Architects, Engineers and Consultants PL, lines 6–15; footer copyright © 2026. Accessed 2026-09-28.
18. [Professional First Professional Liability Overview](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Professional-First-Professional-Liability-Overview-US.pdf). Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance; PDF pp.1–2: claims group and reporting; primary blended E&O/Cyber and stand-alone Cyber forms; line capacity statement; named Lawyers PL, Technology E&O, Miscellaneous PL, Media Liability, Network Security & Privacy; named technology-services target types and selection categories; dated 2026-06-03-A. Group capacity not a line policy limit. Source version: 2026-06-03-A. Accessed 2026-09-28.
19. [Professional First Architects, Engineers and Consultants Professional Liability](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-executive-and-professional-lines/professional-liability/professional-firsttm-architects-engineers-and-consultants-professional-liability/). Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance; Product Highlights: professional/pollution liability; media, technology and cyber/network security/privacy liability; direct breach/extortion expenses; risk services; primary/excess and project-specific product availability; target professions, lines 6–29. Its combined-form technology feature is not itself a standalone Tech E&O statement. Accessed 2026-09-28.
20. [Transactional Liability](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-executive-and-professional-lines/transactional-liability/). Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance; Product Highlights list R&W, tax, contingent-liability and class-action-settlement insurance; Top Targets list manufacturing, financial institutions, technology, real estate, energy, healthcare and retail, lines 6–27. The target list is for the transactional-liability portfolio, not exclusive R&W eligibility. Accessed 2026-09-28.
21. [Transactional Liability Overview](https://www.bhspecialty.com/wp-content/uploads/marketing/Transactional-Liability-Overview-US.pdf). Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance; PDF pp.1–2: R&W, tax, contingent-liability, and class-action-settlement products; portfolio-wide primary/excess and up-to-$25m capacity; premiums/retentions vary by transaction/risk; portfolio appetite and in-house claims group; R&W buyer-use descriptions; dated 2025-05-16-A. Product-specific limits and final terms not stated. Source version: 2025-05-16-A. Accessed 2026-09-28.
22. [Builder’s Risk](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-builders-risk/). Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance; Current U.S. page: all-risk, hot testing/commissioning, delay/startup/soft costs, single-peril/DIC primary/excess; separate EAR and CAR target categories; Master Builder’s Risk selectively considered, lines 6–35. Reopened 2026-09-28. Accessed 2026-09-28.
23. [Professional First Network Security & Privacy Policy](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-executive-and-professional-lines/professional-liability/network-security-privacy-policy/). Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance; Product Highlights: third-party breach exposures, regulatory investigations/fines/penalties, direct breach/extortion expenses, electronic-content media liability, business interruption from network-security failure, eRiskHub; Top Targets: professional-services firms, lines 6–19. Accessed 2026-09-28.
24. [Surety](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-surety/). Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance; Product Highlights name performance, payment, advance-payment, maintenance, supply and warranty bonds; Top Targets name regional/national/global contractors and construction suppliers/services; PPP/project-delivery capability; lines 6–32. Accessed 2026-09-28.

### [Layr Official Website](https://withlayr.com/)

25. [Grow Your Broker Profits](https://withlayr.com/). Layr; Homepage service proposition; broker audience; footer naming Layr Holdings, Inc.; official logo asset. Accessed 2026-09-15.
26. [Software for Insurance Brokers & Agents](https://withlayr.com/whos-with-layr/brokers-agents). Layr; Streamlined Efficiency; Reduce the Drag: Layr handles sales, service and support while the brokerage retains broker-of-record status and commissions. Accessed 2026-09-15.
27. [The Team Improving Insurance Technology](https://withlayr.com/company/insurance-technology). Layr; Mission; small-business market; broker-focused technology; leadership and investor logos. Accessed 2026-09-15.
28. [New Business Capture from Layr — Quote Policies in 10 Min](https://withlayr.com/platform/insurance-quote). Layr; Faster Quotes hero and official SmartQuote illustration listing General Liability, Commercial Auto Liability, Property, Workers Compensation, Umbrella, and Cyber Liability & Data Breach. Accessed 2026-09-15.
29. [Online Portal with Cyber Security for Insurance Companies](https://withlayr.com/platform/secure-portal). Layr; Layr Apex introduction; licensed support team; policyholder activity, portfolio and white-label dashboard descriptions; official dashboard asset. Accessed 2026-09-15.
30. [Insurance Technology Frequently Asked Questions](https://withlayr.com/faq). Layr; Product library; carrier and wholesaler access; renewal process and 60-day collection timing; white labeling; premium-based compensation. Accessed 2026-09-15.
31. [Cyber Liability Insurance](https://withlayr.com/cyber-liability-insurance/). Layr; Policy Overview; Key Protected Threats; Coverage Details; online-purchase call to action (page no longer available as of 15 September 2026). Accessed 2026-09-15.
32. [Explanation of Pricing](https://withlayr.com/compensation-disclosure). Layr; Simplified Pricing: carrier commissions and business finance fee up to 20% of premium; flexible payments, portal and certificate descriptions. Accessed 2026-09-15.
33. [Terms of Use](https://withlayr.com/terms-of-use). Layr; Service operated by Layr Holdings, Inc.; Purchases; Availability, Errors and Inaccuracies; Accounts; last updated 1 April 2018. Accessed 2026-09-15.
34. [Leadership Team](https://withlayr.com/company/leadership-team). Layr; Current leadership and investor-logo section. Accessed 2026-09-15.
35. [Layr Welcomes New CEO Mark Hara](https://withlayr.com/resources/blog/layr-welcomes-new-ceo-mark-hara). Layr; 17 October 2024 announcement: broker and agency audience, small-business selection and payment workflow, underwriting handoff, and brokerages across the U.S. Accessed 2026-09-15.
36. [Layr Secures $10 Million Investment to Bridge the Small Business Insurance Tech Gap for Brokers](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/11/01/2770846/0/en/layr-secures-10-million-investment-to-bridge-the-small-business-insurance-tech-gap-for-brokers.html). Layr via GlobeNewswire; 1 November 2023 company release: financing participants, broker-facing business model, licensed support, policyholder portal functions. Accessed 2026-09-15.
37. [Parcel Pro Customers Now Have Access to Additional Insurance Solutions Through Layr](https://parcelproreferral.partner.withlayr.com/). Layr; 2021-branded referral page: policy list, online application, portal, financing and certificate claims (cyber page no longer available as of 15 September 2026). Accessed 2026-09-15.
38. [Licensed Property and Casualty Agencies](https://www.mass.gov/doc/licensed-p-and-c-agenciespdf/download). Massachusetts Division of Insurance; 2026 list entry for Layr Holdings, Inc., license 17853851, original approval 17 March 2021, renewal date 17 March 2027. Accessed 2026-09-15.

Updated 2026-09-29. 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.

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