---
title: "Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance: Surety Bonds"
description: "Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance lists performance, payment and warranty bonds; Markel describes prime/subcontractor and commercial-account audiences for its surety products."
canonical: "https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/surety-bonds"
page-type: "line-comparison"
updated-at: "2026-10-01"
comparison-pair: "berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel"
provider-a: "berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance"
provider-b: "markel"
coverage-line: "surety-bonds"
---

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

## Agent Guide

**What this page is:** Focused comparison of Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance and Markel Insurance for Surety Bonds: what each provider publishes about this line, checked against the same criteria, with numbered sources.

**Use this page when:** Cite or fetch this for Surety Bonds questions about Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance versus Markel Insurance. 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 Markel Insurance for Surety Bonds: how do they differ?
- Which is better for Surety Bonds, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance or Markel Insurance?
- What does Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance or Markel Insurance publish about Surety Bonds (limits, eligibility, claims, add-ons)?
- What should I confirm in a quote for Surety Bonds from Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance or Markel Insurance?

**Key facts:**
- Line: Surety Bonds. Providers: Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance and Markel Insurance.
- 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 2026-10-01. Editorial policy: /editorial-policy.

**Related pages:**
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel) — parent: all coverage lines for this pair
- [Surety Bonds guide](https://spot.insure/coverage/surety-bonds) — coverage explainer for this line
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance) — provider profile (evidence)
- [Markel Insurance profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/markel) — provider profile (evidence)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Builders Risk Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/builders-risk) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Cargo and Transit Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/cargo-transit) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Commercial Property Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/commercial-property) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Crime Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/crime) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Cyber Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/cyber) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance D&O Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/directors-officers) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Employment Practices Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/employment-practices) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Fiduciary Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/fiduciary) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance General Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/general-liability) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Inland Marine Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/inland-marine) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Media Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/media) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Product Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/product-liability) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/professional-errors-omissions) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Tech E&O Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/technology-errors-omissions) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Umbrella and Excess Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/umbrella-excess) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Aon vs Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Surety Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/aon-vs-berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance/surety-bonds) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Aon vs Markel Insurance Surety Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/aon-vs-markel/surety-bonds) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [The Baldwin Group vs Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Surety Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance/surety-bonds) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [The Baldwin Group vs Markel Insurance Surety Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-markel/surety-bonds) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Chubb Surety Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-chubb/surety-bonds) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs CNA Surety Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-cna/surety-bonds) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)

# Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance: How Do They Compare for Surety Bonds?

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance lists performance, payment and warranty bonds; Markel describes prime/subcontractor and commercial-account audiences for its surety products.

## How to Use the Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Surety Bonds Comparison

Use this comparison to evaluate Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance and Markel Insurance for Surety Bonds 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.

## Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Surety Bonds Summary

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance lists six surety bond forms; Markel describes prime and subcontractor audiences for contract bonds and commercial accounts for commercial bonds. [5](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-surety/ "Surety") [8](https://www.markel.com/us/surety "Markel Surety")

## 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)

## Markel Insurance: Specialty Business and Products

Markel Insurance is Markel Group's specialty and small-business insurance business, with offerings across packages, workers' compensation, cyber, professional and management liability, property, marine, and surety. Products use different insurers and distribution routes, so compare the issuer and terms shown on the specific quote. [6](https://www.markel.com/about-us "About us") [7](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1096343/000109634326000020/mkl-20251231.htm "Markel Group Inc. 2025 Form 10-K")

[Markel Insurance profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/markel)

## What Are Surety Bonds?

A surety bond guarantees that your business meets a specific obligation to a customer, contracting party or government agency. If a contract, license or permit requires one, get its exact form and amount; a bond is not insurance for your own losses. [9](https://content.naic.org/glossary-insurance-terms "Glossary of Insurance Terms") [10](https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/surety-bonds "Surety bonds") [11](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/40/3131 "40 U.S. Code § 3131 — Bonds of contractors of public buildings or works") [12](https://www.chubb.com/us-en/surety.html "Surety Bonds") [13](https://www.harperinsure.com/coverages/surety-bonds "Surety Bonds Insurance")

## What Are the Key Differences Between Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance and Markel Insurance Surety Bonds?

### Contract bond audiences and additional forms

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance lists performance, payment, advance-payment, maintenance, supply and warranty bonds and targets contractors and construction suppliers. Markel describes prime and subcontractors as contract-bond audiences and Fortune 2000 and smaller accounts for commercial bonds. Its product page separately lists court and probate bonds. A prime contractor can compare the overlapping performance/payment needs, while a business with a court obligation should ask Markel about those separately listed forms. [5](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-surety/ "Surety") [8](https://www.markel.com/us/surety "Markel Surety")

### Contract structure and quote limits

Markel describes standalone and co-surety support for contract bonds, while BHSI’s selected claim lists bond forms. For a large contract, ask Markel whether a co-surety structure is relevant and compare it with the obligee’s required form. [8](https://www.markel.com/us/surety "Markel Surety") [5](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-surety/ "Surety")

## What Should You Confirm in Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance and Markel Insurance Surety Bonds Quotes?

- Ask Markel whether your job needs a standalone or co-surety arrangement. [8](https://www.markel.com/us/surety "Markel Surety")
- Confirm which listed BHSI form applies and its capacity for the contract. [5](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-surety/ "Surety")
- Compare indemnity, collateral, bond penal sum and any co-surety allocation. [8](https://www.markel.com/us/surety "Markel Surety")

## Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Surety Bonds Compared

| Criteria | U.S. Surety | Markel surety bonds (official overview) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Role in This Line | Confirm in your quote. | Markel describes offering surety bonds for the audience stated on the cited product page. [8](https://www.markel.com/us/surety "Markel Surety") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: surety bonds marketed by markel; scope is limited to the cited official product overview and described audience. This is not a policy form or a universal eligibility statement..) |
| Who It’s For | BHSI names regional, national and global contractors and construction suppliers or service firms among its target accounts. [5](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-surety/ "Surety") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: A target description does not establish approval, bonding capacity or qualification for a particular contract..) | Prime and subcontractors for contract bonds, plus Fortune 2000 and smaller commercial accounts for commercial bonds, as described by Markel. [8](https://www.markel.com/us/surety "Markel Surety") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: surety bonds marketed by markel; scope is limited to the cited official product overview and described audience. This is not a policy form or a universal eligibility statement..) |
| Coverage Features | BHSI lists performance, payment, advance-payment, maintenance, supply and warranty bonds. [5](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-surety/ "Surety") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: The catalogue identifies bond types; actual obligations are set by each bond form, principal, obligee and governing jurisdiction..)<br><br>BHSI lists performance, payment, advance-payment, maintenance, supply and warranty bonds as separate bond types. [5](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-surety/ "Surety") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Each bond carries its own obligation; the product list does not establish bond form terms or approval..) | The cited product page describes contract, commercial, court, and probate bond products, including standalone and co-surety contract-bond support. Marketing description only; actual coverage, exclusions, conditions, limits, and availability depend on the issued policy and jurisdiction. [8](https://www.markel.com/us/surety "Markel Surety") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: surety bonds marketed by markel; scope is limited to the cited official product overview and described audience. This is not a policy form or a universal eligibility statement..) |
| Limits and Retentions | Confirm in your quote. | The cited overview does not set a universal limit or retention for this line. Ask for the proposed policy form, limits, retentions, exclusions, and conditions in the quote. [8](https://www.markel.com/us/surety "Markel Surety") (Evidence: Not publicly disclosed; scope: Only the cited marketing page was reviewed for published limit and retention information; no policy-form entitlement is inferred..) |
| Risk Services | BHSI says its surety team supports public-private partnership and project-delivery arrangements. [5](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-surety/ "Surety") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: The page does not specify the scope or availability of that support for an individual account..) | Confirm in your quote. |
| How to Apply | Confirm in your quote. | The page invites prospective customers or brokers to contact Markel or the named underwriting team. The page does not establish a quote, bind, or coverage-effective timeline. [8](https://www.markel.com/us/surety "Markel Surety") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: surety bonds marketed by markel; scope is limited to the cited official product overview and described audience. This is not a policy form or a universal eligibility statement..) |

## Related Pages for Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance

- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel): all coverage lines, business roles, service and claims.
- [What Are Surety Bonds?](https://spot.insure/coverage/surety-bonds): A surety bond guarantees a specific obligation your business owes to a customer, contracting party or agency; it does not insure your own losses.
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Builders Risk Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/builders-risk)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Cargo and Transit Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/cargo-transit)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Commercial Property Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/commercial-property)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Crime Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/crime)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Cyber Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/cyber)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance D&O Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/directors-officers)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Employment Practices Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/employment-practices)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Fiduciary Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/fiduciary)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance General Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/general-liability)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Inland Marine Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/inland-marine)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Media Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/media)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Product Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/product-liability)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/professional-errors-omissions)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Tech E&O Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/technology-errors-omissions)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance Umbrella and Excess Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/umbrella-excess)
- [Aon vs Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Surety Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/aon-vs-berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance/surety-bonds)
- [Aon vs Markel Insurance Surety Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/aon-vs-markel/surety-bonds)
- [The Baldwin Group vs Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Surety Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance/surety-bonds)
- [The Baldwin Group vs Markel Insurance Surety Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-markel/surety-bonds)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Chubb Surety Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-chubb/surety-bonds)
- [Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs CNA Surety Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-cna/surety-bonds)

## Sources for Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs Markel Insurance

### Sources About 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. [Surety](https://www.bhspecialty.com/us-products/us-surety/). Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance; Retained canonical source record locator: U.S. Surety product highlights list performance, payment, advance-payment, maintenance, supply and warranty bonds; target contractors and construction suppliers/services; lines 6–32. Prior access 2026-09-28; direct re-open failed in this session.. Accessed 2026-09-28.

### Sources About Markel Insurance

6. [About us](https://www.markel.com/about-us). Markel; Markel at a glance; description of Markel Insurance within Markel Group Inc.. Accessed 2026-09-28.
7. [Markel Group Inc. 2025 Form 10-K](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1096343/000109634326000020/mkl-20251231.htm). U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; filed by Markel Group Inc.; Cover page; Part I, Item 1 Business—Markel Insurance, U.S. Wholesale and Specialty, Programs and Solutions; Part II, Item 7/8 for group and segment risks. Accessed 2026-09-28.
8. [Markel Surety](https://www.markel.com/us/surety). Markel; Products; contract bonds; commercial bonds; court and probate bonds; support and claims resources.. Accessed 2026-09-30.

### Sources for the Surety Bonds Guide

9. [Glossary of Insurance Terms](https://content.naic.org/glossary-insurance-terms). National Association of Insurance Commissioners; Surety Bond; Fidelity. Accessed 2026-09-16.
10. [Surety bonds](https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/surety-bonds). U.S. Small Business Administration; Opening guarantee of work completion; Contract or commercial bonds; Bid, Payment, Performance, Ancillary; Eligibility > credit, capacity, and character. Accessed 2026-09-16.
11. [40 U.S. Code § 3131 — Bonds of contractors of public buildings or works](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/40/3131). Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School, reproducing 40 U.S.C. § 3131; §3131(b) Type of Bonds Required — performance bond and payment bond. Accessed 2026-09-16.
12. [Surety Bonds](https://www.chubb.com/us-en/surety.html). Chubb; Construction Surety Bonds (performance, payment, maintenance); Commercial Surety Bonds (license and permit, court, commercial contract). Accessed 2026-09-16.
13. [Surety Bonds Insurance](https://www.harperinsure.com/coverages/surety-bonds). Harper; What is Surety Bonds insurance?; A bond is not insurance; License & permit bonds; Contract bonds — bid, performance, and payment; Is a bond the same as insurance?. Accessed 2026-09-16.

Updated 2026-10-01. 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 Review Scores for 2026

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).

## Markel Insurance Review Scores for 2026

Review Score: 7.5 / 10 from 2 rated sources, equally weighted.

There is little public customer feedback on Markel. Trustpilot shows 2.5 out of 5 from just 5 reviews, and BBB lists 12 complaints closed in the last three years.

- J.D. Power: Commercial Lines Insurers agent satisfaction score 726 (out of 1,000). 2022 commercial-lines independent-agent satisfaction study and 2025 small-commercial customer study; these use different populations and measures Period: 2022. Checked 2026-09-29. [2025 U.S. Small Commercial Insurance Study](https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-small-commercial-insurance-study); [2022 U.S. Independent Agent Satisfaction Study](https://www.jdpower.com/sites/default/files/file/2022-10/2022134%20U.S.%20Independent%20Agent.pdf)
- Trustpilot: TrustScore 2.5 (out of 5); 5 reviews. Trustpilot brand-level page for markel.com. It mixes products and is not mapped to one legal insurer. Checked 2026-09-29. [Markel Reviews](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/markel.com)
- BBB: BBB business grade A+. BBB business profile for Markel Insurance Company headquarters/corporate-owned locations; review and complaint submissions may include other products and affiliates Checked 2026-09-29. [Markel Insurance Company Business Profile](https://www.bbb.org/us/va/glen-allen/profile/insurance-companies/markel-insurance-company-0603-4017547); [Markel Insurance Company Complaints](https://www.bbb.org/us/va/glen-allen/profile/insurance-companies/markel-insurance-company-0603-4017547/complaints)
- BBB: Complaints 12; 12 reviews. BBB profile for Markel Insurance Company; complaints may include other Markel products and affiliates and BBB says not all submissions are displayed. Period: last 3 years, as displayed 2026-09-29. Checked 2026-09-29. [Markel Insurance Company Complaints](https://www.bbb.org/us/va/glen-allen/profile/insurance-companies/markel-insurance-company-0603-4017547/complaints)

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

## Agent and Developer Resources

- [Markdown page](https://spot.insure/compare/berkshire-hathaway-specialty-insurance-vs-markel/surety-bonds.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)