W.R. Berkley Corp. is a Fortune 500 group offering specialty commercial insurance and global reinsurance solutions. Its reinsurance and monoline excess segment earned $1.7 billion in 2024 with an 84.1 percent combined ratio.
The company started in 1967 as a small investment firm in Connecticut. It went public in 1973 and began expanding through new companies and deals. Today, it ranks among the top specialty insurance and reinsurance groups worldwide.
Other milestones that helped shape Berkley's long-term growth and brand leadership include:
1994: key acquisition of risk manager Key Risk Management Services Inc
1995: acquired full ownership of Signet Star from Gen Re
2006: bought Garnet Captive Services to grow alternative risk consulting
2017: launched Berkley Environmental and Berkley Entertainment & Sports units
2018: formed Berkley Healthcare and unified two pro liability groups
In 2023, W.R. Berkley Corp. was ranked among the world’s top 40 reinsurers. This recognition reflected its steady rise and credibility in the global reinsurance market.
Berkley Re, its most globally known reinsurance arm, supports insurers across specialty and standard business risks worldwide:
auto liability: covers motor vehicle claims under long-term reinsurance agreements
contracts works liability: protects large construction projects against job-related liabilities
property: reinsures physical damage and insured asset losses
professional liability: supports errors and omissions across professions
products recall: reinsures product safety-related losses across industries
employers liability: covers workplace injuries outside of standard compensation systems
directors' & officers’ liability: reinsures executive-level risk exposure and management liability
medical malpractice: protects healthcare professionals from claims over medical errors
public & products liability: supports general and product-specific third-party claims
construction all-risks: reinsures damage or delays during building and infrastructure projects
liquor liability: covers claims tied to alcohol-related services or sales
farm cyber protection: reinsures agriculture-focused data breach or cyber event losses
non-profit D&O: reinsures directors’ liability exposures for non-profit groups
privacy breach & cyber security: protects against personal data or network security losses
family cyber: covers digital risks for families and households
Berkley Re leads the group’s reinsurance efforts, backed by other brands in North America, the UK, and Asia-Pacific. This also includes Midwest Employers Casualty and Syndicate 2791.
W.R. Berkley Corp.’s culture centers on doing what’s right for people, partners, and communities. It is a long-standing foundation that shapes how the company grows and works with others.
Its values guide decisions, shape teams, and support long-term success through the following beliefs:
Their culture still reflects the leadership of founder William R. Berkley, a true industry innovator. His people-first approach continues to shape how the company serves its employees and partners.
Every person at Berkley plays a role in shaping strong outcomes through shared ideas. W.R. Berkley Corp. values team skills and believes any idea can spark real impact across its work.
Staff are generally provided with comprehensive benefits as well, which may include:
professional & educational development: tuition help, exam prep, risk education
well-being: vacation days, sick leave, wellness program
health benefits: dental, medical, and vision coverage
financial benefits: life insurance, AD&D, travel protection
The company values diverse thinking and nurtures growth through learning and fresh ideas from every background.
W.R. Berkley Corp. supports a diverse team of skilled people from many backgrounds. Its training programs help employees grow and access new paths for development and leadership:
education: companywide DEI training, workshops, and online learning
code of ethics: outlines fair hiring and workplace inclusion
diversity, inclusion, belonging committee: senior-led group supporting over 55 businesses
women in leadership: culture supports growth, with some honored in Elite Women in Reinsurance 2024
Berkley also serves as a strong community partner by giving back time, effort, and support locally.
The firm entered 2025 with strong results in both insurance and reinsurance. The reinsurance unit stayed resilient despite tougher losses from natural events. Its steady growth and focused strategy support future strength in changing market conditions.
To support MGAs and insurtech innovators, W.R. Berkley Corp. introduced a new solutions unit. It offers scalable support in cyber, EPLI, crime, and violent event coverage across key lines. This move reflects Berkley’s drive to grow with smart products, strong people, and trusted partnerships.
