---
title: "Branch Insurance Review [Updated 2026]"
description: "Branch Insurance is an insurtech company that pioneered instant bundled home and auto insurance. Founded in 2017, Branch offers policies in 36+ states through innovative technology and a reciprocal exchange model."
canonical: "https://www.coveragecat.com/reviews/branch"
last-updated: "2026-08-13"
---

# Branch Insurance Review [Updated 2026]

1. [Introduction to Branch Insurance](#introduction)
2. [What Kinds of Insurance Does Branch Offer?](#types-of-insurance)
3. [Does Branch Sell Homeowners Insurance?](#homeowners)
4. [Does Branch Sell Auto Insurance?](#auto)
5. [How Does Branch Insurance Work?](#how-it-works)
6. [Pricing and Discounts](#pricing)
7. [Pros and Cons of Branch Insurance](#pros-cons)
8. [Ratings and Customer Feedback](#ratings)
9. [Get Customer Support Or File A Claim](#customer-support)
10. [Frequently Asked Questions](#faq)

## <a id="introduction"></a>Introduction to Branch Insurance

Insurance veteran Steve Lekas and tech entrepreneur Joe Emison founded Branch Insurance in 2017, headquartering the company in Columbus, Ohio. They aimed to solve a fundamental problem: expensive, difficult-to-buy insurance. The founders believed insurance had lost its original communal spirit, replaced by giant corporations selling expensive policies.

Branch pioneered instantly-bundled home and auto insurance. In 2022, Branch achieved Unicorn status with a [$147 million Series C funding round](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/branch-achieves-unicorn-status-with-series-c-funding-cementing-its-position-as-the-premier-home--auto-insurtech-301563643.html) led by Weatherford Capital, reaching a $1.05 billion valuation. [In February 2023, Branch announced operations in 36 states plus D.C.](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/branch-launches-in-three-new-states-and-dc-301753266.html), having launched in 16 new states and D.C. in 2022 alone.

[Branch is a Public Benefit Corporation and Certified B Corporation](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/branch-becomes-a-certified-b-corp-anchored-by-its-mission-to-make-insurance-more-affordable-for-all-301714667.html) committed to high standards of social and environmental performance. The company operates using a reciprocal insurance exchange model in many states. Under this model, the exchange is owned entirely by its members and managed by insurance professionals who answer only to members rather than corporate shareholders [(Branch Insurance, "Frequently Asked Questions About Branch Insurance", 2026)](https://www.ourbranch.com/s/faqs).

## <a id="types-of-insurance"></a>What Kinds of Insurance Does Branch Offer?

Branch offers four main insurance products: auto, homeowners, renters and umbrella. The company's core focus is bundling [homeowners insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance) and [auto insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/car-insurance) together for maximum savings.

The company rolled out [condo insurance across Branch's available states beginning in Ohio in 2023](https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/branch-insurance-launches-condo-product-436081.aspx). Branch policies are underwritten by either Branch Insurance Exchange, General Security National Insurance Company, or Everspan Insurance Company, depending on the state and product line [Ibid.](https://www.ourbranch.com/s/faqs).

| Product Type | Coverage Available | Notable Features |
|--------------|-------------------|------------------|
| Homeowners | Single-family homes, condos | Host protection, water backup up to $50,000 |
| Auto | Standard coverage, rideshare | Liability, comprehensive, collision, Uber/Lyft coverage |
| Renters | Personal property, liability | Standard tenant protections |
| Umbrella | Excess liability | Coverage above base policy limits |

## <a id="homeowners"></a>Does Branch Sell Homeowners Insurance?

Yes. Branch sells comprehensive [homeowners insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance) policies. The company covers condos, apartments, and single-family homes. 

All Branch Insurance homeowners policies include coverage for your dwelling, other structures on your property, personal property, personal liability coverage, guest medical protection, and coverage for living expenses if you're forced to leave your home for an extended period. [Ibid.](https://www.ourbranch.com/s/faqs) notes that Branch's minimum deductible is $1,000 with options up to 5% of dwelling policy limit.

The company offers several notable features for homeowners:
- **Host protection coverage**: Protection for hosts who rent out their properties through platforms like Airbnb
- **Water backup damage**: Up to $50,000 in water backup damage coverage, although higher limits are paired with higher deductibles
- **Monitored security system discount**: Discounts available if you have a monitored home security system or if you inventory your property after getting a policy
- **AI-powered assessments**: The company uses artificial intelligence to gather information on your property to make an initial recommendation on policy limits [Ibid.](https://www.ourbranch.com/s/faqs)

Branch's homeowners insurance rates are competitive with some of the largest insurers in the country. Sample rates were not the lowest found, but were cheaper than average—less than State Farm or Allstate, but more expensive than Geico or Progressive.

## <a id="auto"></a>Does Branch Sell Auto Insurance?

Yes. Branch offers [auto insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/car-insurance) with all standard coverages including liability, comprehensive, and collision. The company stands out for offering rideshare coverage, which is not typically a standard offering. 

Branch provides standard auto insurance coverages like liability, comprehensive and collision, plus rideshare coverage. When a driver works for Uber or Lyft, the rideshare company covers them when giving rides to customers. Branch extends coverage to include when you're driving to make a pickup and waiting for a passenger.

Branch's auto insurance rates are slightly cheaper than average. A sample driver would pay $568 a year for full-coverage for a 2008 car in Ohio, cheaper than Geico and Allstate, but more expensive than State Farm and Progressive. This makes Branch competitive in terms of price, but it may not always be the cheapest option.

## <a id="how-it-works"></a>How Does Branch Insurance Work?

Branch built its business model around making insurance as easy as possible to buy. The company claims it's the easiest way to get home, auto, or bundled coverage—just enter your name and address to see hundreds of savings in seconds.

The process works as follows:

1. **Enter your information**: Input your name and address. If more information is needed, the process remains quick. Review, customize, checkout.

2. **Automated data gathering**: Branch securely and automatically pulls data from publicly available sources based on your address to quickly determine factors that impact insurance prices like the size of your house or its proximity to flood zones.

3. **Instant bundling**: Branch allows customers to bundle home and auto insurance instantly, claiming to save its members an average of $548 annually [(PR Newswire, "Branch Achieves Unicorn Status with Series C Funding", 2022)](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/branch-achieves-unicorn-status-with-series-c-funding-cementing-its-position-as-the-premier-home--auto-insurtech-301563643.html). The entire bundling process can be completed online.

4. **Quick purchase**: The company provides a comprehensive explanation of homeowners insurance when you start shopping. It uses artificial intelligence to gather information on your property to make an initial recommendation on policy limits.

Branch operates differently from traditional insurers in several key ways:

**Reciprocal Exchange Model**: The Branch Insurance Exchange is a reciprocal insurance company owned by its members and professionally managed by Branch [(Branch Insurance, "Frequently Asked Questions About Branch Insurance", 2026)](https://www.ourbranch.com/s/faqs). While most conventional insurance companies answer to corporate shareholders, reciprocals answer only to their members.

**Subscriber Savings Account**: In a traditional insurance company, money collected from policyholders but not used to pay claims gets kept as corporate profit. With the Branch Insurance Exchange, that money gets returned to members through their Subscriber Savings Account (SSA). As the community grows, so do the SSA funds.

**Community-Focused Programs**: [Community Pledge](https://www.ourbranch.com/s/community-pledge) allows Branch customers to request a "vouch" from other Branch customers in exchange for up to 5% off their insurance, with each vouch reducing the insurance price by 1%.

## <a id="pricing"></a>Pricing and Discounts

Branch positions itself as an affordable option through its efficient business model. The company claims to eliminate most advertising costs and partners with top lending companies to make insurance available when you need it. They simplify buying with fewer agents, make bundling instant, and give members tools that supposedly reward them as the community grows.

**Auto Insurance Pricing**: Branch's auto insurance rates are slightly cheaper than average, making Branch a competitive option in terms of price, but not the cheapest available.

**Homeowners Insurance Pricing**: Branch homeowners insurance rates are competitive with some of the largest insurers in the country. Sample rates were not the lowest found, but were cheaper than average—less than State Farm or Allstate, but more expensive than Geico or Progressive.

| Discount Type | Description | Potential Savings |
|---------------|-------------|-------------------|
| Bundling | Combine home and auto policies | Average $548 annually |
| Monitored security system | Discount for homes with monitored security | Varies |
| Property inventory | Discount if you inventory property after getting policy | Varies |
| Community Pledge | Customer vouches from other Branch members | Up to 5% |
| Dash cam | Nextbase dash cam purchase and installation | 10% on dash cam, 8% on premium |

**Payment Options:** Payments accepted via ACH through bank or credit card.

## <a id="pros-cons"></a>Pros and Cons of Branch Insurance

<div class="grid">
  <div class="column">
    <p><b>Pros</b></p>
    <ul>
      <li>Instant bundling capability makes buying home and auto insurance extremely fast</li>
      <li>Competitive pricing compared to major carriers like State Farm and Allstate</li>
      <li>Reciprocal exchange model returns unused premiums to members</li>
      <li>Branch Insurance Exchange has earned an A (Exceptional) rating from Demotech <a href="https://www.demotech.com/fsr_notifications/fsrnotification16825/">(Demotech, "Financial Stability Ratings", 2024)</a></li>
      <li>General Security National Insurance Company receives an A+ rating by AM Best <a href="https://ratings.ambest.com/">(AM Best, "Company and Rating Search", 2026)</a></li>
      <li>All policies reinsured by SCOR, rated A+ for financial strength by AM Best <a href="https://ratings.ambest.com/">(AM Best, "Company and Rating Search", 2026)</a></li>
      <li>Homeshare and rideshare coverage options available</li>
      <li>Community-focused programs offer additional savings</li>
      <li>Available in 36+ states plus D.C.</li>
      
    </ul>
  </div>
  <div class="column">
    <p><b>Cons</b></p>
    <ul>
      <li>Numerous customer complaints about significant rate increases at renewal, with some policies doubling or tripling in price after the first year</li>
      <li>Mixed reviews on claims handling and customer service responsiveness</li>
      <li>Company experienced significant workforce reductions with approximately 271 layoffs across 2023-2024 <a href="https://www.insurtechinsights.com/insurtech-branch-lays-off-more-employees-amid-economic-challenges/">(Insurtech Insights, "Insurtech Branch Lays Off More Employees Amid Economic Challenges", 2024)</a></li>
      <li>Branch Insurance Exchange disclosed a net underwriting loss of $70.6 million as of September 30, 2023 <a href="https://www.insurtechinsights.com/insurtech-branch-lays-off-more-employees-amid-economic-challenges/">(Ibid., "Insurtech Branch Lays Off More Employees Amid Economic Challenges", 2024)</a></li>
      <li>Company is relatively new (founded 2017) with limited track record</li>
      <li>Some customers report policies being cancelled after underwriting inspections reveal issues</li>
      <li>Focused primarily on bundled policies, less competitive for standalone coverage</li>
    </ul>
  </div>
</div>

## <a id="ratings"></a>Ratings and Customer Feedback for Branch Insurance

### Financial Strength Ratings

| Rating Agency | Rating | Details |
|---------------|--------|---------|
| **Demotech** | A (Exceptional) | Branch Insurance Exchange earned a Financial Stability Rating of A, Exceptional, from Demotech. This level is assigned to insurers who possess exceptional financial stability related to maintaining positive surplus, liquidity of invested assets, acceptable financial leverage, and realistic pricing [(Demotech, "Financial Stability Ratings", 2024)](https://www.demotech.com/fsr_notifications/fsrnotification16825/) |
| **AM Best (General Security National)** | A+ | General Security National Insurance Company, one of Branch's underwriting partners, receives an A+ rating by AM Best [(AM Best, "Company and Rating Search", 2026)](https://ratings.ambest.com/) |
| **AM Best (SCOR Reinsurer)** | A+ | All Branch policies are reinsured by SCOR, rated A+ for financial strength by AM Best [Ibid.](https://ratings.ambest.com/) |
| **Better Business Bureau** | A+ | The company earns an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau [(Better Business Bureau, "Branch Insurance", 2026)](https://www.bbb.org/us/oh/columbus/profile/insurance-agency/branch-insurance-0302-70109098) |

### Customer Reviews Summary

| Source | Rating | Total Reviews | Summary |
|--------|--------|---------------|---------|
| **Trustpilot** | 4.0 stars | 2,855+ reviews | Branch Insurance has a 4-star rating on Trustpilot. Many positive reviews praise individual agents for helpfulness and professionalism, while some negative reviews cite disorganization and poor customer support [(Trustpilot, "Branch Insurance Reviews", 2026)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/ourbranch.com) |
| **Google Reviews** | 4.9 stars | N/A | The company earns 4.9 stars on Google Verified Reviews |
| **Better Business Bureau** | 1.85 stars | 87 reviews | Company is BBB accredited [(Better Business Bureau, "Branch Insurance", 2026)](https://www.bbb.org/us/oh/columbus/profile/insurance-agency/branch-insurance-0302-70109098) |
| **NAIC Complaint Index** | 13.29 (2024) | 17 reviews | In 2024, Branch had an elevated (higher than 1) Complaint Index rating from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), meaning it received more complaints relative to other insurers in its category [(NAIC, "Results by Complaint Index: Branch Ins Exchange", 2024)](https://content.naic.org/cis_refined_results.htm?TABLEAU=CIS_COMPLAINTS&COCODE=16825&:refresh) |

### Real Customer Reviews

<div class="grid customer-review">
  <div class="column">
    <p>5 ★</p>
    <p><b>Hailey S., Recent Customer</b></p>
    <p><a href="https://www.ourbranch.com/s/claims"><span class="text-muted">via Branch Website</span></a></p>
  </div>
  <div class="column">
    <p>I've been a Branch customer for a few months now. Recently, our family experienced a car accident and I'm SO glad that I was with Branch when it happened. We have two school-aged kiddos in several extra curricular activities so dealing with a claim on our car was the last thing we had time to deal with!! Luckily, our claims guide was extremely helpful, guiding us through each step and providing updates on the status of the claim. They were so proactive about the entire process and that really helped with our peace of mind. Would definitely recommend them to friends and family!!</p>
  </div>
</div>

<div class="grid customer-review">
  <div class="column">
    <p>5 ★</p>
    <p><b>Kevin V., September 2025</b></p>
    <p><a href="https://www.trustpilot.com/review/ourbranch.com"><span class="text-muted">via Trustpilot</span></a></p>
  </div>
  <div class="column">
    <p>I had assistance from Jessica Haase, and she is the person who seemed to care about what we were doing and how it worked out. She is probably one of your best insurance agents that I've ever talked to. I'd like to thank her and let you guys know that she has a great personality.</p>
  </div>
</div>

<div class="grid customer-review">
  <div class="column">
    <p>2 ★</p>
    <p><b>corinneg543, 2025</b></p>
    <p><a href="https://www.bbb.org/us/oh/columbus/profile/insurance-agency/branch-insurance-0302-70109098"><span class="text-muted">via Better Business Bureau</span></a></p>
  </div>
  <div class="column">
    <p>Beware of this company; they will offer you a low introductory rate and double it the following year. Most people won't notice since it's paid by their mortgage company. It's a shady and disgusting business practice.</p>
  </div>
</div>

<div class="grid customer-review">
  <div class="column">
    <p>1 ★</p>
    <p><b>thanh tran, 2025</b></p>
    <p><a href="https://www.bbb.org/us/oh/columbus/profile/insurance-agency/branch-insurance-0302-70109098"><span class="text-muted">via Better Business Bureau</span></a></p>
  </div>
  <div class="column">
    <p>Extreme bait and switch and deaf ears. When we first purchased our home, insurance was around $2,500. The first renewal a year later was over $6,000! When we canceled, signing the proper paperwork with my signature and the representative's, they did not cancel it and charged us the $6,000.</p>
  </div>
</div>

<div class="grid customer-review">
  <div class="column">
    <p>1 ★</p>
    <p><b>Eric, 2025</b></p>
    <p><a href="https://www.trustpilot.com/review/ourbranch.com"><span class="text-muted">via Trustpilot</span></a></p>
  </div>
  <div class="column">
    <p>I am an insurance agent. This is the most disorganized insurance carrier I have ever worked with over my last 20 years. They are terrible on customer support and service. This is the exact reason why online shoppers get such bad service but good rates. If you want cheap they might be a good fit but don't expect any level of normal service from this insurance company.</p>
  </div>
</div>

## <a id="customer-support"></a>Get Customer Support Or File A Claim For Branch Insurance

### Filing a Claim

The company recommends filing a claim through the Branch website or app. Visit branch.com or download the Branch insurance app from your app store to get your claims process started.

**Claims Phone Number:** For immediate help you can call 855-540-9642

**Claims Process:**
1. Upload pictures and invoices, then provide details of what happened
2. When your claim is submitted, you'll receive an email confirming Branch has received your claim and is working on it
3. Branch assigns a claims professional to your claim
4. Your claims rep supposedly will communicate throughout to guide you through each step to resolve your claim fairly, kindly, and efficiently [(Branch Insurance, "Our Claim Process", 2026)](https://www.ourbranch.com/s/claims)

### Customer Service

**Phone:** (855) 204-8112
**Email:** support@ourbranch.com
**Online:** Available through the Branch website and mobile app [Ibid.](https://www.ourbranch.com/s/claims)

Branch states it strives to keep customers informed throughout the claims process. If there's anything they can do to make the process easier, they encourage customers to let them know.

## <a id="faq"></a>Frequently Asked Questions

### Should I Buy Branch Insurance?

Branch could be a good choice if you're looking for:
- An easy, fast way to bundle [home](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance) and [auto insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/car-insurance)
- Competitive pricing compared to major national carriers
- A tech-forward, digital-first insurance experience
- Specialized coverage like homeshare or rideshare protection

However, you should be aware of potential downsides.  Reviews on customer service are mixed. Always compare quotes from multiple insurers before making a decision.

### Is Branch Insurance a Real Insurance Company?

Yes. Branch is a legitimate insurance company. Branch is an insurance agency that also manages the Branch Insurance Exchange, which is a licensed insurance company. When you buy insurance from Branch, you're purchasing insurance underwritten by either Branch Insurance Exchange, General Security National Insurance Company, or Everspan Insurance Company, depending on where you live [(Branch Insurance, "Frequently Asked Questions About Branch Insurance", 2026)](https://www.ourbranch.com/s/faqs).

Branch has been BBB Accredited since 8/27/2019 [(Better Business Bureau, "Branch Insurance", 2026)](https://www.bbb.org/us/oh/columbus/profile/insurance-agency/branch-insurance-0302-70109098). Branch Insurance Exchange has earned a Financial Stability Rating of A, Exceptional, from Demotech [(Demotech, "Financial Stability Ratings", 2024)](https://www.demotech.com/fsr_notifications/fsrnotification16825/).

### How Does Branch Insurance Make Money?

Branch Insurance Exchange is a reciprocal insurance company built to further the mission to make insurance better and more affordable. It is owned by its members and professionally managed by Branch.

Branch makes money through:
- Insurance premiums paid by policyholders
- Management fees for operating the reciprocal exchange
- Partnerships with mortgage companies, auto lenders, and home security companies

Unlike traditional insurers that keep unused premiums as profit, the Branch Insurance Exchange returns money not used to pay claims to members through their Subscriber Savings Account.

### What States Does Branch Insurance Operate In?

As of February 2023, Branch operates in 36 states plus D.C. In April 2022, Branch expanded to 25 states including Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Virginia.

The company continues to expand nationally and aims for coverage in all 50 states.

### Does Branch Offer [Umbrella Insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/umbrella-insurance)?

Yes. Branch offers auto, homeowners, renters and umbrella insurance. Umbrella coverage is excess liability insurance that covers a much higher limit in excess of the underlying liability limit offered by your base policy. It goes above and beyond claims directly relating to your home and auto.

### Can I Buy Branch Insurance Online?

Yes. Branch is designed as a direct-to-consumer, digital-first insurance company. You can get home, auto, or bundled coverage by entering just your name and address to supposedly see hundreds of savings in seconds.

Branch operates digitally to deliver homeowners, renters, and automobile coverage, while also offering live phone sales and support for those who prefer working with a licensed agent. You can allegedly see and buy policies online in just minutes, start online and complete over the phone, or call 833-4BRANCH (833-427-2624) to work with a licensed agent from start to finish.

### Why Are My Branch Insurance Rates Increasing?

Many Branch customers have reported significant rate increases at renewal. When asked about rate increases, Branch states that they aim to provide affordable rates, but the insurance industry is influenced by various factors including inflation, which impacts the cost of covering claims. To maintain financial stability and fulfill commitment to members, periodic rate adjustments are sometimes necessary.

[(Insurtech Insights, "Insurtech Branch Lays Off More Employees Amid Economic Challenges", 2024)](https://www.insurtechinsights.com/insurtech-branch-lays-off-more-employees-amid-economic-challenges/) notes that Branch cited persistent inflation as a significant challenge for home and auto insurance companies. The company experienced operational challenges in 2023-2024, which may have contributed to premium adjustments.

It's important to shop around at each renewal to ensure you're getting the best rate available.

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