BTIS: Agent's Guide 2026

BTIS is a managing general agent (MGA) and wholesale broker operating as part of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies. Unlike direct carriers such as biBERK or Travelers, BTIS does not issue policies on its own paper. Instead, BTIS acts as an intermediary between independent agents and a network of 30+ A-rated or better carrier partners, providing access to specialty programs and hard-to-place commercial insurance markets. Headquartered in Rocklin, California, BTIS has built a reputation as one of the leading MGAs for contractors, artisan trades, habitational risks, special events, and professional liability. For independent agents, understanding that BTIS is an MGA -- not a carrier -- is critical to knowing how to use them effectively on your carrier panel.

TLDR: BTIS is a Berkshire Hathaway MGA/wholesale broker (not a direct carrier) that partners with 30+ A-rated carriers to offer specialty programs. Their gold-rated contractor program is the flagship product, with strong appetite for artisan trades, habitational/real estate, special events, and professional liability. Available nationwide. Policies carry the AM Best rating of the underlying carrier partner (typically A+ or better). Ideal for agents who need access to specialty and hard-to-place markets without maintaining dozens of individual carrier appointments.

Company Overview

BTIS (formerly known as Builders & Tradesmen's Insurance Services) is a managing general agent and wholesale insurance broker that operates within the Berkshire Hathaway group. The company was founded with a focus on contractor and trades insurance and has expanded over the years into a broad specialty MGA serving independent agents across all 50 states. BTIS is headquartered in Rocklin, California, with operations supporting agents nationwide.

The critical distinction agents need to understand is that BTIS is not a carrier -- they do not issue policies on their own financial paper. Instead, BTIS maintains binding authority relationships with 30+ carrier partners, all rated A (Excellent) or better by AM Best. When you place business through BTIS, the policy is issued by one of these underlying carriers. The AM Best rating on the policy belongs to that carrier, not to BTIS. This means the financial strength backing your client's coverage is that of the issuing carrier, which in most cases carries an A+ (Superior) or A++ (Superior) rating.

As part of the Berkshire Hathaway family, BTIS benefits from the operational resources, brand credibility, and financial backing of one of the most recognized names in insurance and global finance. However, agents should not confuse BTIS with other Berkshire Hathaway insurance entities like Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) or biBERK. Each operates independently with distinct products, distribution models, and target markets. BTIS's role is specifically as an MGA and wholesale channel -- connecting agents with specialty carrier programs that they might not otherwise access directly.

BTIS has grown to become one of the larger MGAs in the United States, particularly in the contractor and specialty lines segments. Their nationwide reach, broad carrier partner network, and online quoting technology make them a practical addition to any independent agent's toolkit, especially for agents who regularly encounter hard-to-place risks or specialty classes.

Products and Appetite

BTIS's product portfolio spans multiple commercial lines, all placed through their carrier partner network. Here is what they write, who they write it for, and where BTIS is strongest.

Contractors and Artisan Trades (Flagship Program)

Contractor insurance is BTIS's signature specialty and the product line where they add the most value. Their gold-rated contractor program covers a wide range of general contractors and artisan trades including electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, painters, roofers, concrete contractors, excavation contractors, and carpenters. Available lines include general liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, inland marine (covering tools and equipment), and umbrella/excess liability.

BTIS's contractor program is particularly valuable for hard-to-place trades. If a direct carrier like Travelers or The Hartford declines a roofing contractor or an excavation company, BTIS's carrier partner network often has a market that will write it. The premium range for contractor accounts typically falls between $3,000 and $25,000, though larger accounts can be accommodated.

Habitational and Real Estate

BTIS has strong appetite for habitational risks -- apartment buildings, condominiums, property management companies, and mixed-use real estate. This includes GL, BOP, commercial property, umbrella, and professional liability (E&O) for real estate agents and property managers. BTIS's carrier partners provide competitive options for habitational risks that standard markets have tightened on, including older buildings and properties in areas with limited carrier availability.

Professional Liability

BTIS offers professional liability (errors and omissions) coverage for a broad range of professional service classes. This includes consultants, accountants, architects, engineers, IT professionals, home inspectors, and various allied health providers. Cyber liability coverage is also available bundled with or standalone from professional liability. The professional liability program is one of BTIS's core strengths, with competitive pricing for smaller professional firms in the $1,500 to $10,000 premium range.

Special Events

Special events coverage is a BTIS specialty that many standard carriers do not offer at all. This includes general liability for special events, liquor liability for events serving alcohol, and cancellation coverage. BTIS can place coverage for weddings, corporate events, festivals, sporting events, and community gatherings. This is a niche product that can be valuable for agents who serve event planners, venues, or clients who need one-time event coverage.

General Commercial Lines

Beyond their specialty programs, BTIS places general commercial lines including GL, BOP, workers' comp, and commercial auto for standard business classes like retail stores, restaurants, offices, and light service businesses. While these standard classes are not BTIS's primary differentiator -- direct carriers are often more competitive for vanilla risks -- BTIS provides a useful backup market when direct carriers decline or offer non-competitive terms.

What BTIS Does Not Write

BTIS does not offer programs for long-haul trucking, heavy manufacturing, large commercial fleets, or highly complex risk classes that require dedicated specialty carriers. Their sweet spot is small to mid-market commercial risks, with particular strength in the specialty classes described above.

Quoting and Technology

BTIS has invested in its online quoting platform to make the submission and quoting process efficient for agents.

Online quoting: Agents can access BTIS's quoting portal to submit risks and receive quotes electronically. For contractor and standard commercial classes, the quoting process is relatively fast -- many standard classes return quotes within minutes. More complex or specialty risks may require underwriter review, but BTIS's turnaround times are generally competitive with other MGAs.

Multi-carrier access: One of the key advantages of working through BTIS is that a single submission can be marketed across multiple carrier partners. Rather than submitting to each carrier individually, agents submit once to BTIS and get access to whichever carrier partner offers the best fit for the risk. This saves considerable time compared to managing individual carrier submissions.

Portal experience: BTIS's agent portal handles quoting, binding, policy document access, endorsement requests, and certificate of insurance generation. The platform is functional and well-organized, though agents accustomed to direct carrier portals from Travelers or Progressive should expect the typical MGA workflow -- submitting through BTIS's system rather than directly to the underlying carrier.

Integration considerations: Because BTIS is an MGA, policy data flows through BTIS's systems rather than directly from the carrier. Agents who rely on IVANS download or direct carrier integration with their agency management system should verify how BTIS policies integrate with their AMS. Some agents report that MGA-placed policies require more manual data entry than direct carrier policies.

Commission Structure

Commission rates through BTIS vary by line of business, program, and underlying carrier partner. As an MGA, BTIS takes a share of the commission before passing the remainder to the producing agent, which means agent commission rates are typically lower than direct carrier appointments. Based on industry knowledge and agent feedback:

• General liability (contractors): ~8-12%
• Workers' compensation: ~5-8%
• BOP / Commercial property: ~8-12%
• Professional liability: ~10-15%
• Commercial auto: ~5-8%
• Special events: ~10-15%

These ranges are approximate and can vary based on the specific carrier partner, program, and state. Some BTIS specialty programs offer competitive commission rates that approach direct carrier levels, particularly in their flagship contractor and professional liability programs.

Honest assessment: Commission rates through an MGA like BTIS will generally be lower than what you earn on a direct carrier appointment. The trade-off is access -- BTIS gives you access to 30+ carrier markets through a single appointment, which can be more efficient and productive than maintaining individual appointments with each of those carriers. For hard-to-place risks where you might otherwise refer the business to another agent or an E&S broker, the BTIS commission is incremental revenue you would not have earned otherwise.

Agents who place a high volume of contractor or specialty business through BTIS may be able to negotiate improved commission tiers over time. Ask your BTIS representative about volume-based commission enhancements if you expect to be a regular user.

Appointment Process

Getting appointed with BTIS is generally more accessible than obtaining direct carrier appointments, which is one of the advantages of the MGA model.

1. Apply online: Visit the BTIS Become an Agent page and complete the application form.
2. Requirements: You need an active property & casualty license in your resident state, active E&O coverage, and a valid business entity. BTIS does not require years of experience or high minimum premium volumes for initial appointment.
3. Approval timeline: BTIS appointment approval is typically faster than direct carrier appointments. Most agents report being approved and able to quote within one to two weeks of submitting their application.
4. No heavy production minimums: Unlike major carriers that may require $50,000-$100,000+ in annual premium to maintain an appointment, BTIS's production requirements for maintaining your appointment are generally more modest. This makes BTIS accessible to newer agencies, solo agents, and generalist agencies that may only place specialty risks occasionally.
5. Wholesale access: In many states, BTIS can act as a wholesale broker for agents who need access to surplus lines markets. This expands your placement options beyond admitted carrier programs.

The low barrier to entry is one of BTIS's strongest selling points for new and growing agencies. A single BTIS appointment effectively gives you access to 30+ carrier markets -- a significant advantage compared to the time and effort required to obtain 30 individual carrier appointments directly.

Claims Handling

Claims on BTIS-placed policies are handled by the underlying carrier that issued the policy, not by BTIS directly. This is an important distinction for agents and their clients to understand.

Reporting: Claims are typically reported directly to the issuing carrier using the claims contact information on the policy declarations page. Some BTIS programs also allow claims to be reported through BTIS, who then routes the claim to the appropriate carrier. Agents should confirm the claims reporting process for each BTIS-placed policy at the time of binding.

Handling quality: Because claims are handled by the underlying A-rated carrier partners, the quality of claims handling generally reflects that carrier's standards and practices. BTIS's carrier partners include well-established insurers with experienced claims teams, so the claims experience is generally solid. However, the claims experience can vary depending on which carrier partner issued the policy -- an inherent variable of the MGA model.

Agent involvement: Some agents report that the claims process on MGA-placed policies can feel less direct than on policies placed with carriers where the agent has a personal relationship with the claims team. This is a common trade-off with MGA placements. If claims advocacy is a key part of your value proposition to clients, build a relationship with BTIS's service team so they can help facilitate communication with the underlying carrier when needed.

Workers' comp claims: For workers' comp policies placed through BTIS, the carrier partner handles the claims including managed care, return-to-work coordination, and medical cost containment. The specific WC claims protocols depend on which carrier partner writes the policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between BTIS and a direct insurance carrier?

BTIS is a managing general agent (MGA) -- they have underwriting authority from 30+ carrier partners but do not issue policies on their own financial paper. When you place business through BTIS, the policy is issued by one of their A-rated carrier partners. The AM Best rating on the policy belongs to that issuing carrier. This is different from a direct carrier like Travelers or CNA, where the carrier itself underwrites and issues the policy. For agents, the practical difference is that BTIS gives you multi-carrier access through a single appointment, but commission rates are typically lower than direct carrier appointments.

Does BTIS have its own AM Best rating?

No. As an MGA, BTIS does not have its own AM Best Financial Strength Rating. The financial strength rating on each policy belongs to the underlying carrier partner that issues the policy. BTIS's carrier partners are all rated A (Excellent) or better by AM Best, with many rated A+ (Superior) or A++ (Superior). When your client asks about the carrier's financial strength, point them to the issuing carrier listed on the declarations page.

Is BTIS a good fit for my agency?

BTIS is most valuable for agencies that regularly encounter specialty or hard-to-place risks -- especially contractors, artisan trades, habitational, special events, and professional liability. If you primarily write standard small commercial (retail, restaurants, offices), direct carriers like Progressive, The Hartford, or biBERK will generally offer better pricing and higher commissions. BTIS earns its place on your panel as a specialty market and backup for risks that direct carriers decline or price uncompetitively.

How does BTIS's contractor program compare to direct carrier contractor programs?

BTIS's gold-rated contractor program is one of the strongest MGA offerings for contractors in the market. For standard contractor classes like electricians, plumbers, and general contractors, direct carriers like Travelers may offer similar or better pricing. Where BTIS truly shines is on harder-to-place contractor classes -- roofing, excavation, concrete, tree trimming -- where direct carrier appetite is limited. If your contractor book includes a mix of standard and hard-to-place trades, having both a direct carrier appointment and BTIS gives you the broadest possible market access.

Can I use BTIS alongside my direct carrier appointments?

Absolutely. Most agents use BTIS as a supplement to their direct carrier panel, not a replacement. Quote your direct carriers first for standard risks, and use BTIS when you need specialty programs, hard-to-place coverage, or competitive backup quotes. Many successful independent agents maintain direct appointments with three to five major carriers and supplement with one or two MGA relationships like BTIS to round out their market access. This approach gives you broad coverage for both standard and specialty risks through multi-carrier quoting.

What types of special events does BTIS cover?

BTIS offers one of the broader special events programs in the MGA market. Coverage is available for weddings, corporate events, festivals, sporting events, concerts, community gatherings, and other organized events. Available coverages include general liability, liquor liability (host and vendor), and event cancellation. This is a niche product, but it can be a meaningful revenue source for agents who serve event planners, venues, caterers, or clients who periodically need one-time event coverage.