Who Is Branch Insurance?
Branch Insurance is a modern insurtech company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, that is reimagining how Americans buy home and auto insurance. Founded in 2017 by insurance veteran Steve Lekas and tech entrepreneur Joe Emison, Branch was built on a simple but powerful idea: insurance should be affordable, easy to purchase, and rooted in the communal spirit that originally defined the industry. With Branch, customers can get an instantly bundled home and auto quote using just their name and address — often in under 30 seconds.
Branch partners with independent agents like Better Choice Insurance Group to deliver competitive rates across dozens of states. Their technology-first approach means faster quotes, streamlined policy management, and a claims process designed around the policyholder's experience rather than the carrier's convenience.
History & Heritage
Branch was founded in 2017 with headquarters at 20 East Broad Street in Columbus, Ohio. Co-founders Steve Lekas and Joe Emison believed the insurance industry had lost its original communal character, replaced by massive corporations selling expensive, complicated policies. They set out to change that by building a technology platform that could slash overhead costs and pass those savings directly to policyholders.
The company grew rapidly. By 2022, Branch had achieved unicorn status after closing a $147 million Series C funding round led by Weatherford Capital, valuing the company at over $1 billion. That same year, Branch expanded into 16 new states plus the District of Columbia. By early 2023, Branch was operating in 36 states plus D.C., making it one of the fastest-growing property and casualty insurtechs in the country.
Branch pioneered the concept of "instantly bundled" insurance — allowing customers to get a combined home and auto quote in a single, seamless experience. This innovation, combined with their community-based model that rewards groups of low-risk policyholders, set them apart in a crowded market.
What They Are Known For
- Instant bundling: Branch is one of the few carriers that can generate a bundled home and auto quote in seconds using just a name and address.
- Community-based pricing: Branch uses a reciprocal exchange model where policyholders share risk with one another, keeping costs lower for everyone in the group.
- Technology-driven experience: From quoting to claims, everything is designed to be fast, transparent, and mobile-friendly.
- Broad product line: Beyond home and auto, Branch offers umbrella, renters, motorcycle, boat, and ATV coverage.
- Award-winning mobile app: The Branch app lets policyholders access ID cards (even offline), file claims, manage accounts, update payments, and get roadside assistance.
Why We Partner With Branch
At Better Choice Insurance Group, we are always looking for carriers that combine competitive pricing with a great customer experience. Branch checks both boxes. Their technology allows us to quote clients faster than almost any other carrier in our panel, and their bundled pricing is consistently among the most competitive we see — especially for homeowners looking to pair home and auto coverage.
Branch's claims process is also a standout. Clients can file a claim in seconds through the app or website, and Branch assigns a dedicated claims professional who communicates throughout the process. For our clients, that means less stress during an already stressful time.
We also appreciate that Branch is backed by strong financial partners. Policies are underwritten by General Security National Insurance Company, which carries an A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best, and reinsured by SCOR, also rated A+ by AM Best. That means our clients get cutting-edge technology backed by rock-solid financial stability.
AM Best Rating
Policies underwritten by General Security National Insurance Company are rated A+ (Superior) by AM Best. In select states, policies are written through Branch Insurance Exchange, rated A (Exceptional) by Demotech. All policies are reinsured by SCOR (AM Best A+).
Quick Links — Branch Insurance
Where We Write Branch Insurance
Better Choice Insurance Group offers Branch Insurance policies to homeowners and drivers across our service areas:
- Illinois: St. Charles, Naperville, Chicago, Aurora, Schaumburg
- Texas: San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, Austin, Fort Worth
- Indiana: Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers
- Minnesota: Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington