Branch is a legitimate, still-operating insurtech (founded 2017) that pioneered the “instant bundle”, buy home and auto together in seconds with just your name and address. To answer the question everyone is asking: yes, Branch is still in business in 2026. But it has been through real turbulence, layoffs, underwriting losses, and a fresh round of funding, and its biggest customer complaint is steep renewal increases (some policies doubling or tripling after year one). It is worth a quote for the convenient bundle and competitive first-year price, but budget for renewals and check who underwrites your policy.
Branch Insurance Review at a Glance
| Measure | Branch Insurance (2026) |
| Overall take | Legitimate and operating; cheap year one, watch renewals |
| What it is | Insurtech reciprocal exchange + agency (home/auto bundle) |
| Underwriters | Branch Insurance Exchange, GSNIC, or Everspan |
| Financial strength | Branch Exchange: Demotech A; GSNIC: AM Best A+; SCOR reinsures (A+) |
| Still in business? | Yes, operating in 36+ states; recapitalized in 2024 |
| Owned by | Privately held (VC-backed); reciprocal exchange owned by members |
| Biggest complaint | Large renewal price increases |
| Best for | People wanting a fast, cheap home + auto bundle |
| Worst for | Those wanting long-term price stability or a long track record |
Branch Insurance Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Branch Insurance (2026) |
| Founded | 2017 (Columbus, OH); public launch 2019 |
| Founders | Steve Lekas (ex-Allstate/Esurance) and Joe Emison |
| Structure | Reciprocal exchange + MGA; Certified B Corp |
| Products | Home, auto, renters, condo, umbrella (bundle focus) |
| Signature | “Two questions to bind” instant home + auto bundle |
| Underwriters | Branch Insurance Exchange, General Security National (GSNIC), Everspan |
| Reinsurer | SCOR (AM Best A+) |
| Availability | 36+ states plus D.C. |
| Phone | Support at (833) 427-2624 / (855) 204-8112 |
| Watch-out | Steep renewal increases reported |
The Two-Question Bundle That Sounds Too Good, and the Question Behind the Question
Branch’s pitch is genuinely clever: give it your name and address, answer a couple of questions, and in seconds you have bundled your home and auto insurance at a price that is often lower than what you are paying now. For people worn down by long forms and rising premiums, that is a compelling hook, and it is how Branch built a brand as the friendliest way to bundle.
But search “Branch insurance” today and you will notice the questions people actually ask: Is it legit? Is it still in business? Is it trustworthy? Those questions exist for a reason, Branch has had a bumpy few years, with layoffs and financial losses that made customers nervous. So this review answers the real concerns head-on: whether Branch is legitimate, whether it is still operating, who owns and underwrites it, why it is cheap (and why your renewal might not be), and who it genuinely suits. Let us separate the turbulence from the facts.
What Is Branch, and Who Owns It?
A bit of background, because Branch’s structure is unusual. Branch was founded in 2017 (and launched to the public in 2019) by Steve Lekas, an insurance veteran from Allstate and Esurance, and Joe Emison, a technology entrepreneur. It is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, and built its name on the “instant bundle”, a two-questions-to-bind process that pairs home and auto insurance in seconds.
On ownership: Branch is a privately held, venture-backed company (it reached “unicorn” status with a valuation over $1 billion), with investors including Greycroft, Rise of the Rest (founded by Dan Gilbert), Weatherford Capital, and American Family Ventures, and reinsurance from SCOR. Unlike publicly traded insurtechs, Branch is not owned by stock-market shareholders. Structurally, it operates partly as a reciprocal exchange (the Branch Insurance Exchange), which is technically owned by its policyholders/members, and partly as a managing agency. It is also a Certified B Corporation, meaning it commits to social and environmental standards. So “who owns Branch?” has two answers: the company is VC-backed and privately held, while the insurance exchange itself is member-owned.
Is Branch Insurance Still in Business?
This is the top question, so let us answer it plainly: yes, Branch is still in business in 2026. It continues to sell and service home and auto insurance in 36-plus states and D.C., and far from shutting down, it raised a fresh round of funding (around $51 million, led by American Family Ventures) in late 2024 and continues to operate with a few hundred employees.
So why does everyone ask if it is still around? Because Branch went through genuine financial turbulence. It conducted significant layoffs (reportedly around 271 employees across 2023–2024), disclosed a sizable underwriting loss (a net underwriting loss of roughly $70.6 million as of late 2023), and CEO Steve Lekas publicly cited inflation and rising loss costs as major pressures, the same forces battering the entire home-insurance industry. Those headlines, plus steep renewal increases for some customers, understandably made people wonder if Branch was failing. The honest status: it is operating and recently recapitalized, but it has been turbulent and is still working toward stable profitability. That is different from “going out of business”, but it is a reason to pay attention to its financial ratings and your renewal terms.
Is Branch Legit and Trustworthy?
Yes, Branch is a legitimate, licensed insurance company. It is a real insurer (and agency) whose policies are underwritten by licensed carriers, and it is regulated by state insurance departments like any other. It is not a scam. “Trustworthy” is a slightly different question that comes down to financial strength and how it treats customers, where the picture is more mixed (steep renewals are the main gripe), but on legitimacy, Branch clears the bar. The nuance worth understanding is its financial-strength rating, covered next.
Branch’s AM Best Rating (and the Demotech Nuance)
This trips people up, so here is the precise answer. The Branch Insurance Exchange is not rated by AM Best, the best-known rating agency; instead, it carries an “A” (Exceptional) Financial Stability Rating from Demotech, an agency that rates many newer and regional insurers. Branch’s partner underwriters and reinsurer, however, do carry AM Best ratings: General Security National Insurance Company (GSNIC) is rated A+ by AM Best, and Branch’s reinsurer SCOR is also A+ rated.
Why does this matter? A Demotech “A” indicates financial stability, but Demotech ratings are not identical to AM Best’s and are sometimes viewed as less stringent, which is worth knowing for a younger, turbulent insurer. The practical takeaway: your policy’s backing depends on which entity underwrites it, the AM Best-rated GSNIC, Everspan, or the Demotech-rated Branch Exchange, so it is reasonable to ask which one covers you and to weigh that alongside Branch’s recent financial bumps.
How Branch Works and What It Covers
Here is the practical picture. Branch’s specialty is the bundle: home and auto together, bound almost instantly, with renters, condo, and umbrella also available. Coverage is underwritten by the Branch Insurance Exchange, GSNIC, or Everspan, depending on your state, all delivering the same Branch member experience. As a reciprocal exchange, Branch positions itself as community-oriented (members effectively insure one another), and it offers community-focused savings programs in some states.
Standard home and auto protections apply, dwelling, liability, and personal property on the home side; liability, collision, and comprehensive on the auto side, plus options like homeshare/rideshare coverage. The appeal is convenience and bundle savings; the thing to read carefully is your specific coverage limits and how your renewal is priced.
Why Is Branch Cheap, and the Renewal-Increase Catch
This is the most important practical section, because it is Branch’s biggest pattern. Branch is often cheap in year one. Its instant-bundle model and lean tech operation let it offer competitive introductory pricing (the company has cited average savings of several hundred dollars a year for bundling members). That first-year price is real and appealing.
But here is the catch reflected across customer reviews: renewal increases can be steep, with some customers reporting their premiums doubling or tripling after the first year. Some of that reflects industry-wide inflation in home and auto costs, but Branch specifically draws heavy criticism for the size of these jumps, and some customers report policies being cancelled or re-rated after underwriting inspections revealed home issues. So the honest framing: Branch can genuinely save you money up front, but don’t assume year-one pricing is permanent. Budget for a meaningful renewal increase, re-shop at renewal, and treat the introductory savings as a starting point, not a long-term guarantee.
Does Branch Pay Claims?
Yes, Branch (through its underwriters) pays covered claims, and it has invested in technology (including AI tools) to speed up claims correspondence, reportedly cutting some response times from hours to minutes. You file a claim online, through the app, or by phone, and a claims rep is meant to guide you through the process. Customer reviews on claims handling are mixed, some report smooth, fast resolutions, others cite friction, which is typical for a younger insurer scaling quickly. As always, document everything thoroughly. And given Branch’s financial turbulence, the financial-strength point above is worth keeping in mind: covered claims are backed by the underwriting entity (and reinsurer SCOR), not just the Branch brand.
Which Insurance Has the Most Complaints or Worst Reputation?
These questions come up alongside Branch searches, so here is the fair, evidence-based answer. There is no definitive list of which company “denies the most claims,” is “lowest rated,” or has the “worst reputation”, any page naming one is usually guessing. The objective way to judge any insurer, Branch included, is by the NAIC Complaint Index (1.0 is the industry baseline; higher means more complaints than expected for the company’s size), J.D. Power satisfaction rankings, and financial-strength ratings (AM Best or Demotech). Rather than trusting “worst company” rumors, look up your prospective insurer’s complaint index and claims-satisfaction record, and favor companies that pair low complaints with strong financial ratings. That is how you avoid a cheap policy that disappoints at claim time, by checking data, not reputation rumors.
What Not to Tell Your Insurance Company or Agent
A popular search worth answering honestly, because the wrong takeaway can void your coverage. Never lie to or hide material facts from your insurer or agent, misrepresenting your home’s condition, who drives your car, where it is garaged, or your claims history is fraud and can get a claim denied or a policy cancelled. The legitimate version of “what not to say” is about not volunteering speculation or admissions, especially at a claim: do not guess at the cause of damage, do not admit fault, and do not exaggerate or downplay. Stick to the facts, provide documentation, and answer questions accurately. Honesty protects your coverage; concealment destroys it.
What Scares Insurance Adjusters?
Another common search, and it deserves a straight, ethical answer, not manipulation. What actually helps you with an adjuster is not tricks, it is preparation: thorough documentation (photos, receipts, a home inventory, repair estimates), prompt and factual reporting, knowing exactly what your policy covers, and a willingness to politely dispute a lowball offer with evidence. For a large or disputed claim, consulting a licensed public adjuster or attorney is the strongest step, and you are never obligated to accept a first offer that does not cover your loss. The “secret” is not scaring anyone, it is being so well-documented and informed that an unfair offer simply will not hold up.
Branch Insurance Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fast, easy home + auto bundling (“two questions to bind”) with competitive first-year pricing.
- Legitimate and still operating, recently recapitalized, available in 36+ states.
- Reinsured by SCOR (A+); partner underwriter GSNIC is AM Best A+.
- Tech-forward, with AI-assisted claims and a digital-first experience.
- B Corp, community-oriented reciprocal-exchange model with member savings programs.
Cons:
- Steep renewal increases widely reported (some doubling or tripling).
- Financial turbulence, layoffs and underwriting losses raised stability questions.
- Branch Insurance Exchange is Demotech-rated, not AM Best-rated.
- Some policies cancelled/re-rated after underwriting inspections.
- Relatively new (2017) with a limited track record and mixed claims reviews.
Who Branch Is Right For (and Who Should Look Elsewhere)
Branch is a good fit if you want a fast, convenient home + auto bundle at a competitive introductory price, you are comfortable with a tech-first, digital-first insurer, and you are the kind of shopper who will re-quote at renewal rather than auto-renew. For someone who actively manages their policies and wants easy bundling, Branch can deliver real year-one savings.
You should look elsewhere if you prioritize long-term price stability (Branch’s renewal increases are a real pattern), you want the reassurance of a long-established insurer with a top AM Best rating, or you do not want to re-shop annually. The honest move: get a Branch bundle quote, confirm which entity underwrites it and its rating, and compare against an established insurer, then, crucially, re-check at your first renewal to see whether the price still beats the competition.
Branch Reviews: BBB, Reddit, and Complaints
Let us look at the real record, honestly. Branch’s reviews are mixed. On the positive side, customers praise the fast, easy bundling, the competitive initial pricing, the digital experience, and the company’s B Corp mission. On the negative side, across BBB, Reddit, consumer review sites, and others, the dominant complaint is overwhelmingly steep renewal increases (premiums doubling or tripling), followed by mixed claims and customer-service experiences and some reports of post-inspection cancellations. The company’s well-publicized layoffs and financial losses also color sentiment, feeding the “is it still around?” worry.
The honest synthesis: Branch is great at the front end (quoting, bundling, year-one price) and inconsistent at the back end (renewals, some claims experiences), against a backdrop of financial turbulence it is still working through. None of this means Branch will not pay valid claims or is illegitimate, but it does mean you should treat the introductory price as a starting point and stay an active shopper. Judge it on that balance: convenient and cheap to start, with renewals and stability as the real watch-points.
Contacting Branch (Phone and Login)
A quick practical note, since people search these. You can reach Branch customer service by phone at (833) 427-2624 or (855) 204-8112, or by email at support@ourbranch.com, and you manage your policy, make payments, and file claims through your online account or the Branch app at ourbranch.com. Claims can be started online, through the app, or by phone.
Sharing My Experience: Never Trust a First-Year Insurtech Price to Last
The pattern most relevant to a company like Branch is one I saw repeatedly with aggressive, fast-growing insurers: a great introductory price that quietly resets at renewal. Customers would switch for the savings, feel clever for a year, then open their renewal to find the premium had jumped dramatically, sometimes erasing the savings entirely, and feel misled, even though the policy documents never promised the price would hold. The introductory rate was real; the assumption that it was permanent was the mistake.
With Branch specifically, where steep renewal increases are the number-one complaint, that lesson is concrete: treat the first-year bundle price as a trial, not a commitment. Set a calendar reminder to re-quote Branch against two or three competitors before your renewal, every year, and be ready to move if the number jumps. Also, for any younger, financially turbulent insurer, take two minutes to check the financial-strength rating of the entity actually underwriting your policy (AM Best or Demotech) and confirm it is backed by a strong reinsurer like SCOR. Branch can be a genuinely good deal in year one, especially for easy bundling, but the homeowners and drivers who come out ahead are the ones who keep shopping rather than auto-renewing. Loyalty rarely pays in insurance; vigilance does.
Branch Insurance Review: The Bottom Line
Branch is a legitimate, still-operating insurtech with a genuinely convenient product: the fastest home-and-auto bundle in the business, often at a competitive first-year price, backed by licensed underwriters and a strong reinsurer. The honest caveats are real, though. It has weathered serious financial turbulence (layoffs, underwriting losses, a recapitalization), its flagship insurance exchange is Demotech-rated rather than AM Best-rated, and its single biggest customer complaint is steep renewal increases that can erase the initial savings. The smart approach is to use Branch with your eyes open: take advantage of the easy bundle and year-one price if it beats your alternatives, confirm your underwriter and its rating, and commit to re-shopping at every renewal rather than assuming the price will hold. For an active, savvy shopper, Branch can save real money; for someone who wants set-it-and-forget-it stability, a longer-established insurer may serve better.
Conclusion
Branch insurance is legitimate and, despite the rumors, still in business in 2026, operating in 36-plus states with a convenient instant home-and-auto bundle and competitive introductory pricing, backed by underwriters including AM Best A+ GSNIC and reinsurer SCOR. Its real trade-offs are financial turbulence (layoffs, losses, recapitalization), a Demotech-rated flagship exchange, and steep renewal increases that are its top complaint. It is a solid choice for savvy shoppers who want easy bundling and will re-quote annually; those wanting long-term stability should compare carefully. Verify your underwriter, budget for renewals, and keep shopping.
FAQs
Is Branch insurance still in business?
Yes. Branch is still operating in 2026, selling home and auto insurance in 36-plus states and D.C., and it raised fresh funding (around $51 million) in late 2024. The “is it still around?” worry stems from real turbulence, layoffs and underwriting losses, not a shutdown. It is operating but still working toward stable profitability.
Is Branch insurance legit?
Yes. Branch is a legitimate, licensed insurance company founded in 2017, with policies underwritten by licensed carriers (Branch Insurance Exchange, GSNIC, or Everspan) and reinsured by SCOR. It is regulated by state insurance departments. It is not a scam, though its renewal pricing draws criticism.
Is Branch trustworthy?
On legitimacy, yes, it is a real, licensed, regulated insurer. On customer satisfaction, reviews are mixed: people like the easy bundling and year-one price but frequently criticize steep renewal increases. Check the financial-strength rating of your specific underwriter and budget for renewals, and Branch can be trustworthy for the right shopper.
Who is Branch insurance owned by?
Branch is a privately held, venture-backed company (a “unicorn” valued over $1 billion), with investors including Greycroft, Rise of the Rest, Weatherford Capital, and American Family Ventures, and reinsurance from SCOR. Structurally, the Branch Insurance Exchange is a reciprocal exchange technically owned by its policyholders/members.
What is Branch insurance’s AM Best rating?
The Branch Insurance Exchange is not rated by AM Best, it carries an “A” (Exceptional) rating from Demotech instead. However, partner underwriter General Security National Insurance Company (GSNIC) is rated A+ by AM Best, and Branch’s reinsurer SCOR is also A+. Your backing depends on which entity underwrites your policy.
Why is Branch insurance so cheap?
Branch’s lean, tech-first model and instant-bundle approach let it offer competitive first-year pricing (it has cited average bundling savings of several hundred dollars). The catch: renewals can rise sharply. The introductory price is real, but do not assume it will hold, re-shop at renewal.
Why did my Branch premium increase so much?
Steep renewal increases are Branch’s most common complaint, with some customers reporting premiums doubling or tripling. Some reflects industry-wide inflation in home and auto costs; some is Branch re-rating after the first year or after underwriting inspections. Re-quote against competitors if your renewal jumps.
Does Branch insurance pay claims?
Yes, Branch’s underwriters pay covered claims, and it has used technology to speed up claims correspondence. Claims reviews are mixed (some smooth, some with friction), typical for a younger insurer. Covered claims are backed by the underwriting entity and reinsurer SCOR. Document everything thoroughly.
What does Branch insurance cover?
Branch focuses on bundled home and auto insurance, with renters, condo, and umbrella also available, plus options like homeshare/rideshare coverage. Standard home (dwelling, liability, personal property) and auto (liability, collision, comprehensive) protections apply. Read your specific limits, and how your renewal is priced.
What states is Branch available in?
Branch operates in 36-plus states plus Washington, D.C., with availability and specific products varying by state. Because availability can change, check Branch’s website (ourbranch.com) for current offerings in your state.
How do I contact Branch or log in?
Reach Branch customer service at (833) 427-2624 or (855) 204-8112, or email support@ourbranch.com. Manage your policy, make payments, and file claims through your online account or the Branch app at ourbranch.com.
Which insurance company has the most complaints or worst reputation?
There is no definitive list, and naming one company is usually guesswork. Judge insurers by the NAIC Complaint Index (above 1.0 means more complaints than average), J.D. Power satisfaction, and AM Best or Demotech financial ratings, rather than rumors. Favor companies that pair low complaints with strong ratings.
What not to tell your insurance company or agent?
Never lie or hide material facts, that is fraud and can void coverage. The legitimate tip is not to volunteer speculation or admissions at a claim: do not guess at the cause of damage, do not admit fault, and do not exaggerate or downplay. Stick to facts and provide documentation.
What scares insurance adjusters?
Not tricks, preparation. Thorough documentation (photos, receipts, inventory, estimates), prompt factual reporting, knowing your policy, and a willingness to dispute a lowball offer with evidence. For big or disputed claims, a public adjuster or attorney is the strongest step. Well-documented claimants get fair offers.
What should you never reveal to the dealer when negotiating?
This is a car-buying tip, not insurance, but briefly: avoid revealing your maximum budget, that you are in a hurry, your trade-in plans too early, or that you are focused on monthly payment rather than total price, all weaken your negotiating position. Negotiate the vehicle’s total price first.
Should I buy Branch insurance?
Consider it if you want a fast, cheap home + auto bundle and you will re-shop at renewal. Confirm which entity underwrites your policy and its rating, and budget for a possible renewal increase. If you want long-term price stability and a top AM Best rating, compare against an established insurer first.
About the Author
Md Shahinuzzaman is an insurance and out-of-pocket healthcare cost specialist with 16 years in banking and insurance. He covers home, auto, life, and pet coverage for everyday people. He ties every rating and number to a named source, distinguishes legitimacy from long-term value, explains financial-strength ratings in plain words, and helps consumers stay active shoppers rather than passive renewers.
Reviewed June 2026 ·
Sources
- CoverageCat — Branch Insurance Review 2026 (legitimate, agency + Branch Insurance Exchange, underwritten by Branch Exchange/GSNIC/Everspan, Branch Exchange Demotech A, GSNIC AM Best A+, SCOR A+, 36+ states, ~271 layoffs 2023–2024, $70.6M underwriting loss, renewal increases, AI claims): https://www.coveragecat.com/reviews/branch
- Tracxn — Branch Company Profile 2026 (317 employees as of March 31 2026, $1.05B valuation Oct 2024, $51M raise led by American Family Ventures Oct 2024, CEO Steve Lekas, insurance carriers sector): https://tracxn.com/d/companies/branch
- Branch (official FAQ) — underwriting and founding (underwritten by Branch Insurance Exchange, GSNIC, and Everspan; founded 2017 by Steve Lekas and Joseph Emison; investors Greycroft and Rise of the Rest): https://www.ourbranch.com/s/faqs
- Insurance Business America — Branch financing and structure (full-stack insurer, public benefit corporation and reciprocal exchange, policyholders own premiums, MGA in some markets, underwriters listed): https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/technology/branch-gets-massive-financing-boost-for-expansion-408880.aspx
- Insurance Journal — Branch plans conversion to reciprocal exchange (MGA origins, Branch Insurance Exchange in AZ/IL/MO/OH/TX, Lekas ex-Allstate/Esurance, reciprocal model like PURE/Farmers/Erie): https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2020/07/23/576653.htm
- Everspan Group — partnership with Branch (Everspan as underwriter, instant-bundle, average savings ~$548/year, SCOR backing): https://www.everspangroup.com/news-details/2022/Everspan-Partners-with-Branch-to-Enhance-Branchs-Geographic-Expansion/default.aspx
- PR Newswire — Branch Series C / unicorn status (valuation over $1B, headquartered Columbus OH, underwriters and SCOR, Weatherford Capital): 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
- Carrier Management — Branch CEO Lekas Announces Layoffs (inflation and loss costs cited as drivers of industry challenges): https://www.carriermanagement.com/
- AM Best — General Security National Insurance Company (GSNIC) and SCOR financial-strength ratings (A+); Demotech for Branch Insurance Exchange: https://www.ambest.com/
- NAIC — Complaint Index and company complaint lookup: https://content.naic.org/
