About NICO
A History of Stability
Times change, but our commitment to our customers remains constant. Learn more about who we are, our rich history, and how we operate.
Located in the heart of downtown Omaha, Nebraska, and backed by decades of experience, National Indemnity Company specializes in commercial auto and general liability insurance. We are proud to be part of the Berkshire Hathaway group of insurance companies, boasting the highest possible financial strength rating of A++XV by A.M. Best.* We are Berkshire Hathaway’s oldest insurance company and established our roots in Omaha more than 80 years ago with the strength, stability, and integrity which remain today.
*As of March 28, 2024. For the latest rating, access www.ambest.com.
To learn more about how we operate, click below.
National Indemnity group of insurance companies
- National Indemnity Company
- National Liability & Fire Insurance Company
- National Fire & Marine Insurance Company
- National Indemnity Company of the South
- National Indemnity Company of Mid-America
- Columbia Insurance Company
The story begins in 1940 with two entrepreneurial brothers and a two-room office in Omaha, Nebraska. Arthur and Jack Ringwalt founded National Indemnity Company as a specialty insurance firm that wrote liability insurance on taxis. We've grown since then, but we still adhere to the founding principles: there is a proper rate for every legitimate risk and “risky” classes should not be arbitrarily rejected.
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. purchased NICO in 1967. In the 2004 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Report, Warren Buffett, Chairman, wrote, “Indeed, had we not made this acquisition [National Indemnity Company], Berkshire would be lucky to be worth half of what it is today.”
We have a rich history and promising future, experiencing dramatic growth since 1940. We’re proud of that, but we’re also proud of that which has remained constant: our presence in Omaha, Nebraska, and our unwavering commitment to protecting our customers with strength, stability, and integrity.
With strength, stability, and integrity - that is how we’ve always done and will continue to do business. The National Indemnity group of insurance companies boasts high financial strength ratings from Standard & Poor's (AA+ Rating) and A.M. Best (A++ Rating).* We have significant financial resources to meet our policy obligations today and in the future.
We're proud of our strength and stability, and it's our privilege to show you our balance sheets. Click below to review all of our Financial Reports.
*As of March 28, 2024. For the latest rating, access www.ambest.com.