COVID-19 Insights for Workers Compensation
Compassionate Care During This Pandemic
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to challenge our nation and our local communities. Like many other organizations, Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (BHHC) is taking proactive steps to keep its employees safe, maintain superior customer service for our policyholders, producers and claimants. Our website is a helpful collection of information in response the COVID-19 crisis, and the content here will be updated and revised as the situation warrants.
Please check back frequently to ensure you have the latest information.
Continue Reporting
COVID-19 vaccines are out, but California businesses still need to track any COVID-positive reports per SB1159. BHHC customers can use our COVID Tracker for a more manageable tracking system.
BHHC's COVID Tracker
Our tracking tool will guide you through identifying employees who have tested positive for COVID-19, and help you submit relevant information to us while remaining in compliance with your state requirements (compatible with Chrome, Safari, or the latest version of Edge).
CA SB1159 Insights
Changes to California Workers Compensation laws related to COVID-19 claims, originally passed by California Legislature on 8/31/2020 and signed into law by Governor Newsom on 9/17/2020. Please note as of September 29, 2022 AB 1751 has extended SB 1159 dates.
CA AB685 Insights
Starting January 1, 2021, this bill requires employers to notify employees of potential COVID-19 exposures in the workplace and to report outbreaks to the local public health department. Please note as of September 29, 2022, AB 2693 extended AB 685 dates.
Claims Insights
Updates to CA SB1159 & CA AB685
New California Assembly Bills Extend Preexisting Requirements The new Assembly Bill No. 1751, approved by California Governor on September 29, 2022, sunsets the existing COVID-19 presumption and claim requirements put in place by Senate Bill No. 1159, and...
AB 685 COVID-19 Employer Notice & Reporting Requirements
California Passes AB 685 COVID-19 Bill Please note as of September 29, 2022, AB 2693 extended AB 685 dates. Read more here As the coronavirus pandemic continues, the State of California is working to enforce elements of COVID-19 management and controls. At this...
SB1159 Information for Policyholders
California Governor Newsom Signs SB 1159 Into Law Please note as of September 29, 2022 AB 1751 has extended SB 1159 dates. Read more here There are new changes to California Workers Compensation laws related to COVID-19 claims. These changes were passed by the...
COVID-19 Claim Guidance for Employers
COVID-19 Claim Guidance for Employers Amidst the chaos of the corona virus, Berkshire Hathaway understands that many employers have questions on responding to COVID-19 related claims. In order to focus their efforts on establishing good hygiene practices in the...
NCCI COVID-19 Resources
NCCI COVID-19 Resources NCCI developed a Resource Center to provide information on "COVID-19 and Workers Compensation: What You Need to Know."
COVID-19 Supplemental Application
COVID-19 Supplemental Application As part of our commitment to customer service, BHHC requires completion of this COVID-19 Supplemental Application for all new and renewal business. The application must be signed and completed by an officer of each...
Health & Safety Insights
Changes to the CA Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) (8CCR 3205) Effective Jan 14, 2022
Changes to the CA Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) (8CCR 3205) Effective Jan 14, 2022 The California Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) addressing workplace response and responsibilities to the SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19) pandemic which has been in place since November...
Standards Board Unanimously Adopts Emergency Temporary Standards
Standards Board Unanimously Adopts Emergency Temporary Standards to Protect Workers from COVID-19 The new Cal/OSHA standards are expected to go into effect by the end of the month Please be aware that on November 19, 2020 The Cal/OSHA Standards Board...
California Counties Health Department Contacts
California County Health Department Contacts As a quick reference guide for businesses that need to report either individual COVID-19 cases or outbreak (3 or more cases in a 14-day period) per AB 685. The information below is provided to assist in navigating...
Apple/CDC COVID-19 Screening Tool
Apple/CDC COVID-19 Screening Tool This tool can help you understand what to do next about COVID-19. Let’s all look out for each other by knowing our status, trying not to infect others, and reserving care for those in need.
Cal/OSHA Interim General Guidelines on Protecting Workers from COVID-19
Cal/OSHA Interim General Guidelines on Protecting Workers from COVID-19 Cal/OSHA's regulations require protection for workers exposed to airborne infectious diseases such as the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This interim guidance does not impose...
Updated Cal/OSHA Construction Material on COVID-19
COVID-19 and Workers’ Compensation: What Employers Need to Know "California employers are required to establish and implement an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) to protect employees from all worksite hazards, including infectious diseases. This...
Legal Notices
Updates to CA SB1159 & CA AB685
New California Assembly Bills Extend Preexisting Requirements The new Assembly Bill No. 1751, approved by California Governor on September 29, 2022, sunsets the existing COVID-19 presumption and claim requirements put in place by Senate Bill No. 1159, and...
Governor Newsom Signs New Legislation
Governor Newsom Signs New Legislation SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today signed two bills as part of his worker protection package, SB 1159 by Senator Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo) and AB 685 by Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-San Bernardino). SB 1159...
California Presumption Legislative Proposals Comparison
California Presumption Legislative Proposals Comparison Senior counsel at BHHC has developed this chart that compares California's Executive Order to the proposals currently pending in the legislature. * This is only a summary. See text of pending legislation...
Notice to New Jersey Policyholders
Notice to New Jersey Policyholders 90-Day Grace Period for Insurance Premium Payments due During COVID-19 Pandemic In accordance with the Executive Order No. 123 that was issued by Governor Phil Murphy and Bulletin No. 20-15 of the New Jersey Department of...
Notice for New York Policyholders
Notice for New York Policyholders If you would like to discuss billing or make alternative payment arrangements or if you have any questions about the below, please contact us at (888) 495-8949. Dear Policyholder, A recent Executive Order issued by Governor...
Notice for Colorado Policyholders
Notice for Colorado Policyholders This notice is provided pursuant to Bulletin No. B-5.38 issued by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Insurance on March 27, 2020, which requires insurance companies to make reasonable accommodations to...
Business Continuity Insights
WCIRB COVID-19 FAQs
WCIRB COVID-19 FAQs WCIRB's COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) provide information on a wide range of topics about workers' compensation insurance. More information can be viewed in the WCIRB Learning Center. Additional Resources: You can find...
Need Billing Help? Reach Out To Us.
Need Billing Help? Reach Out To Us For some employers right now, workers compensation costs can feel unaffordable in the current economic environment. We understand that COVID-19 negatively impacts many employers. We have a range of billing options, like FlexPay and...
Expired: California’s COVID-19 Presumptions
California's New COVID-19 Presumptions What You Need to Know On May 6, 2020, Governor Newsom signed an Executive Order which provides a temporary, rebuttable presumption that COVID-19-related illnesses are compensable if the following are true: The employee was...
WCIRB Releases New Resources
COVID-19 and Workers’ Compensation: What Employers Need to Know Oakland CA, April 23, 2020 – The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB) has released a recording and presentation handout for its recent webinar, COVID-19 and Workers’...
U.S. Department of the Treasury, Assistance for Small Businesses
U.S. Department of TreasuryAssistance for Small Businesses "The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses." "Small businesses...
Commission Statements Update
Commission Statements Update The Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to raise challenges for our nation and our local communities. Like most of you, we are maintaining the bare minimum number of employees in our offices, ensuring our employees and communities...
BHHC is a group of six insurance carriers that are part of the Berkshire Hathaway group of insurance companies.
Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Insurance Company
BHHC Special Risks Insurance Company
Continental Divide Insurance Company
Cypress Insurance Company
Oak River Insurance Company
Redwood Fire And Casualty Insurance Company
We offer Commercial Auto, Commercial Property, and Workers Compensation Insurance