The Italian Institute for Insurance Supervision (IVASS) issued a public warning after receiving reports of counterfeit drafts of surety bond policies (polizze fideiussorie) purportedly issued by Berkshire Hathaway European Insurance DAC, which the insurer has disowned. IVASS also highlighted that a website and email address circulating under the insurer’s name are not connected to the firm. Berkshire Hathaway European Insurance DAC is an Irish insurer supervised by the Central Bank of Ireland and authorised to operate in Italy under establishment and freedom of services across several non-life classes, including Class 15 (surety), but it does not issue surety bond policies. IVASS urged consumers to exercise caution and to verify offers before paying premiums by consulting IVASS’s online registers and warning lists, including authorised insurers, authorised surety insurers with guidance on electronic policy checks, and the registers of insurance intermediaries and compliant websites.
Italian Institute for Insurance Supervision (IVASS) 2025-09-26
Italian Institute for Insurance Supervision warns of counterfeit surety bond policies and fake web contacts using Berkshire Hathaway European Insurance DAC’s name
The Italian Institute for Insurance Supervision (IVASS) issued a public warning regarding counterfeit surety bond policies falsely attributed to Berkshire Hathaway European Insurance DAC, which the insurer has disowned. IVASS noted that a fraudulent website and email are circulating under the insurer's name. Consumers are advised to verify offers through IVASS's online resources before making payments.