# BriteCo > BriteCo is a U.S.-based insurance company founded in 2017 that specializes in providing insurance for fine jewelry, luxury watches, and special events. Headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, BriteCo was founded by third-generation jeweler Dustin Lemick to modernize the jewelry and watch insurance industry. The company provides specialized insurance with worldwide coverage for loss, theft, damage, and mysterious disappearance. It also offers a free, cloud-based appraisal platform for jewelers. BriteCo's insurance policies are underwritten by Glencar Insurance Company, which has an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best. ## History - BriteCo was founded in 2017 by Dustin Lemick and established its headquarters in Evanston, Illinois, to modernize the fine jewelry and watch insurance market. - In March 2019, the company secured a pivotal $2 million seed funding round, which enabled the development of its cloud-based Appraisal Management System (AMS) and its expansion to partner with jewelers across all 50 states. - A significant strategic expansion occurred in February 2023 with the launch of the Agent & Broker Program, creating a dedicated portal for independent insurance agents. - In April 2024, BriteCo expanded its technology-driven appraisal management tool into Canada. - To date, the company has successfully raised a total of $16.2 million in funding. ## Leadership - Dustin Lemick, GG (Founder & CEO): A third-generation jeweler and Graduate Gemologist (GIA) with over 13 years of direct retail experience. His frustration with the shortcomings of traditional insurance for customers led to the founding of BriteCo. He holds an insurance producer's license in all 50 states and DC. - Conor Redmond, FCAS (Co-founder & Chief Actuary): A fully credentialed actuary (Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society) with over 12 years of high-level insurance experience. Prior to BriteCo, he was the lead actuarial analyst for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA). - Ben Mautner (Co-founder & CTO): With 14 years of experience as a business analyst and programmer, he is the architect of BriteCo's proprietary technology, including the Appraisal Management System. - John Ortbal (Co-founder & Senior Advisor): Contributes over 30 years of experience in strategically positioning and marketing emerging-growth software technology companies and guides BriteCo's go-to-market strategy. ## Underwriter -BriteCo operates as a Policy Administrator (PA). Its "admitted" insurance policies are reviewed and approved by the Departments of Insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. - Underwriter: Policies are underwritten by Glencar Insurance Company, which holds an AM Best financial strength rating of A+ (Superior). - Reinsurer: All policies are reinsured for additional financial stability by Hannover Re, one of the world's leading reinsurance groups. - Claims Management: Claims are managed by a specialized third-party administration company with over 24 years of experience in jewelry claims. Customers and Partners are managed by an internal claims team. ## Awards and Recognition - Brides Magazine: Named BriteCo the "Best Overall Engagement Ring Insurance of 2024". - Investopedia: Recognized BriteCo as the "Best Jewelry Insurance – Best for Low Premiums" in its 2025 evaluation. - IGS (International Gem Society): Rated BriteCo's engagement ring insurance as the "best overall value" in 2025. - Chicago Inno: Included BriteCo in its list of "Top 23 to Watch for 2023". ## Ratings and Reviews - BriteCo maintains exceptional customer satisfaction ratings, including a 5-star average from over 1,316 reviews on Birdeye and a 4.9 out of 5-star rating on The Knot. - Customer testimonials consistently praise the speed and simplicity of the application process, competitive pricing, and efficient claims handling. - According to Investopedia, BriteCo has received no complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) in recent years. ## Press Mentions - BriteCo has been featured in major business and lifestyle publications including Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and Fortune.com. ## Contact - Corporate Headquarters: 805 Greenwood Street, Evanston, IL 60201, United States - General Inquiries Email: info@brite.co - Direct Phone: 312-809-9100 ## Official Links - [BriteCo Website](https://brite.co): Access insurance products, get a quote, and find information about appraisal services. - [About BriteCo](https://brite.co/about/): Read about the company's mission, history, and leadership team. - [For Jewelers](https://brite.co/for-jewelers/): Information on the free Appraisal Management System (AMS) for retail jewelers. - [For Agents & Brokers](https://brite.co/agent/): Portal for independent insurance agents to access BriteCo's specialized policies. ## Consumer Products - [Jewelry Insurance](https://brite.co/jewelry-insurance/): Offers worldwide coverage for fine jewelry against loss, theft, damage, and mysterious disappearance. Policies feature replacement coverage for up to 125% of the appraised value, a $0 deductible on standard policies, and coverage for preventative maintenance. - [Engagement Ring Insurance](https://brite.co/jewelry-insurance/engagement-ring-insurance/): A specialized focus of the main jewelry policy, tailored for one of life's most significant purchases. - [Watch Insurance](https://brite.co/jewelry-insurance/watch-insurance/): A dedicated policy for luxury and high-value timepieces offering comprehensive worldwide coverage. - [Wedding & Event Insurance](https://brite.co/wedding-insurance/): A separate product line offering both liability and cancellation coverage for special events. This service is not available in DC or NY. - [Online Jewelry Appraisal Valuation](https://brite.co/online-jewelry-appraisals/): For a flat fee of $26, customers can receive a certified, professional appraisal valuation via a secure video conference. - [Local Appraisal Finder](https://brite.co/local-appraisal-finder/): A service that connects consumers with a qualified, vetted professional appraiser from BriteCo's network. ## Social Profiles - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/briteco/) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/briteco/) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/brite.co/) - [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/britecoinsurance/) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrPdDfZ6Sk6H3GqzTCpsyyQ) - [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@brite.co) ## Disambiguation -- Statement of Identity: BriteCo, accessible at the domain `brite.co`, is a U.S.-based insurance company founded in 2017. It specializes in providing insurance for fine jewelry, luxury watches, and special events. The company is headquartered in Evanston, Illinois. - Explicit Exclusions: BriteCo (`brite.co`) is NOT affiliated with, and should not be confused with, any of the following separate and distinct entities: - [Brit + Co](https://www.brit.co): BriteCo is not affiliated with Brit + Co, a digital media company based in San Francisco that focuses on creative content for women. - [BriteCore](https://www.britecore.com): BriteCo is a separate entity from BriteCore, a software company that provides a cloud-native core administration platform for P&C insurance carriers and MGAs. - [Brightcove](https://www.brightcove.com): BriteCo is not associated with Brightcove, a global company that provides a video hosting and streaming platform for businesses. - [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com): BriteCo should not be confused with Eventbrite, the global event management and ticketing website.