The History of Insurance

Today, June 28, we celebrate National Insurance Awareness Day. It is a day that few people think to celebrate but there are reasons we should. Your insurance is there to protect you in case something goes wrong. There is a whole industry of people dedicated to advising, helping, and supporting you for the unexpected in life. One of the best things about quality insurance is you shouldn’t have to worry about it—it should just be there for you in case you need it.

Now, since we are sure you’re on the edge of your seat, here is a brief history of insurance in America.

1735 – The first insurance company in the United States was founded. The short-lived mutual insurance company went out of business in 1740.

1752 – Benjamin Franklin, the founding father himself, established the Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire, the oldest insurance company in continuous operation in the U.S.

1864 – The first accident policy was issued in the United States. This policy was in reaction to new types of risks that were appearing as America grew.

1898 – The first auto insurance policy was issued in the United States, signaling a turn toward a more modern America.

1911 – Wisconsin became the first state to legally offer a workers’ compensation program.

1925 – Connecticut was the first state to pass a financial responsibility law for motorists, requiring the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident to demonstrate the ability to pay.

1925 – Acuity Insurance opened for business as the Mutual Auto Insurance Company of the Town of Herman.

1925 – Massachusetts passed the first compulsory automobile legislation, requiring drivers to buy auto insurance liability coverage.

1957 – Acuity changed their name to Heritage Mutual Insurance Company

1997 – The dot-com era brought the ability to purchase insurance online.

2001 – Acuity changed their name from Heritage Mutual Insurance Company to Acuity Insurance.

Today – Insurance is easier than ever. In minutes, you can research or quote coverages online on your own, or you can talk to an independent agent. Smartphones have changed the way the industry does business and will continue to do so for years to come.

While insurance may not be the most interesting topic in the world, it is an extremely important one. Knowing how much coverage you have and if you are properly protected is something that an Acuity independent insurance agent can help you with. Knowing you are protected puts your mind at ease so you can focus on what is important to you.

Happy National Insurance Awareness Day!