
The North of England Mutual Life Assurance Society, also known as the "Society", is the oldest insurance company still in business today.
Founded in 1797, this UK-based company has been providing insurance services for over 224 years, making it a true pioneer in the industry.
With a rich history spanning two centuries, the Society has seen its fair share of challenges and opportunities, but its commitment to its customers has remained unwavering.
As a testament to its enduring legacy, the Society continues to thrive, serving over 250,000 policyholders and providing a range of insurance products.
The Philadelphia Contributionship
The Philadelphia Contributionship is a remarkable insurance company with a rich history. Established in 1752 by Benjamin Franklin, it's the oldest property insurance company in the United States.
It's no surprise that this company has stood the test of time, given its strong foundation. The very first coverage type they offered was fire-related damages, a type of risk that was a major concern back then.
Their historical roots make them a foundational piece in the American insurance landscape. With over 250 years of experience, they're as reliable and trustworthy as it gets.
The Philadelphia Contributionship offers a range of insurance products, including homeowners insurance, condo/renters insurance, and landlord property insurance.
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Oldest Property Insurance Company

The Philadelphia Contributionship is the oldest property insurance company in the United States, established in 1752 by Benjamin Franklin.
It was founded 24 years before the Declaration of Independence, and its first coverage type was fire-related damages. The company was a mutual insurance company, where policyholders shared the risks together.
The Contributionship was a proactive insurance carrier that enforced strict building standards to prevent fires. Even during the British occupation of Philadelphia in 1777, the company hired a chimney sweep to maintain the chimneys of insured houses.
This unique approach to insurance is still in practice today, with The Philadelphia Contributionship offering perpetual insurance policies that have no expiration date.
Company History
The Philadelphia Contributionship has a rich history dating back to 1752, making it the oldest property insurance company in the United States.
Established by Benjamin Franklin, it's a foundational piece in the American insurance landscape.
With over 250 years of experience, this company has earned a reputation as one of the most dependable insurance companies in the country.

GEICO, another well-established insurance company, has a direct-to-consumer model that offers a wide range of policies nationwide.
The Philadelphia Contributionship offers a variety of insurance products, including homeowners, condo/renters, and landlord property insurance.
GEICO, on the other hand, provides online service 24/7 and 365 days a year, making it a convenient option for customers.
This level of accessibility and reliability is a testament to the company's commitment to its customers.
GEICO offers a range of insurance products, including auto, renters, motorcycle, homeowner, and condo owner insurance.
The Philadelphia Contributionship, as one of the oldest property insurance companies, has had a significant impact on the insurance landscape in the United States.
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Philadelphia Contributionship Fire Marks: Core Meaning
The early directors of The Philadelphia Contributionship recognized that fire marks served multiple purposes.
In addition to identifying the property for the company, fire marks may have served to discourage arson and encourage other policyholders to help fight the fire.

The Directors of The Contributionship thought that fire marks could have prevented damage if they had been placed up to notify that a house was under their care.
The first fire marks consisted of four clasped hands mounted on rectangular boards, which were originally brightly painted.
The shield became the predominant form of fire mark, painted black with gilded hands and the policy number.
The Chubb Corporation
The Chubb Corporation has a rich history that dates back to 1882 when Thomas Caldecot Chubb and his son Percy opened their marine underwriting business in New York City.
They initially focused on insuring ships and cargoes, and by the turn of the century, they had established strong relationships with insurance agents and brokers.
Chubb & Son didn't value size for its own sake, but rather saw it as a measure of what had been achieved.
Upon their 75th anniversary in 1957, Hendon Chubb noted that there's a tendency in American business to overemphasize mere size, whereas he believed it should be a by-product of a job well done.
1792

In 1792, investors met at Independence Hall in Philadelphia to organize the Insurance Company of North America (INA), the first stock insurance company in the United States.
The INA was a groundbreaking venture that paved the way for the modern insurance industry.
Chubb's history dates back to the INA, which was a significant milestone in the company's evolution.
As part of Cigna Corporation, the INA was later acquired by ACE Limited in 1999, marking a new chapter in the company's history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the longest running insurance company?
The Philadelphia Contributionship, established in 1752 by Benjamin Franklin, is the longest running insurance company in the United States, offering the first property insurance coverage type. Founded over 260 years ago, it remains a testament to Franklin's innovative spirit.
What is the oldest insurance market in the world?
Lloyd's is the oldest continuously active insurance marketplace in the world, dating back to its origins. Established with unique structures and practices, it remains a distinct entity in the insurance industry today.
Sources
- https://spdload.com/blog/15-examples-of-insurance-companies/
- https://www.americaninsuranceid.com/faq/general-questions/history/what-is-our-nation-s-oldest-property-insurance-company
- https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2012/04/19/the-birth-of-insurance-oldest-u-s-companies/
- https://1752.com/about-us/history/
- https://about.chubb.com/who-we-are/history.html
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