The history of Unigard begins in Oregon in 1895. Frank J.
Martin, a local hardware store merchant from McMinnville,
recognized his customers' need for protection from fire losses and
formed the Oregon Fire Relief Association.
This mutual association prospered, but by 1900, Frank Martin had
encountered major disagreements with the Association's Board of
Directors. Martin took his idea to Seattle, where he joined up with
his old college friend, attorney Corwin S. Shank.
Before they could begin to write fire insurance, legislation had
to be drafted allowing for the operation of mutual insurance
companies in the state of Washington. In 1901, they formed the
Northwestern Mutual Fire Association.
An insurance company, like any other business, rarely stays the
same. Over the years, the Northwestern Mutual Fire Association
changed size, character and location continually, adjusting to the
economics, the technologies, and the needs of the times.
Strength, stability and service
Unigard has a policy of prompt, fair claims handling. Our
centralized facility is staffed by knowledgeable adjusters who work
closely with a network of local experts. We are conscientious about
seeking ways to keep costs as low as possible through efficient
operation and loss control techniques.
Operating through independent agents who are professional
insurance counselors assures the best available insurance
protection for policyholders.
Unigard has been in operation over 100 years. In the insurance
business, that kind of longevity means a good reputation...for
strength, stability and service.
Historical Timeline
1901
Northwestern Mutual Fire Association is incorporated.
1928
Created Northwest Casualty Co. to write automobile insurance.
1933
Moved into 217 Pine Street, Seattle, which would be the company's
home for many years.
1956
Renamed the Northwestern Mutual Insurance Co.
Once the company began to write insurance coverages other than
fire, its name needed to reflect this.
1965
Acquired controlling interest of Olympic National Life Insurance
Company and Jamestown Mutual Insurance Company.
1971
Renamed as Unigard Mutual Insurance Co.
As the company grew and opened offices across the country, it
needed to take on a less regional identification. The name Unigard,
coined to mean "one guard" -- or a single source of insurance
protection -- was adopted.
1974
Construction completed on Unigard Park, which would eventually
become our "home."
1984
Unigard was acquired by John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Co..
Following the conversion of Unigard from a mutual to a stock
company for the purpose of affiliation with John Hancock, the name
of the lead company in the group was changed to Unigard Security
Insurance Co. Nearly 10 years later this company would be the only
one to remain with John Hancock. The life insurance entity, Unigard
Olympic Life Insurance Co. was sold at this time to Provident Life
Insurance Co.
1993
Unigard was acquired by the Swiss-based Winterthur Insurance Group
-- one of the world's largest insurance companies -- and developed
a new focus as a member of a family of regional U.S. insurance
companies. The Unigard Insurance Group of today includes these
wholly owned subsidiaries:
- Unigard Insurance Co.
- Unigard Indemnity Co.
2007
QBE Insurance Group purchased Unigard and its sister company
General Casualty (Sun Prairie, Wis.) from Winterthur Insurance. The
companies operate under QBE Regional and fall under the QBE the
Americas division. With their acquisition, QBE the Americas is now
one of the 20 largest U.S. insurers, while Australia-based QBE
Insurance Group, is a top 25 insurance provider worldwide and
operates in 47 countries.
