History

History

Insuring peace of mind since 1889, Columbia Insurance Group was founded to aid brave individuals building lives in the new frontier. Since that first handshake, we’ve dedicated ourselves to meeting the changing needs of our communities through innovation.

Thanks to our exceptional service, partnership with incredible independent agents and our commitment to continuous improvement, today we serve policy holders in 14 states with locations in Atlanta, Austin, Columbia and Omaha.

Our Story

We trace our roots to 1889, when H.F. Stapel formed the Missouri Farmers Mutual Tornado, Cyclone and Windstorm Insurance Company. The mutual insurance movement was new then, as East Coast insurance companies were unwilling to insure the risks the westward movement presented. 

We are proud to have built a legacy by rising to meet the needs of our customers. Throughout our history, this has meant growing our operating territory, increasing product offerings and more.

The city of Columbia, Missouri became a part of our story in 1935 when Farmers Mutual Windstorm Insurance and Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Missouri moved from Rock Port, Missouri to Columbia. This new location provided a more strategic setting for our continued growth and expansion.

While Columbia was a great fit, the company outgrew its building. In 1951 we moved to a new, larger headquarters on the Business Loop 70 in Columbia, Missouri. Our current location on White Gate Drive, became our home office in 1975.

To celebrate our centennial in 1989 and better represent our expanding territory, we created our company name, Columbia Insurance Group. The company’s new branding celebrated our roots supporting individuals as they created their version of the American dream.

“Our company heritage—an organization born 100 years ago in the heartland of our nation—dedicated to protecting its citizens as they go about realizing the American dream.” –Arlo McNary, president of Columbia Insurance Group in 1989

Today

Columbia Insurance Group is proudly building upon its proven past for an exciting future. As we move forward, we are creating innovative ways to insure peace of mind for generations to come.

The three entities that comprise our family of companies are Association Casualty Insurance Company, Columbia Mutual Insurance Company and Columbia National Insurance Company.