About Us
|
About Us Topics:The President's Message |
Incorporated in 1862
Southern Michigan Insurance was organized in 1861 as Farmer's Mutual Fire Insurance Company and incorporated in 1862. It opened its doors for operation with two employees. The founding date marks the company as the oldest domestic property/casualty insurance company in Michigan. Mergers with other county mutuals have resulted in the company that is today known as Southern Michigan.
Peek at the Past
The personal touch often resulted in business practices that today might seem unusual. Until 1868, the Southern Michigan annual report printed the names of all member insureds. The amount of insurance carried by each individual was also published. Since insureds lived in close proximity, they were knowledgeable about each other's property. If someone carried too much insurance, that person was regarded with great suspicion while an underinsured neighbor was labeled perilous.
New Risks
Throughout the years, the Company has faced sometimes perplexing decisions about how to insure new inventions. At one time, the Company would not insure a property with a steam engine, such as those used on the "new" steam threshing machines. Adapting to change has become a significant part of the Company's expertise.
Today
The Company does business, exclusively in Michigan, with approximately 300 independent agents.
