Fireman’s Fund Historic Highlights

1863
The first policy was one half-interest in 1,000 kegs of Boston syrup. The premium was $12 cash in advance.

1871
Great Chicago Fire – Fireman’s Fund paid all claims even though its losses exceeded its assets. About half of the property destroyed in the fire was covered by insurance — a liability of nearly $100 million, spread among 201 companies. Fireman’s Fund’s share of the losses was $529,000 — more than its assets of $500,000.

1872
Boston Fire – Fifty acres in Boston’s business district went up in flames, causing $75 million dollars in losses. Fireman’s Fund was able to fully pay all its policyholders promptly for $190,000 in losses.

1906
Fireman’s Fund wrote its first motorcar policy, covering a Pierce-Arrow against fire, theft and collision.

1906
San Francisco Earthquake – The company’s headquarters were destroyed, but Fireman’s Fund was able to pay the claims of all of its policyholders with a combination of cash and stock.

1920’s
Fireman’s Fund insured the first movies with sound.

1927
Charles Lindbergh – Fireman’s Fund insured the construction of the Spirit of St. Louis, which was flown non-stop from New York to Paris by aviator Charles Lindbergh.

1936
Fireman’s Fund insures construction of Hoover Dam.

1937
Golden Gate bridge construction is completed, underwritten by a Fireman’s Fund surety bond.

1984-1986
Fireman’s Fund insured the Statue of Liberty when it underwent renovation between 1984 and 1986. The company issued a $95 million all-risk policy that protected the statue against fire, flood, earthquake, vandalism and other physical damage.

1989
Loma Prieta Quake – Fireman’s Fund played a role in helping the Bay Area recover from the earthquake, also known at the “World Series Earthquake.”

2001
9/11 – All of the company’s New York employees survived the attacks on the World Trade Center, where Fireman’s Fund’s offices were located. Fireman’s Fund was quick to pay claims resulting from the attack.