The U.S. Census Bureau in its daily Profile America piece notes that the first accident insurance company was chartered in the United States in Hartford on June 17, 1853.
According to the Census Bureau, it was the Travelers Insurance Co. — now known as the Travelers Cos — and its first policies insured against loss during periods of travel only. In 1864, the charter was amended to cover all manner of accidents.
Its first rider was issued for two cents to James Bolter of Hartford for $5,000 against accidents on his walk between his home and the post office. The Census Bureau reported now the 175,000 insurance carriers in the U.S. have annual business revenues in excess of $1.9 trillion.
Hartford does have an older insurance company: The Hartford, but its roots were in fire insurance when it was formed in 1810. It didn’t begin providing accident insurance until 1913, according to its history.
