Insurance Industry Articles

Risk and Insurance History

The World's First Insurance Company

2001-07-01 | Barry Klein

In 1666, the Great Fire of London nearly destroyed the city. Barry Klein explains how the first insurance company—as well as the first fire brigade—emerged from the ashes.

Risk and Insurance History

The Great Fire of London

2001-06-01 | Barry Klein

Barry Klein explains how the Great Fire of London catalyzed the birth of the modern insurance industry and explores the historical events that shaped its emergence.

Risk and Insurance History

How Umbrella Policies Started Part 2: the First Umbrella Forms

2000-04-01 | Jim Robertson

Jim Robertson discusses developments in blanket liability, other concepts that led to the creation of the first umbrella coverage forms, and the development of the American market for umbrellas after 1957.

Risk and Insurance History

How Umbrella Policies Started Part 1: Early Liability Coverage

2000-03-01 | Jim Robertson

Jim Robertson examines the origins of liability insurance, early policy limits, the first excess liability market, excess of loss reinsurance, direct U.S. placements at Lloyd's, excess coverage developments, and the emergence of self-insurance.