Historical Overview/Company Background
County Mutual's Role in Iowa's Economy
Officers - 1886 through January 2012
Company Growth

Humboldt Mutual Insurance Association was first incorporated as Farmer's Mutual Fire and Lightning Company on September 25, 1886.  The first office was in Bode, Iowa. Captain T. A. Rossing was the first Executive Secretary and his brother-in-law, Andrew Gullixson, was the first President. Captain Rossing was a civil war veteran and Mr. Gullixson came to the Bode area by oxen in 1865 to farm.  The first policy was issued to Captain Rossing whom also sustained the first loss. Captain Rossing was paid $15.00 for house and contents fire damage, caused by lightning.

In 1890 there were 150 policyholders.  Agents were appointed to each township in 1891.  The following year the company name was changed to Humboldt Mutual Insurance Association.  Directors moved their regular meetings from Bode to Humboldt in 1893.  Some of the early meeting places were Nelson's Theatre, Safety Savings Bank, Public Library, City Hall, State Bank, Nelson's Hotel and First National Bank.

The Board approved insuring town property in 1892.  Two Humboldt Mutual delegates attended the State Mutual Insurance Convention for the first time in 1895.  The Company advertised for the first time in 1901.  Maximum risks were raised from $5,000 to $8,000 in 1907.  Ten years later the Executive Secretary was instructed to reinsure items insured in excess of $10,000, with other reliable Mutual companies.  The first reinsurance expense item was recorded in 1918 in the amount of $46.11.  The first typewriter was purchased in 1921.

The Humboldt Mutual office was moved to the Humboldt Legion Building in 1932.  At that time, Township agents were discontinued and the nine company Directors were the only agents. Company Directors also adjusted all claims.  A few years later the Mutual office was moved to 2nd floor of the First National Bank Building.  A fire reinsurance contract was approved with Farmer's Mutual Reinsurance Company, in 1943 (now known as Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company).  One year later, the Board approved accepting insurance coverage on gas and oil powered tractors.  Separate windstorm insurance policies became available in 1946 written direct with Iowa Mutual and Tornado.  The first Humboldt Mutual combination fire and windstorm policy was issued in 1957 (windstorm was reinsured 100% with Iowa Mutual and Tornado).  The Humboldt Mutual Insurance Association annual policyholder meeting was changed, in 1953, from the second Monday in January to the fourth Monday in January.

A vacant building site at 513 Sumner Avenue was purchased in 1957 and the original 37' x 40' office building was constructed and dedicated in 1959.  The IMT wind reinsurance contract was terminated in 1962 and all reinsurance was then placed with Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company.  Humboldt Mutual Insurance Association operated 90 years with director agents but began transition to full-time agents in 1976, completing the transition in 1983.  Nine full-time Independent Insurance Agencies presently represent Humboldt Mutual Insurance Association, serving Humboldt and adjoining counties.

A part-time adjuster was hired in 1982 and the position was changed to full-time in 1984.  Also in 1984 the office basement was remodeled for additional office space and was leased to Abens-Marty-Pipho Insurance Agency. Humboldt Mutual purchased its first computer in 1990 and became fully automated that same year.  Since then, policy processing, accounting and claims processing have been completed with computer technology. A 37' x 38' office addition was constructed and dedicated in 1993.  At that time an expanded lease was approved with Abens-Marty-Curran Agency to include both the lower level offices and approximately 2/3 of the new addition.  A part-time inspector was hired in 1998 and the position was made full-time in 2002.

Humboldt Mutual Insurance Association has always kept the needs of its members in mind during the last 122 years of Service.  Humboldt Mutual also continues to be a very strong, competitive company and carries this tradition into future years of service to Policyholders and Agents.

County Mutual Role in Iowa’s Economy