Central Mutual Fire Insurance Company started in 1876 in Van Wert, Ohio, with a simple goal: to protect local property owners from loss. What began as a small, community-based mutual insurance setup has grown into a nationwide company still focused on serving people and their insurance needs nearly 150 years later.
In the early days, Central was founded by neighbors who wanted to help each other share risks, especially in a rural area where formal insurance was uncommon. As the region around Van Wert grew, so did Central. The company began to offer coverage for farms, homes, and businesses throughout northwest Ohio, reflecting the agricultural nature of the community it served.
In the early 1900s, Central adapted to the changing world by adding automobile insurance following the rise of cars. This move showed the company’s willingness to evolve with its customers’ needs. During the tough years of the Great Depression, Central focused on staying stable and financially secure, building what remains its main office building in Van Wert since 1931.
In the 1940s, Central introduced a new symbol — Chief, the Dalmatian. Featured in their company magazine in 1944, the Dalmatian became a friendly face and a sign of safety and loyalty, fitting for a fire insurance company. By 1952, Central became a full-service property and casualty insurance provider. This shift broadened the company’s offerings to support both personal and commercial needs.
Central kept growing through the mid-20th century, opening regional offices in cities like Boston, Dallas, and Atlanta by 1956. These expansions allowed Central to reach more customers while keeping the small-town feeling of personal service.
In the 1960s, the company started preserving its history by collecting antique fire equipment, which eventually became the fire museum collection. By its 100th anniversary in 1976, Central invested in expanding its home office, choosing to stay rooted in Van Wert rather than moving elsewhere.
The 1990s brought the internet, and Central quickly embraced digital tools. This helped speed up their work and improve communication with agents and policyholders. In the 2000s, they added new office wings designed to support teamwork and growth as the company continued to expand.
More recently, in the 2010s, Central opened the Central Ohio Technology Office in Columbus, bringing tech teams together and focusing on innovation. By the 2020s, the company adjusted its structure to a mutual holding company. This change keeps Central’s mutual spirit alive but also allows it to grow and adapt in today’s insurance market.
Looking ahead to its 150th year, Central stands as a company shaped by steady leadership, strong local ties, and a commitment to serving people. From a single office in a small town to a large company with modern technology and wide reach, Central continues to focus on building lasting relationships with agents and policyholders while preparing for the future.