Manhattan Life

Manhattan Life Insurance Company (The) / ManhattanLife

• 1850 – Founded: Established in New York City, it is one of the oldest continuously operating life insurance companies in the U.S.
• 1850 – Firsts: Issued the first group life policy in the U.S. and the first accident policy for a woman.
• 1864 – Incontestability: Introduced the "Incontestability Clause" into policies (stating the carrier cannot contest a claim after a certain period), which later became industry law.
• 1900s – Old Reliable: Earned the nickname "Old Reliable" for paying claims reliably through the Civil War, pandemics, and depressions.
• 1980s – Ownership Change: Struggled financially and was acquired by the Harris Family (led by David Harris) in the mid-80s, who recapitalized the company.
• 1990s – Rebuilding: Focused on worksite voluntary benefits and supplemental health products.
• 2014 – Acquisition: Acquired Western United Life Assurance Company, expanding into the annuity market.
• 2016 – Acquisition: Acquired Family Life Insurance Company, strengthening its presence in the mortgage protection market.
• 2018 – Acquisition: Acquired Standard Life and Casualty Insurance Company.
• Present – Rebranding: Markets itself as ManhattanLife, operating as a group of four insurance companies offering life, health, and annuity products.

Source: ManhattanLife History Brochure

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