[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5267]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                AUTO-OWNERS INSURANCE 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TIM WALBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 27, 2016

  Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 100th 
anniversary of Auto-Owners Insurance Company--headquartered and founded 
in mid-Michigan.
  In 1916, a young Vern V. Moulton, along with four other associates, 
started the Insurance Company in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
  The startup agency operated out of one room in a bank building and 
had no capital.
  A year later, the small company--with only $174 in assets and one 
book of policyholders' names--made the big jump to the city where it is 
headquartered today--Lansing, Michigan.
  During the tough years of the Great Depression, Auto-Owners 
demonstrated its corporate toughness and financial stability by paying 
all claims promptly, daily, and in cash.
  In 1940, the company moved into the general causality insurance 
field, while also expanding operations into Indiana and Ohio. This 
growth was only the start, and over the next several decades the 
company would begin operations across the country.
  Today, Auto-Owners operates in 26 states throughout the United States 
and has opened offices from Arizona to Virginia.
  The company that originated with only five associates in a one room 
office now employs more than 4,500 associates and operates out of an 
expansive complex. The combined premium of all companies exceeds $6 
billion and total assets exceed $20 billion, with more than 5 million 
policies in force for over 3 million policy holders.
  Throughout the company's history, Auto-Owners has upheld a high 
reputation for excellence. The Fortune 500 Company has the highest 
possible ratings from A.M. Best Company, A++ (Superior), and the Auto-
Owners Life Insurance Company is rated A+ (Superior).
  I offer my best wishes to Auto-Owners Insurance as they continue to 
maintain their reputation of being the ``No Problem'' people.

                          ____________________