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Through the years, we've continually sought ways to help people insure the different types of property they own. We've created a culture of quick-thinking, quick-action, and decisiveness when it comes to creating coverages, seeking new markets, and developing new ways to let consumers know about the insurance products we offer.
In the beginning
Foremost Insurance Company began insuring mobile
homes on June 12, 1952. In those days, the mobile home industry
was in its infancy. Housing was in short supply after World War II and
families were growing at a record pace thanks to the “Baby Boom.”
While mobile homes were an inexpensive solution to the housing problem,
no companies insured these “homes on wheels.”
After beginning with three people in a one-room office in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, less than a year later the staff numbered 11. In five years we were doing business in 35 states.
Our next step: insuring travel
trailers
That was just the start, though. Foremost grew
at a record pace. We developed new ways of insuring recreational vehicles,
and in 1961 introduced the first policy designed specifically for travel trailers.
The growth continues
While the United States moved ahead with giant
scientific leaps; like the space program, Foremost moved forward with
a full-scale entry into the RV insurance market. We expanded our insurance
programs for RVs in 1969 and continued adding more types of insurance
to our product lines.
In 1978 we sold our first automobile policy and started insuring site-built homes in 1982.
In 1989 we were endorsed by AARP to offer mobile home insurance to their members.
In 1993 we developed specialty insurance programs for homeowners and landlords.
In 1999, we developed a unique service program for owners of luxury motor coaches who insure with us.
In 2000, Foremost was purchased by the Farmers Insurance Group, the country's third largest provider of auto and homeowners insurance.
During 2000, Foremost began offering motorcycle and off-road vehicle insurance programs, including a program for snowmobiles, followed in 2002 by our program for personal watercraft, and in 2003, a program for boats.
In 2004, we were endorsed by AARP to offer our motorcycle insurance to their members. In that same year, our product line expanded to include collectible auto.
Claim service is a key to our
success
Our growth has been fueled not only by our willingness
to innovate, but also by our commitment to superior claim
service. Claim service has been an important part of the Foremost
commitment since the earliest days of the company. Our claim representatives
are extensively trained to understand what it takes to repair the property
we insure. Our claim team is committed to fast, fair and friendly service.
Foremost has long been a supporter of charitable organizations that benefit not only people in the Grand Rapids area, but people and families across the country. Foremost employees support United Way, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, March of Dimes and the American Cancer Society by participating in walk events and rallies, wearing jeans to work for a donation or by having a donation deducted from their payroll check.
Since 1998 Foremost has been the title sponsor of the Foremost’s Butterflies Are Blooming exhibit at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The event is the largest live butterfly exhibit currently in the United States. Foremost’s Butterflies Are Blooming runs for eight weeks each year March – April and gives old and young alike the chance to see 6,000 live butterflies fly free in a 15,000 square foot conservatory.
In September 2006 and 2007 Foremost sponsored The Hispanic Festival , one of the largest festivals in Grand Rapids, Michigan. With the support of the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, Foremost hosted a three-day event full of food, music and community fellowship.
Brand Awareness Through Events and SponsorshipsSince adding a motorcycle product to their lineup in 2000, Foremost has maintained a solid presence at motorcycle races and events across the country like the Americade Rally in Lake George, NY and Myrtle Beach Bike Week in South Carolina. They also sponsor the KSW Superbike Race Team in East Brunswick, NJ. For more information about upcoming events, visit our sponsorship and event page.
Innovation: in the past, the present, and for the future
“Innovation leads to growth” has been
Foremost’s guiding philosophy since the company’s founding.
Today, and into the future, we continue to be committed to creative
ideas that will improve our service.