From modest beginnings, Grange Insurance Association has grown into a regional mutual insurance company serving the needs of farming families, “Main Street” communities, and urban and suburban markets. We now have agents serving California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. Our agents live in and know the communities they serve, so you can be sure that you’ll receive personalized attention. Our service is backed by more than a century of knowledge and experience, delivered by people who care.
In this hall, the architectural gem of La Camas in its day, the Washington State Grange was born on September 10, 1889. The building, built in 1885, was by far the finest building in town.
Humble Beginnings
In 1893, Washington State Grange meets in the hayloft of a new barn in White Salmon, Washington and resolves to start a fire insurance cooperative.
The Roaring 20s
During the meeting of 1921, the association faced the realities of the roaring 20s for the first time, unanimously deciding that "no insurance be carried, hereafter, on halls which are used primarily for dancing purposes."
First Inspector
In late 1928, heavy fire losses were encountered. For the first time, the Board authorized employment of an inspector to visit and examine doubtful risks to determine their insurability.
Headquarters Building
The Washington State Grange headquarters were located in this building, on Weller Street, in the early 1930s. The location is now in the middle of Interstate 5.
Women in the Workforce
In 1931, Helen Cronhagen was hired as the first permanent employee. She retired in 1977 after 46 years of service.
Shared Workspace
In 1933, the Association and the Washington State Grange built a joint headquarters on Western Avenue in Seattle.
New Name Reflects Change
In 1944, the company celebrates its 50th anniversary and writes its first auto policy on a 1938 DeSoto (the $12 annual premium provides basic liability coverage). To reflect its broader focus, the company changes its name to its present name, Grange Insurance Association (GIA).
Making New Neighbors
In 1958, Grange Insurance Association relocates to 2717 3rd Avenue in Seattle.
Raging Storm Hits the NW
The Columbus Day Storm results of Typhoon Freda hit the Northwest, resulting in a record $700,000 of losses for the Association. In 1962 dollars, the path of the storm caused an estimated $230-280 million in damage.
In 2017, Grange Insurance Association was awarded the IIABKC Carrier of the Year award.
New CEO
Steve Stogner stepped into the role of CEO of Grange Insurance Association on January 1, 2019. Read More
Choose an Era:
Early Years
WWI & the 20s
The Depression
WWII & the 40s
The Decade of Expansion
The Soaring 60s
The 70s, 80s & 90s
Recent Updates
The Founding
In this hall, the architectural gem of La Camas in its day, the Washington State Grange was born on September 10, 1889. The building, built in 1885, was by far the finest building in town.
Humble Beginnings
In 1893, Washington State Grange meets in the hayloft of a new barn in White Salmon, Washington and resolves to start a fire insurance cooperative.
During the meeting of 1921, the association faced the realities of the roaring 20s for the first time, unanimously deciding that "no insurance be carried, hereafter, on halls which are used primarily for dancing purposes."
First Inspector
In late 1928, heavy fire losses were encountered. For the first time, the Board authorized employment of an inspector to visit and examine doubtful risks to determine their insurability.
The Washington State Grange headquarters were located in this building, on Weller Street, in the early 1930s. The location is now in the middle of Interstate 5.
Women in the Workforce
In 1931, Helen Cronhagen was hired as the first permanent employee. She retired in 1977 after 46 years of service.
Shared Workspace
In 1933, the Association and the Washington State Grange built a joint headquarters on Western Avenue in Seattle.
In 1944, the company celebrates its 50th anniversary and writes its first auto policy on a 1938 DeSoto (the $12 annual premium provides basic liability coverage). To reflect its broader focus, the company changes its name to its present name, Grange Insurance Association (GIA).
The Columbus Day Storm results of Typhoon Freda hit the Northwest, resulting in a record $700,000 of losses for the Association. In 1962 dollars, the path of the storm caused an estimated $230-280 million in damage.
In 2017, Grange Insurance Association was awarded the IIABKC Carrier of the Year award.
New CEO
Steve Stogner stepped into the role of CEO of Grange Insurance Association on January 1, 2019. Read More
A Bright Future
As a smaller yet financially strong insurance company, Grange Insurance Association can adapt quickly to changing market conditions and capitalize on opportunities as they develop. We are rooted in a community of Independent Agents who are able to provide the advice needed to protect families and farms in times of transformative change. The Independent Agents who represent GIA will always strive to do their best for their customers, because they are often friends and neighbors, too.
The shared interest of our customers means that GIA is a company focused on long-term sustainability and success. As a mutual company, our customers and policyholders will continue to have a voice. The one thing that won’t change is that we will continue to place the needs of our insured families and farms above everything else. We believe our industry truly benefits society and that we will continue to prosper with the same core values that we have always held.