Celebrating 125 Years

Serving customers and communities since 1894

125-years

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.

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.

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.
Fire Inspectors Excerpt

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.
American Wholesale Grocery Company

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.

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Columbus Day Storm

Mt. St. Helens Eruption

In 1980, Mt. St. Helens erupts and the company pays 386 volcano-related claims. Over 40,000 insurance claims were filed state-wide. View Video Clip
Eruption of Mt. St. Helens

Modern Conveniences

In 1982, Grange Insurance Association moves into its new headquarters, a four-story building on Cedar Street in Seattle where it remains today.
Open House Invitation from 1982

A Time of Celebration

In 1994, the company celebrates 100 years of service, unveiling new logos for the occasion.

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Technology Changes Business

In 2006, the company launches its web-based real-time quoting system called GO Quote!
GO Quote! Grange Online Quoting

"Excellent" Financial Rating

In 2009, Grange Insurance Association earns A.M. Best's rating of A- (Excellent).

The Secret is Out!

In 2010, Seattle Business names Grange Insurance Association one of Washington’s 100 best companies to work for.

Embracing Our Brand

In 2014, Grange Insurance Association unveils a new brand image that reflects the company’s history and embraces its future.

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ValChoice Award

In 2016, Grange Insurance Association was awarded the ValChoice Award for #1 Best Value for Home Insurance throughout the Pacific Northwest.

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IIABKC Award

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.

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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.

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Timeline Highlights

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Historical Record of the Founding of GIA

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75th Anniversary Crier Bulletin

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GIA Construction at 200 Cedar Street

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Centennial History Book

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