HTM Insurance Company celebrated their 125th anniversary with over 300 friends in Cobourg.
Alec Harmer, CEO of HTM Insurance Company – formerly known as the Hamilton Township Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and later, the Hamilton Township Mutual Insurance Company – was formed on May 18, 1898 in the spirit of neighbours helping neighbours, as many farmers were unable to find companies to insure their properties and livestock.
In that first year, a mere 147 policies were written. Since then, the company has grown to include a wide range of policies including farm, auto, residential and commercial.
HTM is a Mutual Insurance Company, meaning they are community based, owned and operated by the Policyholders. They are led by a Board of Directors, elected from among the Policyholders. The staff of some 40 employees live in, and contribute to, the local communities, too. Their Mission Statement speaks quite clearly to values – ‘To protect your future as if it’s our own’.
“A lot has changed over the past 125 years since the company was founded, but the way we approach taking care of our Policyholders has never wavered: at HTM Insurance Company, ‘you’re with family’”, Harmer said.
HTM is one of a network of more than 30 independent, purely mutual insurance companies across Ontario who make up one of the strongest financial networks in the world. Ontario Mutuals are community-based property and casualty (P&C) insurance companies that are owned by their policyholders (there are no shareholders). All Ontario Mutuals have been successfully operating in communities like Cobourg for well over 100 years.
They have remained strong and stable throughout the years and have provided solid, reliable service to the communities in which they operate.
The company has a number of events planned through the year to celebrate, including an Anniversary Celebration to be held at the company head office, located at 1185 Elgin St W in Cobourg. The very first home office was located in Hamilton Township, near Harwood.
Each year, HTM, as a community partner, makes donations to numerous local groups. They’ve made sizable charitable contributions to local hospitals, non-profit organizations, food banks, and supported hospice groups, to name a few.
“It’s our way of giving back to, and supporting, the communities we serve.” commented Harmer, saying that HTM looks forward to being a community partner for the next 125 years, too.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
