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Company History

A Legacy of Historic Strength and Success

The Lafayette Life Insurance Company began as the vision of a handful of turn-of-the-20th century businessmen, to provide the best possible insurance protection to people at the lowest reasonable cost. Their vision became reality on December 26, 1905, when the Articles of Incorporation established Lafayette Life as a mutual company, with headquarters in Lafayette, Indiana.

From its humble beginnings in the nation’s heartland, Lafayette Life has emerged as a leading provider of insurance products and services. This has been achieved by taking advantage of strategic opportunities, by answering critical challenges, and by embracing changes that have positioned the company to grow and to prosper. The company now operates in 48 states and the District of Columbia. Guided by its three founding principles—solid and unquestioned financial strength, attention and service to policy owners, and close relationships with field associates—Lafayette Life has remained focused, yet flexible… allowing it to not only survive, but to thrive in an ever-changing marketplace and industry.

Lafayette Life has remained strong despite the impact of two world wars, the Great Depression, the stock market crash and the challenges of a changing marketplace, industry and society. Nothing has deterred Lafayette Life from meeting its primary obligation to policy owners. Additionally, although dividends are not guaranteed, Lafayette Life has never failed to pay a policy dividend to a dividend paying policy.

That bedrock of financial security and a sense of rightness allowed Lafayette Life to pay the war claims of World War I casualties, even though the company was not obligated to do so. During the Great Depression, when banks and other mortgage holders were foreclosing on delinquent accounts, Lafayette Life did everything possible to help real estate owners—especially farmers—keep their land.

In some cases, delinquent mortgage holders deeded their farms to Lafayette Life, which then leased it back to the owners. This allowed the farmers to keep their insurance, their farms, and their dignity. For more than a century of service, Lafayette Life’s employees have contributed their time, talent, and financial resources to support civic, educational, cultural and religious activities.

Responding to challenges and strategic opportunities, Lafayette Life has continued to grow and evolve as a leading insurance company. In 2000, Lafayette Life reorganized into a Mutual Insurance Holding Company structure. This change added structural flexibility while allowing the company to retain its mutual culture. The reorganization enhanced Lafayette Life’s ability to engage in mergers and acquisitions and to access the capital markets, if necessary, to remain competitive and to grow. In June 2005, Lafayette Life aligned with the Western & Southern Financial Group, a Cincinnati-based diversified family of financial services companies. This strategic alliance has made the company even stronger and more competitive, and has provided improved financial ratings and greater resources. With the strength of our organization and our ongoing commitment to serving you and your family, Lafayette Life Insurance is a Company you can trust.