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Columbian Protective Association early workforce and Columbian Mutual Life early building
Columbian Financial Group building

Our Story

The Columbian Financial Group of companies (CFG) includes Columbian Mutual Life Insurance Company, Columbian Life Insurance Company and other affiliated companies within the corporate family.

In 1882, Columbian Mutual Life began selling life insurance to working class families in the boroughs of New York City. For over 140 years, Columbian and its agents have continued to focus on providing small face amount life insurance to protect families from financial hardships associated with the death of a loved one.

Longevity is an important factor in choosing a reliable insurer, and you have over a century of stability and growth behind you when you choose Columbian.




1882

Columbian Mutual Life Insurance Company is incorporated as the American Protective Association

1952

The company is mutualized and renamed Columbian Mutual Life Insurance Company

1970 to 1990

Columbian Mutual Life expands to 50 states.

1990 to 1996

Columbian establishes Columbian Life Insurance Company and acquires Washington National Life Insurance Company of New York (WNLICNY)

2003

Columbian Mutual Life insurance Company acquires UNIQ benefit solutions®

2006

Columbian Mutual Life expands through a merger with Philanthropic Mutual Life Insurance Company

2007

Columbian Mutual doubles its size by merging Farmers and Traders Life Insurance Company into Columbian Mutual Life

2008

Mutual of Detroit becomes part of the Columbian Financial Group of companies through a merger with Columbian Mutual Life

2011

Columbian merges Unity Mutual Life Insurance Company into Columbian Mutual Life

2023

Columbian celebrates over 140 years of helping families secure their financial future. Today, the Columbian Financial Group of Companies employs more than 300 associates to support our 20,000 independent agents and pays $200 million in death benefits each year to families when they need it most.

Throughout our history, we have consistently maintained an exceptionally strong investment portfolio, providing us with financial strength and the ability to meet policyholder obligations. Columbian's mission is to earn your trust as the insurance company with a strong past - for your secure future.

Columbian Financial Group building