Our history

Trial by fire 1866-1879

1866 - Portland, Maine fire burns1,800 buildings to the ground, making this the most destructive fire suffered by an American city at this time. The
           Hanover pays all its claims and helps rebuild the city.

1871 - The Great Chicago Fire destroys more than three square miles of the city, resulting in losses of $3 billion at present day value.  The
           Hanover is praised by "The Chicago Merchants" having met all claim obligations.

1872 - Fire in Boston, Massachusetts burns almost half the city. The Hanover passes another difficult financial challenge in its young history.

Covering the field 1880-1907

1880 - Insures leading businesses, including retailer Marshall Field, financier JP Morgan, Westinghouse, consumer goods companies Colgate
           and Scott Paper, and entertainer PT Barnum and Bailey.

1881 - Financial strength continues to increase. In five years, The Hanover doubles its capital to $1 million.

1886 - The Hanover appoints its first agent in London, UK.

1906 - Earthquake and fire level massive areas of San Francisco. The Hanover suffers significant losses, but with prudent underwriting and 
           investing, delivers for its agents and customers.

Expanding the field 1908-1945

1911 - Company charter expands to write other lines of insurance, including marine and automobile.

1915 - The Hanover's Citizens brand underwrites the first auto policy in Michigan. Early notable auto customers of The Hanover includes the 
            legendary baseball Hall of Famer, Babe Ruth.

1921 - The Hanover increases its international presence and appoints one of the first insurance agents in China.

1935 - The Hanover doesn't lay off a single employee during the Depression and continues to pay dividends to its shareholders.

On the move 1946-2003

1958 - Changes name from The Hanover Fire Insurance Company to The Hanover Insurance Group to reflect a broader product range.

1969 - Moves headquarters from NYC to its present day home office in Worcester, Massachusetts.

1974 - Purchases all shares of Citizens Mutual Insurance Company and makes it a member of The Hanover Insurance Companies.

2003 - Reaffirms The Hanover's commitment to do business exclusively through the best independent agents and brokers in the country.

From rebirth to resurgence 2004-2016

2007 - Identified by The Wall Street Journal as number one in the P&C industry for increasing shareholder value over a five-year period.

2009 - Acquires commercial business from OneBeacon Insurance Group, which enables rapid Western U.S. expansion.

           A.M. Best upgrades company rating to "A" (Excellent). The only insurer to be upgraded by A.M. Best, Moody's, and S&P over this time.

2010-2011 - Completes strategic U.S. and international acquisitions. Lloyd's of London Chaucer Holdings adds significant capabilities, geographic
                    diversity and underwriting expertise.

2013 - The Hanover crosses the $5 billion written premium threshold for the first time in its history and is writing business in 179 countries.

2015 - Standard & Poor’s upgrades the company’s financial rating to “A”.  Forbes recognizes The Hanover as one of America’s best employers
           and as one of America’s most trustworthy financial companies.

2016 - Well positioned for success with the most talented employees in the insurance industry.

2017 - present

2017 - John C. Roche, a longtime Hanover executive and industry veteran, is appointed president and chief executive officer.

           The company continues to expand its specialized capabilities across its Personal, Commercial and Specialty lines business, while 
           beginning to drive innovation across the organization with new energy and a greater sense of purpose.

2018 - The Hanover announces an agreement to sell its international specialty business, Chaucer, to China Re, doubling down on its 
           commitment to the independent agency channel. 

2019 - In a business characterized by pervasive change, the company continues to post strong profitable growth and generates a top-quartile 
           return on equity.

           The Hanover returns to shareholders $850 million in equity generated by the sale of Chaucer. 

           The Human Rights Campaign Foundation recognizes the company as a best place to work for LGBTQ equality. 

           The company publishes its inaugural Global Reporting Initiatives index and a responsible investment policy.

2020 - As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the U.S., The Hanover quickly transitions to a remote work environment, safeguarding its 
           employees and providing the high-quality products and services its partners and customers have come to expect.

          The company is well positioned to capitalize on the opportunities ahead, delivering for its partners and customers while generating 
          sustainable profitable growth and superior returns.