History of Wawanesa General Insurance
Wawanesa Insurance continues to grow and serve its members in the United States, guided by the same values instilled in the company since it first started in Canada in 1896.
Our operating philosophy is simple, we maintain advertising and expense levels well below industry averages which allow us to pass these cost savings to our members in the form of lower insurance rates. We offer auto and property insurance policies directly to consumers.
We hope you enjoy navigating through our history.
1896
Founded in Wawanesa, Manitoba, Canada
On September 25, 1896, The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company, was created by and for farmers. It was founded by Alonzo Fowler Kempton and Charles Kerr in the town of Wawanesa, Manitoba, Canada.
1926
Wawanesa Mutual took a major step forward by offering, for the first time, coverage on private buildings in towns and cities. Two years later, insurance for automobiles was offered.
1975
Expansion into California
Wawanesa Mutual obtained a license to sell auto insurance in California as Wawanesa General Insurance. The U.S. corporate office opened in San Diego, California in April 1975.
1988
Wawanesa Insurance expands its insurance products by offering homeowners insurance in California.
1991
Wawanesa Insurance expands its insurance product offering in California by adding condo insurance and insuring more than 50 thousand total policies.
2000
Wawanesa Insurance expands into the state of Oregon, offering auto insurance policies.
2012 - 2015
#1 In Customer Satisfaction
Wawanesa Insurance was ranked highest in customer satisfaction among auto insurers in California. The award recognized our continued goal of delivering superior customer care and outstanding value directly to consumers in California.
2013
Wawanesa continues to expand its insurance product offering by adding renters insurance in the state of California.
2017
An Impact to the Communities We Live & Work
Wawanesa began its annual fundraising campaign to support United Way local charities. As an auto and property insurance provider we always want to be there for people when they need us most and our partnership with United Way agencies allows us to have a greater impact on the communities we live and work in. Learn more about our community impact program.
Renters Insurance for Oregon Residents
Wawanesa introduced renters insurance in the state of Oregon.
2020 - 2023
#1 In Customer Satisfaction
Wawanesa earned Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Auto Insurers in California. We were honored to receive this recognition for our continued dedication in providing great value and superior service to our members.
2021
Partnership with California Coast Credit Union
We partnered with California Coast Credit Union to offer additional savings for credit union members who choose Wawanesa for their auto insurance. This program is open to anyone living or working in San Diego or Riverside Counties.
LEED Gold Certification
The corporate office building in San Diego was awarded LEED Gold Certification. This certifies that we have taken extra measures in the building to help reduce energy, water, and carbon emissions. Allowing us to continue our focus on sustainability and creating resilient communities.
2022
Claims Fleet Vehicles Go Hybrid
Climate change is a priority issue affecting our communities and the insurance industry. That is why we transitioned all our claims fleet vehicles to be hybrid. With this change we can do more to respond to climate change and help create climate resilient communities.