California Casualty

In 1914 Carl G. Brown Sr. started California Casualty Indemnity Exchange as a customer-owned company offering workers' compensation insurance to California's new and growing industries. The company was based on Carl G. Brown Sr.’s high ethical standards and business integrity. In 1917 California Casualty began offering auto insurance, followed by home insurance in 1954. His son, Carl G. Brown Jr. took over as chairman in 1957 and, in 1965 codified his father's principles in the California Casualty Code.

In 1951 California Casualty pioneered what is now an industry trend of affinity insurance programs when it received the endorsement of the California Teachers Association (CTA) to provide auto and home insurance to its members. Sixty years later they still serve CTA and its members and expanded nationally with over 100 other endorsements including the National Education Association (NEA); many police, state trooper, and firefighter associations; and universities and medical centers.

In 1978, after Carl G. Brown Jr. retired, his son, Tom Brown, carried on the family tradition and moved up to chairman of the board. Under Tom's leadership the business expanded across the country when it received the NEA endorsement.

In 2007 Beau Brown continued as the fourth generation to head California Casualty, becoming the company's president and chief executive officer. In 2013, he was named chairman and CEO and Joe Volponi became California Casualty's president. In 2021, Bob Nicolay temporarily stepped into the role of CEO with Brown remaining chairman of the board.

In 2022 Jonathan Adkisson joins California Casualty as the new president and chief executive officer. Beau Brown continues as chairman of the board and Bob Nicolay returns as a member of the board of directors.

Products and markets

They provide personal insurance programs for affinity groups and their members.

California Casualty offers auto insurance in 44 states and the District of Columbia and property insurance in 38 states and the District of Columbia. (California Casualty, however, is leaving several states by February 2024.)

They also offer personal liability umbrella, earthquake, flood, boat, recreational vehicle, snowmobile, and pet insurance through business partners.

Locations

California Casualty's home office is located in San Mateo, California. The company operates two virtual call centers. The Colorado Springs, Colorado location opened in 1994. The center in Glendale, Arizona opened in 1999.

Legal structure

California Casualty Group comprises California Casualty Indemnity Exchange (the “Exchange”), and its four wholly owned subsidiary insurance companies: California Casualty Insurance Company, California Casualty & Fire Insurance Company, California Casualty General Insurance Company of Oregon and California Casualty Compensation Insurance Company. The insurance business of the Exchange and its subsidiary insurance companies is managed, by contract, by California Casualty Management Company, a separate and independent company. The relationship between California Casualty Management Company and the Exchange has been in place since the founding of the Exchange in 1914.