Every company has a past. Every great company has history. Historical facts and
happenings that make it significant from all the rest.
Something to
stand for, to live upon, and to carry into the future. Lincoln General Insurance
Company began long ago and with remarkable strides will continue to remain faithful
to its promise: we’re “with you for the long haul.” Lincoln General:
past, present, and future. Are you ready for the ride?
The company was founded in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on March 17, 1977 by Walter
Fohl, the majority stockholder of Walshire Assurance Company (Lincoln’s holding
company). Established under the laws of Pennsylvania, it began business on May 13
of the same year.
In August of 1986, Fohl passed away, and the minority stockholders in
Walshire purchased his stock in March,
1987. Walshire went public in September, 1987, and in the following year, Lincoln
relocated from Gettysburg to York, Pennsylvania.
Initially, Lincoln only offered commercial auto physical damage and cargo coverage
as it specialized in long haul trucking risks. But in July, 1991, it also started
writing primary auto liability coverage. Over the next several years, other lines
of coverage and additional states were added to Lincoln’s book of business.
In 1994, it began writing workers’ compensation for small long haul trucking
fleets.
Walshire Assurance acquired Yorktowne Mutual Insurance Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Walshire Assurance,
in October, 1996, and in that same year, commercial multi-peril
and commercial umbrella coverage were also added. Kingsway acquired Walshire Assurance
Co. in December of 1998, and two years later, Lincoln took over all the insurance
liabilities of Yorktowne and made it the risk-bearing company.
In 2001, Lincoln instituted relationships with many Managing General Agents (MGAs)
with direct and assumed business. Today, most premium stems from either those MGAs,
Managing General Underwriters, and/or General Agents. The company writes various
lines of business but concentrates in the commercial auto and non-standard auto
markets, what we refer to as our traditional transportation products.
Our specialty lines include artisan contractors, bonds, business auto, couriers,
daily rental, pet health care, tow trucks, and waste haulers.