Northern Mutual
Insurance Company

201 Quincy Street
Hancock, MI 49930
(906)482-2880

Northern Mutual History

In 1889, Erick Kakela, a farmer residing near Calumet, MI, conceived of the idea of forming a fire insurance company to provide an alternative to the large stock insurance companies of the time.

In October of that year the first meeting was held, with 40 prominent citizens of the Calumet area attending and signing their names under the Articles of Incorporation. And as a sign of simpler times, the company was doing business a short time later, in January, 1890.

Because of the Finnish heritage of the original founders, the name of the new company was the Finnish name “Suomalaisten Keskinainen Palovakuutus – Yhtio” or as translated to English, “Finnish Mutual Fire Insurance Company”. The founders created their new venture as a mutual insurance company, or a company that is owned by the policyholders. To this day the company remains a mutual company, although since January, 1990, has operated under the name of Northern Mutual Insurance Company, with the home office now being located south of Calumet in Hancock.

During the company’s early years, fire insurance was the only type of insurance provided, and only to residents in the local area of Houghton and Keweenaw counties. Over the years the company grew and was able to provide additional types of insurance and market in a larger area.

Today, Northern Mutual is providing insurance in most counties of Michigan through approximately 50 Independent Insurance Agencies. In addition to fire insurance, Northern Mutual also provides Homeowners, Auto and Businessowners insurance.

A strong financial position has always been a hallmark of Northern Mutual. We are currently rated “A-, Excellent” by A.M. Best Company which rates all insurance companies on their ability to meet their primary obligation of paying claims.

We are proud of our history and look forward to continuing to provide sound insurance protection at a savings.