Five Generations Strong
Illinois Mutual is a company more than 110 years in the making. Our history demonstrates how our adaptability, financial fortitude and growth mindset have helped us remain successful since our beginnings.
First Generation: O.L. McCord
1910
O.L. McCord and four others organize a fraternal benefit society, Illinois Woodmen Accident Association in Danville, Illinois.
1913
The Company moves to Peoria, Illinois.
Products sold at the time include:
- A Series of Accident Insurance Policies
- Income Protection Insurance
- Indemnity Loss of Life, Limb, Sight or Time by Accidental Means, and for Loss of Time by Illness
1916
The Company reorganizes to a mutual plan and changes its name to Illinois Mutual Casualty Company.
1922
O.L. McCord is named President.
Championing Women in the Workplace
1922
Gladys Edwards named Company Secretary and Treasurer – just two years after women won the right to vote in our country.
1934
The Company is the first in the industry to issue a professional women's policy designed for working women.
Stability in Crisis
Illinois Mutual remained profitable after the Stock Market Crash of 1929.
Second Generation
1935
E.A. McCord becomes President.
1956
Illinois Mutual introduces Disability Income Insurance to its line of products.
Products sold at the time include:
- A Series of Accident Insurance Policies
- Income Protection Insurance
- Travel Accident Policy
- Athletic Sports Insurance
- Professional Women’s Policy
- Four In One Medical Expense Policy
- Family Group Hospital Policy
- Non-Occupational Accident Policy
1958
The Company enters the life insurance market by issuing its first life insurance policy to Michel McCord, great-grandson of O.L. McCord.
The Company changes its name to Illinois Mutual Life and Casualty.
Third Generation: R.A. McCord
1963
R.A. McCord is named President; E.A. McCord becomes Chairman.
Products sold at the time include:
- Major Medical
- Hospitalization
- Group Health
- Group Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
- Small Group Franchise
- Cancer and Specific Diseases
- Life Insurance
Embracing Technological Progress
Illinois Mutual installed its first mainframe computer (IBM 305 RAMAC) in 1964.
1970
Company introduces Money-Back Disability Insurance.
1979
Illinois Mutual moves into a newly renovated, five-story home office at 300 SW Adams Street in downtown Peoria, Illinois.
Fourth Generation: Michel McCord
1983
Michel McCord is named President; R.A. McCord becomes Chairman.
Products sold at the time include:
- Universal Life Insurance
- Traditional Whole Life Insurance
- Group Health
- Money-Back Disability Insurance
- Group Life
- Group Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
- Small Group Franchise
- HR10 & Small Employer Pension Plans – Fixed Annuities
Celebrating A Milestone Success
The Company reached $1 billion of in force life premiums in 1983.
1995
The Company changes its name to Illinois Mutual Life Insurance Company and celebrates 85 years in business by unveiling a new corporate identity logo mark and branding.
2003
Illinois Mutual has a milestone year by exceeding $1 billion in admitted assets.
Innovating Awareness
In 2005, Illinois Mutual began celebrating Disability Insurance Awareness Month (DIAM), an industry-wide event created and launched by future Illinois Mutual President Katie McCord Jenkins.
2007
Illinois Mutual launches a new line of Worksite Insurance products including Short Term Disability Insurance and Accident Insurance.
2008
Illinois Mutual becomes bilingual and launches a successful Hispanic initiative.
2010
Illinois Mutual celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Giving Back to Celebrate Success
To celebrate its 100th anniversary, Illinois Mutual donated $100,000 along with 100 volunteer hours from Company employees to charitable organizations in the central Illinois community.
Fifth Generation: Katie McCord Jenkins
2011
Katie McCord Jenkins is named President.
2011
Illinois Mutual launches its first online illustration WebApps for Life and DI, allowing agents to do business digitally.
Products now sold at the Company:
2018
The Company launches a new suite of Term Life insurance products, featuring customizable solutions to meet specific needs.
2019
Illinois Mutual introduces new portfolio of Whole Life Insurance providing five plans and a variety of riders.
Disability Insurance guidelines undergo changes meant to expand coverage, allowing more individuals to qualify for coverage who hadn’t before.
2020
Company converts to new application and illustration management system to make the policy application process faster and easier for agents.
Illinois Mutual introduces ePolicy delivery to enhance virtual communications for policyowners.
Illinois Mutual surpasses $150 million returned to DI policyowners with the Return of Premium Rider.
United in Giving
2020 was the 4th year in a row that 100% of Illinois Mutual employees donated to the United Way.
2021
Illinois Mutual becomes a certified Great Place To Work® company.
The Company releases a new diversity statement: We are committed to being a company of diverse people and perspectives who create a welcoming and supportive culture and who are united by our Mission and Core Values.
