Happy anniversary, Nationwide! 100 years of protecting what matters most

Happy anniversary, Nationwide! 100 years of protecting what matters most

Nationwide, one of the largest and most diversified insurance and financial services companies in the United States, turned 100 this week.

April 14, 2026, marks the centennial of the day it sold its first policy thanks to farmers across Ohio who pooled their money to create a $10,000 capital fund and establish the Farm Bureau Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, now Nationwide.

"Less than one-half of 1% of companies reach this milestone," said Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker. "We're grateful to have earned the trust of our partners, members and the community and take seriously our role in helping people protect what matters most."

Nationwide formed to provide Ohio farmers with an option to secure reliable, lower-cost auto insurance designed specifically to meet their needs. In 1926, most Ohio farmers lived far from busy cities and had fewer accidents. Since then, Nationwide has grown to become the largest private company in Columbus and the one of the largest Fortune 500 companies in Ohio.

In recognition of Nationwide's centennial, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and Columbus City Council each issued proclamations honoring Nationwide's history and impact to the city and state.

• Proclamation from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel
• Proclamations from Mayor Andrew Ginther and Columbus City Council

"It is an incredible honor to be recognized for this milestone in our hometown and our home state," Walker said. "Our roots in Columbus and Ohio are foundational to the modern mutual company we've grown into over the last 100 years, and both will have outsized impact on how Nationwide develops over the next 100 years."