Our History

For over a century, AF Group brands have focused on building exceptional partnerships with independent agents to achieve the best outcomes for our mutual customers.

Scroll below to learn more about our storied history and continued success.

1912

Our Beginning - Public Act 10

Michigan becomes the second state to adopt the state accident fund approach, providing a stable source of insurance coverage for businesses.

1987

A New Home

Accident Fund constructs a new corporate headquarters in downtown Lansing, Michigan, reflecting our commitment to the city, region and state.

1990s

1990

Accident Fund becomes an agency of the Department of Commerce.
1993

Governor John Engler signs legislation allowing Accident Fund’s privatization.
1994

The Supreme Court affirms Michigan’s right to sell to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
1995

Accident Fund Company begins operations, signing its first contract with the United Auto Workers.
1996

Accident Fund Company earns its first “A-” (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best.

2000s

2000

Accident Fund Company becomes Accident Fund Insurance Company of America.
2005

Accident Fund acquires United Heartland, a Wisconsin-based workers’ compensation insurer.
2007

Accident Fund purchases California-based workers’ compensation insurer CompWest Insurance.
2010

Third Coast Underwriters is established to offer workers’ compensation insurance to complex business segments.

2010

An Exceptional Culture Recognized

Accident Fund, United Heartland and CompWest named to Business Insurance's “Best Place to Work in Insurance” for the first time.

Innovation Begins

Care Analytics® is introduced, providing the next level of care for policyholders.

2011

Growth & Expansion

Accident Fund is licensed to write workers’ compensation insurance in all 50 states.

Valued Partnership Continues

In collaboration with BCBSM, Accident Fund’s national headquarters relocates to the historic Board of Water & Light Ottawa Street Power Station.

2012

A Century of Excellence

Accident Fund celebrates 100 years of success.

Collective Strength Begins

Accident Fund Holdings is established to guide the enterprise and its expanding brands.

Thought Leadership

Accident Fund Holdings co-authors a historic study on opioid use with Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Foundational Training

The inaugural Certified Authority on Workers’ Compensation (CAWC) program is launched in partnership with Olivet College.

2013

Expertise Shared Nationally

Accident Fund Holdings experts testify on workers’ compensation opioid research before a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel.

First Patent Earned

Accident Fund Holdings is granted its first official U.S. patent for its innovative Care Analytics® program.

Convenience & Partnership Align

Accident Fund launches AFXpress, providing immediate quote and bind options for agents.

2014 & 2015

2014

Research Studies Continue

Accident Fund Holdings and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine publish study linking physician dispensing of narcotics to poor outcomes in workers’ compensation claims.
2014

Specialization Begins

Accident Fund Holdings launches Risk Management Services, providing loss-sensitive solutions for workers’ compensation customers.
2015

Premium Milestone Reached

Accident Fund Holdings achieves $1 billion in premium.

2016

A Unifying Brand

Accident Fund Holdings becomes AF Group, preparing for continued growth and diversification.

A New Era of Leadership

Lisa Corless is named president and CEO of AF Group.

2017 & 2018

2017

AF Specialty - provides captive solutions.
2018

Fundamental Underwriters - Addresses the needs of commercial trucking customers.
2018

Assigned Risk Solutions - Brings new solution for the high-risk workers’ compensation market.

TODAY

2020

People First

AF Group launches the People First Relief Program to provide immediate, short-term financial and operational relief in response to COVID‑19.
2021

Product Expansion Continues

Fundamental Underwriters introduces new Personal Non-Owned Auto (PNOA) and large deductible products.
2023

Business Expansion

AF Group acquires AmeriTrust Group, further strengthening its position as a top-tier national specialty solutions organization.