03/04/2026
Did you know insurance companies "invented" the first fire departments?
Happy Wednesday! Today we’re taking a trip back in time for a bit of history that most people don’t know.
Long before city-funded fire departments existed, insurance companies ran their own private fire brigades. 🏢🔥
Here’s how it worked:
When you bought insurance, you’d get a metal "Fire Mark" (like the one in the photo) to bolt onto the front of your house.
If a fire broke out, the brigades would race to the scene.
If they saw their company’s plaque, they’d get to work! If they didn’t see a plaque... they might just wait for the right company to show up. 😮
Times have changed, and thankfully, emergency services protect everyone today. However, insurance remains your modern-day "Fire Mark"—the ultimate badge of protection that helps you rebuild when the unthinkable happens.
Did you know this bit of history? Let us know in the comments! 👇