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The origins of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife) go back to 1863, when a group of New York City businessmen raised $100,000 to found the National Union Life and Limb Insurance Company. The new company insured Civil War sailors and soldiers against disabilities due to wartime wounds, accidents, and sickness. In 1868, after several reorganizations and five difficult years, the company decided to focus on the life insurance business. A new company was chartered to sell “ordinary” insurance to the middle class.
On March 25, 1868, one day after the company opened its books, the first policy carrying the name of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company was issued. Dr. James R. Dow, a retired physician from Brooklyn, NY, was named Metropolitan Life’s first president. He held this position until 1871. The company’s office consisted of two and a half rooms and was located on Broadway in lower Manhattan. By the close of business in 1868, the company had issued 1,477 policies for $4,340,000.
MetLife offers a variety of homeowners insurance options to ensure protection to policyholders’ homes and their belongings inside. These coverages include Property Damage Protection, Coverage for the Contents of the Home, Court Fees and Liability Coverage. MetLife also offers superior 24/7 claims services to best fit their customers’ needs.
Contact information
MetLife200 Park AvenueNew York, BY 10166 Telephone: (800) 638-5433