Nationwide was formed and sold its first policy in 1926. The company was originally known as Farm Bureau Mutual Automobile Insurance Company.
In 1928, Farm Bureau Mutual expanded into other states, which included West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Vermont and North Carolina.
In 1933, Farm Bureau Mutual expand beyond automobile insurance with the establishment of the Farm Bureau Mutual Fire Insurance Company and in 1935 they acquired Life Insurance Company of America. In 1943, Farm Bureau Mutual expanded again, going into 12 additional states and Washington, D.C.
Farm Bureau Mutual changed its name to Nationwide in 1955 with the goal of eventually selling products from coast to coast. In 1968, Nationwide set up the first 24-hour claims reporting service.
The now-familiar, “Nationwide is on your side” jingle was first used in 1969. Jumping ahead to 2009, Nationwide became the first major insurer to launch an app for iPhone users, which allowed them to start the claim process, receive quotes and find a local agent.