When did life insurance start?

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When did life insurance start?
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Life insurance is a type of insurance that provides financial protection in the event of the policyholder's death. The first life insurance policies were issued in the early 1700s, and the industry has since grown to become a vital part of the financial planning landscape.

In this article:

The History of Life Insurance
How Life Insurance Began

The History of Life Insurance

Life insurance has its origins in early 18th-century London, where it was developed as a way to provide financial security for families in the event of a breadwinner's death.

The first life insurance policies were issued in the early 1700s. The first insurance company in the United States was founded in 1752.

How Life Insurance Developed

The industry grew rapidly, with over 100 companies operating by the end of the 19th century. The industry has since grown to become a vital part of the financial planning landscape.

Life insurance has changed significantly since its beginnings, with the development of new types of policies and the introduction of new technology. Today, life insurance is an important part of many people's financial planning.