Guardian was founded by Hugo Wesendonck in 1860 in New York. At the time, it was called the Germania Life Insurance Company of New York.
Within two short years, the company began opening agencies across the country. We even served policyowners in Colorado, the Dakotas, New Mexico and Arizona, long before these territories became states.
In 1868, Germania became the first U.S. insurance company to start an agency in Europe. By the early 1900s, almost half of its business was outside North America, until the pressures of World War I forced it to stop writing business in Europe.
In 1917, the company changed its name to The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America.
In 1925, Guardian converted from a mixed stock and mutual company to a wholly mutual company. As such, we have no stockholders or private owners. The policyholders own the company and profits are distributed to them in the form of dividends on policies. Guardian has paid dividends consistently for the 145 years we've been in business. About Guardian Founded in 1860, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY (Guardian) is the fourth largest mutual life insurance company in the United States. As of December 31, 2004, Guardian and its subsidiaries had $39.5 billion in assets.
With more than 5,000 employees and 2,900 financial representatives, as well as over 80 agencies nationwide, Guardian and its subsidiaries protect individuals, businesses and their employees with life, disability, health and dental insurance products, and offer 401(k), financial products and trust services.
Our purpose is to enrich the lives of people we touch. By providing highest performing financial products and services that reduce risk and increase assets, we help individuals and employers fulfill their responsibilities and build better tomorrows. Our culture is based on an unwavering belief in integrity and fair dealings, treating our clients and each other with dignity and respect... We meet the needs of the markets we serve... We strive for excellence... We take prudent risks and work together to assure our success and profitability in the future... We work hard to enhance continuously our reputation for accessibility, professionalism, performance, and the depth and quality of our long-term consultative relationships with clients... We endeavor to be valued as an industry leader in client satisfaction, sales growth, product performance, financial strength and profitability.
Health Guardian offers national POS and PPO medical plans as well as HMOs in several locations. The dental plan assists you and your family with many expenses and emphasizes routine dental care and savings through a dental PPO. To encourage healthy eyes as part of your regular health care routine, Guardian offers comprehensive vision coverage through our Vision Plan. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) allow you to set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay certain health care expenses not covered by other plans, including dependent day care expenses. Work/Life Assistance Program Guardian recognizes that personal and family problems can affect your life both at home and at work. To assist you and your family in getting the help you need, we've established the Work/Life Assistance Program, which consists of Employee Assistance, Child Care Assistance and Elder Care Assistance. Counselors are on hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you clarify your problem, identify options and develop an action plan. Services provided are confidential to the fullest extent permitted by law. There is no cost to employees or family members for consultations with the Work/Life Assistance Program counselors. If you require a referral outside of the program for specialized needs, there may be a charge for these services.
Some of these costs, however, may be covered by your Guardian health plan. Income Protection The disability coverage is designed to supply you with continuing income for short-term and long-term periods if you become disabled and cannot work. You are covered under life insurance provided by Guardian and have the option to purchase additional life coverage for yourself and spouse. 401(k) and Retirement Plans The 401(k) plan offers you an opportunity to supplement your retirement income with systematic, tax-deferred savings in a variety of investment options, plus annual employer matching and special contributions. The retirement plan is non-contributory and provides you with additional retirement benefits and security by paying an income for life after you retire from Guardian. Adoption Assistance The Adoption Assistance Plan is one of many plans offered to employees by Guardian and is designed to assist with legal and other expenses of adopting a child. Group Long Term Care This plan is designed specifically to cover the costs associated with extended long-term care services for people who are unable to care for themselves. These services include assistance in the home with day-to-day activities as well as services in community-based setting, such as adult day care, an assisted living facility or a nursing home.
Culture About Diversity and Respect As Guardian continues to serve a diverse global customer base that includes every race and religion, every language and gender, every ethnic and cultural identity, the diversity we foster within our own ranks becomes an increasingly critical element of our company's success. Guardian has a long-standing commitment to equal opportunity employment and to the individual rights of employees. Providing a non-discriminatory and productive work environment is an integral part of this commitment.
1860
