The Hartford Fire Insurance Company founded May 10 1810 in Hartford CT by a group of merchants; second-oldest US insurance company after Insurance Co of North America (1792). Initial capital $150,000. Survives the Great Chicago Fire 1871 paying all $1.96M of claims while many competitors fail — establishes 'pay all claims' reputation that defines US property insurance.

San Francisco earthquake + fire Apr 18 1906 destroys 80% of the city; insured losses ~$225M ($7B in 2026 dollars). Hartford pays $11M of claims, twice its annual income — president Richard Bissell sails to SF personally to oversee claims handling; the Hartford stag logo becomes synonymous with claim integrity.

Hartford acquires Aetna Life Insurance Co (small life insurer, distinct from Aetna Health) 1959 — enters life insurance + variable annuities. Hartford VA business becomes major profit center 1990s-2000s. VA guarantees blow out 2008 forcing TARP + Allianz capital injection.

Hartford Financial Services Group goes public 1995 — spun off from ITT Corporation. The Hartford had been ITT subsidiary since 1970 acquisition. Independent NYSE listing under HIG; Ramani Ayer CEO. Begins commercial P&C + life insurance dual-segment strategy.

Hartford acquires CNA Financial's personal lines for $1.05B Dec 1992 — diversifies into AARP-branded auto/home (exclusive long-term AARP deal still in force 2025). AARP partnership becomes one of Hartford's signature consumer brands serving 1.5M+ AARP-eligible households.

Hartford 2008 crisis — variable annuity guarantees blow out as S&P 500 falls 38%; Hartford requires Allianz capital injection Oct 2008 ($2.5B for warrants + preferred) + later $3.4B TARP May 2009. Stock falls from $90 (2007) to $3 (Mar 2009). Hartford reorganizes; exits VA market 2012.

Hartford accepts $3.4B TARP capital injection May 2009 + grants Treasury warrants/preferred shares; one of the few insurers needing federal support during 2008 crisis due to variable annuity losses. Hartford repays TARP Mar 2010 — full repayment leaves Treasury with $914M profit.

Christopher Swift becomes Hartford CEO Jul 2014; pivots Hartford to commercial P&C + small business + group benefits + AARP-branded personal lines (1.5M+ households). Sells Talcott Resolution life/annuity runoff May 2018 for $2.05B. Stock 3x's 2014-2024 from $40 to $115+.

Hartford sells Talcott Resolution (legacy life + annuity runoff) May 2018 for $2.05B to investor group led by Atlas Merchant Capital. Completes Hartford's exit from life insurance (originally entered 1959). Refocuses purely on commercial P&C + small commercial + group benefits + AARP personal lines.

Hartford CEO Christopher Swift continues turnaround that began 2014 — exits annuities (Talcott Resolution sold 2018 for $2.05B), refocuses on commercial P&C + small business + group benefits + AARP-branded personal lines. By 2023 Hartford generating ~$25B premium with mid-90s combined ratio.