Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/68789
you're covered 50 Years and Beyond IT'S BEEN HALF A CENTURY since AMA Insurance opened its doors, and more than 80 years since AMA came into existence. In that time, much has changed in the way we protect our homes, ourselves and our property. "AMA has always been about protecting the things our members care about most," says AMA Insurance vice-president and COO Robert Katzell. "Over time our members' needs have changed and AMA has been there to help. Whether it's protecting your home, your vehicle or your personal information, we have continually evolved to meet those needs." Follow the timeline for a few highlights. 1962 AMA Insurance sets up shop, with sales agents across the prov- ince selling AMA's own automobile insurance. 1926 AMA offi cially incorporates, with the merger of the Edmonton Automobile and Good Roads Association and the Calgary Auto Club. 1933 The Alberta government estab- lishes the principle of fi nancial responsibility for drivers. In other words, everyone who owns a vehicle now needs insurance. 1960 1997 AMA starts selling farm insurance. Alberta is 1959 AMA becomes a licensed insurer and begins underwriting its own personal accident insurance. Canada's second-largest agriculture producer. 1990 1940 1935 AMA's fi rst foray into personal liability auto insurance. The organization offers a $1,000 group accident policy for members, provided by a U.S. broker, the Maryland Casualty Company of Baltimore. 2012 Happy 50th birthday, AMA Insurance! The company now offers auto, home, business, travel, life and health insurance, among other policies. "We've certainly come a long way since we sold our fi rst auto policy in 1962. There have been many changes since then, which have led to the variety of products and services AMA Insurance now offers. We'll continue to evolve to meet the needs of Albertans and we look forward to learning more from our policyholders to help us do that," says Katzell. 2007 With Albertans becoming more aware of — and concerned about — their privacy and personal information, AMA begins including identity theft insurance with home policies (in 2007 alone, 1.7 million Canadians were victims of identity theft, according to one study). 1996 Cloud seeding begins in Alberta. After a string of devastating hailstorms, 112 Alberta insurance companies, including AMA, form the Alberta Severe Weather Management Society and sponsor the fi rst privately funded hail suppression program in the world. 1982 A massive hailstorm hits Calgary; AMA Insurance loses more than $500,000 due to property damage. 1970 AMA introduces homeowner and tenant insurance for members, offering a trusted way for Albertans to take care of their property and — in the case of homeowners — their biggest investments. 1974 AMA Insurance incorporates as a wholly owned subsidiary of AMA. 1987 Black Friday. A tornado devastates Edmonton. AMA helps more than 5,000 clients rebuild, with claims totalling $5.7 million. AMA MEMBERS SAVE MORE Go online for a variety of quote and purchase options and remember to follow AMA insurance on Facebook and Twitter. AMAInsurance.ca Glenbow Museum Archives, Alberta Provincial Archives, Getty Images, iStock WESTWORLD >> JUNE 2012 63 1970 1980 1930 1950 2000 1920