Milestones in Allianz History
Since 1905, we have grown steadily through innovation and acquisition. A look back at our history reveals the significant developments that have made us one of the UK's largest and best known insurers.
| 1905 | Cornhill Insurance is founded by directors of Willis Faber as a fire insurance company. |
| 1919 | Cornhill Insurance offers a personal accident product for the first time, a workman's compensation policy. |
| 1924 | Cornhill Insurance issues its first motor insurance policy. |
| 1943 | Thomas Tilling acquires a majority interest in Cornhill Insurance. |
| 1953 | Cornhill Insurance's country head office opens in Guildford. |
| 1957 | Cornhill Insurance pioneers the first 50% NCD for motor policyholders. |
| 1973 | Thomas Tilling acquires the remaining shares in Cornhill Insurance. |
| 1974 | Cornhill Insurance acquires Trafalgar Insurance. |
| 1978 | Cornhill Insurance becomes the first sponsor of Test Cricket in England. |
| 1983 | BTR buys Cornhill Insurance from Thomas Tilling. |
| 1986 | BTR sells Cornhill Insurance to Allianz AG. |
| 1987 | Cornhill Insurance buys British Reserve. |
| 1994 | Cornhill Insurance launches Cornhill Direct. |
| 1996 | Cornhill Insurance buys Petplan and acquires engineering insurer, Ajax, from Norwich Union. |
| 1997 | Allianz Cornhill Engineering formed following the merger of Cornhill's engineering operations and Ajax. |
| 1997 | Broker Direct launched. |
| 1998 | Cornhill Insurance acquires AGF Insurance business in the UK following Allianz's acquisition of majority shareholding in the French insurer, AGF. |
| 1999 | DBI Insurance acquired. |
| 2000 | Cornhill Insurance sponsors the 131st, and final, Cornhill Insurance Test Match, which marked the first England series win over the West Indies for over 30 years. |
| 2003 | Cornhill Insurance changes its name to Allianz Cornhill Insurance plc. |
| 2004 | Winner at British Insurance Awards - General Insurer of the Year 2004 |
| 2005 | Winner at British Insurance Awards - General Insurer of the Year 2005 |
| 2005 | Company celebrates its 100th birthday |
| 2006 | Specialist SME intermediary, premierline and mid to high net worth intermediary, Home and Legacy are acquired. |
| 2007 | Changes name from Allianz Cornhill Insurance plc to Allianz Insurance plc. |
| 2010 | Winner at British Insurance Awards - General Insurer of the Year 2010. |