Some of the most influential females in Insurance History

Posted on Mar 08, 2023

As its International Women's Day 2023, we wanted to highlight some of the most important female figures in the history of the insurance industry.

From underwriters to executives, these women have made a significant impact on how insurance works today. Some of them even helped create an industry that would not exist without women - reinsurance!

Without further ado, here are some of the most influential women in insurance history:

Alice Stewart (1866-1926)

Was an underwriter and the founder of the Women's Insurance Company, which later became the John Hancock Insurance Company. She is credited with developing the first automobile insurance policy in 1906!

Mary Grady (1854-1928)

Worked as an actuary at New York Life Insurance Company for over 20 years before becoming one of the first female executives in the industry. She developed a life expectancy table that was used by other insurers.

Mary Stone (1903-1992)

Was an underwriter at Lloyd's of London for over 50 years. She became one of the most senior women in the industry and was a major contributor to Lloyd's in terms of underwriting, management and administration.

Sarah Breedlove ("Madam C.J." Walker) (1867-1907)

Was an American entrepreneur who created the beauty product line "Black Radiance". She also founded her own insurance company called 'The Stone City Mutual Insurance Company'. She was one of the first women to become a millionaire.

Margaret Carpenter (1879-1922)

Was an underwriter at the Prudential Insurance Company for 25 years before becoming one of its first female executives. She was responsible for developing life insurance policies and rates.

Mary Bancroft (1883-1968)

Worked as an underwriter at Lloyd's of London, helping develop marine insurance policies. She became one of the most senior women in the industry with over 50 years of experience!

Amanda Blanc (1967 - Present)

Is the Group CEO of Aviva, the UK’s leading insurance, wealth and retirement business. Amanda was born and bred in Wales, having grown up in the Rhondda Valley, and many of her family still live there. She started her career as a graduate at one of Aviva’s ancestor companies, Commercial Union. Following success in senior executive roles across the insurance industry, she came back to Aviva as CEO in July 2020.

And now to present day. where we have our own women waiting to make history within Watkin Davies.

From our all female Personal Lines Team, or our all female Driving Instructor specialist divison InstructorcoverPlus, to the newly created SME Division which as you guessed it.... are all women!