American National Insurance Company (ANICO): A Century of Financial Security

American National Insurance Company (ANICO): A Century of Financial Security

Founded in 1905, American National Insurance Company (ANICO) has evolved from a small regional insurer into a major pillar of the U.S. financial landscape. Headquartered in Galveston, Texas, the company was established by William Lewis Moody Jr. with the vision of creating an institution so fundamentally sound that it could operate for 500 years into the future. Today, American National and its subsidiaries provide a diverse range of insurance and investment products to more than 5 million policyholders across all 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico.

Historical Evolution and Strategic Growth

The company's journey began with just $100,000 in capital, but it quickly gained momentum. By the 1920s, it had earned the nickname "Giant of the South" due to its aggressive expansion and series of strategic acquisitions. Throughout the 20th century, American National navigated major economic shifts, including the Great Depression and World War II, without mass layoffs, a testament to its conservative management and fiscal discipline.

In a landmark shift for the organization, Brookfield Reinsurance acquired American National in May 2022 for approximately $5.1 billion. This transition moved the company from being a family-controlled public entity to a private subsidiary of Brookfield Wealth Solutions, providing it with enhanced capital resources to scale its operations.

Comprehensive Product Portfolio

American National Insurance Company (ANICO) is recognized for its "multi-line" approach, offering solutions that cater to individual, agricultural, and commercial needs.

1. Life Insurance and Annuities

For over a century, life insurance was the cornerstone of the brand. While the company recently underwent a strategic pivot to stop writing new life insurance policies in early 2025 to focus more heavily on the annuity market, it continues to service a massive block of existing life policies. Its current primary focus includes:

• Fixed and Indexed Annuities: Designed for retirement accumulation and preservation.

• Pension Risk Transfer: Assisting corporations in managing their pension obligations.

• Single Premium Immediate Annuities (SPIA): Providing guaranteed income streams for retirees.

2. Property and Casualty Insurance

Through its subsidiary, American National Property and Casualty Company (ANPAC), the firm offers protection for a variety of assets:

• Personal Lines: Standard auto, homeowners, and renters insurance.

• Specialty Lines:Collector car insurance and coverage for recreational vehicles.

• Agribusiness: Specialized insurance for farms and ranches, a sector where the company has a long-standing reputation.

Financial Strength and Ratings

Financial stability is the primary metric by which insurance carriers are judged, and American National Insurance Company (ANICO) maintains high marks from independent rating agencies.These ratings reflect the company's ability to meet its ongoing insurance obligations and pay out claims.

Corporate Operations and Market Presence

Despite its global reach, American National remains deeply rooted in its Texas origins.The company maintains a massive presence in Galveston and League City, Texas, and operates secondary hubs in Springfield, Missouri, and Glenmont, New York.

The company utilizes a diverse distribution network, selling its products through:

• Independent Agents: Local professionals who offer multiple carriers.

• Multiple Line Exclusive Agents: Dedicated representatives of the American National brand.

• Direct Channels: Providing digital access for modern consumers.

While the company has faced mixed customer reviews regarding claims processing times—common among mid-sized carriers that use independent adjusters—it remains a top choice for policyholders who value longevity and a "one-stop-shop" for both their property and retirement needs. Under the leadership of CEO Tim Walsh, the company continues to integrate into the Brookfield ecosystem, focusing on tech-forward solutions to improve the customer experience.