The concept of mutual insurance grew from the tradition of neighbors working together to help each other through disasters. As settlers moved to the Midwest, they sought protection from catastrophes such as prairie fires and tornadoes. They discovered that working together was necessary for survival. When fire struck, neighbors pitched in to help with labor, materials or money. From there, the concept of spreading the losses of a few amongst the many grew. The mutual system flourished and developed into efficient modern business organizations serving their counties and adjoining areas.

The Mt. Vernon Jefferson County Mutual Fire Insurance Company was formed in 1903 by a group of eleven local charter members. The company originally served seven surrounding counties and operated at 1120 Main St., Mt. Vernon, Illinois, on the second floor of a building that also housed a beauty school. The company moved to its present location at 1017 Broadway, Mt. Vernon in the early 1970's and now serves 11 counties.