Our Story

“Peace of Mind” since 1939

Old American, with headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., serves nearly 200,000 policyholders in 47 states and the District of Columbia, and more than $1 billion of life insurance in force. As our company has grown, the personal relationship between agent and customer continues to be the pillar of our business. That relationship has made this a strong and highly respected company since 1939.

Old American’s beginnings were quite modest -- a desk in the offices of Thomas McGee & Sons Insurance Agency, a successful general insurance agency that was started in 1910 by Thomas F. McGee. The company was organized by the principal partners of the agency, and Thomas McGee was the first company president. His three sons and partners, Joseph, Frank and Louis served as top executives of the company.

Since the commencement of business on Dec. 11, 1939, Old American’s philosophy has always been that no one should be considered uninsurable based solely on their age. At first, the Company sold only limited accident insurance policies to the senior market, but in 1944 Old American added life insurance. In 1966, Old American spread its wings and began to expand beyond the state of Missouri. Today, the Company is licensed to sell insurance in 47 states and the District of Columbia.

During the 1980s, the Company was purchased by CenTrust Bank Corporation. Due to nationwide financial difficulties in the savings and loan industry, Old American was taken over by the federal government.

In 1991, Kansas City Life Insurance Company purchased Old American and has remained the Company’s owner for over two decades. Founded in 1895, Kansas City Life has experience in providing for the life insurance needs of its policyholders and their families.