About Us
ARAG®, or Allgemeine Rechtsschutz-Versicherungs Aktien Gesellschaft (translation: general legal protection insurance incorporated), sold its first legal plan in the United States more than 35 years ago. But the roots of the company run much deeper. ARAG was founded in Düsseldorf, Germany in 1935 by attorney Heinrich Fassbender, and remains a family-owned company today, with Paul-Otto Fassbender at the helm. Since inception, the company has focused its efforts on a single mission – to enable every citizen – and not just those who can afford it – to assert their legal rights.
In the U.S. we were founded in 1973 as a division of Midwest Mutual Insurance Company and began creating, marketing and administering a new group legal product. In 1989, ARAG purchased the organization and created ARAG Insurance Company.
Today, the ARAG Group is the internationally recognized, independent partner for legal matters and protection. ARAG is the largest family-owned company in the German insurance industry. With its over 3,300 employees, the Group generates sales and premium revenues of over € 1.4 billion. Outside of Germany, ARAG is actively serving customers in 12 other European countries and the United States. ARAG currently holds a leadership position in the US legal insurance market. In addition, the ARAG Group with its legal insurance products is the market leader in Spain and Italy.
To learn more about how ARAG Legal Plans allow people to protect their family, finances and future visit Considering ARAG?.
Company History Highlights
2000s – In 2000 we introduced online legal tools and resources and ARAGdirect®.com (previously LawExpress™) to offer options to individual consumers. That same year ARAG also started offering care giving services. During 2001 we launched Identity Theft Case Solutions™ to help individuals protect themselves against identity theft.
As our organization continued to grow, we acquired the assets of LegalWise North America in 2002. We also started offering several new services, including a dedicated immigration attorney network to help with INS issues. During 2003 we acquired Advisory Communication Systems, Inc. (ACS/LawPhone) and diversified our business into new markets.
In 2006 we enhanced our customer service by creating a new member web site and a new Welcome Package for members.
1990s – In the beginning of the decade we created an exclusive branch within our attorney network to deliver fast and friendly assistance over the phone. We also started offering a tax service for federal tax advice. During 1995 we introduced a new comprehensive legal plan that covers broad, paid in full benefits, and the next year we introduced financial planning services. In 1998 we launched a plan design combining legal and financial planning resources into a single offering.
1980s – In 1989 ARAG Insurance Company was incorporated by Germany-based ARAG.
1970s – In 1973 the Midwest Mutual Insurance Company created a division to market and administer group legal insurance plans, the first in the United States.
