Guardian life insurance was first founded as the Germania Life Insurance Company of New York back in 1860.  Hugo Wesendonck, the founder, was a German civil rights lawyer who had been accused of treason in his home country and fled to Europe and then the United States.  The company was started to offer coverage to the growing number of German immigrants in the community. Just two years into business, Wesendonck opened a branch in San Francisco.  The company quickly began offering policies to customers all around the United States - including Colorado, the Dakotas, New Mexico and Arizona (even before they were states).  Europe was also a strong place for business until pressures of the war.  It was after World War I that the Germania Life Insurance changed its name to The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America because of the break with Wesendonck's motherland. Today Guardian Life Insurance Company is one of the largest mutual life insurance companies in the industry.  Its policyholders are also partners in the company.  This gives the Guardian more leeway to focus on the long term health of the company instead of short term profits. In 2007 the Guardian had over 80 agencies located around the United States.  With over 3,000 representatives it provides protection and products for all types of customers and their needs.