History of Aflac in Timeline

Aflac Incorporated, founded in 1955 and headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, is a major American insurance company. It is the largest supplemental insurance provider in the U.S., offering a range of policies. Aflac is particularly known for its payroll deduction insurance, which provides cash benefits to policyholders experiencing covered accidents or illnesses. The company states it provides financial protection to over 50 million people globally.

1955: Aflac Founded

In 1955, American Family Life Assurance Company, now known as Aflac, was founded in Columbus, Georgia.

1958: Pioneering Cancer Insurance

In 1958, Aflac pioneered cancer insurance.

1964: Focus on Worksite Sales

Beginning in 1964, the company decided to focus sales on worksite settings, eventually through policies sponsored by employers and funded through payroll deductions.

1964: Name Change

In 1964, the company's name was changed to American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus.

1974: Initial Public Offering

In 1974, Aflac had its initial public offering and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

1979: Ownership of Television Stations

From 1979, Aflac owned several television stations, mostly in small and medium markets.

1990: Adoption of Aflac Acronym

In 1990, the company adopted the Aflac acronym, though the official name of the underwriting subsidiary remains American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus.

1997: Lobbying and Campaign Contributions

In 1997, AFLAC spent $175,000 on lobbyists and campaign contributions to change the law.

1997: Sale of Broadcasting Division

In 1997, Aflac sold its broadcasting division, including flagship station WTVM, to what became Raycom Media.

1998: New York Ban Lifted

In 1998, New York State lifted its ban for purchasers who already have basic coverage.

December 1999: Introduction of the Aflac Duck

Since December 1999, Aflac's brand has become widely recognized in the United States due to TV commercials featuring the Aflac Duck, created by Kaplan Thaler Group.

2001: Partnership with Macy's

Starting in 2001, Aflac and Macy's have partnered to sell the annual Aflac holiday plush duck in select Macy's stores nationwide to donate to children's cancer facility.

2003: Payroll Deduction Policies

By 2003, more than 98% of Aflac policies in the United States were issued on a payroll deduction basis, making the company a leader in that approach to policy distribution.

2003: "The Aflac Trivia Quiz" Segment

From 2003, NASCAR on NBC and NASCAR on TNT ran a 30-second segment in certain parts of each race they broadcast, called, "The Aflac Trivia Quiz".

2003: Celebrity Appearances in Ads

In 2003, celebrities like Chevy Chase and Yogi Berra starred in Aflac ads.

2003: All-American Awards Banquet

The All-American Awards banquet was first held in 2003. The banquet follows the annual All-American Baseball Classic.

2004: Aflac National High School Baseball Player of the Year

In 2004, Aflac National High School Baseball Player of the Year was first presented.

2004: Olympic Team Stars in Aflac Ads

In 2004, the United States Olympic synchronized swimming team starred in Aflac ads.

2005: Melania Trump and Logo Change

In 2005, Melania Trump starred in an Aflac ad, and the company logo was changed to incorporate the duck.

2006: Commercials Resembling a Silent Movie

In 2006, Commercials requesting the submissions, first aired and resemble a silent movie.

2006: "The Aflac Trivia Quiz" Segment Ends

Until 2006, NASCAR on NBC and NASCAR on TNT ran a 30-second segment in certain parts of each race they broadcast, called, "The Aflac Trivia Quiz".

2008: Carl Edwards Stars in Aflac Ads

Starting in 2008, NASCAR Cup Series driver Carl Edwards starred in Aflac ads until 2014.

2009: Aflac Acquires Continental American Insurance Company

In 2009, Aflac acquired Continental American Insurance Company for $100 million, which allowed them to sell supplemental insurance on individual and group platforms.

March 14, 2011: Gilbert Gottfried Fired

On March 14, 2011, Gilbert Gottfried was dismissed as the voice of the Aflac duck due to jokes on his Twitter account referencing the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.