Our History
FirstAssist Legal Protection can trace a history of growth back to 1977. Over the last thirty years we have played a key role in shaping the modern legal protection market.
In March 1998, following the 1996 merger of Sun Alliance and Royal Insurance, FirstAssist was launched and integrated, combining the operations of three specialist businesses; The Legal Protection Group (LPG), The CareAssist Group (CAG) and International Assistance Services (IAS).
In April 2003, FirstAssist was acquired by a Management Buy Out with the backing of Barclays Private Equity
In January 2007 three individual companies were formed focusing on specific products, services and dedicated markets:
• FirstAssist Legal Expenses Limited
• FirstAssist Insurance Services Limited
• FirstAssist Services Limited
In 2008 Legal Expenses Ltd was re-branded as FirstAssist Legal Protection.
In 2009 FirstAssist Legal Protection was reorganised into two strategic business units for Before the Event (BTE) and After the Event (ATE) insurance.
In 2010 FirstAssist Legal Protection Ltd was launched as a separate subsidiary of the FirstAssist Group.
In February 2011 the ATE business was separated from the group and formed into a new company known as Firstassist Legal Expenses Insurance Limited.
In September 2011 Global health services company Cigna (NYSE: CI) acquired FirstAssist from Barclays Private Equity. The acquisition incorporates FirstAssist’s insurance products into Cigna’s extensive global portfolio, enabling the company to expand its individual business into the UK. Cigna is a global health service and financial company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security.
By building on our reputation and presence in the UK, becoming part of Cigna will provide access to wider distribution, additional product lines and the opportunity to extend our offerings to other Cigna markets.
Call us on 0845 077 5546