Bill Timmons started Central Realty and the Wm. R. Timmons Agency in the early 1920's. Both grew and were successful during the decade until the Great Depression of the 1930's.

During the Great Depression, Bill Timmons saw a bright future for long-haul operators and a niche for his insurance agency if he could solve their insurance issues. To that end, Timmons and his manager, T.J. Mims, worked together to help the South Carolina Motor Transportation Association set up its own insurance company. The Wm. R. Timmons Agency was successful, but coverage was limited to South Carolina. When North Carolina and Georgia enforced "insure or else" laws, Timmons and Mims lobbied in the three-state area to place long-haul business with responsible insurance firms. Mortality among insurers was alarming, and four collapsed in an eight-year period. However, Mims was always vigilant, looking for danger signals and pulling his clients before each collapse. In the end, not one Timmons client went without coverage or paid extra premium when these insurers failed.

In December 1942, seeking a stable truck insurer, Bill Timmons acquired Canal Insurance Company from the First National Bank of Columbia for $17,500, the surplus at the time. Canal had been formed in 1939 to insure autos financed by the Bank, but WWII frustrated both its purpose and growth. Car production resources were being redirected to the war effort, and the Bank was happy to sell a non-performing asset. In early 1944, the Timmons Agency wrote its first policy with Canal, finishing the year with $118,000 in written premium. Canal continued to grow steadily, but business was brought to a temporary standstill in 1948 when Timmons was tragically killed in an automobile accident. However, true to its pioneer spirit and perseverance, the stockholders of Canal elected Mims as President, and the second generation of the Timmons family rallied around the company and assumed leadership roles.

Prior to Bill Timmons' death, Georgia was at the top of Canal's expansion list. In less than one year, Georgia was added to the firm's operation, followed by Florida and Alabama. By 1953, business was booming, and Canal was licensed in nine southern and border states. For the next six years, Mims was constantly on the road selling Canal as a solid transportation insurer - a rarity in that day and age. By 1958, Canal was licensed in 27 states, writing $4.7 million in premium with surplus just past the $1 million mark.

The 1960's saw steady expansion of territory, premium and surplus. In the 1960 Best Insurance Report, Canal was listed as operating in 42 states and garnered an "excellent" review for growth, sponsorship and investments. Mims was noted as a man of broad experience "in the phases of the fire and casualty business." Assets were close to $6 million, and policyholders' surplus was well over $1 million. The 1960's also brought augmentation of public safety and service programs, and Canal advertised and delivered fast, efficient client service from their new and improved home office facilities in Greenville.

Despite fluctuations in the Nation's economy in the 1970's, Canal continued to grow by adding personnel, technology and facilities; and never recorded a year without significant growth. Premium was at $32 million, with $17.5 million surplus - 100 times the original surplus and purchase price. As a result of this performance, Canal received a rare A+ rating from A.M. Best.

Canal experienced great success in the 1980's and 1990's. Surplus rose to $400 million, and premiums reached just under $200 million. In February of 1989, Canal celebrated its 50th Anniversary. For Canal's loyal executive staff, each of whom had been with the company for over 40 years at this point, this was an especially significant milestone.

Canal continued to grow throughout the 1990's. In 1992, the headquarters moved to the current Stone Avenue location to accommodate the now 155 employees. It was during this time that Mims was replaced as President by Charles M. Timmons, and W.R. Timmons, Jr. took the role of chairman - both sons of the founder Bill Timmons. After Charles' death in 1998, his son Charles M. Timmons, Jr. replaced him as president, and William R. Timmons, III assumed the role of Secretary, Treasurer and Senior Vice President of Investments.

In 2000, the hard market hit and Canal tripled its trucking business over the next five years with surplus increasing by $185 million. Over the course of this growth, Canal added to and improved their technology and processes to accommodate increased business. Starting in 2007, the commercial insurance marketplace started softening its pricing, especially for trucking. However, despite market challenges, Canal continues to be a steady, strong insurer committed to the continual improvement of our systems, products, and services.