History of Erie Insurance Group in Timeline

Erie Insurance Group, headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania, is a property and casualty insurance company. They provide auto, home, business, and life insurance products via a network of independent agents. Erie Insurance was ranked 347th on the Fortune 500 list in 2021 based on their 2020 revenue.

April 20, 1925: License issued to Erie Insurance Exchange

On April 20, 1925, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department issued a license to the Erie Insurance Exchange as an automobile insurer, marking the beginning of its operations. Erie Insurance Exchange was formed as a reciprocal and Erie Indemnity Company was formed as its managing company. The annual premium charge per auto was $34.

1925: Erie Insurance Exchange Began

In 1925, H.O. Hirt and O.G. Crawford created Erie Insurance Exchange after leaving Pennsylvania Indemnity Exchange. They raised $31,000 from 90 stockholders to start their own auto insurance company.

1928: Expanded into Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

In 1928, Erie Insurance expanded its operations beyond Erie and opened an office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

1934: Created "Super Standard Auto Policy"

In 1934, Erie Insurance created the "Super Standard Auto Policy," which became a model for other insurance companies. It included extra coverage such as "Drive Other Car" coverage and waiving collision deductibles between two ERIE-insured vehicles. The company later expanded into home, business and life insurance.

1953: Opened a branch campus in Silver Spring, Maryland

In 1953, Erie Insurance expanded outside of Pennsylvania and opened a branch campus in Silver Spring, Maryland.

1991: Made the Ward's 50 list

Since 1991, Erie Insurance has consistently been included in Ward's 50 list of top-performing property-casualty insurers, which ranks companies based on their financial safety, consistency, and performance.

2003: Debut on Fortune 500 list

In 2003, Erie Insurance made its debut on the Fortune 500 list, ranking at number 368.

2005: Updated corporate mark

In 2005, Erie Insurance updated its corporate mark, which includes the company's name with a graphic of the cupola from the H.O. Hirt Building in Erie, Pennsylvania.

May 2012: Purchased naming rights to Tullio Arena

In May 2012, Erie Insurance purchased the naming rights to Tullio Arena in downtown Erie, Pa., which was subsequently renamed Erie Insurance Arena.

February 2013: Reaffirmed commitment to independent agencies

In a February 2013 interview with the Erie Times-News, CEO Terry Cavanaugh reaffirmed Erie Insurance's commitment to selling its products through a network of independent agencies while acknowledging the importance of enabling customers to pay bills and file claims online.

2013: Awarded top insurance company

Since 2013, Black EOE Journal and Hispanic Network Magazine have awarded Erie Insurance the top insurance company.

2017: Earned ACE Award for claims service

In 2017, Erie Insurance earned the ACE (Achievement in Customer Excellence) Award in the Voice of the Customer category for claims service for the second consecutive year.

2017: Perfect score on Corporate Equality Index

In 2017, Erie Insurance received a perfect score of 100 percent on the Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmark on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT workplace equality.

2018: Named to Ward's 50 top-performing property-casualty insurers

In 2018, Erie Insurance Group was named to Ward's 50 top-performing property-casualty insurers. Erie Insurance Group has also earned A.M. Best's rating of A+ (Superior). Erie Family Life Insurance Company has earned A.M. Best's rating of A (Excellent).

2018: Largest employer in Erie County, Pennsylvania

In 2018, Erie Insurance became the largest employer in Erie County, Pennsylvania, with more than 2,800 employees locally.

2018: Title sponsor of Roar on the Shore

In 2018, Erie Insurance became the title sponsor of Roar on the Shore motorcycle rally, which is no longer running.

February 2020: Recognized as one of the best employers for diversity

In February 2020, Forbes recognized Erie Insurance as one of the best employers for diversity.

2020: Fortune 500 ranking based on 2020 fiscal year

The 2021 Fortune 500 list, which ranked Erie Insurance Group at 347th, was based on the total revenue for the 2020 fiscal year.

2021: Ranked on Fortune 500 list

In 2021, Erie Insurance Group was ranked 347th on the Fortune 500 list of largest American corporations based on total revenue for the 2020 fiscal year.