History of Erie Insurance Group in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 2, 2026

Erie Insurance Group, headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania, is a property and casualty insurance provider. They offer auto, home, business, and life insurance policies via independent agents. Ranked 347th on the 2021 Fortune 500 list, Erie Insurance is one of the largest American corporations based on revenue.

April 20, 1925: Erie Insurance Exchange Begins Operations

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: H.O. Hirt and O.G. Crawford Found Erie Insurance Exchange

In 1925, H.O. Hirt and O.G. Crawford founded the Erie Insurance Exchange after leaving Pennsylvania Indemnity Exchange. They raised $31,000 from 90 stockholders using a hand-written business plan to start their auto insurance company.

1928: Erie Insurance Expands to Pittsburgh

In 1928, Erie Insurance expanded its operations beyond Erie, Pennsylvania, by opening an office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

1934: Erie Insurance Created the "Super Standard Auto Policy"

In 1934, Erie Insurance created the "Super Standard Auto Policy", which became a model for other insurance companies. The policy included extra coverage not seen in other policies during the 1930s such as "Drive Other Car" coverage and waiving collision deductibles between two ERIE-insured vehicles. Erie Insurance later expanded into home, business and life insurance.

1953: Erie Insurance Opens Branch in Silver Spring, Maryland

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

1991: Erie Insurance included in Wards 50 list

Since 1991, Erie Insurance has consistently been named to Ward's 50 top-performing property-casualty insurers.

2003: Erie Insurance Debuts on Fortune 500 List

In 2003, Erie Insurance made its debut on the Fortune 500 list.

2005: Erie Insurance Corporate Mark Updated

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. This design was introduced in the '90s.

May 2012: Erie Insurance Purchases Naming Rights to Tullio Arena

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

February 2013: CEO Reaffirms Commitment to Independent Agencies

In a February 2013 interview with the Erie Times-News, CEO Terry Cavanaugh reaffirmed Erie Insurance's commitment to its network of more than 2,200 independent agencies with more than 13,000 licensed agents, while also acknowledging the importance of enabling customers to pay bills and file claims online.

2013: Erie Insurance Awarded Top Insurance Company

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

2017: Erie Insurance Earns ACE Award

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: Erie Insurance Achieves 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: Erie Insurance Named to Ward's 50 Top-Performing Insurers

In 2018, Erie Insurance Group was named to Ward's 50 top-performing property-casualty insurers. Erie Insurance has been on the Ward's 50 list since 1991. Additionally, Erie Insurance Group earned A.M. Best's rating of A+ (Superior), and Erie Family Life Insurance Company earned A.M. Best's rating of A (Excellent).

2018: Erie Insurance Largest Employer in Erie County, Pennsylvania

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

2018: Erie Insurance Sponsors Roar on the Shore

In 2018, Erie Insurance became the title sponsor of Roar on the Shore motorcycle rally.

February 2020: Forbes Recognizes Erie Insurance for Diversity

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

2020: Erie Insurance Group's Revenue in 2020 Fiscal Year

Erie Insurance Group's ranking on the 2021 Fortune 500 list was based on the total revenue for the 2020 fiscal year.

2021: Erie Insurance Group Ranks 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.