History of Erie Insurance Group in Timeline

Erie Insurance Group, headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania, is a property and casualty insurance company providing auto, home, business, and life insurance. The company operates through a network of independent insurance agents. Erie Insurance Group was ranked 347th on the 2021 Fortune 500 list based on total revenue for the 2020 fiscal year.

April 20, 1925: Erie Insurance Exchange Licensed

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

1925: Erie Insurance Exchange Began

In 1925, H.O. Hirt and O.G. Crawford left Pennsylvania Indemnity Exchange to create Erie Insurance Exchange. They convinced 90 stockholders to invest $31,000 to begin their own auto insurance company.

1928: Expansion into Pittsburgh

In 1928, Erie Insurance expanded its operations from Erie into Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

1934: "Super Standard Auto Policy"

In 1934, Erie Insurance created the "Super Standard Auto Policy" which 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.

1953: Branch Campus in Maryland

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

1991: Ward's 50 List Recognition

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

2003: Fortune 500 Debut

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

2005: Corporate Mark Update

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

May 2012: Erie Insurance 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: Commitment to Independent Agencies

In February 2013, CEO Terry Cavanaugh reaffirmed Erie Insurance's commitment to selling its products through a network of independent agencies, while also acknowledging the importance of online bill payment and claims filing.

2013: Top Insurance Company Award

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

2017: 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: Corporate Equality Index Score

In 2017, Erie Insurance received a perfect score of 100 percent on the Corporate Equality Index for LGBT workplace equality.

2018: Ward's 50 Recognition

In 2018, Erie Insurance Group was named to Ward's 50 top-performing property-casualty insurers. Erie Insurance 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, PA

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

2018: Roar on the Shore Sponsor

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

February 2020: Forbes Recognition

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

2020: Fortune 500 Ranking Basis

The Fortune 500 rank that Erie Insurance Group received in 2021 was based on their total revenue for the 2020 fiscal year.

2021: Fortune 500 Rank

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.