History of Erie Insurance Group in Timeline

Erie Insurance Group, headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania, is a property and casualty insurance provider. The company offers a range of insurance products, including auto, home, business, and life insurance, sold through a network of independent agents. Erie Insurance Group was ranked 347th on the 2021 Fortune 500 list based on its 2020 revenue, indicating its significant size within the American corporate landscape.

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. The company was formed as a reciprocal with Erie Indemnity Company as its managing company, and the annual premium per auto was $34.

1925: Erie Insurance Exchange Formation

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

1928: Expanded into Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

In 1928, Erie Insurance expanded its office to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; prior to this, Erie Insurance only had an office in Erie.

1934: Super Standard Auto Policy Created

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

1953: Opened Branch Campus in Silver Spring, Maryland

In 1953, Erie Insurance continued to expand by opening a branch campus in Silver Spring, Maryland.

1991: Ward's 50 List

Since 1991, Erie Insurance has consistently been included in the Ward's 50 list of top-performing property-casualty insurers.

2003: Debut on Fortune 500 List

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

2005: Corporate Mark Update

In 2005, the Erie Insurance corporate mark, including the company's name with a graphic of the cupola from the H.O. Hirt Building, was updated. The design was initially introduced in the '90s.

May 2012: Naming Rights to Tullio Arena Purchased

In May 2012, Erie Insurance purchased the naming rights to Tullio Arena in downtown Erie, PA. Subsequently, the arena was renamed Erie Insurance Arena.

February 2013: Commitment to Independent Agencies Reaffirmed

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

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 for Customer Excellence

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 has made the Ward's 50 list since 1991. Also, Erie Insurance Group has earned A.M. Best's rating of A+ (Superior) and Erie Family Life Insurance Company has earned A.M. Best's rating of A (Excellent).

2018: Largest Employer in Erie County

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

2018: Title Sponsor of Roar on the Shore Motorcycle Rally

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

February 2020: Recognized as Best Employer for Diversity

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

2020: Fortune 500 Ranking Basis

The 2021 Fortune 500 list ranked Erie Insurance Group 347th, using the company's total revenue for the 2020 fiscal year as a basis.

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.