History of Erie Insurance

Erie Insurance was founded by two men who each went by two initials: H.O. Hirt and O.G. Crawford. Both men had an extraordinary gift for sales because they had an extraordinary understanding of customer service. Their original motto, “The ERIE is Above all in S^ERv^Ic^E”, is still used today. The raised letters in “service” emphasize that ERIE puts customer service above all else.

Henry Orth Hirt was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Wittenberg College. He had worked his way through college and then became a teacher. But his teaching career was cut short by Tuberculosis. H.O. survived the deadly disease but was no longer able to teach. He then worked a series of jobs that were too demanding on his weakened health. So, he turned to sales and got a position at the Pennsylvania Indemnity Exchange (PIE). 

Oliver Grover Crawford, on the other hand, had a very different background. Instead of college, he served in the Navy for six years. Then, he became a railroad brakeman. As luck would have it, O.G. happened to cross paths with H.O. His new acquaintance suggested he give up his coveralls for a suit and apply for a position at PIE. O.G. did just that and became a top salesman in no time. In a single month, he completed 243 customer applications!

H.O. and O.G. quickly realized they would make a great team and could take their success to the next level. In 1924, they both resigned from PIE and started organizing their own insurance company, the Erie Insurance Exchange. In less than four months and with only a handwritten business plan, they gained 90 stockholders. Their charming nature and honest enthusiasm helped promote their mission:

“To provide our Policyholders with as near perfect protection, as near perfect service, as is humanly possible, and to do so at the lowest possible cost.” -H.O. Hirt 

As promised, they founded the company on exceptional customer service. Customers were even encouraged to call collect! Word of mouth soon made Erie Insurance a nationally-known and respected name. 

Today, Erie Insurance is a FORTUNE® 500 company and operates in 12 states, plus the District of Columbia. Erie Insurance North Carolina providers maintain the same customer service standards as H.O. and O.G. did decades ago.

Awards and Rankings

Right among the biggest national insurance carriers, you’ll find Erie Insurance. Hendersonville, NC, gets to benefit from their services. Though they only operate in 12 states, Erie Insurance is still the:

• 12^th largest auto insurer in the U.S. 
• 11^th largest home insurer in the U.S.  
• 12^th largest business insurer in the U.S. 

Erie Insurance is also respected for its financial stability, earning: 

• A.M. Best’s A+ rating for Erie Insurance Group  
• A.M. Best’s A rating for Erie Family Life Insurance Company 
• FORTUNE® 500 ranking since 2003 

Erie Insurance has also earned these awards: 

• ACE (Achievement in Customer Excellence) Awards in 2016 and 2017 from Confirmit 
• The Brotherhood of Children Award: given to H.O. Hirt in 1954 for aiding the less fortunate 

Erie Insurance Hendersonville, NC Locations

If searching for Erie Insurance, Hendersonville NC businesses and residents don’t have to go far. ALLCHOICE is a leading independent provider and is located right here in Hendersonville, NC. We actually have several offices across North Carolina. 

Our local office serves the entire Hendersonville County and more:

• Hendersonville, NC
• Asheville, NC
• Mountain Home, NC
• Mills River, NC
• Horse Shoe, NC
• Etowah, NC
• Fletcher, NC
• East Flat Rock, NC
• Dana, NC
• Flat Rock, NC
• Edneyville, NC
• Gerton, NC
• Fairview, NC
• Saluda, NC
• Black Mountain, NC
• and more!

When it comes to Erie Insurance in Hendersonville NC you can turn to ALLCHOICE!

ALLCHOICE Insurance

Erie Insurance Independent Agent

323 N Main St Ofc 3

Hendersonville, NC 28792

828.237.2327