History of Erie Insurance

Erie Insurance still uses its original tagline today: “The ERIE is Above all in S^ERv^Ic^E.” The elevated letters emphasize their commitment to premium customer service.

Two men, H.O. Hirt and O.G. Crawford, founded the company. Both were employed at the Pennsylvania Indemnity Exchange (PIE) and realized they had a knack for sales. They decided they should become partners and form an insurance exchange of their own.

Henry Orth Hirt was born in Erie, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Wittenberg College and became a teacher. Unfortunately, H.O. contracted tuberculosis soon after. He survived the deadly disease but could no longer teach. He tried a series of different jobs and even helped a struggling grocery store become profitable again. Yet his health couldn’t handle the physical labor involved in such employment. So, H.O. turned to the Pennsylvania Indemnity Exchange and became a salesman.

Oliver Grover Crawford came from a very different background. He started as a Navy man, serving for six years. Then, he became a brakeman for the railroad. One day, he met H.O., who suggested that O.G. apply for a PIE sales position. O.G. followed his suggestion, was hired, and immediately excelled. O.G. even completed 243 applications in just 30 days!

They started their own venture in 1924. They resigned from PIE and, less than four months later, had over 90 stockholders. They won all of them over with nothing but a handwritten business plan and a strong belief in 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, the two men founded Erie Insurance on superior customer service. Their customers were even encouraged to call collect. If anyone had a claim issue, they could call H.O.’s direct line. Word spread quickly, and within a few years, the nation recognized and respected the Erie name.

Today, Erie Insurance is a FORTUNE® 500 company. They operate in 12 states (including Erie Insurance North Carolina) and the District of Columbia. Thanks to the founders of Erie Insurance, Greensboro NC residents and businesses have access to their exceptional customer service and insurance today.

Awards and Rankings

Erie Insurance may only operate in 12 states, but they rank highly among much larger competitors. Even though they are regional, they are 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 recognized for their stable financials, 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 earned the following awards as well: 

• 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 his lifelong concern for those less fortunate 

Erie Insurance Greensboro, NC Locations

With over 13,000 independent agents providing Erie Insurance, Greensboro NC residents don’t have to look far to get their premium services. ALLCHOICE Insurance is one of the best independent providers of Erie Insurance. Greensboro, NC, is just one of many cities they serve.

As an independent provider for Erie Insurance, ALLCHOICE serves the following areas:

• Greensboro, NC
• Jamestown, NC
• Pleasant Garden, NC
• High Point, NC
• Randleman, NC
• Oak Ridge, NC
• Mcleansville, NC
• Kernersville, NC
• Sedalia, NC
• Wallburg, NC
• Whitsett, NC
• Summerfield, NC
• Trinity, NC
• and more!

When it comes to Erie Insurance in Greensboro NC and surrounding areas can turn to ALLCHOICE for all their insurance needs!

ALLCHOICE Insurance 

Erie Insurance Independent Agent

7 Corporate Center Ct Ste B

Greensboro, NC 27408

336.540.0463