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Centennial Spotlight: Growing Together

by Erie Insurance on April 15, 2025

The greatest testament to Erie Insurance’s consistent commitment to providing excellent coverage and service might be the Customers who come back. Again and again.

At a time when getting insurance quotes is a yearly tradition for some, the ERIE difference often fosters a loyal clientele.

It could be why more than 90% of Customers stick with ERIE year after year. Some have even decided to stay decade after decade.

Tom Phillips, Fredericksburg, Virginia, G.L. Herndon Insurance Agency, with ERIE since 1963

Every car Tom Phillips has owned has been insured with ERIE. And there have been some pretty cool ones.

More than six decades—and many sweet rides—later, Tom now considers his relationship with ERIE among his greatest assets as well.

Whether it was his 1968 Dodge Charger, 1974 Mercury Capri, 1998 Dodge Viper or any one of his multiple Porsches, Tom has always felt secure insuring his prized possessions with ERIE. That included the home he and his wife Elizabeth have insured with ERIE for nearly 50 years.

Perhaps it is due to the prompt and professional claims service he has enjoyed in the few times he’s had to file a claim.

“I never once felt like I had to fight them,” he says.

Or maybe it’s the knowledge that he’s getting the best rate for his level of coverage. Years ago, out of curiosity, Tom asked for a quote from another carrier. When the agent learned Phillips was insured with ERIE, he declined to even give him a quote.

“He said, ‘I can’t compete with them,’” Tom remembers.

The biggest reason of all for Tom’s commitment to ERIE, though, might just be the company’s reliability that hasn’t changed since the 17-year-old first took the wheel.

“ERIE’s commitment to its Customer hasn’t changed over the years,” he says.

Richard Miller, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, CRS Insurance, with ERIE since 1950

For about 20 or so years, buying a new pickup truck was a yearly tradition for Richard Miller.

His agent Chuck Szarowski Sr. of CRS Insurance would know when got a new set of wheels when he received a phone call from Richard.

“I always expected that phone call,” says Chuck, who’s been Richard’s Agent dating back to the 1960s.

In all, Richard can’t say for sure how many cars he’s insured during his 75 years with ERIE, maybe around 50, he estimates.

But for all the years and trucks, however, Richard can count on one hand how many claims he’s made. One sticks out in particular.

“I had bad damage on a truck the one time when I was in a head-on accident,” he said. “I can’t remember who was at fault, but ERIE helped me out.”

Edgar Rembold, Springs, Pa., Yoder-Hershberger Insurance, with ERIE since 1951

Edgar Rembold’s only driving now consists of the few-minute trips he makes each week to the grocery store for him and his wife, Alice.

But good luck trying to determine how many miles he’s traveled with coverage from ERIE Insurance over the last 74 years. Or how many meals they’ve sat down for with the coverage of ERIE’s homeowners insurance insuring their house.

There was the accident a few years back when the Rembolds were leaving a car wash. Their car was totaled and needed to be replaced, but ERIE helped them get back behind the wheel in short order.

“They did a good job,” Alice says.

Edgar doesn’t quite remember why he chose ERIE all those years ago, other than he knew his agent, Homer Yoder, who began selling insurance with ERIE in 1942.

“They’re great people,” Andy says. “I have known them both since I was quite young”

At 98, Edgar, a World War II veteran, knows to cherish good things for the long term.

He and Alice will celebrate their 80th wedding anniversary in September.

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ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York).  The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.

The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of the article’s publish date and may be changed at any time.

Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions. 

The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states.  ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York.  ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York.  ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York. 

Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.

Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.