Erie, Pa. -- March 8, 2000 -- The board of directors of Erie Indemnity Company, at its regular quarterly meeting on March 7, 2000, announced expanded authorization for share repurchases. Effective immediately, the board authorized that the company may repurchase as much as an additional $50 million of its outstanding Class A common stock through December 31, 2002.

Prior to this action, the company was authorized to purchase up to $70 million of Class A stock under the stock repurchase plan announced December 16, 1998. To date, the company has repurchased 2,193,049 shares at an average price of $28.80 per share for a total cost of $63,156,501.39.

The company may purchase the shares from time to time in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, depending on prevailing market conditions and alternative uses of the company’s capital.

Erie Indemnity Company is the principal management company for the member companies of the Erie Insurance Group, which includes the Erie Insurance Exchange, Flagship City Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property and Casualty Company, Erie Insurance Company of New York and Erie Family Life Insurance Company.

Known for competitive rates and superior service since 1925, Erie Insurance Group is the 16th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on surplus and has over 2.6 million policies in force. Group member Erie Insurance Exchange is the 13th largest auto insurer in the country. Erie Indemnity Company is the management company for Erie Insurance Group, which includes seven companies operating in 11 states and the District of Columbia. The ERIE provides a complete line of auto, home, business and life insurance through more than 6,100 independent insurance agents.