(Erie, Pa.) June 23, 2009 - Erie Insurance has earned J.D. Power and Associates' award for "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with the Auto Insurance Shopping Experience." This award recognizes the top rankings in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Insurance Shopping Study^SM, which evaluates the experience of customers purchasing a new auto insurance policy.

The 2009 J.D. Power and Associates Insurance Shopping Study examines the purchase behaviors and overall satisfaction of buyers who shop for a new auto insurance company. Three factors are measured to determine overall satisfaction. In order of importance, they are: distribution channel, price and policy offerings. Erie Insurance achieved the highest ranking with strong performance across all factors.

"This award reflects the continued commitment of Erie Insurance employees and agents to being above all in service," said Terry Cavanaugh, president and CEO. "That commitment is deeply rooted in our 84-year history and our culture."

"We are thrilled to receive this prestigious recognition two years in a row," added Cavanaugh. "It demonstrates that customers are not only looking for the best price when shopping for insurance, they also want a knowledgeable Agent to help them make the right choices about insurance coverage for themselves and their families."

The Insurance Shopping Study was introduced by J.D. Power and Associates in 2007, although no award was presented in that first year.

For more on the Insurance Shopping Study and Erie Insurance's award, see the J.D. Power and Associates Web site.

About Erie Insurance: According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 16th largest automobile insurer in the United States based on direct premiums written and the 21st largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total lines net premium written. The Group, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, has over 4 million policies in force and operates in 11 states and the District of Columbia. To learn more, visit www.erieinsurance.com.

About J.D. Power and Associates: Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction. The company's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

CONTACT:
Karen Rugare
1-800-458-0811, x2128
Karen.rugare@erieinsurance.com