( Erie, Pa. ) July 18, 2008 — Erie Insurance has earned J.D. Power and Associates' award for "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with the Auto Insurance Purchase Experience." This award recognizes the top rankings in J.D. Power's 2008 Insurance New Buyer Study, which assesses customers' experience in purchasing a new auto insurance policy.

The J.D. Power study examines the purchase behaviors and overall satisfaction of buyers who shop for a new auto insurance company. Three key factors are measured to determine overall satisfaction. In order of importance, they are: distribution channel (50 percent), price (29 percent) and policy offerings (21 percent). Erie Insurance achieved the highest ranking with strong performance across all factors.

"This award reflects the commitment of Erie Insurance employees and agents to being above all in service," said John J. Brinling, Jr., president and CEO. "That commitment is deeply rooted in our 83-year history and our culture."

The Insurance New Buyer Study is in its second year. J.D. Power first conducted the study in 2007, but no award was presented. J.D. Power Typically conducts its studies first without an award and uses the initial findings to establish a benchmark for future studies and awards.

"We are thrilled to receive this prestigious recognition," added Brinling. "It reflects our efforts to make an exceptional first impression and continue to delight our policyholders and exceed their expectations in every experience they have with Erie Insurance. That's good business and it's why our policyholders stay with us."

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

Source: Erie Insurance Group