e10vq
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PERSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010
Commission file number 0-24000
ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
PENNSYLVANIA   25-0466020
     
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
100 Erie Insurance Place, Erie, Pennsylvania   16530
     
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
(814) 870-2000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes o No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
             
Large Accelerated Filer þ   Accelerated Filer o   Non-Accelerated Filer o   Smaller Reporting Company o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No þ
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock as of the latest practicable date, with no par value and a stated value of $.0292 per share, was 51,123,747 at April 15, 2010.
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Class B Common Stock as of the latest practicable date, with no par value and a stated value of $70 per share, was 2,546 at April 15, 2010.
The common stock is the only class of stock the registrant is presently authorized to issue.
 
 

 


 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 EX-10.1
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share data)
                 
    Three months ended March 31,  
    2010     2009  
        (As adjusted
Note 2)
 
Revenues
               
Premiums earned
  $ 978     $ 957  
Net investment income
    104       117  
Net realized investment gains (losses)
    125       (155 )
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
    (2 )     (71 )
Equity in earnings (losses) of limited partnerships
    3       (161 )
Other income
    8       8  
     
Total revenues
    1,216       695  
     
Benefits and expenses
               
Insurance losses and loss expenses
    761       803  
Policy acquisition and underwriting expenses
    227       232  
     
Total benefits and expenses
    988       1,035  
     
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests
    228       (340 )
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    66       (89 )
     
Net income (loss)
  $ 162     $ (251 )
 
               
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest in consolidated entity — Exchange
    115       (262 )
     
 
               
Net income attributable to Indemnity
  $ 47     $ 11  
     
 
               
Earnings Per Share
               
Net income attributable to Indemnity per share
               
Class A common stock – basic
  $ 0.92     $ 0.22  
     
Class A common stock – diluted
  $ 0.82     $ 0.19  
     
Class B common stock – basic and diluted
  $ 132.83     $ 34.78  
     
 
               
Weighted average shares outstanding attributable to Indemnity – Basic
               
Class A common stock
    51,185,736       51,270,240  
     
Class B common stock
    2,546       2,551  
     
 
               
Weighted average shares outstanding attributable to Indemnity– Diluted
               
Class A common stock
    57,310,247       57,409,460  
     
Class B common stock
    2,546       2,551  
     
 
               
Dividends declared per share
               
Class A common stock
  $ 0.48     $ 0.45  
     
Class B common stock
  $ 72.00     $ 67.50  
     
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(dollars in millions, except per share data)
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
    (Unaudited)     (As adjusted
Note 2)
 
Assets
               
Investments-Indemnity
               
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
               
Fixed maturities (amortized cost of $648 and $642, respectively)
  $ 674     $ 664  
Equity securities (cost of $42 and $35, respectively)
    48       38  
Trading securities, at fair value (cost of $37 and $36, respectively)
    45       42  
Limited partnerships (cost of $279 and $281, respectively)
    235       235  
Other invested assets
    1       1  
Investments-Exchange
               
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
               
Fixed maturities (amortized cost of $6,249 and $6,277, respectively)
    6,569       6,517  
Equity securities (cost of $469 and $425, respectively)
    536       472  
Trading securities, at fair value (cost of $1,583 and $1,556, respectively)
    1,933       1,835  
Limited partnerships (cost of $1,336 and $1,392, respectively)
    1,119       1,116  
Other invested assets
    20       20  
     
Total investments
    11,180       10,940  
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents (Exchange portion of $172 and $158, respectively)
    202       234  
Premiums receivable from policyholders (Exchange portion of $728 and $715, respectively)
    920       906  
Reinsurance recoverable (Exchange portion of $214 and $212, respectively)
    217       215  
Deferred income taxes (Exchange portion of $22 and $75, respectively)
    55       116  
Deferred acquisition costs (Exchange portion of $405 and $416, respectively)
    456       467  
Other assets (Exchange portion of $319 and $306, respectively)
    420       409  
     
Total assets
  $ 13,450     $ 13,287  
     
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
               
Liabilities
               
Indemnity liabilities
               
Losses and loss expense reserves
  $ 744     $ 752  
Unearned premiums
    325       325  
Other liabilities
    334       387  
Exchange liabilities
               
Losses and loss expense reserves
    2,867       2,846  
Life policy and deposit contract reserves
    1,559       1,540  
Unearned premiums
    1,660       1,656  
Other liabilities
    50       56  
     
Total liabilities
    7,539       7,562  
     
 
               
Indemnity’s shareholders’ equity
               
Class A common stock, stated value $0.0292 per share; authorized 74,996,930 shares; 68,289,600 issued; 51,128,506 and 51,203,473 shares outstanding, respectively
    2       2  
Class B common stock, convertible at a rate of 2,400 Class A shares for one Class B share, stated value $70 per share; 2,546 authorized, issued and outstanding, respectively
    0       0  
Additional paid-in-capital
    8       8  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (37 )     (43 )
 
               
Retained earnings, before cumulative effect adjustment
    1,772       1,743  
Cumulative effect of accounting changes, net of tax
    0       6  
     
Retained earnings, after cumulative effect adjustment
    1,772       1,749  
     
Total contributed capital and retained earnings
    1,745       1,716  
Treasury stock, at cost, 17,161,094 and 17,086,127 shares, respectively
    (817 )     (814 )
     
Total Indemnity shareholders’ equity
    928       902  
 
               
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated entity — Exchange
    4,983       4,823  
     
Total equity
    5,911       5,725  
     
Total liabilities, shareholders’ equity and noncontrolling interest
  $ 13,450     $ 13,287  
     
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 21 for supplemental consolidating statements of financial position information.

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ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share data)
                                                                                 
                                                             
                                                       
        Total             Accumulated                     Noncontrolling  
        Indemnity             other     Class A     Class B     Additional         interest  
    Total     shareholders’     Comprehensive     Retained     comprehensive     common     common     paid-in     Treasury     in consolidated  
    equity     equity     income (loss)     earnings     (loss) income     stock     stock     capital     stock     entity—Exchange  
     
Balance December 31, 2008
(As adjusted - Note 2)
  $ 4,759     $ 792             $ 1,729     $ (136 )   $ 2     $ 0     $ 8     $ (811 )   $ 3,967  
Comprehensive income (loss):
                                                                             
Net income
    446       108       108       108                                               338  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                                                                             
Unrealized loss on securities, net of tax
    498       75       75               75                                       423  
Cumulative effect of accounting changes, net of tax
    95       0               6       (6 )                                     95  
Postretirement plans:
                                                                             
Prior service cost, net of tax
    0       0       0               0                                          
Net actuarial gain, net of tax
    27       27       27               27                                          
Loss due to amendments, net of tax
    (2 )     (2 )     (2 )             (2 )                                        
Curtailment/settlement loss, net of tax
    (1 )     (1 )     (1 )             (1 )                                        
                                                           
Postretirement plans net of tax:
    24       24       24               24                                          
                                                         
Comprehensive income
  $ 1,063             $ 207                                                     $ 856  
 
                                                                         
Purchase of treasury stock
    (3 )     (3 )                                                     (3 )        
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares
    0       0                               0       0                          
Dividends declared:
                                                                             
Class A $1.83 per share
    (94 )     (94 )             (94 )                                                
Class B $274.50 per share
    0       0               0                                                  
     
Balance December 31, 2009
(As adjusted - Note 2)
  $ 5,725     $ 902             $ 1,749     $ (43 )   $ 2     $ 0     $ 8     $ (814 )   $ 4,823  
     
Comprehensive income:
                                                                             
Net income
    162       47       47       47                                               115  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                                                                             
Unrealized loss on securities, net of tax (Note 17)
    51       6       6               6                                       45  
 
                                                                         
Comprehensive income
  $ 213             $ 53                                                     $ 160  
 
                                                                         
Purchase of treasury stock
    (3 )     (3 )                                                     (3 )        
Dividends declared:
                                                                             
Class A $0.48 per share
    (24 )     (24 )             (24 )                                                
Class B $72.00 per share
    0       0               0                                                  
     
Balance March 31, 2010
  $ 5,911     $ 928             $ 1,772     $ (37 )   $ 2     $ 0     $ 8     $ (817 )   $ 4,983  
     
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ERIE INDEMNITY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(in millions)
                 
    Three months ended March 31,  
    2010     2009  
     
          (As adjusted
Note 2)
 
Cash flows from operating activities
               
Premiums collected
  $ 965     $ 935  
Net investment income received
    99       102  
Limited partnership distributions
    18       15  
Service agreement fee received
    8       8  
Commissions and bonuses paid to agents
    (169 )     (183 )
Losses paid
    (622 )     (602 )
Loss expenses paid
    (106 )     (96 )
Other underwriting and acquisition costs paid
    (159 )     (147 )
Income taxes (paid) recovered
    (7 )     206  
     
Net cash provided by operating activities
    27       238  
     
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities
               
Purchase of investments:
               
Fixed maturities
    (525 )     (285 )
Preferred stock
    (67 )     (41 )
Common stock
    (249 )     (492 )
Limited partnerships
    (30 )     (47 )
Sales/maturities of investments:
               
Fixed maturity sales
    233       109  
Fixed maturity calls/maturities
    315       170  
Preferred stock
    29       42  
Common stock
    251       495  
Sale of and returns on limited partnerships
    3       4  
Purchase of property and equipment
    (9 )     (3 )
Net distributions on agent loans
    0       (1 )
     
Net cash used in investing activities
    (49 )     (49 )
     
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities
               
Annuity and supplementary contract deposits and interest
    33       44  
Annuity and supplementary contract surrenders and withdrawals
    (18 )     (28 )
Universal life deposits and interest
    11       5  
Universal life surrenders
    (8 )     (5 )
Purchase of treasury stock
    (3 )     (1 )
Dividends paid to shareholders
    (25 )     (23 )
Decrease in collateral from securities lending
    0       (19 )
Redemption of securities lending collateral
    0       19  
     
Net cash used in financing activities
    (10 )     (8 )
     
 
               
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (32 )     181  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    234       277  
     
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 202     $ 458  
     
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 21 for supplemental cash flow information.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Note 1. Nature of Operations
Erie Indemnity Company (“Indemnity”) is a publicly held Pennsylvania business corporation that since 1925 has been the managing Attorney-in-Fact for the subscribers (policyholders) of Erie Insurance Exchange (“Exchange”). The Exchange is a subscriber (policyholder) owned Pennsylvania-domiciled reciprocal insurer that writes property and casualty insurance.
Indemnity’s primary function is to perform certain services for the Exchange relating to sales, underwriting and issuance of policies on behalf of the Exchange. This is done in accordance with a subscribers agreement (a limited power of attorney) executed by each subscriber (policyholder), appointing Indemnity as their common attorney-in-fact to transact business on their behalf and to manage the affairs of the Exchange. Indemnity earns a management fee from the Exchange for these services, which is paid from the premiums collected from subscribers (policyholders).
Indemnity also operates as a property and casualty insurer through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Erie Insurance Company (“EIC”), Erie Insurance Company of New York (“ENY”) and the Erie Insurance Property and Casualty Company (“EPC”).
The “Property and Casualty Group” refers to the Exchange and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Flagship City Insurance Company (“Flagship”) and Indemnity’s wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Property and Casualty Group operates in 11 Midwestern, Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern states and the District of Columbia and primarily writes personal auto insurance, which comprises 48% of its 2009 direct premiums.
Erie Family Life Insurance Company (“EFL”) is an affiliated life insurance company that underwrites and sells nonparticipating individual and group life insurance policies and fixed annuities. Indemnity and the Exchange own 21.6% and 78.4% of EFL, respectively.
“Indemnity shareholder interest” refers to the interest in Erie Indemnity Company owned by the Class A and Class B shareholders. In addition to referring to Erie Insurance Exchange, the term “Exchange” sometimes refers to the noncontrolling interest held for the benefit of the subscribers (policyholders) and includes its interests in Flagship and EFL.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Erie Indemnity Company reflect the consolidated results of Indemnity and its variable interest entity, the Exchange, which we refer to collectively as “Erie Insurance Group”.
Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies
Retrospective adoption of new accounting principle
On June 12, 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) updated ASC 810, Consolidation, which amended the existing guidance for determining whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”). As of January 1, 2010 Erie Indemnity Company adopted the new accounting principle on a retrospective basis since inception.
This guidance changed the methodology for assessing whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE by requiring a qualitative analysis to determine if an enterprise’s variable interest gives it a controlling financial interest. The qualitative analysis looks at the power to direct activities of the VIE that most significantly impact economic performance and the right to receive benefits (or obligation to absorb losses) from the VIE that could potentially be significant.
In accordance with the new accounting guidance, Indemnity is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the Exchange given the significance of the management fee to the Exchange and Indemnity’s power to direct the Exchange’s significant activities. Under the previously issued accounting guidance, Indemnity was not deemed the primary beneficiary of the Exchange and its financial position and operating results were not consolidated with Indemnity’s. Following adoption of the new accounting guidance, as primary beneficiary of the Exchange, Erie Indemnity Company has consolidated Indemnity and the Exchange’s financial position and operating results. Furthermore, upon consolidation of the Exchange, 100% of the ownership of EFL resides within the consolidated entity and consequently EFL’s financial results are also consolidated. The financial statements and notes to the financial statements presented herein have all been adjusted to reflect the retrospective adoption of the new accounting principle.

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There was no cumulative effect to Indemnity’s shareholders’ equity from consolidation of the Exchange and EFL. The noncontrolling interest in total equity represents the amount of the Exchange’s subscribers’ (policyholders’) equity.
In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements. This guidance updated the disclosures for FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The additional disclosures include the amounts and reasons for significant transfers between the levels in the fair value hierarchy, the expansion of fair market disclosures by each class of assets, disclosure of the policy for recognition of level transfers, and disclosure of the valuation techniques used for all Level 2 and Level 3 assets. These disclosures are effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2009 and have been included in Note 6. An additional disclosure requirement to present purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements of Level 3 activity on a gross basis becomes effective with periods beginning after December 15, 2010.
Basis of presentation and principles of consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of Indemnity together with its affiliate companies in which Indemnity holds a majority voting or economic interest. In addition, we consolidate the Exchange as a variable interest entity for which Indemnity is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The required presentation of noncontrolling interests is reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Noncontrolling interests represent the ownership interests of the Exchange, all of which is held by parties other than Indemnity (i.e. the Exchange’s subscribers (policyholders)). Noncontrolling interests also include the Exchange subscribers’ 78.4% ownership interest in EFL.
Presentation of assets and liabilities – While the assets of the Exchange are presented separately in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, the Exchange’s assets can only be used to satisfy the Exchange’s liabilities or for other unrestricted activities. ASC 810, Consolidation, does not require separate presentation of the Exchange’s assets. However, because the shareholders of Indemnity have no rights to the assets of the Exchange and, conversely, the Exchange has no rights to the assets of Indemnity, we have presented the invested assets of the Exchange separately on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position along with the remaining consolidated assets reflecting the Exchange’s portion parenthetically. Liabilities are required under ASC 810, Consolidation, to be presented separately for the Exchange on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as the Exchange’s creditors do not have recourse to the general credit of Indemnity.
Rights of shareholders of Indemnity and subscribers (policyholders) of the Exchange – The shareholders of Indemnity, through the management fee, have a controlling financial interest in the Exchange, however, they have no other rights to or obligations arising from assets and liabilities of the Exchange. The shareholders of Indemnity own its equity but have no rights or interest in the Exchange’s (noncontrolling interest) income or equity. The noncontrolling interest equity represents the Exchange’s equity held for the benefit of its subscribers (policyholders), who have no rights or interest in the Indemnity shareholder interest income or equity.
All intercompany assets and liabilities between Indemnity and the Exchange have been eliminated in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three month period ended March 31, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2010. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Febuary 25, 2010.
Investments
Available-for-sale securities – Fixed maturity and preferred stock securities are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of related tax effects, on fixed maturities and preferred stock are charged or credited directly to shareholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Realized gains and losses on sales of fixed maturity and preferred stock securities are recognized in income based upon the specific identification method. Interest and dividend income are recognized as earned.
Fixed income and redeemable preferred stock (debt securities) are evaluated monthly for other-than-temporary impairment loss. For debt securities that have experienced a decline in fair value and we intend to sell or for which it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, an other-than-temporary impairment is deemed to have occurred and is recognized in earnings.

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Debt securities that have experienced a decline in fair value and that we do not intend to sell, and that will not be required to sell before recovery, are evaluated to determine if the decline in fair value is other-than-temporary.
Some factors considered in this evaluation include:
    the extent and duration to which fair value is less than cost;
    historical operating performance and financial condition of the issuer;
    short and long-term prospects of the issuer and its industry based on analysts’ recommendations;
    specific events that occurred affecting the issuer, including a ratings downgrade;
    near term liquidity position of the issuer; and
    compliance with financial covenants.
If a decline is deemed to be other-than-temporary, an assessment is made to determine the amount of the total impairment related to a credit loss and that related to all other factors. Consideration is given to all available information relevant to the collectability of the security in this determination. If the entire amortized cost basis of the security will not be recovered, a credit loss exists. Currently, we have the intent to sell all of our securities that have been determined to have a credit-related impairment. As a result, the entire amount of the impairment has been recognized in earnings. If we had securities with credit impairments that we did not intend to sell, the non-credit portion of the impairment would have been recorded in other comprehensive income.
Impairment charges on non-redeemable preferred securities and hybrid securities with equity characteristics are included in earnings consistent with the treatment for equity securities. This is a more conservative approach since the lack of a final maturity and unlikelihood of a call means recovery is uncertain and would occur over a multi-year period.
Trading securities – Our common stock securities are trading securities which are reported at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses on these securities are included in net realized gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Realized gains and losses on sales of common stock are recognized in income based on the specific identification method. Dividend income is recognized as earned.
Limited partnerships – Limited partnerships include U.S. and foreign private equity, real estate and mezzanine debt investments. The private equity limited partnerships invest primarily in small- to medium-sized companies. The general partners for our limited partnerships determine the market value of investments in the partnerships, including any other-than-temporary impairments of these individual investments. The primary basis for the valuation of limited partnership interests are financial statements prepared by the general partner. Because of the timing of the preparation and delivery of these financial statements, the use of the most recently available financial statements provided by the general partners result in a quarter delay in the inclusion of the limited partnership results in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Due to this delay, these financial statements do not yet reflect the market conditions experienced in the first quarter of 2010.
Nearly all of the underlying investments in our limited partnerships are valued using a source other than quoted prices in active markets. The fair value amounts for our private equity and mezzanine debt partnerships are based on the financial statements of the general partners, who use multiple methods to estimate fair value including the market approach, income approach and/or the cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other pertinent information from market-generated transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. Such valuation techniques often use market multiples derived from a set of comparables. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future cash flows or earnings to a single discounted present value amount. The measurement is based on the value indicated by current market expectations on those future amounts. The cost approach is derived from the amount that is currently required to replace the service capacity of an asset. If information becomes available that would impair the cost of these partnerships, then the general partner would generally adjust to the net realizable value.
For real estate limited partnerships, the general partners record these at fair value based on an independent appraisal or internal estimates of fair value.

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We perform various procedures in review of the general partners’ valuations. While we generally rely on the general partners’ financial statements as the best available information to record our share of the partnership unrealized gains and losses resulting from valuation changes, we adjust our financial statements for impairments at the fund level as necessary. There were no valuation changes in 2010 or 2009. As there is a limited market for these investments, they have the greatest potential for market price variability.
Unrealized gains and losses for these investments are reflected in equity in losses of limited partnerships in our Consolidated Statements of Operations in accordance with the equity method of accounting. Cash contributions made to and distributions received from the partnerships are recorded in the period in which the transaction occurs.
Cash and cash equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents are principally comprised of investments in money market funds and approximate fair value.
Deferred acquisition costs
Acquisition costs that vary with and relate to the production of insurance and investment-type contracts are deferred. Such costs consist principally of commissions, premium taxes and policy issuance expenses.
Property and casualty insurance – Deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) for property and casualty insurance contracts, which is primarily composed of commissions and certain underwriting expenses, is amortized on a pro rata basis over the applicable policy term. The amount of costs to be deferred would be reduced to the extent future policy premiums and anticipated investment income would not exceed related losses, expenses and policyholder dividends. There was no reduction in costs deferred in any periods presented. The DAC profitability is analyzed annually to ensure recoverability.
Life insurance – DAC related to traditional life insurance products is amortized in proportion to premium revenues over the premium-paying period of related policies using assumptions about mortality, morbidity, lapse rates, expenses and future yield on related investments established when the policy was issued. Amortization is adjusted each period to reflect policy lapse or termination rates as compared to anticipated experience. DAC related to universal life products and deferred annuities is amortized over the estimated lives of the contracts in proportion to actual and expected future gross profits, investment, mortality and expense margins and surrender charges. Both historical and anticipated investment returns, including realized gains and losses, are considered in determining the amortization of DAC.
Estimated gross profits are adjusted monthly to reflect actual experience to date and/or for the unlocking of underlying key assumptions based on experience studies. DAC is periodically reviewed for recoverability. For traditional life products, if the benefit reserves plus anticipated future premiums and interest earnings for a line of business are less than the current estimate of future benefits and expenses (including any unamortized DAC), a charge to income is recorded for additional DAC amortization or for increased benefit reserves. For universal life and deferred annuities, if the current present value of future expected gross profits is less than the unamortized DAC, a charge to income is recorded for additional DAC amortization.
Deferred taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements, using the statutory tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the results of operations in the period that includes the enactment date under the law. Valuation allowances on deferred tax assets are estimated based on our assessment of the realizability of such amounts.
Property and casualty unpaid losses and loss expenses
Unpaid losses and loss expenses include estimates for claims that have been reported and those that have been incurred but not reported, as well as estimates of all expenses associated with processing and settling these claims, less estimates of anticipated salvage and subrogation recoveries. Unpaid loss and loss expense reserves are set at full expected cost, except for workers compensation loss reserves, which have been discounted using an interest rate of 2.5%. Estimating the ultimate cost of future losses and loss expenses is an uncertain and complex process. This estimation process is based on the assumption that past developments are an appropriate indicator of future events, and involves a variety of actuarial techniques that analyze experience, trends and other relevant factors. The uncertainties involved with the reserving process include internal factors, such as changes in claims handling procedures, as well as external factors, such as economic trends and changes in the concepts of legal liability and damage awards. Accordingly, final loss settlements may vary from the present estimates, particularly when those payments may not occur until well into the future.

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We regularly review the adequacy of our estimated loss and loss expense reserves by line of business. Adjustments to previously established reserves are reflected in the operating results of the period in which the adjustment is determined to be necessary. Such adjustments could possibly be significant, reflecting any variety of new and adverse or favorable trends.
Life insurance reserves
The liability for future benefits of life insurance contracts is the present value of such benefits less the present value of future net premiums. Life insurance and income-paying annuity future policy benefit reserves are computed primarily by the net level premium method with assumptions as to mortality, withdrawal, lapses and investment yields. Traditional life insurance products are subject to loss recognition testing. The adequacy of the related reserves is verified as part of loss recognition testing. Loss recognition is necessary when the sum of the reserve and the present value of projected policy cash flows is less than unamortized DAC.
Deferred annuity future benefit reserves are established at accumulated account values without reduction for surrender charges. These account values are credited with varying interest rates determined at the discretion of EFL subject to certain minimums.
Agent bonus estimates
Agent bonuses are based on an individual agency’s property and casualty underwriting profitability and also include a component for growth in agency property and casualty premiums if the agency’s underwriting profitability targets for our book of business are met. The estimate for agent bonuses, which are based on the performance over 36 months, is modeled on a monthly basis using actual underwriting data by agency for the two prior years combined with the current year-to-date actual data. At December 31 of each year, we use actual data available and record an accrual based on the expected payment amount. These costs are included in the policy acquisition and underwriting expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Recognition of premium revenues and losses
Property and casualty insurance – Insurance premiums written are earned over the terms of the policies on a pro-rata basis. Unearned premiums represent that portion of premiums written which is applicable to the unexpired terms of policies in force. Losses and loss expenses are recorded as incurred.
Life insurance – Premiums on traditional life insurance products are recognized as earned when due. Reserves for future policy benefits are established as premiums are earned. Premiums received for annuity and universal life products are not reported as revenue, but as deposits, and included in liabilities. For universal life products, revenue is recognized as amounts are assessed against the policyholder’s account for mortality coverage and contract expenses. The primary source of revenue on annuity deposits is derived from the interest earned by EFL, which is reflected in net investment income.
Reinsurance
Property and casualty insurance – Property and casualty assumed involuntary and ceded reinsurance premiums are earned over the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Premiums ceded to other companies are reported as a reduction of premium income. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Property and Casualty Group from its obligations to policyholders.
Life insurance – Reinsurance premiums, commissions and expense reimbursements on reinsurance ceded on life insurance policies are accounted for on a basis consistent with those used in accounting for the underlying reinsured policies. Expense reimbursements received in connection with new reinsurance ceded have been accounted for as a reduction of the related policy acquisition costs. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers for future policy benefits are estimated in a manner consistent with the assumptions used for the underlying policy benefits. Amounts recoverable for incurred claims, future policy benefits and expense reimbursements are recorded as assets. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve EFL from its obligations to policyholders.

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Recognition of management fee revenue
Indemnity earns management fees from the Exchange for providing sales, underwriting and policy issuance services. The management fee revenue is calculated as a percentage of the direct written premium of the Property and Casualty Group. The Exchange issues policies with annual terms only. Management fees are recorded as revenue upon policy issuance or renewal, as substantially all of the services required to be performed by us have been satisfied at that time. Certain activities are performed and related costs are incurred by us subsequent to policy issuance in connection with the services provided to the Exchange; however, these activities are inconsequential and perfunctory. Management fee revenue is eliminated in consolidation.
Recognition of service agreement revenue
Included in service agreement revenue are service charges Indemnity collects from policyholders for providing multiple payment plans on policies written by the Property and Casualty Group. Service charges, which are flat dollar charges for each installment billed beyond the first installment, are recognized as revenue when bills are rendered to the policyholder. Service agreement revenue also includes late payment and policy reinstatement fees. Service agreement revenue is included in other income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Note 3. Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share are calculated under the two-class method, which allocates earnings to each class of stock based on its dividend rights. Class B shares are convertible into Class A shares at a conversion ratio of 2,400 to 1. Class A diluted earnings per share are calculated under the if-converted method which reflects the conversion of Class B shares and the effect of potentially dilutive outstanding employee stock-based awards and awards not yet vested related to the outside directors’ stock compensation plan.
A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in the basic and diluted per-share computations is presented as follows for each class of Indemnity common stock:
                                                 
    Indemnity Earnings Per Share Calculation  
(dollars in millions,                   Three months ended March 31,                  
except per share data)   2010     2009  
    Allocated     Weighted     Per-     Allocated     Weighted     Per-  
    net income     shares     share     net income     shares     share  
    (numerator)     (denominator)     amount     (numerator)     (denominator)     amount  
 
                   
Class A – Basic EPS:
                                               
Income available to Class A stockholders
  $ 47       51,185,736     $ 0.92     $ 11       51,270,240     $ 0.22  
 
                   
Dilutive effect of stock awards
    0       14,111             0       16,820        
 
                   
Assumed conversion of Class B shares
    0       6,110,400             0       6,122,400        
 
                   
Class A – Diluted EPS:
                                               
Income available to Class A stockholders on Class A equivalent shares
  $ 47       57,310,247     $ 0.82     $ 11       57,409,460     $ 0.19  
 
                   
Class B – Basic and diluted EPS:
                                               
Income available to Class B stockholders
  $ 0       2,546     $ 132.83     $ 0       2,551     $ 34.78  
 
                   
There were 11,200 and 14,400 shares of other stock-based awards not yet vested that were included in the diluted earnings per share calculations for the first quarters of 2010 and 2009, respectively. Awards not yet vested related to the outside directors’ stock compensation plan were 2,911 and 2,420 shares for the first quarters of 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Note 4. Variable Interest Entity
Exchange
The Exchange is a reciprocal insurance exchange domiciled in Pennsylvania, for which Indemnity serves as attorney-in-fact. Indemnity holds a variable interest in the Exchange because of the absence of decision-making capabilities by the equity owners (i.e. subscribers (policyholders)) of the Exchange and because of the significance of the management fees the Exchange pays to Indemnity as the decision maker. The new accounting guidance, which we adopted on January 1, 2010, requires entities to perform a qualitative analysis to determine the primary beneficiary of variable interest entities. As a result of adopting the new guidance, Indemnity is deemed to have a

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controlling financial interest in the Exchange and is considered the primary beneficiary. The Exchange’s results have been consolidated with those of Indemnity. We have retrospectively applied the new accounting guidance and have consolidated the Exchange for all periods presented in this report for comparability purposes. See Note 2.
Consolidation of the Exchange is required given the significance of the management fee to the Exchange and because Indemnity has the power to direct the activities of the Exchange that most significantly impact the Exchange’s economic performance. Indemnity earns management fee revenues from the Exchange for services provided as attorney-in-fact for the Exchange. Indemnity’s management fee revenues are based on the direct written premiums of the Exchange and the other members of the Property and Casualty Group. Indemnity’s Board of Directors determines the management fee rate paid by the Exchange to Indemnity. This rate cannot exceed 25% of the direct and affiliated assumed written premiums of the Exchange, as defined by the subscriber agreement signed by each policyholder. The management fee revenues and management fee expenses are eliminated in consolidation.
Indemnity participates in the underwriting results of the Exchange through the pooling arrangement in which its insurance subsidiaries have a 5.5% participation. If the Exchange were to default, Indemnity’s insurance subsidiaries would be liable for the policies that they wrote directly. Indemnity’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries wrote approximately 16% of the 2009 direct written premiums of the Property and Casualty Group. Indemnity’s Board of Directors determines the continuation and participation percentage of Indemnity’s property and casualty subsidiaries in the reinsurance pooling arrangement.
Indemnity has no obligation related to any underwriting and/or investment losses experienced by the Exchange. Indemnity would however be adversely impacted if the Exchange incurred significant underwriting and/or investment losses. If the surplus of the Exchange were to decline significantly from its current level, its financial strength ratings could be reduced and as a consequence the Exchange could find it more difficult to retain its existing business and attract new business. A decline in the business of the Exchange would have an adverse effect on the amount of the management fees Indemnity receives and the underwriting results of the Property and Casualty Group in which Indemnity has a 5.5% participation. In addition, a decline in the surplus of the Exchange from its current level may impact the management fee rate received by Indemnity. Indemnity also has an exposure to a concentration of credit risk related to the unsecured receivables due from the Exchange for its management fee, reinsurance recoverables from unpaid losses and loss expenses and unearned premium balances ceded under the pooling arrangement and cost reimbursements.
Indemnity has not provided financial or other support to the Exchange for the reporting periods presented. At March 31, 2010, there are no explicit or implicit arrangements that would require Indemnity to provide future financial support to the Exchange. Indemnity is not liable if the Exchange was to be in violation of its debt covenants or was unable to meet its obligation for unfunded commitments to limited partnerships.
Note 5. Segment Information
As a result of the changes in our reporting entity at January 1, 2010 (see Note 2), our reportable segments have increased from three to four. Our reportable segments include management operations, property and casualty insurance operations, life insurance operations and investment operations. The segment information presented below includes reclassification of all comparative prior period segment information. Accounting policies for segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. See Note 2. Assets are not allocated to the segments but rather are reviewed in total for purposes of decision-making. No single customer or agent provides 10% or more of revenues.
Our management operations segment consists of serving as attorney-in-fact for the Exchange. Indemnity operates in this capacity solely for the Exchange. We evaluate profitability of our management operations segment principally on the gross margin from management operations.
Indemnity earns management fees from the Exchange for providing sales, underwriting and policy issuance services. The management fee revenue, which is eliminated in consolidation, is calculated as a percentage of the direct written premium of the Property and Casualty Group. The Exchange issues policies with annual terms only. Management fees are recorded upon policy issuance or renewal, as substantially all of the services required to be performed by Indemnity have been satisfied at that time. Certain activities are performed and related costs are incurred by us subsequent to policy issuance in connection with the services provided to the Exchange; however, these activities are inconsequential and perfunctory. Although these management fee revenues and expenses are

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eliminated in consolidation, the amount of the fee directly impacts allocations of our consolidated net income between noncontrolling interest, which bears the management fee expense and represents the interests of the Exchange subscribers, and Indemnity’s interests which earns the management fee revenue and represents Indemnity shareholder interest in net income.
Our property and casualty insurance segment includes personal and commercial lines. Personal lines consist primarily of personal auto and homeowners and are marketed to individuals. Commercial lines consist primarily of commercial multi-peril, commercial auto and workers compensation and are marketed to small- and medium-sized businesses. Our property and casualty policies are sold by independent agents. Our property and casualty insurance underwriting operations are conducted through Indemnity subsidiaries and the Exchange, which includes assumed voluntary reinsurance from nonaffiliated domestic and foreign sources, assumed involuntary and ceded reinsurance business. The Exchange exited the assumed voluntary reinsurance business effective December 31, 2003, and therefore unaffiliated reinsurance includes only run-off activity of the previously assumed voluntary reinsurance business. We evaluate profitability of the property and casualty operations principally based on net underwriting results represented by the combined ratio.
Our life insurance operations segment includes traditional and universal life insurance products and fixed annuities marketed to individuals using the same independent agency force utilized by our property and casualty operations. We evaluate profitability of the life insurance segment principally based on segment net income, including investments, which for segment purposes are reflected in the investment operations segment. At the same time, we recognize that investment-related income is integral to the evaluation of the life insurance segment because of the long duration of life products. Through March 31, 2010, investment activities on life insurance-related assets generated revenues of $27 million resulting in EFL reporting income before income taxes of $10 million, before intercompany eliminations. Through March 31, 2009, investment activities on life insurance-related assets generated revenue of $6 million resulting in EFL reporting losses before income taxes of $6 million, before intercompany eliminations. See Note 22 for EFL supplemental information.
The investment operations segment performance is evaluated based on appreciation of assets, rate of return and overall return. Investment-related income for the life operations is included in the investment segment results.
The following tables summarize the components of the Consolidated Statements of Operations by reportable business segments:
                                                 
    Erie Insurance Group  
    For the three months ended March 31, 2010  
    Management     Property and     Life insurance                    
(in millions)   operations     casualty operations     operations     Investments     Eliminations     Consolidated  
Premiums earned/life policy revenue
          $ 962     $ 16                     $ 978  
Net investment income
                          $ 107     $ (3 )     104  
Net realized investment gains (losses)
                            125               125  
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
                            (2 )             (2 )
Equity in earnings (losses) of limited partnerships
                            3               3  
Management fee revenue
  $ 237                               (237 )      
Service agreement and other revenue
    8                                       8  
     
Total revenues
    245       962       16       233       (240 )     1,216  
     
Cost of management operations
    192                               (192 )      
Insurance losses and loss expenses
            738                       (1 )     737  
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves
                    24                       24  
Policy acquisition and underwriting expense
            265       9               (47 )     227  
     
Total benefits and expenses
    192       1,003       33             (240 )     988  
     
Income (loss) before income taxes
    53       (41 )     (17 )     233             228  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    18       (14 )     (6 )     68             66  
     
Net income (loss)
  $ 35     $ (27 )   $ (11 )   $ 165     $     $ 162  
     

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    Erie Insurance Group  
    For the three months ended March 31, 2009  
    Management     Property and     Life insurance                    
(in millions)   operations     casualty operations     operations     Investments(1)     Eliminations     Consolidated  
Premiums earned/life policy revenue
          $ 941     $ 16             $     $ 957  
Net investment income
                          $ 120       (3 )     117  
Net realized investment losses
                            (155 )             (155 )
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
                            (71 )             (71 )
Equity in losses of limited partnerships
                            (161 )             (161 )
Management fee revenue
  $ 230                               (230 )      
Service agreement and other revenue
    8                                       8  
     
Total revenues (losses)
    238       941       16       (267 )     (233 )     695  
     
Cost of management operations
    193                               (193 )      
Insurance losses and loss expenses
            782                       (1 )     781  
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves
                    22                       22  
Policy acquisition and underwriting expense
            265       6               (39 )     232  
     
Total benefits and expenses
    193       1,047       28             (233 )     1,035  
     
Income (loss) before income taxes
    45       (106 )     (12 )     (267 )           (340 )
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    14       (37 )     (4 )     (62 )           (89 )
     
Net income (loss)
  $ 31     $ (69 )   $ (8 )   $ (205 )   $     $ (251 )
     
 
(1)   The significant realized losses, impairment charges and market value adjustments on limited partnership investments were impacted by the significant disruption in the financial markets.
See the “Results of the Erie Insurance Group’s operations by interest” table in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the composition of income attributable to Indemnity and income attributable to the noncontrolling interest (Exchange).
Note 6. Fair Value
Our available-for-sale and trading securities are recorded at fair value, which is the price that would be received to sell the asset in an orderly transaction between willing market participants as of the measurement date.
Valuation techniques used to derive the fair value of our available-for–sale and trading securities are based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources.
Unobservable inputs reflect our own assumptions regarding fair market value for these securities. Although the majority of our prices are obtained from third party sources, we also perform an internal pricing review for securities with low trading volumes in the current market conditions. Financial instruments are categorized based upon the following characteristics or inputs to the valuation techniques:
         
 
  Level 1   Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets not subject to adjustments or discounts.
 
       
 
  Level 2   Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
 
       
 
  Level 3   Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable and reflect management’s estimate of fair value based on assumptions used by market participants in an orderly transaction as of the valuation date.

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The following table represents the fair value measurements on a recurring basis for our consolidated available-for-sale and trading securities by asset class and level of input at March 31, 2010:
                                 
    Erie Insurance Group  
            March 31, 2010        
            Fair value measurements using:        
            Quoted prices in             Significant  
            active markets for     Significant     unobservable  
            identical assets     observable inputs     inputs  
(in millions)   Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
     
Indemnity
                               
Available for sale securities:
                               
Fixed maturities
                               
U.S. treasuries and government agencies
  $ 3     $ 3     $ 0     $ 0  
U.S. government sponsored enterprises
    22       0       22       0  
Foreign government
    2       0       2       0  
Municipal securities
    247       0       247       0  
U.S. corporate debt — non-financial
    179       0       179       0  
U.S. corporate debt — financial
    137       0       135       2  
Foreign corporate debt — non-financial
    31       0       31       0  
Foreign corporate debt — financial
    18       0       18       0  
Structured securities:
                               
Asset-backed securities — auto loans
    4       0       4       0  
Collateralized debt obligations
    9       0       0       9  
Commercial mortgage-backed
    6       0       6       0  
Residential mortgage-backed:
                               
Government sponsored enterprises
    13       0       13       0  
Non-government sponsored enterprises
    3       0       3       0  
     
Total fixed maturities-Indemnity
  $ 674     $ 3     $ 660     $ 11  
           
Equity securities
                               
U.S. nonredeemable preferred securities:
                               
Financial
  $ 28     $ 7     $ 19     $ 2  
Non-financial
    14       6       8       0  
Foreign nonredeemable preferred securities:
                               
Financial
    5       0       5       0  
Non-financial
    1       0       1       0  
     
Total equity securities — Indemnity
  $ 48     $ 13     $ 33     $ 2  
     
Total available-for-sale securities — Indemnity
  $ 722     $ 16     $ 693     $ 13  
     
Trading securities:
                               
Common stock
    45       45       0       0  
     
Total trading securities
    45       45       0       0  
     
Total Indemnity
  $ 767     $ 61     $ 693     $ 13  
           

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    Erie Insurance Group  
            March 31, 2010        
            Fair value measurements using:        
            Quoted prices in             Significant  
            active markets for     Significant     unobservable  
            identical assets     observable inputs     inputs  
(in millions)   Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
     
Exchange
                               
Available for sale securities:
                               
Fixed maturities
                               
U.S. treasuries and government agencies
  $ 5     $ 5     $ 0     $ 0  
U.S. government sponsored enterprises
    87       0       87       0  
Foreign government
    11       0       11       0  
Municipal securities
    1,421       0       1,421       0  
U.S. corporate debt — non-financial
    2,217       6       2,202       9  
U.S. corporate debt — financial
    1,549       6       1,543       0  
Foreign corporate debt — non-financial
    400       0       400       0  
Foreign corporate debt — financial
    360       0       360       0  
Structured securities:
                               
Asset-backed securities — auto loans
    51       0       51       0  
Asset-backed securities — other
    28       0       23       5  
Collateralized debt obligations
    83       0       13       70  
Commercial mortgage-backed
    152       0       152       0  
Residential mortgage-backed:
                               
Government sponsored enterprises
    172       0       172       0  
Non-government sponsored enterprises
    33       0       33       0  
           
Total fixed maturities — Exchange
  $ 6,569     $ 17     $ 6,468     $ 84  
           
Equity securities
                               
U.S. nonredeemable preferred securities:
                               
Financial
  $ 333     $ 105     $ 223     $ 5  
Non-financial
    137       57       80       0  
Government sponsored enterprises
    3       3       0       0  
Foreign nonredeemable preferred securities:
                               
Financial
    54       16       38       0  
Non-financial
    9       0       9       0  
     
Total equity securities — Exchange
  $ 536     $ 181     $ 350     $ 5  
           
Total available for sale securities — Exchange
  $ 7,105     $ 198     $ 6,818     $ 89  
           
Trading securities:
                               
Common stock
  $ 1,933     $ 1,923     $ 0     $ 10  
     
Total trading securities
    1,933       1,923       0       10  
      — —
Total — Exchange
  $ 9,038     $ 2,121     $ 6,818     $ 99  
           
Total — Erie Insurance Group
  $ 9,805     $ 2,182     $ 7,511     $ 112  
           

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Level 3 Assets — Quarterly Change:
                                                 
    Erie Insurance Group  
    Beginning                                     Ending  
    balance at             Included in other     Purchases,     Transfers in     balance at  
    December 31,     Included in     Comprehensive     sales and     and (out) of     March 31,  
(in millions)   2009     earnings (1)     income     adjustments     Level 3 (2)     2010  
               
Indemnity
                                               
Available-for-sale securities:
                                               
Fixed maturities:
                                               
U.S. corporate debt — financial
  $ 2     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 2  
Collateralized debt obligations
    8       0       1       0       0       9  
               
Total fixed maturities
    10       0       1       0       0       11  
Preferred stock:
                                               
U.S. nonredeemable — financial
    1       0       1       0       0       2  
               
Total preferred stock
    1       0       1       0       0       2  
               
Total Level 3 assets — Indemnity
  $ 11     $ 0     $ 2     $ 0     $ 0     $ 13  
Exchange
                                               
Available-for-sale securities:
                                               
Fixed maturities:
                                               
U.S. corporate debt — non-financial
  $ 17     $ 0     $ 0     $ (7 )   $ (1 )   $ 9  
Asset backed securities — other
    5       0       0       0       0       5  
Collateralized debt obligations
    49       1       7       0       13       70  
               
Total fixed maturities
    71       1       7       (7 )     12       84  
Preferred stock:
                                               
U.S. nonredeemable — financial
    4       0       1       0       0       5  
               
Total preferred stock
    4       0       1       0       0       5  
Trading securities:
                                               
               
Common stock
    9       1       0       0       0       10  
               
Total Level 3 assets — Exchange
  $ 84     $ 2     $ 8     $ (7 )   $ 12     $ 99  
               
Total Level 3 assets — Erie Insurance Group
  $ 95     $ 2     $ 10     $ (7 )   $ 12     $ 112  
               
 
(1)   Includes losses as a result of other-than-temporary impairments and accrual of discount and amortization of premium. These amounts are reported in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. There were no unrealized gains or losses included in earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2010 on Level 3 securities.
 
(2)   Transfers in and out of Level 3 are attributable to changes in the availability of market observable information for individual securities within the respective categories. There were no significant transfers in and out of Level 3. Transfers in and out of levels are recognized at the end of the period.
There were no significant transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2010.

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The following table represents the fair value measurements on a recurring basis for our consolidated available-for-sale and trading securities by asset class and level of input at December 31. 2009:
                                 
    Erie Insurance Group  
            At December 31, 2009        
            Fair value measurements using:        
            Quoted prices              
            in active     Significant     Significant  
            markets for     Observable     Unobservable  
            identical assets     inputs     inputs  
(in millions)   Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
           
Indemnity
                               
Available-for-sale securities:
                               
Fixed maturities
  $ 664     $ 6     $ 648     $ 10  
Preferred stock
    38       9       28       1  
Trading securities — common stock
    42       42       0       0  
           
Total — Indemnity
  $ 744     $ 57     $ 676     $ 11  
Exchange
                               
Available-for-sale securities:
                               
Fixed maturities
  $ 6,517     $ 31     $ 6,415     $ 71  
Preferred stock
    472       157       311       4  
Trading securities — common stock
    1,835       1,826       0       9  
           
Total — Exchange
  $ 8,824     $ 2,014     $ 6,726     $ 84  
           
Total — Erie Insurance Group
  $ 9,568     $ 2,071     $ 7,402     $ 95  
           
Level 3 Assets — Year-to-Date Change:
                                                 
    Erie Insurance Group  
    Beginning                                     Ending  
    balance at             Included in other     Purchases,     Transfers in     balance at  
    December 31,     Included in     Comprehensive     sales and     and (out) of     December 31,  
(in millions)   2008     earnings (1)     income     adjustments     Level 3 (2)     2009  
               
Indemnity
                                               
Available-for-sale securities:
                                               
Fixed maturities
  $ 14     $ (1 )   $ 2     $ 1     $ (6 )   $ 10  
Preferred stock
    12       0       0       0       (11 )     1  
Trading securities — common stock
    0       0       0       0       0       0  
               
Total Level 3 assets — Indemnity
  $ 26     $ (1 )   $ 2     $ 1     $ (17 )   $ 11  
Exchange
                                               
Available-for-sale securities:
                                               
Fixed maturities
  $ 103     $ (7 )   $ 10     $ (9 )   $ (26 )   $ 71  
Preferred stock
    50       0       2       (5 )     (43 )     4  
Trading securities — common stock
    0       3       0       6       0       9  
               
Total Level 3 assets — Exchange
  $ 153     $ (4 )   $ 12     $ (8 )   $ (69 )   $ 84  
               
Total Level 3 assets — Erie Insurance Group
  $ 179     $ (5 )   $ 14     $ (7 )   $ (86 )   $ 95  
               
 
(1)   Includes losses as a result of other-than-temporary impairments and accrual of discount and amortization of premium. These amounts are reported in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. There were no unrealized gains or losses included in earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 on Level 3 securities.
 
(2)   Transfers in and out of Level 3 are attributable to changes in the availability of market observable information for individual securities within the respective categories. Transfers in and out of levels are recognized at the end of the period
Estimates of fair values for our investment portfolio are obtained primarily from a nationally recognized pricing service. Our Level 1 category includes those securities valued using an exchange traded price provided by the pricing service. The methodologies used by the pricing service that support a Level 2 classification of a financial instrument include multiple verifiable, observable inputs including benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. Pricing service valuations for Level 3 securities are based on proprietary models and are used when observable inputs are not available in illiquid markets. In limited circumstances we adjust the price received from the pricing service when in our judgment a better reflection of fair value is available based on corroborating information and our knowledge and

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monitoring of market conditions. At March 31, 2010, we adjusted some prices received by the pricing service to reflect an alternate fair market value based on observable market data such as a disparity in price of comparable securities and/or non-binding broker quotes.
The following table displays the number and values of these adjustments for the three months ended March 31:
                         
            Value of     Value of  
            securities     securities used in  
    Number of     using pricing     the financial  
(dollars in millions)   holdings     service     statements  
 
Indemnity
    9     $ 7     $ 7  
Exchange
    18       70       71  
               
Total — Erie Insurance Group
          $ 77     $ 78  
               
We perform continuous reviews of the prices obtained from the pricing service. This includes evaluating the methodology and inputs used by the pricing service to ensure we determine the proper level classification of the financial instrument. Price variances, including large periodic changes, are investigated and corroborated by market data. We have reviewed the pricing methodologies of our pricing service and believe that their prices adequately consider market activity in determining fair value.
In cases in which a price from the pricing service is not available, values are determined by obtaining non-binding broker quotes and/or market comparables. When available, we obtain multiple quotes for the same security. The ultimate value for these securities is determined based on our best estimate of fair value using corroborating market information. Our evaluation includes the consideration of benchmark yields, reported trades, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. For certain structured securities in an illiquid market, there may be no prices available from a pricing service and no comparable market quotes available. In these situations, we value the security using an internally-developed risk-adjusted discounted cash flow model.

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The following table sets forth the fair value of the consolidated fixed maturity and preferred stock securities by pricing source:
                                 
    Erie Insurance Group
    March 31, 2010  
(in millions)   Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
Indemnity
                               
Fixed maturity securities:
                               
Priced via pricing services
  $ 660     $ 3     $ 657     $ 0  
Priced via market comparables/non-binding broker quote(1)
    3       0       3       0  
Priced via internal modeling (2)
    11       0       0       11  
     
Total fixed maturity securities
    674       3       660       11  
     
Preferred stock securities:
                               
Priced via pricing services
    41       13       28       0  
Priced via market comparables/non-binding broker quote (1)
    5       0       5       0  
Priced via internal modeling (2)
    2       0       0       2  
     
Total preferred stock securities
    48       13       33       2  
     
Common stock securities:
                               
Priced via pricing services
    45       45       0       0  
Priced via market comparables/non-binding broker quote (1)
    0       0       0       0  
Priced via internal modeling (2)
    0       0       0       0  
     
Total common stock securities
    45       45       0       0  
     
Total available-for-sale/trading securities — Indemnity
  $ 767     $ 61     $ 693     $ 13  
     
Exchange
                               
Fixed maturity securities:
                               
Priced via pricing services
  $ 6,421     $ 17     $ 6,404     $ 0  
Priced via market comparables/non-binding broker quote (1)
    64       0       64       0  
Priced via internal modeling (2)
    84       0       0       84  
     
Total fixed maturity securities
    6,569       17       6,468       84  
     
Preferred stock securities:
                               
Priced via pricing services
    508       181       327       0  
Priced via market comparables/non-binding broker quote (1)
    23       0       23       0  
Priced via internal modeling (2)
    5       0       0       5  
     
Total preferred stock securities
    536       181       350       5  
     
Common stock securities:
                               
Priced via pricing services
    1,923       1,923       0       0  
Priced via market comparables/non-binding broker quote (1)
    0       0       0       0  
Priced via internal modeling (2)
    10       0       0       10  
     
Total common stock securities
    1,933       1,923       0       10  
     
Total available-for-sale/trading securities — Exchange
  $ 9,038     $ 2,121     $ 6,818     $ 99  
     
Total available-for-sale/trading securities — Erie Insurance Group
  $ 9,805     $ 2,182     $ 7,511     $ 112  
     
 
(1)   All broker quotes obtained for securities were non-binding. When a non-binding broker quote was the only price available, the security was classified as Level 3
 
(2)   Internal modeling using a discounted cash flow model was performed on 20 fixed maturities, 1 preferred equity and 3 common equity securities representing less than 1.1% of the total portfolio.
We have no assets that were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the three months ended March 31, 2010.

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Note 7. Investments
The following tables summarize the cost and fair value of our available-for-sale securities at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009:
                                 
    Erie Insurance Group
    March 31, 2010  
(in millions)   Amortized     Gross unrealized     Gross unrealized     Estimated  
Available-for-sale securities   cost     gains     losses     fair value  
Indemnity
                               
Fixed maturities
                               
U.S. treasuries and government agencies
  $ 3     $ 0     $ 0     $ 3  
U.S. government sponsored enterprises
    22       0       0       22  
Foreign government
    2       0       0       2  
Municipal securities
    239       8       0       247  
U.S. corporate debt — non-financial
    169       10       0       179  
U.S. corporate debt — financial
    132       6       1       137  
Foreign corporate debt — non-financial
    30       2       1       31  
Foreign corporate debt — financial
    17       2       1       18  
Structured securities:
                               
Asset-backed securities — auto loans
    4       0       0       4  
Collateralized debt obligations
    9       1       1       9  
Commercial mortgage-backed
    5       1       0       6  
Residential mortgage-backed:
                               
Government sponsored enterprises
    13       0       0       13  
Non-government sponsored enterprises
    3       0       0       3  
     
Total fixed maturities-Indemnity
  $ 648     $ 30     $ 4     $ 674  
     
Equity securities
                               
U.S. nonredeemable preferred securities:
                               
Financial
  $ 24     $ 4     $ 0     $ 28  
Non-financial
    13       1       0       14  
Foreign nonredeemable preferred securities:
                               
Financial
    4       1       0       5  
Non-financial
    1       0       0       1  
     
Total equity securities — Indemnity
  $ 42     $ 6     $ 0     $ 48  
     
Total available-for-sale securities — Indemnity
  $ 690     $ 36     $ 4     $ 722  
     
Exchange
                               
Fixed maturities
                               
U.S. treasuries and government agencies
  $ 5     $ 0     $ 0     $ 5  
U.S. government sponsored enterprises
    86       1       0       87  
Foreign government
    10       1       0       11  
Municipal securities
    1,371       52       2       1,421  
U.S. corporate debt — non-financial
    2,079       142       4       2,217  
U.S. corporate debt — financial
    1,459       104       14       1,549  
Foreign corporate debt — non-financial
    377       25       2       400  
Foreign corporate debt — financial
    348       14       2       360  
Structured securities:
                               
Asset-backed securities — auto loans
    48       3       0       51  
Asset-backed securities — other
    28       1       1       28  
Collateralized debt obligations
    86       6       9       83  
Commercial mortgage-backed
    149       5       2       152  
Residential mortgage-backed:
                               
Government sponsored enterprises
    166       6       0       172  
Non-government sponsored enterprises
    37       0       4       33  
     
Total fixed maturities — Exchange
  $ 6,249     $ 360     $ 40     $ 6,569  
     
Equity securities
                               
U.S. nonredeemable preferred securities:
                               
Financial
  $ 278     $ 61     $ 6     $ 333  
Non-financial
    132       7       2       137  
Government sponsored enterprises
    1       2       0       3  
Foreign nonredeemable preferred securities:
                               
Financial
    50       5       1       54  
Non-financial
    8       1       0       9  
     
Total equity securities — Exchange
  $ 469     $ 76     $ 9     $ 536  
     
Total available-for-sale securities — Exchange
  $ 6,718     $ 436     $ 49     $ 7,105  
     
Total available-for-sale securities — Erie Insurance Group
  $ 7,408     $ 472     $ 53     $ 7,827  
     
 
                               

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    Erie Insurance Group
    December 31, 2009
(in millions)   Amortized     Gross unrealized     Gross unrealized     Estimated  
Available-for-sale securities   cost     gains     losses     fair value  
Indemnity
                               
Fixed maturities
                               
U.S. treasuries and government agencies
  $ 3     $ 0     $ 0     $ 3  
U.S. government sponsored enterprises
    14       0       0       14  
Foreign government
    2       0       0       2  
Municipal securities
    235       9       0       244  
U.S. corporate debt — non-financial
    172       10       1       181  
U.S. corporate debt — financial
    135       7       4       138  
Foreign corporate debt — non-financial
    26       2       0       28  
Foreign corporate debt — financial
    19       2       1       20  
Structured securities:
                               
Asset-backed securities — auto loans
    4       0       0       4  
Collateralized debt obligations
    10       0       2       8  
Commercial mortgage-backed
    5       0       0       5  
Residential mortgage-backed:
                               
Government sponsored enterprises
    14       0       0       14  
Non-government sponsored enterprises
    3       0       0       3  
     
Total fixed maturities-Indemnity
  $ 642     $ 30     $ 8     $ 664  
     
Equity securities
                               
U.S. nonredeemable preferred securities:
                               
Financial
  $ 20     $ 3     $ 1     $ 22  
Non-financial
    9       1       0       10  
Foreign nonredeemable preferred securities:
                               
Financial
    5       0       0       5  
Non-financial
    1       0       0       1  
     
Total equity securities — Indemnity
  $ 35     $ 4     $ 1     $ 38  
     
Total available-for-sale securities — Indemnity
  $ 677     $ 34     $ 9     $ 702  
     
Exchange
                               
Fixed maturities
                               
U.S. treasuries and government agencies
  $ 5     $ 0     $ 0     $ 5  
U.S. government sponsored enterprises
    76       1       0       77  
Foreign government
    10       1       0       11  
Municipal securities
    1,389       55       3       1,441  
U.S. corporate debt — non-financial
    2,078       125       10       2,193  
U.S. corporate debt — financial
    1,498       82       28       1,552  
Foreign corporate debt — non-financial
    375       22       2       395  
Foreign corporate debt — financial
    292       11       4       299  
Structured securities:
                               
Asset-backed securities — auto loans
    48       3       0       51  
Asset-backed securities — credit cards
    5       0       0       5  
Asset-backed securities — other
    35       0       2       33  
Collateralized debt obligations
    88       5       16       77  
Commercial mortgage-backed
    127       5       5       127  
Residential mortgage-backed:
                               
Government sponsored enterprises
    192       6       0       198  
Non-government sponsored enterprises
    59       0       6       53  
     
Total fixed maturities — Exchange
  $ 6,277     $ 316     $ 76     $ 6,517  
     
Equity securities
                               
U.S. nonredeemable preferred securities:
                               
Financial
  $ 259     $ 53     $ 11     $ 301  
Non-financial
    111       4       2       113  
Government sponsored enterprises
    1       2       0       3  
Foreign nonredeemable preferred securities:
                               
Financial
    46       4       3       47  
Non-financial
    8       0       0       8  
     
Total equity securities — Exchange
  $ 425     $ 63     $ 16     $ 472  
     
Total available-for-sale securities — Exchange
  $ 6,702     $ 379     $ 92     $ 6,989  
     
Total available-for-sale securities — Erie Insurance Group
  $ 7,379     $ 413     $ 101     $ 7,691  
     

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The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturities at March 31, 2010, are shown below by remaining contractual term to maturity. Mortgage-backed securities are allocated based on their stated maturity dates. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
                 
    Erie Insurance Group  
    Amortized     Estimated  
(in millions)   cost     fair value  
Indemnity
               
Due in one year or less
  $ 29     $ 29  
Due after one year through five years
    258       272  
Due after five years through ten years
    260       271  
Due after ten years
    101       102  
 
           
Total fixed maturities — Indemnity
  $ 648     $ 674  
 
           
Exchange
               
Due in one year or less
  $ 308     $ 313  
Due after one year through five years
    2,278       2,422  
Due after five years through ten years
    2,442       2,568  
Due after ten years
    1,221       1,266  
 
           
Total fixed maturities — Exchange
  $ 6,249     $ 6,569  
 
           
Total fixed maturities — Erie Insurance Group
  $ 6,897     $ 7,243  
 
           
Fixed maturities and equity securities in a gross unrealized loss position at March 31, 2010 are as follows for Indemnity. Data is provided by length of time securities were in a gross unrealized loss position.
March 31, 2010
                                                         
    Erie Insurance Group  
    Less than 12 months     12 months or longer     Total  
    Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     No. of  
(dollars in millions)   value     losses     value     losses     Value     losses     holdings  
Indemnity
                                                       
Fixed maturities:
                                                       
U.S government sponsored enterprises
  $ 11     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 11     $ 0       3  
Municipal securities
    26       0       5       0       31       0       17  
U.S. corporate debt — non-financial
    13       0       3       0       16       0       8  
U.S. corporate debt — financial
    21       0       24       1       45       1       26  
Foreign corporate debt — non-financial
    4       0       3       1       7       1       4  
Foreign corporate debt — financial
    0       0       2       1       2       1       3  
Structured securities:
                                                       
Collateralized debt obligations
    0       0       4       1       4       1       6  
Commercial mortgage-backed
    1       0       1       0       2       0       2  
Residential mortgage-backed:
                                                       
Government sponsored enterprises
    3       0       0       0       3       0       1  
Non-government sponsored enterprises
    0       0       3       0       3       0       2  
             
Total fixed maturities — Indemnity
  $ 79     $ 0     $ 45     $ 4     $ 124     $ 4       72  
             
Equity securities:
                                                       
U.S. nonredeemable preferred securities:
                                                       
Financial
  $ 1     $ 0     $ 6     $ 0     $ 7     $ 0       6  
Non-financial
    4       0       2       0       6       0       3  
Foreign nonredeemable preferred securities:
                                                       
Financial
    0       0       1       0       1       0       1  
             
Total equity securities — Indemnity
  $ 5     $ 0     $ 9     $ 0     $ 14     $ 0       10  
             
Quality breakdown of fixed maturities at March 31, 2010
                                                         
    Less than 12 months     12 months or longer     Total  
    Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     No. of  
(dollars in millions)   value     losses     value     losses     value     losses     holdings  
Indemnity                                          
Investment grade
  $ 76     $ 0     $ 39     $ 3     $ 115     $ 3       62  
Non-investment grade
    3       0       6       1       9       1       10  
 
                                         
Total fixed maturities — Indemnity
  $ 79     $ 0     $ 45     $ 4     $ 124     $ 4       72  
 
                                         

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Fixed maturities and equity securities in a gross unrealized loss position at March 31, 2010 are as follows for the Exchange. Data is provided by length of time securities were in a gross unrealized loss position.
March 31, 2010
                                                         
    Erie Insurance Group  
    Less than 12 months     12 months or longer     Total  
    Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     No. of  
(dollars in millions)   value     losses     value     losses     value     losses     holdings  
Exchange
                                                       
Fixed maturities:
                                                       
U.S. government sponsored enterprises
  $ 17     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 17     $ 0       3  
Municipal securities
    100       1       41       1       141       2       24  
U.S. corporate debt — non-financial
    92       1       84       3       176       4       36  
U.S. corporate debt — financial
    73       2       166       12       239       14       56  
Foreign corporate debt — non-financial
    34       0       24       2       58       2       11  
Foreign corporate debt — financial
    42       0       55       2       97       2       16  
Structured securities:
                                                       
Asset backed — other
    0       0       9       1       9       1       2  
Collateralized debt obligations
    0       0       34       9       34       9       9  
Commercial mortgage-backed
    16       0       36       2       52       2       7  
Residential mortgage-backed:
                                                       
Government sponsored enterprises
    9       0       0       0       9       0       1  
Non-government sponsored enterprises
    0       0       33       4       33       4       6  
             
Total fixed maturities — Exchange
  $ 383     $ 4     $ 482     $ 36     $ 865     $ 40       171  
             
Equity securities:
                                                       
U.S. nonredeemable preferred securities:
                                                       
Financial
  $ 7     $ 0     $ 62     $ 6     $ 69     $ 6       13  
Non-financial
    24       0       36       2       60       2       9  
Foreign nonredeemable preferred securities:
                                                       
Financial
    3       0       20       1       23       1       5  
             
Total equity securities — Exchange
  $ 34     $ 0     $ 118     $ 9     $ 152     $ 9       27  
             
Quality breakdown of fixed maturities at March 31, 2010
                                                         
    Less than 12 months     12 months or longer     Total  
    Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     No. of  
(dollars in millions)   value     losses     value     losses     value     losses     holdings  
Exchange                                          
Investment grade
  $ 375     $ 4     $ 344     $ 24     $ 719     $ 28       132  
Non-investment grade
    8       0       138       12       146       12       39  
 
                                         
Total fixed maturities — Exchange
  $ 383     $ 4     $ 482     $ 36     $ 865     $ 40       171  
 
                                         
The above securities for Indemnity and the Exchange have been evaluated and determined to be temporary impairments for which we expect to recover our entire principal plus interest. The primary components of this analysis are a general review of market conditions and financial performance of the issuer along with the extent and duration of which fair value is less than cost. A large portion of the unrealized losses greater than 12 months are related to U.S. financial sector securities. The continued unrealized loss positions in these securities are reflective of wide credit spreads and increased liquidity discounts since purchase. Any debt securities that we intend to sell or will more likely than not be required to sell before recovery are included in other-than-temporary impairments with the impairment charges recognized in earnings.

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Fixed maturities and equity securities in a gross unrealized loss position at December 31, 2009 are as follows for Indemnity. Data is provided by length of time securities were in a gross unrealized loss position.
December 31, 2009
                                                         
    Erie Insurance Group  
    Less than 12 months     12 months or longer     Total  
    Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     No. of  
(dollars in millions)   value     losses     value     losses     Value     losses     holdings  
Indemnity
                                                       
Fixed maturities:
                                                       
U.S. government sponsored enterprises
  $ 8     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 8     $ 0     $ 2  
Municipal securities
    18       0       5       0       23       0       12  
U.S. corporate debt — non-financial
    19       0       8       1       27       1       16  
U.S. corporate debt — financial
    16       1       40       3       56       4       42  
Foreign corporate debt — non-financial
    0       0       4       0       4       0       3  
Foreign corporate debt — financial
    2       0       3       1       5       1       4  
Structured securities:
                                                       
Collateralized debt obligations
    0       0       3       2       3       2       6  
Commercial mortgage-backed
    0       0       1       0       1       0       1  
Residential mortgage-backed:
                                                       
Government sponsored enterprises
    6       0       0       0       6       0       2  
Non-government sponsored enterprises
    0       0       3       0       3       0       2  
             
Total fixed maturities — Indemnity
  $ 69     $ 1     $ 67     $ 7     $ 136     $ 8       90  
             
Equity securities:
                                                       
U.S. nonredeemable preferred securities:
                                                       
Financial
  $ 5     $ 0     $ 5     $ 1     $ 10     $ 1       8  
Non-financial
    3       0       4       0       7       0       3  
Foreign nonredeemable preferred securities:
                                                       
Financial
    0       0       1       0       1       0       1  
             
Total equity securities — Indemnity
  $ 8     $ 0     $ 10     $ 1     $ 18     $ 1       12  
             
Quality breakdown of fixed maturities at December 31, 2009
                                                         
    Less than 12 months     12 months or longer     Total  
    Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     No. of  
(dollars in millions)   value     losses     value     losses     value     losses     holdings  
Indemnity                                          
Investment grade
  $ 69     $ 1     $ 49     $ 4     $ 118     $ 5       71  
Non-investment grade
    0       0       18       3       18       3       19  
 
                                         
Total fixed maturities — Indemnity
  $ 69     $ 1     $ 67     $ 7     $ 136     $ 8       90  
 
                                         

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Fixed maturities and equity securities in a gross unrealized loss position at December 31, 2009 are as follows for the Exchange. Data is provided by length of time securities were in a gross unrealized loss position.
December 31, 2009
                                                         
    Erie Insurance Group  
    Less than 12 months     12 months or longer     Total  
    Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     No. of  
(dollars in millions)   value     losses     value     losses     value     losses     holdings  
Exchange
                                                       
Fixed maturities:
                                                       
U.S. government sponsored enterprises
  $ 50     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 50     $ 0       6  
Municipal securities
    105       2       26       1       131       3       24  
U.S. corporate debt — non-financial
    128       3       129       7       257       10       56  
U.S. corporate debt — financial
    159       2       318       26       477       28       98  
Foreign corporate debt — non-financial
    12       0       36       2       48       2       9  
Foreign corporate debt — financial
    17       0       68       4       85       4       17  
Structured securities:
                                                       
Asset backed — credit cards
    0       0       5       0       5       0       1  
Asset backed — other
    0       0       18       2       18       2       3  
Collateralized debt obligations
    8       1       28       15       36       16       15  
Commercial mortgage-backed
    1       0       34       5       35       5       6  
Residential mortgage-backed:
                                                       
Government sponsored enterprises
    28       0       0       0       28       0       4  
Non-government sponsored enterprises
    0       0       45       6       45       6       9  
             
Total fixed maturities — Exchange
  $ 508     $ 8     $ 707     $ 68     $ 1,215     $ 76       248  
             
Equity securities:
                                                       
U.S. nonredeemable preferred securities:
                                                       
Financial
  $ 36     $ 2     $ 72     $ 9     $ 108     $ 11       20  
Non-financial
    14       0       43       2       57       2       10  
Foreign nonredeemable preferred securities:
                                                       
Financial
    0       0       18       3       18       3       4  
             
Total equity securities — Exchange
  $ 50     $ 2     $ 133     $ 14     $ 183     $ 16       34  
             
Quality breakdown of fixed maturities at December 31, 2009
                                                         
    Less than 12 months     12 months or longer     Total  
    Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     No. of  
(dollars in millions)   value     losses     value     losses     value     losses     holdings  
Exchange                                          
Investment grade
  $ 494     $ 8     $ 522     $ 50     $ 1,016     $ 58       191  
Non-investment grade
    14       0       185       18       199       18       57  
 
                                         
Total fixed maturities — Exchange
  $ 508     $ 8     $ 707     $ 68     $ 1,215     $ 76       248  
 
                                         

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Investment income, net of expenses, was generated from the following portfolios as follows for the three months ended March 31:
                 
    Erie Insurance Group  
(in millions)   2010     2009  
Indemnity
               
Fixed maturities
  $ 8     $ 10  
Equity securities
    1       2  
Cash equivalents and other
    0       1  
     
Total investment income
    9       13  
Less: investment expenses
    0       0  
     
Investment income, net of expenses — Indemnity
  $ 9     $ 13  
     
Exchange
               
Fixed maturities
  $ 86     $ 91  
Equity securities
    16       17  
Cash equivalents and other
    0       3  
     
Total investment income
    102       111  
Less: investment expenses
    7       7  
     
Investment income, net of expenses — Exchange
  $ 95     $ 104  
     
Total consolidated investment income, net of expenses — Erie Insurance Group
  $ 104     $ 117  
     
Dividend income is recognized as earned and recorded to net investment income.
Realized gains (losses) on investments were as follows:
                 
    Erie Insurance Group  
    Three months ended March 31,  
(in millions)   2010     2009  
Indemnity
               
Available-for-sale securities:
               
Fixed maturities
               
Gross realized gains
  $ 2     $ 0  
Gross realized gains (losses)
    0       (2 )
     
Net realized gains (losses)
    2       (2 )
     
Equity securities
               
Gross realized gains
    0       3  
Gross realized gains (losses)
    0       (1 )
     
Net realized gains
    0       2  
     
Trading securities:
               
Common stock
               
Gross realized gains
    1       0  
Gross realized gains (losses)
    0       (2 )
Valuation adjustments
    2       (2 )
     
Net realized gains (losses)
    3       (4 )
     
Net realized gains (losses) on investments — Indemnity
  $ 5     $ (4 )
     

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    Erie Insurance Group (Continued)  
    Three months ended March 31,  
(in millions)   2010     2009  
Exchange
               
Available-for-sale securities:
               
Fixed maturities
               
Gross realized gains
  $ 21     $ 3  
Gross realized losses
    (9 )     (15 )
     
Net realized gains (losses)
    12       (12 )
     
Equity securities
               
Gross realized gains
    4       7  
Gross realized gains (losses)
    0       (4 )
     
Net realized gains
    4       3  
     
Trading securities:
               
Common stock
               
Gross realized gains
    45       15  
Gross realized losses
    (12 )     (95 )
Valuation adjustments
    71       (62 )
     
Net realized gains (losses)
    104       (142 )
     
Net realized gains (losses) on investments — Exchange
  $ 120     $ (151 )
     
Net realized gains (losses) on investments — Erie Insurance Group
  $ 125     $ (155 )
     
The components of other-than-temporary impairments on investments are included below.
                 
    Erie Insurance Group  
    Three months ended March 31,  
(in millions)   2010     2009  
Indemnity
               
Fixed maturities
  $ 0     $ (3 )
Equity securities
    0       (2 )
     
Total
    0       (5 )
Portion recognized in other comprehensive income
    0       0  
     
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings — Indemnity
  $ 0     $ (5 )
     
Exchange
               
Fixed maturities
  $ (2 )   $ (26 )
Equity securities
    0       (40 )
     
Total
    (2 )     (66 )
Portion recognized in other comprehensive income
    0       0  
     
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings — Exchange
  $ (2 )   $ (66 )
     
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings — Erie Insurance Group
  $ (2 )   $ (71 )
     
In considering if fixed maturity securities were credit impaired some of the factors considered include: potential for the default of interest and/or principal, level of subordination, collateral of the issue, compliance with financial covenants, credit ratings and industry conditions. We have the intent to sell all credit-impaired fixed maturity securities, therefore the entire amount of the impairment charges were included in earnings and no non-credit impairments were recognized in other comprehensive income. Prior to the second quarter of 2009 when new impairment guidance was issued for debt securities, the impairment policy for fixed maturities was consistent with that of equity securities.

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Limited partnerships

Our limited partnership investments are recorded using the equity method of accounting as we do not exercise significant influence over any of these partnerships. As these investments are generally reported on a one-quarter lag, our limited partnership results through March 31, 2010 are comprised of general partnership financial results for the fourth quarter of 2009. Given the lag in reporting, our limited partnership results do not reflect the market conditions of the first quarter of 2010. Private equity and mezzanine debt sectors appear to be stabilizing; however, there may be additional deterioration in the real estate sector. Such declines could be significant. Cash contributions made to and distributions received from the partnerships are recorded in the period in which the transaction occurs.
We have provided summarized financial information in the following table for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009. Amounts provided in the table are presented using the latest available financial statements received from the partnerships. Limited partnership financial information has been presented based on the investment percentage in the partnerships for the Erie Insurance Group consistent with how management evaluates the investments.

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As these investments are generally reported on a one-quarter lag, our limited partnership results through March 31, 2010 include the general partnership results for the fourth quarter of 2009.
                                 
    As of and for the three months ended March 31, 2010
                    Income (loss)    
                    recognized    
(dollars in millions)                    due to valuation    
Investment percentage in partnership   Number of           adjustments   Income (loss)
for Erie Insurance Group   partnerships   Asset recorded   by the partnerships   recorded
 
Indemnity
                               
Private equity:
                               
Less than 10%
    26     $ 82     $ 4     $ 1  
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
    3       7       0       0  
Greater than 50%
    1       3       0       0  
     
Total private equity
    30       92       4       1  
Mezzanine debt:
                               
Less than 10%
    12       31       1       0  
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
    3       17       1       (1 )
Greater than 50%
    1       2       0       0  
     
Total mezzanine debt
    16       50       2       (1 )
Real estate:
                               
Less than 10%
    19       70       (1 )     (2 )
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
    5       14       (2 )     (1 )
Greater than 50%
    4       9       0       0  
     
Total real estate
    28       93       (3 )     (3 )
     
Total limited partnerships-Indemnity
    74     $ 235     $ 3     $ (3 )
     
 
                               
Exchange
                               
Private equity:
                               
Less than 10%
    41     $ 494     $ 21     $ (1 )
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
    3       29       2       0  
Greater than 50%
    1       6       0       0  
     
Total private equity
    45       529       23       (1 )
Mezzanine debt:
                               
Less than 10%
    14       142       4       0  
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
    4       47       (1 )     (1 )
Greater than 50%
    3       30       0       1  
     
Total mezzanine debt
    21       219       3       0  
Real estate:
                               
Less than 10%
    32       286       (7 )     (8 )
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
    7       53       (3 )     (2 )
Greater than 50%
    4       32       (1 )     (1 )
     
Total real estate
    43       371       (11 )     (11 )
     
Total limited partnerships-Exchange
    109     $ 1,119     $ 15     $ (12 )
     
Total limited partnerships-Erie Insurance Group
          $ 1,354     $ 18     $ (15 )
             
Per the limited partner financial statements, total partnership assets were $55 billion and total partnership liabilities were $11 billion at March 31, 2010 (as recorded in the December 31, 2009 limited partnership financial statements). For the three month period comparable to that presented in the preceding table (fourth quarter of 2009), total partnership valuation adjustment gains were $1 billion and total partnership net income was $3 million.

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As these investments are generally reported on a one-quarter lag, our limited partnership results through December 31, 2009 include the general partnership financial results for the fourth quarter of 2008 and the first three quarters of 2009.
                                 
    As of and for the year ended December 31, 2009
                    (Loss) income    
                    recognized    
(dollars in millions)                    due to valuation    
Investment percentage in partnership   Number of           adjustments   (Loss) income
for Erie Insurance Group   partnerships   Asset recorded   by the partnerships   recorded
 
Indemnity
                               
Private equity:
                               
Less than 10%
    26     $ 76     $ (11 )   $ (1 )
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
    3       6       0       0  
Greater than 50%
    1       3       0       0  
     
Total private equity
    30       85       (11 )     (1 )
Mezzanine debt:
                               
Less than 10%
    12       30       (4 )     (1 )
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
    3       18       (2 )     2  
Greater than 50%
    1       3       (1 )     0  
     
Total mezzanine debt
    16       51       (7 )     1  
Real estate:
                               
Less than 10%
    19       65       (31 )     1  
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
    5       17       (6 )     1  
Greater than 50%
    4       17       (21 )     (2 )
     
Total real estate
    28       99       (58 )     0  
     
Total limited partnerships-Indemnity
    74     $ 235     $ (76 )   $ 0  
     
 
                               
Exchange
                               
Private equity:
                               
Less than 10%
    41     $ 466     $ (46 )   $ 14  
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
    3       31       1       (1 )
Greater than 50%
    1       6       (1 )     (1 )
     
Total private equity
    45       503       (46 )     12  
Mezzanine debt:
                               
Less than 10%
    14       138       (11 )     4  
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
    4       48       (4 )     9  
Greater than 50%
    3       30       (2 )     2  
     
Total mezzanine debt
    21       216       (17 )     15  
Real estate:
                               
Less than 10%
    32       302       (164 )     (8 )
Greater than or equal to 10% but less than 50%
    7       61       (40 )     (1 )
Greater than 50%
    4       34       (48 )     4  
     
Total real estate
    43       397       (252 )     (5 )
     
Total limited partnerships-Exchange
    109     $ 1,116     $ (315 )   $ 22  
     
Total limited partnerships-Erie Insurance Group
          $ 1,351     $ (391 )   $ 22  
             
Per the limited partner financial statements, total partnership assets were $53 billion and total partnership liabilities were $11 billion at December 31, 2009 (as recorded in the September 30, 2009 limited partnership financial statements). For the twelve month period comparable to that presented in the preceding table (fourth quarter of 2008 and first three quarters of 2009), total partnership valuation adjustment losses were $8 billion and total partnership net losses were $1 billion.
See also Note 18 for investment commitments related to limited partnerships.

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Note 8. Bank Line of Credit
As of March 31, 2010, Indemnity has available a $100 million line of credit with a bank that expires on December 31, 2011. There were no borrowings outstanding on the line of credit as of March 31, 2010. Bonds with a fair value of $131 million are pledged as collateral on the line at March 31, 2010.
As of March 31, 2010, the Exchange has available a $200 million revolving line of credit that expires on September 30, 2012. There were no borrowings outstanding on the line of credit as of March 31, 2010. Bonds with a fair value of $259 million are pledged as collateral on the lines at March 31, 2010.
Securities pledged as collateral on both lines have no restrictions and are reported as available-for-sale fixed maturities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of March 31, 2010. The banks require compliance with certain covenants which include statutory surplus and risk based capital ratios for the Exchange line of credit and minimum net worth and leverage ratios for Indemnity’s line of credit. We are in compliance with all covenants at March 31, 2010.
Note 9. Income Taxes
The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following for the three months ended March 31:
                 
    Erie Insurance Group
(in millions)   2010   2009
     
Indemnity
               
Current income taxes
  $ 15     $ 13  
Deferred income taxes
    6       (10 )
       
Total provision for income taxes – Indemnity
    21       3  
       
 
               
Exchange
               
Current income taxes
    18       (50 )
Deferred income taxes
    27       (42 )
       
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes – Exchange
    45       (92 )
       
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes – Erie Insurance Group
  $ 66     $ (89 )
       
The fluctuation in provision for current income taxes – Exchange was driven by lower investment income in 2009. The deferred income tax benefit in 2009 was primarily driven by impairments and unrealized losses on common stock.

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A reconciliation of the provision (benefit) for income taxes with amounts determined by applying the statutory federal income tax rates to pre-tax income is as follows for the three months ended March 31:
                 
    Erie Insurance Group
(in millions)   2010   2009
     
Indemnity
               
Income tax at statutory rates
  $ 23     $ 6  
Tax-exempt interest
    (1 )     (1 )
Deferred tax valuation allowance
    (2 )     (1 )
Other, net
    1       (1 )
       
Provision for income taxes – Indemnity
    21       3  
       
 
               
Exchange
               
Income tax at statutory rates
    57       (124 )
Tax-exempt interest
    (4 )     (4 )
Dividends received deduction
    (2 )     (3 )
Deferred tax valuation allowance
    (4 )     42  
Other, net
    (2 )     (3 )
       
Provision (benefit) for income taxes – Exchange
    45       (92 )
       
 
               
Provision (benefit) for income taxes – Erie Insurance Group
  $ 66     $ (89 )
       
Temporary differences and carry-forwards, which give rise to consolidated deferred tax assets and liabilities, are as follows:
                 
    Erie Insurance Group
    March 31,   December 31,
(in millions)   2010   2009
     
Indemnity
               
Deferred tax assets:
               
Loss reserve discount
  $ 5     $ 5  
Unearned premiums
    7       7  
Net allowance for service fees and premium cancellations
    3       3  
Other employee benefits
    7       6  
Pension and other postretirement benefits
    19       19  
Write-downs of impaired securities
    9       10  
Capital loss carryover
    4       4  
Limited partnerships
    16       18  
Other
    2       3  
       
Total deferred tax assets
    72       75  
       
 
               
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Deferred policy acquisition costs
    6       6  
Unrealized gains on investments
    14       12  
Equity interest in EFL
    4       4  
Depreciation
    1       1  
Prepaid expenses
    5       4  
Capitalized internally developed software
    5       3  
Other
    4       2  
       
Total deferred tax liabilities
    39       32  
       
Valuation allowance
    0       (2 )
       
Net deferred income tax asset – Indemnity
  $ 33     $ 41  
       

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    Erie Insurance Group (Continued)
    At March 31,   At December 31,
(in millions)   2010   2009
     
Exchange
               
Deferred tax assets:
               
Loss reserve discount
  $ 82     $ 80  
Liability for future life and annuity policy benefits
    13       12  
Unearned premiums
    139       140  
Limited partnerships
    105       102  
Write-downs of impaired securities
    73       114  
Wash sales
    11       11  
Capital loss carryover
    8       10  
Other
    13       4  
     
Total deferred tax assets
    444       473  
       
 
               
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Deferred policy acquisition costs
    151       148  
Unrealized gains on investments
    257       232  
Net allowance for service fees and premium cancellations
    3       3  
Other
    11       11  
       
Total deferred tax liabilities
    422       394  
       
Valuation allowance
    0       (4 )
       
Net deferred income tax asset – Exchange
  $ 22     $ 75  
       
Net deferred income tax asset – Erie Insurance Group
  $ 55     $ 116  
       
Indemnity had no deferred tax asset valuation allowances at March 31, 2010. At December 31, 2009, Indemnity had a deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $2 million related to impairments on investments where it is more likely than not that the related deferred tax asset will not be realized.
The Exchange had no valuation allowance recorded at March 31, 2010. The Exchange had a deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $4 million recorded at December 31, 2009 related to impairments on investments where it is more likely than not that the related deferred tax asset will not be realized.
We have one uncertain income tax position for which a current liability was recorded. As a related temporary tax difference was also recognized, there was no impact on our operations or financial position. We recognize interest related to our remaining uncertain tax position in income tax expense. Accrued estimated interest on our unrecognized tax benefit was $0.3 million at both March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009. The IRS has examined tax filings through 2005 and is currently examining our federal income tax returns for 2006 and 2007. We do not currently estimate that our unrecognized tax benefits will change significantly in the next 12 months.
Indemnity is the attorney-in-fact for the Exchange, a reciprocal insurance company. In that capacity Indemnity provides the Exchange with all services and facilities necessary for it to conduct its insurance business. Consequently, Indemnity is not subject to state corporate income or franchise taxes in most jurisdictions in which it does business because the one insurance business that Indemnity conducts with the Exchange pays taxes based on gross premiums in lieu of taxes based on income or capital.

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Note 10. Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
The following table summarizes the components of the Property and Casualty Group’s and EFL’s deferred policy acquisition costs asset:
                         
    Erie Insurance Group
    At and for the three   At and for the
    months ended   year ended
    March 31,   March 31,   December 31,
(in millions)   2010   2009   2009
     
Property and Casualty Group
                       
Deferred policy acquisition costs asset at beginning of period
  $ 313     $ 301     $ 301  
Capitalized deferred policy acquisition costs
    153       147       623  
Amortized deferred policy acquisition costs
    (155 )     (151 )     (611 )
     
Deferred policy acquisition costs asset at end of period – Property and Casualty Group
  $ 311     $ 297     $ 313  
     
Erie Family Life Insurance Company
                       
Deferred policy acquisition costs asset at beginning of period
  $ 154     $ 201     $ 201  
Capitalized deferred policy acquisition costs
    5       4       19  
Amortized deferred policy acquisition costs
    (5 )     (2 )     (13 )
Amortized shadow deferred policy acquisition costs
    (9 )     3       (53 )
     
Deferred policy acquisition costs asset at end of period – EFL
  $ 145     $ 206     $ 154  
     
 
                       
Deferred policy acquisition costs asset – Erie Insurance Group
  $ 456     $ 503     $ 467  
     
Note 11. Property and Casualty Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses
The following table provides a reconciliation of property and casualty beginning and ending loss and loss expense liability balances:
                         
    Erie Insurance Group
    At and for the three   At and for the
    months ended   year ended
    March 31,   March 31,   December 31,
(in millions)   2010   2009   2009
     
Total gross unpaid losses and loss expenses at January 1,
  $ 3,598     $ 3,586     $ 3,586  
Less reinsurance recoverable
    200       187       187  
     
Net liability at January 1,
    3,398       3,399       3,399  
     
 
                       
Incurred losses and loss expenses related to:
                       
Current accident year
    787       742       2,732  
Prior accident years
    (50 )     39       (93 )
     
Total incurred losses and loss expenses
    737       781       2,639  
     
 
                       
Paid losses and loss expenses related to:
                       
Current accident year
    351       317       1,608  
Prior accident years
    375       386       1,032  
     
Total paid losses and loss expenses
    726       703       2,640  
     
 
                       
Total net liability at end of period
    3,409       3,477       3,398  
Plus reinsurance recoverables
    202       182       200  
     
 
                       
Total gross unpaid losses and loss expenses
  $ 3,611     $ 3,659     $ 3,598  
     

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As discussed in Note 14, the members of the Property and Casualty Group participate in an intercompany reinsurance pooling arrangement, under which the Exchange retains 94.5% of the property and casualty insurance business and Indemnity’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries retain 5.5%. The following table reconciles the loss and loss expense reserve balances on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, which is exclusive of intercompany transactions, to the ultimate liability of the Exchange and Indemnity when factoring in intercompany pooling transactions and reinsurance recoverables.
                                 
    Erie Insurance Group
            Intercompany        
    Gross liability at   pooling   Reinsurance   Net liability at
(in millions)    March 31, 2010   eliminations   recoverables   March 31, 2010
     
At March 31, 2010:                
Indemnity losses and loss expense reserves
  $ 744     $ (546 )   $ (11 )   $ 187  
Exchange losses and loss expense reserves
    2,867       546       (191 )     3,222  
     
Losses and loss expense reserves
  $ 3,611     $     $ (202 )   $ 3,409  
     
                                 
    Erie Insurance Group
            Intercompany        
    Gross liability at   pooling   Reinsurance   Net liability at
(in millions)    December 31, 2009   eliminations   recoverables   December 31, 2009
     
At December 31, 2009:                
Indemnity losses and loss expense reserves
  $ 752     $ (554 )   $ (11 )   $ 187  
Exchange losses and loss expense reserves
    2,846       554       (189 )     3,211  
     
Losses and loss expense reserves
  $ 3,598     $     $ (200 )   $ 3,398  
     
Loss reserves are set at full expected cost, except for workers compensation loss reserves, which have been discounted using an interest rate of 2.5% for all periods presented. This discounting reduced unpaid losses and loss expenses by $129 million at March 31, 2010 and $136 million at December 31, 2009. The reserves for losses and loss expenses are reported net of receivables for salvage and subrogation of $135 million at March 31, 2010 and $133 million at December 31, 2009.
The favorable development in the first quarter of 2010 on prior accident year reserves was primarily in the personal auto and commercial multi-peril lines of business. Personal auto favorable development resulted primarily from improved frequency trends on automobile bodily injury and uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury. Commercial multi-peril favorable development resulted from improved severity trends. The adverse development in the first guarter of 2009 was primarily the result of one large workers compensation claim combined with increasing loss cost trends on automobile bodily injury and commercial liability claims.
Note 12. Life Policy and Deposit Contract Reserves
                 
    Erie Insurance Group
    March 31,   December 31,
(in millions)   2010   2009
     
Deferred annuities
  $ 1,092     $ 1,076  
Ordinary/traditional life
    235       229  
Universal life
    213       211  
Other
    19       24  
     
Life policy and deposit contract reserves
  $ 1,559     $ 1,540  
     
The reinsurance credit related to these reserves was $85 million at March 31, 2010, and $82 million at December 31, 2009, respectively, and are presented in other assets in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

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Note 13. Unearned premiums
Unearned premiums are reflected net of intercompany eliminations on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Unearned premiums after the intercompany pooling transactions are presented below.
                         
          Erie Insurance Group
            Intercompany   Net unearned
    Balance at March   pooling   premiums at March
(in millions)    31, 2010   transactions   31, 2010
     
At March 31, 2010:            
Indemnity unearned premiums
  $ 325     $ (216 )   $ 109  
Exchange unearned premiums
    1,660       216       1,876  
     
Unearned premium
  $ 1,985     $     $ 1,985  
     
                         
            Intercompany   Net unearned
    Balance at December   pooling   premiums at
    31, 2009   transactions   December 31, 2009
     
At December 31, 2009:            
Indemnity unearned premiums
  $ 325     $ (216 )   $ 109  
Exchange unearned premiums
    1,656       216       1,872  
     
Unearned premium
  $ 1,981     $     $ 1,981  
     
Note 14. Reinsurance
Members of the Property and Casualty Group participate in an intercompany reinsurance pooling agreement. Under the pooling agreement, all insurance business of the Property and Casualty Group is pooled in the Exchange. The Erie Insurance Company and Erie Insurance Company of New York share in the underwriting results of the reinsurance pool through retrocession. Since 1995, the Board of Directors has set the allocation of the pooled underwriting results at 5.0% participation for Erie Insurance Company, 0.5% participation for Erie Insurance Company of New York and 94.5% participation for the Exchange. Intercompany accounts are settled by payment within 30 days after the end of each quarterly accounting period. The purpose of the pooling agreement is to spread the risks of the members of the Property and Casualty Group collectively across the different lines of business they underwrite and geographic regions in which each operates. This agreement may be terminated by any party as of the end of any calendar year by providing not less than 90 days advance written notice.
Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Property and Casualty Group or EFL from their primary obligations to policyholders. A contingent liability exists with respect to reinsurance recoverables in the event reinsurers are unable to meet their obligations under the reinsurance agreements.
The Property and Casualty Group maintains a property catastrophe treaty with nonaffiliated reinsurers to mitigate future potential catastrophe loss exposure. During 2009, this reinsurance treaty provided coverage of up to 95% of a loss of $400 million in excess of the Property and Casualty Group’s loss retention of $450 million per occurrence. This treaty was renewed for 2010, providing coverage of up to 95% of a loss of $500 million in excess of the Property and Casualty Group’s loss retention of $400 million per occurrence. There have been no losses subject to this treaty.
EFL maintains several reinsurance treaties with nonaffiliated life reinsurance companies in order to reduce claims volatility. EFL had direct life insurance in force totaling $39 billion at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009. Of the amount, EFL ceded $21 billion of life insurance in force at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009. At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the largest amount of in-force life insurance ceded to one reinsurer totaled $10 billion.

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The following tables summarize the direct insurance and reinsurance for the property and casualty and life insurance activities, respectively, for the three months ended March 31.
                 
    Erie Insurance Group  
(in millions)   2010     2009  
     
Property and casualty insurance                
Premiums earned:
               
Direct
  $ 964     $ 944  
Assumed
    7       9  
Ceded
    (9 )     (12 )
     
Premiums earned, net
    962       941  
     
Insurance losses and loss expenses:
               
Direct
    735       769  
Assumed
    7       9  
Ceded
    (5 )     3  
     
Insurance losses and loss expenses, net
  $ 737     $ 781  
     
                 
    Erie Insurance Group  
(in millions)   2010     2009  
     
Life insurance                
Premiums earned:
               
Direct
  $ 25     $ 24  
Ceded
    (9)       (8)  
     
Premiums earned, net
    16       16  
     
Insurance losses and loss expenses:
               
Direct
    28       34  
Ceded
    (4)     (12)  
     
Insurance losses and loss expenses, net
  $ 24     $ 22  
     
                 
    Erie Insurance Group  
(in millions)   2010     2009  
     
Total                
Premiums earned:
               
Property and casualty
  $ 962     $ 941  
Life
    16       16  
     
Premiums earned, net
    978       957  
     
Insurance losses and loss expenses:
               
Property and casualty
    737       781  
Life
    24       22  
     
Insurance losses and loss expenses, net
  $ 761     $ 803  
     
Note 15. Postretirement Benefits
The liabilities for the plans described in this note are presented in total for all employees of the Erie Insurance Group. The gross liability for the pension plans is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as employee benefit obligations. A portion of annual expenses related to the pension plans is allocated to related entities within the Erie Insurance Group.

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We offer a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan that covers substantially all employees. This is the largest benefit plan we offer. We also offer an unfunded supplemental retirement plan (SERP) for certain members of executive and senior management of the Erie Insurance Group. The components of net periodic benefit cost for our pension benefits are:
                 
    Three months ended  
        March 31,    
(in millions)   2010     2009  
Service cost
  $ 4     $ 4  
Interest cost
    5       5  
Expected return on plan assets
    (6 )     (6 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    0       0  
Amortization of actuarial loss
    1       1  
 
           
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 4     $ 4  
 
           
Net periodic benefit cost of the pension plan decreased due to a change in discount rate from 6.06% for 2009 to 6.11% in 2010. Also, changes to the SERP plan reduced the SERP related benefit costs.
Note 16. Capital Stock
Class A and B shares
Holders of Class B shares may, at their option, convert their shares into Class A shares at the rate of 2,400 Class A shares for each Class B share. In 2009, five shares of Class B voting common stock were converted into 12,000 shares of Class A nonvoting common stock.
There is no provision for conversion of Class A shares to Class B shares and Class B shares surrendered for conversion cannot be reissued. Each share of Class A common stock outstanding at the time of the declaration of any dividend upon shares of Class B common stock shall be entitled to a dividend payable at the same time, at the same record date, and in an amount at least equal to 2/3 of 1.0% of any dividend declared on each share of Class B common stock. We may declare and pay a dividend in respect to Class A common stock without any requirement that any dividend be declared and paid in respect to Class B common stock. Sole shareholder voting power is vested in Class B common stock except insofar as any applicable law shall permit Class A common shareholders to vote as a class in regards to any changes in the rights, preferences and privileges attaching to Class A common stock.
Stock repurchase plan
A stock repurchase program was authorized for our outstanding Class A common stock beginning January 1, 2004. In the first quarter of 2010, 74,967 shares were repurchased under this plan at a total cost of $3 million. In April 2010, our Board of Directors approved a continuation of the current stock repurchase program through June 30, 2011 for up to $100 million of outstanding Class A common stock repurchases. This includes and is not in addition to any unspent amounts under the current program. Treasury shares are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at cost. Cumulative shares repurchased under this plan through the first quarter of 2010 totaled 11.9 million at a total cost of $616 million.

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Note 17. Comprehensive Income
The components of changes to comprehensive (loss) income follow for the three months ended March 31:
                 
    Erie Insurance Group  
(in millions)   2010     2009  
     
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities:
               
Gross unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments arising during period
  $ 13     $ (6 )
Reclassification adjustment for gross (gains) losses included in net income
    (4 )     3  
     
Unrealized holding gains (losses) excluding realized (gains) losses, gross
    9       (3 )
Income tax (expense) benefit related to unrealized gains (losses)
    (3 )     1  
     
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments arising during year
    6       (2 )
     
Change in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax — Indemnity
    6       (2 )
     
 
               
Change in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax — Exchange
    45       (1 )
     
Change in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax — Erie Insurance Group
  $ 51     $ (3 )
     
The components of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax are as follows:
                 
    Erie Insurance Group  
    March 31,     December 31,  
(in millions)   2010     2009  
     
Indemnity
               
Accumulated other comprehensive loss — Indemnity
  $ (37 )   $ (43 )
Exchange
               
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — Exchange
  $ 221     $ 176  
Note 18. Commitments and Contingencies
Indemnity has contractual commitments to invest up to $65 million related to its limited partnership investments at March 31, 2010. These commitments are split between private equity securities of $30 million, real estate activities of $20 million and mezzanine debt securities of $15 million. These commitments will be funded as required by the partnership agreements.
The Exchange, including EFL, has contractual commitments to invest up to $531 million related to its limited partnership investments at March 31, 2010. These commitments are split between private equity securities of $244 million, real estate activities of $187 million and mezzanine debt securities of $100 million. These commitments will be funded as required by the partnership agreements.
We are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. In our opinion, the effects, if any, of such litigation are not expected to be material to our consolidated financial condition, operations or cash flows.

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Note 19. Supplementary Data on Cash Flows
A reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is as follows for the three months ended March 31:
Indirect method of cash flows
                 
    Erie Insurance Group  
(in millions)   2010     2009  
     
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net income (loss)
  $ 162     $ (251 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
    2       2  
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    161       153  
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
    33       (52 )
Realized (gains) losses and impairments on investments
    (123 )     226  
Equity in (earnings) losses of limited partnerships
    (3 )     161  
Net amortization of bond premium (discount)
    1       (13 )
Decrease in deferred compensation
    (1 )     (3 )
Limited partnership distributions
    17       14  
Decrease in receivables, reinsurance recoverables and reserve credits
    3       236  
Increase in prepaid expenses
    (19 )     (17 )
Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs
    (158 )     (151 )
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (8 )     (85 )
Decrease in accrued agent bonuses
    (56 )     (64 )
Increase in loss reserves
    9       88  
Increase in future life policy benefits and claims reserves
    3       6  
Increase (decrease) in unearned premiums
    4       (12 )
     
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 27     $ 238  
     
Note 20. Statutory Information
Accounting principles used to prepare statutory financial statements differ from those used to prepare financial statements under U.S. GAAP. Prescribed statutory accounting practices (SAP) include state laws, regulations, and general administration rules, as well as a variety of publications from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Indemnity’s wholly-owned property and casualty subsidiaries, EIC and EPC, prepare statutory financial statements in accordance with accounting practices prescribed and permitted by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. ENY prepares its statutory financial statements in accordance with accounting practices prescribed by the New York Insurance Department. The statutory financial statements of the Exchange and its subsidiaries, Flagship and EFL, are prepared in accordance with accounting practices prescribed and permitted by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department.
Financial statements prepared under statutory accounting principles focus on the solvency of the insurer and generally provide a more conservative approach than under GAAP. Differences between SAP and GAAP include the valuation of investments, deferred policy acquisition cost assets, the actuarial assumptions used in life reserves, deferred tax assets, and unearned subscriber fees.

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Statutory net income and capital and surplus as determined in accordance with SAP prescribed or permitted by insurance regulatory authorities are as follows:
                                 
    SAP Net Income (Loss)     Capital and Surplus  
    Three months ended March 31,     At March 31,     At December 31,  
(in millions)   2010     2009     2010     2009  
     
Erie Insurance Company
  $ 5     $ (3 )   $ 237     $ 232  
Erie Insurance Company of New York
    0       0       23       22  
Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company
    0       0       10       10  
     
Total — Indemnity subsidiaries
  $ 5     $ (3 )   $ 270     $ 264  
     
Erie Insurance Exchange
    45       (249 )     4,643       4,518  
Flagship City Insurance Company
    0       0       10       10  
Erie Family Life Insurance Company
    6       (9 )     178       174  
The minimum statutory capital and surplus requirements under Pennsylvania and New York law for Indemnity’s stock property and casualty subsidiaries amounts to $10 million. Indemnity’s subsidiaries’ total statutory capital and surplus significantly exceed these minimum requirements, totaling $270 million at March 31, 2010. The risk-based capital levels of all members of the Property and Casualty Group and EFL significantly exceed the minimum requirements. Cash and securities with a carrying value of $13 million were deposited by the property and casualty and life entities with regulatory authorities under statutory requirements at March 31, 2010.
As prescribed by the Insurance Department of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Exchange records unearned subscriber fees (fees to Attorney-In-Fact) as deductions from unearned premium reserve and charges current operations on a pro-rata basis over the periods covered by the policies. The Pennsylvania-domiciled members of the Property and Casualty Group discount workers compensation loss reserves on a non-tabular basis as prescribed by the Insurance Department of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Exchange’s NAIC prepared statutory surplus, excluding the impact of the Pennsylvania prescribed practices, would have been $4.1 billion at March 31, 2010. EIC’s NAIC prepared statutory surplus, excluding the impact of the Pennsylvania prescribed practices, would have been $231 million at March 31, 2010. EPC and Flagship record the discounting of workers compensation loss reserves on a direct basis, however, after application of the intercompany pooling arrangement, there is no impact on their financial statements.
The amount of dividends EIC and EPC, Indemnity’s Pennsylvania-domiciled property and casualty subsidiaries, can pay without the prior approval of the Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner is limited to not more than the greater of: (a) 10% of its statutory surplus as reported on its last annual statement, or (b) the net income as reported on its last annual statement. The amount of dividends that the EIC’s New York-domiciled property and casualty subsidiary, ENY, can pay without the prior approval of the New York Superintendent of Insurance is limited to the lesser of: (a) 10% of its statutory surplus as reported on its last annual statement, or (b) 100% of its adjusted net investment income during such period. In 2010, the maximum dividend Indemnity could receive from its property and casualty insurance subsidiaries would be $26 million. No dividends were paid by these property and casualty insurance subsidiaries in 2009 or the first quarter of 2010.
The amount of dividends the Flagship, Exchange’s Pennsylvania-domiciled property and casualty subsidiary, can pay without the prior approval of the Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner is limited to not more than the greater of: (a) 10% of its statutory surplus as reported on its last annual statement, or (b) the net income as reported on its last annual statement. In 2010, the maximum dividend the Exchange could receive from Flagship would be $1 million. No dividends were paid to the Exchange by Flagship in 2009 or the first quarter of 2010.
The amount of dividends EFL, a Pennsylvania-domiciled life insurer, can pay to its shareholders without the prior approval of the Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner is limited by statute to the greater of: (a) 10% of its statutory surplus as shown on its last annual statement on file with the commissioner, or (b) the net income as reported on its last annual statement, but shall not include pro-rata distribution of any class of the insurer’s own securities. Accordingly, our share of the maximum dividend payout which may be made in 2010 without prior Pennsylvania Commissioner approval is $4 million. There were no dividends paid to us in 2009 or the first quarter of 2010.

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Note 21. Indemnity supplemental information
                                 
    Consolidating Statement of Financial Position
 
                       
    Indemnity     Exchange     Reclassifications     Erie  
March 31, 2010   shareholder     noncontrolling     and     Insurance  
(in millions)   interest     Interest     eliminations     Group  
     
Assets                        
Investments
                               
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
                               
Fixed maturities
  $ 674     $ 6,569     $     $ 7,243  
Equity securities
    48       536             584  
Trading securities, at fair value
    45       1,933             1,978  
Limited partnerships
    235       1,119             1,354  
Other invested assets
    1       20             21  
     
Total investments
    1,003       10,177             11,180  
Cash and cash equivalents
    30       172             202  
Premiums receivable from policyholders
    237       922       (239 )     920  
Reinsurance recoverable
    2       214       1       217  
Deferred income taxes
    33       22             55  
Deferred acquisition costs
    51       405             456  
Other assets
    99       321             420  
Reinsurance recoverables and receivables from Exchange and other affiliates
    1,058             (1,058 )      
Note receivable from EFL
    25             (25 )      
Equity in EFL
    77             (77 )      
     
Total assets
  $ 2,615     $ 12,233     $ (1,398 )   $ 13,450  
     
Liabilities
                               
Losses and loss expense reserves(1)
  $ 941     $ 3,440     $ (770 )   $ 3,611  
Life policy and deposit contract reserves
          1,559             1,559  
Unearned premiums(1)
    434       1,875       (324 )     1,985  
Other liabilities
    312       299       (227 )     384  
     
Total liabilities
    1,687       7,173       (1,321 )     7,539  
     
Shareholders’ equity and noncontrolling interest
                               
Total Indemnity shareholders’ equity
    928                   928  
Noncontrolling interest for the benefit of policyholders — Exchange
          5,060       (77 )     4,983  
     
Total equity
    928       5,060       (77 )     5,911  
     
Total liabilities, shareholders’ equity and noncontrolling interest
  $ 2,615     $ 12,233     $ (1,398 )   $ 13,450  
     
 
(1)   Indemnity’s insurance related accounts in this table include its wholly-owned property and casualty insurance subsidiaries’ direct business in addition to their share of the pooling transactions, which represents 5.5% of the total Property and Casualty Group business. The Consolidated Statements of Financial Position include direct business only as the 5.5% of activity assumed in accordance with the intercompany pooling arrangement has been eliminated in the consolidated presentation.

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    Consolidating Statement of Financial Position
 
                       
    Indemnity     Exchange     Reclassifications     Erie  
December 31, 2009   shareholder     noncontrolling     and     Insurance  
(in millions)   interest     interest     eliminations     Group  
Assets
                               
Investments
                               
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
                               
Fixed maturities
  $ 664     $ 6,517     $     $ 7,181  
Equity securities
    38       472             510  
Trading securities, at fair value
    42       1,835             1,877  
Limited partnerships
    235       1,116             1,351  
Other invested assets
    1       20             21  
     
Total investments
    980       9,960             10,940  
Cash and cash equivalents
    76       158             234  
Premiums receivable from policyholders
    237       872       (203 )     906  
Reinsurance recoverable
    2       213             215  
Deferred income taxes
    41       75             116  
Deferred acquisition costs
    17       450             467  
Other assets
    102       308       (1     409  
Reinsurance recoverables and receivables from Exchange and other affiliates
    1,115             (1,115 )      
Note receivable from EFL
    25             (25 )      
Equity in EFL
    72             (72 )      
     
Total assets
  $ 2,667     $ 12,036     $ (1,416 )   $ 13,287  
     
Liabilities
                               
Losses and loss expense reserves(1)
  $ 965     $ 3,424     $ (791 )   $ 3,598  
Life policy and deposit contract reserves
          1,540             1,540  
Unearned premiums(1)
    434       1,872       (325 )     1,981  
Other liabilities
    366       305       (228 )     443  
     
Total liabilities
    1,765       7,141       (1,344 )     7,562  
     
Shareholders’ equity and noncontrolling interest
                               
Total Indemnity shareholders’ equity
    902                   902  
Noncontrolling interest for the benefit of policyholders — Exchange
          4,895       (72 )     4,823  
     
Total equity
    902       4,895       (72 )     5,725  
     
Total liabilities, shareholders’ equity and noncontrolling interest
  $ 2,667     $ 12,036     $ (1,416 )   $ 13,287  
     
 
(1)   Indemnity’s insurance related accounts in this table include its wholly-owned property and casualty insurance subsidiaries’ direct business in addition to their share of the pooling transactions, which represents 5.5% of the total Property and Casualty Group business. The Consolidated Statements of Financial Position include direct business only as the 5.5% of activity assumed in accordance with the intercompany pooling arrangement has been eliminated in the consolidated presentation.
Receivables from Exchange and EFL and concentrations of credit risk
Financial instruments could potentially expose Indemnity to concentrations of credit risk, including unsecured receivables from the Exchange. A majority of Indemnity’s revenue and receivables are from the Exchange and affiliates. See also Note 4.
Premiums due from policyholders of Indemnity’s wholly-owned property and casualty insurance subsidiaries equaled $237 million at both March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009. A significant amount of these receivables are ceded to the Exchange as part of the intercompany pooling arrangement.
Indemnity has a receivable due from the Exchange for reinsurance recoverable from unpaid losses and loss expenses and unearned premium balances ceded under the intercompany pooling arrangement totaling $843 million and $902 million at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. Management fee and expense allocation amounts due from the Exchange were $212 million and $210 million at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. The receivable from EFL for expense allocations totaled $3 million at both March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

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Indemnity is due $25 million from EFL in the form of a surplus note that was issued in 2003. The note may be repaid only out of unassigned surplus of EFL. Both principal and interest payments are subject to prior approval by the Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner. The note bears an annual interest rate of 6.7% and will be payable on demand on or after December 31, 2018, with interest scheduled to be paid semi-annually. EFL accrued interest to Indemnity of $0.4 million in the first quarters of 2010 and 2009. EFL paid interest of $2 million in 2009.
                         
    Indemnity shareholder interest
            Three months ended  
            March 31,  
(in millions)   Percent     2010     2009  
Management operations
                       
Management fee revenue, net
    100.0 %   $ 237     $ 230  
Service agreement revenue
    100.0 %     8       8  
             
Total revenue from management operations
            245       238  
Cost of management operations
    100.0 %     192       193  
             
Income from management operations before taxes
            53       45  
             
Property and casualty operations
                       
Premiums earned
    5.5 %     53       52  
Losses and loss expenses
    5.5 %     40       43  
Underwriting expenses
    5.5 %     15       15  
             
Loss from property and casualty operations before taxes
            (2 )     (6 )
             
Life insurance operations
                       
Total revenue
    21.6 %     9       5  
Total benefits and expenses
    21.6 %     7       6  
             
Income (loss) from life operations before taxes
            2       (1 )
             
Investment operations
                       
Investment income, net of expenses
            9       13  
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
            5       (4 )
Impairment losses recognized in earnings
            0       (5 )
Equity in losses of limited partnerships
            0       (28 )
             
Total investment income (loss) before taxes
            14       (24 )
             
Income  from operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests
            67       14  
Provision for income taxes
            20       3  
             
Net income
          $ 47     $ 11  
             
Expense allocations
The claims handling services of the Exchange are performed by personnel who are entirely dedicated to and paid for by the Exchange from its own policyholder revenues. The Exchange’s claims function and its management and administration are exclusively the responsibility of the Exchange and not a part of the service Indemnity provides under the subscriber’s agreement. Likewise, personnel who perform activities within the life insurance operations of EFL are paid for by EFL from its revenues. However, Indemnity, as the legal entity that employs personnel on behalf of the Exchange and EFL, functions as a common paymaster for all employees. Common overhead expenses included in the expenses paid by Indemnity are allocated based on appropriate utilization statistics (employee count, square footage, vehicle count, project hours, etc.) specifically measured to accomplish proportional allocations. Executive compensation is allocated based on each executive’s primary responsibilities (management services, property and casualty claims operations, EFL operations and investment operations). We believe the methods used to allocate common overhead expenses among the affiliated entities are reasonable.

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Payments on behalf of related entities
We make certain payments for the account of the Erie Insurance Group’s related entities. Cash transfers are settled quarterly. The amounts of these cash settlements made for the account of related entities were as follows for the three months ended March 31:
                 
(in millions)   2010     2009  
Exchange
  $ 77     $ 71  
Erie Family Life Insurance
    7       7  
 
           
Total cash settlements
  $ 84     $ 78  
 
           
Office leases
Indemnity leases office space on a year-to-year basis from the Exchange including three field office facilities. Rent expenses under these leases totaled $1 million at March 31, 2010 and 2009. Indemnity has a lease commitment until 2018 with EFL for a branch office. Annual rentals paid to EFL under this lease totaled $0.1 million at March 31, 2010 and 2009.
Indemnity’s components of direct cash flows as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is as follows for the three months ended March 31:
Direct method of cash flows
                 
    Indemnity  
(in millions)   2010     2009  
Management fee received
  $ 225     $ 220  
Service agreement fee received
    8       8  
Premiums collected
    52       50  
Net investment income received
    10       11  
Limited partnership distributions
    2       2  
(Decrease) increase in reimbursements collected from affiliates
    (1 )     75  
Commissions and bonuses paid to agents
    (169 )     (183 )
Salaries and wages paid
    (33 )     (29 )
Pension contribution and employee benefits paid
    (2 )     (6 )
Losses paid
    (34 )     (33 )
Loss expenses paid
    (6 )     (5 )
Other underwriting and acquisition costs paid
    (16 )     (18 )
General operating expenses paid
    (35 )     (31 )
Income taxes paid
    (1 )     (6 )
     
Net cash provided by operating activities
    0       55  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (19 )     (14 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (28 )     (24 )
     
Net (decrease) increase in cash
    (47 )     17  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    77       61  
     
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 30     $ 78  
     

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Note 22. EFL Supplemental Information
EFL is a Pennsylvania-domiciled life insurance company operating in 10 states and the District of Columbia. Indemnity owns 21.6% of EFL’s common shares outstanding and accounted for its ownership interest using the equity method of accounting. Indemnity’s share of EFL’s undistributed earnings included in retained earnings as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, totaled $58 million and $55 million, respectively.
The following presents condensed financial information for EFL on a U.S. GAAP basis for the three months ended March 31:
                 
    Three months ended March 31,
(in millions)   2010     2009  
Policy and other revenues
  $ 17     $ 17  
Net investment income (expense)
    27       6  
Benefits and expenses
    34       29  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    10       (6 )
Income tax (benefit) expense
    (1 )     3  
Net income (loss)
    11       (9 )
Comprehensive income (loss)
    24       2  
There were no EFL impairment charges recorded in net investment income in the first quarter of 2010. In the first quarter of 2009, net investment income included impairment charges of $14 million. Realized gains on investments were $4 million in 2010 compared to realized losses of $2 million in 2009. Net income at March 31, 2010 was also positively impacted by a reduction in the deferred tax valuation allowance of $4 million.
EFL experienced unrealized gains, after tax of $13 million in the first quarter of 2010 which contributed to the increase in comprehensive income and investments. The comprehensive income for the first quarter of 2009 included unrealized gains after tax of $11 million.
                 
    At March 31,     At December 31,  
(in millions, except per share data)   2010     2009  
Investments
  $ 1,700     $ 1,639  
Total assets
    1,991       1,941  
Liabilities
    1,634       1,609  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    31       18  
Cumulative effect adjustment
          27  
Total shareholders’ equity
    357       333  
Book value per share
  $ 37.76     $ 35.19  
EFL shareholders’ equity increased over $24 million at March 31, 2010 compared to December 31, 2009. The main factors driving this increase were $13 million in unrealized gains, net of tax and net income of $11 million.
In 2009, Indemnity made a $12 million capital contribution to EFL and the Exchange made a $43 million capital contribution to EFL to strengthen its surplus. The $55 million in capital contributions increased EFL’s investments and total shareholders’ equity. Also in 2009, a required cumulative effect adjustment reclassified previously recognized non-credit other-than-temporary impairments of $27 million out of retained earnings. Deferred taxes of $9 million related to this cumulative effect adjustment were offset by a reduction in the valuation allowance in the same amount related to previously recognized impairments.
Note 23. Subsequent Events
We have evaluated for recognized and nonrecognized subsequent events through the date of financial statement issuance. No items were identified in this period subsequent to the financial statement date that required adjustment or disclosure.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
On June 12, 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) updated ASC 810, Consolidation, which amended the existing guidance for determining whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entiry (“VIE”). As of January 1, 2010 Erie Indeminity Company adopted the new accounting principle on a retrospective basis since inception.
The following discussion of financial condition and results of operations highlights significant factors influencing Erie Insurance Group (“we”, “us”, “our”). This discussion should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes and all other items contained within this report.
INDEX
     
    Page Number
  49
  50
  51
  55
  64
  64
  65
  69
  70
  72
  72
  76
  77
  78
  82
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain statements contained herein are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are not in the present or past tense and can generally be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “likely,” “plan,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “may,” and other expressions that indicate future trends and events. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements and assumptions on which such statements are based that are related to our plans, strategies, objectives, expectations, intentions and adequacy of resources. Examples of such statements are discussions relating to underwriting, premium and investment income volumes, expenses and agency appointments. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Among the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements are the following:
    factors affecting the property and casualty and life insurance industries generally, including price competition, legislative and regulatory developments;
 
    government regulation of the insurance industry including approval of rate increases;
 
    the frequency and severity of claims;
 
    natural disasters;
 
    exposure to environmental claims;
 
    fluctuations in interest rates;
 
    inflation and general business conditions;
 
    the geographic concentration of our business as a result of being a regional company;
 
    the accuracy of our pricing and loss reserving methodologies;
 
    changes in driving habits;
 
    our ability to maintain our business operations including our information technology system;
 
    our dependence on the independent agency system;
 
    the quality and liquidity of our investment portfolio;
 
    Indemnity’s dependence on its relationship with Exchange; and

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    the other risks and uncertainties discussed or indicated in all documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those described in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of the 2009 Form 10-K, which information is incorporated by reference, updated by Part II, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of this Form 10-Q.
A forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and reflects the Erie Insurance Group’s analysis only as of that date. The Erie Insurance Group undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, or otherwise.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Erie Indemnity Company (“Indemnity”) adopted amended guidance related to the consolidation of affiliated entities that became effective January 1, 2010 as required under generally accepted accounting principles. As a result of this new guidance, Indemnity is considered to have a controlling financial interest in its affiliated entity, the Erie Insurance Exchange (“Exchange”). Indemnity is named as, and serves as, the Exchange’s attorney-in-fact. Consolidation of the Exchange is required given the significance of the management fee to the Exchange and because Indemnity has the power to direct the activities of the Exchange that most significantly impact the Exchange’s economic performance. The consolidation of the Exchange resulted in no change to Indemnity’s net income or equity. The Exchange’s net income and equity is identified as the noncontrolling interest net income or equity.

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OPERATING REVIEW
Overview
Erie Insurance Group represents the consolidated results of Indemnity and the results of its variable interest entity, the Exchange. The Erie Insurance Group operates as a property and casualty insurer through its regional insurance carriers that write a broad line of personal and commercial lines coverages. The property and casualty insurance companies include the Exchange, a consolidated affiliate and its property and casualty insurance subsidiary, Flagship City Insurance Company (“Flagship”), and Indemnity’s three wholly-owned property and casualty insurance subsidiaries, Erie Insurance Company (“EIC”), Erie Insurance Property and Casualty Company (“EPC”) and Erie Insurance Company of New York (“ENY”). These entities operate collectively as the Property and Casualty Group. The Erie Insurance Group also operates as a life insurer through its affiliate, Erie Family Life (“EFL”), which is owned 21.6% by Indemnity and 78.4% by the Exchange and it underwrites and sells nonparticipating individual and group life insurance policies and fixed annuities.
The Exchange is a reciprocal insurance exchange, which is an unincorporated association of individuals, partnerships and corporations that agree to insure one another. Each applicant for insurance to the Exchange signs a subscriber’s agreement, which contains an appointment of Indemnity as their attorney-in-fact to transact the business of the Exchange on their behalf. As attorney-in-fact, Indemnity is required to perform certain services relating to the sales, underwriting and issuance of policies on behalf of the Exchange. The Exchange is a variable interest entity.
The Exchange’s equity, which is comprised of its retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive income, is held for the benefit of its subscribers (policyholders) and meets the definition of a noncontrolling interest and is reflected as such in our consolidated financial statements. The shareholders of Indemnity benefit from their interest in Indemnity’s income and equity but not the noncontrolling interest’s income or equity.
Generally, Indemnity shareholders’ interest in income comprises:
    a 25% management fee on all property and casualty insurance policies written, less the costs associated with the sales, underwriting and issuance of these policies,
 
    a 5.5% interest in the net underwriting results of the property and casualty lines operations,
 
    a 21.6% equity interest in the net earnings of EFL,
 
    net investment income and results on investments that do not belong to the Exchange or its subsidiaries, and
 
    other income and expenses, including income taxes, that are not the responsibility of the Exchange or its subsidiaries.
Generally, the noncontrolling interest in income comprises:
    a 94.5% interest in the net underwriting results of the property and casualty lines operations,
 
    a 78.4% equity interest in the net earnings of EFL,
 
    net investment income and related results on investments that belong to the Exchange and its subsidiaries, and
 
    other income and expenses, including income taxes, that are the responsibility of the Exchange and its subsidiaries.
“Indemnity shareholder interest” refers to the interest in Erie Indemnity Company owned by the Class A and Class B shareholders. Exchange refers to the noncontrolling interest held for the benefit of the subscribers (policyholders) and includes its interests in Flagship and EFL.

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The following table represents a breakdown of the composition of the income attributable to Indemnity and the income attributable to the noncontrolling interest (Exchange). For purposes of this discussion, EFL’s investments are included in the life insurance operations.
Results of the Erie Insurance Group’s operations by interest (unaudited)
                                                                                 
    Indemnity     Noncontrolling interest     Eliminations        
    shareholder interest     (Exchange)     of related party transactions     Erie Insurance Group  
            Three months              
            ended             Three months ended     Three months ended     Three months ended  
            March 31,             March 31,     March 31,     March 31,  
(in millions)   Percent     2010     2009     Percent     2010     2009     2010     2009     2010     2009  
Management operations
                                                                               
Management fee revenue, net
    100.0 %   $ 237     $ 230             $     $     $ (237 )   $ (230 )   $     $  
Service agreement revenue
    100.0 %     8       8                                       8       8  
                         
Total revenue from management operations
            245       238                           (237 )     (230 )     8       8  
Cost of management operations
    100.0 %     192       193                           (192 )     (193 )            
                         
Income from management operations before taxes
            53       45                               (45 )     (37 )     8       8  
                         
Property and casualty operations
                                                                               
Premiums earned
    5.5 %     53       52       94.5 %     909       889                   962       941  
Losses and loss expenses
    5.5 %     40       43       94.5 %     698       739       (1 )     (1 )     737       781  
Underwriting expenses
    5.5 %     15       15       94.5 %     250       250       (46 )     (38 )     219       227  
                         
Income (loss) from property and casualty operations before taxes
            (2 )     (6 )             (39 )     (100 )     47       39       6       (67 )
                         
Life insurance operations (1)
                                                                               
Total revenue
    21.6 %     9       5       78.4 %     34       17                   43       22  
Total benefits and expenses
    21.6 %     7       6       78.4 %     26       22       (1 )     (1 )     32       27  
                         
Income (loss) from life operations before taxes
            2       (1 )             8       (5 )     1       1       11       (5 )
                         
Investment operations
                                                                               
Investment income, net of expenses
            9       13               75       83       (3 )     (3 )     81       93  
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
            5       (4 )             115       (149 )                 120       (153 )
Impairment losses recognized in earnings
            0       (5 )             (2 )     (53 )                 (2 )     (58 )
Equity in earnings of limited partnerships
            0       (28 )             4       (130 )                 4       (158 )
                         
Total investment income (loss) before taxes
            14       (24 )             192       (249 )     (3 )     (3 )     203       (276 )
                         
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests
            67       14               161       (354 )                 228       (340 )
Provision for income taxes
            20       3               46       (92 )                 66       (89 )
                         
Net income (loss)
          $ 47     $ 11             $ 115     $ (262 )   $     $     $ 162     $ (251 )
                         
 
(1)   Earnings on life insurance-related invested assets are integral to the evaluation of the life insurance operations because of the long duration of life products. On that basis, for presentation purposes, the life insurance operations in the table above include life insurance related investment results. However, the life insurance investment results are included in the investment operations segment discussion as part of the Exchange’s investment results.

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Reconciliation of operating income to net income
We believe that investors’ understanding of our performance related to the Indemnity shareholder interest is enhanced by the disclosure of the following non-GAAP financial measure. Our method of calculating this measure may differ from those used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited.
Operating income is net income excluding realized capital gains and losses, impairment losses and related federal income taxes. Our common stock portfolio is measured at fair value. As such, changes in fair value related to common stocks are reported in earnings. These unrealized gains or losses are included in the net realized gains and losses on investments in our Consolidated Statements of Operations that is used to calculate operating income. Equity in earnings or losses of EFL and equity in earnings or losses of limited partnerships are not excluded from the calculation of operating income. Equity in earnings or losses of limited partnerships includes the respective investment’s realized capital gains and losses, as well as unrealized gains and losses.
Net income is the generally accepted accounting principle (GAAP) measure that is most directly comparable to operating income. We use operating income to evaluate the results of operations. It reveals trends in our management services, insurance underwriting and investment operations that may be obscured by the net effects of realized capital gains and losses including impairment losses. Realized capital gains and losses including impairment losses, may vary significantly between periods and are generally driven by business decisions and economic developments such as capital market conditions, the timing of which is unrelated to our management services and insurance underwriting processes. We believe it is useful for investors to evaluate these components separately and in the aggregate when reviewing our performance. We are aware that the price to earnings multiple commonly used by investors as a forward-looking valuation technique uses operating income as the denominator. Operating income should not be considered as a substitute for net income and does not reflect our overall profitability.
The following table reconciles operating income and net income for Indemnity shareholder interest for the three months ended March 31:
                 
    Indemnity  
    Shareholder interest  
  2010     2009  
(in millions, except per share data)   (Unaudited)  
Operating income attributable to Indemnity
  $ 44     $ 17  
     
Net realized gains (losses) and impairments on investments
    5       (9 )
Income tax (expense) benefit
    (2 )     3  
     
Realized gains (losses) and impairments, net of income taxes
    3       (6 )
     
Net income attributable to Indemnity
  $ 47     $ 11  
     
 
               
Per Indemnity Class A common share-diluted:
               
Operating income attributable to Indemnity
  $ 0.77     $ 0.29  
     
Net realized gains (losses) and impairments on investments
    0.09       (0.15 )
Income tax (expense) benefit
    (0.04 )     0.05  
     
Realized gains (losses) and impairments, net of income taxes
    0.05       (0.10 )
     
Net income attributable to Indemnity
  $ 0.82     $ 0.19  
     
The increase in operating income was primarily the result of Indemnity’s limited partnerships investments breaking even in the first quarter of 2010 compared to generating losses of $28 million in the first quarter of 2009.
Operating Segments
We have four operating segments: management operations, property and casualty insurance operations, life insurance operations and investment operations. The property and casualty operations earned premiums comprise 79% of our consolidated revenue in the first quarter of 2010.
Management operations
Management operations generate internal fee revenue by providing services to the Exchange. Management fee revenue is based upon the management fee rate, determined by our Board of Directors, and the direct written premiums of the Property and Casualty Group.

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Property and casualty insurance operations
The property and casualty insurance industry is highly cyclical, with periods of rising premium rates and shortages of underwriting capacity followed by periods of substantial price competition and excess capacity. The cyclical nature of the insurance industry has a direct impact on the direct written premiums of the Property and Casualty Group. The Property and Casualty Group’s economically sensitive lines, such as workers compensation and commercial auto, continue to experience reduced exposures and reduced average premium per policy due to economic conditions. Industry premium exposures in property and casualty lines were suppressed in 2009, with premium rates for personal lines showing signs of firming and most commercial lines reflecting rate reductions.
The property and casualty insurance business is driven by premium growth, the combined ratio and investment returns. The property and casualty operations premium growth strategy focuses on growth by expansion of existing operations including a careful agency selection process and increased market penetration in existing operating territories. Expanding the size of our existing agency force of over 2,000 independent agencies will contribute to future growth as new agents build up their books of business with the Property and Casualty Group. The Property and Casualty Group appointed 17 new agencies in the first quarter of 2010. In 2009, we appointed 120 new agencies and plan to appoint a similar number during 2010.
The property and casualty insurance operations insure standard and preferred risks while adhering to a set of consistent underwriting standards. Nearly 50% of premiums are derived from personal auto, 20% from homeowners and 30% from commercial lines. Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia made up 64% of the property and casualty lines insurance business based on 2009 direct written premium. As a result of the intercompany pooling arrangement, Indemnity retains a 5.5% interest in the net underwriting results of the Property and Casualty Group. The Exchange retains 94.5% of the net underwriting results of the Property and Casualty Group.
The combined ratio, expressed as a percentage, is the key measure of underwriting profitability traditionally used in the property and casualty insurance industry. It is the sum of the ratio of losses and loss expenses to premiums earned (loss ratio) plus the ratio of policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses to premiums earned (expense ratio). When the combined ratio is less than 100%, underwriting results are generally considered profitable; when the combined ratio is greater than 100%, underwriting results are generally considered unprofitable.
Factors affecting loss and loss expenses include the frequency and severity of losses, the nature and severity of catastrophic losses, the quality of risks underwritten and underlying claims and settlement expenses related to medical costs and litigation.
Investments held by the Property and Casualty Group are reported in the investment operations segment, separate from the underwriting business.
Life insurance operations
EFL generates revenues through sales of its individual and group life insurance policies and fixed individual and group annuities. These products provide our property and casualty agency force an opportunity to cross-sell both personal and commercial accounts. EFL’s profitability depends principally on the ability to develop, price and distribute insurance products, attract and retain deposit funds, generate investment returns and manage expenses. Other drivers include mortality and morbidity experience, persistency experience to enable the recovery of acquisition costs, maintaining interest spreads over the amounts credited to deposit funds and the maintenance of strong ratings from rating agencies.
Earnings on life insurance-related invested assets are integral to the evaluation of the life insurance operations because of the long duration of life products. On that basis, for presentation purposes in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis, the life insurance operations include life insurance related investment results. However, for presentation purposes in the segment footnote, the life insurance investment results are included in the investment operations segment discussion as part of the Exchange’s investment results.
Investment operations
We generate revenues from our fixed maturity, equity security and alternative investment portfolios. The portfolios are managed with a view toward maximizing after-tax returns on a risk-adjusted basis. Management actively evaluates the portfolios for impairments. We record impairment writedowns on investments in circumstances where the fair value of the investment is substantially below cost, and we conclude that the decline in fair value is other-than-temporary.

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Our investment operations reflect the improvement experienced in the financial markets. During the first quarter 2010, we impaired $2 million of securities compared to $71 million in the first quarter 2009.
Our alternative investments benefited from improving financial market conditions in the fourth quarter of 2009. In particular, the improvement in the private equity and mezzanine debt markets had a positive impact on our limited partnership portfolio. Equity in earnings of limited partnerships were $3 million through March 31, 2010 compared to losses of $161 million through March 31, 2009. The valuation adjustments in the limited partnerships are based on financial statements received from our general partners, which are generally received on a quarter lag. As a result, the first quarter partnership earnings do not reflect the valuation changes from the first quarter of 2010, but reflect the conditions in the fourth quarter of 2009.
General conditions and trends affecting our business
Financial conditions
Unfavorable changes in economic conditions, including declining consumer confidence, inflation, unemployment, recession or other changes, may lead the Property and Casualty Group’s customers to cancel insurance policies, modify coverage or not renew policies. Our key challenge is to generate profitable revenue growth in a highly competitive market that is currently experiencing the effects of these economic conditions.
Market volatility
Our portfolio of fixed income, preferred and common stocks and limited partnerships are subject to market volatility. Depending upon market conditions, this could cause considerable fluctuation in reported total investment income.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The consolidated financial statements include amounts based on estimates and assumptions that have a significant effect on reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period and related disclosures. Management considers an accounting estimate to be critical if (1) it requires assumptions to be made that were uncertain at the time the estimate was made, and (2) different estimates that could have been used, or changes in the estimate that are likely to occur from period-to-period, could have a material impact on our consolidated statements of operations or financial position.
The following presents a discussion of those accounting policies surrounding estimates that we believe are the most critical to our reported amounts and require the most subjective and complex judgment. If actual events differ significantly from the underlying assumptions, there could be material adjustments to prior estimates that could potentially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. The estimates and the estimating methods used are reviewed continually, and any adjustments considered necessary are reflected in current earnings.
Property and casualty insurance loss and loss expense reserves
Property and casualty insurance loss and loss expense reserves are established to provide for the estimated costs of paying claims under insurance policies underwritten by us. These reserves include estimates for both claims that have been reported (case) and those that have been incurred but not reported (IBNR) and include estimates of all future payments associated with processing and settling these claims.
The process of establishing loss reserves is complex and involves a variety of actuarial techniques. The loss reserve estimation process is based largely on the assumption that past development trends are an appropriate indicator of future events. Reserve estimates are based on our analysis of known facts and circumstances, review of historical settlement patterns, estimates of trends in claims frequency and severity, legal theories of liability and other factors. Variables in the reserve estimation process can be affected by the following: 1) internal factors, including changes in claims handling procedures and changes in the quality of risk selection in the underwriting process, and 2) external events, such as economic inflation, and regulatory and legislative changes. Due to the inherent complexity of the assumptions used, final loss settlements may vary significantly from the current estimates, particularly when those settlements may not occur until well into the future.

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How reserves are established
Case reserves are established by a claims handler on each individual claim and are adjusted as new information becomes known during the course of handling the claims. Incurred but not reported reserves represent the difference between the case reserves for actual reported loss and loss expenses and the estimated ultimate cost of all claims.
Our loss and loss expense reserves include amounts related to short tail and long tail lines of business. Tail refers to the time period between the occurrence of a loss and the final settlement of the claim. The longer the time span between the incidence of a loss and the settlement of the claim, the more the ultimate settlement amount can vary. Most of our loss and loss expense reserves relate to long tail liability lines of business such as workers compensation, bodily injury and other liability coverages, such as commercial liability. Short tail lines of business, which represent a smaller percentage of our loss reserves, include personal auto physical damage and personal property.
Our actuaries review all direct reserve estimates on a quarterly basis for both current and prior accident years using the most current claim data. Reserves for massive injury claims, including auto no-fault and workers compensation claims, are reviewed at a more detailed level semi-annually. These massive injury claim reserves are relatively few in number and are very long tail liabilities. In intervening quarters, development on massive injury reserves are monitored to confirm that the estimate of ultimate losses should not change. If an unusual development is observed, a detailed review is performed to determine whether the reserve estimate should change. Significant changes to the factors discussed above, which are either known or reasonably projected through analysis of internal and external data, are quantified in the reserve estimates each quarter.
The quarterly reserve reviews incorporate a variety of actuarial methods and judgments and involve rigorous analysis. A comprehensive review is performed of the various estimation methods and reserve levels produced by each. The various methods generate different estimates of ultimate losses by product line and product coverage combination. Thus, reserves are comprised of a set of point estimates of the ultimate losses developed from the various methods. These multiple reserve point estimates are further reviewed by our reserving actuaries and the best reserve estimates are selected. The selected reserve estimates are discussed with management.
Numerous factors are considered in setting reserve levels, including, but not limited to, the assessed reliability of key loss trends and assumptions that may be significantly influencing the current actuarial indications, the maturity of the accident year, pertinent claims frequency and severity trends observed over recent years, the level of volatility within a particular line of business and the improvement or deterioration of actuarial rate indications in the current period as compared to prior periods. Certain methods are considered more credible for each product/coverage combination depending on the maturity of the accident quarter, the mix of business and the particular internal and external influences impacting the claims experience.
The following is a discussion of the most common methods used:
Paid development — Paid loss development patterns are generated from historical data organized by accident quarter and calendar quarter and applied to current paid losses by accident quarter to generate estimated ultimate losses. Paid development techniques do not use information about case reserves and therefore are not affected by changes in case reserving practices. These techniques are generally most useful for short-tailed lines since a high percentage of ultimate losses are paid in early periods of development.
Incurred development — Incurred loss development patterns (reflecting cumulative paid losses plus current case reserves) are generated from historical data organized by accident quarter and calendar quarter. The patterns are applied to current incurred losses by accident quarter to generated estimated ultimate losses. Incurred methods and/or combinations of the paid and incurred methods are used in developing estimated ultimate losses for short-tail coverages, such as personal auto physical damage and personal property claims, and more mature accident quarters of long-tail coverages, such as personal auto liability claims and commercial liability claims, including workers compensation.
Weather event paid and reported development — The historical patterns utilized in paid and reported development methods for weather events are derived from historical data for the same type of weather event. Initial weather event ultimate loss estimates are reviewed with claims management.

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Bornhuetter-Ferguson — Bornhuetter-Ferguson is a method of combining the expected-loss-ratio ultimate losses and the paid-or-incurred development ultimate losses. It places more weight on the paid-or-incurred development ultimate losses as an accident quarter matures. The Bornhuetter-Ferguson method is generally used on the first four to eight accident quarters on long-tail coverages because a low percentage of losses are paid in the early period of development. An expected loss ratio is developed through a review of historical loss ratios by accident quarter, adjusted for changes to earned premium, mix of business and other factors that are expected to impact the loss ratio for the accident quarter being evaluated. A preliminary estimate of ultimate losses is calculated by multiplying this expected loss ratio by earned premium.
Survival ratio — This method measures the ratio of the average loss and loss expense amount paid annually to the total reserve for the product line or product coverage. The survival ratio represents the number of years of payments that the current level of reserves will cover. The reserve is established so that a particular ratio, representing the time to closing of all claims, is achieved. This method is also used as a reasonability check of the adequacy of reserves.
Individual Claim — This method estimates the ultimate losses on a claim-by-claim basis. An annual payment assumption is made for each claimant and then projected into the future based upon a particular assumption of the future inflation rate and life expectancy of the claimant. This method is used for unusual, large claims.
Line of business methods
For each product line and product/coverage combination, certain methods are given more influence than other methods. The discussion below gives a general indication of which methods are preferred for each line of business. As circumstances change, the methods that are given greater weight can change.
Massive injury claims (such as certain auto no fault and workers compensation claims) — These claims develop over a long period of time and are relatively few in number. We utilize the individual claim method to evaluate each claim’s ultimate losses.
Personal auto physical damage and homeowners — These lines are fast-developing and paid and incurred development techniques are used. We rely primarily on incurred development techniques for the most recent accident months.
Personal auto liability (such as bodily injury and uninsured/underinsured motorist) — For auto liability, and bodily injury in particular, we review the results of a greater number of techniques than for physical damage. We use the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method for the first four to eight accident quarters and paid and incurred development methods for the older accident periods.
Workers compensation and long tailed liability (such as commercial liability) — We generally rely on the expected loss ratio, Bornhuetter-Ferguson and incurred development techniques. These techniques are generally weighted together, relying more heavily on the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method at early ages of development and more on the incurred development method as an accident year matures.
The methods used for estimating loss expenses are as follows.
Defense and cost containment expenses (D&CC) — D&CC is analyzed using paid development techniques and an analysis of the relationship between D&CC payments and loss payments.
Adjusting and other expenses (A&O) — A&O reserves are projected based on an expected cost per claim year, the anticipated claim closure pattern, and the ratio of paid A&O to paid loss.
Key assumptions for loss reserving
The accuracy of the various methods used to estimate reserves is a function of the degree to which underlying assumptions are satisfied. The most significant of the key assumptions are:
Development patterns Historical paid and reported amounts contain patterns which indicate how unpaid and unreported amounts will emerge in future periods. Unless reasons or factors are identified that invalidate the extension of historical patterns into the future, these patterns can be used to make projections necessary for estimating IBNR reserves. This is the most significant assumption and it applies to all methods.

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Impact of inflation — Property and casualty insurance reserves are established before the extent to which inflation may impact such reserves is known. Consequently, in establishing reserves, we attempt to anticipate the potential impact of inflation, including medical cost inflation, construction and auto repair cost inflation and tort issues. Medical costs are a broad element of inflation that impacts personal and commercial auto, general liability, workers compensation and commercial multi-peril lines of insurance written by the Property and Casualty Group.
Claims with atypical emergence patterns — Characteristics of certain subsets of claims, such as those with high severity, have the potential to distort patterns contained in historical paid loss and reported loss data. When testing indicates this to be the case for a particular subset of claims, our actuaries segregate these claims from the data and analyze them separately. Subsets of claims that fall into this category include certain auto no fault and workers compensation claims.
Future cost increases and claimant mortality — Future cost increase assumptions are derived from a review of historical cost increases and are anticipated to persist into the future. Future medical cost increases and claimant mortality assumptions utilized in the reserve estimates for massive injury claims are obtained from industry studies adjusted for our own experience. Reserve levels are sensitive to these assumptions because they represent projections over thirty to forty years into the future.
Changes in loss ratio trends — Prior loss ratio assumptions utilized in the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method are derived from projections of historical loss ratios based on actual experience from more mature accident periods adjusted for assumed changes in average premiums, frequency, and severity. These assumptions influence only the most recent accident periods, but the majority of reserves originate with the most recent accident periods. Reserve levels are highly sensitive to these assumptions.
Relationship of loss expense to losses — D&CC-to-loss ratio assumptions utilized in the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method are initially derived from historical relationships. These historical ratios are adjusted according to the impact of changing internal and external factors. The A&O-to-loss ratio assumption is similarly derived from the historical relationships being adjusted as required for identified internal or external changes.
Reserve estimate variability
The property and casualty reserves with the greatest potential for variation are the massive injury reserves. The automobile no-fault law in Pennsylvania before 1986 and workers compensation policies provide for an unlimited amount of medical benefits. The estimate of ultimate liabilities for these claims is subject to significant judgment due to variations in claimant health, mortality and health care cost trends. Workers compensation massive injury claims have been segregated from the total population of workers compensation claims. Ultimate losses are estimated on a claim-by-claim basis. An annual payment assumption is made for each of the claimants who have sustained massive injuries. The annual payment is projected into the future based upon particular assumptions of the future inflation rate and life expectancy of the claimant. The most significant variable in estimating this liability is medical cost inflation. There were no assumption changes made between December 31, 2009 and March 31, 2010.
Auto no fault (massive injury claims) — A 100-basis point increase in the medical cost inflation assumption would result in an increase in the Property and Casualty Group’s net liability of $57 million at March 31, 2010, of which Indemnity’s share would equate to $3 million.
Workers compensation (massive injury claims) — The discount on these claims was $76 million at March 31, 2010. A 100-basis point increase in the medical cost inflation assumption would result in an increase in the Property and Casualty Group’s net liability of $48 million and an increase in the discount of $26 million at March 31, 2010. Indemnity’s 5.5% share of the 100-basis point increase would be an increase in the liability of $3 million and an increase in the discount of $1 million.
Workers compensation (excluding massive injury claims) — The discount on these claims was $53 million at March 31, 2010. If we were to increase the discount rate by 100-basis points, the Property and Casualty Group’s reserves would decrease $17 million at March 31, 2010, of which Indemnity’s share would equate to $1 million. If we assumed a three year average development instead of a five year average development, the Property and Casualty Group’s liability would decrease by $12 million at March 31, 2010, of which Indemnity’s share would equate to $0.6 million.
We perform analyses to evaluate the adequacy of past reserve levels annually. Using subsequent information, we perform retrospective reserve analyses to test whether previously established estimates for reserves were reasonable. Our 2009 retrospective reserve analysis indicated December 31, 2008 direct reserves, excluding salvage and subrogation recoveries, had an estimated redundancy of approximately $22 million, which was 0.6% of total reserves.

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Life insurance and annuity policy reserves
Reserves for traditional life insurance future policy benefits are computed primarily by the net level premium method. Generally, benefits are payable over an extended period of time and related reserves are calculated as the present value of future expected benefits to be paid reduced by the present value of future expected net premiums. Such reserves are established based on methods and underlying assumptions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable actuarial standards. Principal assumptions used in the establishment of policy reserves are mortality, lapses, expenses and investment yields. Mortality assumptions are based on tables typically used in the industry, modified to reflect actual experience and to include a provision for the risk of adverse deviation where appropriate. Lapse, expense and investment yield assumptions are based on actual company experience and may include a provision for the risk of adverse deviation. Assumptions on these policies are locked in at the time of issue and are not subject to change unless a premium deficiency exists. A premium deficiency exists if, based on revised assumptions, the existing contract liabilities together with the present value of future gross premiums are not sufficient to cover the present value of future expected benefits and maintenance costs and to recover unamortized acquisition costs. Historically, our reserves plus expected gross premiums have been demonstrated to be sufficient. As of March 31, 2010, the excess for EFL was $68 million.
Reserves for income-paying annuity future policy benefits are computed as the present value of future expected benefits. Principal assumptions used in the establishment of policy reserves are mortality and investment yields. Interest rates used to discount future expected benefits are set at the policy level and range from 2.5% to 9.0%. The equivalent aggregate interest rate is 5.6%. If the aggregate interest rate were reduced by 100 basis points, the present value of future expected benefits would increase by $22 million at March 31, 2010, of which Indemnity’s share would equate to $5 million.
Reserves for universal life and deferred annuity plans are based on the contract account balance without reduction for surrender charges.
Investment valuation
We make estimates concerning the valuation of all investments. Valuation techniques are used to derive the fair value of the available-for-sale and trading securities we hold. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between willing market participants at the measurement date.
Fair value measurements are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our view of market assumptions in the absence of observable market information. We utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.
For purposes of determining whether the market is active or inactive, the classification of a financial instrument was based on the following definitions:
    An active market is one in which transactions for the assets being valued occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide reliable pricing information.
 
    An inactive (illiquid) market is one in which there are few and infrequent transactions, where the prices are not current, price quotations vary substantially, and/or there is little information publicly available for the asset being valued.
We continually assess whether or not an active market exists for all of our investments and as of each reporting date re-evaluate the classification in the fair value hierarchy. All assets carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
    Level 1 — Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets not subject to adjustments or discounts.
 
    Level 2 — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.

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    Level 3 — Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable and reflect management’s estimate of fair value based on assumptions used by market participants in an orderly transaction as of the valuation date.
Level 1 primarily consists of publicly traded common stock, nonredeemable preferred stocks and treasury securities and reflects market data obtained from independent sources, such as prices obtained from an exchange or a nationally recognized pricing service for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using industry-standard models that consider various inputs, such as the interest rate and credit spread for the underlying financial instruments. All significant inputs are observable, or derived from observable information in the marketplace, or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Financial instruments in this category primarily include municipal securities, asset backed securities, collateralized-mortgage obligations, foreign and domestic corporate bonds and redeemable preferred stocks and certain nonredeemable preferred stocks.
Level 3 securities are valued based upon unobservable inputs, reflecting our estimates of value based on assumptions used by market participants. Securities are assigned to Level 3 in cases where non-binding broker quotes are significant to the valuation and there is a lack of transparency as to whether these quotes are based on information that is observable in the marketplace. Fair value estimates for securities valued using unobservable inputs require significant judgment due to the illiquid nature of the market for these securities and represent the best estimate of the fair value that would occur in an orderly transaction between willing market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. Fair value for these securities are generally determined using comparable securities or non-binding broker quotes received from outside broker dealers based on security type and market conditions. Remaining un-priced securities are valued using an estimate of fair value based on indicative market prices that include significant unobservable inputs not based on, nor corroborated by, market information, including the utilization of discounted cash flow analyses which have been risk-adjusted to take into account illiquidity and other market factors. This category primarily consists of certain private preferred stock and bond securities, collateralized debt and loan obligations, and credit linked notes.
As of each reporting period, financial instruments recorded at fair value are classified based on the lowest level of input that corresponds to the fair value measurement. The presence of at least one unobservable input would result in classification as a Level 3 instrument. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset, such as the relative impact on the fair value as a result of including a particular input and market conditions. We did not make any other significant judgments except as described above.
Estimates of fair values for our investment portfolio are obtained primarily from a nationally recognized pricing service. Our Level 1 category includes those securities valued using an exchange traded price provided by the pricing service. The methodologies used by the pricing service that support a Level 2 classification of a financial instrument include multiple verifiable, observable inputs including benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. Pricing service valuations for Level 3 securities are based on proprietary models and are used when observable inputs are not available in illiquid markets. In limited circumstances we adjust the price received from the pricing service when in our judgment a better reflection of fair value is available based on corroborating information and our knowledge and monitoring of market conditions such as a disparity in price of comparable securities and/or non-binding broker quotes. We perform continuous reviews of the prices obtained from the pricing service. This includes evaluating the methodology and inputs used by the pricing service to ensure we determine the proper level classification of the financial instrument. Price variances, including large periodic changes, are investigated and corroborated by market data. We have reviewed the pricing methodologies of our pricing service and believe that their prices adequately consider market activity in determining fair value.
In cases in which a price from the pricing service is not available, values are determined by obtaining non-binding broker quotes and/or market comparables. When available, we obtain multiple quotes for the same security. The ultimate value for these securities is determined based on our best estimate of fair value using corroborating market information. Our evaluation includes the consideration of benchmark yields, reported trades, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data.

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Investments are evaluated monthly for other-than-temporary impairment loss. Some factors considered in evaluating whether or not a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary include:
    the extent and duration for which fair value is less than cost;
 
    historical operating performance and financial condition of the issuer;
 
    short- and long-term prospects of the issuer and its industry based on analysts’ recommendations;
 
    specific events that occurred affecting the issuer, including rating downgrades;
 
    our intent to sell or more likely than not be required to sell (debt securities); and
 
    our ability and intent to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in value (equity securities).
For debt securities in which we do not expect full recovery of amortized cost, the security is deemed to be credit-impaired. Credit-related impairments and impairments on securities we intend to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. It is our intention to sell all debt securities with credit impairments. For available-for-sale equity securities, a charge is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for positions that have experienced other-than-temporary impairments due to credit quality or other factors.
The primary basis for the valuation of limited partnership interests is financial statements prepared by the general partner. Because of the timing of the preparation and delivery of these financial statements, the use of the most recently available financial statements provided by the general partners generally result in a quarter delay in the inclusion of the limited partnership results in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Due to this delay, these financial statements do not reflect the market conditions experienced in the first quarter of 2010. Nearly all of the underlying investments in our limited partnerships are valued using a source other than quoted prices in active markets. Our limited partnership holdings are considered investment companies where the general partners record assets at fair value. Several factors are to be considered in determining whether an entity is an investment company. Among these factors are a large number of investors, low level of individual ownership and passive ownership that indicate the entity is an investment company.
We have three types of limited partnership investments: private equity, mezzanine debt and real estate. Our private equity and mezzanine debt partnerships are diversified among numerous industries and geographies to minimize potential loss exposure. The fair value amounts for our private equity and mezzanine debt partnerships are based on the financial statements prepared by the general partners, who use various methods to estimate fair value including the market approach, income approach and the cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other pertinent information from market-generated transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. Such valuation techniques often use market multiples derived from a set of comparables. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future cash flows or earnings to a single discounted present value amount. The measurement is based on the value indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts. The cost approach is derived from the amount that is currently required to replace the service capacity of an asset. If information becomes available that would impair the cost of investments owned by the partnerships, then the general partner would generally adjust to the net realizable value.
Real estate limited partnerships are recorded by the general partner at fair value based on independent appraisals and/or internal valuations. Real estate projects under development are generally valued at cost and impairment tested by the general partner. We minimize the risk of market decline by avoiding concentration in a particular geographic area and are diversified across residential, commercial, industrial and retail real estate investments.
We perform various procedures in review of the general partners’ valuations, and while we rely on the general partners’ financial statements as the best available information to record our share of the partnership unrealized gains and losses resulting from valuation changes, we adjust our financial statements for impairments of the partnership investments where appropriate. As there is no ready market for these investments, they have the greatest potential for variability. We survey each of the general partners quarterly about expected significant changes (plus or minus 10% compared to previous quarter) to valuations prior to the release of the fund’s quarterly and annual financial statements. Based on that information from the general partner, we consider whether additional disclosure is warranted.

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Deferred acquisition costs related to life insurance and investment-type contracts
Deferred acquisition costs (DAC) on life insurance and investment-type contracts are amortized in proportion to gross premiums, gross margins or gross profits, depending on the type of contract. DAC related to traditional life insurance products is amortized in proportion to premium revenues over the premium-paying period of related policies using assumptions consistent with those used in computing policy liability reserves. These assumptions are not revised after policy issuance unless the DAC balance is deemed to be unrecoverable from future expected profits. In any period where the actual policy terminations are higher (lower) than anticipated policy terminations, DAC amortization will be accelerated (decelerated) in that period.
DAC related to universal life products and deferred annuities is amortized over the estimated lives of the contracts in proportion to actual and expected future gross profits, which include investment, mortality and expense margins and surrender charges. Both historical and anticipated investment returns, including realized gains and losses, are considered in determining the amortization of DAC. When the actual gross profits change from previously estimated gross profits, the cumulative DAC amortization is re-estimated and adjusted by a cumulative charge or credit to current operations. When actual gross profits exceed those previously estimated, DAC amortization will increase, resulting in a current period charge to earnings. The opposite result occurs when the actual gross profits are below the previously estimated gross profits. DAC is also adjusted for the impact of unrealized gains or losses on investments as if these gains or losses had been realized, with corresponding credits or charges, net of income taxes, included in EFL’s accumulated other comprehensive income, which is presented in the noncontrolling interest owned by policyholders-Exchange in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
The actuarial assumptions used to determine investment, mortality and expense margins and surrender charges are reviewed periodically, are based on best estimates and do not include any provision for the risk of adverse deviation. If actuarial analysis indicates that expectations have changed, the actuarial assumptions are updated and the investment, mortality and expense margins and surrender charges are unlocked. If this unlocking results in a decrease in the present value of future expected gross profits, DAC amortization for the period will increase. If this unlocking results in an increase in the present value of future expected gross profits, DAC amortization for the current period will decrease.
DAC is periodically reviewed for recoverability. For traditional life products, if the benefit reserves plus anticipated future premiums and interest earnings for a line of business are less than the current estimate of future benefits and expenses (including any unamortized DAC), a charge to income is recorded for additional DAC amortization or for increased benefit reserves. For universal life and deferred annuities, if the current present value of future expected gross profits is less than the unamortized DAC, a charge to income is recorded for additional DAC amortization. There were no impairments to DAC through March 31, 2010 or December 31, 2009.
Deferred taxes
Deferred tax assets represent the tax benefit of future deductible temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such benefits are realized if there is no change in tax law. We perform an analysis of our deferred tax assets to determine recoverability on a quarterly basis for each legal entity, consistent with how we file our tax returns. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance, if based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In determining the need for a valuation allowance, we consider carry-back capacity, reversal of existing temporary differences, future taxable income and tax planning strategies. The determination of the valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets requires management to make certain judgments and assumptions regarding future operations that are based on our historical experience and our expectations of future performance. Our judgments and assumptions are subject to change given the inherent uncertainty in predicting future performance, which is impacted by such things as financial market conditions, policyholder behavior, competitor pricing, new product introductions, and specific industry and economic conditions. Indemnity had net deferred tax assets of $33 million and $41 million at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. There was no valuation allowance recorded for Indemnity at March 31, 2010, compared to a $2 million valuation allowance at December 31, 2009. The Exchange had a net deferred tax asset of $22 million and $75 million at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. There was no valuation allowance recorded on the Exchange at March 31, 2010, compared to a $4 million valuation allowance at December 31, 2009 primarily related to impairments on investments where the related deferred tax asset was not expected to be realized.

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Retirement benefit plans
Our pension plan for employees is the largest and only funded benefit plan we offer. Our pension and other retirement benefit obligations are developed from actuarial estimates. Several statistical and other factors, which attempt to anticipate future events, are used in calculating the expense and liability related to the plans. Key factors include assumptions about the discount rates and expected rates of return on plan assets. We review these assumptions annually and modify them considering historical experience, current market conditions, including changes in investment returns and interest rates, and expected future trends.
Accumulated and projected benefit obligations are expressed as the present value of future cash payments. We discount those cash payments using the prevailing market rate of a portfolio of high-quality fixed-income debt instruments with maturities that correspond to the payment of benefits. Lower discount rates increase present values and subsequent year pension expense; higher discount rates decrease present values and subsequent year pension expense. In determining the discount rate, we performed a bond-matching study. The study developed a portfolio of non-callable bonds rated AA- or higher with at least $25 million outstanding at December 31, 2009. These bonds had maturities primarily between zero and 26 years. For years beyond year 27, there were no appropriate bonds maturing. In these instances, the study estimated the appropriate bond by assuming that there would be bonds available with the same characteristics as the available bond maturing in the immediately preceding year. Outlier bonds were excluded from the study. The cash flows from the bonds were matched against our projected benefit payments in the pension plan, which have a duration of about 18 years. This bond-matching study supported the selection of a 6.11% discount rate for the 2010 pension expense. The 2009 expense was based on a discount rate assumption of 6.06%. A change of 25 basis points in the discount rate assumption, with other assumptions held constant, would have an estimated $2 million impact on net pension and other retirement benefit costs in 2010.
Unrecognized actuarial gains and losses are being recognized over a 15-year period, which represents the expected remaining service period of the employee group. Unrecognized actuarial gains and losses arise from several factors, including experience and assumption changes in the obligations and from the difference between expected returns and actual returns on plan assets. These unrecognized losses are recorded in the pension plan obligation on the Statements of Financial Position and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. These amounts are systematically recognized to net periodic pension expense in future periods, with gains decreasing and losses increasing future pension expense.
The expected long-term rate of return for the pension plan represents the average rate of return to be earned on plan assets over the period the benefits included in the benefit obligation are to be paid. The expected long-term rate of return is less susceptible to annual revisions, as there are typically not significant changes in the asset mix. The long-term rate of return is derived from expected future returns for each asset category based on applicable indices and their historical relationships under various market conditions. These expected future returns are then weighed based on our target asset allocation percentages for each asset category. A reasonably possible change of 25 basis points in the expected long-term rate of return assumption, with other assumptions held constant, would have an estimated $0.8 million impact on net pension benefit cost.
We use a four year averaging method to determine the market-related value of plan assets, which is used to determine the expected return component of pension expense. Under this methodology, asset gains or losses that result from returns that differ from our long-term rate of return assumption are recognized in the market-related value of assets on a level basis over a four year period. The component of the actuarial gain generated during 2009 that related to the actual investment return being different from assumed during the prior year was $27 million. Recognition of this gain will be deferred over a four year period, consistent with the market-related asset value methodology. Once factored into the market-related asset value, these experience gains will be amortized over a period of 15 years, which is the remaining service period of the employee group.
The actuarial assumptions used by us in determining our pension and retirement benefits may differ materially from actual results due to changing market and economic conditions, higher or lower withdrawal rates or longer or shorter life spans of participants. While we believe that the assumptions used are appropriate, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions may materially affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management operations
The information below is presented on a segment basis prior to eliminations. Management fee revenue earned by Indemnity from services provided to the Exchange is eliminated upon consolidation.
                         
    Erie Insurance Group
    Three months ended March 31,
    2010   2009   % Change
(in millions)   (unaudited)        
Management fee revenue
  $ 237     $ 230       2.9 %
Service agreement revenue
    8       8       (1.6 )
     
Total revenue from management operations
    245       238       2.8  
Cost of management operations
    192       193       (0.9 )
     
Income from management operations-Indemnity (1)
  $ 53     $ 45       18.5 %
     
Gross margin
    21.8 %     18.9 %   2.9 pts.
     
 
(1)   Indemnity retains 100% of the income from management operations.
Management fee revenue
The following table presents the direct written premium of the Property and Casualty Group and the calculation of the management fee revenue.
                         
    Erie Insurance Group
    Three months ended March 31,
    2010   2009   % Change
(dollars in millions)   (unaudited)        
Property and Casualty Group direct written premiums
  $ 948     $ 921       3.0 %
Management fee rate
    25 %     25 %        
     
Management fee revenue, gross
  $ 237     $ 230       3.0 %
     
Management fee revenue is based upon the management fee rate, determined by our Board of Directors, and the direct written premiums of the Property and Casualty Group. Changes in the management fee rate can affect the segment’s revenue and net income significantly. See also, “Board oversight” in the Transactions/Agreements between Indemnity and Noncontrolling Interest (Exchange) section within this report. The management fee rate was set at 25%, the maximum rate, for both 2010 and 2009.
Direct written premiums of the Property and Casualty Group increased 3.0% in the first quarter of 2010, compared to the first quarter of 2009, due to an increase in policies in force of 3.6%, offset by a reduction in the average premium per policy of 1.3%. The policy retention ratio was 90.7% at March 31, 2010, compared to 90.6% at December 31, 2009, and 90.8% at March 31, 2009. See the segment discussion of “Property and casualty insurance” operations for a complete discussion of property and casualty premiums.
Service agreement revenue
Service agreement revenue includes service charges Indemnity collects from policyholders for providing extended payment terms on policies written by the Property and Casualty Group and late payment and policy reinstatement fees. The service charges are fixed dollar amounts per billed installment. Service agreement revenue totaled $8 million in the first quarter of 2010 and 2009.

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Cost of management operations summary
                         
    Erie Insurance Group
    Three months ended March 31,
    2010   2009   % Change
(in millions)   (unaudited)        
Commissions
  $ 129     $ 129       (0.5 )%
     
Personnel costs
    36       36       (0.8 )
Survey and underwriting costs
    7       7       13.1  
Sales and policy issuance costs
    7       6       11.4  
All other operating costs
    13       15       (15.5 )
     
Non-commission expense
    63       64       (1.7 )
     
Total cost of management operations
  $ 192     $ 193       (0.9 )%
     
Scheduled rate commissions increased $4 million impacted by the 3.0% increase in the direct written premiums of the Property and Casualty Group in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the first quarter of 2009. Offsetting this increase was a $4 million decrease in agent bonuses in the first quarter 2010 compared to the first quarter 2009, as the estimate for the profitability component of the bonus has decreased when factoring in the most recent year’s underwriting data.
Personnel costs, the second largest component in the cost of management operations, decreased slightly in the first quarter of 2010. Salaries and wages were impacted by $1 million increase due to higher average pay rates offset by the capitalization of $2 million of labor costs related to our technology initiatives.
All other operating costs decreased 15.5%, or $2 million, driven by a $5 million reduction for a favorable ruling related to an outstanding judgment against us, offset by a $3 million increase primarily related to increased contract labor and software costs related to various technology initiatives.
The gross margin of 21.8% in the first quarter of 2010 was positively impacted by a $5 million reduction for a favorable court ruling. Excluding this adjustment, the gross margin would have been 19.8%. The improved gross margin in the first quarter of 2010 resulted from revenue growth outpacing expense growth compared to the first quarter of 2009.
Property and casualty insurance operations
A summary of the results of operations of our property and casualty insurance business is as follows:
                         
    Property and Casualty Group
    Three months ended March 31,
    2010   2009   % Change
(dollars in millions)   (unaudited)        
Direct written premium
  $ 948     $ 921       3.0 %
Reinsurance — assumed and ceded
    (2 )     1     NM
     
Net written premium
    946       922       2.7  
Change in unearned premium
    (16 )     (19 )     15.7  
     
Net premiums earned
    962       941       2.3  
     
Losses and loss expenses
    738       782       (5.6 )
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses
    265       265       0.3  
     
Total losses and expenses
    1,003       1,047       (4.1 )
     
Underwriting loss – Erie Insurance Group
  $ (41 )   $ (106 )     61.1 %
     
Underwriting loss – Indemnity
  $ (2 )   $ (6 )        
             
Underwriting loss – Exchange
  $ (39 )   $ (100 )        
             
 
                       
Loss and loss expense ratio
    76.7 %     83.1 %   (6.4 )  pts.
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expense ratio
    27.6       28.1       (0.5 )
     
Combined ratio
    104.3 %     111.2 %   (6.9 )  pts.
     
 
NM   = not meaningful 

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We measure profit or loss for our property and casualty segment based upon underwriting results, which represent net earned premium less loss and loss expenses and underwriting expense on a pre-tax basis. Loss and combined ratios are key performance indicators that we use to assess business trends and to make comparisons to industry results. Investment results of our property and casualty insurance company subsidiaries are included in our investment segment.
Direct written premiums
Direct written premiums of the Property and Casualty Group increased 3.0% to $948 million in the first quarter of 2010, due to an increase in policies in force offset by reductions in average premium. Total year-over-year policies in force increased 3.6% to nearly 4.2 million as the result of continuing strong policyholder retention rates and increased new policies sold. The year-over-year average premium per policy for all lines of business declined 1.3% at March 31, 2010, the impact of which was seen primarily in the commercial lines. The Property and Casualty Group’s modest rate increases implemented in 2010 and 2009 were offset by exposure reductions and changes in our mix of business which resulted in a slight decrease in our average premium per policy.
Premiums generated from new business increased 7.7% in the first quarter of 2010, compared to 4.4% in the first quarter of 2009. Underlying the trend in new business premiums was an increase in new business policies in force of 7.4% in the first quarter of 2010, and 4.6% in the first quarter of 2009, while year-over-year average premiums per policy on new business decreased 1.5% at March 31, 2010, and 1.3% at March 31, 2009.
Premiums generated from renewal business increased 2.4% in the first quarter of 2010 compared to a decline of 0.2% in the first quarter of 2009. Renewal policies in force increased 3.1% in the first quarter of 2010 compared to 3.0% in the first quarter of 2009. The year-over-year average premium per policy on renewal business decreased 1.2% at March 31, 2010 compared to 2.8% at March 31, 2009. The Property and Casualty Group’s year-over-year policy retention ratio was 90.7% at March 31, 2010, compared to 90.6% at December 31, 2009, and 90.8% at March 31, 2009.
Personal lines – Total personal lines premiums written increased 5.3% to $663 million in the first quarter of 2010, compared to $630 million in the first quarter of 2009. Total personal lines policies in force increased 3.6% in the first quarter of 2010 and the total personal lines year-over-year average premium per policy increased 0.7%.
The Property and Casualty Group’s personal lines new business premiums written increased 6.2% in the first quarter of 2010, compared to 12.2% in the first quarter of 2009. Personal lines new business policies in force increased 7.3% in the first quarter of 2010 compared to 5.8% in the first quarter of 2009. The year-over-year average premium per policy on personal lines new business increased 0.4% at March 31, 2010, compared to a decline of 0.5% at March 31, 2009.
    Private passenger auto new business premiums written increased 6.8% in the first quarter 2010 compared to 13.1% in the first quarter of 2009. Private passenger new business policies in force increased 6.5% in the first quarter of 2010 compared to 9.6% in the first quarter of 2009. The new business year-over-year average premium per policy for private passenger auto increased 0.3% at March 31, 2010, compared to a decrease of 1.6% at March 31, 2009.
Renewal premiums written on personal lines increased 5.2% in the first quarter 2010, compared to an increase of 1.5% in the first quarter of 2009, driven by a slight increase in average premium per policy and steady policy retention ratio trends. The year-over-year average premium per policy on personal lines renewal business increased 0.8% at March 31, 2010, compared to a decline of 1.3% at March 31, 2009. The year-over-year policy retention ratio for personal lines was 91.5% at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, and 91.6% at March 31, 2009.
    Private passenger auto renewal business premiums written increased 4.6% in the first quarter of 2010 compared to a decline of 0.1% in the first quarter of 2009. The year-over-year average premium per policy on private passenger auto renewal business increased 0.3% at March 31, 2010, compared to a decline of 0.8% at March 31, 2009. The private passenger auto year-over-year policy retention ratio remained steady at 91.9% at March 31, 2010, December 31, 2009, and March 31, 2009.
    Homeowners renewal premiums written increased 6.3% in the in the first quarter 2010, compared to 4.6% in the first quarter of 2009. The year-over-year average premium per policy on homeowners renewal business increased 3.4% at March 31, 2010 compared to a decline of 1.0% at March 31, 2009. The homeowners year-over-year policyholder retention ratio was 91.1% at March 31, 2010, 91.2% at December 31, 2009, and 91.4% at March 31, 2009.
Commercial lines – Total commercial lines premiums written decreased 2.1% to $285 million in the first quarter of 2010, compared to $291 million in the first quarter of 2009. Total commercial lines policies in force increased 3.2% while the total commercial lines year-over-year average premium per policy decreased 6.1%.

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Commercial lines new business premiums written increased 10.3% in the first quarter of 2010, compared to a decrease of 8.1% in the first quarter of 2009. Commercial lines new business policies in force increased 8.0% in the first quarter of 2010 compared to a decline of 0.7% in the first quarter of 2009. The year-over-year average premium per policy on commercial lines new business decreased 5.7% at March 31, 2010 compared to an increase of 0.2% at March 31, 2009, driven by reductions in exposure as a result of continued economic pressures on commercial customers.
Renewal premiums for commercial lines decreased 3.6% in both the first quarters of 2010 and 2009. The year-over-year average premium per policy on commercial lines renewal business declined 5.9% at March 31, 2010, compared to a decline of 6.3% at March 31, 2009, due primarily to the workers compensation and commercial auto lines of business in both years. The workers compensation and commercial auto year-over-year average premium per policy decreased 14.4% and 4.0%, respectively, at March 31, 2010, compared to declines of 12.3% and 3.7%, respectively, at March 31, 2009. Contributing to the workers compensation lower average premium per policy were shifts in the mix of our book of business and lower exposures driven by reductions in payroll levels. The commercial auto average premium per policy decrease was driven by shifts in the mix of our book of business and fewer insured vehicles. The commercial lines year-over-year policy retention ratio was 85.4% at March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009.
Future trends—premium revenue – We are continuing efforts to grow Property and Casualty Group premiums and improve our competitive position in the marketplace. Expanding the size of the agency force will contribute to future growth as existing and new agents build up their book of business with the Property and Casualty Group. In the first quarter of 2010, we appointed 17 new agencies and had a total of 2,059 agencies. We expect our pricing actions to result in a net increase in direct written premium in 2010, however, exposure reductions and changes in our mix of business could impact the average premium written by the Property and Casualty Group as customers may continue to reduce coverages.
Current year losses and loss expenses
The current accident year loss and loss ratio, excluding catastrophe losses was 70.2% in the first quarter of 2010 compared to 71.2% in the first quarter of 2009.
The personal lines loss and loss expense ratio related to the current accident year, excluding catastrophe losses, was 70.7% in the first quarter of 2010 compared to 71.5% in the first quarter of 2009. The personal auto loss and loss expense ratio related to the current accident year, excluding catastrophe losses, decreased to 69.6% in the first quarter of 2010 from 70.5% in the first quarter of 2009, while the homeowners loss and loss expense ratio decreased to 73.3% from 75.2% for the same periods, respectively.
The commercial lines loss and loss expenses ratio related to the current accident year, excluding catastrophe losses, was 69.1% in the first quarter of 2010 compared to 70.6% in the first quarter of 2009. Excluding catastrophe losses, the current accident year loss and loss expense ratios for the first quarters of 2010 and 2009, respectively, were 71.3% and 75.8% for the workers compensation line of business, 76.2% and 78.6% for the commercial multi-peril line of business, and 58.4% and 55.8% for the commercial auto line of business.
Catastrophe losses
Catastrophes are an inherent risk of the property and casualty insurance business and can have a material impact on our insurance underwriting results. In addressing this risk, we employ what we believe are reasonable underwriting standards and monitor our exposure by geographic region. The Property and Casualty Group’s definition of catastrophes includes those weather-related or other loss events which we consider significant to our geographic footprint which, individually or in the aggregate, may not reach the level of a national catastrophe as defined by the Property Claim Service (PCS). The Property and Casualty Group maintains sufficient property catastrophe reinsurance coverage from unaffiliated reinsurers and no longer participates in the voluntary assumed reinsurance business, which lowers the variability of the underwriting results of the Property and Casualty Group.
Catastrophe losses, as defined by the Property and Casualty Group, totaled $112 million in the first quarter of 2010 and $73 million in the first quarter of 2009. These catastrophe losses contributed 11.7 points and 7.8 points to the loss ratios at March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Catastrophe losses in 2010 were the result of ice, snow and wind storms primarily in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. In 2009, catastrophe losses resulted from wind and hail storms primarily in Pennsylvania and Ohio.

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Prior year loss development
The following table provides the details of the prior year loss reserve development:
                 
    Erie Insurance Group
    Three months ended March 31,
    2010   2009
(in millions)   (unaudited)
Prior year loss development:
               
Direct business excluding salvage and subrogation
  $ (44 )   $ 38  
Assumed reinsurance business
    (3 )     (1 )
Ceded reinsurance business
    (4 )     3  
Salvage and subrogation
    1       (1 )
     
Total prior year loss development
  $ (50 )   $ 39  
     
Negative amounts represent a redundancy (decrease in reserves), while positive amounts represent a deficiency (increase in reserves).
Development of loss reserves
Direct business excluding salvage and subrogation – Favorable development of prior accident years, excluding the effects of salvage and subrogation recoveries, improved the combined ratio 4.6 points in the first quarter of 2010, while adverse development of prior accident years contributed 4.0 points to the combined ratio in the first quarter of 2009. Driving the prior accident year development through March 31, 2010 was favorable development of $22 million related to the personal auto line of business, $19 million related to the commercial multi-peril line of business, and $8 million related to the homeowners line of business. Of the $22 million of favorable development in the personal auto line of business, $15 million was the result of improvements in frequency trends on automobile bodily injury and uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury and $7 million was the result of closing two claims. The favorable development experienced in the commercial multi-peril line of business was primarily the result of improvements in severity trends, while the favorable development in the homeowners line of business was primarily the result of the settlement of one large claim. The adverse development in 2009 was primarily the result of one large workers compensation claim combined with increasing loss cost trends on automobile bodily injury and commercial liability claims.
Assumed reinsurance – The Property and Casualty Group experienced favorable development of prior accident year loss reserves on its assumed reinsurance business of $3 million and $1 million through March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The favorable development was due to less than anticipated growth in involuntary reinsurance.
Ceded reinsurance – The increase in ceded reinsurance reserves, which is reflected as favorable development of reserves, resulted from $8 million in ceded business related primarily to the business catastrophe liability line. This was offset by a reduction in ceded reserves of $4 million related to the pre-1986 automobile massive injury reserves.
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses
Our expense ratio remained relatively flat, decreasing only 0.5 points through March 31, 2010 compared to March 31, 2009. The management fee rate was 25% at both March 31, 2010 and 2009. The first quarter 2009 amount includes a charge for the North Carolina Escrow account of $4 million which added 0.5 points to the 2009 policy acquisition and other underwriting expense ratio. The final rate that was approved by North Carolina approximated our filed rates and the charge was reversed in the third quarter of 2009.

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Life insurance operations
EFL is a Pennsylvania-domiciled life insurance company which underwrites and sells nonparticipating individual and group life insurance policies and fixed annuities and operates in 10 states and the District of Columbia.
                         
    Erie Family Life Insurance Company
    Three months ended March 31,
    2010   2009   % Change
(in millions)   (unaudited)        
Individual life premiums, net of reinsurance
  $ 15     $ 15       1.9 %
Group life and other premiums
    1       1       (6.5 )
Other revenue
    0       0     NM
         
Total net policy revenue
    16       16       0.9  
Net investment income
    23       25       (5.8 )
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
    5       (2 )   NM
Impairment losses recognized in earnings
    0       (14 )   99.5
Equity in losses of limited partnerships
    (1 )     (3 )     66.7  
         
Total revenues
    43       22       98.0  
         
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves
    24       22       8.6  
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    5       2     NM
Other operating expenses
    4       4       11.2  
         
Total benefits and expenses
    33       28       17.8  
         
Income (loss) before income taxes
    10       (6 )   NM
         
Income (loss) before taxes — Indemnity(1)
  $ 2     $ (1 )   NM
         
Income (loss) before taxes — Exchange
  $ 8     $ (5 )   NM
         
 
NM = not meaningful
 
(1)   The Exchange has a 78.4% ownership interest in EFL, with the remaining 21.6% owned by Indemnity.
Premiums
Gross policy revenues increased 3.9% to $25 million in the first quarter of 2010, compared to $24 million in the first quarter of 2009. EFL reinsures a large portion of its traditional products in order to reduce claims volatility. Our reinsurers assume 75% of the risk on new term business. Ceded reinsurance premiums were $9 million and $8 million in the first quarters of 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Premiums received on annuity and universal life products totaled $32 million in the first quarter of 2010, compared to $40 million in the first quarter of 2009. Of this amount, annuity and universal life premiums recorded as deposits and therefore not reflected in revenue on the Consolidated Statements of Operations were $29 million and $36 million in the first quarters of 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Investments
Due to improving market conditions in the first quarter of 2010, impairments decreased significantly and EFL experienced net realized gains on investments compared to losses in the first quarter of 2009. Equity in earnings of limited partnerships also reflected the improvement in market conditions in the fourth quarter of 2009, as limited partnership activity is reported on a one quarter lag. See additional discussion of investments in the “Investment Operations” segment that follows.
Benefits and expenses
The amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs increased in the first quarter of 2010 primarily due to a reduction in impairments and realized gains in the first quarter of 2010 compared to realized losses and significant impairment losses in the first quarter of 2009.

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Investment operations
                         
    Erie Insurance Group
    March 31,   March 31,    
    2010   2009   % Change
(in millions)    (unaudited)        
Indemnity            
Net investment income
  $ 9     $ 13       (26.9 )%
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
    5       (4 )   NM
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
    0       (5 )   NM
Equity in (losses) earnings of limited partnerships
    0       (28 )   NM
         
Net loss from investment operations — Indemnity
  $ 14     $ (24 )   NM
         
 
                       
Exchange
                       
Net investment income
  $ 97     $ 104       8.6 %
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
    120       (151 )   NM
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
    (2 )     (66 )   NM
Equity in gains (losses) of limited partnerships
    3       (133 )   NM
         
Net revenue (loss) from investment operations — Exchange(1)
  $ 218     $ (246 )   NM
         
 
NM = not meaningful
 
(1)   The Exchange’s results include net revenues of EFL operations of $27 million and $6 million in the first quarters of 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Net investment income includes primarily interest and dividends on our fixed maturity and equity security portfolios.
Net investment income decreased in both Indemnity and the Exchange. Driving this decrease in both entities was an increase in bond amortization that was recognized in the first quarter of 2009. In addition, 2010 dividend income on preferred stock holdings is down in both entities due to reduced levels of holdings.
Realized gains on investments increased in both Indemnity and the Exchange in large part due to the valuation increases on the common stock trading portfolios. Indemnity’s common stock trading portfolio contributed $2 million in valuation adjustment gains through March 31, 2010 compared to $2 million in valuation adjustment losses through March 31, 2009. The Exchange generated valuation adjustment gains through March 31, 2010 of $71 million compared to valuation adjustment losses of $62 million through March 31, 2009.
Impairment losses recognized in earnings for Indemnity decreased $5 million in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the first quarter of 2009. Impairment losses recognized in earnings for the Exchange decreased $64 million for the same period. Both decreases are the result of improved market conditions.
Indemnity’s equity in earnings of limited partnerships were $0.2 million through March 31, 2010 compared to losses of $28 million through March 31, 2009. The Exchange’s equity in earnings of limited partnerships was $3 million through March 31, 2010 compared to losses of $133 million through March 31, 2009. These earnings were primarily the result of increases in fair value in our private equity and mezzanine debt limited partnerships offsetting continued losses in our real estate limited partnerships.

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The breakdown of our net realized (losses) gains on investments is as follows:
                 
    Erie Insurance Group
    Three months ended March 31,
    2010   2009
(in millions)    (unaudited)
Indemnity    
Securities sold:
               
Fixed maturities
  $ 2     $ (2 )
Preferred stock equity securities
    0       2  
Common stock equity securities
    1       (2 )
Common stock valuation adjustments
    2       (2 )
     
Total net realized gains (losses) — Indemnity (1)
  $ 5     $ (4 )
       
 
               
Exchange
               
Securities sold:
               
Fixed maturities
  $ 12     $ (12 )
Preferred stock equity securities
    4       3  
Common stock equity securities
    33       (80 )
Common stock valuation adjustments
    71       (62 )
     
Total net realized gains (losses) — Exchange (1) (2)
  $ 120     $ (151 )
       
 
(1)   See Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained within this report for additional disclosures regarding net realized (losses) gains on investments.
 
(2)   The Exchange’s net realized gains (losses) include net realized gains from EFL operations of $5 million in 2010 and net realized losses of $2 million in 2009.
The components of equity in earnings (losses) of limited partnerships are as follows:
                         
    Erie Insurance Group
    Three months ended March 31,
    2010   2009   % Change
(in millions)   (unaudited)        
Indemnity    
Private equity
  $ 5       ($10 )   NM
Real estate
    (6 )     (23 )   NM
Mezzanine debt
    1       5     NM
     
Total equity in earnings (losses) of limited partnerships — Indemnity
  $ 0       ($28 )   NM
     
 
                       
Exchange
                       
Private equity
  $ 22       ($47 )     NM  
Real estate
    (22 )     (96 )   NM
Mezzanine debt
    3       10     NM
     
Total equity in earnings (losses) of limited partnerships — Exchange(1)
  $ 3       ($133 )   NM
     
 
NM = not meaningful
 
(1)   Total equity in earnings (losses) of limited partnerships include equity in losses of limited partnerships from EFL operations of $1 million and $3 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Limited partnership earnings pertain to investments in U.S. and foreign private equity, real estate and mezzanine debt partnerships. Valuation adjustments are recorded to reflect the fair value of limited partnerships. These adjustments are recorded as a component of equity in earnings of limited partnerships in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
We experienced an increase in earnings as a result of fair value increases in our private equity and mezzanine debt limited partnerships which were offset by losses in our real estate limited partnerships. Limited partnership earnings tend to be cyclical based on market conditions, the age of the partnership and the nature of the investments. Generally, limited partnership earnings are recorded on a quarter lag from financial statements we receive from our general partners. As a consequence, earnings from limited partnerships reported at March 31, 2010 do not reflect investment valuation changes that may have resulted from the financial markets and the economy in the first quarter of 2010.

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FINANCIAL CONDITION
Investments
Our investment strategy takes a long-term perspective emphasizing investment quality, diversification and superior investment returns. Investments are managed on a total return approach that focuses on current income and capital appreciation. Our investment strategy also provides for liquidity to meet our short- and long-term commitments. Investments, along with our operating cash flow, provide the liquidity we require to meet the demands on our funds.
Distribution of investments (unaudited)
                                 
    Erie Insurance Group  
    Carrying value at     Carrying value at  
    March 31,     December 31,  
            % to             % to  
(in millions)   2010     total     2009     total  
           
Indemnity
                               
Fixed maturities
  $ 674       67 %   $ 664       68 %
Equity securities:
                               
Preferred stock
    48       5       38       4  
Common stock
    45       4       42       4  
Limited partnerships:
                               
Real estate
    93       9       99       10  
Private equity
    92       9       85       9  
Mezzanine debt
    50       5       51       5  
Real estate mortgage loans
    1       1       1       0  
           
Total investments Indemnity
  $ 1,003       100 %   $ 980       100 %
           
 
                               
Exchange
                               
Fixed maturities
  $ 6,569       64 %   $ 6,517       65 %
Equity securities:
                               
Preferred stock
    536       5       472       5  
Common stock
    1,933       19       1,835       18  
Limited partnerships:
                               
Real estate
    371       4       397       4  
Private equity
    529       5       503       5  
Mezzanine debt
    219       2       216       2  
Policy loans
    15       1       15       1  
Real estate mortgage loans
    5       0       5       0  
           
Total investments Exchange
  $ 10,177       100 %   $ 9,960       100 %
           
Total investments — Erie Insurance Group
  $ 11,180             $ 10,940          
 
                           
We continually review the investment portfolio to evaluate positions that might incur other-than-temporary declines in value. For all investment holdings, general economic conditions and/or conditions specifically affecting the underlying issuer or its industry, including downgrades by the major rating agencies, are considered in evaluating impairment in value. In addition to specific factors, other factors considered in our review of investment valuation are the length of time the fair value is below cost and the amount the fair value is below cost.
We individually analyze all positions with emphasis on those that have, in management’s opinion, declined significantly below costs. With the issuance of new impairment guidance for debt securities in the second quarter of 2009, we further analyze debt securities to determine if a credit-related impairment has occurred. Some of the factors considered in determining whether a debt security is credit impaired include potential for the default of interest and/or principal, level of subordination, collateral of the issue, compliance with financial covenants, credit ratings and industry conditions. We have the intent to sell all credit-impaired debt securities, therefore the entire amount of the impairment charges are included in earnings and no non-credit impairments are recorded in other comprehensive income. Prior to the second quarter of 2009, there was no differentiation between impairments related to credit loss and those related to other factors and declines in the fair value of debt securities were deemed other-than-temporary if we did not have the intent and ability to hold a security to recovery. For available-for-sale

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equity securities, a charge is recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for positions that have experienced other-than-temporary impairments due to credit quality or other factors (See “Investment Operations” section herein).
If our policy for determining the recognition of impaired positions were different, our Consolidated Results of Operations could be significantly impacted. Management believes its investment valuation philosophy and accounting practices result in appropriate and timely measurement of value and recognition of impairment.
Fixed maturities
Under our investment strategy, we maintain a fixed maturities portfolio that is of high quality and well diversified within each market sector. This investment strategy also achieves a balanced maturity schedule. The fixed maturities portfolio is managed with the goal of achieving reasonable returns while limiting exposure to risk. The municipal bond portfolio accounts for $247 million, or 37%, of the total fixed maturity portfolio for Indemnity and $1.4 billion, or 22% of the fixed maturity portfolio for the Exchange at March 31, 2010. The overall credit rating of the municipal portfolio without consideration of the underlying insurance is AA-. Because of the rating downgrades of municipal bond insurers, the insurance does not improve the overall credit rating.
Fixed maturities classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred taxes, included in shareholders’ equity. At March 31, 2010, Indemnity’s net unrealized gains on fixed maturities, net of deferred taxes, amounted to $17 million compared to net unrealized gains of $14 million at December 31, 2009. At March 31, 2010, the Exchange had net unrealized gains on fixed maturities of $207 million compared to net unrealized gains of $156 million at December 31, 2009.

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The following is a breakdown of the fair value of our fixed maturities portfolio by sector and rating as of March 31, 2010 for Indemnity and the Exchange, respectively:
                                                 
    Erie Insurance Group
(in millions)    (unaudited)
Indemnity                                   Not Investment   Fair
Industry Sector   AAA   AA   A   BBB   Grade   value
 
Structured securities(1)
  $ 22     $ 2     $ 0     $ 3     $ 7     $ 34  
Basic materials
    0       0       1       6       1       8  
Communications
    0       0       11       21       0       32  
Consumer
    0       3       20       38       2       63  
Diversified
    0       1       0       0       0       1  
Energy
    0       1       2       29       0       32  
Financial
    4       17       68       51       15       155  
Government-municipal
    54       118       68       7       0       247  
Industrial
    0       0       6       18       2       26  
U.S. treasury and government agencies
    4       0       0       0       0       4  
Government
    22       0       2       0       0       24  
Technology
    0       0       2       3       0       5  
Utilities
    0       0       6       34       3       43  
     
Total
  $ 106     $ 142     $ 186     $ 210     $ 30     $ 674  
               
                                                 
Exchange                                   Not Investment   Fair
Industry Sector   AAA   AA   A   BBB   Grade   value
    — —      
Structured securities(1)
  $ 380     $ 27     $ 14     $ 29     $ 69     $ 519  
Basic materials
    0       0       46       114       12       172  
Communications
    0       0       135       300       30       465  
Consumer
    0       23       200       338       84       645  
Diversified
    0       0       21       0       0       21  
Energy
    0       10       64       311       23       408  
Financial
    20       213       967       529       179       1,908  
Funds
    0       0       5       0       0       5  
Government-municipal
    369       705       304       41       2       1,421  
Industrial
    0       5       67       203       26       301  
U.S. treasury and government agencies
    5       0       0       0       0       5  
Government
    85       0       7       6       0       98  
Technology
    0       0       36       54       0       90  
Utilities
    0       3       83       388       37       511  
     
Total
  $ 859     $ 986     $ 1,949     $ 2,313     $ 462     $ 6,569  
               
 
(1)   Structured securities include asset-backed securities, collateral, lease and debt obligations, commercial mortgage-backed securities and residential mortgage-backed securities.

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Equity securities
Our equity securities consist of common stock and nonredeemable preferred stock. Investment characteristics of common stock and nonredeemable preferred stock differ substantially from one another. Our nonredeemable preferred stock portfolio provides a source of current income that is competitive with investment-grade bonds.
The following tables present an analysis of the fair value of our preferred and common stock securities by sector for Indemnity and Exchange, respectively.
                                 
    Indemnity
    (unaudited)
    Fair Value at March 31,   Fair Value at December 31,
    2010   2009
(in millions)   Preferred   Common   Preferred   Common
Industry sector   stock   stock   stock   stock
         
Basic materials
  $ 0     $ 2     $ 0     $ 2  
Communications
    1       3       1       2  
Consumer
    0       15       0       15  
Diversified
    0       1       0       1  
Energy
    0       3       0       3  
Financial
    33       11       27       9  
Funds
    0       3       0       3  
Government
    0       0       0       0  
Industrial
    2       6       2       6  
Technology
    3       1       3       1  
Utilities
    9       0       5       0  
     
Total
  $ 48     $ 45     $ 38     $ 42  
           
                                 
    Exchange
    (unaudited)
    Fair Value at March 31,   Fair Value at December 31,
    2010   2009
(in millions)   Preferred   Common   Preferred   Common
Industry sector   stock   stock   stock   stock
         
Basic materials
  $ 0     $ 80     $ 0     $ 95  
Communications
    9       169       8       170  
Consumer
    4       517       0       457  
Diversified
    0       7       0       8  
Energy
    0       140       0       157  
Financial
    387       264       348       231  
Funds
    0       318       0       298  
Government
    3       0       3       0  
Industrial
    5       216       5       207  
Technology
    15       201       12       190  
Utilities
    113       21       96       22  
      —    
Total
  $ 536     $ 1,933     $ 472     $ 1,835  
           
Our preferred stock equity securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position with all changes in unrealized gains and losses reflected in other comprehensive income. At March 31, 2010, the unrealized gain on preferred stock classified as available-for-sale securities, net of deferred taxes amounted to $4 million for Indemnity and $44 million for the Exchange compared to a $2 million gain for Indemnity and $31 million gain for the Exchange at March 31, 2009.
The common stock portfolio is classified as a trading portfolio and measured at fair value with all changes in unrealized gains and losses reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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Limited partnership investments
In the first quarter of 2010, investments in limited partnerships remained relatively flat from the investment levels at December 31, 2009. Increases in fair value in our private equity and mezzanine debt limited partnerships were offset by reductions in fair value in our real estate limited partnerships.
The components of limited partnership investments are as follows:
                 
    Erie Insurance Group
    At March 31,   December 31,
    2010   2009
(in millions)   (unaudited)
Indemnity    
Private equity
  $ 92     $ 85  
Real estate
    93       99  
Mezzanine debt
    50       51  
       
Total limited partnerships — Indemnity
  $ 235     $ 235  
       
 
               
Exchange
               
Private equity
  $ 529     $ 503  
Real estate
    371       397  
Mezzanine debt
    219       216  
       
Total limited partnerships — Exchange
  $ 1,119     $ 1,116  
       
 
NM = not meaningful
Liabilities
Property and casualty loss reserves
Loss reserves are established to account for the estimated ultimate costs of loss and loss expenses for claims that have been reported but not yet settled and claims that have been incurred but not reported.
The factors which may potentially cause the greatest variation between current reserve estimates and the actual future paid amounts are: unforeseen changes in statutory or case law altering the amounts to be paid on existing claim obligations, new medical procedures and/or drugs with costs significantly different from those seen in the past, and claims patterns on current business that differ significantly from historical claims patterns.
Loss and loss expense reserves are presented on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position on a gross basis. The following tables represent the direct and assumed loss and loss expense reserves by major line of business for Indemnity and Exchange, respectively. The reinsurance recoverable amount represents the related ceded amounts which results in the net liability attributable to Indemnity and Exchange, respectively.
                 
    Erie Insurance Group
    At March 31,   At December 31,
    2010   2009
(in millions)    (unaudited)
Indemnity    
Gross reserve liability:
               
Personal auto
  $ 214     $ 221  
Automobile massive injury
    146       147  
Homeowners
    20       22  
Workers compensation
    168       169  
Workers compensation massive injury
    12       12  
Commercial auto
    58       56  
Commercial multi-peril
    68       68  
All other lines of business
    58       57  
       
Gross reserves
    744       752  
Reinsurance recoverable
    1       1  
       
Net reserve liability — Indemnity
  $ 743     $ 751  
       

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    Erie Insurance Group
    At March 31,   At December 31,
    2010   2009
(in millions)   (unaudited)
Exchange    
Gross reserve liability:
               
Personal auto
  $ 866     $ 887  
Automobile massive injury
    300       316  
Homeowners
    237       178  
Workers compensation
    342       342  
Workers compensation massive injury
    128       132  
Commercial auto
    221       226  
Commercial multi-peril
    500       475  
All other lines of business
    273       290  
       
Gross reserves
    2,867       2,846  
Reinsurance recoverable
    201       199  
       
Net reserve liability — Exchange
  $ 2,666     $ 2,647  
       
The reserves that have the greatest potential for variation are the massive injury claim reserves. The Property and Casualty Group is currently reserving for about 300 claimants requiring lifetime medical care, of which about 120 involve massive injuries. The reserve carried by the Property and Casualty Group for the massive injury claimants, which includes automobile and workers compensation massive injury reserves, was $411 million at March 31, 2010, which is net of $174 million of anticipated reinsurance recoverables, compared to $428 million at December 31, 2009. The pre-1986 automobile massive injury reserve decreased at March 31, 2010 compared to December 31, 2009, as we closed two claims, and the workers compensation massive injury reserve decreased due to the settlement of two massive injury workers compensation claims.
The reserves above are presented on a gross basis. After the effects of the intercompany pooling transactions are considered, Indemnity retains 5.5% of the gross reserves and the Exchange retains 94.5% of the gross reserves. Indemnity’s 5.5% share of the massive injury liability reserves, net of unaffiliated reinsurance recoveries, was $23 million at March 31, 2010, and $24 million at December 31, 2009.
Life insurance reserves
EFL’s primary commitment is its obligation to pay future policy benefits under the terms of its life insurance and annuity contracts. To meet these future obligations, EFL establishes life insurance reserves based upon the type of policy, the age, gender and risk class of the insured and the number of years the policy has been in force. EFL also establishes annuity and universal life reserves based on the amount of policyholder deposits (less applicable insurance and expense charges) plus interest earned on those deposits. Life insurance and annuity reserves are supported primarily by EFL’s long-term, fixed income investments as the underlying policy reserves are generally also of a long-term nature.
IMPACT OF INFLATION
Property and casualty insurance premiums are established before losses and loss expenses, and therefore, before the extent to which inflation may impact such costs are known. Consequently, in establishing premium rates, we attempt to anticipate the potential impact of inflation, including medical cost inflation, construction and auto repair cost inflation and tort issues. Medical costs are a broad element of inflation that impacts personal and commercial auto, general liability, workers compensation and commercial multi-peril lines of insurance written by the Property and Casualty Group.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Sources and uses of cash
Liquidity is a measure of a company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flows to meet the short- and long-term cash requirements of its business operations and growth needs. Our liquidity requirements have been met primarily by funds generated from premiums collected and income from investments. The insurance operations provide liquidity in that premiums are collected in advance of paying losses under the policies purchased with those premiums. Cash outflows for the property and casualty business are generally variable since settlement dates for liabilities for unpaid losses and the potential for large losses, whether individual or in the aggregate, cannot be predicted with absolute certainty. Accordingly, after satisfying our operating cash requirements, excess cash flows are used to build our investment portfolio in order to increase future investment income, which then may be used as a source of liquidity if cash from our insurance operations would not be sufficient to meet our obligations. Cash provided from these sources is used primarily to fund losses and policyholder benefits, fund the costs of operations including salaries and wages and commissions, pension plans, share repurchases, dividends to shareholders and the purchase and development of information technology. We expect that our operating cash needs will be met by funds generated from operations.
Continuing volatility in the financial markets presents challenges to us as we do occasionally access our investment portfolio as a source of cash. Some of our fixed income investments, despite being publicly traded, are illiquid due to current credit market conditions. Further volatility in these markets could impair our ability to sell certain of our fixed income securities or cause such securities to sell at deep discounts. Additionally, our limited partnership investments are illiquid. We believe we have sufficient liquidity to meet our needs from other sources even if market volatility persists throughout 2010.
Cash flow activities
The following table is a summary of our condensed consolidated cash flows for the three months ended March 31:
                 
    Erie Insurance Group
    2010   2009
(in millions)   (unaudited)
Net cash from operating activities
  $ 27     $ 238  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (49 )     (49 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (10 )     (8 )
       
Net (decrease) increase in cash
  $ (32 )   $ 181  
       
The decrease in cash flows from operating activities in the first quarter of 2010 was primarily driven by the payment of federal income taxes of $7 million compared to the recovery of federal income taxes of $206 million in the first quarter of 2009. Also decreasing the cash flows from operating activities in 2010 was an increase in loss, loss expenses and other underwriting expenses paid, offset somewhat by an increase in premiums collected.
At March 31, 2010, we recorded a deferred tax asset of $55 million, which included capital loss carry-forwards of $13 million. There was no valuation allowance at March 31, 2010. We have the ability to carry-back capital losses of $286 million as a result of gains recognized in prior years. At March 31, 2010, the carry-back relating to the 2009 capital losses has not been received. This carry-back is estimated to be $251 million.
Cash flows used in investing activities remained flat in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009. In the first quarter of 2010, we generated more proceeds from the sales of common stocks and certain fixed maturities and used more cash for the purchase of other fixed maturities as part of a tax planning strategy. At March 31, 2010, we had contractual commitments to invest up to $596 million related to our limited partnership investments to be funded as required by the partnerships’ agreements. At March 31, 2010, the total remaining commitment to fund limited partnerships that invest in private equity securities was $274 million, real estate activities was $207 million and mezzanine debt securities was $115 million.

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Cash flow activities — Indemnity
The following table summarizes Indemnity cash flows for the three months ended March 31:
                 
    Indemnity
    2010   2009
(in millions)   (unaudited)
Net cash from operating activities
  $ 0     $ 55  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (19 )     (14 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (28 )     (24 )
       
Net (decrease) increase in cash
  $ (47 )   $ 17  
       
See Indemnity’s supplemental information footnote (Note 21) for more detail on Indemnity cash flows.
Indemnity’s cash flows from operating activities was zero for the first quarter of 2010, compared to cash provided of $55 million for the same period in 2009. Lower operating cash flows for the first quarter of 2010 were primarily due to a decrease in reimbursements collected from affiliates offset by an increase in management fee revenues received. Management fee revenues were higher reflecting the increase in the Property and Casualty Group’s direct written premium.
Cash paid for agent commissions and bonuses decreased to $169 million in the first quarter of 2010, compared to $183 million in the first quarter of 2009, as a result of a decrease in cash paid for agent bonuses. Indemnity’s policy is to contribute at least the minimum required contribution to its pension plan that is in accordance with the Pension Protection Act of 2006 and to fund the annual “normal” costs of the pension. For 2010, the expected contribution amount is $15 million, which does exceed the minimum required amount. Indemnity is generally reimbursed about 50% of the net periodic benefit cost of the pension plan from its affiliates.
At March 31, 2010, Indemnity recorded a gross deferred tax asset of $33 million, which included capital loss carry-forwards of $4 million. There was no valuation allowance at March 31, 2010. Indemnity has the ability to carry back capital losses of $40 million as a result of gains recognized in prior years. At March 31, 2010, the carry-back relating to the 2009 capital losses has not been received. This carry-back is estimated to be $31 million. Indemnity’s capital gain and loss strategies take into consideration its ability to offset gains and losses in future periods, further capital loss carry-back opportunities to the three preceding years, and capital loss carry-forward opportunities to apply against future capital gains over the next five years.
Cash flows used in Indemnity investing activities totaled $19 million in the first quarter of 2010 compared to $14 million for the same period in 2009. Indemnity’s investing operations were impacted by more proceeds from the sales of common stocks and certain fixed maturities offset somewhat by more cash used for the purchase of other fixed maturities as part of a tax planning strategy. Also impacting future investing activities are limited partnership commitments, which at March 31, 2010, totaled $65 million and will be funded as required by the partnerships’ agreements.
The increase in cash used in financing activities in the first quarter of 2010 was primarily driven by slight increases in the cash outlay for share repurchases and dividends paid to shareholders. In the first quarter of 2010, Indemnity repurchased 74,967 shares of our Class A nonvoting common stock at a total cost of $3 million in conjunction with the current stock repurchase plan. In the first quarter of 2009, Indemnity repurchased 42,200 shares of its outstanding Class A nonvoting common stock at a total cost of $1 million. In April 2010, the Board of Directors approved a continuation of the current stock repurchase program through June 30, 2011 for a total of $100 million. Indemnity plans to continue to repurchase shares through this program as cash becomes available for this purpose. Dividends paid to shareholders totaled $25 million and $23 million in the first quarters of 2010 and 2009, respectively. Indemnity increased both its Class A and Class B shareholder quarterly dividend by 6.7% in 2010, compared to 2009. There are no regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends to Indemnity shareholders, although there are state law restrictions on the payment of dividends from Indemnity’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries.
Capital outlook
If the financial market volatility continues, we have the ability to meet our future funding requirements through various alternatives available to us. Outside of our normal operating and investing cash activities, future funding requirements could be met through (1) a $200 million bank line of credit held by the Exchange, from which there

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were no borrowings at March 31, 2010, (2) a $100 million bank line of credit held by Indemnity, from which there were no borrowings as of March 31, 2010, and (3) our more liquid investments that can be sold, such as our common stock and cash and cash equivalents, which total approximately $2.2 billion at March 31, 2010. Indemnity has no rights to the assets or capital of the Exchange and, conversely, the Exchange has no rights to the assets or capital of Indemnity.
Additionally, Indemnity has the ability to curtail or modify discretionary cash outlays such as those related to shareholder dividends and our share repurchase activities. We believe we have the funding sources available to us to support future cash flow requirements in 2010.
The Exchange and Indemnity had no borrowings under their respective lines of credit at March 31, 2010. At March 31, 2010, bonds with fair values of $259 million and $131 million were pledged as collateral on the Exchange’s and Indemnity’s lines of credit, respectively. These securities have no restrictions. The bank requires compliance with certain covenants, which include statutory surplus and risk based capital ratios for the Exchange line of credit and minimum net worth and leverage ratios for Indemnity line of credit. The Exchange and Indemnity were in compliance with all bank covenants at March 31, 2010.
Contractual Obligations
Cash outflows are variable because the fluctuations in settlement dates for claims payments vary and cannot be predicted with absolute certainty. While volatility in claims payments could be significant for the Property and Casualty Group, the cash flow requirements for claims have not historically had a significant effect on our liquidity. Based on a historical 15-year average, about 50% of losses and loss expenses included in the reserve are paid out in the subsequent 12-month period and approximately 89% are paid out within a five-year period. Losses that are paid out after that five-year period reflect long-tail lines such as workers compensation and auto bodily injury.
We have certain obligations and commitments to make future payments under various contracts. As of March 31, 2010, the aggregate obligations not previously disclosed in the Form 10-K filed on February 25, 2010 related to our noncontrolling interest in the Exchange and were as follows. The presentation of Indemnity loss and loss expense reserves has been updated to reflect the consolidated presentation in accordance with the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
                                         
    Erie Insurance Group
    Payments due by period (unaudited)
                                    2015 and
(in millions)   Total   2010   2011-2012   2013-2014   thereafter
             
Fixed obligations:
                                       
Noncontrolling interest:
                                       
Limited partnership commitments(1)
  $ 531     $ 229     $ 215     $ 72     $ 15  
     
Fixed contractual obligations — Exchange
    531       229       215       72       15  
Gross property and casualty loss and loss expense reserves:
                                       
Indemnity
    744       372       219       73       80  
Exchange
    2,867       1,434       843       281       309  
Life gross long-term liabilities(2)
    4,247       151       315       336       3,445  
             
Gross contractual obligations
  $ 8,389     $ 2,186     $ 1,592     $ 762     $ 3,849  
             
Gross contractual obligations net of estimated reinsurance recoverables are as follows:
                                         
    Payments due by period
                                    2015 and
(in millions)   Total   2010   2011-2012   2013-2014   thereafter
             
Gross contractual obligations
  $ 8,389     $ 2,186     $ 1,592     $ 762     $ 3,849  
Estimated reinsurance recoverables-property and casualty
    202       101       59       20       22  
Estimated reinsurance recoverables-life(3)
    461       19       35       37       370  
      — — —  
Net contractual obligations
  $ 7,726     $ 2,066     $ 1,498     $ 705     $ 3,457  
             
 
(1)   Limited partnership commitments will be funded as required for capital contributions at any time prior to the agreement expiration date. The commitment amounts are presented using the expiration date as the factor by which to age when the amounts are due. At March 31, 2010, the Exchange’s total commitment to fund limited partnerships that invest in private equity securities is $244 million, real estate activities $187 million and mezzanine debt of $100 million.

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(2)   Contractual obligations on gross long-term liabilities represent estimated benefit payments from insurance policies and annuity contracts including claims currently payable. Actual obligations in any single year will vary based on actual mortality, morbidity, lapse and withdrawal experience. The sum of these obligations exceeds the liability on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position of $1.6 billion due to expected future premiums and investment income that, along with invested assets backing the liabilities, will be used to fund these obligations.
 
(3)   Reinsurance recoverables on life business includes estimated amounts from reinsurers on long-term liabilities that are subject to the credit worthiness of the reinsurer.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Off-balance sheet arrangements include those with unconsolidated entities that may have a material current or future effect on our financial condition or results of operations, including material variable interests in unconsolidated entities that conduct certain activities. We have no material off-balance sheet obligations or guarantees, other than the limited partnership investment commitments.
Financial ratings
Our property and casualty insurers are rated by rating agencies that provide insurance consumers with meaningful information on the financial strength of insurance entities. Higher ratings generally indicate financial stability and a strong ability to pay claims. The ratings are generally based upon factors relevant to policyholders and are not directed toward return to investors. The insurance companies are currently rated by AM Best Company as follows:
     
Exchange
  A+
Erie Insurance Company
  A+
Erie Insurance Property and Casualty Company
  A+
Erie Insurance Company of New York
  A+
Flagship City Insurance
  A+
Erie Family Life Insurance
  A
The outlook for all ratings is stable. According to AM Best, a Superior rating (A+), the second highest of their financial strength rating categories, is assigned to those companies that, in AM Best’s opinion, have achieved superior overall performance when compared to the standards established by AM Best and have a superior ability to meet their obligations to policyholders over the long term. Only 9% of insurance groups are rated A+ or higher, and we are included in that group. By virtue of its affiliation with the Property and Casualty Group, EFL is typically rated one level lower than the property and casualty companies by AM Best Company. The insurers of the Property and Casualty Group are also rated by Standard & Poor’s, but this rating is based solely on public information. Standard & Poor’s rates these insurers AApi, “very strong.” Financial strength ratings continue to be an important factor in evaluating the competitive position of insurance companies.
Regulatory risk-based capital
The standard set by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) for measuring the solvency of insurance companies, referred to as Risk-Based Capital (RBC), is a method of measuring the minimum amount of capital appropriate for an insurance company to support its overall business operations in consideration of its size and risk profile. The RBC formula is used by state insurance regulators as an early warning tool to identify, for the purpose of initiating regulatory action, insurance companies that potentially are inadequately capitalized. In addition, the formula defines minimum capital standards that will supplement the current system of low fixed minimum capital and surplus requirements on a state-by-state basis. At March 31, 2010, all property and casualty insurance companies and the life insurance company had RBC levels substantially in excess of levels that would require regulatory action.
Regulatory restrictions on surplus
The members of the Property and Casualty Group and EFL are subject to various regulatory restrictions that limit the maximum amount of dividends available to be paid without prior approval of insurance regulatory authorities. Indemnity’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries had a maximum of $26 million available for such dividends without prior approval of the Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner for Pennsylvania-domiciled subsidiaries and the New York Superintendent of Insurance for the New York domiciled subsidiary. No dividends were paid to Indemnity from its property and casualty subsidiaries through March 31, 2010 or in 2009.
The maximum dividend the Exchange could receive from its property and casualty subsidiary was $1 million. No dividends were paid to the Exchange from its property and casualty subsidiary through March 31, 2010 or in 2009. The maximum dividend EFL could pay its shareholders without prior approval was $4 million. No dividends were paid to Indemnity or the Exchange through March 31, 2010 or in 2009.

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The Exchange is operated for the benefit of its subscribers (policyholders) and any distributions it might declare would only be payable to them. The Exchange did not make any distributions to its subscribers (policyholders) through March 31, 2010 or in 2009.
TRANSACTIONS / AGREEMENTS BETWEEN INDEMNITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (EXCHANGE)
Board oversight
Our Board of Directors (Board) has a broad oversight responsibility over intercompany relationships within and among the Property and Casualty Group. As a consequence, the Board may be required to make decisions or take actions that may not be solely in the interest of our shareholders such as:
    setting the management fee rate paid by the Exchange to Indemnity;
 
    determining the continuation and participation percentages of the intercompany pooling agreement;
 
    approving the annual shareholders’ dividend, if any; and
 
    ratifying any other significant intercompany activity.
Subscriber’s Agreement
Indemnity serves as attorney-in-fact for the Exchange, a reciprocal insurance exchange. Each applicant for insurance to a reciprocal insurance exchange signs a subscriber’s agreement that contains an appointment of an attorney-in-fact. Through the designation of attorney-in-fact, Indemnity is required to provide sales, underwriting and policy issuance services to the policyholders of the Exchange, as discussed previously.
Intercompany Agreements
Pooling
Members of the Property and Casualty Group participate in an intercompany reinsurance pooling agreement. Under the pooling agreement, all insurance business of the Property and Casualty Group is pooled in the Exchange. The Erie Insurance Company and Erie Insurance Company of New York share in the underwriting results of the reinsurance pool through retrocession. Since 1995, the Board of Directors has set the allocation of the pooled underwriting results at 5.0% participation for Erie Insurance Company, 0.5% participation for Erie Insurance Company of New York and 94.5% participation for the Exchange.
Service agreements
Indemnity makes certain payments for the account of the Erie Insurance Group’s related entities. These amounts are reimbursed to Indemnity on a cost basis in accordance with the service agreements. Cash transfers are settled quarterly.
Leased property
The Exchange leases certain office facilities to Indemnity on a year-to-year basis. Rents are determined considering returns on invested capital and building operating and overhead costs. Rental costs of shared facilities are allocated based on square footage occupied.
Intercompany cost allocation
The allocation of costs affects the financial condition of the Erie Insurance Group companies. Management must determine that allocations are consistently made in accordance with intercompany management service agreements, the attorney-in-fact agreements with the policyholders of the Exchange and applicable insurance laws and regulations. While allocation of costs under these various agreements requires management judgment and interpretation, such allocations are performed using a consistent methodology, which in management’s opinion, adheres to the terms and intentions of the underlying agreements.

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Intercompany receivables of Indemnity
                                 
            Percent of total           Percent of total
    March 31,   Company   December 31,   Company
(in millions)   2010   assets   2009   assets
    (unaudited)
Reinsurance recoverable from and ceded unearned premiums to the Exchange
  $ 843       32 %   $ 902       34 %
Other receivables from the Exchange and affiliates (management fees, costs and reimbursements)
    215       8       213       8  
Note receivable from EFL
    25       1       25       1  
 
Total intercompany receivables
  $ 1,083       41 %   $ 1,140       43 %
 
Indemnity has significant receivables from the Exchange that result in a concentration of credit risk. These receivables include the liability for losses and unearned premiums ceded to the Exchange under the intercompany pooling agreement and from management services performed by Indemnity for the Exchange. The policyholder surplus of the Exchange at March 31, 2010, on a statutory accounting basis totaled $4.6 billion. Credit risks related to the receivables from the Exchange are evaluated periodically by management. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve Indemnity from its primary obligations to policyholders if the Exchange were unable to satisfy its obligation. Indemnity collects its reinsurance recoverable amount generally within 30 days of actual settlement of losses.
Indemnity also has a receivable from the Exchange for management fees and costs Indemnity pays on behalf of the Exchange. Indemnity also pays certain costs for, and are reimbursed by, EFL. Since its inception, Indemnity has collected these amounts due from the Exchange and EFL in a timely manner (normally quarterly). There is interest charged on the outstanding balance due from the Exchange until its quarterly settlement that is based on an independent mutual fund rate.
Surplus notes
The Exchange has a surplus note for $20 million with EFL that is payable on demand on or after March 31, 2025. EFL accrued interest to the Exchange on the surplus note of $0.3 million through March 31, 2010 and 2009. No other interest is charged or received on these intercompany balances due to the timely settlement terms and nature of the items.
Indemnity has a surplus note for $25 million with EFL that is payable on demand on or after March 31, 2018. EFL accrued interest to Indemnity on the surplus note of $0.4 million through March 31, 2010 and 2009. No other interest is charged or received on these intercompany balances due to the timely settlement terms and nature of the items.
Capital contribution
In June 2009, the Exchange made a $43 million capital contribution to EFL and Indemnity made a $12 million capital contribution to EFL to strengthen its surplus. This $55 million in capital contributions increased EFL’s investments and total shareholders’ equity.

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ITEM 3.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market risk
Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates, as well as other relevant market rate or price changes. The volatility and liquidity in the markets in which the underlying assets are traded directly influence market risk. The following is a discussion of our primary risk exposures, including interest rate risk, equity price risk and credit risk, and how those exposures are currently managed as of March 31, 2010.
Interest rate risk
We invest primarily in fixed maturity investments, which comprised 67.2% of invested assets for Indemnity and 64.5% of invested assets for the Exchange at March 31, 2010. The value of the fixed maturity portfolio is subject to interest rate risk. As market interest rates decrease, the value of the portfolio goes up with the opposite holding true in rising interest rate environments. We do not hedge our exposure to interest rate risk since we have the capacity and intention to hold the fixed maturity positions until maturity. A common measure of the interest sensitivity of fixed maturity assets is modified duration, a calculation that utilizes maturity, coupon rate, yield and call terms to calculate an average age of the expected cash flows. The longer the duration, the more sensitive the asset is to market interest rate fluctuations. Convexity measures the rate of change of duration with respect to changes in interest rates. These factors are analyzed monthly to ensure that both the duration and convexity remain in the targeted ranges we established.
A sensitivity analysis is used to measure the potential loss in future earnings, fair values or cash flows of market-sensitive instruments resulting from one or more selected hypothetical changes in interest rates and other market rates or prices over a selected period. In our sensitivity analysis model, a hypothetical change in market rates is selected that is expected to reflect reasonably possible changes in those rates. The following pro forma information is presented assuming a 100-basis point increase in interest rates at March 31 of each year and reflects the estimated effect on the fair value of our fixed maturity investment portfolio. We used the modified duration of our fixed maturity investment portfolio to model the pro forma effect of a change in interest rates at March 31, 2010 and 2009.
Fixed maturities interest-rate sensitivity analysis
                 
    At March 31,  
(in millions)   2010     2009  
     
Indemnity
               
Fair value of fixed income portfolio
  $ 674     $ 573  
Fair value assuming 100-basis point rise in interest rates
    646       551  
     
Modified duration – Indemnity
    4.60       4.18  
     
 
               
Exchange
               
Fair value of fixed income portfolio
  $ 6,569     $ 5,237  
Fair value assuming 100-basis point rise in interest rates
    6,288       5,052  
     
Modified duration – Exchange
    4.74       4.02  
     
While the fixed income portfolio is sensitive to interest rates, the future principal cash flows that will be received are presented as follows by contractual maturity date. Actual cash flows may differ from those stated as a result of calls, prepayments or defaults.
                 
    March 31, 2010  
    Indemnity     Exchange  
(in millions)   (unaudited)  
Fixed maturities:
               
2010
  $ 23     $ 212  
2011
    31       353  
2012
    71       584  
2013
    78       709  
2014
    59       557  
Thereafter
    385       3,920  
     
Total (1)
  $ 647     $ 6,335  
     
Fair value
  $ 674     $ 6,569  
     
 
(1)   These amounts exclude Indemnity’s $25 million surplus note due from EFL and the Exchange’s $20 million surplus note due from EFL.

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    March 31, 2009  
    Indemnity     Exchange  
(in millions)   (unaudited)  
Fixed maturities:
               
2009
  $ 42     $ 286  
2010
    48       394  
2011
    46       399  
2012
    63       603  
2013
    86       728  
Thereafter
    342       3,400  
     
Total (1)
  $ 627     $ 5,810  
     
Fair value
  $ 573     $ 5,237  
     
 
(1)   These amounts exclude Indemnity’s $25 million surplus note due from EFL and the Exchange’s $20 million surplus note due from EFL.
Equity price risk
Our portfolio of marketable equity securities, which is carried on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at estimated fair value, has exposure to price risk, the risk of potential loss in estimated fair value resulting from an adverse change in prices. We do not hedge our exposure to equity price risk inherent in our equity investments. Our objective is to earn competitive relative returns by investing in a diverse portfolio of high-quality, liquid securities. Portfolio holdings are diversified across industries and among exchange-traded small- to large-cap stocks. We measure risk by comparing the performance of the marketable equity portfolio to benchmark returns such as the Standard & Poors (S&P) 500 Composite Index. Beta is a measure of a security’s systematic (non-diversifiable) risk, which is the percentage change in an individual security’s return for a 1% change in the return of the market. The average Beta for our common stock holdings was 1.05 for Indemnity and 1.06 for the Exchange. Based on a hypothetical 20% reduction in the overall value of the stock market, the fair value of the common stock portfolio would decrease by approximately $10 million for Indemnity and $410 million for the Exchange.
Credit risk
Our objective is to earn competitive returns by investing in a diversified portfolio of securities. Our portfolios of fixed maturity securities, nonredeemable preferred stock, mortgage loans and, to a lesser extent, short-term investments are subject to credit risk. This risk is defined as the potential loss in fair value resulting from adverse changes in the borrower’s ability to repay the debt. We manage this risk by performing upfront underwriting analysis and ongoing reviews of credit quality by position and for the fixed maturity portfolio in total. We do not hedge the credit risk inherent in our fixed maturity investments.
Generally, the fixed maturities in our portfolio are rated by external rating agencies. If not externally rated, we rate them internally on a basis consistent with that used by the rating agencies. We classify all fixed maturities as available-for-sale securities, allowing us to meet our liquidity needs and provide greater flexibility to appropriately respond to changes in market conditions. The following table shows our fixed maturity investments by S&P rating as of March 31, 2010:
                         
    Erie Insurance Group  
    Amortized     Fair     Percent  
(in millions)   cost     value     of total  
     
Indemnity
                       
Comparable S&P Rating
                       
AAA, AA, A
  $ 421     $ 434       64.4 %
BBB
    200       210       31.2  
     
Total investment grade
    621       644       95.6 %
     
BB
    20       23       3.4  
B
    6       6       1.0  
CCC, CC, C
    1       1       0.0  
     
Total non-investment grade
    27       30       4.4  
     
Total – Indemnity
  $ 648     $ 674       100.0 %
     

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    Erie Insurance Group  
    Amortized     Fair     Percent  
(in millions)   cost     value     of total  
     
Exchange
                       
Comparable S&P Rating
                       
AAA, AA, A
  $ 3,624     $ 3,794       57.8 %
BBB
    2,192       2,313       35.2  
     
Total investment grade
    5,816       6,107       93.0  
     
BB
    337       361       5.5  
B
    70       72       1.0  
CCC, CC, C
    26       29       0.5  
     
Total non-investment grade
    433       462       7.0  
     
Total – Exchange
  $ 6,249     $ 6,569       100.0 %
     
Approximately 5% of Indemnity and 8% of the Exchange fixed income portfolio is invested in structured products which include mortgage-backed securities (MBS), collateralized debt and loan obligations (CDO and CLO), collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO), asset-backed (ABS) and credit-linked notes. Our structured product portfolio has an average rating of A or higher for Indemnity and AA- for the Exchange. We believe we have no direct exposure to the subprime residential mortgage market through investments in structured products. However, we have indirect exposure through bond and preferred stock investments in the financial service industry. We continually monitor these investments for material declines in quality and value.
Indemnity’s municipal bond portfolio accounts for $247 million, or 37%, of the total fixed maturity portfolio. Of this $247 million, $170 million, or 68%, of the total municipal bond portfolio is insured. This insurance guarantees the payment of principal and interest on a bond if the issuer defaults. Using the underlying rating of the bonds without consideration of insurance, the overall credit quality rating of Indemnity’s municipal bond portfolio is AA-. Because of the rating downgrades of municipal bond insurers, the insurance does not improve the overall credit ratings. The following table presents an analysis of Indemnity’s municipal bond ratings at March 31, 2010.
(in millions)
Indemnity
                                                         
(1)     (2)     (3)  
Uninsured bonds     Insured bonds     Underlying rating of insured bonds  
Rating   Fair value     Fair value %     Rating   Fair value     Fair value %     Rating   Fair value     Fair value %  
 
AAA
  $ 40       52.0 %   AAA   $ 14       8.2 %   AAA   $ 0       0.0 %
AA
    28       36.3     AA     90       53.0     AA     80       47.1  
A
    8       10.4     A     60       35.3     A     81       47.6  
BBB
    1       1.3     BBB     6       3.5     BBB     7       4.1  
Non Inv Grade
    0       0.0     Non Inv Grade     0       0.0     Non Inv Grade     2       1.2  
Not rated
    0       0.0     Not rated     0       0.0     Not rated     0       0.0  
         
AA
  $ 77       100.0 %   AA-   $ 170       100.0 %   A+   $ 170       100.0 %
         
                                     
(1) + (2)     (1) + (3)  
Total bonds (with insured rating)     Total bonds (with underlying rating)  
Rating   Fair value     Fair value %     Rating   Fair value     Fair value %  
 
AAA
  $ 54       21.9 %   AAA   $ 40       16.2 %
AA
    118       47.8     AA     108       43.7  
A
    68       27.5     A     89       36.0  
BBB
    7       2.8     BBB     8       3.3  
Non Inv Grade
    0       0.0     Non Inv Grade     2       0.8  
Not rated
    0       0.0     Not rated     0       0.0  
     
AA-
  $ 247       100.0 %   AA-   $ 247       100.0 %
     

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The Exchange’s municipal bond portfolio accounts for $1.4 billion, or 22%, of the total fixed maturity portfolio for the Exchange. Of this $1.4 billion, $.8 billion, or 54%, of the total municipal bond portfolio is insured. This insurance guarantees the payment of principal and interest on a bond if the issuer defaults. Using the underlying rating of the bonds without consideration of insurance, the overall credit quality rating of the Exchange’s municipal bond portfolio is AA-. Because of the rating downgrades of municipal bond insurers, the insurance does not improve the overall credit ratings. The following table presents an analysis of the Exchange’s municipal bond ratings at March 31, 2010.
(in millions)
Exchange
                                                         
(1)     (2)     (3)  
Uninsured bonds     Insured bonds     Underlying rating of insured bonds  
Rating   Fair value     Fair value %     Rating   Fair value     Fair value %     Rating   Fair value     Fair value %  
 
AAA
  $ 285       43.2 %   AAA   $ 84       10.9 %   AAA   $ 0       0.0 %
AA
    304       46.1     AA     401       52.7     AA     385       50.5  
A
    54       8.4     A     250       32.9     A     322       42.3  
BBB
    16       2.3     BBB     25       3.3     BBB     20       2.6  
Non Inv Grade
    0       0.0     Non Inv Grade     2       0.2     Non Inv Grade     6       0.8  
Not rated
    0       0.0     Not rated     0       0.0     Not rated     29       3.8  
         
AA
  $ 659       100.0 %   AA-   $ 762       100.0 %   AA-   $ 762       100.0 %
         
                                     
(1) + (2)     (1) + (3)  
Total bonds (with insured rating)     Total bonds (with underlying rating)  
Rating   Fair value     Fair value %     Rating   Fair value     Fair value %  
 
AAA
  $ 369       25.9 %   AAA   $ 285       20.1 %
AA
    705       49.6     AA     689       48.5  
A
    304       21.5     A     376       26.5  
BBB
    41       2.8     BBB     36       2.5  
Non Inv Grade
    2       0.2     Non Inv Grade     6       0.4  
Not rated
    0       0.0     Not rated     29       2.0  
     
AA-
  $ 1,421       100.0 %   AA-   $ 1,421       100.0 %
     
In our limited partnership investment portfolio we are exposed to credit risk, as well as price risk. Price risk is defined as the potential loss in estimated fair value resulting from an adverse change in prices. Our investments are directly affected by the impact of changes in these risk factors on the underlying investments held by our fund managers, which could vary significantly from fund to fund. We manage these risks by performing up front due diligence on our fund managers, ongoing monitoring and through the construction of a diversified portfolio.
We are also exposed to a concentration of credit risk with the Exchange. See the section, “Transactions / Agreements between Indemnity and Noncontrolling Interest (Exchange),” for further discussion of this risk.

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ITEM 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We carried out an evaluation, with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective. Our management evaluated, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, any change in our internal control over financial reporting and determined there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended March 31, 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1A.   RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.
ITEM 2.   UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
                                 
                            Approximate  
                            Dollar Value  
                    Total Number of     of Shares that  
    Total Number     Average     Shares Purchased     May Yet Be  
    of Shares     Price Paid     as Part of Publicly     Purchased  
Period   Purchased     Per Share     Announced Plan     Under the Plan  
January 1 – 31, 2010
    0               0          
February 1 – 28, 2010
    0               0          
March 1 – 31, 2010
    74,967     $ 40.87       74,967          
 
                           
Total
    74,967               74,967     $ 100,000,000  
 
                         
In April 2010, our Board of Directors approved a continuation of the current stock repurchase program, authorizing repurchases through June 30, 2011 for a total of $100 million.

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ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS
     
Exhibit    
Number   Description of Exhibit
10.1
  First Amendment to Erie Indemnity Company Annual Incentive Plan (As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2009) effective January 1, 2010
 
   
31.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
   
31.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
   
32
  Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
         
     
  Erie Indemnity Company    
  (Registrant)   
     
 
     
Date: May 6, 2010  /s/ Terrence W. Cavanaugh    
  Terrence W. Cavanaugh, President & CEO   
     
 
     
  /s/ Marcia A. Dall    
  Marcia A. Dall, Executive Vice President & CFO   
     
 

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