Celebrating 100 Years of Erie Insurance — and 42 Years of Local Partnership

By Ben Ashley, Co-Principal Agent, Ashley Insurance

Last Sunday, on April 20, 2025, Erie Insurance reached a milestone few companies ever achieve—100 years in business. That kind of staying power doesn’t come from flashy marketing or corporate growth charts. It comes from doing right by people—year after year, generation after generation.

At Ashley Insurance, we’re proud to say we’ve partnered with Erie for 42 of those 100 years. And while this milestone is impressive, what it really reminds us of is the quiet power of consistency, trust, and relationships that stand the test of time.

We’ve been lucky to be a part of that story—and to serve thousands of West Virginians along the way.

A Century of Stability in a Fast-Changing Industry

In today’s insurance industry, companies come and go. Rates rise. Names change. Policies get harder to understand. And more often than not, you’re routed to a call center when you just need someone to help you.

Erie Insurance's 100-year history is fascinating. Click for a historical timeline.

That’s why Erie’s 100-year milestone is more than just a number. It’s proof that it’s still possible to grow a company with values like fairness, accountability, and "service above all else."

Erie opened its doors in 1925 in Erie, Pennsylvania, and expanded into West Virginia 52 years ago in 1973. Ten years later, in 1983, my dad, Bob Ashley, was one of the first local agents to bring Erie Insurance to our region. Earlier that same year, he founded Ashley Insurance Agency in our hometown of Spencer. It was a one-man office with a belief that people deserved honest advice and protection they could count on.

Dad didn’t set out to build something big. He set out to build something good. That commitment to doing right by our neighbors is what’s carried this agency forward—now for over four decades.

Old Brochure of Ashley Insurance — A brochure from the early days of Ashley Insurance. The core messaging remains similar today.

When Service Becomes Family

Our connection to Erie Insurance is personal. It’s not just a business relationship—it’s a shared legacy.

Suzette & Bob in the WV Legislature = 2012

Some people may not know that before Suzette Raines Ashley and I were married, she served alongside my dad in the West Virginia Legislature. They got to know each other through their shared commitment to public service, long before she ever became part of our family—or part of this agency. A few years later, we started dating, and that partnership eventually extended into our work here at Ashley Insurance.

When my dad retired in 2020 during the COVID-19 shutdown, Suzette and I officially took the reins by purchasing the agency. That transition wasn’t just about keeping the doors open—it was about continuing a mission: to be a team of trusted advisors for the people and businesses that make up our communities.

Since then, we’ve made it our goal to build on the foundation my dad left behind—investing in new training, expanding our partnerships, and leveling up our ability to serve clients with more complex needs. Whether you’re a contractor with a growing fleet, a business owner with multiple locations, or a family navigating life’s milestones, we’re equipped with the tools, carriers, and experience to help you make smart, confident decisions. Our size may be modest, but our reach—and our commitment—are anything but.

Today, we’re still proudly independent. We work with several respected insurance carriers, but Erie remains our flagship partner—and for good reason.

Why It Matters to You

We could talk about our experience or the strength of the companies we work with—but what really matters is how that benefits you.

Here’s what it means when you work with Ashley Insurance and a company like Erie:

Personalized Coverage
You’re not a number. We get to know you, your needs, and your goals—and we design protection around that. Erie backs that up with customizable, real-world policies.
Real People, Not Phone Trees
If something goes wrong, you won’t get bounced around a 1-800 number. You’ll talk to someone here in the office (304-927-2175) — and we work with local Erie adjusters who understand West Virginia.
Strong, Purposeful Products
Erie continues to innovate in meaningful ways: guaranteed replacement cost, bundle discounts, coverage for identity theft, and more—all designed with everyday people in mind.
Commitment to Community
Erie hasn’t abandoned rural markets or focused only on large metro areas. They believe in places like Roane County, and so do we. That matters when you need someone who truly understands your risks—and your roots.

Legacy and What Comes Next

The brightly colored Ashley Insurance storefront across from the Courthouse in Spencer.

This anniversary is especially meaningful to us because it’s the first major Erie milestone we’ve marked without my dad. He passed away last year, but right up to the end, he proudly referred people to our agency and spoke highly of the company he partnered with back in 1983.

We think about him often, especially as we near May 1—the anniversary of the day Suzette and I officially took over the agency five years ago.

But this story isn’t just about my family. It’s about the thousands of people we’ve served over the years—many of whom have become like family. It’s about the business owners who trusted us with their first policy, and the young families who came back to insure their first home. It’s about being there, quietly, when things go wrong—and celebrating alongside you when things go right.

We also want to acknowledge that we’re not the only agency in town—or in the region—doing good work. Spencer is home to several strong, community-focused insurance agencies, and we’re proud to have a great working relationship with all of them. While we are the oldest Erie Insurance agency in town, we value the friendships and mutual respect we share with other local agents.

Across the state, we’re also fortunate to know and collaborate with many outstanding professionals in the West Virginia insurance industry. Suzette currently serves as the President of the Big I WV - The Independent Insurance Agents Association of West Virginia as only the second female ever to serve as Big I WV President, and she stands out as one of the very few small-town agency principals to lead this high-profile, statewide organization. We're invested in making our communities better for everyone.

As President of the Big I of West Virginia, Suzette leads a team of insurance professionals at the state capitol as they advocate for consumer-friendly legislation.

In the end, we all want the same thing: to help the people of our state stay protected, informed, and prepared for whatever comes next.

What We Hope You’ll Take Away

Ben visiting Erie HQ for advanced training

We’re not sharing this to pat ourselves on the back. We’re sharing it because we believe people deserve to know who they’re working with—and why it matters.

There are plenty of insurance options out there. But if you’re looking for a team that’s rooted in your community, backed by experience, and focused on doing right by you—we’d love to earn your trust.

Because in the end, insurance isn’t just about policies or premiums. It’s about people. It’s about making sure that when life takes an unexpected turn, someone is there to help you stand back up.

And for a century, Erie has done just that. We’re honored to be part of that legacy—and we’re ready to walk with you into whatever comes next. Cheers to 100 years!