"Electric Insurance looks for independent agencies that share our core values of integrity, positive reputation, customer service orientation, and reliability," said Michael J. Mucher, Vice President, Electric Insurance Company. "We're pleased The James L. Smith Insurance Agency is representing us in the area and look forward to serving the needs of the agency and their customers in the future."

Since the founding of James L. Smith Insurance Agency, Inc. in 1962, the company has grown into one of the largest agencies in the Pittsburgh area. While they have primarily been a commercial lines agency, the agency has been looking for the right opportunity to grow its personal lines business.

"We looked to Electric Insurance Company to replace a market in which we have experienced negative growth," said Dan Smith, Owner/President, James, L. Smith Agency, Inc. "We are satisfied that Electric Insurance will be competitive on homeowners, automobile, and umbrella products and will help grow our personal lines business in Pennsylvania."

About Electric Insurance Company

Electric Insurance Company is a national, leading provider of personal lines insurance products offered at competitive rates and with outstanding customer service. The company has been serving consumers for 42 years, and has credit ratings of "A (Excellent)" from A.M. Best and "A/Strong" from Standard & Poor's. 98% of Electric Insurance Company's policyholders, who responded to the company's 2007 claims satisfaction survey said they'd renew their policy with Electric Insurance Company based on their claim experience. Electric Insurance's products are available to general consumers, and to GE employees, retirees, and their family and friends through the company's Customer Contact Center at 1-800-342-5342, website www.electricinsurance.com, and through select independent agents.