Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies Basis of presentation The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Use of estimates 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. Recently adopted accounting standards We adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13, "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses" which applies to our receivable from Erie Insurance Exchange and affiliates, agent loans, and investments, on January 1, 2020. The guidance requires financial assets measured at amortized cost to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected through the use of a new forward-looking current expected credit loss model and credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities to be recognized through an allowance for credit losses. For assets measured at amortized cost for which a current expected credit loss allowance was required, we adopted the guidance using the modified-retrospective approach. At January 1, 2020, we recorded current expected credit loss allowances related to agent loans of $0.8 million and receivables from Erie Insurance Exchange and affiliates of $0.6 million. This resulted in the recording of a cumulative effect adjustment, net of taxes, to retained earnings of $1.1 million. Our available-for-sale investments are not measured at amortized cost, and therefore do not require the use of a current expected credit loss model. Any credit losses, however, are required to be recorded as an allowance for credit losses rather than a reduction of the carrying value of the asset. For available-for-sale securities, we adopted the guidance using the prospective approach and recorded an initial allowance for credit losses of $0.6 million at March 31, 2020. We adopted Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 842, "Leases" on January 1, 2019 using the optional transition method, which permits entities to apply the new guidance prospectively with certain practical expedients available. We elected the package of practical expedients which among other things allowed us to carry forward the historical lease classifications. We did not elect the hindsight practical expedient in determining the lease term for existing leases. The adoption of the new standard resulted in the recognition of operating lease assets of $32.7 million and operating lease liabilities of $32.1 million on the Statement of Financial Position at January 1, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our Statement of Operations and had no impact on our net cash flows. We adopted ASC 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method applied to all contracts. Under ASC 606, we determined that we have two performance obligations under the subscriber’s agreement. The first performance obligation is providing policy issuance and renewal services. The second performance obligation is acting as the attorney-in-fact on behalf of the Exchange, as well as the service provider for its insurance subsidiaries, with respect to all administrative services. Upon adoption of ASC 606, the management fee earned per the subscriber’s agreement, currently 25% of all direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange, is allocated between the two performance obligations. Prior to the adoption of ASC 606, the entire management fee was allocated to the policy issuance and renewal services. Additionally, the expenses we incur and related reimbursements we receive related to the administrative services are presented gross in our Statement of Operations effective January 1, 2018. On January 1, 2018, we established a contract liability of $48.5 million representing the portion of revenue not yet earned related to the administrative services to be provided in subsequent years. We recorded a related deferred tax asset of $10.2 million and a cumulative effect adjustment that reduced retained earnings by $38.3 million. The adoption of ASC 606 changed the presentation of our Statement of Cash Flows, but had no net impact to our cash flows. Cash and cash equivalents – Cash, money market accounts and other short-term, highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase, are considered cash and cash equivalents. Investments Available-for-sale securities – Fixed maturity debt securities and redeemable preferred stock are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value with unrealized investment gains and losses, net of income taxes, recognized in other comprehensive income. Available-for-sale securities with a remaining maturity of 12 months or less and any security that we intend to sell as of the reporting date are classified as current assets. Available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position are evaluated to determine whether the impairment is a result of credit loss or other factors. If we have the intent to sell or it's more likely than not that we would be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis, the entire impairment is recognized in earnings. Securities that have experienced a decline in fair value that we do not intend to sell, and that we will not be required to sell before recovery, are evaluated to determine if the decline in fair value is credit related. Impairment resulting from a credit loss is recognized in earnings with a corresponding allowance on the balance sheet. Future recoveries of credit loss result in an adjustment to the allowance and earnings in the period the credit conditions improve. Factors considered in the evaluation of credit loss include the extent to which fair value is less than cost and fundamental factors specific to the issuer such as financial condition, changes in credit ratings, near and long-term business prospects and other factors, as well as the likelihood of recovery of the amortized cost of the security. If the qualitative review indicates credit impairment, the allowance for credit loss is measured as the amount that the security’s amortized cost exceeds the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and is limited to the amount that fair value is below amortized cost. Equity securities – Non-redeemable preferred and common stocks are classified as equity securities and reported at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net realized investment gains (losses). Securities that we intend to sell as of the reporting date are classified as current assets. Realized gains and losses and investment income – Realized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale and equity securities are recognized in income based upon the specific identification method and reported as net realized investment gains (losses). Interest income is recognized as earned and includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount. Income is recognized based on the constant effective yield method, which includes periodically updated prepayment assumptions obtained from third party data sources on our prepaying securities. The effective yield for prepaying securities is recalculated on a retrospective basis. Dividend income is recognized at the ex-dividend date. Interest and dividend income and the results of our limited partnership investments are reported as net investment income. We do not record an allowance for credit losses on accrued investment income as any amount deemed uncollectible is reversed from interest income in the period the expected payment defaults. Deferred taxes Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts in the financial statements, using the statutory tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to settle or be realized. 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. The need for valuation allowances on deferred tax assets are estimated based upon our assessment of the realizability of such amounts. Fixed assets Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Fixed assets are primarily comprised of software, which includes internally used capitalized software and development costs, as well as building and building improvements, equipment, furniture and fixtures, and leasehold improvements. Assets in use are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life except for leasehold improvements, which are depreciated over the shorter of their economic useful life or the lease term. Software is depreciated over periods ranging from 3-7 years, buildings and building improvements are depreciated over 20-45 years, equipment is depreciated over 3-10 years, and furniture and fixtures are depreciated over 7 years. We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Under these circumstances, if the fair value were less than the carrying amount of the asset, we would recognize a loss for the difference. We capitalize applicable interest charges incurred during the construction period of significant long-term building projects as part of the historical cost of the asset. Agent loans Agent loans, the majority of which are senior secured, are carried at unpaid principal balance with interest recorded in investment income as earned. The current portion of agent loans is recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020 requires the recording of a current expected credit loss allowance on these loans. The allowance is estimated using available loss history and/or external loss rates based on comparable loan losses and considers current conditions and forecasted information. When establishing the expected credit loss allowance upon implementation of ASU 2016-13, a cumulative effect adjustment was recorded to beginning retained earnings. Future changes to the allowance will be recognized in earnings as adjustments to net impairment losses. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13, we did not record an allowance for credit losses as the majority of these loans are senior secured and have had insignificant default amounts. Other assets Other assets include operating lease assets, other investments, and other long-term prepaid assets. The determination of whether an arrangement is a lease and the related lease classification is made at inception of a contract. Our leases are classified as operating leases. Operating lease assets and liabilities are recorded at inception based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. When an implicit rate for the lease is not available, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date to determine the present value of future payments. Lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Most of our lease contracts contain lease and non-lease components. Non-lease components are expensed as incurred. Operating lease assets are included in other assets, and the current and noncurrent portions of the operating lease liabilities are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities, respectively. Agent bonus estimates Our more significant agent bonus plan is based upon an individual agency's property and casualty underwriting profitability and also includes a component for growth in agency property and casualty premiums if the agency's underwriting profitability targets for the book of business are met. The estimate for this agent bonus plan is based upon the performance over 36 months, and is modeled on a monthly basis using actual underwriting results for the two prior years and current year-to-date actual results and forecasted results for the remainder of the year. Our second agent bonus plan is based on an agency's one-year underwriting profitability and uses a similar model but considers actual and forecasted results for a calendar year only. At December 31 of each year, we use actual data available and record an accrual based upon the expected payment amount. These costs are included in cost of operations - policy issuance and renewal services. Recognition of management fee revenue We earn management fees from the Exchange under the subscriber’s agreement for services provided. Pursuant to the subscriber’s agreement, we may retain up to 25% of all direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange. The management fee rate is set at least annually by our Board of Directors. The management fee revenue is calculated by multiplying the management fee rate by the direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange and is allocated between the two performance obligations we have under the subscriber's agreement. The first performance obligation is to provide policy issuance and renewal services. The second performance obligation is acting as the attorney-in-fact with respect to the administrative services. Management fee revenue allocated to the policy issuance and renewal services is recognized at the time of policy issuance or renewal, because it is at the time of policy issuance or renewal when the economic benefit of the service we provide (the substantially completed policy issuance or renewal service) and the control of the promised asset (the executed insurance policy) transfers to the customer. Management fee revenue allocated to the second performance obligation relates to us acting as the attorney-in-fact on behalf of the Exchange, as well as the service provider for its insurance subsidiaries, with respect to the administrative services and is recognized over a four-year period representing the time over which the economic benefit of the services provided (i.e. management of the administrative services) transfers to the customer. Administrative services By virtue of its legal structure as a reciprocal insurer, the Exchange does not have any employees or officers. Therefore, it enters into contractual relationships by and through an attorney-in-fact. Indemnity serves as the attorney-in-fact on behalf of the Exchange with respect to its administrative services in accordance with the subscriber's agreement. The Exchange's insurance subsidiaries also utilize Indemnity for these services in accordance with the service agreements between each of the subsidiaries and Indemnity. Claims handling services include costs incurred in the claims process, including the adjustment, investigation, defense, recording and payment functions. Life insurance management services include costs incurred in the management and processing of life insurance business. Investment management services are related to investment trading activity, accounting and all other functions attributable to the investment of funds. Included in these expenses are allocations of costs for departments that support these administrative functions. Common overhead expenses and certain service department costs incurred by us on behalf of the Exchange and its insurance subsidiaries are reimbursed by the proper entity based upon appropriate utilization statistics (employee count, square footage, vehicle count, project hours, etc.) specifically measured to accomplish proportional allocations, which we believe are reasonable. The expenses we incur and related reimbursements we receive for administrative services are presented gross in our Statement of Operations. Reimbursements are settled on a monthly basis. The amounts incurred for these services are reimbursed to Indemnity at cost in accordance with the subscriber's agreement and the service agreements. State insurance regulations require that intercompany service agreements and any material amendments be approved in advance by the state insurance department. Recognition of service agreement revenue Service agreement revenue consists of service charges we collect from policyholders for providing multiple payment plans on policies written by the Exchange and its property and casualty subsidiaries. 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, which are also recognized as revenue when bills are rendered to the policyholder. Reclassifications Certain amounts previously reported in the 2019 and 2018 financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes to conform to the current period’s presentation. “Limited partnership investments” has now been combined within “Other assets” in the Statements of Financial Position and “Equity in earnings (losses) of limited partnerships” is now included in “Net investment income” in the Statements of Operations. The reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income.

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.

We adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13, "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses" which applies to our receivable from Erie Insurance Exchange and affiliates, agent loans, and investments, on January 1, 2020. The guidance requires financial assets measured at amortized cost to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected through the use of a new forward-looking current expected credit loss model and credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities to be recognized through an allowance for credit losses.

For assets measured at amortized cost for which a current expected credit loss allowance was required, we adopted the guidance using the modified-retrospective approach. At January 1, 2020, we recorded current expected credit loss allowances related to agent loans of $0.8 million and receivables from Erie Insurance Exchange and affiliates of $0.6 million. This resulted in the recording of a cumulative effect adjustment, net of taxes, to retained earnings of $1.1 million. Our available-for-sale investments are not measured at amortized cost, and therefore do not require the use of a current expected credit loss model. Any credit losses, however, are required to be recorded as an allowance for credit losses rather than a reduction of the carrying value of the asset. For available-for-sale securities, we adopted the guidance using the prospective approach and recorded an initial allowance for credit losses of $0.6 million at March 31, 2020.

We adopted Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 842, "Leases" on January 1, 2019 using the optional transition method, which permits entities to apply the new guidance prospectively with certain practical expedients available. We elected the package of practical expedients which among other things allowed us to carry forward the historical lease classifications. We did not elect the hindsight practical expedient in determining the lease term for existing leases. The adoption of the new standard resulted in the recognition of operating lease assets of $32.7 million and operating lease liabilities of $32.1 million on the Statement of Financial Position at January 1, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our Statement of Operations and had no impact on our net cash flows.

We adopted ASC 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method applied to all contracts. Under ASC 606, we determined that we have two performance obligations under the subscriber’s agreement. The first performance obligation is providing policy issuance and renewal services. The second performance obligation is acting as the attorney-in-fact on behalf of the Exchange, as well as the service provider for its insurance subsidiaries, with respect to all administrative services. Upon adoption of ASC 606, the management fee earned per the subscriber’s agreement, currently 25% of all direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange, is allocated between the two performance obligations. Prior to the adoption of ASC 606, the entire management fee was allocated to the policy issuance and renewal services. Additionally, the expenses we incur and related reimbursements we receive related to the administrative services are presented gross in our Statement of Operations effective January 1, 2018.

On January 1, 2018, we established a contract liability of $48.5 million representing the portion of revenue not yet earned related to the administrative services to be provided in subsequent years. We recorded a related deferred tax asset of $10.2 million and a cumulative effect adjustment that reduced retained earnings by $38.3 million. The adoption of ASC 606 changed the presentation of our Statement of Cash Flows, but had no net impact to our cash flows.

Available-for-sale securities – Fixed maturity debt securities and redeemable preferred stock are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value with unrealized investment gains and losses, net of income taxes, recognized in other comprehensive income. Available-for-sale securities with a remaining maturity of 12 months or less and any security that we intend to sell as of the reporting date are classified as current assets.

Available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position are evaluated to determine whether the impairment is a result of credit loss or other factors. If we have the intent to sell or it's more likely than not that we would be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis, the entire impairment is recognized in earnings. Securities that have experienced a decline in fair value that we do not intend to sell, and that we will not be required to sell before recovery, are evaluated to determine if the decline in fair value is credit related. Impairment resulting from a credit loss is recognized in earnings with a corresponding allowance on the balance sheet. Future recoveries of credit loss result in an adjustment to the allowance and earnings in the period the credit conditions improve. Factors considered in the evaluation of credit loss include the extent to which fair value is less than cost and fundamental factors specific to the issuer such as financial condition, changes in credit ratings, near and long-term business prospects and other factors, as well as the likelihood of recovery of the amortized cost of the security. If the qualitative review indicates credit impairment, the allowance for credit loss is measured as the amount that the security’s amortized cost exceeds the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and is limited to the amount that fair value is below amortized cost.

Realized gains and losses and investment income – Realized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale and equity securities are recognized in income based upon the specific identification method and reported as net realized investment gains (losses). Interest income is recognized as earned and includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount. Income is recognized based on the constant effective yield method, which includes periodically updated prepayment assumptions obtained from third party data sources on our prepaying securities. The effective yield for prepaying securities is recalculated on a retrospective basis. Dividend income is recognized at the ex-dividend date. Interest and dividend income and the results of our limited partnership investments are reported as net investment income. We do not record an allowance for credit losses on accrued investment income as any amount deemed uncollectible is reversed from interest income in the period the expected payment defaults.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts in the financial statements, using the statutory tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to settle or be realized. 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. The need for valuation allowances on deferred tax assets are estimated based upon our assessment of the realizability of such amounts.

Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Fixed assets are primarily comprised of software, which includes internally used capitalized software and development costs, as well as building and building improvements, equipment, furniture and fixtures, and leasehold improvements. Assets in use are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life except for leasehold improvements, which are depreciated over the shorter of their economic useful life or the lease term. Software is depreciated over periods ranging from 3-7 years, buildings and building improvements are depreciated over 20-45 years, equipment is depreciated over 3-10 years, and furniture and fixtures are depreciated over 7 years. We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Under these circumstances, if the fair value were less than the carrying amount of the asset, we would recognize a loss for the difference. We capitalize applicable interest charges incurred during the construction period of significant long-term building projects as part of the historical cost of the asset.

Agent loans, the majority of which are senior secured, are carried at unpaid principal balance with interest recorded in investment income as earned. The current portion of agent loans is recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020 requires the recording of a current expected credit loss allowance on these loans. The allowance is estimated using available loss history and/or external loss rates based on comparable loan losses and considers current conditions and forecasted information. When establishing the expected credit loss allowance upon implementation of ASU 2016-13, a cumulative effect adjustment was recorded to beginning retained earnings. Future changes to the allowance

Other assets include operating lease assets, other investments, and other long-term prepaid assets. The determination of whether an arrangement is a lease and the related lease classification is made at inception of a contract. Our leases are classified as operating leases. Operating lease assets and liabilities are recorded at inception based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. When an implicit rate for the lease is not available, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date to determine the present value of future payments. Lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Most of our lease contracts contain lease and non-lease components. Non-lease components are expensed as incurred. Operating lease assets are included in other assets, and the current and noncurrent portions of the operating lease liabilities are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities, respectively.

Our more significant agent bonus plan is based upon an individual agency's property and casualty underwriting profitability and also includes a component for growth in agency property and casualty premiums if the agency's underwriting profitability targets for the book of business are met. The estimate for this agent bonus plan is based upon the performance over 36 months, and is modeled on a monthly basis using actual underwriting results for the two prior years and current year-to-date actual results and forecasted results for the remainder of the year. Our second agent bonus plan is based on an agency's one-year underwriting profitability and uses a similar model but considers actual and forecasted results for a calendar year only. At December 31 of each year, we use actual data available and record an accrual based upon the expected payment amount. These costs are included in cost of operations - policy issuance and renewal services.

We earn management fees from the Exchange under the subscriber’s agreement for services provided. Pursuant to the subscriber’s agreement, we may retain up to 25% of all direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange. The management fee rate is set at least annually by our Board of Directors. The management fee revenue is calculated by multiplying the management fee rate by the direct and affiliated assumed premiums written by the Exchange and is allocated between the two performance obligations we have under the subscriber's agreement. The first performance obligation is to provide policy issuance and renewal services. The second performance obligation is acting as the attorney-in-fact with respect to the administrative services.

Management fee revenue allocated to the policy issuance and renewal services is recognized at the time of policy issuance or renewal, because it is at the time of policy issuance or renewal when the economic benefit of the service we provide (the substantially completed policy issuance or renewal service) and the control of the promised asset (the executed insurance policy) transfers to the customer.

Management fee revenue allocated to the second performance obligation relates to us acting as the attorney-in-fact on behalf of the Exchange, as well as the service provider for its insurance subsidiaries, with respect to the administrative services and is recognized over a four-year period representing the time over which the economic benefit of the services provided (i.e. management of the administrative services) transfers to the customer.

By virtue of its legal structure as a reciprocal insurer, the Exchange does not have any employees or officers. Therefore, it enters into contractual relationships by and through an attorney-in-fact. Indemnity serves as the attorney-in-fact on behalf of the Exchange with respect to its administrative services in accordance with the subscriber's agreement. The Exchange's insurance subsidiaries also utilize Indemnity for these services in accordance with the service agreements between each of the subsidiaries and Indemnity. Claims handling services include costs incurred in the claims process, including the adjustment, investigation, defense, recording and payment functions. Life insurance management services include costs incurred in the management and processing of life insurance business. Investment management services are related to investment trading activity, accounting and all other functions attributable to the investment of funds. Included in these expenses are allocations of costs for departments that support these administrative functions. Common overhead expenses and certain service department costs incurred by us on behalf of the Exchange and its insurance subsidiaries are reimbursed by the proper entity based upon appropriate utilization statistics (employee count, square footage, vehicle count, project hours, etc.) specifically measured to accomplish proportional allocations, which we believe are reasonable. The expenses we incur and related reimbursements we receive for administrative services are presented gross in our Statement of Operations. Reimbursements are settled on a monthly basis. The amounts incurred for these services are reimbursed to Indemnity at cost in accordance with the subscriber's

Service agreement revenue consists of service charges we collect from policyholders for providing multiple payment plans on policies written by the Exchange and its property and casualty subsidiaries. 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, which are also recognized as revenue when bills are rendered to the policyholder.

Certain amounts previously reported in the 2019 and 2018 financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes to conform to the current period’s presentation. “Limited partnership investments” has now been combined within “Other assets” in the Statements of Financial Position and “Equity in earnings (losses) of limited partnerships” is now included in “Net investment income” in the Statements of Operations. The reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income.