Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Insurance Partner in Erie, PA
Since 1969, Great Lakes Insurance Services Group has been dedicated to providing comprehensive insurance solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses and families. With a team of over 70 licensed professionals combining 100+ years of experience, we represent more than 100 carriers across 45 states, offering specialized coverage in personal, business, and life insurance. Our commitment to innovation and client-centric service has positioned us as a leading independent insurance agency in Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio.We pride ourselves on our ability to navigate complex risks, leveraging a Surplus Lines License to access non-admitted carriers when standard solutions fall short. Through 12 strategically located offices and a focus on continuous education, we ensure clients receive not only competitive pricing but also expert guidance tailored to their specific industries and life stages.
Services
Personal Insurance
Business Insurance
Life Insurance
Commercial Property
Workers Compensation
Cyber Liability
Event Insurance
Flood Insurance
Commercial Trucking
Surety Bonding
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- We offer access to 100+ insurance carriers for optimal risk placement
- Our team includes 70+ licensed professionals with 100+ combined years of experience
- We operate in 45 states with 12 strategically located offices
- We hold a Surplus Lines License for specialized risk solutions
- Our agents maintain advanced insurance designations for expert guidance
What people say
Excellent service
Knowledgeable staff
Patient and responsive
Competitive pricing
Reliable claims support
Services
Personal Insurance
Great Lakes Insurance Services Group offers comprehensive personal insurance solutions protecting individuals against financial risks from accidents, illnesses, or property damage. Our policies cover automobiles, homes, valuable possessions, and marine assets while providing risk-spreading benefits through collective premium payments. We help clients understand policy details including deductibles, exclusions, and special limits to ensure adequate protection for their lifestyle and investments.
Business Insurance
We provide multi-state business insurance coverage for commercial property, liability, auto fleets, workers compensation, and specialized risks. Our 90+ carrier partnerships enable tailored solutions for small businesses to large corporations across industries like transportation, construction, and professional services. With expertise in excess liability, cyber liability, and surety bonding, we help businesses mitigate operational risks while maintaining compliance across state lines.
Life Insurance
Our life insurance services offer term and permanent policies to protect dependents and business interests through death benefit payouts. We guide clients in determining appropriate coverage amounts based on financial obligations, estate planning needs, and income replacement requirements. The underwriting process considers health factors and risk profiles to secure competitive premiums while explaining policy features like cash value accumulation and free-look periods.
Commercial Property
This coverage protects business-owned or leased property including equipment, inventory, and office assets against physical damage from covered perils. We help clients assess replacement costs for computers, furniture, and specialized machinery while addressing unique risks through inland marine and ocean cargo insurance. Our specialists ensure proper valuation methods and policy limits to maintain business continuity after property losses.
Cyber Liability
Designed for modern businesses facing digital threats, this coverage addresses data breaches, network security failures, and cyber extortion risks. We help clients implement risk management strategies while securing policies that cover breach response costs, regulatory fines, and business interruption losses. Our specialists stay current with evolving underwriting standards requiring documented cybersecurity protocols to maintain coverage eligibility.
People
Theodore C. Parker
Founder
Founded Erie Insurance Agency in 1969, Theodore C. Parker established the company's foundation through strategic acquisitions of multiple regional insurance firms before forming a partnership with Pete Zaphiris in 1992.
Pete Zaphiris
Principal Agent
Partnering with Theodore Parker in 1992, Pete Zaphiris led the company's transformation into Great Lakes Insurance Associates before purchasing Parker's shares in 2000 and establishing the LLC structure in 2010.
Questions
What types of personal insurance do you offer?
We provide auto, homeowners, valuable items, and marine insurance policies tailored to individual needs with clear explanations of coverage options and deductibles.
Do you offer business insurance in multiple states?
Yes, we provide commercial insurance coverage across 38 states with specialized programs for property, liability, workers compensation, and industry-specific risks.
How do you handle complex insurance needs?
With 100+ carrier partnerships and a Surplus Lines License, we place challenging risks through non-admitted markets when standard solutions aren't available.
What life insurance options are available?
We offer term life policies for temporary needs and permanent coverage options that build cash value, helping clients protect dependents and business interests.
How can I get a quick event insurance quote?
Our online process provides fast quotes for special event liability, cancellation coverage, and weather-related protections with customizable policy terms.
Do you have local office locations?
We operate 12 offices across Pennsylvania and New York with licensed professionals available to serve clients in 45 states.
