About Us

Our team of licensed, expert agents is dedicated to helping you build a solid foundation for you and your business, providing you with the peace of mind and confidence.

As an independent agency, our agents work with premium, trusted insurance carriers without being limited to any single option. What does that mean? We are an advocate for you; we build relationships with all of our customers in order to guarantee the best overall experience. This means we can personally provide you the security and confidence that you’ll have stability and reliability when you need it most.

While no one wants or expects bad things to happen to them, we can’t always predict what challenges may come or when they may occur. But having a plan in place when it does is the best line of defense. While identifying the right coverage for you, our insurance experts will help educate you about your plan, empowering you to make decisions and protect your future no matter what comes your way.

Our Team of Experts

Kevin Hughes

President

Cheryl Mantsch

Personal Lines Account Manager

Baxter

Canine Ambassador

Cover image from Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Automobile Insurance

Our Story

Black Insurance Group has deep roots in Erie, beginning with our founder, Samuel P. Black II, who founded the Agency on the principle “Insurance with Integrity.” We have continued to be committed to that legacy for almost 60 years. In 1962, Black left his thirty-five-year career at Erie Insurance to start his own agency, Samuel P. Black Associates. As an insurance entrepreneur, Black is credited with starting around-the-clock claims service and was known for his early emphasis on customer service. Many insurance policies later, we are honored to continue Black’s legacy—building meaningful relationships with our clients and providing a unique insurance experience for families and businesses in Erie and surrounding communities. At Black Insurance Group we pride ourselves in being our clients most trusted Insurance Advisors and our first priority is providing quality service to ensure we find you the best coverage, at the most competitive price, to protect you, your business, and your future. Our insurance solutions will provide a unique and carefully crafted insurance experience for you. With a single point of contact, you will never have to worry about who to call to support you with your insurance coverage or claim questions. Our resources work to benefit all facets of your personal and business needs, allowing you to stay focused on your goals. Protecting your dreams and legacy are our promise to you.

Our Building

Photo of 121 Second Street
As an insurance company based locally in northwest Pennsylvania we are proud of our main office’s unique history. Located at 121 East 2nd Street, our building is nestled in the beautiful and historic lakefront district of downtown Erie. Historically known as The Captain Richards House, it was built as a single-family dwelling in 1867 in the popular Greek Revival style by John Steven Richards for his wife Adelaide and their three children. John Richards was a respected businessman and had an earnest interest in charitable and educational work in the Erie community dissolved only by death. The Richards’ family has deep roots in Erie. John Richards, Sr. was a close associate of Daniel Dobbins who came to Erie during the War of 1812, and as an expert mechanic and shipbuilder assisted in building Oliver Hazard Perry’s fleet. After the war he stayed and established a renowned shipyard in Erie, known for building some of the finest steamers and sailing vessels of the time. John Stevens continued his father’s legacy as a respected businessman and a devoted philanthropist during his lifetime.