Learn More About Hilling-Pfeffer, Independent Insurance Brokerage in Erie, PA Since 1955

About Us

Hilling-Pfeffer Has Grown Organically with a Focus on Erie, PA Since 1955

The Hilling-Pfeffer story begins back in 1955. Though we did not have a formal name back then, 1955 is the year when our founder, Chuck Pfeffer, began helping families and individuals in the local community with their insurance needs. At the time, Chuck was a high school history teacher and track coach who found time during his evening to help his neighbors and friends find the right insurance protection. Thanks to Chuck’s client-focused approach, his book of business eventually grew to the point that he needed to formally form an independent insurance brokerage in Erie, PA. This company continued to grow until Chuck’s son, Doug Pfeffer joined the team.

Following five years of learning the ropes of the insurance business, Doug Pfeffer took over his father’s agency, beginning a new chapter of family ownership. Doug’s stewardship of our company continued until his 2018 retirement, but long before he relinquished control of day-to-day operations, Doug hired his future partner and eventually replacement as owner, Alan Hilling. Hired in 1990, Alan aided in the agency’s continued growth in both client and employee count. Since 2018 Alan has been leading Hilling-Pfeffer, which now boasts 22 talented employees, 21 of whom are licensed, across its four office locations.

Throughout Hilling-Pfeffer’s history, ownership has changed hands twice and multiple storied agencies have been acquired, including TL Robertson Insurance in Meadville, PA. Our loyal clients who we strive to serve in every way possible have allowed for this sustained growth. Being able to serve our local community with their insurance needs and to be there when claims occur. We believe that being a reliable insurance brokerage in Pennsylvania means answering the phone to help however we can when our clients need us. Whether it is in-person support after an unfortunate fire damage impacts a client’s home or offering prompt guidance and help in filing a claim following an auto accident, Hilling-Pfeffer is an independent insurance brokerage that you trust to be there when you have a need. We invite you to explore our site to learn more about the diverse selection of insurance solutions offered through our agency then contact us when you are ready to discuss your needs with a licensed independent insurance broker on our team.

An Independent Advantage

We are Independent Agents in Erie, Pennsylvania, free to choose the best carrier for your insurance needs. We do not work for an insurance company; we work for you. We work on your side when you have a loss and follow through to see that you get fair, prompt payment and service. Hilling-Pfeffer Insurance Agency represents a carefully selected group of financially strong, reputable insurance companies, therefore, we are able to offer you the best coverage at the most competitive price.
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What is an Independent Insurance Agent?

When you decide to buy a car, you wouldn’t purchase the first one you see. What if one day the automobile industry decided to make only one type of car, one make, and one model. You wouldn’t have a choice!

The same situation holds true for insurance. You need insurance to drive a car, to purchase a house, to protect your family’s financial future and to run a small business. But if there was only one insurance company that offered only one type of insurance, car insurance, home insurance or business owner policy — you wouldn’t have a choice. The only solution would be going to that one company.

With an independent insurance agent, you have choices. Independent agents are not tied to any one insurance company. One of the advantages of using an independent agent is that he or she works to satisfy your needs. You are using an expert for an important financial decision.

An independent agent has several companies that he or she can approach to get you the best coverage at the best price. And your independent agent will know the companies with the most efficient claims departments to recover your losses as quickly as possible.

When you buy insurance, whether it’s for your home, your car or your business, you want an advocate who will properly assess the risks you face and give you an objective analysis of the marketplace, it’s up to you to make the final choice.

Meet The Team


As our client, you will have a team of highly qualified professionals working for you to provide you with the best coverage for you, your family, or your business. Building a long-lasting relationship with our clients is our number one priority.

Hilling-Pfeffer Insurance

Located in Erie, Pennsylvania

Alan Hilling

President – LUTCF – Licensed Agent

Alan Hilling started with Hilling-Pfeffer Insurance Agency in 1990. He specializes in personal and commercial lines, property, casualty and life insurance. Graduate of Clarion University (Class of 1989)

Douglas Pfeffer

Vice President – Licensed Agent

Doug Pfeffer partnered with his father Chuck Pfeffer at the Pfeffer Insurance Agency in 1977. He is a graduate of Edinboro University (Class of 1977). Doug is semi-retired passing the day-to-day operations to his partners Alan Hilling and Michael Langer. Doug’s son Kyle is now managing his accounts.

Michael Langer

Partner – LUTCF – Licensed Agent

Mike started at Hilling-Pfeffer Insurance Agency in 1998 and has been in the industry since 1989. Specializes in financial services, estate and retirement analysis, and employee benefits. Member of Estate Planning Council of Erie and MDRT. Attended Gannon University through 1976.

Chris Hilling

CIC – Licensed Agent

Started with the Hilling-Pfeffer Insurance Agency as a customer service intern in 2010 and became an agent in 2011. He is a graduate of Saint Vincent College (class of 2011) in Latrobe, PA. Chris holds a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) professional designation and specializes in personal and commercial insurance, including life insurance.

Rod Fucci

CIC & AU – Licensed Agent

Was born and raised in northwest Pennsylvania. He is a 1988 graduate of Edinboro University with a BS degree in business administration. He has been working in the insurance industry since 1991 for both the company and agency. He holds two insurance designations which include certified insurance counselor and associate in underwriting.

Kyle Pfeffer

Licensed Agent

Kyle graduated from Harbor Creek High School in 2007, and then from Penn State Erie, The Behrend College in 2011, with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. He started with Hilling-Pfeffer Insurance Agency in 2015.

Patrick Hilling

Licensed Agent

Started with the Hilling-Pfeffer Insurance agency in May of 2017. He is a graduate of Penn State University (class of 2017.) Patrick is licensed to sell Auto, Home, Business, and Life Insurance products.

Karen Nies

Agency Manager – Licensed Agent

Graduated from Mercyhurst High School in 1985. She is a graduate of Mercyhurst University (BA 1989) and University of Pittsburgh (MA 1992). Karen has been with the agency since 1995.

Jen Huggler

Licensed Customer Service Representative

Started her insurance career with Hilling-Pfeffer Insurance Agency in Nov. 1998. Graduate of Seneca High School (class of 1995.)

Tammy-Jo Surgener

Licensed Customer Service Representative

Started with Hilling-Pfeffer Insurance agency in May 1997. She is a Seneca High School graduate, (class of 1986.)

Kayla Daley

Licensed Customer Service Representative - Medicare, Life, and Health

Kayla started at Hilling-Pfeffer Insurance Agency in 2020. She graduated from Meadville Area Senior High in 2014, and is a 2020 graduate from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.)

Daniel Akers

Customer Service Representative

Daniel has an extensive background in the service industry. He has recently joined our team as a Customer Service Representative fulfilling his desire to help others.

Erick Green

Customer Service Representative

Erick is a Cathedral Preparatory School graduate and a United States Army veteran. Erick has just joined our team as a Customer Service Representative excited to start his new career in the insurance field.

Da’Joun Heidelberg

Customer Service Representative

Da'Joun is a Cathedral Preparatory School graduate, and obtained a degree in Computer Information Systems from California University of PA. He is a recent addition to Hilling-Pfeffer Insurance as a Customer Service Representative.

Joan Kowalewski

Bookkeeper

Joan began her career at the Hilling-Pfeffer Agency in 1995 as a licensed customer service representative. She has since shifted her role at the agency to that of bookkeeper.

Valerie Lander

Receptionist

Valerie comes to our agency with a background in Biology, having studied at Edinboro University. She has previous customer service experience and puts her skills to use as our efficient and pleasant Receptionist.


TL Robertson Insurance

Located in Meadville, Pennsylvania

Suzanne Delo

Agency Manager

Agency Manager and a Licensed Agent with T L Robertson Insurance Agency since 2003. Specializes in personal and commercial insurance, including life and health insurance.

Jodi Buttray

Licensed Agent in Personal, Commercial and Life/Health Insurance

Started with T L Robertson Insurance Agency June of 2002

DeAirius Goodrum

Licensed Agent

Started with T L Robertson Insurance Agency early 2021. He is a veteran of the US Navy. Specializes in personal and commercial insurance.

Samantha Goodrum

Customer Service Representative

Started with T L Robertson Insurance Agency in 2014

Connie Graff

Customer Service Agent

Connie started wtih TL Robertson Insurance Agency in March 2023. She comes to the agency with 16 years experience as a licensed agent. She enjoys helping people with their insurance needs.

Jessica Dafoe

Customer Service Agent

Jessica has been with the TL Robertson Agency for over 3 years. She is a licensed insurance agent who takes satsifaction in assisting clients with their insurance needs.


Hilling-Pfeffer Insurance

Located in Lakewood, New York

Kyle Pfeffer

Licensed Agent

Kyle graduated from Harbor Creek High School in 2007, and then from Penn State Erie, The Behrend College in 2011, with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. He started with Hilling-Pfeffer Insurance Agency in 2015.

Aaron Lee

Licensed Agent

Aaron has been with Hilling-Pfeffer's Lakewood agency since August of 2022. He is licensed to sell home, auto, commercial and life products.

Paige McCaslin

Licensed Customer Service Agent

Paige started with Hilling-Pfeffer's Lakewood agency in November of 2022. She is a Panama High School graduate.


Nicolls Insurance Agency

Located in Conneautville, Pennsylvania

Shannon Guthrie

Licensed Agent in Personal, Commercial and Life/Health Insurance

Started with Nicolls Insurance Agency September of 2009.

Our Insurance Carriers


As independent agents, we have established long-term, solid relationships with some of the top national and regional carriers in the industry. Our experienced staff will be able to provide comprehensive, expert insurance solutions and service.
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