Erie-based Erie Insurance has been ranked for the second year in a row as the nation's top insurance company for satisfying new buyers, according to J.D. Power and Associates.

A study by J.D. Power focused on the purchase behaviors and satisfaction of buyers who shopped for a new auto insurance company.

Using a 1,000-point scale, J.D. Power gave Erie Insurance a score of 893. American Family ranked second overall, earning a score of 891.

"This award reflects the continued commitment of Erie Insurance employees and agents to being above all in service," Terry Cavanaugh, president and CEO of Erie Insurance Group, said in a prepared statement. "That commitment is deeply rooted in our 84-year history and our culture."

"For customers to be especially satisfied with their insurer during the shopping experience, it's important for them to think about how they prefer to be served -- by a local agent, a centralized call center, a Web site or some combination of these channels," said Jeremy Bowler, senior director of the insurance practice at J.D. Power.

"Depending on the channel favored by the customer, one insurer may be a better choice than others based on their strength in that particular channel."

J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company focusing on market research. The company's measurements of quality and satisfaction come from surveys involving millions of participants.

Highly ranked companies typically use J.D. Power endorsements in advertising.

CHASE KLINGENSMITH can be reached at 870-1726 or by e-mail.