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RLI Corp.
RLI Corp. is a Peoria, Illinois-based company with investment focus areas in Trucking, Public Transportation, E&S Auto, Commercial Specialty Auto, and Moving &...
RLI Corp.
RLI Corp. is a Peoria, Illinois-based company with investment focus areas in Trucking, Public Transportation, E&S Auto, Commercial Specialty Auto, and Moving & Storage.
General information
Firm type
Insurance
Year founded
1965
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Peoria
Corporate office
9025 N Lindbergh Dr, Peoria, IL 61615, United States
Principals
Gerald D. Stephens
Founder
Craig W. Kliethermes
President and CEO
Aaron P. Diefenthaler
Chief Financial Officer, Chief Investment Officer, and Treasurer
Jennifer L. Klobnak
Chief Operating Officer
David B. Duclos
Independent Chairman of the Board
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
How does RLI Corp. structure its investment portfolio?
RLI anchors its investment portfolio in high-grade fixed-income securities—munis, corporates, and treasuries—with a smaller allocation to equities. This conservative posture ensures sufficient liquidity to meet underwriting obligations, given the firm's focus on niche property and casualty lines where claims can be lumpy and unpredictable.
Who runs investment decisions at RLI Corp.?
Aaron P. Diefenthaler holds the combined role of Chief Financial Officer, Chief Investment Officer, and Treasurer as of May 2024. He oversees both asset management and the broader finance function, reporting to CEO Craig W. Kliethermes.
Does RLI Corp. invest in private equity or venture capital?
No. RLI's investment mandate focuses on publicly traded fixed-income and equity securities to maintain portfolio liquidity. The firm does not disclose a dedicated private equity or venture allocation in public filings, consistent with an underwriting-first model that prioritizes capital availability.
What distinguishes RLI Corp.'s underwriting focus?
RLI specializes in niche property and casualty risks—admitted and excess-and-surplus lines that standard carriers often decline. Its book includes railroad liability, earthquake coverage for wineries, professional liability, and marine risks, generating premium income that funds the investment portfolio.
Where does the name 'RLI' come from?
RLI originally stood for Replacement Lens, Inc., reflecting the company's 1965 founding as a contact lens insurance provider. Gerald Stephens pivoted the business into broader specialty insurance, and the acronym now functions as the standalone corporate name.
How long has RLI Corp. been publicly traded?
RLI has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since 1971 under the ticker RLI. It has paid a dividend to shareholders every year since its listing, representing over five decades of uninterrupted payouts—a track record rare among specialty insurers.
What philanthropic structures does RLI Corp. maintain?
RLI operates the RLI Charitable Gift Fund, which directs corporate and employee contributions toward community organizations. The fund is separate from the insurance balance sheet and focuses on health, education, and social-service causes in the Peoria area and beyond.
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