Insurance

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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. logo

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

Insurance

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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