Donegal Group
DGICA
#7061
Rank
HK$5.31 B
Marketcap
HK$143.35
Share price
0.55%
Change (1 day)
-4.04%
Change (1 year)
Text size:
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K

[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997
-----------------

OR

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _________________ to _________________

Commission file number 0-15341
-------

DONEGAL GROUP INC.
-----------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware 23-2424711
------------------------------- -------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

1195 River Road, Marietta, Pennsylvania 17547
- ---------------------------------------- ----------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (717) 426-1931
--------------

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None.

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock, $1.00 par value
-----------------------------
(Title of class)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X . No .
--- --

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ X ]
On March 17, 1998, the aggregate market value (based on the closing sales price
on that date) of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was
$54,365,781.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 6,057,732 shares of Common
Stock outstanding on March 17, 1998.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

1. Portions of the Registrant's annual report to stockholders for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 are incorporated by reference into
Parts I, II and IV of this report.

2. Portions of the Registrant's proxy statement relating to the annual
meeting of stockholders to be held April 16, 1998 are incorporated by
reference into Part III of this report.
DONEGAL GROUP INC.

INDEX TO FORM 10-K REPORT


Page
----
I. PART I.

Item 1. Business 1
Item 2. Properties 21
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 22
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of
Security Holders 22

II. PART II.

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and
Related Stockholder Matters 23
Item 6. Selected Financial Data 23
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of
Operations 23
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary
Data 23
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with
Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure 23

III. PART III.

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the
Registrant 24
Item 11. Executive Compensation 24
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Owners and Management 24
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions 24

IV. PART IV.

Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
and Reports on Form 8-K 25



(i)
PART I

Item 1 Business.

(a) General Development of Business.

Donegal Group Inc. is a regional insurance holding company formed in
August 1986 which is headquartered in Pennsylvania and engages, through its
subsidiaries, in the property and casualty insurance business. As used herein,
"DGI" or the "Company" refers to Donegal Group Inc. and its subsidiaries,
Atlantic States Insurance Company ("Atlantic States"), Southern Insurance
Company of Virginia ("Southern"), Delaware Atlantic Insurance Company ("Delaware
Atlantic"), Pioneer Insurance Company ("Pioneer") and Atlantic Insurance
Services, Inc. ("AIS"). DGI is currently 58.3% owned by Donegal Mutual Insurance
Company (the "Mutual Company"). DGI and its subsidiaries and the Mutual Company
underwrite a broad line of personal and commercial coverages, consisting of
private passenger and commercial automobile, homeowners, commercial multi-peril,
workers' compensation and other lines of insurance.

Atlantic States, which DGI organized in September 1986, participates in
an underwriting pool whereby it cedes to the Mutual Company the premiums, losses
and loss adjustment expenses from all of its insurance business and assumes from
the Mutual Company a specified portion of the pooled business, which also
includes substantially all of the Mutual Company's property and casualty
insurance business. Effective as of October 1, 1986, DGI entered into a pooling
agreement with the Mutual Company whereby Atlantic States assumed 35% of the
pooled business written or in force on or after October 1, 1986. Pursuant to
amendments to the pooling agreement subsequent to October 1, 1986, the Mutual
Company, which is solely responsible for any losses in the pooled business with
dates of loss on or before the close of business on September 30, 1986, has
increased the percentage of retrocessions of the pooled business to Atlantic
States. Since January 1, 1996, 65% of the pooled business has been retroceded to
Atlantic States. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" included in Item 7 hereof and Note 2 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements incorporated by reference herein.

On December 29, 1988, DGI acquired all of the outstanding capital stock
of Southern in exchange for a $3,000,000 equity contribution to Southern. On
October 1, 1986, the Mutual Company and Southern's predecessor, Southern Mutual
Insurance Company, entered into a reinsurance agreement whereby such predecessor
ceded to the Mutual Company 80% of its direct premiums written, less outside
reinsurance, and retained 20%. Effective January 1, 1991, this percentage was
changed to 50% ceded to the Mutual Company and 50% retained by Southern. Because
the Mutual Company places substantially all of the business assumed from
Southern in the pool, from which DGI currently has a 65% allocation, DGI's
results of operations include approximately 80% of the business written by
Southern. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements incorporated by
reference herein.


-1-
In January 1994, DGI organized AIS, which began business in that same
month. AIS is an insurance services organization currently providing inspection
and policy auditing information on a fee for service basis to its affiliates and
the insurance industry.

As of December 31, 1995, the Company acquired all of the outstanding
capital stock of Delaware Atlantic pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement dated
as of December 21, 1995 between the Company and the Mutual Company. As part of
this transaction, the Mutual Company entered into an aggregate excess of loss
reinsurance agreement with Delaware Atlantic whereby the Mutual Company assumed
the risk of any loss from an adverse development in Delaware Atlantic's loss
and loss adjustment expense reserve at the end of 1995 compared to the end of
1996 and losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred by Delaware Atlantic
during the month of December 1995 and for the 1996 year by reason of the fact
that Delaware Atlantic's loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for those
periods exceeded the lesser of the loss and loss expense ratios of immediately
preceding periods or 60%. This agreement resulted in no additional payment from
the Mutual Company to Delaware Atlantic.

On May 3, 1996, the Mutual Company formed Aberdeen Insurance Group,
Inc. ("Aberdeen"), which, pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated July 31,
1996, purchased all of the aggregate excess and surplus lines insurance agency
business of Thomas G. Downie Agency, Inc. d/b/a Aberdeen Insurance Group
("Downie Agency") for a purchase price of $100,000. As part of the agreement,
Aberdeen acquired, among other things, fixed assets, the right, title and
interest in and to the name "Aberdeen Insurance Group," all of Downie Agency's
books and records relating to its excess and surplus insurance lines agency
business and all intangible property rights and proprietary information of
Downie Agency relating to the operation of the excess and surplus lines
insurance agency business that was acquired.

Effective July 1, 1996, the Mutual Company entered into retrocessional
reinsurance agreements with each of Southern, Delaware Atlantic and Pioneer
(individually, an "Affiliate"), whereby the Mutual Company agreed to reinsure
each Affiliate in respect of 100% of the net liability that may accrue to such
Affiliate from its insurance operations and retrocede 100% of the net liability
back to each Affiliate, which the Affiliate assumes.

As of March 31, 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding
capital stock of Pioneer pursuant to a stock purchase agreement dated as of
April 7, 1997 between the Company and the Mutual Company. As part of this
transaction, the Mutual Company entered into an aggregate excess of loss
reinsurance agreement with Pioneer whereby the Mutual Company assumed the risk
of any loss from an adverse development in Pioneer's loss and loss adjustment
expense reserve at the end of 1996 compared to the end of 1998 by reason of the
fact that Pioneer's loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for those periods
exceeded the lesser of the loss and loss expense ratios of immediately preceding
periods or 60%. This reinsurance agreement resulted in additional payments of
$186,800 from the Mutual Company to Pioneer in 1997.

Unless otherwise stated, all information in this report gives
retroactive effect to the four-for-three split of the Company's Common Stock
effected through a stock dividend

-2-
of one share of Common Stock for each three shares outstanding, which was paid
on July 15, 1997 to stockholders of record on June 25, 1997.

(b) Financial Information about Industry Segments.

The Company is of the opinion that all of its operations are within one
industry segment and that no information as to industry segments is required
pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 14 or Regulation
S-K.

(c) Narrative Description of Business.

Relationship with the Mutual Company

DGI's operations are interrelated with the operations of the Mutual
Company and, because of the percentage of the pooled business assumed by DGI,
DGI's results of operations are largely dependent upon the success of the Mutual
Company. In addition, various reinsurance agreements exist between the Company
and the Mutual Company. The Mutual Company is responsible for underwriting and
marketing the pooled business and provides facilities, employees and services
required to conduct the business of DGI on a cost allocated basis. The Mutual
Company owned 58.3% of DGI as of March 17, 1998.

Through the pool, DGI writes personal and commercial property
and casualty insurance lines, including automobile, homeowners, commercial
multi-peril, workers' compensation and other lines of business. The insurance
agencies under contract with the Mutual Company serve as representatives for the
pool participants.

Under the terms of the intercompany pooling agreement, which took
effect on October 1, 1986, Atlantic States cedes to the Mutual Company the
premiums, losses and loss expenses on all of its insurance business.
Substantially all of the Mutual Company's property and casualty insurance
business, including the business reinsured from Southern, written or in force on
or after October 1, 1986, is also included in the pooled business. Pursuant to
amendments to the pooling agreement subsequent to October 1, 1986, the Mutual
Company, which is solely responsible for any losses in the pooled business with
dates of loss on or before the close of business on September 30, 1986, has
increased the percentage of retrocessions of the pooled business to Atlantic
States. Since January 1, 1996, 65% of the pooled business has been retroceded to
Atlantic States. All premiums, losses, loss expenses, other underwriting
expenses and policy dividends are prorated among the parties on the basis of
their participation in the pool. The pooling agreement may be amended or
terminated at the end of any calendar year by agreement of the parties. The
Company does not intend to terminate its participation in the pooling agreement.
The allocations of pool participation percentages between the Mutual Company and
Atlantic States are based on the pool participants' relative amounts of capital
and surplus and expectations of future relative amounts of capital and surplus.
The pooling agreement does not legally discharge Atlantic States from its
primary liability for the full amount of the policies ceded. However, it makes
the Mutual Company liable to Atlantic States to the extent of the business
ceded.

-3-
All of DGI's officers are officers of the Mutual Company, and five of
DGI's seven directors are directors of the Mutual Company. A Coordinating
Committee, which consists of two outside directors from each of DGI and the
Mutual Company, none of whom hold seats on both Boards, reviews and approves
changes in the pooling agreement and is responsible for matters involving actual
or potential conflicts of interest. The decisions of the Coordinating Committee
are binding on the two companies. DGI's members must conclude that intercompany
transactions are fair and reasonable in order for such transactions to be
approved.

The underwriting pool is intended to produce a more uniform and stable
underwriting result from year to year for the companies in the pool than they
would experience individually and to spread the risk of loss among all the
participants. Each company participating in the pool has at its disposal the
capacity of the entire pool, rather than being limited to policy exposures of a
size commensurate with its own capital and surplus. The additional capacity
exists because such policy exposures are spread among the pool participants
which each have their own capital and surplus.

In addition to the underwriting pool, through the retrocessional
reinsurance agreements with each of Southern, Delaware Atlantic and Pioneer, the
Mutual Company agreed to reinsure each Affiliate in respect of 100% of the net
liability that may accrue to such Affiliate from its insurance operations and
retrocede 100% of the net liability back to each Affiliate, which the Affiliate
assumes as part of the retrocession.

DGI's Business Strategy

DGI, in conjunction with the Mutual Company, has multiple strategies
which the management of DGI believes have resulted in underwriting results that
are favorable when compared to those of the property and casualty insurance
industry in general over the past five years. The principal strategies comprise
the following:

o A regional company concept designed to provide the
advantages of local marketing, underwriting and
claims servicing with the economies of scale from
centralized accounting, administrative, investment,
data processing and other services.

o An underwriting program and product mix designed to
produce a Company-wide underwriting profit, i.e., a
combined ratio of less than 100%, from careful risk
selection and adequate pricing.

o A goal of a closely balanced ratio between commercial
business and personal business.

o An agent selection process that focuses on appointing
agencies with proven market strategies for the
development of profitable business and an agent
compensation plan providing for additional
commissions based

-4-
upon premium volume and profitability and the right
to participate in the Company's Agency Stock Purchase
Plan.

o Gradual expansion into adjacent states, including
Indiana, New York, Tennessee and North Carolina.

o A continuing effort to attract and retain qualified
employees who receive incentive compensation based
upon historical results.

Property and Casualty Insurance Products and Services

The following table indicates the percentage of DGI's net premiums
written represented by commercial lines and by personal lines for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995:


Year Ended December 31,
-------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
----- ----- -----
Net Premiums Written:
Commercial..................... 41.0% 44.3% 45.5%
Personal....................... 59.0% 55.7% 54.5%

The commercial lines consist primarily of automobile, multi-peril and
workers' compensation insurance. The personal lines consist primarily of
automobile and homeowners insurance. These types of insurance are described in
greater detail below:

Commercial

o Commercial automobile -- policies that provide
protection against liability for bodily injury and
property damage arising from automobile accidents,
and provide protection against loss from damage to
automobiles owned by the insured.

o Workers' compensation -- policies purchased by
employers to provide benefits to employees for
injuries sustained during employment. The extent of
coverage is established by the workers' compensation
laws of each state.

o Commercial multi-peril -- policies that provide
protection to businesses against many perils, usually
combining liability and physical damage coverages.


-5-
Personal

o Private passenger automobile -- policies that provide
protection against liability for bodily injury and
property damage arising from automobile accidents,
and provide protection against loss from damage to
automobiles owned by the insured.

o Homeowners -- policies that provide coverage for
damage to residences and their contents from a broad
range of perils, including, fire, lightning,
windstorm and theft. These policies also cover
liability of the insured arising from injury to other
persons or their property while on the insured's
property and under other specified conditions.

The following table sets forth the combined ratios of DGI, prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and statutory
accounting principles prescribed or permitted by state insurance authorities.
The combined ratio is a traditional measure of underwriting profitability. When
the combined ratio is under 100%, underwriting results are generally considered
profitable. Conversely, when the combined ratio is over 100%, underwriting
results are generally considered unprofitable. The combined ratio does not
reflect investment income, federal income taxes or other non-operating income
or expense. DGI's operating income depends on income from both underwriting
operations and investments.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Year Ended December 31,
---------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
GAAP Combined Ratio..................................... 97.6% 100.4% 98.6%
Statutory operating ratios:
Loss ratio..................................... 64.0 68.4 66.3
Expense ratio.................................. 34.0 31.1 31.9
Dividend ratio................................. 1.2 1.5 1.2
Statutory combined ratio....................... 99.2% 101.0% 99.4%
===== ====== =====
Industry statutory combined ratio.............. 101.6(1) 107.0(1) 105.0(2)
===== ====== =====
</TABLE>
- --------------

(1) Source: A.M. Best Co.
(2) Source: Insurance Information Institute

DGI is required to participate in involuntary insurance programs for
automobile insurance, as well as other property and casualty insurance lines, in
states in which DGI operates. These programs include joint underwriting
associations, assigned risk plans, fair access to insurance requirements
("FAIR") plans, reinsurance facilities and windstorm plans. Legislation
establishing these programs requires all companies that write lines covered by
these programs to provide coverage (either directly or through reinsurance) for
insureds who cannot obtain insurance in the voluntary market. The legislation
creating these programs usually allocates a pro rata portion of risks
attributable to such insureds to each company on the basis of direct premiums
written or the number of automobiles insured. Generally, state law

-6-
requires participation in such programs as a condition to doing business. The
loss ratio on insurance written under involuntary programs has traditionally
been greater than the loss ratio on insurance in the voluntary market. The
impact of these involuntary programs on DGI has been immaterial.

The following table sets forth the net premiums written and combined
ratios by line of insurance for the business of DGI, prepared in accordance with
statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by state insurance
authorities, for the periods indicated.

Year Ended December 31,
-------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
-------- -------- -------
(dollars in thousands)
Net Premiums Written:
Commercial:
Automobile ..................... $ 10,522 $ 10,149 $ 8,306
Workers' compensation .......... 15,590 17,998 17,661
Commercial multi-peril ......... 16,357 17,153 14,775
Other .......................... 1,612 3,127 2,813
-------- -------- -------
Total commercial ............. 44,081 48,427 43,555
-------- -------- -------

Personal:
Automobile ..................... 38,989 37,739 32,330
Homeowners ..................... 19,939 18,979 15,961
Other .......................... 4,597 4,070 3,938
-------
Total personal ............... 63,525 60,788 52,229
-------- -------- -------
Total business ................... $107,606 $109,215 $95,784
======== ======== =======

Statutory Combined Ratios:
Commercial:
Automobile ..................... 89.9% 97.6% 92.9%
Workers compensation ........... 89.5 67.2 77.0
Commercial multi-peril ......... 103.0 106.4 109.3
Other .......................... 57.7 42.8 77.2
Total commercial ............. 93.5 86.5 92.9

Personal:
Automobile ..................... 98.7% 100.7% 100.1%
Homeowners ..................... 116.4 139.1 119.3
Other .......................... 87.6 109.6 108.5
Total personal ............... 103.4 112.7 106.3

Total business ................... 99.2 101.0 99.4%

Property and Casualty Underwriting

The underwriting department is responsible for the establishment of
underwriting and risk selection guidelines and criteria for the various
insurance products written by DGI. The underwriting department, in conjunction
with the marketing representatives, works closely


-7-
with DGI's independent agents to insure a comprehensive knowledge on the part of
the agents of DGI's underwriting requirements and risk selection process.

DGI's underwriting and pricing strategy is designed to produce an
underwriting profit resulting in a Company-wide combined ratio below 100%. DGI
and the Mutual Company have a conservative underwriting philosophy, which, in
the opinion of management, is one of the prime reasons for DGI's favorable loss
ratios relative to the property and casualty insurance industry over the last
five years.

The underwriting department has over time initiated risk inspection
procedures and underwriting analysis on a per risk and class of business basis.
It has also automated underwriting processing utilizing technology such as bar
coding. Management has established monitoring and auditing processes to verify
compliance with underwriting requirements and procedures.

The underwriting department and the research and development section
are responsible for the development of new insurance products and enhancements
of existing products. Underwriting profitability is enhanced by the creation of
niche products focused on classes of business which traditionally have provided
underwriting profits.

Marketing

DGI's insurance products, together with the products of the Mutual
Company and their respective subsidiaries, are marketed through approximately
2,300 independent insurance agents associated with approximately 700 insurance
agencies. Business is written by either DGI or the Mutual Company depending upon
geographic location, agency license and product. Management has developed an
agency appointment procedure that focuses on appointing agencies with proven
marketing strategies for the development of profitable business. DGI regularly
evaluates its agency force and continues to strive to obtain and retain a
significant position within each agency relative to the amount of business
similar to that of DGI placed by the agency with other insurers. DGI and the
Mutual Company have developed a successful contingent commission plan for agents
under which additional commissions are payable based upon the volume of premiums
produced and the profitability of the business of the agency written by DGI and
the Mutual Company. Management believes the contingent commission program and
the Company's Agency Stock Purchase Plan have enhanced the ability of DGI and
the Mutual Company to write profitable business.

DGI has granted certain agents the authority to bind insurance within
underwriting and pricing limits specified by DGI without the prior approval of
DGI. However, DGI generally reviews all coverages placed by its agents and,
subject to applicable insurance regulations, may cancel the coverage if it is
inconsistent with DGI's guidelines.

DGI believes that its regional structure enables it to compete
effectively with large national companies. This regional structure permits DGI
to take advantage of its knowledge


-8-
of local operating territories and the opportunity to form strong, long-term
relationships with the agents that represent DGI and the Mutual Company.

DGI and the Mutual Company have developed comprehensive growth
strategies for each of the commercial and personal lines of insurance business.
DGI has focused on the small- to medium-sized commercial insurance markets,
which have traditionally been a stable and profitable segment of the property
and casualty insurance business. Commercial lines marketing is characterized by
account selling, in which multiple lines of insurance are offered to a single
policyholder.

DGI believes that competitive and comprehensive products targeted to
selected classes of personal lines business, along with excellent service to
agents and policyholders, will provide growth with profitability. As is
customary in the industry, insureds are encouraged to place both their
homeowners and personal automobile insurance with DGI or the Mutual Company and
are offered a discount for doing so.

Claims

The claims department develops and implements policies and procedures
for the establishment of claim reserves and the timely resolution and payment of
claims. The management and staff of the department resolve policy coverage
issues, manage and process reinsurance recoveries and handle salvage and
subrogation matters.

Insurance claims are normally investigated and adjusted by internal
claims adjusters and supervisory personnel. Independent adjusters are employed
as needed to handle claims in territories in which the volume of claims is not
sufficient to justify hiring internal claims adjusters. The litigation and
personal injury sections manage all claims litigation, and all claims above
$25,000 require home office review and settlement authorization.

Field office staffs are supported by home office technical, litigation,
material damage, subrogation and medical audit personnel who provide specialized
claims support. An investigative unit attempts to prevent fraud and abuse and to
control losses.

Liabilities for Losses and Loss Expenses

Liabilities for losses and loss expenses are estimates at a given point
in time of what the insurer expects to pay to claimants, based on facts and
circumstances then known, and it can be expected that the ultimate liability
will exceed or be less than such estimates. Liabilities are based on estimates
of future trends and claims severity, judicial theories of liability and other
factors. However, during the loss adjustment period, additional facts regarding
individual claims may become known, and consequently it often becomes necessary
to refine and adjust the estimates of liability. Any adjustments are reflected
in operating results in the year in which the changes are made.


-9-
DGI maintains liabilities for the eventual payment of losses and loss
expenses with respect to both reported and unreported claims. Liabilities for
loss expenses are intended to cover the ultimate costs of settling all losses,
including investigation and litigation costs from such losses. The amount of
liability for reported losses is primarily based upon a case-by-case evaluation
of the type of risk involved and knowledge of the circumstances surrounding each
claim and the insurance policy provisions relating to the type of loss. The
amount of liability for unreported claims and loss expenses is determined on the
basis of historical information by line of insurance. Inflation is implicitly
provided for in the reserving function through analysis of costs, trends and
reviews of historical reserving results. Liabilities are closely monitored and
are recomputed periodically by the Company and the Mutual Company using new
information on reported claims and a variety of statistical techniques.
Liabilities for losses are not discounted.

The establishment of appropriate liabilities is an inherently uncertain
process, and there can be no assurance that the ultimate liability will not
exceed DGI's loss and loss expenses and have an adverse effect on DGI's results
of operations and financial condition. As is the case for virtually all property
and casualty insurance companies, DGI has found it necessary in the past to
revise in non-material amounts estimated future liabilities for losses and loss
expenses, and further adjustments could be required in the future. However, on
the basis of DGI's internal procedures, which analyze, among other things, DGI's
experience with similar cases and historical trends such as reserving patterns,
loss payments, pending levels of unpaid claims and product mix, as well as court
decisions, economic conditions and public attitudes, management of DGI believes
that adequate provision has been made for DGI's liability for loss and loss
expenses.

Differences between liabilities reported in DGI's financial statements
prepared on the basis of generally accepted accounting principles and financial
statements prepared on a statutory accounting basis result from reducing
statutory liabilities for anticipated salvage and subrogation recoveries. These
differences amounted to $6,155,467, $5,170,486 and $4,103,285 at December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.


-10-
The following tables set forth a reconciliation of the beginning and
ending net liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses for the periods
indicated on a GAAP basis for the Company.


Year Ended December 31,
-------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
------- ------- -------
(in thousands)
Net liability for unpaid losses
and loss expenses at
beginning of year ............... $75,428 $71,155 $63,317
------- ------- -------
Provision for net losses and
loss expenses for claims
incurred in the current year .... 69,040 73,212 61,163
Increase (decrease) in provision
for estimated net losses and loss
expenses for claims
incurred in prior years ......... (1,384) (2,791) (3,093)
------- ------- -------

Total incurred .................... 67,656 70,421 58,070
Net losses and loss payments
for claims incurred during:
The current year .................. 39,133 42,669 30,832
Prior years ....................... 26,477 23,479 19,400
------- ------- -------

Total paid ........................ 65,610 66,148 50,232

Net liability for unpaid losses
and loss expenses at
end of year ..................... $77,474 $75,428 $71,155
======= ======= =======

The following table sets forth the development of the liability for net
unpaid losses and loss expenses for DGI on a GAAP basis from 1987 (the first
full year of DGI's operations) to 1997, with supplemental loss data for 1997 and
1996.

"Net liability at end of year for unpaid losses and loss expenses" sets
forth the estimated liability for net unpaid losses and loss expenses recorded
at the balance sheet date for each of the indicated years. This liability
represents the estimated amount of net losses and loss expenses for claims
arising in the current and all prior years that are unpaid at the balance sheet
date including losses incurred but not reported.

The "Liability reestimated as of" portion of the table shows the
reestimated amount of the previously recorded liability based on experience for
each succeeding year. The estimate is increased or decreased as payments are
made and more information becomes known about the severity of the remaining
unpaid claims. For example, the 1990 liability has developed an excess after
seven years, in that reestimated net losses and loss expenses are expected to be
less than the estimated liability initially established in 1990 of $31,898 by
$2,481.


-11-
The "Cumulative deficiency (excess)" shows the cumulative deficiency or
excess at December 31, 1997 of the liability estimate shown on the top line of
the corresponding column. An excess in liability means that the liability
established in prior years exceeded actual net losses and loss expenses or were
reevaluated at less than the original amount. A deficiency in liability means
that the liability established in prior years was less than actual net losses
and loss expenses or were reevaluated at more than the original amount.

The "Cumulative amount of liability paid through" portion of the table
shows the cumulative net losses and loss expense payments made in succeeding
years for net losses incurred prior to the balance sheet date. For example, the
1990 column indicates that as of December 31, 1997, payments equal to $28,627 of
the currently reestimated ultimate liability for net losses and loss expenses of
$29,417 had been made.


-12-
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net liability at end of
year for unpaid losses
and loss expenses........................... $11,878 $20,734 $27,767 $31,898 $36,194 $44,339
Net liability
reestimated as of:
One year later............................ 12,678 21,598 29,175 32,923 37,514 45,408
Two years later........................... 12,949 20,475 28,861 33,550 37,765 42,752
Three years later......................... 12,692 19,823 28,545 32,803 35,446 40,693
Four years later.......................... 12,160 19,296 27,717 31,004 33,931 38,375
Five years later.......................... 11,799 18,796 26,759 30,041 32,907 37,096
Six years later........................... 11,857 18,457 26,180 29,595 32,234
Seven years later......................... 11,782 18,189 25,971 29,417
Eight years later......................... 11,722 18,117 25,828
Nine years later.......................... 11,655 18,050
Ten years later........................... 11,611
Cumulative deficiency
(excess).................................. $ (267) $(2,684) $(1,939) $(2,481) $(3,960) $(7,243)
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======

Cumulative amount of liability paid through:
One year later............................. $ 5,891 $ 8,855 $11,401 $13,003 $13,519 16,579
Two years later............................ 8,472 12,280 17,421 19,795 20,942 24,546
Three years later.......................... 9,988 14,912 20,986 24,178 25,308 29,385
Four years later........................... 10,774 16,292 23,268 26,413 27,826 32,925
Five years later........................... 11,209 17,201 24,331 27,439 29,605 34,757
Six years later............................ 11,388 17,706 24,909 28,157 30,719
Seven years later.......................... 11,484 17,782 25,280 28,627
Eight years later.......................... 11,544 17,884 25,599
Nine years later........................... 11,563 17,986
Ten years later............................ 11,594

<CAPTION>

Year Ended December 31
------------------------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
-------- ------- ------- ------- ------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net liability at end of
year for unpaid losses
and loss expenses........................... $ 52,790 $63,317 $71,155 $75,428 $77,474
Net liability
reestimated as of:
One year later............................ 50,583 60,227 68,348 74,044
Two years later........................... 48,132 56,656 66,520
Three years later......................... 44,956 54,571
Four years later.......................... 42,157
Five years later..........................
Six years later...........................
Seven years later.........................
Eight years later.........................
Nine years later..........................
Ten years later...........................
Cumulative deficiency
(excess).................................. $(10,633) $(8,746) $(4,635) $(1,384)
======== ======= ======= =======

Cumulative amount of liability paid through:
One year later............................. 16,126 19,401 23,479 26,477
Two years later............................ 25,393 30,354 37,078
Three years later.......................... 32,079 38,684
Four years later........................... 36,726
Five years later...........................
Six years later............................
Seven years later..........................
Eight years later..........................
Nine years later...........................
Ten years later............................
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Gross liability at end of year.............. $57,777 $70,093 $88,484 $98,894 $114,622 $118,112
Reinsurance recoverable..................... 13,438 17,303 25,167 27,739 39,194 40,638
Net liability at end of year................ 44,339 52,790 63,317 71,155 75,428 77,474
Gross reestimated liability -- latest....... 59,122 58,183 78,823 93,611 113,559
Reestimated recoverable -- latest........... 22,026 16,026 24,252 27,091 39,515
Net reestimated liability -- latest......... 37,096 42,157 54,571 66,520 74,044
Gross cumulative deficiency (excess)........ 1,345 (11,910) (9,661) (5,283) (1,063)
</TABLE>


-13-
Reinsurance

DGI and the Mutual Company use several different reinsurers, all of
which have a Best rating of A- or better or, with respect to foreign reinsurers,
have a financial condition which, in the opinion of management, is equivalent to
a company with at least an A- rating.

The external reinsurance purchased by DGI and the Mutual Company
includes "excess treaty reinsurance" under which losses are automatically
reinsured over a set retention ($250,000 for 1997) and "catastrophic
reinsurance" under which the reinsured recovers 90% of an accumulation of many
losses resulting from a single event, including natural disasters (for 1997,
$3,000,000 retention), DGI's principal reinsurance agreement, other than that
with the Mutual Company, is an excess of loss treaty in which the reinsurers are
Continental Casualty Company, Employers Reinsurance Corporation and Dorinco
Reinsurance Company. Reinsurance is also purchased on an individual policy
basis to reinsure losses that may occur from large risks, specific risk types or
specific locations. The amount of coverage provided under each of these types of
reinsurance depends upon the amount, nature, size and location of the risk being
reinsured. For property insurance, excess of loss treaties provide for coverage
up to $1,000,000. For liability insurance, excess of loss treaties provide for
coverage up to $30,000,000. Property catastrophe contracts provide coverage up
to $50,000,000 resulting from one event. On both property and casualty
insurance, DGI and the Mutual Company purchase facultative reinsurance to cover
exposures from losses that exceed the limits provided by their respective treaty
reinsurance. In addition, the Company and the Mutual Company maintain various
reinsurance agreements between themselves in addition to the pooling agreement.
Atlantic States and the Mutual Company have a catastrophe reinsurance agreement
which limits the maximum liability for losses from any one catastrophe
occurrence to $400,000 for Atlantic States and $700,000 for a catastrophe
involving more than one of the Company's subsidiaries. Southern and the Mutual
Company have an excess of loss reinsurance agreement in which the Mutual Company
assumes up to $150,000 of losses in excess of $100,000. Southern and the Mutual
Company also have a catastrophe reinsurance agreement which limits Southern's
liability to $300,000 from any one catastrophe occurrence. Delaware Atlantic and
the Mutual Company have an excess of loss reinsurance agreement in which the
Mutual Company assumes up to $200,000 for losses in excess of $50,000. Delaware
Atlantic and the Mutual Company also have a catastrophe reinsurance agreement
which limits Delaware Atlantic's liability to $300,000 from any one catastrophe
occurrence. Delaware Atlantic and the Mutual Company also have a reinsurance
agreement whereby Delaware Atlantic cedes 70% of its workers' compensation
business to the Mutual Company. Pioneer and the Mutual Company have an excess of
loss reinsurance agreement in which the Mutual Company assumes up to $200,000
for losses in excess of $50,000. Each of Southern, Delaware Atlantic and Pioneer
also have a retrocessional reinsurance agreement with the Mutual Company whereby
the Mutual Company indemnifies each of these companies in respect of 100% of the
net liability that may accrue to such companies from its insurance operations
and retrocedes 100% of the net liability back to each such company, which each
such company assumes as part of the retrocession.


-14-
Competition

The property and casualty insurance industry is highly competitive on
the basis of both price and service. There are numerous companies competing for
this business in the geographic areas where the Company operates, many of which
are substantially larger and have greater financial resources than DGI, and no
single company dominates. In addition, because the insurance products of DGI and
the Mutual Company are marketed exclusively through independent insurance
agencies, most of which represent more than one company, DGI faces competition
to retain qualified independent agencies, as well as competition within
agencies.

Investments

DGI's return on invested assets is an important element of its
financial results. Currently, the investment objective is to maintain a widely
diversified fixed maturities portfolio structured to maximize after-tax
investment income while minimizing credit risk through investments in high
quality instruments. At December 31, 1997, all debt securities were rated
investment grade with the exception of one unrated obligation of $250,000, and
the investment portfolio did not contain any mortgage loans or any
non-performing assets.

The following table shows the composition of the debt securities
investment portfolio (at carrying value), excluding short-term investments, by
rating as of December 31, 1997:

December 31, 1997
---------------------------
Rating(1) Amount Percent
- --------- -------- -------
(dollars in thousands)
U.S. Treasury and U.S.
agency securities(2) $ 94,301 53.9%
Aaa or AAA................................... 45,392 25.9
Aa or AA..................................... 25,380 14.5
A............................................ 9,796 5.6
BBB.......................................... 98 0.1
Not rated(3)................................. 10 --
-------- -----
Total................................... $174,977 100.0%
======== =====
- ----------
(1) Ratings assigned by Moody's Investors Services, Inc. or Standard &
Poor's Corporation.

(2) Includes mortgage-backed securities of $12,445.


-15-
(3)      Represents one unrated obligation of The Lancaster County Hospital
Authority Mennonite Home Project, which management of DGI believes to
be equivalent to investment grade securities with respect to repayment
risk.

DGI invests in both taxable and tax-exempt securities as part of its
strategy to maximize after-tax income. Such strategy considers, among other
factors, the alternative minimum tax. Tax-exempt securities made up
approximately 34.3%, 36.4% and 37.8% of the total investment portfolio at
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.


-16-
The following table shows the classification of the
investments (at carrying value) of DGI and its subsidiaries at December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
---------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
Percent Percent Percent
of of of
Amount Total Amount Total Amount Total
-------- ------- -------- ------- -------- -------
(dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed maturities(1):
Held to maturity:
U.S. Treasury securities
and obligations of U.S.
government corporations
and agencies ..................... $ 41,450 20.2% $ 38,647 20.1% $ 20,580 12.2%
Obligations of states and
political subdivisions ........... 57,621 28.1 57,095 29.6 53,186 31.6
Corporate securities .............. 7,250 3.5 5,917 3.1 4,266 2.6
Mortgage-backed
securities ....................... 10,925 5.4 12,680 6.6 16,655 9.9
-------- ----- -------- ----- -------- -----
Total held to
maturity ........................ 117,246 57.2 114,339 59.4 94,687 56.3
-------- ----- -------- ----- -------- -----
Available for sale:
U.S. treasury securities
and obligations of U.S.
government corporations
and agencies ..................... 40,197 19.6 35,507 18.4 37,775 22.5
Obligations of states and political
subdivisions ..................... 12,762 6.2 12,987 6.8 10,427 6.2
Corporate securities .............. 3,252 1.6 3,436 1.8 4,711 2.8
Mortgage-backed
securities ....................... 1,520 0.8 1,606 0.8 2,265 1.3
-------- ----- -------- ----- -------- -----
Total available for sale ........ 57,731 28.2 53,536 27.8 55,178 32.8
-------- ----- -------- ----- -------- -----
Total fixed maturities .......... 174,977 85.4 167,875 87.2 149,865 89.1
Equity securities(2) ............ 7,275 3.5 3,143 1.6 3,272 1.9
Short-term investments(3) ....... 22,713 11.1 21,471 11.2 15,079 9.0
-------- ----- -------- ----- -------- -----
Total investments ............... $204,965 100.0% $192,489 100.0% $168,216 100.0%
======== ===== ======== ===== ======== =====
</TABLE>


-17-
(1)      The Company accounts for its investments in accordance with Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115, "Accounting For
Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." See Notes 1 and 3
to the Consolidated Financial Statements incorporated by reference
herein. Fixed maturities held to maturity are valued at amortized cost;
those fixed maturities available for sale are valued at fair value.
Total fair value of fixed maturities held to maturity was $120,882,886
at December 31, 1997. The amortized cost of fixed maturities available
for sale was $56,922,342 at December 31, 1997.

(2) Equity securities are valued at fair value. Total cost of equity
securities was $6,551,020 at December 31, 1997, $2,774,946 at December
31, 1996 and $2,959,087 at December 31, 1995.

(3) Short-term investments are valued at cost, which approximates market.

The following table sets forth the maturities (at carrying value) in
the fixed maturity and short-term investment portfolio at December 31, 1997,
December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Percent Percent Percent
of of of
Amount Total Amount Total Amount Total
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------
(dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Due in:(1)
One year or less ..... 36,013 18.2% $ 34,836 18.4% $ 35,374 21.5%
Over one year
through three years . 30,910 15.6 26,392 13.9 21,184 12.8
Over three years
through five years .. 20,303 10.3 21,163 11.2 10,537 6.4
Over five years
through ten years ... 65,122 32.9 45,370 24.0 36,620 22.2
Over ten years
through fifteen years 32,384 16.4 46,248 24.4 40,123 24.3
Over fifteen years ... 513 0.3 1,051 0.6 2,185 1.3
Mortgage-backed
securities .......... 12,445 6.3 14,286 7.5 18,921 11.5
-------- ----- -------- ----- -------- -----
$197,690 100.0% $189,346 100.0% $164,944 100.0%
======== ===== ======== ===== ======== =====
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1) Based on stated maturity dates with no prepayment assumptions. Actual
maturities will differ because borrowers may have the right to call or
prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

As shown above, the Company held investments in mortgage-backed
securities having a carrying value of $12,445,321 at December 31, 1997. Included
in these investments are collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") with a
carrying value of $11,931,721 at December 31, 1997. The Company has attempted to
reduce the prepayment risks associated with mortgage-backed securities by
investing approximately 99%, as of December 31, 1997,


-18-
of the Company's holdings of CMOs in planned amortization and very accurately
defined tranches. Such investments are designed to alleviate the risk of
prepayment by providing predictable principal prepayment schedules within a
designated range of prepayments. If principal is repaid earlier than originally
anticipated, investment yields may decrease due to reinvestment of the proceeds
at lower current interest rates and capital gains or losses may be realized
since the book value of securities purchased at premiums or discounts may be
different from the prepayment amount.

Investment results of DGI and its subsidiaries for the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 are shown in the following table:


Year Ended December 31,
-------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
-------- -------- --------
(dollars in thousands)
Invested assets(1)...................... $202,283 $183,401 $161,901
Investment income(2).................... 11,507 10,799 9,714
Average yield........................... 5.7% 5.9% 6.0%

- ----------

(1) Average of the aggregate invested amounts at the beginning and end of
the period, including cash.

(2) Investment income is net of investment expenses and does not include
realized investment gains or losses or provision for income taxes.

A.M. Best Rating

In 1997, the Best rating of the Mutual Company, Atlantic States,
Southern, Delaware Atlantic and Pioneer was "A", based upon their respective
current financial conditions and historical statutory results of operations.
Management believes that this Best rating is an important factor in marketing
DGI's products to its agents and customers. Best's ratings are industry ratings
based on a comparative analysis of the financial condition and operating
performance of insurance companies as determined by their publicly available
reports. Best's classifications are A++ and A+ (Superior), A and A- (Excellent),
B++ and B+ (Very Good), B and B- (Good), C++ and C+ (Fair), C and C- (Marginal),
D (below minimum standards) and E and F (Liquidation). Best's ratings are based
upon factors relevant to policyholders and are not directed toward the
protection of investors. According to Best, an "excellent" rating is assigned to
those companies which, in Best's opinion, have achieved excellent overall
performance when compared to the norms of the property and casualty insurance
industry and have generally demonstrated a strong ability to meet policyholder
and other contractual obligations.

Regulation

Insurance companies are subject to supervision and regulation in the
states in which they transact business. Such supervision and regulation relates
to numerous aspects of an insurance company's business and financial condition.
The primary purpose of such supervision and regulation is the protection of
policyholders. The extent of such regulation varies, but generally derives from
state statutes which delegate regulatory, supervisory and administrative
authority to state insurance departments. Accordingly, the authority of the
state insurance departments includes the establishment of standards of solvency
which must be met


-19-
and maintained by insurers, the licensing to do business of insurers and agents,
the nature of and limitations on investments, premium rates for property and
casualty insurance, the provisions which insurers must make for current losses
and future liabilities, the deposit of securities for the benefit of
policyholders, the approval of policy forms, notice requirements for the
cancellation of policies and the approval of certain changes in control. State
insurance departments also conduct periodic examinations of the affairs of
insurance companies and require the filing of annual and other reports relating
to the financial condition of insurance companies.

In addition to state-imposed insurance laws and regulations, in
December 1993 the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (the "NAIC")
adopted a risk-based capital system for assessing the adequacy of statutory
capital and surplus which augments the states' current fixed dollar minimum
capital requirements for insurance companies. At December 31, 1997, DGI exceeded
the required levels of capital. There can be no assurance that the capital
requirements applicable to DGI's business will not increase in the future.

The states in which Atlantic States (Pennsylvania, Maryland and
Delaware), the Mutual Company (Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, New York, Virginia,
Delaware and North Carolina), Southern (Virginia and Pennsylvania), Delaware
Atlantic (Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania) and Pioneer (Ohio and
Pennsylvania) do business have guaranty fund laws under which insurers doing
business in such states can be assessed on the basis of premiums written by the
insurer in that state in order to fund policyholder liabilities of insolvent
insurance companies. Under these laws in general, an insurer is subject to
assessment, depending upon its market share of a given line of business, to
assist in the payment of policyholder claims against insolvent insurers. The
Mutual Company, Atlantic States, Southern, Delaware Atlantic and Pioneer have
made accruals for their portion of assessments related to such insolvencies
based upon the most current information furnished by the guaranty associations.
During the five years ended December 31, 1997, the amount of such insolvency
assessments paid by Atlantic States, Southern, the Mutual Company, Delaware
Atlantic and Pioneer was not material.

The property and casualty insurance industry has recently received a
considerable amount of publicity because of rising insurance costs and the
unavailability of insurance. New regulations and legislation are being proposed
to limit damage awards, to control plaintiffs' counsel fees, to bring the
industry under regulation by the federal government and to control premiums,
policy terminations and other policy terms. It is not possible to predict
whether, in what form or in what jurisdictions any of these proposals might be
adopted or the effect thereof, if any, on the Company.

Most states have enacted legislation that regulates insurance holding
company systems. Each insurance company in the holding company system is
required to register with the insurance supervisory agency of its state of
domicile and furnish information concerning the operations of companies within
the holding company system that may materially affect the operations, management
or financial condition of the insurers within the system. Pursuant to these
laws, the respective insurance departments may examine the Mutual Company, the
Company and their respective insurance subsidiaries at any time, require
disclosure of material transactions by the holding company and require prior
notice or prior approval of certain transactions, such as "extraordinary
dividends" from the insurance subsidiaries to the holding company.


-20-
All transactions within the holding company system affecting the Mutual
Company and the Company's insurance subsidiaries must be fair and equitable.
Approval of the applicable insurance commissioner is required prior to
consummation of transactions affecting the control of an insurer. In some
states, including Pennsylvania, the acquisition of 10% or more of the
outstanding capital stock of an insurer or its holding company is presumed to be
a change in control. These laws also require notice to the applicable insurance
commissioner of certain material transactions between an insurer and any person
in its holding company system and, in some states, certain of such transactions
cannot be consummated without the prior approval of the applicable insurance
commissioner.

The Company's insurance subsidiaries are restricted by the insurance
laws of their respective states of domicile as to the amount of dividends or
other distributions they may pay to the Company without the prior approval of
the respective state regulatory authorities. Generally, the maximum amount that
may be paid by an insurance subsidiary during any year after notice to, but
without prior approval of, the insurance commissioners of these states is
limited to a stated percentage of that subsidiary's statutory capital and
surplus as of a certain date, or the net income or net investment income not
including realized capital gains of the subsidiary for the preceding year. As of
December 31, 1997, amounts available for payment of dividends in 1997 without
the prior approval of the various insurance commissioners were $7,349,284 from
Atlantic States, $703,727 from Southern, $1,070,463 from Delaware Atlantic and
$542,799 from Pioneer. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements
incorporated by reference herein.

The Mutual Company

The Mutual Company, which was organized in 1889, has a Best rating of A
(Excellent). At December 31, 1997, the Mutual Company had admitted assets of
$185 million and policyholders' surplus of $101 million. At December 31, 1997,
the Mutual Company had no debt and, of its total liabilities of $83 million,
reserves for net losses and loss expenses accounted for $46 million and unearned
premiums accounted for $21 million. Of the Mutual Company's investment portfolio
of $138 million at December 31, 1997, investment-grade bonds accounted for $42
million, cash and short-term investments accounted for $7 million and mortgages
accounted for $7 million. At December 31, 1997, the Mutual Company owned
3,512,356 shares of the Company's Common Stock, which were carried on the Mutual
Company's books at $78 million. The foregoing financial information is
presented on the statutory basis of accounting.

Employees

As of December 31, 1997, the Mutual Company had 376 employees. The
Mutual Company's employees provide a variety of services to DGI, Atlantic
States, Delaware Atlantic, Southern and Pioneer as well as to the Mutual Company
and its subsidiaries.

Item 2. Properties.

DGI shares headquarters with the Mutual Company in a building owned by
the Mutual Company. The Mutual Company charges DGI for an appropriate portion of
the building expenses under an intercompany allocation agreement which is
consistent with the terms of the pooling agreement. The headquarters of the
Mutual Company have approximately 140,000 square feet of office space. Southern
has a facility of approximately 10,000 square feet in Glen Allen, Virginia which
it owns. Delaware Atlantic has a facility of approximately 2,800 square feet in
Wilmington, Delaware which it leases. Pioneer has a facility of approximately
8,000 square feet in Greenville, Ohio which it owns.


21
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

DGI is a party to numerous lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of
its insurance business. DGI believes that the resolution of these lawsuits will
not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of
operations.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

No matter was submitted to a vote of holders of the Company's Common
Stock during the fourth quarter of 1997.

Executive Officers of the Company

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Age Position
---- --- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Donald H. Nikolaus 55 President and Chief Executive Officer since 1981

Ralph G. Spontak 45 Senior Vice President since 1991; Chief Financial Officer
and Vice President since 1983; Secretary since 1988

Cyril J. Greenya 53 Senior Vice President - Commercial Underwriting since
1997; Vice President - Commercial Underwriting for five
years prior thereto; Manager - Commercial Underwriting
for nine years prior thereto

Frank J. Wood 64 Senior Vice President - Marketing since 1997; Vice-President -
Marketing for nine years prior thereto; Manager -
Marketing for one year prior thereto

James B. Price 62 Senior Vice President - Claims since 1997; Vice President -
Claims for 25 years prior thereto

Robert G. Shenk 45 Senior Vice President - Claims since 1997; Vice President -
Claims for five years prior thereto

William H. Shupert 71 Senior Vice President - Underwriting since 1991; Vice
President - Underwriting for 18 years prior thereto

Daniel J. Wagner 37 Treasurer since 1993; Controller for five years prior
thereto
</TABLE>


-22-
PART II


Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder
Matters.

The answer to this Item is incorporated in part by reference to page 29
of the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31,
1997, which is included as Exhibit (13) to this Form 10-K Report. As of March
17, 1998, the Company had approximately 480 holders of record of its Common
Stock. The Company declared dividends of $.33 per share in 1996 and $.39 per
share in 1997.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

The answer to this Item is incorporated by reference to page 1 of the
Company's Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 1997,
which is included as Exhibit (13) to this Form 10-K Report.

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations.

The answer to this Item is incorporated by reference to pages 10
through 12 of the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended
December 31, 1997, which is included as Exhibit (13) to this Form 10-K Report.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

The answer to this Item is incorporated by reference to pages 13
through 26 of the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended
December 31, 1997, which is included as Exhibit (13) to this Form 10-K Report.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure.

None.


-23-
PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Company.

The answer to this Item with respect to the Company's directors is
incorporated by reference to pages 5 through 8 of the Company's proxy statement
relating to the Company's annual meeting of stockholders to be held April 16,
1998. The response to this Item with respect to the Company's executive officers
is incorporated by reference to Part I of this Form 10-K Report.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

The answer to this Item is incorporated by reference to pages 9 through
14 of the Company's proxy statement relating to the Company's annual meeting of
stockholders to be held April 16, 1998, except for the Compensation Committee
Report and the Performance Graph, which are not incorporated herein by
reference.


Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.

The answer to this Item is incorporated by reference to pages 2 through
3 of the Company's proxy statement relating to the Company's annual meeting of
stockholders to be held April 16, 1998.


Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

The answer to this Item is incorporated by reference to pages 3 through
5 and page 14 of the Company's proxy statement relating to the Company's annual
meeting of stockholders to be held April 16, 1998.


-24-
PART IV


Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K.

(a) Financial statements, financial statement schedules and exhibits
filed:

(1) Consolidated Financial Statements
Page*
-----

Report of Independent Auditors .................................. 27

Donegal Group Inc. and Subsidiaries:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of
December 31, 1997 and 1996 ................................... 13
Consolidated Statements of Income
for the three years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 ............................. 14
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders'
Equity for the three years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.............................. 15
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the three years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.............................. 16
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements......................17-26

(2) Financial Statement Schedules

Page
----
Donegal Group Inc. and Subsidiaries:

Report of Independent Auditors on Schedules...................... 30
Schedule I. Summary of Investments - Other
than Investments in Related
Parties................................... 31
Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information
of Parent Company......................... 33
Schedule III. Supplementary Insurance
Information............................... 34
Schedule IV. Reinsurance............................... 36
Schedule VI. Supplemental Insurance Information
Concerning Property and Casualty
Subsidiary................................ 37

All other schedules have been omitted since they are not required, not
applicable or the information is included in the financial statements or notes
thereto.

- ------------------

* Refers to the respective page of Donegal Group Inc.'s 1997 Annual
Report to Stockholders. The Consolidated Financial Statements and
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


-25-
and Auditor's Report thereon on pages 13 through 27 are incorporated herein by
reference. With the exception of the portions of such Annual Report specifically
incorporated by reference in this Item and Items 5, 6, 7 and 8, such Annual
Report shall not be deemed filed as part of this Form 10-K Report or otherwise
subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

(3) Exhibits

Exhibit No. Description of Exhibits Reference
- ----------- ----------------------- ---------

(3)(i) Certificate of Incorporation of (a)
Registrant

(3)(ii) Amended and Restated By-laws of (b)
Registrant

(4) Form of Registrant's Common Stock (a)
Certificate

Management Contracts and Compensatory Plans or Arrangements

(10)(A) Donegal Mutual Insurance Company (a)
Money Purchase Pension Plan and
Trust dated March 12, 1985

(10)(B) Donegal Mutual Insurance Company (a)
Profit Sharing Plan and Trust
dated March 12, 1985

(10)(C) Donegal Group Inc. Key Executive (c)
Incentive Bonus Plan dated
September 29, 1986

(10)(D) Donegal Group Inc. Employee Stock (c)
Purchase Plan, as amended

(10)(E) Donegal Group Inc. Equity Incentive (c)
Plan, as amended

(10)(F) Donegal Group Inc. Agency (j)
Stock Purchase Plan

(10)(G) Donegal Group Inc. Amended and (b)
Restated 1996 Equity Incentive
Plan

(10)(H) Donegal Group Inc. Amended filed herewith
and Restated 1996 Equity Incentive
Plan for Directors


-26-
(10)(I)    Donegal Group Inc. Executive                                   (b)
Restoration Plan

Other Material Contracts

(10)(J) Tax Sharing Agreement dated (a)
September 29, 1986 between Donegal
Group Inc. and Atlantic States
Insurance Company

(10)(K) Services Allocation Agreement dated (a)
September 29, 1986 between Donegal
Mutual Insurance Company, Donegal
Group Inc. and Atlantic States
Insurance Company

(10)(L) Proportional Reinsurance Agreement (a)
dated September 29, 1986 between
Donegal Mutual Insurance Company
and Atlantic States Insurance Company

(10)(M) Amendment dated October 1, 1988 to (d)
Proportional Reinsurance Agreement
between Donegal Mutual Insurance Company
and Atlantic States Insurance Company

(10)(N) Multi-Line Excess of Loss Reinsurance (f)
Agreement effective January 1, 1993
between Donegal Mutual Insurance Company, Southern
Insurance Company of Virginia, Atlantic States
Insurance Company and Pioneer Mutual Insurance
Company, and Christiana General Insurance Corporation
of New York, Cologne Reinsurance Company of America,
Continental Casualty Company, Employers Reinsurance
Corporation and Munich American Reinsurance Company

(10)(O) Amendment dated July 16, 1992 to Propor- (e)
tional Reinsurance Agreement between
Donegal Mutual Insurance Company and
Atlantic States Insurance Company

(10)(P) Amendment dated as of December 21, 1995 (g)
to Proportional Reinsurance Agreement
between Donegal Mutual Insurance Company
and Atlantic States Insurance Company


-27-
(10)(Q)    Credit Agreement dated as of December 29,                      (g)
1995 between Donegal Group Inc. and Fleet
National Bank of Connecticut

(10)(R) Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of (g)
December 21, 1995 between Donegal Mutual
Insurance Company and Donegal Group Inc.

(10)(S) Donegal Group Inc. 1996 Employee Stock (h)
Purchase Plan.

(10)(T) Reinsurance and Retrocession Agree- (b)
ment dated May 21, 1996 between
Donegal Mutual Insurance Company
and Pioneer Insurance Company.

(10)(U) Reinsurance and Retrocession Agree- (b)
ment dated May 21, 1996 between
Donegal Mutual Insurance Company and
Delaware American Insurance Company.

(10)(V) Reinsurance and Retrocession Agree- (b)
ment dated May 21, 1996 between
Donegal Mutual Insurance Company and
Southern Insurance Company of Virginia.

(13) 1997 Annual Report to Stockholders filed herewith
(electronic filing contains only
those portions incorporated by
reference into this Form 10-K
report).


-28-
(20)       Proxy Statement relating to the Annual                 filed herewith
Meeting of Stockholders to be held on
April 16, 1998, provided, however, that
the Compensation Committee Report and the
Performance Graph shall not be deemed filed
as part of this Form 10-K Report

(21) Subsidiaries of Registrant filed herewith

(23) Consent of Independent Auditors filed herewith

(27) Financial Data Schedule filed herewith

- ------------

(a) Such exhibit is hereby incorporated by reference to the like-described
exhibits in Registrant's Form S-1 Registration Statement No. 33-8533
declared effective October 29, 1986.

(b) Such exhibit is hereby incorporated by reference to the like-described
exhibit in Registrant's Form 10-K Report for the year ended December
31, 1996.

(c) Such exhibit is hereby incorporated by reference to the like-described
exhibit in Registrant's Form 10-K Report for the year ended December
31, 1986.

(d) Such exhibit is hereby incorporated by reference to the like-described
exhibit in Registrant's Form 10-K Report for the year ended December
31, 1988.

(e) Such exhibit is hereby incorporated by reference to the like-described
exhibit in Registrant's Form 10-K Report for the year ended December
31, 1992.

(f) Such exhibit is hereby incorporated by reference to the like-described
exhibit in Registrant's Form S-2 Registration Statement No. 33-67346
declared effective September 29, 1993.

(g) Such exhibit is hereby incorporated by reference to the like-described
exhibit in Registrant's Form 8-K Report dated December 21, 1995.

(h) Such exhibit is hereby incorporated by reference to the like-described
exhibit in Registrant's Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-1287
filed February 29, 1996.

(i) Such exhibit is hereby incorporated by reference to the like-described
exhibit in Registrant's Form 10-K Report for the year ended December
31, 1995.

(j) Such exhibit is hereby incorporated by reference to the like-described
exhibit in Registrant's Form S-2 Registration Statement No. 333-06787
declared effective August 1, 1996.


-29-
DONEGAL GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE I - SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS
OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES

December 31, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amount at Which
Fair Shown in the
Cost Value Balance Sheet
------------ ------------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed Maturities:
Held to maturity:
United States government
and governmental agencies
and authorities including
obligations of states and
political subdivisions ..... $ 99,071,055 $102,267,924 $ 99,071,055
All other corporate bonds .. 7,249,829 7,570,500 7,249,829
Mortgage-backed securities . 10,925,321 11,044,462 10,925,321
------------ ------------ ------------
Total fixed maturities
held to maturity .......... 117,246,205 120,882,886 117,246,205
------------ ------------ ------------
Available for sale:
United States government
and governmental agencies
and authorities including
obligations of states and
political subdivisions ..... 52,175,532 52,958,751 52,958,751
All other corporate bonds .. 3,247,602 3,252,500 3,252,500
Mortgage-backed securities . 1,499,208 1,520,000 1,520,000
------------ ------------ ------------
Total fixed maturities
available for sale ........ 56,922,342 57,731,251 57,731,251
------------ ------------ ------------
Total fixed maturities ..... 174,168,547 178,614,137 174,977,456
------------ ------------ ------------
Equity Securities:
Preferred stocks
Public utilities .......... 250,000 255,000 255,000
Banks ...................... 1,112,500 1,148,191 1,148,191
Industrial and
miscellaneous ............. 987,500 1,064,128 1,064,128
------------ ------------ ------------
Total preferred stocks ..... 2,350,000 2,467,319 2,467,319
------------ ------------ ------------
Common stocks
Banks and insurance companies 858,276 1,334,430 1,334,430
Industrial and
miscellaneous ............. 3,342,744 3,472,813 3,472,813
------------ ------------ ------------
Total common stocks ........ 4,201,020 4,807,243 4,807,243
------------ ------------ ------------
Total equity securities .... 6,551,020 7,274,562 7,274,562
------------ ------------ ------------
Short-term investments ........ 22,712,787 22,712,787 22,712,787
------------ ------------ ------------
Total investments .......... 203,432,354 208,601,486 204,964,805
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>


-30-
DONEGAL GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY

Condensed Balance Sheets
($ in thousands)
December 31, 1997 and 1996

ASSETS
1997 1996
--------- --------

Investment in subsidiaries (equity method) $ 99,857 $ 88,916
Short-term investments, at cost,
which approximates market 3 7
Cash 730 427
Property and equipment 2,139 1,248
Current income taxes 243 158
Loan costs 205 246
Other receivables -- 30
--------- --------
Total assets $ 103,177 $ 91,032
========= ========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

1997 1996*
--------- --------

Cash dividends declared to stockholders $ 604 $ 493
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 208 174
Deferred income taxes 268 266
Line of credit 10,500 8,500
--------- --------
Total liabilities 11,580 9,433

Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value,
authorized 1,000,000 shares,
none issued
Common stock, $1.00 par value,
authorized 10,000,000 shares,
issued 6,122,431 and 4,540,569
shares and outstanding 6,030,715
and 4,471,782 shares 6,123 4,540
Additional paid-in capital 38,932 37,863
Net unrealized gains
on investments 1,012 423
Retained earnings, including equity
in undistributed net income of
subsidiaries ($56,082 and $45,730) 46,422 39,665
Treasury stock at cost (892) (892)
--------- --------
Total stockholders' equity 91,597 81,599
--------- --------
Total liabilities and
stockholders' equity $ 103,177 $ 91,032
========= ========

*RESTATED

-31-
DONEGAL GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY

Condensed Statements of Income
($ in thousands)

Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

1997 1996* 1995*
------- -------- ------
Revenues

Dividends-subsidiary $ 950 $ 0 $ 900
Lease income 643 541 491
Investment income 15 31 13
------- ------ ------
Total revenues 1,608 572 1,404

Expenses

Operating expenses 643 548 411
Interest 1,022 416 4
------- ------ ------
Total expenses 1,665 964 415
------- ------ ------

Income (loss) before income
tax benefit and equity in
undistributed net income
of subsidiaries (57) (392) 989

Income tax (benefit) (346) (533) (298)
------- ------ ------

Income before equity in
undistributed net
income of subsidiaries 289 141 1,287

Equity in undistributed net
income of subsidiaries 10,352 8,417 8,273
------- ------ ------

Net income $10,641 $8,558 $9,560
======= ====== ======

*RESTATED


-32-
DONEGAL GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
($ in thousands)
Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996* 1995*
-------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 10,641 $ 8,558 $ 9,560
-------- ------- -------
Adjustments to reconcile net
income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Equity in undistributed net
income of subsidiaries (10,352) (8,417) (8,273)
Change in accounts
payable and accrued expenses 34 (143) 225
Depreciation and amortization 401 309 264
Change in deferred income tax 2 16 15
Change in current
income tax receivable (85) 183 (332)
Change in other receivables 30 8 (284)
-------- ------- -------
Net adjustments (9,970) (8,044) (8,385)
-------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by
operating activities 671 514 1,175
-------- ------- -------

Cash flows from investing activities:
Net sales (purchases) of short-term
investments 4 1,110 (744)
Net purchase of property and equipment (1,251) (203) (279)
Capital contribution to subsidiaries (5,000)
Acquisition of Delaware Atlantic -- (202) (5,300)
-------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in)
investing activities (1,247) (4,295) (6,323)
-------- ------- -------

Cash flows from financing activities:
Cash dividends paid (2,252) (1,879) (1,622)
Issuance of common stock 1,131 2,512 1,723

Purchase of treasury stock -- (72) --
Line of credit, net 2,000 3,500 5,000
-------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities 879 4,061 (5,101)
-------- ------- -------

Net change in cash 303 280 (47)
Cash beginning 427 147 194
-------- ------- -------
Cash ending $ 730 $ 427 $ 147
======== ======= =======
</TABLE>

*RESTATED

-33-
DONEGAL GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amortization
Net of Deferred
Net Net Losses Policy Other Net
Earned Investment and Loss Acquisition Underwriting Premiums
Segment Premiums Income Expenses Costs Expenses Written
------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Year Ended
December 31, 1997
- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Property and casualty $107,302,168 $11,492,012 $67,656,518 $18,696,000 $ 17,058,668 $107,604,989

Parent -- 15,265 -- -- -- --
------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
$107,302,168 $11,507,277 $67,656,518 $18,696,000 $ 17,058,668 $107,604,989
============ =========== =========== =========== ============ ============
Year Ended
December 31, 1996
- -----------------
Property and casualty $104,527,038 $10,768,518 $70,420,924 $17,032,000 $ 15,876,797 $109,169,176

Parent -- 30,851 -- -- -- --
------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
$104,527,038 $10,799,369 $70,420,924 $17,032,000 $ 15,876,797 $109,169,176
============ =========== =========== =========== ============ ============
Year Ended
December 31, 1995
- -----------------
Property and casualty $ 89,522,203 $ 9,700,820 $58,069,695 $14,412,000 $ 14,702,852 $ 95,784,490

Parent -- 12,924 -- -- -- --
------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
$ 89,522,203 $ 9,713,744 $58,069,695 $14,412,000 $ 14,702,852 $ 95,784,490
============ =========== =========== =========== ============ ============
</TABLE>

-34-
DONEGAL GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At December 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred Liability Other Policy
Policy for Losses Claims and
Acquisition and Loss Unearned Benefits
Segment Costs Expenses Premiums Payable
------ ----------- ------------ ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1997
----
Property and casualty $8,448,060 $118,112,390 $71,367,691 $ --

1996
----
Property and casualty $7,837,899 $114,621,961 $70,555,906 $ --
</TABLE>


-35-
DONEGAL GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE IV - REINSURANCE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ceded Assumed Percentage
Gross To Other From Other Net Assumed
Amount Companies Companies Amount to Net
----------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year Ended
December 31, 1997
- -----------------
Property and
casualty premiums $51,753,477 $51,753,477 $107,302,168 $107,302,168 100%
=========== =========== ============ ============ ===
Year Ended
December 31, 1996
- -----------------
Property and
casualty premiums $49,802,516 $41,185,853 $ 95,910,375 $104,527,038 92%
=========== =========== ============ ============ ===
Year Ended
December 31, 1995
- -----------------
Property and
casualty premiums $44,243,538 $29,546,138 $ 74,824,803 $89,522,203 84%
=========== =========== ============ =========== ===
</TABLE>


-36-
DONEGAL GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE VI - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
CONCERNING PROPERTY AND CASUALTY SUBSIDIARIES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Discount,
Deferred Liability if any,
Policy for Losses Deducted
Acquisition and Loss From Unearned
Costs Expenses Reserves Premiums
---------- ------------ --------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
At December 31,
- ---------------
1997 $8,448,060 $118,112,390 $ -- $71,367,691
========== ============ ====== ===========

1996 $7,837,899 $114,621,961 $ -- $70,555,906
========== ============ ====== ===========
</TABLE>


-37-
DONEGAL GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE VI - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
CONCERNING PROPERTY AND CASUALTY SUBSIDIARIES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Losses and Loss
Expenses Related to Amortization
-------------------------- of Deferred Net
Net (1) (2) Policy Paid Losses Net
Earned Investment Current Prior Acquisition and Loss Premiums
Premiums Income Year Years Costs Expenses Written
------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year Ended
December 31, 1997 $107,302,168 $11,492,012 $69,040,518 $(1,384,000) $18,696,000 $65,610,249 $107,604,989
============ =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ============

Year Ended
December 31, 1996 $104,527,038 $10,768,518 $73,211,924 $(2,791,000) $17,032,000 $66,148,749 $109,169,176
============ =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ============

Year Ended
December 31, 1995 $ 89,522,203 $ 9,700,820 $61,162,695 $(3,093,000) $14,412,000 $50,231,653 $95,784,490
============ =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>


-38-
SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

DONEGAL GROUP INC.


Date: March 30, 1998 By: /s/ Donald H. Nikolaus
-----------------------------
Donald H. Nikolaus, President


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ Donald H. Nikolaus President and a Director
- ----------------------------- (principal executive officer) March 30, 1998
Donald H. Nikolaus


/s/ Ralph G. Spontak Senior Vice President and March 30, 1998
- ----------------------------- Secretary (principal financial
Ralph G. Spontak and accounting officer)


/s/ Robert S. Bolinger Director March 30, 1998
- -----------------------------
Robert S. Bolinger


Director March , 1998
- -----------------------------
Thomas J. Finley


/s/ Patricia A. Gilmartin Director March 30, 1998
- -----------------------------
Patricia A. Gilmartin


/s/ Philip H. Glatfelter, II Director March 30, 1998
- -----------------------------
Philip H. Glatfelter, II


/s/ C. Edwin Ireland Director March 30, 1998
- -----------------------------
C. Edwin Ireland


- ----------------------------- Director March , 1998
R. Richard Sherbahn
</TABLE>


-39-
EXHIBIT INDEX
(Pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K)



Exhibit No. Description of Exhibits Reference
- ----------- ----------------------- ---------

(3)(i) Certificate of Incorporation of (a)
Registrant

(3)(ii) Amended and Restated By-laws of (b)
Registrant

(4) Form of Registrant's Common Stock (a)
Certificate

Management Contracts and Compensatory Plans or Arrangements

(10)(A) Donegal Mutual Insurance Company (a)
Money Purchase Pension Plan and
Trust dated March 12, 1985

(10)(B) Donegal Mutual Insurance Company (a)
Profit Sharing Plan and Trust
dated March 12, 1985

(10)(C) Donegal Group Inc. Key Executive (c)
Incentive Bonus Plan dated
September 29, 1986

(10)(D) Donegal Group Inc. Employee Stock (c)
Purchase Plan, as amended

(10)(E) Donegal Group Inc. Equity Incentive (c)
Plan, as amended

(10)(F) Donegal Group Inc. Agency (j)
Stock Purchase Plan

(10)(G) Donegal Group Inc. Amended and (b)
Restated 1996 Equity Incentive
Plan

(10)(H) Donegal Group Inc. Amended and filed herewith
Restated 1996 Equity Incentive
Plan for Directors

(10)(I) Donegal Group Inc. Executive (b)
Restoration Plan


-40-
Other Material Contracts
- ------------------------

(10)(J) Tax Sharing Agreement dated (a)
September 29, 1986 between Donegal
Group Inc. and Atlantic States
Insurance Company

(10)(K) Services Allocation Agreement dated (a)
September 29, 1986 between Donegal
Mutual Insurance Company, Donegal
Group Inc. and Atlantic States
Insurance Company

(10)(L) Proportional Reinsurance Agreement (a)
dated September 29, 1986 between
Donegal Mutual Insurance Company
and Atlantic States Insurance Company

(10)(M) Amendment dated October 1, 1988 to (d)
Proportional Reinsurance Agreement
between Donegal Mutual Insurance Company
and Atlantic States Insurance Company

(10)(N) Multi-Line Excess of Loss Reinsurance (f)
Agreement effective January 1, 1993
between Donegal Mutual Insurance Company, Southern
Insurance Company of Virginia, Atlantic States
Insurance Company and Pioneer Mutual Insurance
Company, and Christiana General Insurance
Corporation of New York, Cologne Reinsurance
Company of America, Continental Casualty Company,
Employers Reinsurance Corporation and Munich
American Reinsurance Company

(10)(O) Amendment dated July 16, 1992 to Propor- (e)
tional Reinsurance Agreement between
Donegal Mutual Insurance Company and
Atlantic States Insurance Company


-41-
(10)(P)           Amendment dated as of December 21, 1995                 (g)
to Proportional Reinsurance Agreement
between Donegal Mutual Insurance Company
and Atlantic States Insurance Company

(10)(Q) Credit Agreement dated as of December 29, (g)
1995 between Donegal Group Inc. and Fleet
National Bank of Connecticut

(10)(R) Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of (g)
December 21, 1995 between Donegal Mutual
Insurance Company and Donegal Group Inc.

(10)(S) Donegal Group Inc. 1996 Employee Stock (h)
Purchase Plan.

(10)(T) Reinsurance and Retrocession (b)
Agreement dated May 21, 1996 between
Donegal Mutual Insurance Company
and Pioneer Insurance Company.

(10)(U) Reinsurance and Retrocession Agree- (b)
ment dated May 21, 1996 between
Donegal Mutual Insurance Company and
Delaware American Insurance Company.

(10)(V) Reinsurance and Retrocession Agree- (b)
ment dated May 21, 1996 between
Donegal Mutual Insurance Company and
Southern Insurance Company of Virginia.

(13) 1997 Annual Report to Stockholders filed herewith
(electronic filing contains only
those portions incorporated by
reference into this Form 10-K
report).

(20) Proxy Statement relating to the Annual filed herewith
Meeting of Stockholders to be held on
April 16, 1998, provided, however, that
the Compensation Committee Report and the
Performance Graph shall not be deemed filed
as part of this Form 10-K Report

(21) Subsidiaries of Registrant filed herewith

(23) Consent of Independent Auditors filed herewith


-42-
(27)              Financial Data Schedule                         filed herewith

- ------------------

(a) Such exhibit is hereby incorporated by reference to the like-described
exhibit in Registrant's Form S-1 Registration Statement No. 33-8533
declared effective October 29, 1986.

(b) Such exhibit is hereby incorporated by reference to the like-described
exhibit in Registrant's Form 10-K Report for the year ended December
31, 1996.

(c) Such exhibit is hereby incorporated by reference to the like-described
exhibits in Registrant's Form 10-K Report for the year ended December
31, 1986.

(d) Such exhibit is hereby incorporated by reference to the like-described
exhibit in Registrant's Form 10-K Report for the year ended December
31, 1988.

(e) Such exhibit is hereby incorporated by reference to the like-described
exhibit in Registrant's Form 10-K Report for the year ended December
31, 1992.

(f) Such exhibit is hereby incorporated by reference to the like-described
exhibit in Registrant's Form S-2 Registration Statement No. 33-67346
declared effective September 29, 1993.

(g) Such exhibit is hereby incorporated by reference to the like-described
exhibit in Registrant's Form 8-K Report dated December 21, 1995.

(h) Such exhibit is hereby incorporated by reference to the like-described
exhibit in Registrant's Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-1287
filed February 29, 1996.

(i) Such exhibit is hereby incorporated by reference to the like-described
exhibit in Registrant's Form 10-K Report for the year ended December
31, 1995.

(j) Such exhibit is hereby incorporated by reference to the like-described
exhibit in Registrant's Form S-2 Registration Statement No. 333-06787
declared effective August 1, 1996.


-43-