UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 22, 1999 (October 15, 1999) SYMONS INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Indiana 1-12369 35-1707115 (State or other (Commission (IRS Employer jurisdiction of File Number) Identification No.) incorporation) 4720 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46205 (Address of principal executive offices) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (317) 259-6400 Item 4. Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accountant. On October 15, 1999, Symons International Group, Inc. (the "Company") was advised by Arthur Andersen LLP ("Andersen") that Andersen had decided not to accept the June 1, 1999 appointment by the Company's Audit Committee and Board of Directors as the Company's independent auditors for 1999. Andersen has not issued any independent accountant's reports and has not performed any attest or review services for the Company. The Company has requested Andersen furnish it with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether or not Andersen agrees with the statements contained herein. A copy of Andersen's letter dated October 22, 1999, is attached as an exhibit to this report. Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits. Financial Statements: None Exhibits: Exhibit No. Description 16 Letter re Change in Certifying Accountant SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. Dated: October 22, 1999 SYMONS INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC. By: /s/ Douglas H. Symons Douglas H. Symons, President Arthur Andersen LLP October 22, 1999 Office of the Chief Accountant Securities and Exchange Commission 450 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20549 Dear Sir/Madam: We have read Item 4 in the Form 8-K dated October 22, 1999 of Symons International Group, Inc. to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are in agreement with statements concerning our firm contained therein. Very truly yours, Arthur Andersen LLP /s/ Terry D. Hardy By: Terry D. Hardy