UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K/A Amendment No. 1 to Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date earliest event reported): November 1, 1999 (October 15, 1999) SYMONS INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) State of Incorporation: Indiana Commission File Number IRS Employer Id. Number No. 0-29042 No. 35-1707115 Address of Principal Executive Offices: 4720 Kingsway Drive Indianapolis, Indiana 46205 Registrant's Telephone No. (317) 259-6400 ITEM 4. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT'S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT On October 15, 1999, Symons International Group, Inc. ("Company") was advised by Arthur Anderson 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. During the two years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998 and the interim period through October 15, 1999, there were no disagreements or "reportable events" with Andersen as described in Items 304(a)(1)(iv) and (v) of Regulation S-K. 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 is attached as an exhibit to this amended report. ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS. Financial Statements: None Exhibits: Exhibit No. Description 16 Letter regarding Change in Certifying Accountant 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. Symons International Group, Inc. By: /s/ Douglas H. Symons Douglas H. Symons Chief Operating Officer Date: November 1, 1999 EXHIBIT 16 Arthur Andersen LLP November 1, 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/A dated November 1, 1999 of Symons International Group, Inc. to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are in agreement with the statements concerning our firm contained therein. Very truly yours, Arthur Andersen LLP By: /s/ Terry D. Hardy Terry D. Hardy