EXHIBIT 99.1

                      Statement of Chief Executive Officer
         Pursuant to Section 1350 of Title 18 of the United States Code


         Pursuant to Section 1350 of Title 18 of the United States Code, the
undersigned, Donald H. Nikolaus, the President and Chief Executive Officer of
Donegal Group Inc. (the "Company"), hereby certifies that, to the best of his
knowledge:

         1. The Company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the period ended March
            31, 2003 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of
            Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

         2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
            material respects, the financial condition and results of operations
            of the Company.




Dated:  May , 2003
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                            Donald H. Nikolaus, President
                                             and Chief Executive Officer