Exhibit 99.1

RLI Reports Third Quarter 2014 Results

PEORIA, ILLINOIS, October 15, 2014 — RLI Corp. (NYSE: RLI) — RLI Corp. reported third quarter 2014 operating earnings of $29.5 million ($0.68 per share), compared to $30.5 million ($0.70 per share) for the third quarter of 2013. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, operating earnings were $83.2 million ($1.90 per share) compared to $80.4 million ($1.86 per share) for the same period in 2013.

(1) See discussion below of non-GAAP financial measures.

Highlights for the quarter included:

·                  Combined ratio of 82.9, resulting in underwriting income of $30.4 million.

·                  3% growth in gross premiums written and 8% growth in net premiums written.

·                  $15.3 million net increase in underwriting income resulting from favorable development in prior years’ loss reserves.

·                  Net investment income of $14.2 million, up 4% from the same period last year.

·                  Net operating cash flow of $47.4 million.

·                  Book value per share of $21.70, an increase of 12% from year end 2013.

“Our solid third-quarter results reflect our disciplined underwriting philosophy,” said RLI Corp. Chairman & CEO Jonathan E. Michael. “Heightened competition continued to limit price-driven premium growth in the quarter, particularly within our property segment. However, our proven business model enables us to deliver strong results in a variety of market conditions. This quarter was no exception as our talented underwriters achieved an 82.9 combined ratio.”

“Serving our policyholders and shareholders through financial stability and strength remains our top priority. We will continue to focus on underwriting discipline, pursuing targeted growth in select markets and maintaining a well-diversified, niche product portfolio,” said Michael.

Underwriting income

RLI achieved $30.4 million of underwriting income in the third quarter of 2014 on an 82.9 combined ratio, compared to $31.8 million of underwriting income on an 80.5 combined ratio in the same quarter for 2013. Results for 2014 include $15.3 million in favorable development in prior years’ loss reserves, compared to $19.7 million in favorable development in prior years’ loss reserves in 2013.

The following table highlights underwriting income and combined ratios by segment.

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RLI reported year-to-date underwriting income of $79.5 million representing an 84.3 combined ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, versus $77.2 million of underwriting income representing an 83.3 combined ratio for the same period last year.

Other income

RLI’s net investment income for the quarter increased 4.4% to $14.2 million, compared to the same period in 2013. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014, investment income was $41.8 million versus $39.3 million for the same period in 2013. The investment portfolio’s total return was 0.2% for the quarter. The bond portfolio returned 0.6% in the quarter, and the equity portfolio’s return was -1.1%. Through nine months, the investment portfolio’s total return was 6.0% with the bond portfolio returning 5.3% and equities returning 8.1%.

Comprehensive earnings, which include after-tax unrealized gains/losses from the investment portfolio, were $20.9 million for the quarter ($0.48 per share) compared to $35.7 million ($0.82 per share) for the same quarter in 2013. Year-to-date comprehensive earnings were $123.3 million ($2.82 per share), compared to $74.5 million ($1.72 per share) for the same period last year.

During the quarter, equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees was $2.9 million compared to $2.6 million from the same period last year. Results for the current year are related to Maui Jim, Inc. ($2.8 million), a producer of premium sunglasses, and Prime Holdings Insurance Services, Inc. ($0.1 million), a specialty E&S insurance company. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014, equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees was $12.2 million versus $10.7 million in 2013. Prior year figures reflect only Maui Jim results, as our equity investment in Prime occurred in the first quarter of 2014.

Dividend paid in the third quarter 2014

On September 19, 2014, the Company paid a dividend of $0.18 per share, the same amount as the prior quarter. RLI has paid dividends for 153 consecutive quarters and increased dividends in each of the last 39 years.

Non-GAAP financial measures

Underwriting income, operating earnings, earnings per share (EPS) from operations and other per share items are non-GAAP financial measures, and we believe that investors’ understanding of RLI’s core operating performance is enhanced by our disclosure of these financial measures. Underwriting income or profit represents the pretax profitability of our insurance operations and is derived by subtracting losses and settlement expenses, policy acquisition costs, and insurance operating expenses from net premium earned. Operating earnings and EPS from operations consist of our net earnings adjusted by net realized investment gains/(losses) and taxes related to net realized gains/(losses). Our definitions of these items may not be comparable to the definitions used by other companies. Net earnings and net earnings per share are the GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to operating earnings and EPS from operations. All earnings per share data are calculated using fully diluted shares. Combined ratio refers to a GAAP combined ratio.

Other news

At 10 a.m. central time (CT) tomorrow, October 16, 2014, RLI management will hold a conference call to discuss quarterly results with insurance industry analysts. Interested parties may listen to the discussion through the Internet at http://www.media-server.com/m/p/ga2jk6g9.

Except for historical information, this news release may include forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) including, without limitation, statements reflecting our current expectations about the future performance of our company or our business segments or about future market conditions. These statements are subject to certain risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially. Various risk factors that could affect future results are listed in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2013.

RLI, a specialty insurance company, offers a diversified portfolio of property and casualty coverages and surety bonds serving niche or underserved markets. RLI operates in all 50 states from office locations across the country. RLI’s insurance subsidiaries — RLI Insurance Company, Mt. Hawley Insurance Company, RLI Indemnity Company and Contractors Bonding and Insurance Company — are rated A+ “Superior” by A.M. Best Company.

For additional information, contact Aaron Jacoby, Vice President, Corporate Development at 309-693-5880 or at aaron.jacoby@rlicorp.com or visit our website at www.rlicorp.com.

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Supplemental disclosure regarding the earnings impact of specific items:

(1)   Includes bonus and profit sharing-related impacts which affected other insurance and general corporate expenses.

(2)   Reserve development reflects changes from previously estimated losses.

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RLI CORP.

2014 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(1)  See discussion above of non-GAAP financial measures.

4

RLI CORP.

2014 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

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RLI CORP.

2014 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

UNDERWRITING SEGMENT DATA

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,

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