This study applies the bootstrap panel Granger causality test to investigate the relationship between insurance activity and economic growth using data from 31 regions of China over the period 1997-2011. Empirical results indicate that the direction of causality seems to be in favor of the neutrality hypothesis in 21 out of 31 regions and a one-way Granger causality running from economic growth to insurance activity in 7 regions. Regarding the direction of insurance activity to economic growth nexus, we find a one-way Granger causality from insurance activity to economic growth for Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shandong.