Introducing the YourTurn Program

Our roads are full of distractions that lead to unsafe driving behaviors, especially for young drivers. Every year, distracted driving causes thousands of deaths in the U.S.

That’s where our driving safety app, YourTurn®, comes in.1

By measuring certain criteria such as speeding, hard braking and phone usage, the YourTurn program helps to make drivers of all ages more aware of their driving behaviors and identifies areas for improvement.

You already know you can count on us to provide reliable auto insurance. Now, there's a new way we’re looking out for you and want to help you stay safe on the road. (And earn some great rewards!2)

4 Things to Know About YourTurn®

  • What the app measures: Hard acceleration, hard braking, hard cornering, speeding, phone usage while driving and miles driven.

  • Make it a friendly competition: “Family mode” is an opt-in program that allows family members to see one another’s scores, latest location, trip details, trends and streaks. Scores go into leaderboards and allow users to see how they’re performing compared to their peers.

  • Become a safer driver: Within the first 30 days of the program, users see an average reduction in these activities: 35% decrease in phone distractions, 20% reduction in hard braking and 20% reduction in at-risk speeding.3

  • What’s in it for me? Well, you’ll not only be a safer driver, but you’ll also have the chance to earn rewards (up to $5 or $10 every two weeks)2 based on your driving score. For example, you can use your rewards instantly for a latte at Starbucks® or save them for a larger purchase. You can even choose to donate your rewards to a charity of your choice.

Contact your local ERIE agent today to learn more or to sign up for the YourTurn program.4 If you choose to join the program, you’ll receive a YourTurn welcome text and instructions for getting started.

YourTurn is currently not available in the District of Columbia, Kentucky, North Carolina, New York and Pennsylvania.

(1 )YourTurn not available in all states. As of 10/2020, program available to policyholders in IL, IN, MD, OH, TN, VA, WI, and WV.

(2) Ages 16-23 can earn rewards up to $10 every two weeks, ages 24+ can earn rewards up to $5 every two weeks. Rewards are based on the participating driver’s score during the scoring period while driving 50 tracked miles. Indiana participants can earn up to $5 every two weeks. Rewards are distributed through the YourTurn app via electronic gift cards.

(3) Driving improvement statistics provided by Cambridge Mobile Telematics.

(4)The YourTurn app requires participants to be a licensed driver on the ERIE auto policy and have a valid email address, smartphone number and data plan to download and activate the YourTurn app. Users must agree to the Terms and Conditions of the YourTurn® app.

This story was originally published in 2020. Original blog from Erie Sense.

Business Owners: What to Know When Hiring a Cleaning Service

If you’re a business owner, today is anything but business as usual.

As you continue to grapple with the evolving changes brought on by the coronavirus pandemic ‒ from social distancing requirements to telecommuting policies ‒ you’re also faced with meeting changing expectations from your customers as well as local, state and federal governments.

One expectation at the top of everyone’s list is a workplace that meets higher cleaning and sanitation standards. But what if you don’t have the time (or the experience) to train your team on these new cleaning protocols… let alone keep up with them?

It may be time to outsource the dirty work.

Many businesses rely on third-party cleaning professionals to handle their sanitation and janitorial needs. If this is new territory for you, here’s how to approach the search.

How to Clean Your Business During COVID-19

Your first task is to get familiar with the new steps that organizations must take to clean and disinfect their workplaces ‒ even if you aren’t planning on doing the actual cleaning yourself.

For expert advice from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, refer to the recently published CDC guide for cleaning and disinfecting public spaces, workplaces, businesses, schools and homes. Use this guide as your roadmap to develop an idea of the type of cleaning practices your business needs to follow. A cleaning professional will be able to help you fine-tune your plan with their services.

Create your plan.

  • Assess your workplace and figure out what needs to be cleaned and how frequently.

  • Identify your high-contact areas and determine the best way to disinfect them. The CDC recommends disinfecting these areas at least once a day.

  • Get familiar with the type of products and equipment that will be needed to get the job done. The EPA’s List N contains a frequently updated catalog of registered surface disinfectants that can kill viruses stronger than SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.

Carry out your plan.

Whether it’s you or your cleaning company, the CDC recommends the following:

  • Use soap and water to clean any surface before it’s disinfected.

  • Then, use an appropriate disinfectant that’s EPA-approved (i.e., make sure it’s on List N).

  • Always follow the instructions on your cleaning agent and disinfectant. Proper usage isn’t one-size-fits-all. It can vary from product to product. And make sure these items are safely stowed away once cleaning is done.

Maintain ‒ and revise ‒ your plan.

  • Keep in mind that cleaning practices may change over time due to the types of cleaners and equipment available. Just make sure you continue to follow the recommended cleaning steps ‒ soap and water first, disinfectant second.

  • Ensure that you and your employees are following local, state and federal guidelines for handwashing, face coverings and social distancing.

How to Choose a Cleaning Service for Your Business

Now that you have a plan, it’s time to move that plan into action. The Better Business Bureau recommends seven steps you should take to find a cleaning professional.

  1. Do your research. Ask friends, family members or others in your professional network for recommendations. Search for these or other companies online, and see what their reviewers have to say. It’s recommended to find three companies to interview.

  2. Interview your candidates. Interviews are a great opportunity to meet the individual(s) who will be cleaning your space. You can gain a sense of whether you’re comfortable with the company and ask about the types of cleaning methods and products they’ll use. In light of the COVID-19 crisis, many industry professionals are using new technologies and techniques ‒ from electrostatic spraying to disinfecting fogging.

  3. Check their credentials. Get to know this phrase really well: registered, bonded and insured. You need to verify each one for any cleaning professional you’re considering. Registered means that the business is registered with their state’s Division of Corporations office. Some geographic locations require companies to also be registered with their local municipalities. Important note: In most states, there is no agency that “licenses” cleaning services. However, if a company is going to be performing services outside the realm of standard cleaning (think any kind of HVAC/air duct work), it might need a license to perform them.
    Bonded means that the business holds insurance that protects you from any dishonest or criminal acts by those who enter your property to clean. Insured means that you will be protected if negligence on the part of the cleaning crew causes damage to your business (think a faucet that’s left on by accident).

  4. Ask for references. When you’ve narrowed down your field of candidates, ask them for a list of references. After calling these contacts, take note of the companies who receive repeated, positive feedback.

  5. Discuss cost. Discuss your needs up front – this is where your plan comes into play. Find out exactly what’s included in their services. Many factors impact cost: the size of your workplace, how long you plan on needing their services, frequency and any specific requests. A cleaning professional should walk through your business (following appropriate social distancing protocols) before providing an estimate.

  6. Get everything in writing. When you’ve made your final selection, create a written agreement. This document should clearly state the actions that the cleaning professional will perform. Make sure frequency and time to complete the tasks are included.

  7. Prepare your physical workspace. Make sure your team is aware of the cleaning schedule, and secure any valuable items or confidential information in your workplace. Before the cleaning crew arrives, take care of any hazards that might cause an unwanted slip or fall. Common culprits in offices include power cords, slippery surfaces or spills, dim lighting or cluttered walkways.

This story was originally published in 2020. Original blog from Erie Sense.

5 Work-From-Home Ergonomic Mistakes (And How to Fix them)

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, employees across America are now adapting to a new way of doing business: from home. (Read more about how ERIE is responding to the pandemic.)

Stanford economist Nicholas Bloom estimates that 42% of the U.S. labor force is now working from home full time — a number thought impossible before 2020.

While the coronavirus crisis won’t last forever, many believe the work-from-home economy may be here to stay. So what does that mean for business owners?

Allowing employees to work remotely has helped business owners in many industries avoid shutting down during the current COVID-19 pandemic. But while many companies have worked to ensure their employees have the technology to work remotely, there’s one important factor that business owners often overlook: ergonomics.

What is Ergonomics?

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), ergonomics is the process of fitting a job to a person. Good office ergonomics will likely result in the following benefits to employees:

  • Less muscle fatigue

  • Increased productivity

  • Reduction in the number and severity of work-related injuries

As more employees transition from the cubicle to the kitchen table, workplace ergonomics can be easily overlooked. Why does that matter for business owners?

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most frequently reported causes of lost or restricted work time. To help you – and your employees – work safely and efficiently from home, here’s our list of some common ergonomic mistakes and how to correct them.

5 Work-From-Home Ergonomic Mistakes

1. Long-term laptop use

  • Problem: Laptop computers and tablets allow us to take our work almost anywhere — from the couch to the coffee shop. But while their portable design is great for working on the go, laptops are not an ideal ergonomic solution for all-day use. That’s because a laptop’s compact size often forces you to work in a cramped, hunched-over body position that can cause fatigue and discomfort over time.

  • Solution:. An external monitor or laptop stand can raise your screen to eye level, which promotes a more upright posture. And adding an external mouse and keyboard can help keep your elbows and wrists in a more natural and neutral position.

2. Working from the couch

  • Problem: The living room sofa is a great place to kick back and relax at the end of a long day. But working from the couch can put your body in awkward positions that may cause discomfort, pain and numbness over time.

  • Solution:   Work from a suitable desk or table and an adjustable chair. Choose a chair that offers adjustable seat height, armrests, backrest and lumbar support. The right chair should support the curve of your spine as you sit up straight while allowing your elbows to rest at a 90-degree angle that’s level with the surface of your desk or table.

3. Poor posture

  • Problem: Hunching over a computer at the kitchen table for hours on end can lead to pain in your back and neck.

  • Solution: Take a few minutes to ensure your workstation is optimized for proper posture, allowing you to comfortably sit straight up with your shoulders back. Consider these items from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) computer workstation checklist:

    • Thighs should be horizontal when seated.

    • Lower legs should be vertical.

    • Feet should rest flat on the ground (If your feet dangle, use a footrest).

    • Wrists should rest straight on the desk or table.

4. Bad lighting 

  • Problem: Because office buildings are purpose-built for working, lots of thought goes into designing appropriate lighting systems. But chances are, that same attention of detail didn’t go into the lights above your basement or spare bedroom. Too little — or even too much — light can lead to headaches, fatigue, blurred vision or eye irritation.

  • Solution: Ensure your workspace has the right amount of lighting. Lighting should be bright enough to illuminate your workspace, but not so bright that it makes your computer screen hard to read. Position your computer to avoid screen glare caused by lights and windows. Use a smaller task light for reading at your desk.

5. Too much screen time

  • Problem: Prolonged screen time may lead to eye strain — which can make your eyes feel tired and achy.

  • Solution: Position your computer monitor about an arm’s length away from your eyes. Adjust the brightness and contrast so it’s not significantly brighter than your surroundings. The American Academy of Ophthalmology also recommends following the “20-20-20” rule. That means giving your eyes a break every 20 minutes by shifting your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds.

Is Your Business Protected?

When you’re with ERIE, you can count on our agents to help protect your business and employees with a custom business insurance policy built just for you. Our workers’ compensation coverage includes access to our professionally trained risk control consultants, who can help provide the tools needed to implement a safety program designed for your business. Learn more about risk control services and programs from ERIE.Contact your local ERIE agentfor a free, no-obligation coverage review.

This story was originally published in 2020. Original blog from Erie Sense.

Hiring a Contractor Checklist

Hiring the right contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during a home improvement or repair project, according to the Better Business Bureau. (Having the right homeowners insurance can give you peace of mind, too.) Whether you’re looking for someone to do a small repair, or adding an addition to your home, it’s important to make sure you’ve hired someone you can trust to do the job. 

We’ve pulled together some tips to consider when you’re getting ready to hire for your next home improvement project.

FINDING A CONTRACTOR

  • What’s your project? Are you looking to remodel one room or make minor updates to a small space? The type of project determines whether you’ll need a general contractor or someone more specialized.

  • Check in with your local homebuilders’ association. You’ll be able to search contractors within your area and put together a list of potentials.

  • Get referrals. Ask your friends, family and coworkers who they’ve worked with in the past. They may have a great contractor you haven’t heard of — or know of a few you should stay away from.

  • Prepare ahead. Compile a list of reputable contractors before you need one. The stress of an emergency repair might impair your judgment.

  • Get multiple estimates. If price is a big concern, checking with only one contractor won’t guarantee you the best price. But the cheapest estimate also doesn’t ensure the best work. If you have the time, try and get a second or third quote.

VETTING A CONTRACTOR

  • Association check. See if the trade association(s) to which they belong stipulates a code of ethics, minimum hours of satisfactory work and trade exams.

  • Search for reviews (good or bad). Check in with your state attorney general’s office and the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints against the contractor. Glance over their public company reviews on social networks or other trusted review sites.

Once you’ve selected a contractor, ask for proper documentation as you move closer to signing off on the job.

PAPERWORK TO SEE FROM YOUR CONTRACTOR

  • A copy of their contractor’s license. Licensing and certification requirements vary by state. Check with your local State Consumer Protection Office to view your area’s licensing laws to ensure your contractor is verified and up to date.

  • Certificate of insurance. Ask for both general liability, property damage and workers’ compensation coverage and make sure they are up to date.

  • A written warranty. You’ll want a warranty for the work they do, the materials they use and those who work for them.

  • A list of references. Have they done a project similar to what you are looking to have done?

  • A detailed quote. The quote should outline all material used and labor that is expected to be done.

  • The contract. Detailed within the contract should be the cost, work to be done, time schedules, guarantees, payment schedules, building permits and other expectations. (Keep this contract for future reference or if any questions arise after the job is complete).

  • A receipt. Make sure to get a receipt that is marked “paid in full” when a job is completed and you make the final payment.

  • Discuss the need for a lien waiver. This assures you that your general contractor is paying any subcontractors or suppliers they are working with, so you aren’t liable for additional costs down the road.

AS THE JOB COMES TO A CLOSE

  • Keep records. Find a place to keep all your paperwork, receipts and change orders. Consider making digital copies as well.

  • Snap a photo. Map your progress with weekly photos – or save them for a big before and after reveal.

  • Write a review. Good or bad, share details of the work they did, how well they stuck to the timeline and what the finished product looked like. This will help others in their search for hiring a contractor of their own.

Most contractors are trustworthy and are in this line of work for the right reasons. However, some scammers pose as contractors and don’t actually have your best interests in mind. Here are some signs that should make you think twice.

PROCEED WITH CAUTION IF...

  • The contractor asks you to pay the entire balance up-front.

  • The contractor only accepts cash.

  • The contractor avoids giving you a written contract.

  • A contractor goes door-to-door – or pops up right after a storm.

  • The contractor lists a P.O. Box instead of a street address.

  • The contractor uses a vehicle that doesn’t list the business name.

  • A contractor offers to pay your insurance deductible.

  • A contractor offers to arrange a loan for you.

  • You have little to no experience hiring home contractors.

  • You’re unable to access the areas of your home that a contractor claims are damaged. Ask a friend or family member or another trusted professional to inspect the area for you.

  • You’re not 100% clear about the contract wording. It’s OK to ask questions or have someone else review the contract with you.

Finally, let your Erie Insurance agent know when you’re planning a home improvement project and when it’s completed. If your project adds value to your home, you’ll also want to make sure your homeowners insurance policy is updated to reflect the right amount of coverage. Learn more about homeowners insurance from ERIE.

This story was originally published in 2020. Original blog from Erie Sense.

Stay-at-Home Safety Check: How to Outsmart 4 Common Risks

Even though some states have started easing restrictions due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, you still may be spending most of your time at home. (See how ERIE is responding to the pandemic in our COVID-19 Information Center.)

With warmer weather, perhaps you’ve started tackling new projects like digging a garden, landscaping or teaching your kids how to master new chores.

However you’re spending your time, take a moment to familiarize yourself with four common safety risks that can be more prevalent during this era of social distancing.

HOW TO OUTSMART FOUR COMMON SAFETY RISKS DURING QUARANTINE

Your local ERIE agent can explain how to protect the people and things that matter most by customizing your homeowners insurance. Here are four things worth talking about:

Risk No. 1: Cybercrime and phishing scams

The problem

Due to social distancing directives, many people are staying connected virtually (hello Zoom!) and doing more online shopping. While we’re fortunate to live in a day and age where this is possible, more time spent online comes with added risks. Be aware that as you engage in more of these activities, your exposure to cybercrime also increases.

Safety tips

The Federal Trade Commission warns against accepting an unexpected invite for a video conference, even if it’s sent by a name you know. Check with the “sender” to make sure it’s a real invitation before clicking on the link.

The same goes for emails, robocalls and text messages asking for you to provide personal or financial information. Scammers are getting savvy, so even if it’s a message from a friend, your bank or even your boss, call the company or person asking for this information to make sure it’s legit.

Coverage to consider

ERIE offers identity recovery coverage with all ErieSecure Home® bundles and as an add-on to our Home Protector policies. Through August 2020, we’re extending support services to assist in recovering from possible identity theft at no additional cost to include our customers’ extended family members, including those not residing with the policyholder. This includes:

  • Adult children (26 or older), their spouse and their children

  • Parents, including stepparents and legally adoptive parents

  • Siblings, including step-siblings and adoptive siblings

Risk No. 2: Stir-crazy kids

The problem

In addition to their around-the-clock snack requests, kids are getting bored… and into trouble. It only takes one flushed action figure or an aspiring culinary feast gone awry to result in a minor household damage claim.

Safety tips

  • Make sure you have a smoke detector on every floor in your home. Test your units every six months to ensure they’re working properly. For a long-term solution, consider a 10-year sealed lithium battery smoke detector.

  • Don’t forget about carbon monoxide detectors, too – especially near gas-fired furnaces or heating appliances.

  • Clear the space around your stovetop. Flammable items like wooden spoons and paper towels should be stored at a safe distance. Stow a general multi-purpose fire extinguisher in your kitchen, and learn how to use it.

  • Use brackets, anchors and other security equipment on items like televisions, dressers, bookshelves and any kind of furniture or appliance that could easily tip over.

Coverage to consider

If it’s been a while, talk to your local ERIE agent for a free coverage review of your homeowners insurance. Make sure to ask about Guaranteed Replacement Cost1 , so you can rest easy knowing that you’ll be able to rebuild your home after a major loss without worrying about depreciation or construction costs. With our Equipment Breakdown Coverage2 , included in the ErieSecure Home® Select bundle, you can get an extra cushion of protection for major appliances and home systems right in your homeowners policy when you also have Sewer and Drain Backup Coverage. The bundle is an option that can be added to your base policy for additional premium, so talk to your local agent about how to add it to yours.

Risk No. 3: Empty apartments or houses

The problem

If you’re sheltering in place with family or at a secondary home, your empty abode might be open to more risks, such as burglaries or undetected water leaks.

Safety tips:

  • Double-check all your home’s locks. Securely lock all windows and doors. Make sure that any sliding glass doors have security bolts installed.

  • Leave an outside light on (a motion-sensor light is ideal). Put indoor lights on timers. Safety experts claim that lighting may reduce burglary and vandalism by as much as 50 percent.

  • Install a monitored home security system.

  • Turn off the main water valve to your house. (In the winter, remember to drain water lines in the winter and keep a steady temperature to prevent frozen pipes.)

  • Test your sump pump to ensure it’s working properly.

Coverage to consider

Personal property coverage through your homeowners policy protects items inside your home from damage, theft and loss. Ask your local ERIE agent about adding sewer or drain backup coverage to your homeowners insurance policy. This endorsement provides coverage if water or sewage backs up into your house through sewers or drains, or overflows from inside a sump pump or other system designed to remove water that drains from your foundation. (Sublimits apply for this coverage.)

Risk No. 4: Slips, falls and dog bites

The problem

Social distancing may mean fewer trips to the store and more packages on your doorstep. But with a steady stream of people stepping foot on your property, an accidental stumble or an overly protective canine could turn into an injury — or even a lawsuit.

Safety tips:

  • Inspect your walkways and driveways. Your front walkway is a prime spot for a slip-and-fall accident, so have any cracked or uneven areas fixed ASAP.

  • Find a safe place for your pets. A constantly opening and closing door makes it easy for pets to escape and possibly harm a delivery person. A better idea is to keep pets in a secured room or wing of the house or have them in a safe place in your backyard if possible.

  • Test the railing for your front steps if you have one. If it feels rickety, take the time to secure it in place.

Coverage to consider

Your liability on your homeowners insurance policy can protect your assets in the event someone gets hurt on your property. ERIE also offers Personal Catastrophe Liability (PCL) policies for an extra layer of protection. Commonly called an umbrella policy, a PCL policy can add an extra $1 million or more to both your auto and your homeowners liability limits (Higher coverage amounts can be purchased. An ERIE agent can help you decide what’s right for you.)

LOOKING OUT FOR YOU

At Erie Insurance, we value your future security as well as your present needs. So we’re always thinking about ways to protect you, your loved ones and your home — both today and in the years ahead. Find a local ERIE agent to talk you through your coverage options and learn how you can protect what matters most.

1 Guaranteed Replacement Cost applies to dwelling and requires home improvements over $5,000 to be reported within 90 days - not available with all policies and in all states. Coverage of costs to comply with laws or ordinances is subject to limits and other restrictions. Depreciation will be deducted until repair or replacement is made. Talk to an ERIE agent for more information.

2 Coverage is not available if the Select bundle does not include sewer and drain backup. Coverage is capped at $50,000 per occurrence and the policy deductible applies.  Claims are subject to ERIE’s surcharge program. Details are contained in the policy. Subject to terms, conditions and exclusions. Not available in all states. Talk to an ERIE agent for policy details and state-specific policy information and refer to our disclaimer for additional information.

This story was originally published in 2020. Original blog from Erie Sense.

8 Things Erie is Doing During COVID-19

When Erie Insurance opened for business in 1925, our co-founder H.O. Hirt inspired us with his motto: Never lose the human touch.

Well… these days, the “human touch” looks a lot different. But that spirit is still alive in us at ERIE, where we’re still here for you and the communities we serve.

Check our COVID-19 Information Center for the latest news and announcements. For questions about your specific policy, review our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions.

In case you missed it: Here’s a recap of what we’re doing to help.

HOW IS ERIE INSURANCE HELPING CUSTOMERS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS?

We’re providing financial relief, flexible payment options, community support and more. Here’s what to know.

  1. Customer dividends/relief payments, mailed directly to you in May: Most people are doing the right thing by staying home and not driving. We’re following suit by doing the right thing, too. ERIE is providing $200 million in dividends (relief payments in New York) directly to our personal and commercial auto insurance customers with policies in force as of April 1, 2020. This immediate relief represents about 30% of two months' related auto insurance premiums. There’s no need to call your ERIE agent or request a check – it will be mailed directly to you. Learn more about our customer dividends, announced April 21, 2020.

  2. Lower auto insurance rates for long-term relief: In addition to the dividends mentioned above, we’re lowering auto insurance rates for personal and commercial customers for long-term, steady and stable relief. Pending regulatory approval, rate reductions will vary by state and will be based on individually purchased policies and coverage options. Once approved, premium adjustments will take effect at the time of renewal and the estimated total will provide an additional $200 million in financial relief to ERIE customers. Learn more about our rate reductions, announced April 9, 2020.

  3. Flexible payment and billing options: Your local agent can help you with updating coverages. Agents and ERIE’s Customer Care teams may also be able to assist with delaying payment dates, adjusting installments, changing pay plans and waiving penalties and fees. In addition, some billing requests including deferring payments and nonpay cancellations can also be requested through erieinsurance.com/help or through your ERIE Online Account.

  4. Contact-free life insurance coverage: For a limited time, Erie Family Life is offering applicants a path to life insurance coverage without the requirement of a paramedical exam. The option to waive the exam is aligned with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance to maintain social distancing and prevent the spread of COVID-19. The waiver provides Erie Insurance customers the ability to obtain life insurance without in-person interaction. The offer is available for applicants up to age 55 and policy face amounts up to $500,000. Learn more about the paramedical exam waiver, announced March 24, 2020.

  5. Expanding identity recovery services to extended family members living elsewhere: Social distancing directives result in many people staying connected virtually, which may result in increased exposure to cybercrime. ERIE offers identity recovery coverage with all ErieSecure Home® bundles and as an add-on to our Home Protector policies. Through August 2020, we’re extending support services to assist in recovering from a possible identity theft at no additional cost to include our customers’ extended family members, including those not residing with the policyholder. This includes:

    • Adult children (26 or older), their spouse and their children

    • Parents, including stepparents and legally adoptive parents

    • Siblings, including step-siblings and adoptive siblings

  6. Gift card reimbursement coverage: From your favorite lunch spot to that funky art gallery, our local small businesses make our hometowns feel like home. We rely on them daily – and now, they need us. So go ahead and stock up on gift cards, worry-free. Pending regulatory approval in several states, Erie Insurance is adding gift card and gift certificate reimbursement coverage to the company’s ErieSecure Home® policies. The additional feature, included at no additional cost, would reimburse customers for remaining balances on gift cards that can no longer be used at independently owned and operated local businesses due to business closures.Learn more about our gift card coverage, announced April 16, 2020.

  7. Giving back to our hometown: Erie Insurance provided a lead gift to support the Erie Community Foundation’s new COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund recently established in our home city of Erie, Pennsylvania. This fund will directly support 501(c)(3) organizations in Erie County, Pennsylvania that are providing support to those in need, administering care for children, serving elderly populations who are most vulnerable and helping those suffering hardships and job loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  8. Giving back to our agents and all the communities we serve: Our agents and employees are stepping up to thank first responders, healthcare workers and others on the front lines. To boost that, we’re making nearly $2.5 million available to agents and branch offices to support their charitable work in local communities.

For 95 years, we’ve been standing by our customers in times of hardship and catastrophe. These times are unprecedented, but our mission hasn’t changed. From 1925 to today, our mission to “do the right thing” still drives every decision we make. Learn more about what makes ERIE different.

This story was originally published in 2020. Original blog from Erie Sense.

Understanding Auto Insurance Endorsements

Think of auto insurance endorsements as “added options” to your auto policy. Just like you could customize your vehicle, endorsements allow you to customize your coverage. Sometimes endorsements are as simple as an address or name change, or when you want to add coverage to your current policy.

An endorsement is also a good way to add extra coverage to your policy without having to purchase an entirely new one. Your ERIE agent can walk you through your policy and let you know which endorsements you currently have on your policy and if there are any additional endorsements that make sense to add.

Here are a few popular choices.

4 Common Auto Insurance Endorsements

  • Relax, you're getting a rental: ERIE offers Transportation Expense coverage1 for customers who don’t have access to their vehicle for a particular time period due to a covered accident or other covered loss.


    Basic rental car coverage for a compact car due to a covered comprehensive coverage loss is automatically included in your auto policy in most states if you’ve purchased comprehensive coverage. However, if you need a larger vehicle or Transportation Expense coverage for a collision loss, there are options to buy additional coverage (With ERIE you can choose from six different classes of vehicle rentals, each with a corresponding premium rate).

    You can also purchase ERIE’s Roadside & Rentals bundle, which has options to include Roadside Service coverage2 along with Transportation Expense coverage.

  • Secure Your Rate: With the ERIE Rate Lock® feature, you can pay the same premium year after year. Even if you have a claim, your rates won’t change until you make certain changes to your auto insurance policy, such as adding or removing a vehicle or driver from your policy or changing your primary residence.3

  • Poof: Gone! The ERIE Auto Plus® endorsement includes Diminishing Deductible and extends limits to the basic auto policy. For around $30, you can cover all of the vehicles listed on your policy with higher limits to many of our “Xtra Protection Features.” And for each consecutive claims-free policy year (beginning when this endorsement is added), the deductible amount will be reduced by $100 up to a maximum reduction of $500. It also includes a $10,000 death benefit.4

  • True Blue Replacement: ERIE’s New Auto Security coverage endorsement5 offers customers the opportunity to replace a totaled vehicle without worry of depreciation. If your new car is less than two years old and it gets totaled, ERIE will reimburse you the cost to replace it with a vehicle of the newest model year. And if your car is more than two years old, ERIE will pay the cost to replace it with another vehicle of the same model up to two years newer with similar mileage. How nice is that?

When it comes to your auto insurance, you’ve got a lot of choices. When you choose ERIE, you can feel confident about your coverage. Why? Because every policy comes with a local insurance agent to help you understand how your policy works, what it can help protect, and how to customize it based on your needs (and budget).

This story was originally published in 2019. Original blog from Erie Sense.

1 Transportation Expense coverage is included with comprehensive coverage and optional with collision coverage (although Transportation Expense Collision is included in Virginia at no additional cost). North Carolina and Virginia offer a monetary reimbursement subject to purchased limits of coverage. Rental car classes do not apply.

2 Vehicles eligible for coverage include cars, light trucks and motorcycles. The service also covers horse, livestock and other trailers while attached to a motor vehicle that are pulled by vehicles that ERIE insures. See individual policies for specific coverage details. Certain terms and limitations may apply. In North Carolina, coverage is purchased by limits ($25, $50 and $100).

3 ERIE Rate Lock® does not guarantee continued insurance coverage. Not available in all states. Limited to three years in Virginia. ERIE Rate ProtectSM offered in New York. Insured must meet applicable underwriting guidelines. Premium may change if you make a policy change.

4 In New York, the comprehensive deductible cannot be reduced to less than $50 and collision deductible cannot be reduced to less than $100. Additional Transportation Expenses are not available in Kentucky. Increased coverage includes higher limits for things like locksmith costs, personal items and non-owned trailers. The endorsement contains the specific details of the coverage, terms, conditions and exclusions. Ask your ERIE agent for details.

5 The endorsement is sold on a per-vehicle basis, not per policy, and contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions. Coverage is not available in all states. Eligible vehicles must carry both comprehensive and collision coverage and payment for a totaled vehicle is based on the cost of  a comparable model. See individual policies for specific coverage details. New vehicle replacement and better vehicle replacement do not apply to leased vehicles. Only auto lease/loan component applies to a leased vehicle. Coverage does not include items such as overdue payments and carry-over balances from previous leases/loans, etc. When payment is made under new vehicle replacement or better vehicle replacement, auto lease/loan coverage will not apply.