Friday, September 30, 2011

Get a quote from the agency that's serious about insurance.

We believe the billions spent on commercials that make jokes about insurance could be put to better use.

We offer superb coverage and unrivaled service. That's why more than 90% of our customers stay with Erie year after year.

Reporting a Claim

Need to file a claim? You can file a homeowners insurance claim by contacting our office, one of ERIE's branch offices or you can file it online. On nights and weekends, contact ERIE's Extended Hours Claims Service at (800) 367-3743. After you’ve reported the loss, the following steps will take place.

The loss report is assigned a claim number and assigned to a claims handler.
A property adjuster will contact you to confirm the facts of the loss. This may include an inspection of the damaged property. The adjuster will then determine if coverage applies, and, if so, evaluate the damages.
After the claim is initiated, the adjuster or claims handler will check on the progress of the claim and make every effort to efficiently complete the process. Some claims can be settled quickly. Others – especially those involving severe damages – may take longer.

Do you have more questions about filing an insurance claim?

Homeowners Value and Discounts

To offer you the most for your insurance dollar, Erie Insurance offers a variety of discounts on homeowner policies. Watch a video to learn more about ways to save with ERIE (video transcript).

Multi-Policy Discount – insure your home and auto with Erie Insurance and receive additional savings on your homeowners insurance.
Life Multi-Policy Discount – save on your homeowners insurance when you have a qualifying Erie Family Life policy.
Fire and/or Burglary Alarm System Discount – install smoke alarms or a burglary alarm system in your home and take advantage of additional discounts.
Sprinkler System Credit – if your home is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system, you’ll save on your homeowners insurance.
New Home Discount – if your home was built in the last 14 years*, you’ll receive a discount on your homeowners insurance.
Age of Insured Discount – Erie Insurance offers Policyholders age 46 and older a discount on their homeowners insurance. The discount increases as you age

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Protect Your Home

Select the link to check out this article by ErieSense.com:

What are the chances?
Your home is three times more likely to be damaged by flood than fire.
Source: National Flood Insurance Program

Uninsured flood disaster victims often echo the same sentiment. Or, like many people, they assume that regular homeowners insurance covers flood damage.

“Consumers don’t realize until it’s too late that all basic homeowners insurance policies exclude flood damage,” says Terry McConnell, manager of ERIE’s Personal Lines Underwriting. “Only flood insurance will cover losses in the event of a flood.”

What’s more, the risk of flooding is, literally, everywhere.

Life Insurance & Tips to Qualify for the Best Rate

How to Buy Life Insurance

October 8, 2010
by Scott Wescott

Life’s big changes — getting married, having kids, even going off to schoo l— give us lots to think about. The good news is that when it comes to buying life insurance that’s right for your stage of life, your ERIE Agent can make a seemingly complicated process easier. The first step is helping you think about it.

“People don’t think twice about insuring their home and their car, but it’s amazing that so many don’t think about their life in the same way,” says Jeff Azzato of St. Marys Insurance Agency in St. Marys, Pa.

“The bottom line is this: if you love someone, you need life insurance.”
When you’re ready to purchase life insurance, ERIE Agents can help by explaining the differences between term and whole life insurance. They can also assess your overall financial and life situation to help you determine your specific needs.
“As Agents, we’re here to provide individual contact that can make buying life insurance easier,” says Jeff. “We can explain the process, answer questions and help you understand the details of quotes.”
Part of that process is undergoing a physical, Jeff notes.
“Prior to issuing a policy, insurance companies need to evaluate medical history and physical exam and lab results to determine if there are any conditions that could shorten your life,” explains Mike Plazony, vice president and manager, Life Underwriting and Product Administration for Erie Family Life. “This helps us determine the right cost for each person applying for life insurance.”
If this is the part that’s scary for you, there are simple steps (see below) you can take to help make sure that the test results are not negatively affected.

Simple steps

These three easy tips can help you qualify for the best rates.
Tread lightly: Stay out of the gym for at least 24 hours prior to the exam, as a strenuous workout can lead to increased liver function — a red flag for certain ailments and conditions. If you must work out, keep it nice and easy.
Kick the coffee: Tea, coffee, soda — anything with caffeine — can increase blood pressure.
Pass on the salt: Limit salt intake and high cholesterol foods for at least 24 hours prior to your exam to avoid a negative impact on blood pressure or cholesterol results.
An ERIE Agent can also add to your savings by offering a life multi-policy discount. This discount helps you save money on your homeowners insurance when you have a qualifying Erie Family Life* policy.
“Taking care of your life insurance needs gives you one less thing to worry about,” ERIE Agent Jeff Azzato says. “And working with an ERIE Agent will make the process as easy as possible. Give your Agent a call to talk it over.”
*Erie Family Life insurance not available in New York.

Scott Westcott is an award-winning journalist and freelance writer whose work has appeared in Parents, Inc., and Woman’s Day. He resides in Erie, Pa.