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Auto	Back to Top

	Q:	My child has just obtained his/her learner's permit. Do I have to add him/her to our Family Auto Policy?
A:  In Pennsylvania you only have to add your child to your policy after he/she has obtained his or her driver’s license.
	Q:	What are some possible discounts that are available for my auto policy?
A:  Multi policy discount for insuring your home with the same company. Also having a qualifying life policy. A:  For having a safe driving record. A:  Taking a qualified safety program if you are over the age 55 or are a new driver. A:  Prior liability limits for new policies. A:  Paying your premium in full each renewal.
	Q:	What is the difference between Collision and Comprehensive coverage?
A:  Collision coverage applies to claims that result from a collision with another vehicle or object. It also includes damages caused by uninsured motorists and hit-and-run drivers. A:  Comprehensive coverage is for losses caused by fire, theft, vandalism, and contact with animals, like hitting a deer. Damage to your windshield also usually falls under comprehensive coverage.
	Q:	What is the minimum insurance coverage required in Pennsylvania?
A:  Medical Benefits — This pays medical bills for you and others covered on your policy regardless of fault. The minimum limit is $5,000 of coverage although higher limits are available. A:  Bodily Injury Liability — If you injure someone in a car accident, this coverage pays their medical and rehabilitation expenses and any damages for which you are found liable. You must buy coverage of at least $15,000/$30,000. The $15,000 pays for injuries to one person while the $30,000 represents the total available for one accident. A:  Property Damage Liability — If you damage someone’s property in an accident and you are at fault, this coverage pays for it. You must buy at least $5,000 of coverage.
	Q:	What is the difference between limited and full tort coverage?
A:  Limited Tort allows you to save on your premiums by waiving your right to recover certain damages such as payments for pain and suffering unless the injuries you sustain in an automobile accident are defined as serious. A:  Full Tort allows you to retain unrestricted rights to bring suit against the negligent party in an automobile accident.
	Q:	Are ATV’s, motorcycles, and boats covered under my auto policy?
A:  No, they are not. Only private passenger vehicles are covered and ATV’s, motorcycles, and boats are specialty vehicles that require separate insurance.
	Q:	At what age do I get the adult rate?
A:  If you have an Erie policy, you get the cheaper adult rate when you turn 24. It will take effect on your next renewal. A:  Other companies will give you the adult rate when you turn 25.

Business / Commercial

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	Q:	What group benefits are available?
A:  Health Insurance A:  Short Term Disability A:  Long Term Disability A:  Life Insurance A:  Dental A:  Vision
	Q:	How does workers’ compensation work?
A:  When an employee has a job-related accident that results in bodily injury, or suffers an occupational disease in the course of employment, the employer is subject to liability. A:  The workers’ compensation laws establish this liability as well as the benefits of the injured worker. Generally, any employer who hires at least one employee, part-time or full-time, is required to provide workers’ compensation coverage. A:  Employer’s requirements may be met by purchasing a policy from an insurance company for workers’ compensation.
	Q:	How do I get a certificate of insurance?
A:  Ask your agent for one.

Home	Back to Top

	Q:	What are some possible discounts that are available for my home policy?
A:  Multi policy discount – for insuring your auto with the same company. Also with a qualifying life insurance policy. A:  Fire and/or Burglary Alarm System Discount – for installing smoke alarms/detectors or a burglary alarm system in your home. A:  Sprinkler System Credit – if your home is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system. A:  New Home Discount – if your home was built in the last 14 years. A:  Age of Insured Discount – Erie Insurance offers Policyholders age 46 and older a discount. A:  Paying your premium in full each renewal.
	Q:	Are my jewelry, guns, and or other valuables covered by my homeowner’s policy?
A:  Under a homeowner’s policy, there is limited coverage. You may only be covered for a certain amount. Depending on the value of the item, you may not have enough coverage. It is a good idea to have a separate policy that will provide coverage in the amount of what your valuables are worth.
	Q:	Is flood damage covered under my homeowner’s policy?
A:  No. You need a separate policy for flood; it cannot be endorsed onto your home. Several companies offer flood insurance policies.
	Q:	What is the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value/market value?
A:  Replacement cost is the amount it would take to replace or rebuild your home or repair damages with materials of similar kind and quality without deducting for depreciation. A:  Actual cash value is the replacement cost minus any depreciation. The value is decreased due to age, wear and tear since the time the structure was built or purchased.

Life	Back to Top

	Q:	How much life insurance do I need?
A:  http://www.erieinsurance.com/life/calculator.htm A:  To decide how much life insurance you need, determine what financial resources your dependents would have if you were to die now, and what your dependents would actually need to maintain their current standard of living. A:  Your calculations should consider your current insurance including any employer group insurance, social security or veteran’s insurance. Add other assets you have such as savings, investments, real estate and personal property. A:  Then consider the income your dependents need for family living expenses, educational costs and any other future needs. Also, determine the cash needs for the expenses of a final illness, funeral, taxes, mortgages or other debts. A:  Your new policy should come as close to making up the difference as you can afford.
	Q:	Who should have life insurance?
A:  Everyone should have something. There are different types of policies to fit everyone’s needs. It depends on what your needs are.

Umbrella

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	Q:	What is Personal Liability Umbrella coverage?
A:  If you accidentally injure someone or damage their property, you could be sued. Lawsuits are common these days. Umbrella insurance provides additional coverage on top of your auto and homeowners liability policies by supplementing your existing policies to provide additional personal liability protection. A:  The Umbrella policy goes into effect after the underlying liability limits on your homeowners or auto policy is exhausted.