February 1, 2012 –  Who Would Steal MY Car?

The story lines in most movies, TV shows and books paint a vivid picture about stolen cars.  Thieves dressed in black, with perfect coordination, speed off into the darkness with a nearly-new exotic sports car.

The news from the National Insurance Crime Bureau may surprise you.   The NCIB has updated its “Top Ten” list of Most Stolen Cars using 2010 data.  Here they are…#1 – 1994 Honda Accord; #2 – 1995 Honda Civic; #3 – 1991 Toyota Camry; #4- 1999 Chevy Full-Size Pick-Up; #5 - 1997 Ford F-150 Pick-Up; #6 – 2004 Dodge Ram; #7 – 2000 Dodge Caravan; #8 – 1994 Acura Integra; #9 – 2002 Ford Explorer; and #10 – 1999 Ford Taurus.

So you may want to be more careful about those “ordinary wheels”.  Park carefully.  Look for lighting in your parking area.  Lock your vehicle.  And talk to us about Comprehensive Coverage – affordable protection against theft, vandalism and more.  Call us for details!

 

January 25, 2012 – Contractors Insurance – Am I Really Covered?

As a contractor, you want to concentrate on your trade, not insurance.  You obtain General Liability insurance and think “I’m covered”.  But additional insurance may be needed for very common occurrences.

If you rent a warehouse/storeroom, that specific space is not covered by General Liability because it is under your care, custody and control. You need “Legal Liability / Premises Rented to You” protection.  This is usually provided on a General Liability policy, but the limits may need to be upgraded.

The item you are installing in a customer’s home or business is typically excluded, also because it is under your care, custody and control. Voluntary Property Damage, an inexpensive option, can resolve this problem.

Imagine if you lost your Professional Tools; Equipment; Computers; Items Drop-Shipped to Sites for Installation; or Items in Shipment (within your own vehicle).   There are very affordable remedies for these concerns on Commercial Inland Marine policies for small contractors.  Call us for details!

 

January 20, 2012 – I Can’t Get Home Insurance!

People are sometimes very frustrated because they have been searching unsuccessfully for home insurance.  They cannot insure their personal home; mobile home; seasonal camp-home; or rental property.  They have been told the home is too old, too low in value and more.

Here at our agency, we feature a wide array of property insurance products from Erie Insurance and Millville Mutual.  We have access to other carriers.  And we also help people obtain coverage through the PA FAIR Plan.

We have enabled residents of older mobile homes to get insurance, after others told them their homes were too old.  We assisted an investor to reclaim an old building and help restore a neighborhood – storefront & apartments deemed uninsurable by another agency.  We helped a policyholder cover his hunting camp – an old 1-room schoolhouse with an outhouse and no central heat. 

Not every home is insurable.  But in many cases, a home is someone’s most expensive investment.  And we try very hard to help protect that special asset.  Call us for details!

 

January 3, 2012 – Letter to the Editor from a Policyholder

We can’t say it any better.  A policyholder wrote this letter and it was published in the Erie Times-News on January 2, 2012.

My partner Cathy Merski and I would like to thank Erie Insurance for all of its help in getting us back in business.  Don Werle and John Rushe, Erie Insurance agents, diligently worked with us to see that every detail was handled properly.  Bill Cavanaugh, claim specialist, saw to it that we were covered 100 percent.

We can’t thank these guys enough.  Our beautiful restaurant is now open and being enjoyed by our many friends in the community.   The support has been overwhelming!

Peter West – Ricardo’s Restaurant, Erie

 

January 2012 – Reflections of an Independent Insurance Agent

Perhaps I should say, “Why do I like being an insurance agent?”

Day-to-day, we enjoy hunting for the best values among the carriers we represent.  And we are thrilled when we hear policyholders tell us that no one had ever explained it to them so well in the past.

But recent events have really reminded me why I like this profession.  These are true stories about some of our policyholder families.

A number of years ago, a policyholder lost their home to a Christmas season fire.  They have enjoyed multiple happy Christmases in their new home since then…thanks to homeowners insurance.

Local business partners watched their restaurant be engulfed in flames earlier in 2011.  Now, they are re-opened and celebrating the holidays with their patrons…thanks to commercial insurance.

Several cars were declared total losses during the past year.  They are now replaced…thanks to auto insurance.

And a family recently lost a wife and mother, far too early in her life.  That tragedy will not be complicated by an accompanying financial hardship…thanks to life insurance. 

It is our privilege to serve as professional insurance advisors.  And we thank our policyholders for their business and trust.  We wish everyone a healthy, happy, safe and prosperous 2012!

 

December 2011 – Toys for Tots…the Story Continues

We devoted last month’s blog to the Toys for Tots campaign.  At that time, we never envisioned doing it two months in a row.  But we have been moved by individuals in this season of giving.

Marine 1^st Sgt. Scott Hesson stopped this week to pick up a load of toys from our agency. He shared the resolve you expect of a US Marine. And he also shared a softer side…as they rise to this challenge.  They think they may need to serve over 8,000 children this year…and donations are down.  But he insists they are up to the task.

Each day, our agency is visited by policyholders, friends, neighbors and complete strangers.  They quickly deposit new toys in the box in our lobby; waive hello; say “Merry Christmas”; and thank us for making this convenient.  We barely get the chance to thank them before they are out the door.  Their focus is clearly on the kids. 

A woman visited with older dolls in mint condition.  Concerned they may not fit the Toys-for-Tots program, we matched her up with a local shelter for abused women and their children…a win-win.  And another woman came in to ask how her kids could qualify.  We gladly matched her up with the toy distribution team.

It is our pleasure to be a drop-off site. We have been moved by widespread need and inspired by widespread generosity.  Merry Christmas and thanks to all!

 

November 2011 – Toys for Tots

This may not seem like much of an insurance topic.  But insurance policy proceeds are only one way to rebuild after challenges.

Our agency is part of the community.  And we support it in a number of ways through the local American Heart Association Heart Walk, the United Way of Erie County, the Erie Together anti-poverty movement and more.

During this holiday season, it is our privilege to support the work of the Marines in the “USMC Toys for Tots” campaign. Their goal is both simple and breathtaking.  They want every child in northwest PA to have at least one toy to open on Christmas Day.

Our agency serves as a Drop-Off Site for this worthy cause.  Please stop by and donate a new, unwrapped (no holiday wrapping) toy.  The Marines are looking for gifts for kids of all ages.

Thanks…and Happy Holidays!

 

October 2011 – How to Reach Your Insurance Pros

This was once a very easy question to answer.  You reached your insurance provider through a local agent.  And you reached that agent by telephone or by visiting his or her office.

Faxing was added years ago.  But much has changed since then. We share news about the agency at Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and this info-blog…but that has to be tempered by privacy concerns. We can’t share info about individual policyholders.  And we still create annual reviews for our clients, but now many of them are e-mailed.

How can you reach us?  We now have a dedicated Text Line (814) 406-9077.  Our agency website is accessible on personal computers, tablets and smart phones.  You can use it to make a payment, report a claim, engage in Live-Chat, request a quote, get an ID card and more. 

To make things even easier on the smaller devices, our carriers are introducing apps.  Erie Insurance has rolled out an I-Phone app and will provide an Android app by the end of the year.  Progressive Insurance already has both versions.  And more will follow.

Back in those simpler days, we were dedicated to providing the right coverage and then following up on service when incidents happened.  That is still the case.  But we are also committed to a convenient relationship embracing the many ways people communicate today.

Call us for details!

 

September 2011 – Home Water Damage Basics

Everyone seems to have a “water problem” at some time.  But is it covered by insurance?

Typically, home insurance policies will cover the damage to both building and contents from storm-related incidents – wind ripping off perfectly good siding and roofing; or crashing trees allowing rain water inside.

Burst pipes are uncovered maintenance items, but many policies will cover the damage they create (not the plumbing repair itself).

Back-up of a sewer or drain is also an uncovered maintenance item, but many policies offer an option to cover the surrounding damage.

Flood insurance is available through our agency to cover damage due to general conditions of flooding. Rates are higher in high-hazard area.  We also offer FEMA’s Preferred program, providing more affordable rates in areas less likely to flood.

Call us for details!

 

August 2011 – New ERIE Rate Lock ^SM  Personal Auto Insurance

Are you facing an auto insurance rate hike?

Ask us about ERIE Rate Lock^SM for locked-in premium…even if you submit a claim!  Rates change when you change a driver, vehicle or your primary address.   

Erie offers tremendous coverage features, low premiums, and a wide array of payment plans to meet the budget of any household.  And now they offer Rate Lock!  Call us for details and to see if you qualify.

 

July 2011 – New Payment Plans from Erie Insurance

Erie Insurance already offered a variety of payment plans that offered both flexibility and savings.  This includes account billing for multiple Erie policies. They have now expanded their options even more. .  

Quarterly, semi-annual, and monthly paper invoicing (9 to 12 months) are available.  These plans have installment pay fees to cover the costs of preparing a paper invoice; mailing it; and recording the related payment.  But Erie charges only $5 per payment, regardless of the amount of premium.  This payment fee is typically lower than competitors.  And there is never a fee on the first payment of the policy year.

Automatic EFT withdrawal offers tremendous convenience – no checks to write!  Additionally, this option spreads payments over 12 months…with no pay fees!  Paying in full or over 3 payments in the first 60 days also avoids pay fees.

Erie offers tremendous coverage features, low premiums, and a wide array of payment plans to meet the budget of any household.  Call us for details!

 

June 2011 – “Guaranteed Home Replacement Cost”

The Erie UltraCover Homeowner policy is unique in several ways compared to the competition.  Most competitors offer Replacement Cost claim settlement.  This eliminates deductions for age, wear, tear and deterioration at the time of a claim.

The UltraCover allows you to focus on Full Replacement Cost – the estimated cost for rebuilding you home just as it was pre-loss.  And for older, pre-WW II homes, we even offer the flexibility of Functional Replacement Cost – using modern building materials and techniques.

Whichever one you choose, Full or Functional Replacement, Erie stands behind you on the UltraCover with the Replacement Cost Guarantee.  Subject to policy conditions, they will exceed the amount of coverage on your policy to completely rebuild your home.  Some competitors won’t go above the stated limit.  Others offer only “extended” replacement cost coverage – exceeding the printed limit by only 10%, 20% or 25%.  

Contact us for the details.  See why the UltraCover is so special!

 

May 2011 – “There’s an App for Erie Insurance??”

Our everyday language now includes the phrase “There’s an app for that”.  That list now includes ERIEmobile, the Apple application compatible versions of the iPhone, iPad and iTouch (requires iOS 4.0 or higher).

This no-fee app is available by logging in as you do with other Apple apps. Identify yourself as a policyholder with an Erie Personal Auto policy.  The download steps will take it from there.

With this app, you’ll be able to conveniently report accidents, request ID cards and more.  This technical innovation from Erie Insurance supports our agency objective – “24/7 Website Convenience PLUS Local Personal Service”.

 

April 2011 – “I’m Better Than The Average Driver!”

You should pay less for Personal Auto Insurance if you are a better driver, right?  Progressive, one of several carriers we represent, now gives you the opportunity to prove it…and earn discounts!  Introducing “Snapshot” by Progressive -

A simple device, about the size of a computer mouse, is inserted into a receptacle found under the dash in most cars built since 1996.  After 30 days, you may qualify for discounts.  After 6 months, you may qualify for renewal premium discounts.  At that point, you simply return the device. 

They measure how often you use hard braking; how many total miles you drive; and whether you regularly drive at peak accident periods – rush hour and between midnight and 4:00 a.m.  Premiums will not go up based on the data.

If this sounds interesting, give us a call!

 

March 2011 – “My Car Doesn’t Run. Do I Need PA Auto Insurance?”

It seems illogical to pay for insurance for a car that does not run.  But there are legal concerns and premium considerations before dropping coverage.

PA Insurance Department regulations require all registered vehicles to be insured.  There is no automatic exception for a disabled car.  If you want to remove the insurance prior to the expiration of the registration, you will need to return your plate to PennDOT.

Premium savings may be relatively small for removing a disabled car for a short time.  Removing CAR #2 of a 2-car policy will cause the rate on CAR #1 go up since the Multi-Car discount will be removed.   

Feel free to talk to us about special circumstances.  Our goal is to provide the coverage you need when you need it; at the lowest cost; while avoiding fines and penalties. 

 

February 2011 – “I Have a Home Business.  Am I Covered?”

Computers, cell phones and other devices make it possible to have the “virtual office” at home.  Music lessons and other services may also take place at home.  Does homeowners insurance cover this?  It is likely limited coverage, if it is covered at all.

Visitors to the home may be injured.  The policy envisions visiting friends and relatives.  Patrons, associates and vendors are excluded.  But coverage for many small businesses may be available as an option.

Computers used in business, special software, office furniture, inventory samples, and other items may only have limited protection.  Again, an inexpensive option may increase the coverage to meet your needs.

A stand-alone business policy is needed for some situations.  Ask us about the details. 

 

January 2011 – “I’m Renting a Car on Vacation.  Am I Covered?”

Flying to distant destinations is fun, but renting a car there raises new questions.  Carriers typically extend Personal Auto Insurance to the US and Canada, but some are more restrictive.

Most policies will extend coverage to the rental car, treating it like a substitute for your car back home.  This means your liability and medical coverages will follow you.  Damage to the rental car itself will be subject to the Collision and Comprehensive deductibles on your policy.

Rental agencies may charge a fee to investigate an accident – typically an out-of-pocket expense.  They may also request Loss of Rental Income from the day of the accident until the car returns from the body shop; even when they have other similar cars available for rent.  Limited coverage may be provided.

You can buy “coverage” at the car rental agency.  These are not always actual insurance policies, so they may not be regulated, and they may vary widely.  Feel free to ask us about the details.

 

December 2010 – “Is It a Flood? Am I Covered?”

Most property insurance policies exclude certain types of water damage – overall flooding of the area; seepage of water through foundation walls; and back-up of sewers, drains or sumps.  Some of these concerns can be addressed with add-on options. 

The concern of overall flooding typically requires a stand-alone Flood Insurance policy.  We offer such coverage for homes, commercial buildings, condos, mobilehomes and other properties.  Anyone can experience a flood, whether you live in a high-hazard or low-hazard zone based on history.

The back-up of a sewer or drain can damage the furnace, basement walls, interior walls and your contents.  Most policies offer optional coverage for around $50 per year.

Seepage of ground water is not a covered loss on a Homeowner policy. Flood insurance rarely covers this gradual intrusion as well. 

Visit our website or call us for details!
 

November 2010 – “Residential Condos – Who’s Covered?”

Condos may look like apartments, townhomes, and traditional 1-family homes.  Condo ownership creates individual unit owners and a common association of those same unit owners.  

The association policy will rebuild common areas – tennis courts, pools, recreation centers, storage buildings and more.  It will also rebuild the buildings that include the living units.  That master policy will rebuild the interiors of the individual units as well – to standard specifications.

Each unit owner should have a unit-owner policy to protect furnishings, appliances, electronics, clothing as well as upgrades – better floor coverings, upscale cabinetry, additional fixtures, building additions, and other customization.

Both the association and the unit owners should have liability protection.  The association needs  protection in case someone is injured or property is damaged due to association negligence.  Each unit owner also needs protection in case individual negligence causes injury or damages property.

The Unit Owner policy may create a Multi-Policy Discount on Personal Auto Insurance, greatly reducing the net total cost. Visit our website for details!
 

October 2010 – “Tenant & Landlord – Who’s Covered?”

People rent apartments, townhomes, mobile homes and traditional 1-family homes.  Sadly, many assume the landlord has a policy protecting the tenants.  The owner of the home can protect the home itself, furnishings and appliances provided, and provide liability protection –  for the landlord’s protection in case someone is injured or property is damaged due to the landlord’s negligence.

The tenant needs protection for his/her clothing, furniture, electronics, appliances and other belongings.  Also, the tenant needs liability protection in case the tenant’s negligence injures a visitor or damages property – most likely, the landlord’s building.

The good news – most Tenant Insurance policies cost between $100 to $150 per year.  And they may create a Multi-Policy Discount on Personal Auto Insurance, greatly reducing the net total cost. Visit our website for details!
 

September 2010 – “Homeowner Coverage Basics”

Are “house insurance” policies the same? NO!  Different needs require different types of policies.  For example, do you want to insure your home for Full Replacement Cost – probably so, especially if it is newer.  An older home (pre-1940) may need Full Replacement Cost, especially if you want to restore it using old-style construction.  But you also have the option of Functional Replacement Cost – using modern building materials and techniques.

Special contents may also require special coverage – jewelry, collectibles, boats, trailers and more.  Unique activities may also require special attention, such as an in-home business.   And there are also special options such as Identity Recovery Coverage – a tremendous value.

Homeowner policies can insure traditional homes, condominiums as well as rented homes and apartments. Visit our website for details!
 

August 2010 – “PA Auto ID Cards”

Your car needs inspected…or you are just about to start a vacation…or you simply can’t find the current card.  Call us and we will mail, fax or e-mail a replacement card.  You can also conveniently visit our website and print your own cards – click on the ID CARD tab.

As a reminder, PA ID cards are issued for 6-month periods, even for 12-month auto policies.  Cards are automatically mailed from the Home Office.

Another reminder, if your travel takes you north, you will need a special Canadian ID card.  We can furnish those as well.  Sorry – they cannot be printed on a home PC.

We strive to provide 24/7 website convenience PLUS local personal service.  Give us a try!
 

July 2010 – “Boat Insurance Basics”

My homeowners insurance covers my boat, right?  Well, maybe.  Erie’s HomeProtector policies are more generous than most.  They extend liability coverage to small boats (under 25 Ft and 75 Hp) in case you injure a swimmer, strike another boat or have another type of accident.

But many boaters need a stand-alone boat policy.  Proper coverage can protect your boat, motor, sails, trailer, accessories and even provide extra protection for your passengers.  Safety devices and courses offer discounts to make coverage even more affordable!

Call us for details.  Let us tailor protection to make your time on the water even more relaxing!
 

June 2010 – “Replacement Cost Coverage – Personal Autos”

Most insurance policies offer Actual Cash Value settlement for totaled vehicles.  This enables policyholders to replace the car with a similar used car.  Erie Insurance also offers the option of Replacement Cost settlement, providing a path to a brand-new car as the replacement.

This benefit is part of the New Auto Security Coverage Endorsement, available to original owners of new cars.  This package also includes Lease/Loan Security Coverage in case your loan balance exceeds the vehicle value at the time of a total loss.

Call us for details and to see if you qualify for this upgrade in protection.
 

May 2010 – “Payment Plan Discounts”

Most insurance policies offer the convenience of paying premium via installments. This helps with household budgeting. Carriers charge for the preparation and mailing of invoices. Those who pay in full do no incur these fees.

Carriers eliminate or reduce the installment fees when you elect to pay by scheduled Electronic Funds Transfer – EFT. Payments are typically swept from a checking account on the same day each month.

Discounts on the base premium for Personal Auto insurance may also be available. For example, in addition to avoiding installment payment fees, Erie policyholders receive a 7% discount on their auto insurance premium by paying in full for the policy year.
 

April 2010 – “Driver Training Options for Teens”

Parents always worry when the kids are old enough to drive. We strongly recommend parental instruction…at least 50 hours in the front seat. Make it a mixed experience – rural and urban settings; side streets and highways; night and daytime; drive-thru windows; on-street, garage and lot parking; and more.

In addition, many parents seek a formal Drivers Education class. Certificates for 30 hours of classroom AND 6 hours of road experience by authorized instructors are needed for an Erie Insurance discount. Our website’s Consumer Info section links to a PA Department of Education site listing providers.

There is a new option for the classroom instruction – on-line training.  Cantors and DriversEd.com (Henry & Joe’s Driving School) are approved on-line providers. Check our link for the entire list.

 

March 2010 – “Winter Home Hazards”

Colder weather presents special concerns. Your homeowner policy offers coverage for injured guests. Most policies also cover damage from ice dams on the roof and burst pipes inside the home.

Some events are unavoidable, but many could be prevented or minimized. Make certain handrails are secure since they are more likely to be used in bad weather. Please clear pathways outside to reach doors to your home. Knock down icicles above doorways that could fall on someone. Consider using a roof rake to clear heavy snow. Long term, look at excessive ice build-up and re-visit roof drainage and insulation needs.

When traveling, turn off the water supply – usually done by simply turning a knob inside a utility room or basement. This removes the pressure if a leak develops while you are away. Maintain minimal heat to prevent standing water in drains from freezing.   
 

February 2010 – “Erie Insurance Now Accepts Credit Cards”

Erie offers a variety of convenient payment plans. This includes ExpressPay, an automatic EFT plan that offers the convenience of 12 payments over 12 months without paper invoices.

Paper invoice options continue for those who prefer a “bill” - annual; 0-30-60 days; semi-annual; quarterly; 9-pay; and account billing. They can be paid by mail, in person at our office, or at our website (www.wrins.com) using the Pay Bill feature. That connects you with the Erie Insurance website at the correct location to make a one-time payment. You can use bank account info, Visa or MasterCard. These are “one-time” payments, not automatic recurring withdrawals. You can enter your information each time or Erie offers the option of creating an on-line customer account for return visits.

Simply choose your best option!


January 2010 – “Snowmobiles & ATV's"

Do you like rushing across fields and trails? Or do you need some mechanical help with firewood, snow-plowing and other jobs that are more challenging in the winter weather or remote locations? ATV's and snowmobiles are sometimes the perfect answer.

But what if you have an accident? Some homeowner policies offer limited coverage...ONLY if the vehicle is used SOLELY to maintain the property - no recreational riding, no riding off your own property. Auto policies will typically NOT give automatic coverage for these vehicles.

There are ways to properly and inexpensively insure them. They can be added to some existing Personal Auto policies; written on separate policies; or added to some Homeowner policies.

Let us ask a few questions. We can close the coverage gaps and allow you to ride with peace of mind.
 

December 2009 – “Jewelry & Other Special Coverages”

So…what do you collect? What items of value, special-use or special-interest do you own?

All homeowner policies have special limits, especially regarding theft, of personal property that is not simply furniture, clothing, household electronics or appliances.  For example, theft of jewelry may be limited to $3,000 (Erie Insurance; $2500 Millville Mutual).  A computer used for business may be limited to $2,500 coverage at home and only $500 (Erie Insurance; $250 Millville Mutual) away from home.

Jewelry, watches, furs, stamp or coin collections, antique guns, business computers, paintings, sculptures and other valuable items can be easily and affordably covered under a separate Inland Marine policy or attached as a rider to your home policy.

Let us ask a few questions and we can offer customized coverage for your valuable possessions.