Auto Insurance

Next to your home, your automobile is often the most expensive piece of property you own. As a result, it is important to seek the best value when buying your insurance. To ensure that you have the proper protection, there are a number of ways that you can reduce the cost of your auto insurance premiums while obtaining the coverage that you need including:

Deductibles

Choosing higher deductibles for Collision and Comprehensive coverage is an easy and cost effective way to lower your auto insurance bill. In many cases, the premium savings realized by switching to a higher deductible may be enough to offset the cost difference of an increased deductible in just a few years.

Discounts

Multi-policy – By insuring your auto and home with ERIE, you will receive a discount on your auto premium as well as your homeowners insurance premium.
Multi-car – If you insure two or more cars with ERIE and they are owned and used by the individual and/or relatives living in the same house, you receive a discount.

Driver-Related Discounts

Good drivers who have no accidents or violations receive the most competitive rates but there are other factors that can reduce your premiums even further including:

Driver training – If you have a young driver under age 21 insured who has completed an accredited driver-training course, you will receive a premium discount.
College student - Young, unmarried, full-time college students who spend most of the college term away from home without the use of an auto are eligible for this discount.
Age 55 & over – Cars driven primarily by an insured who is 55 and over receive a discount on the Bodily Injury, Property Damage, Medical Payments, Personal Injury Protection, Comprehensive and Collision premiums.
Accident Prevention Course (IL, NY, PA, TN, VA only) – If the principal operator is age 55, you may receive an additional discount in these states if you voluntarily and successfully complete an approved Motor Vehicle Accident Prevention Course.
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Life Multi-Policy Discount

You are eligible for an additional discount if a covered driver has a qualified Erie Family Life policy.

Vehicle-Related Discounts

You can save even more money on your auto insurance by choosing a vehicle with the following safety equipment:

Passive restraints – If your vehicle is equipped with factory-installed automatic seat belts or air bags, you will receive a discount on the Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection portion of your premiums.
Anti-Theft devices – You may receive a discount on the Comprehensive portion of your premium if your vehicle has active or passive anti-theft devices.
Anti-Lock brakes – Vehicles with factory installed anti-lock brake systems on all four wheels are eligible for this discount that applies to the Bodily Injury and Property Damage coverages.

If you are interested in obtaining more information or an auto quote, contact us.

Why Choose ERIE?

Many people choose Erie Insurance to insure their autos because of our competitive prices, but we are much more than that! We also provide the highest level of customer service, over 30 Xtra Features, flexibility and stability that ranks at the top of the industry.

Value

ERIE’s founding purpose, “To provide its Policyholders with as near perfect protection, as near perfect service, as is humanly possible, and to do so at the lowest possible cost,” is as true now as it was when the company was founded in 1925. Erie Insurance has grown to be among the most respected insurers in the country. ERIE is rated Superior by A.M. Best Company. We are committed to keeping your auto rates as low as possible by keeping our overhead low and carefully evaluating all applicants. We further reduce your rates by offering numerous discounts, which include:
• Safe Driver Discount
• Multi-Car Discount
• Age 55 or Over Discount
• Passive Restraints Discount
• Anti-Theft Devices Discount
• Anti-Lock Brakes Discount
• Multi-Policy Discount
• Payment Plan Discount
• Life Multi-Policy Discount (Not available in New York State)

ERIE’s Customer Incentive Program guarantees your auto rates will not be surcharged under the following circumstances:

• First Accident Forgiveness Plan. ERIE will not surcharge an auto policy written through our preferred plan in the event of a first “atfault” accident. (Waiting period applies in certain states.)

• Feature 15. After an auto policy has been in continuous force for 15 consecutive years with ERIE, you never will be surcharged for an atfault accident again.

Claims Service

We realize that each policy sold is a promise of service; a promise we’re prepared to keep. That’s why we use our own trained adjusters, whenever possible, insuring that your claim will be settled quickly and fairly by personnel who know our policy and understand our service philosophy.
Our claims services include:

• Contact Standards: ensures you’ll be promptly contacted after reporting a loss, in most cases that same day.

• After-hours Service: allows you to report losses after normal business hours, on weekends and on holidays by calling 1.800.367.3743.

• ERIEGlass^SM Program: simplifies the auto glass repair and replacement process. The program is designed to speed the claims process, to offer 24-hour claims reporting service and to be flexible enough to let you decide who should repair or replace your windshield.

• Direct Repair Program: allows you to select your own body shop or one of numerous participating body shops. Participating body shops will directly bill ERIE, less your deductible, as an added convenience to you.

It is because of this very commitment to the promise of service that ERIE continually receives distinguished marks for service from independent consumer organizations. And it is what has earned ERIE its long-standing reputation for providing fast, fair and courteous claims service

Policy Coverages

ERIE’s Family Auto Insurance Policy offers a complete line of quality coverages to meet your auto insurance needs. The amount of coverage depends on limits of coverage you purchase:

Bodily Injury Liability: covers your legal liability for bodily injury claims brought against you.

Property Damage Liability: covers your legal liability for property damage claims brought against you.

Medical Payments: covers the medical expenses for injuries sustained by you, resident relatives and other people in your auto as the result of an accident.**

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists: provides coverage when you are injured in an accident caused by another person who either has no insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover your damages. Some states require your underinsured motorist coverage to exceed the responsible party’s liability limits for the coverage to apply. Some states require that this coverage also include property damage.

Comprehensive: pays for damage to your auto and its equipment not caused by collision or upset. (Referred to as “other than collision” in VA.)

Collision: pays for damage to your auto and its equipment caused by collision or upset.

Xtra Features

Our Family Auto Insurance Policy provides added protection to your family with over 30 Xtra Features! Here are just a few of the Xtra Features you’ll find in our policy:

• ERIE will pay up to $300 a day ($200 in VA) for incurred loss of earnings for your assistance in our investigation or defense of a claim or suit filed against you.

• ERIE will pay up to $500 for the expense of bail bonds arising from an accident or related traffic violation.

• ERIE will pay up to $2,000 for loss to a nonowned trailer.

If physical damage is purchased:

• ERIE will waive your Comprehensive deductible when a damaged windshield is repaired rather than replaced.*

• ERIE will pay up to $350 for loss to personal effects resulting from a covered loss while the personal effects are in or upon an auto we insure. (Theft losses are covered if the entire vehicle is stolen.)

• ERIE will pay up to $50 for costs incurred for locksmith services if keys are accidentally locked in an auto we insure.

• ERIE will waive the collision deductible in the event of an accident between two autos insured by ERIE, or if the driver of an auto not insured by ERIE is identified, solely liable and insured. Damage to the insured vehicle must be greater than the deductible.

Flexible for your needs

The Family Auto Insurance Policy can be tailored to meet your needs for an additional premium.

Auto Enhancement Endorsement:
• Diminishing Deductible—For each claimsfree policy year, your deductible is reduced $100 up to a maximum of $500. (Cannot be reduced to less than $100 inPA)

• Deductible Waiver—Your comprehensive or collision deductible is not applied if the accident involves our property insured under an ERIE HomeProtector policy.

• Transportation Expense—ERIE will pay up to five days after we offer settlement of a total loss.

• Death Benefit—ERIE will pay $1000 if your death is the result of an auto accident.

• Increases the limits for Travel Cost, Personal Effects, Sound Equipment and Nonowned Trailers.

New Auto Security Coverage Endorsement:

• Replacement Cost Coverage—ERIE will pay to replace your auto if it is two years old or less and is a total loss.

• Repair Coverage—ERIE will pay to repair your auto, without a deductible for depreciation, if it is two tyearrs old or less and is not a total loss.

• Auto Lease/Loan Security Coverage— Coverage is provided for the difference between the actual cash value of the auto and the amount due under the terms of the lease/loan.

Incentives for you to join The ERIE Family!

Since 1925, the Erie Insurance Group has earned distinction as a pioneer in the insurance industry for its consistently high standards of superior service and innovative, quality coverages. The ERIE has maintained these high standards while providing the most comprehensive coverage at the lowest possible cost. As a further commitment to excellent service and the relationship we want to develop with you, The ERIE has two auto features for its Customer Incentives Program.

ERIE’s Customer Incentives Program Includes:

First Accident Forgiveness and Feature 15

What do these incentives mean to you as a member of the ERIE family?

Most insurance companies place a surcharge on your auto premium after an at-fault accident. Why a surcharge? Statistics show that once a person is involved in an at-fault accident, the likelihood of being involved in another accident is increased. When the risk increases, the cost of insurance increases. Therefore, the premium is increased (surcharged).

As one of our Customer Incentives, we have developed the First Accident Forgiveness plan. The ERIE will not apply a surcharge on the first surchargeable at-fault accident which is presented on an ERIE Pioneer Family Auto Insurance Policy written through the Erie Insurance Exchange Eligibility for this benefit begins after the policy has been continuously in force and free of any surchargeable accidents for three years.

We not only want your business now, but we want you to become a long-term member of the ERIE family. And because we want you to become part of the ERIE family, we have developed the Feature 15 plan. ERIE will not apply a surcharge for at fault accidents presented on a voluntary Pioneer Family Auto Insurance Policy which has been continuously in force with ERIE for 15 consecutive years. Does your present insurance company make a commitment like this?

About Your Family Auto Policy (Questions and Answers)

Why are auto insurance rates rising?
Insurance companies pay claims using the premium dollars collected from their policyholders. Higher car repair costs, higher medical bills, and an increase in the number and size of lawsuits filed for auto accidents have made claims more costly to settle. Rates must rise to keep up with these increasing expenses.

What should I do if an accident or loss occurs?

If you are involved in an accident or loss:

• Help any injured. Get names, addresses and auto license plate numbers of those involved, including all witnesses.
• Do not discuss an accident with anyone except the police or our representative.
• Protect your auto and any property from further damage.
• Promptly call the police if someone is injured, damage is extensive, or in case of theft. In the case of a “hit-andrun,” you must report the accident to the police within 24 hours or as soon as possible.
• Notify your Agent of the accident or loss.

Am I covered if I borrow someone else’s car?

ERIE will provide excess liability protection while you are using any auto or trailer not owned by you (except those furnished for use by any governmental agency or unit). Your ERIE policy will pay the amount for which you are liable for damage to other vehicles or property and injury to other persons that are not covered by the vehicle owner’s insurance. Your operation or use of a nonowned auto or trailer must be with the permission of the owner, or you must reasonably believe you have permission. Coverage for damage to the vehicle itself is provided, if at least one of your cars on your ERIE policy has comprehensive and collision coverage. However, this coverage pays only for damage that is not covered by the vehicle owner’s policy.

What are “Physical Damage Coverages?”

Comprehensive and collision coverages are the “Physical Damage Coverages.” Under Comprehensive coverage, we will pay for damage to your car and its equipment not caused by collision. Comprehensive coverage includes glass breakage, contact with persons, animals, birds, missiles, or falling objects. Under Collision coverage, we will pay for damage to your car and its equipment caused by collision or upset.

If I rent a car, will it be covered if I damage it?

Generally, private passenger autos you rent (including motor homes, pick-ups and vans) are covered for damage you cause to them, if they are not covered by the rental agency’s insurance. Coverage is available for up to 45 consecutive days.

If I loan my car to someone else, is there coverage?

Generally, anyone to whom you give permission to drive your car is covered under ERIE’s policy. Relatives who live in your home are automatically covered while driving your car. Drivers specifically excluded on your policy, however, are not covered. The name of any excluded driver should appear on the coverage sheet (Declarations) of your policy.

If I rent a truck or trailer to move, does my auto insurance provide any coverage?

Liability coverage for damage you do to other vehicles and property, or injuries you cause to other persons is the same as provided for a car. However, there is no coverage if the truck you rent has more than six wheels. This liability coverage also applies to a rented trailer.

ERIE also provides Physical Damage coverage while you or a relative are driving any “moving van” of four or six wheels, which you rent or borrow, if there is Physical Damage coverage on at least one vehicle on your policy. On all trucks with more than six wheels, we recommend you purchase the Collision Damage Waiver from the rental company. Damage to a rented trailer is covered up to $1,000. We suggest you purchase the coverage offered by the rental company if the trailer is worth significantly more than the $1,000 limit.

What is provided by the Liability Coverage in my policy?

Under your Liability Coverage, we agree to pay all sums you legally must pay as damages caused by an accident covered by the policy. The accident must arise out of the ownership, maintenance, use, loading, or unloading of an auto that ERIE insures. The damages must involve bodily injury, (physical harm, sickness or disease, including care, loss of services or resultant death) or property damage (including loss of the property use).

When should I add my children to my auto policy?

Your children should be added to your policy as soon as they obtain their valid driver's license.

What claims services can I expect from ERIE?

We realize that each policy sold is a promise of service; a promise we’re prepared to keep. That’s why we use our own trained adjusters, whenever possible, insuring that your claim will be settled quickly and fairly by personnel who know our policy and understand our service philosophy. Our claims services include:

• Contact standards ensuring you’ll be promptly contacted after reporting a loss, in most cases that same day.

• After-hours service allowing you to report losses after normal business hours, on weekends and on holidays, by calling 1.800.367.3743.

• ERIEGlass Program, 1.800.552. ERIE, simplifying the auto glass repair and replacement process. The program is designed to speed the claims process, to offer 24-hour claims reporting service and to be flexible enough to let you decide who should repair or replace your windshield.

• Direct Repair Program allowing you to select your own body shop or one of numerous participating body shops. Participating body shops will directly bill ERIE, less your deductible, as an added convenience to you.

It is because of this very commitment to the promise of service that ERIE continually receives distinguished marks for service from independent consumer organizations. And it is what has earned ERIE its longstanding reputation for providing fast, fair and courteous claims service.

Auto Xtra Features

ERIE claims you can’t buy the equal of its Pioneer Family Auto Policy at any price…

Here’s the proof!
• ERIE will waive the collision deductible in the event of an accident between two autos insured by ERIE, or if the driver of an auto not insured by ERIE is identified, solely liable and insured.*

• When transportation expense coverage for collision is purchased, ERIE pays transportation expenses beginning immediately after any collision loss if the auto cannot be driven— no waiting period.

• When purchased, any reasonable cost for road service and towing is covered.

• Our policy covers your transportation expenses beginning immediately after a covered comprehensive loss if the auto cannot be driven. Coverage is provided for up to $20 a day/$900 per loss.

• Our policy pays for first aid relief to persons and animals.

• Comprehensive coverage extends to damage caused by collision with a person as well as an animal or bird.*

• We will pay up to $50 for the costs incurred for locksmith services if keys accidentally are locked in an auto we protect.*

• Your comprehensive deductible will be waived when a damaged windshield is repaired instead of replaced. (Additional premium required in New York)*

• There is coverage for up to $350 for loss to personal effects, including clothes and luggage, resulting from a comprehensive or collision loss while the personal effects are in or upon an auto we insure. Theft losses are covered if the entire auto is stolen.*

• The policy will pay up to $75 per person for travel costs, including meals and lodging, when the auto becomes disabled due to a comprehensive or collision loss.*

• When it comes to liability protection, ERIE takes care of its Policyholders’ interests first.

• We will pay for damages to premises of any type and household goods for which our insured is responsible through a loss covered by this policy.

• Up to $50 coverage is provided for lawyer’s fees incurred by anyone we protect when arrested after an accident covered by the policy.

• We will pay up to $500 for the expense of bail bonds arising out of an accident or traffic violation.

• ERIE will reimburse you for the premium paid for up to 30 days to purchase coverage on an owned auto in a foreign country where this policy does not apply. (Not available in New York)

• If you purchase an additional or replacement private passenger auto or trailer within 30 days of the end of the policy period, we give you up to 60 days to report this change to us in order to keep the policy in force.

• If you purchase an additional or replacement private passenger auto or trailer and there is no comprehensive or collision coverage on the policy, ERIE will provide up to seven days of comprehensive and collision coverage, subject to a $500 deductible.

• Should a loss occur involving a replacement or additional vehicle, the broadest coverage purchased for any one vehicle listed on the Declarations will apply.

• Comprehensive and collision coverages, if purchased on an owned private passenger auto or trailer, will apply to a non-owned moving van.

* Denotes that these features are applicable if Physical Damage coverage is purchased.

Youthful Driver Safety Information

Why is safe driving so important?

Here are some real life facts about teenage drivers:

• Teenagers comprised 10 percent of the U.S. population in 2005 and 14 percent of all motor vehicle deaths.

• Male drivers 16–19 years old are involved in approximately four times as many nighttime fatal crashes per 100 million miles traveled as drivers 30–54 years old.

• More than half (54 percent) of all teenage motor vehicle deaths occur on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Half of teenage motor vehicle deaths in 2005 occurred between 3 p.m. and midnight.

• Thirty-seven percent of all deaths among 13–19 year olds resulted from motor vehicle accidents in 2003.

• Fifteen percent of fatally injured drivers in 2005 had blood alcohol concentrations at or above .08%.

STOP:
Please read these statistics again!

These statistics speak for themselves. They illustrate how extremely important it is to take driving an auto seriously.

What’s the bottom line?
To avoid becoming a statistic, please read, think about and use the following safety guidelines. By following these tips, you can directly affect your future auto insurance premiums and eligibility with a preferred or standard insurer.

Use your common sense for safe driving.
Your friends won’t have to pay the expensive ticket, the additional insurance costs or face the courts for criminal charges related to reckless driving. Don’t give in to “peer pressure!”

Take care of your auto. Check your:
• Tires
• Oil level
• State inspection—if applicable

Always be courteous.
• Don’t blind other drivers with your auto’s high beams.
• Be patient and considerate to others.
• Look before backing out of a parking space or entering traffic.

Don’t lend your auto.
• Always have permission to use an auto.
• Always have permission to lend an auto. Your insurance usually follows the auto, not the driver. If a friend wrecks your auto, your insurance pays for the damage.

Wear your seat belt.
Wearing your seat belt is the law in most states, but that’s not the only reason you should wear it. It will dramatically reduce your chances of receiving a head injury or being thrown from your vehicle if you are involved in an accident. Make sure your passengers buckle up, too.

Your safety is important to your family. If you won’t wear a seat belt for yourself, do it for the people who love and care about you.

Don’t drink and/or take drugs and drive.

The fact is, when you drink, even a small amount of alcohol can affect you. For example, one 12 oz. serving of beer contains 5 percent alcohol, or a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .02.

If your BAC is:	The result is:
.01–.02	Your judgement is affected.
.03–.05	Your reaction time is slowed.
.06–.10	Your judgement is seriously affected. Emotions and behavior become exaggerated.

When you drink and drive, you endanger yourself and others. This danger also exists when you take drugs and drive.

Know the rules of the road.
• Know your traffic signs.

Not obeying the rules of the road can result in traffic violations. They include:
• Speeding
• Reckless/improper driving
• Improper passing
• Hit-and-run or leaving the scene of an accident
• Drag racing on a public highway
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Drivers who incur traffic violations are more likely to be involved in accidents. Traffic violations usually mean traffic tickets, and you even can be jailed for the more serious offenses. And, they will increase your insurance costs.

A friendly warning about performance cars.
Performance cars are autos that have a powerful engine and a comparatively lightweight body. Claims experience shows that these cars are involved in more accidents than autos with engines having less horsepower.

Accidents with these cars often involve driving at excessive speeds. Therefore, we strongly urge you, or anyone driving a performance car, to drive with extreme care. Use common sense and drive within the speed limit.

Your personal driving habits directly affect your automobile insurance premium.*
For example, if you drive a non-performance type auto and have an accident/violation-free driving record, you will have a lower insurance premium. However, if you drive a non-performance type auto but have a driving record which includes accidents and/or violations, then your insurance premium will be higher by an average of 18 percent. If you drive a performance car with a clean driving record, your premium will be higher by an average of 17 percent. And if you drive a performance car with a driving record which includes accidents and/or violations, your insurance premium will be higher by an average of 38 percent.

If you drive a performance car and/or have a poor driving record, many insurers won’t insure you or will insure you at a much higher premium.

Now you know why safe driving is so important. Please, for yourself and those who care about you, accept the responsibility that driving an auto requires. Plan to drive safely.

Lookin’ Out, ERIE’s Safe Teen Driving Program

Erie Insurance is teaming up with students to encourage safe driving. Teens are lookin’ out for their friends by driving home safety messages about the dangers of the roads. Why? Because auto accidents are the number one killer of teenagers. In fact, thousands of young drivers die on our nation’s roads every year.

The goal of Lookin’ Out is simple:
• To save lives
• Encourage driver safety, especially among young drivers

But, Erie Insurance cannot accomplish this goal alone. High schools in areas where Erie Insurance operates have a unique opportunity to take an active role in raising the awareness of safe teen driving habits by becoming an official Lookin’ Out school.

With your commitment, Erie Insurance will provide each district with a step-bystep guide for implementing the Lookin’ Out program in your school. By actively participating, you can take an important step in saving lives. If you have questions or need more information, call (800) 458-0811,ext. 7154.