Frequently Asked Questions

In most states, ERIE will pay up to $500 per tree and $1000 per occurrence to have fallen trees removed if windstorm, hail or weight of ice, snow or sleet cause trees to fall on your premises. And if the trees or branches fall on and damage your dwelling, detached structures, or other covered property, ERIE will pay the expense of having the debris removed.

No, the Policyholder has the right to take the settlement and build elsewhere. However, the loss of settlement will not include the value of the land, and the limit of insurance may not be enough to totally rebuild in another place. Also, when replacement cost is computed, values of foundations, excavations, and items below the surface are not added in.

Personal Property Coverage is extended from an existing policy as long as the individual or family has a policy in effect. The insured will have coverage for that property in storage.

Here is a list of options that can get you a discount on your homeowners insurance:
• Having a new home.
• Multi-Policy discount.
• Higher Deductibles.

No, our homeowners policy excludes water damage caused by flood and surface water and there is no way to buy back that exclusion. Flood coverage is underwritten by the Federal Government.

Yes, your premium will increase if you report any type of loss to your insurance.

There are two types of alarms that you can put in your household that will give you a credit towards your home insurance.

Type 1: Central station fire or burglary alarm. This alarm rings directly to a security office, police station, or fire department.

Type 2: Fire or burglary alarm system that does not directly report to authority. For example, a smoke alarm.

You have two options to choose from, the primary driver and an occasional driver. The primary driver is the individual who drives the covered vehicle more than any other person in the household. An occasional driver is any person in the household who drives the covered vehicle, regardless of frequency.

The full tort option gives you and the covered members of your household the unrestricted right to sue for non-economic damages in exchange for a higher rate.

It’s an optional policy that covers the cost of towing or immediate roadside repair (like fixing a flat or jump-starting the battery). It does not cover the costs of any repairs done at a garage or service station.

It’s an optional policy endorsement that helps pay the cost of renting a car while your auto is being repaired for a covered event. (This means you usually need to carry collision and comprehensive to qualify.) Your premium is decided by the amount of reimbursement you want per day.

It’s the amount of money that you agree to pay before a certain auto insurance costs by eliminating small or frivolous claims. The higher the deductible you’re willing to pay, the lower the premium you earn. Collision and comprehensive policies almost always carry deductibles, and sometimes PIP and medical payment policies do too.

This policy covers the cost of repairs to or replacement of your vehicle should be stolen, vandalized, stuck in a hit-and-run, or damaged by an “act of God.” Covered events vary from policy to policy but usually include fire, flood, and falling objects. This policy is always optional.

This policy helps pay for repairs or fair market replacement cost if your car is damaged in an accident caused by you or an authorized driver. This policy is always optional.

Here is a list of possibilities why you pay more for your auto insurance:
• Accidents (the more accidents you have, the higher your surcharge will be.
• Traffic violations (speeding, etc.).
• Driving under the influence.
• Driving without a license or with a suspended license

Here is a list of discounts available to help you save money:
• Multipolicy discount.
• Two or more cars on a policy.
• Your age and annual mileage driven.
• Policy renewal with a good claim and driving record.
• A parent or family whose young driver is away at school without a car.

Factors that affect your premium include your age, marital status, driving record, claims history, garages address, type of car, how your use your car, and your credit score.

If you want to lower your monthly premium, or buy more coverage for less money, one way is to carry a higher deductible. A higher deductible also may make sense if you believe that your chances of making a claim are remote enough to warrant assuming extra financial risk.

It depends on the type of policy you own. But in general, unless you buy additional coverage, you won't be compensated for losses due to floods, earthquakes, nuclear accidents, wars, intentional damage, and normal wear and tear. Other exclusions may also apply.

A home can require a tremendous investment of money, time, and energy. Homeowners insurance is designed to protect that investment by insuring the actual structure or structures and the personal possessions in and around them, as well as providing liability protection for the residents. Through homeowner's insurance, you can protect yourself and your family from enormous loss in the event of damage or destruction to your home and property. Most likely, if you have a mortgage on your home, you are required to carry homeowner's insurance.

You can purchase additional coverage, through an endorsement to your existing policy or with a separate policy, to extend the limits of coverage for specific items.

After an accident or theft recovery, if the insurance company decides your car is "totaled," it means the estimate of repairs exceeds the car's value. At this point, the insurance company will likely send you a check for your car's value. It gets to keep your car unless you make arrangements to buy it back "as is".

If you were not at fault in the accident, you will make a third-party claim to the at-fault driver's insurance company. Because you are the claimant, the insurance company typically will issue the check directly to you. It's your responsibility to pay the repair shop, and the lender if you have a car loan. If the other driver doesn't have insurance, your uninsured motorist coverage will take effect.