WALKER MACCARTNEY

What to Do After an Accident

The screech of tires. The shriek of brakes. The tinkle of broken glass. These aren't sounds that anyone wants to hear, but car accidents are part of modern life. How you react after an accident can make the process of getting back on your feet a lot easier. So keep calm and start picking up the pieces. Here's a checklist to keep in mind:

 Get out of the way: If the accident happened in the middle of the street, move to the shoulder or another safe location to check the extent of damages.

 Check for injuries: Are you okay? Your passengers? The people in the other car? Safety should be your number one priority. If you're in doubt, call 911.

 Call the police if necessary: If there are injuries, extensive damage, property damage, or you need help moving your cars out of the roadway, call the police. Afterward, make sure you get a copy of their report.

 Exchange insurance information: So you can make a claim, make sure you get the other driver's name, phone number, address, license plate number, make, model and year of the vehicle, and insurance number. No need to discuss who's at fault in the accident. The claims investigation will clear that up.

 Document: Take careful note of the scene. If you have a smart phone or camera with you, pictures can be a huge help. If there are witnesses, don't interview them yourself—just get their name and number.

 Call your Agent: Call us any time, and we'll get the ball rolling on your claim right away.

And that's it—we'll take it from here. By keeping a cool head and following these simple steps, you'll have a great foundation to a quick, painless claim. Have other questions about what to do after an accident? We're always here to help.

*Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory information.

* * All insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described here; we can answer any questions you may have.

Something Old, Something New

Modern cars can be wonderful, but there's something about a classic that makes them timelessly beautiful. Take the Model T, for instance. It was one of the first cars ever mass-produced, but its distinctive high carriage, convertible roof and endearing headlights never go out of style.

Erie Insurance is a little like that Model T. We've been around a long time—in fact, the Model T was the most popular car when ERIE was founded way back in 1925. We got our start insuring cars, back when they were still new-fangled horseless carriages. And for the past 86 years, we've continued offering the same comprehensive, attentive and timeless service. It's just a part of who we are.

Don't get us wrong—there's a place for the new and modern. But when it comes to protection and service, you want the classic treatment. Come see why we are an award-winning car insurer, and how we can take care of your new-fashioned car with classic customer service.

*Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory information.

* *All insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described here; we can answer any questions you may have.

Human Happens

You probably come to a full halt at stop signs, always use your turn signals and never speed through a yellow light. But even the best drivers all have one thing in common: we're all human, and humans make mistakes.

Maybe you forgot to look both ways before making that right turn on red, or you were

following the car in front of you just a smidge too closely. It happens to the best of us. With most auto insurance companies, one human slip-up might be enough to send your premiums sky high. Luckily, Erie Insurance isn't like most insurance companies.

We offer two different types of accident forgiveness. First Accident Forgiveness lets you off the hook for your first at-fault accident, with no surcharge. The second is called Feature 15. This special forgiveness means that after 15 continuous years of holding your car insurance with ERIE, you'll never get surcharged for another at-fault accident again. It's just our little way of rewarding your loyalty.

So keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel and your head in the game. We never want you to have an accident. But just in case you, we'll help get you back on your feet as soon as you can.

Call us today to learn about how accident forgiveness and other discounts and extras can save you money on your auto insurance.

*All insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described here; we can answer any questions you may have.

Tires can help improve driving safety all year round

December 15, 2010
By Maureen Blaney Flietner

Today’s vehicles have flashy designs, brilliant engineering and clever gadgets—many of which help keep us safe on the road. With our eyes on all that, and our nerves stirred by snow and ice, who remembers the rolling rubber? Having the right tires can make a huge difference in driving safety.

A recent survey by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) found that nearly 11 percent of vehicles had at least one bald tire. That raises the risk of a crash in inclement weather. Why? Bald tires can more easily hydroplane, or skate, on water. Start to hydroplane and you’ve lost control of your vehicle.

  You now have a chance to “lock in” that competitive premium on your auto insurance so you’ll pay the same amount year after year.

Even if you have a claim, your rates won’t change until you make certain changes to your   policy, including:

• Add or remove a vehicle from your policy
• Add or remove a driver from your policy
• Change your primary residence
• Change policy coverages or pay plan, or gain or lose the Multi-Policy discount

 *The Rate Protection Endorsement is not available in all states and other restrictions may apply.

Call us for details.