Ask ERIE: Why did my neighbor’s homeowners insurance premium go up, without a claim?

Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF
Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC
tim@mcelhinny.com
412.650.5700


Ask ERIE: Why did my neighbor’s homeowners insurance premium go up, without a claim?


Pricing homeowners insurance is complex, and there are probably several reasons behind your neighbor’s homeowners insurance premium increase. They could include:
1. Inflation: Increases in the value of his dwelling, the other structures on his property and the replacement cost of his property would make his premium go up. “Though there’s an increase, it’s really a good thing since it means your property is adequately covered,” says Terry McConnell, ERIE’s vice president and manager, Personal Lines Underwriting.
2. Increased catastrophes: The increased frequency and severity of catastrophes over the past five years have made homeowners prices more volatile than auto insurance prices since you can’t exactly move your home out of harm’s way.
Sometimes, less newsworthy weather events cause the most damage. “People always think of hurricanes when they think of catastrophes, but some of our biggest losses come from thunderstorms, hail, winter storms and tornados,” says McConnell.
Insurers adjust prices based on how much damage your particular state experienced. If your state didn’t suffer much, you can typically expect little or no increase.
3. Construction costs driven by a shortage of materials: Even if a catastrophe occurs on the other side of the country, it can still have implications on your neighbor’s homeowners rate. That’s because widespread damage causes a shortage of building materials, which drives up their price for everyone. (Labor shortages increase the cost of construction projects as well.)
4. Changes in previous discounts: Finally, your neighbor might have seen an increase in his homeowners premium if some of his discounts were reduced or expired. For example, a new home discount will lessen as a home ages.
ERIE offers many home insurance values and discounts to offset any premium increases.* To learn more, visit erieinsurance.com or contact an ERIE Agent.
Insurance question have you stumped? Then email it to Eriesense@erieinsurance.com for possible inclusion in an upcoming Ask ERIE column.

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* Discounts are subject to eligibility criteria and applicable rate and rules. Actual savings vary.


Nothing on this Web page constitutes an offer of insurance. Eligibility for
insurance coverage will be determined at the time of application, based
upon the insurer’s underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.
The insurance products referenced in this Web page may be altered by the
insurer at any time. All insurance products are subject to terms, conditions
and exclusions not described on this Web page.
This Web page is not secure. Do not use this Web page to communicate
confidential or personal information.
Coverages cannot be bound or altered via this Web page.
Claims may be reported to Erie Insurance by calling the Erie Insurance
24-hour claim service at 1-800-458-0811

How to Avoid a Parking Lot Accident.

Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF
Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC
tim@mcelhinny.com
412.650.5700

How to Avoid a Parking Lot Accident

By: Amanda Prischak

October 11, 2013

Car Sense

There’s a whole lot more than parking happening in parking lots. Dodging near misses, getting cut off, searching for a spot, fretting about cars and carts dinging your vehicle–parking lots can be stressful places. And a parking lot accident is often the worst fear of all.
Twenty percent of all accidents happen in parking lots. What’s more, 52 percent of injuries resulting from backover accidents happen when a vehicle backs into a person in a parking lot.
“Many crashes happen in parking lots, and it’s not always easy to avoid them when other drivers aren’t paying attention or are backing out of a space,” says Russ Rader, senior vice president of communications at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep you, your car and others safe.

1. Sloooowww down and proceed with caution. It’s common sense, but a parking lot accident could be avoided by driving at a school-zone speed, keeping your headlights on and using extra caution when turning or backing up.
2. Correctly set your side mirrors. Many drivers could benefit from moving the side mirrors further out. Also consider adding blind spot mirrors to your side mirrors.
3. Embrace technology. “If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, you might consider buying one with collision avoidance technology,” says Rader. Initially just in luxury cars, these technologies are now in many mainstream family vehicles.
   • Rear view cameras display what’s behind your car on a screen. If you’re not in the market for a new car, consider installing a standalone backup camera in your current car.
   • Radar and ultrasonic systems beep when they detect an object
     behind your car. (Some will even automatically apply the brakes.)
   • Vehicle cross traffic alert systems use sensors to apply the
     brakes when a vehicle is approaching.
   • Parking assist systems will automatically park your car for
     you. (No more parallel parking!)
4. If possible, park far away from other cars. Walking is good for you anyway.
5. Look for pull-through spots. They spare you from having to back out later.
6. Be extra careful on gusty days. Strong winds can easily knock a door or a cart into your car.
7. Keep an eye out for stray carts. They can do a number on your vehicle.

If you want to go a step further, try shopping on low-volume days. The Time Use Institute reports that the busiest grocery day and time is Saturday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The least crowded days are Mondays and Tuesdays, especially after 6 p.m.
Of course accidents can still happen even if you’re cautious and do all your shopping at midnight. That’s why it’s important to have collision insurance, which covers damage your car sustains whether it’s your fault or not. That means you’re covered whether you accidentally crash into a lamppost or if your parked car is majorly dinged. That’s reassuring–especially if you’re among these five most notoriously bad parkers.

Nothing on this Web page constitutes an offer of insurance. Eligibility for
insurance coverage will be determined at the time of application, based
upon the insurer’s underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.
The insurance products referenced in this Web page may be altered by the
insurer at any time. All insurance products are subject to terms, conditions
and exclusions not described on this Web page.
This Web page is not secure. Do not use this Web page to communicate
confidential or personal information.
Coverages cannot be bound or altered via this Web page.
Claims may be reported to Erie Insurance by calling the Erie Insurance
24-hour claim service at 1-800-458-0811

http://www.mcelhinny.com/blog/how_to_avoid_a_parking_lot_accident.aspx

Warm Up Your Autumn Nights with Outdoor Fires

Warm Up Your Autumn Nights with Outdoor Fires


Outdoor fires are a popular, and warm, way to carry summer fun into fall. My family in particular loves nothing better than a warm fire around our fire pit when friends and family are visiting, and we have no shortage of wood and marshmallows stashed for these spur of the moment occasions. If you’re new to hosting outdoor fires, here are tips to help you get started.
How to Choose Your Outdoor Fireplace—Buy or Build?
If you don’t own a “container” for your fire, there are a couple options to choose from: purchase one, such as a metal fire pit, a fire bowl, fire cage or chiminea, from a local home/hardware store, such as Lowe’s or the Home Depot, or build a fire pit yourself. The sales representatives at these stores will help you pick out your perfect pit or point you in the right direction and give you tips if you plan to build one.
Give Your Fire Pit a Checkup
If you already have something that serves as an outdoor fireplace, you’re one step ahead. But before you get the fire rolling, inspect your fire pit/bowl/chiminea for any rust, if it has metal parts, or cracks to make sure the apparatus is still in usable condition. If it’s an in-ground pit, inspect the setup to make sure it’s still a sound structure.
Check the Weather and Local Laws Before Striking a Match
Always remember before building a fire to consider the weather conditions and local ordinances. Attempting to light a fire on a really windy day could have an unfortunate ending. Burning material can get blown into dry debris or worse, a house. And burning in a backyard against regulations can have financial consequences.
To reduce the risk of a sudden gust ruining your fun (the kind even weather can’t predict):

• Place your fire pit out in the open on a flat surface at least 10 feet away from any potential hazard. Outdoor fire hazards include trees and low hanging branches, dry debris such as leaf piles and twigs, other close greenery and wooden structures such as homes and pavilions.
• Pick up leaves and twigs close to the site beforehand.
• Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby as a safety precaution.

To keep up with burn bans, contact your local fire department.
How to Get the Fire Started
A fire should start small by using paper, twigs or starter logs that can be bought from local stores. Gradually build up the fire with slightly larger pieces of wood. Logs or branches should never hang over the edge or outside of the fire pit.
Cut large branches into smaller pieces before using them to fuel your fire.
Also, never use an accelerant, such as gasoline or lighter fluid, to get the fire started. It is a dangerous practice, burns off quickly and will not sustain the fire.
Before You Go…
Never leave your fire unattended. Even an enclosed fire burning apparatus can lose hot embers. Have an adult monitor the fire, especially if there are small children around. When the fire dies down, put it out by pouring water over the embers.
Even after the water, the fire may not be completely put out. The US Fire Administration states that 16% of outdoor fires are attributed to hot or smoldering objects, such as hot embers or ash. Keep an eye on the extinguished fire until the embers stop steaming. If it’s a stubborn fire, use sand to help extinguish it. (Just remember to clean out the sand before the next burning.)
Have some fun!
Fire pits are great centers for gatherings and hangouts. Following these guidelines will help you to have safe and enjoyable experiences. Grab some friends, marshmallows and roasting sticks, or just a chair to relax in and take advantage of this fantastic season in the great outdoors.


Nothing on this Web page constitutes an offer of insurance. Eligibility for
insurance coverage will be determined at the time of application, based
upon the insurer’s underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.
The insurance products referenced in this Web page may be altered by the
insurer at any time. All insurance products are subject to terms, conditions
and exclusions not described on this Web page.
This Web page is not secure. Do not use this Web page to communicate
confidential or personal information.
Coverages cannot be bound or altered via this Web page.
Claims may be reported to Erie Insurance by calling the Erie Insurance
24-hour claim service at 1-800-458-0811