Category: Insurance

by Justin Metz on October 22, 2021
Source: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/car-chip-shortage-2021

What do bicycles, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, refrigerators and kayaks have in common? They’ve all been in short supply at times during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The past year’s global health crisis has led to unprecedented changes in supply and demand. Production shutdowns sent the price of lumber sky-high. Months spent quarantining led homeowners to spend more time outdoors, some taking on more DIY renovation projects. And fear of the unknown led to hoarding and stockpiling.

Now, nearly two years after the pandemic began, the global supply chain has mostly stabilized. But there’s still one industry where shortages continue to abound: semiconductor chip manufacturing.

And the auto industry has been one of the hardest hit.

Why are computer chips putting the brakes on new car production? Keep reading to find out. Continue reading “Car Chip Shortage 2021: What’s Going On?” →

by Erie Insurance on October 19, 2021
Source: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/life-insurance-and-health-conditions

Whether you’re a young adult, stay-at-home parent or a retiree, you likely have a need for life insurance.

But wading through multiple policy options, benefit amounts, premiums and riders can be overwhelming. Does whole life or term life make more sense at this point in my life? Do I need $50,000 in coverage, $500,000 or even more? (Hint: visiting ERIE’s life insurance calculator may help.)

Combine that with concerns about health conditions you may have and it’s enough to deter a lot of folks from even exploring their options.

A 2021 study¹ from Life Happens found that 7 in 10 Americans say they “personally need life coverage”, yet only 52% of American adults actually have some type of life insurance coverage. One of the reasons often cited for not having it is that people wrongly assume they won’t qualify. (Check out ERIE’s list of five more reasons why people hold off buying life insurance.) Continue reading “Life Insurance and Health Conditions: A Deal Breaker?” →

by Erie Insurance on November 9, 2021
Source: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/winterizing-your-home-checklist

There’s no denying it: Winter is on its way.

Winterizing your home can help lower your energy bills, prevent bigger more costly repairs later on and reduce the risk of accidents like a home heating fire. (Side note: That’s why having the right homeowners insurance can give you peace of mind, too.)

Ready? Keep reading to walk through the big list of projects to tackle this fall, or download our free PDF printable on how to winterize your home. Continue reading “Checklist: How To Winterize Your Home To Save Money and Energy” →

By Justin Metz on April 30, 2020
Source: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/holiday-shopping-safety-tips

The average American plans to spend $998 on gifts and other holiday items this holiday season, according to the National Retail Federation. While that’s not as high as pre-pandemic years, it will still be a busy time for both online and brick and mortar retailers.

However, all that hustle and bustle can create opportunities for real-life grinches. This time of year, thieves, pickpockets and porch pirates are on the prowl to pilfer your packages. But you can outsmart them! Continue reading “Shopping Safety Tips for the Holidays” →

by Erie Insurance on October 13, 2021
Source: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/life-insurance-for-student-loans

A college degree is a necessary ticket to many careers – but it often comes with a steep price tag.

On average, class of 2019 college graduates borrowed $30,062 in loans, according to data reported to U.S. News. Meanwhile, the collective student loan debt in the United States is around $1.7 trillion.

Those numbers are concerning for college students, graduates and their families – especially parents who may have co-signed on private student loans.

Dealing with debt is one of the last things anyone wants to think about while they’re grieving. That’s why it helps to understand the financial ramifications of your student loans ahead of time – including how they could impact your family’s finances and credit if you’re gone.

It’s an uncomfortable question, but a common one: If I pass away unexpectedly, what happens to my student loan debt?

For personalized advice for your unique situation, consult a financial adviser or a lawyer. Generally speaking, here’s how it works. Continue reading “Can Life Insurance Cover Student Loan Debt?” →

by Justin Metz on September 15, 2021
Source: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/how-to-choose-second-location-for-business

You started your business with a dream. A vision for the future. And there’s no satisfaction like watching that dream come to fruition.

If business is booming and all your hard work is finally paying off, it’s natural to think about expansion. But how do you know when the timing is right to open a new location?

The truth is, there can be danger in growing your business too fast. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 20% of small businesses fail within the first year. And after five years, about half have closed up shop.

But time isn’t the only factor. Even if you’ve been operating for decades, scaling your business is still a difficult decision. Because a wrong move could jeopardize everything you’ve worked to build.

Are you ready to grow? Here are 9 things you should consider before opening your new location. Continue reading “Growing Your Business: 9 Tips for Opening a New Location” →

by Erie Insurance on September 10, 2021
Source: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/back-to-school-driving-tips

School is officially in session. And while kids are brushing up on their math and language arts skills, there are still lessons for the rest of us to learn, too – like: Is it ever OK to go around a stopped school bus? And how do I navigate the student drop-off and pickup lane?

This time of year, it’s important for drivers to slow down and keep an eye out for kids around schools and their neighborhoods. Whether you’re dropping off kiddos yourself or just driving through school zones on your commute, keep these driving tips in mind as kids head back to the classroom. Continue reading “Back to School: Essential Safety Tips for Drivers” →

by Justin Metz on August 16, 2021
Source: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/flat-tire-what-to-do

Whether you’re on your way to work, embarking on a family road trip or just running errands around town, there’s never a good time to get a flat tire. But it’s an unfortunate situation that most drivers find themselves in at some point.

While there’s not much you can do to prevent getting a flat tire, a little preparation can save you time and money when it does inevitably happen. Here, we cover some helpful tips to ensure you’re prepared in the event of a blowout.

What Are Common Causes of a Flat Tire?

As tires wear, they become more prone to puncture and damage. There are a number of issues that can cause a flat tire, including:

• Punctures: A puncture occurs when your tire runs over a sharp object such as a nail, a shard of glass or a piece of metal.
• Road hazards: The shock from hitting a pothole or driving over rough, uneven pavement can do enough damage to cause a flat tire.
• Air leaks: Over time, your tire can develop a leak around the bead area (where it seals against your wheel) or in the valve stem (where you inflate the tire). While these leaks may be slow at first, they can eventually lead to a flat tire.
• Wear and tear: Tires don’t last forever. As they wear, low tread levels or cracked, aging rubber can cause leaks.
• Vandalism: Sadly, it’s not uncommon for tires to be targeted during acts of vandalism. When this happens, they can be cut, punctured or deflated.

Continue reading “I Got a Flat Tire… Now What?” →

by Erie Insurance on August 17, 2021
Source: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/scenic-drives-in-ohio

Can you remember the last time you drove for no other reason than to explore? Or took the long way home on purpose? It’s a freeing experience—to drive down the interstate, onto rural routes, and through the tree-lined backroads of the countryside.

Thankfully, Ohio is home to many roads and byways that are perfect for your next scenic drive; you may even want to find and explore some diversions along the way! To make your life easier, we have built a list of our top five scenic drives in Ohio. It’s time to pack some snacks, queue your road trip playlist and get lost in the natural beauty of your surroundings.

For a safe and stress-free drive, make sure you have the right auto insurance to protect the vehicle that makes it all possible. Continue reading “Top 5 Scenic Drives in Ohio” →

by Erie Insurance on August 4, 2021
Source: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/best-rv-campgrounds-in-ohio