You try to do everything by the book, but not everyone does. You do your best to protect yourself and your vehicle with auto insurance, but uninsured drivers are out there every day. A 2011 study by the Insurance Research Council estimates that 1 in 7 drivers are uninsured. So chances are pretty good that you might wind up in an accident with a driver with no insurance. What happens now?

Luckily, you can protect yourself with Uninsured Motorist Coverage. This add-on policy is exactly what it sounds like: extra coverage that makes sure you aren't left holding the bill if you're injured in an accident with an uninsured driver. Expenses for injuries from car accidents can add up quickly, and without insurance, the financial hardships can be tough to overcome.

Another add-on is Underinsured Motorist Coverage. Some drivers meet the minimum state requirements for insurance, but the payouts are too small to help you in the case of serious injuries. That's where ERIE's coverage comes in, making sure that you get just compensation for your injuries—even if the other driver’s insurance isn’t sufficient to make that happen. 

We're just doing our best to look out for you. If you have any questions or are interested in adding uninsured or underinsured coverage to your policy, let us know, and we'll be glad to walk you through the whole process. Stay safe out there!

According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), everyone lives in a flood zone. Even those who don't live near water are at risk, because anywhere it rains, it can flood. Heavy rains, clogged or insufficient drainage systems, nearby construction projects, broken water mains and inadequate levees and dams can cause flooding that put your home and belongings at risk.

Your home is one of your greatest investments. It's important to prepare ahead should disaster occur. Here are three simple steps to help make sure you're ready in the event of a flood.

• Create a "flood file" and keep it in an accessible waterproof and fireproof container. It should contain a personal property inventory of your home, a copy of your insurance information, copies of any critical personal documents (e.g. social security cards, titles and deeds), and a CD backup of computer documents and digital photos.
• Prepare your home by making sure your sump pump works and has a battery backup, your gutters and downspouts are clear, your electronics and appliances are elevated, and any valuables and keepsakes are moved to a higher level.
• Develop an emergency plan that includes evacuation routes from home, work and school. Make sure that plan includes an out-of-town contact list that all family members can call in case you get separated. Also, create an emergency kit with extra drinking water, non-perishable food, first-aid materials, blankets, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries that can be grabbed easily if you need to evacuate.

It's important to know that most home policies don't cover flooding and just a few inches of water damage can cost thousands. To get an idea of what flooding can do, check out this interactive tool. And if you decide that flood insurance is something for you, check out what Foremost has to offer.

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.