1. What is a smart key or keyless ignition system?
Smart keys, or keyless ignition systems, usually consist of a device (also known as a key fob or a FOB) that takes over the functions of a traditional metal key. Verification of the correct device is done electronically when a driver attempts to start a vehicle, usually by pushing a button or turning a rotary switch.

2. Why was keyless ignition developed?
It's mostly about convenience and ease of use since you no longer have to dig a key out of a bag or pocket to start your car. Furthermore, some keyless ignition systems offer other benefits. For instance, some cars can recognize when your key is still in the car and will prevent you from locking it in there. Some models can even keep you up to date on car maintenance and service. For example, BMW's system can receive service data from the car, which can then be read in the service department without the car being physically present. Finally, some models have customization settings that allow different drivers to easily customize different seat settings and more.

3. Are all keyless ignition systems the same?
Keyless ignition systems differ across models. Push buttons are the most common, but there are also rocker-type switches that must be flipped and rotary switches that must be rotated similar to the traditional ignition switch that is turned with a key.

Systems differ in alerts given to a driver if an unsafe condition occurs. (For instance, not putting the transmission in “park” before shutting down the propulsion system or leaving the vehicle while the propulsion system is still active.) It’s best to refer to your owner’s manual for further details on how your vehicle is operated in normal and emergency situations and for the alerts that your vehicle sounds.

4. When did keyless ignition systems become available in America?
Keyless ignition systems first became available in the early 2000s in luxury model cars. Since then, they’ve migrated to more mainstream vehicles.

5. What are the dangers with vehicles that feature these systems?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has concerns about:

Drivers who shut off the propulsion system without putting their vehicle in “park” and walk away from the vehicle, leaving it prone to roll away
Drivers who do put their vehicle in park, but inadvertently leave the propulsion system active, increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in a closed environment
Drivers who do not know how to shut down the propulsion system of their vehicle in the event of any on-road emergency.

6. What can I do to make sure my car is turned off?
Follow some basic safety tips like making sure your car is in “park” before shutting down the propulsion system, making sure the propulsion system is shut down, applying the vehicle’s parking brake and checking your driver’s manual for detailed instructions on how to operate your vehicle properly.  Also watch the NHTSA safety video below to get even more ideas on how on to safely use your keyless ignition system.
- See more at: http://bit.ly/1SNCKxh

The trees in your yard can enhance your property, provide shade and offer abundant environmental benefits. However, trees can also pose a safety hazard to your family and your home if they are not properly inspected and maintained.

​Trees can present a particularly significant danger during a storm. Wind, lightning, snow and ice can all transform a tranquil row of trees into an imminent threat to your property. Proper tree maintenance involves more than pruning and trimming overgrown branches. These are some of the key steps you can take to protect your trees and prevent them from becoming a safety hazard.

Steps to Take Before a Storm

• Remove any dead trees on your property.
• Enhance the health of trees through timely watering, proper fertilization and protection from soil compaction. Healthy trees will be able to better adapt to changes in the environment, remain firm in the wind and react more effectively to damage.
• Regularly prune dead or broken limbs to help trees maintain their structural integrity. In addition, thin excess branches every three to five years. For more information, visit arborday.org.
• Remove or treat pest problems as soon as you spot them to minimize potential damage to trees. Be careful not to over-treat tree hollows, and do not remove decayed wood from hollows unless it falls away in your hands. Cleaning hollows can cause additional internal damage to trees. If possible, cover the opening to hollows.

Six Signs to MonitorWhen performing maintenance on the trees in your yard, please make safety a priority. If you are unable to safely prune or remove trees and limbs, contact a professional tree-care service or arborist to help you do so. It may be a good idea to consult with a professional if the trees in your yard already display any of the following characteristics:

• Cracks in the trunk or major limbs.
• Signs of hollowing and decay.
• Mushrooms growing from the bark.
• Significant leaning to one side.
• Limbs in contact with power lines.
• Branches hanging over your house.
  • Although the branches may not be touching your house under normal conditions, high winds can cause trees and branches to bend or break.

Your car has battled snow, ice, salt and potholes for months on end. Needless to say, some TLC is definitely in order to help your car recover from winter. Here are eight areas of your car you’ll want to check (or have checked) now that winter’s in the rearview mirror.

• Tires. Now is the time to swap your snow tires for your all-season tires. If you kept your all-season tires on all winter, you’ll want to have them rotated. That’s because the drive wheels get worn down faster in all conditions, but especially in harsh winter conditions. By having them regularly rotated (about every 3,000 to 6,000 miles), they will more evenly distribute the wear-and-tear and extend the life of your tires.
  
  Also, if you’re keeping your all-season tires on all year, make sure to check the tire pressure. Cold air lowers tire pressure, which reduces the traction your tires have with the road. The tire pressure may have improved automatically when the weather warmed up, but it’s still best to check. (If one tire is particularly low, it could mean there’s a puncture or leak.)
• Windshield wiper blades. Your wiper blades were probably working overtime removing snow and slush off your windshield. That, along with the fact that cold temperatures wear down blades, means you’ll want to inspect them in the spring. Replace them if they look worn, squeak or don’t completely clear water off your windshield.
• Body of the car. The salt used on winter roads can corrode your car, which can cause rust to form. This is especially true when it comes to the car’s underbody.
  
  Get things under control by taking your car to a car wash that has high-pressure regular and under-sprays. It will clear off the salt, which will let you inspect your car for any small pits and bubbles that could be the start of a rust spot. Definitely take your car to a shop if you notice the beginnings of a rust spot. Before next winter, you might also want to stop back to have your car pre-treated with an oil solution under-spray that will help resist winter road salt damage.
• Brakes. Brakes work harder in the winter, so it’s a good idea to give a close listen to them. If they make any strange noises, take your car to a pro ASAP. You might also consider having your brake pads and drums checked, especially if your car is on the higher end of the mileage spectrum. It’s easy to become used to the feel of worn brakes.
• Fluids. It’s important to check your car’s fluid levels since cars tend to use more fluids in the winter. Have a pro check your brake, oil, windshield, coolant, battery and transmission fluid levels. Also ask him or her to test your battery’s charge since extremely cold temperatures can take a toll on batteries. (Some auto supply stores will test your battery for free–call ones in your area to find out of they offer complimentary service.)
• Engine air filter. A clean engine air filter helps the engine take in fresh, clean air. If it’s clogged, the engine has to work harder. That can lower your fuel economy, so make sure to replace your engine air filter about every 15,000 miles.
• Interior of car. Now is the time to wash the floor liners, vacuum and clean out any trash that’s accumulated. You might also consider applying a protective dressing to the interior vinyl to give it a barrier against the sunshine-filled days ahead.
• Alignment. Potholes can knock your car out of alignment. If your car pulls in one direction instead of maintaining a straight path, it could be out of alignment. Have a pro check its alignment if that’s the case. (Also check in with your state or city to see if they accept pothole claims for damage your car sustains on a state or city roadway.)

Next, learn how you can help your home recover from winter.
- See more at: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/2014/car-recover-from-winter?utm_source=eriefacebook&utm_medium=eriesocial&utm_campaign=general#prclt-df0r61O1

In an emergency, police, fire and rescue workers depend on house numbers to find YOU as quickly as possible. Finding your home - especially at night - can be challenging if address numbers are unreadable, hidden, unlighted or have missing numbers and may delay emergency responders from getting to you as quickly as possible.

Are your house numbers visible from the street? Are they set on a background of contrasting color? If your house is hidden from the street, are your numbers attached to a visible fence, mailbox or gate? Is your mobile home identified with your house number? If you live on a corner, does your house number face the street named in your address?
​
If you've answered "no" to any of these questions, please follow the guidelines below to make sure your house number is easy to read:

1. Numbers must be visible from the street. Existing residential home numbering can be 3 1/2 inches high, however new residential homes must be at least 5 inches high and if you replace existing numbers they must be at least 5 inches high.
2. Numbers should be placed on a contrasting background, with a reflective coating on the numbers for easy visibility at night.
3. Repair or replace aging address number placards, especially on mailboxes that are a distance from the front of the residence.
4. Prune any bushes, tree limbs or other growth that has covered your house numbers.
5. Numbers should be placed on or beside the front door. If your door is not easily seen from the street, put the numbers on a post, fence or tree at the driveway entrance so they can be clearly seen from the street. In addition to numbers on the front door of your house, if you have a rural-style mailbox, reflective and contrasting numbers should be placed on both sides of the box so they can be seen by an emergency vehicle approaching from either direction.

Most of us will never own a Picasso or a Rembrandt. But we may own (or someday own) a pricey piece of art. And that brings up the issue of how to insure fine art.

When you think of separately insuring a pricey item, many people think of engagement rings and other kinds of jewelry. But extra coverage can also come in handy for anything from a valuable stamp collection to an expensive fur to—you guessed it—fine art.


At ERIE, your art coverage is included in your personal property limit on your homeowners policy or renters policy. That should be sufficient for the vast majority of people who own fine art.
Yet maybe you inherited or bought a piece by a real master. If that’s the case, you’ll want to consider a separate endorsement for your fine art.
Even if your fine art is covered under your homeowners or renters policy, you may still want to endorse it under your policy. Doing so can let you choose a different deductible for your fine art than the regular policy deductible, modify the coverage or change how a loss would be settled.

Getting your fine art appraised
When it comes to how to insure fine art, one thing you’ll definitely want to do is get it appraised. An appraisal can help ensure that you’d be properly compensated if your art was stolen or damaged.
An appraiser may authenticate your art to make sure it’s not forged. There are several ways to check a painting’s authenticity:

• Examine the signature
• Check the artistic style and ability
• Look at the construction and back of the canvas (A forged painting often has irregular or uneven paint on the edge of the canvas and is stark white on the back—forgers typically don’t vary the heaviness of paint used.)
• Assess the past history of sale (known as the provenance) and any certificate of authenticity

A similar process is used if you own an original, limited edition print. An extra step an appraiser will check is the fraction number at the bottom of the print that indicates how many prints were made.
It’s a good idea to get an appraisal every few years since fine art prices can fluctuate. Make sure to save any appraisal documents with the bill of sale, certificate of authenticity and past history of sale. It’s also a good idea to take some photos of your art and include them in your home inventory.


Have more questions about how to insure fine art? Then contact an insurance professional like an Erie Insurance agent in your community.

While snow-covered roofs can make for a picturesque winter scene, the combination of freshly fallen snow with the melting and refreezing of snow can place stress on the roof of your home or business. If more than a foot of heavy, wet snow and ice have accumulated on the roof, you should have it removed.

Snow Removal Tips:
Clearing the snow off your roof from the gutters or eaves upwards of three to four feet after each winter storm can help prevent ice dams from forming. Remember to avoid using a ladder in snowy and icy conditions. This can be extremely dangerous and is best left to professionals.

For Flat Roofs: If your flat roof is easily accessible from an interior stairway, you may want to shovel the roof, but be careful not to damage the roof covering.
Remember to put safety first any time you are on a roof, especially one that is covered in snow and ice. If you have any doubt, leave it to professionals.

For Sloped Roofs: It may be possible to remove the snow and ice from your sloped roof using a roof rake – a long-handled tool designed specifically for this purpose. Stand on the ground and pull as much of the snow off the eaves as you can safely reach.

If you cannot safely reach the roof, contact a home builder, landscaping and roofing contractor, or property maintenance company to remove the snow and ice. Before hiring a contractor, check their references. Always be sure any contractor you hire is qualified, insured and bonded.

​The amount of snow and ice your roof can support will depend on a number of factors, including the roof type as well as the age and condition of the structure. But a good rule to keep in mind is if more than a foot of heavy, wet snow and ice has accumulated on your roof, you should have it removed.

No excuse in the book will change the fact that driving drunk is not OK. And you’ve probably heard them all:
I’ve only had a few.
I’ll be fine. I’ve driven buzzed before.
I live 5 minutes away, so driving is safer than walking back.
Don’t worry, I know where the checkpoints are – I won’t get pulled over.

It’s a scientific fact: The more alcohol you consume, the more your judgement is impaired. (Anyone who’s woken up to a cringeworthy text could tell you that.) With that in mind, it’s more important than ever to get a designated driver before you pop the bubbly this New Year’s Eve.
Bonus: In today’s tech-driven era, finding a DD is as easy as opening an app on your phone. So don’t make excuses. This year, make a plan.

1. Call an Uber or Lyft
Uh-oh – you said you’d just stay for one drink, but now you’re breaking out your impressions of the 2016 presidential candidates. It’s time to put away your keys.
In the moment, a sober driver is just a few taps away with Uber or Lyft. Better yet? Promo codes are easy to come by to lower the cost, especially for first-time riders. Check out this $20 credit from rideshare.services.
2. Hail a cab
Pro tip: In many cities, fares are discounted or even free on Dec. 31. Check with your local municipality to see if local businesses or nonprofits are sponsoring free cab rides. (And don’t forget to tip your driver!)
3. Ask a friend or family member
Not everyone is into champagne and sparklers on New Year’s Eve. Sometimes, all you have to do is ask a sober pal to be on deck when you’re ready to call it a night. For good karma, return the favor by DDing next time, treating them to a thank-you dinner or buying a gas card.
4. BeMyDD
Looking for a sober ride home, but don’t want to worry about picking up your car in the morning? Hire someone to drive your car for you with BeMyDD. They’re available by phone or with an app in 76 cities in 31 states – the self-proclaimed largest designated driver service in the country. Pricing is by the hour, not by destination, so you can stop to pick up friends (or a drive-through burger) while you’re safely whisked away home.
5. Consult the Web
In the Internet era, you really don’t have the excuse of saying you couldn’t find a DD. For more resources, check out the National Directory of Designated Driver Services or this comprehensive list from AAA.
Don’t forget: If you’re hosting a New Year’s party with excessive alcohol, most states will hold you responsible for your guests’ actions behind the wheel. In those states, anyone injured by a drunk driver has the right to sue the host of the party who served the alcohol. Sometimes, criminal charges may even apply. Know your host liquor liability and make sure your guests have a safe and sober ride home.

​- See more at: https://www.erieinsurance.com/Blog/2015/designated-driver-for-new-years?utm_source=eriefacebook&utm_medium=eriesocial&utm_campaign=general#sthash.DEybuKnX.dpuf