A variety of questions are being delivered to the forefront throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) disaster. And never surprisingly, inquiries about automobile insurance coverage are amongst them.
If I’m not driving, do I actually need insurance coverage? What might occur to my automobile if I’m not driving it as usually? Will the price of my auto insurance coverage be impacted?
Excellent news: At ERIE, you get your very personal native insurance coverage agent who will help reply any questions on your particular coverage. (Been some time? Schedule a fast telephone name for a no-obligation protection checkup.) For the most recent information about how ERIE is responding to the pandemic, go to our COVID-19 Info Heart.
As for these different head-scratchers? Listed below are some belongings you may need puzzled about your auto protection within the time of the COVID-19.
CAR INSURANCE AND CORONAVIRUS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- I’m not driving. Ought to I cancel my coverage? Whereas it might be tempting, canceling your auto insurance coverage ‒ even for those who’re not driving your car ‒ is rarely a good suggestion. It might probably go away your automobile susceptible within the occasion of a hearth, theft or different harm that could possibly be lined by complete insurance coverage. And a lapse in protection additionally could make insurance coverage costlier whenever you determine to insure the car once more. Canceling your auto insurance coverage may additionally topic you to fines out of your state’s division of motor autos, and even be unlawful. When you’re on the lookout for methods to save lots of, contact your native ERIE agent to speak by way of your choices and study any out there reductions.
- Is ERIE providing reductions to auto insurance coverage clients? To help our clients throughout this difficult time, ERIE is offering $200 million in dividends (aid funds in New York) on to our private and business auto insurance coverage clients with insurance policies in power as of April 1, 2020. This rapid aid represents about 30% of two months’ associated auto insurance coverage premiums. There’s no must name your ERIE agent or request a verify – eligible clients have been despatched a verify in Could. (Questions? Ask your native agent.) Be taught extra about our buyer dividends, introduced April 21, 2020.
- Is ERIE decreasing charges for patrons, since individuals are driving much less? For long-term, regular and steady aid, we’re decreasing auto insurance coverage charges for private and business clients. Pending regulatory approval, price reductions will fluctuate by state and will probably be based mostly on individually bought insurance policies and protection choices. As soon as accepted, premium changes will take impact on the time of renewal and the estimated complete will present a further $200 million in monetary aid to ERIE clients.Be taught extra about our price reductions, introduced April 9, 2020.
- How can I maintain my automobile in fine condition after I’m not driving it? Batteries. Gas. Tires. There are a variety of issues you should think about in case your car goes to remain parked for some time. Get fast ideas for secure automobile storage on this associated article.
- How can I keep socially distant if I’m in a automobile accident? Accidents occur… even when there’s a pandemic. Within the occasion you get in a automobile accident, keep calm and comply with CDC tips for social distancing as a lot as you’re in a position. U.S. Information & World Report suggests you do the next:
- Share data from a distance. Put paperwork like your driver’s license, insurance coverage data and registration in your car’s hood so the opposite driver can take a photograph of your data (and vice versa).
- Suppose digital. Be sure you alternate contact data, together with electronic mail addresses, too.
- Take pictures. Take a variety of pictures that completely doc the scene of the accident. Chances are you’ll find yourself submitting them to your insurance coverage firm because it’s doable that police could not come to the scene. (Many police departments are taking accident studies by telephone or on-line.)
- Will coronavirus influence my capacity to file a declare? Our dedication to resolve your declare shortly and effectively by no means waivers. You possibly can proceed to report claims by reaching out to your native ERIE agent or by calling us 24/7 at (800) 367-3743. Our claims groups are prepared to satisfy the wants of our clients and claimants whereas taking steps to mitigate publicity to the coronavirus in step with finest practices offered by the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) to restrict in-person contact.
- I’m in a troublesome spot financially and may’t pay my invoice. What are my choices? Contact your native ERIE agent to allow them to know and focus on what’s finest. Your native agent, in addition to ERIE’s Buyer Care staff, might be able to help with delaying fee dates, adjusting installments, altering pay plans or waiving penalties and costs. Some billing requests, together with deferring funds and nonpay cancellations, can be requested by way of erieinsurance.com/assist or by way of your ERIE On-line Account.
- I’m not driving my automobile proper now. What ought to I learn about lending my automobile to mates or household? When you personal a automobile, likelihood is you’ve let a buddy or member of the family borrow it at the very least as soon as. However do you know that if there’s an accident, it’s your auto insurance coverage coverage that usually must pay? Ask your agent to elucidate how protection works whenever you lend your car, significantly you probably have any excluded drivers in your coverage. (The power to exclude drivers varies by state.) Learn extra in regards to the execs and cons of lending your automobile earlier than handing over the keys.
Being “Above all in Service” has pushed each choice we’ve made as a enterprise since 1925 – and we nonetheless function that manner immediately. From starting to finish, you will have our dedication to the absolute best service and the absolute best safety on the lowest doable price. Speak to an area agent in your group to see what makes us completely different.