Advanced Insurance News

Am I Covered When Using Peer-to-Peer Vehicle Sharing?

Sue Grabowski For Erie Insurance — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:52:00 GMT

During the pandemic, a scarcity – and resulting high costs – of rental cars paved the way for a surge in peer-to-peer (P2P) vehicle sharing. Think of it like AirBnBⓇ for your car. No more standing in line at rental car agencies only to find there are no cars for your reservation. Open an app, find a car near you that someone else owns and off you go!

While these peer-to-peer networks offer convenience and sometimes cost savings, they also pose some risks regarding insurance coverage. Before you drive a P2P vehicle or put yours out there for hire, it’s in your best interest to understand what is and is not covered by your vehicle insurance.

What is P2P Vehicle Sharing?

Today, you can rent almost anything from other people – houses, recreational vehicles, even swimming pools. Vehicle sharing has grown rapidly over the past five years, with new companies popping up all over the world, especially in larger cities. P2P vehicles are easy to locate and can offer savings over rental car company counterparts.

Unlike rental car companies that provide categories of cars, P2P apps show you the exact car that you can rent, and many offer luxury models. No need to wait in line at an airport or local rental office; P2P vehicles can be picked up at convenient locations.

But like deciding whether to stay at a hotel during a vacation or book a P2P spot, it’s important to consider the risks and rewards of your options. Price and convenience may not be the only factors in play. P2P services may include hidden costs and risks, so taking the time to read the fine print may prevent surprise charges.

Are You Covered as a Host?

An often overlooked reality is that if you offer your car on a P2P app, most personal auto insurance policies will not cover the vehicle while it’s being used in a car sharing program.

“Erie Insurance – and most other insurance companies – have had exclusions in place long before P2P apps became popular,” says Scott Cronk, product development manager at Erie Insurance. “Those exclusions preclude coverage while a vehicle is being used in an auto business such as renting or leasing the vehicle out for others to use. Several states have enacted legislation that further defines and clarifies what peer-to-peer car sharing is. As a result, insurance carriers, including ERIE, are adding or bolstering their existing policy language to exclude coverage for this type of exposure.”

Scott says the risks are too great for insurance companies to cover on a personal auto policy for a few reasons:

Driving records of renters are unpredictable;
Drop-off and pick-up locations can add risk; and
Renters may be unfamiliar with an area, which may increase the risk of accidents.

Many P2P organizations offer insurance to vehicle hosts for a fee. Some hosts, like this Turo user, have had positive experiences with P2P platform coverage after a claim. Remember, as a host, you must choose P2P coverage because your personal auto insurance will not cover your for-rent vehicle while being used on the P2P platform.

If you have had a bad experience as a P2P host, the Federal Trade Commission recommends reporting it.

Are You Covered as a Renter?

If you rent a car through a P2P platform and are involved in an accident, managing insurance coverage can become more complex.

“In general,” says Scott, “the driver's own auto insurance policy will cover them when they rent a vehicle for personal use. When you rent a vehicle and purchase coverage through the rental agency or P2P platform, even more fine print comes into play. Rental contracts describe in detail what they may or may not cover, and do not offer as broad of coverage as your own auto policy. Many people ignore these details up front and may end up frustrated by the results after a claim.”

Scenario: You rent and do not opt for additional coverage.

If you rent a vehicle while on vacation and opt out of additional insurance coverage through the P2P platform, typically the broadest coverages that you’ve selected for your own vehicle transfer to the rental vehicle, including deductibles, liability, comprehensive and collision options.

If you’re involved in an accident in a P2P vehicle and only have liability coverage on your policy, you could be responsible for damage to the P2P rental. The coverage limits that you’ve selected on your own policy also apply, so if your limits are less than the damages, you could be responsible for the difference.

Scenario: You rent and you choose coverage through the P2P company.

If you choose an added layer of insurance protection through the P2P app, again, review the details. Rental insurance often is classified as “secondary” or “excess” insurance. This means that the added coverage will pay claims after your personal insurance has reached its limits.

Scott says that the additional coverage often will not pay the “first dollar” toward a claim, which means your insurance will pay first.

And if you use a credit card that has rental insurance vehicle coverage, a third entity may enter the “who pays first” discussion.

“When a P2P claim is made, insurance adjusters from each company may become involved and policy reviews will determine which companies pay first and to what limits,” he says. “It can take time and, in the end, you still may be responsible for deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. It’s indeed confusing for the consumer. While P2P platforms offer another option to rent a vehicle, each consumer has differing preferences and coverage needs. It’s always recommended to talk with your insurance advisor to ensure those needs are met.”

Talk to Your ERIE Agent

One of the best ways to protect yourself against confusing situations arising from P2P claims is to talk to us about your coverage before you rent.

Read the full article at www.advanced-ins.com

Trouble Driving at Night? Check Out These 6 Tips

Justin Metz for Erie Insurance — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 13:34:00 GMT

We all know there are plenty of driving hazards to worry about during the day – from rain and snow to deer and potholes. But driving at night adds a completely new set of challenges.

Why? It all comes down to one word: visibility.

During a clear day, you might be able to see thousands of feet ahead of you. But when the sun’s down and your headlights are on, that visibility can be reduced to as little as 150 feet!

All this means that when driving at night, you have less time to react. So it’s important to make sure you’re seeing things clearly.

Your eyes should adjust to low light naturally. But if you find yourself squinting or struggling to see, keep these tips in mind.

6 Tips for driving at night

Check your vision. Even if you don’t wear prescription glasses, poor night vision may warrant a trip to the eye doctor. As we age, it’s common to have more difficulty seeing at night. Blurry vision, trouble seeing objects or experiencing glare from lights are all reasons to schedule an appointment. Correcting your vision with glasses or contact lenses could put an end to your night-driving woes.
Get a clear view. A dirty windshield or worn windshield wipers can add an extra layer of difficulty to nighttime driving, especially if the rain starts to pour. For increased visibility, always make sure your windshield is clean and replace your wipers if they start to streak.
Clean your headlights. Road grime can easily cover your headlights and dim their beams. Old, oxidized plastic housings can make lenses foggy. Remember to clean your headlights periodically and pick up a headlight restoration kit at your local auto parts store if your lights look cloudy or yellowed.
Dim your dashboard. Bright infotainment screens and dashboards aren’t just distracting – they can also make it difficult for your eyes to adjust to low light. Use the dimmer switch in your vehicle to turn down the lights and improve your nighttime visibility in the process.
Check your headlight ratings. Not all headlights are created equal. In fact, just over half of the 2018 vehicles evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) did a good job of lighting the road and limiting glare. Check out the latest results of IIHS headlight tests and consider upgrading your headlight bulbs to gain more visibility.
Leave the night driving glasses at home. Like many “As-Seen-On-TV” products, night driving glasses aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Tinted lenses can help during the day, but anything designed to limit light at night is counterintuitive. Your eyes will adjust to low light on their own. If it’s hard to see at night, try the above tips before investing in these yellow shades.

Statistically speaking, the most dangerous trips you take are the ones that happen after the sun goes down. Following these tips will keep your visibility at its best, helping you maintain a clear view of the road ahead.

Read the full article at www.advanced-ins.com

Interior water damage prevention for new homeowners

As posted by Grange Insurance — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 16:03:00 GMT

Congratulations! Homeownership is a big step. While you’re getting used to your new responsibilities for home maintenance and upkeep, it’s important to get familiar with water damage risks to your home. When you know the potential risks, you can prevent damage in the first place.

Water damage is messy, costly and can even make your home a hazardous space. If you don’t tend to it quickly, mold and mildew can emerge and damage your drywall, insulation, foundation and more. It’s not only a threat to your home, but mold and mildew can contribute to health issues for you and your family.

Some of the basics we are going to cover about water damage include what can happen and how to prevent it. There are many different ways water can get into the interior of your home. Plus, variables like your location and the age of your home can factor into interior water damage risk.

Types of water damage that can impact your home

Risks inside and outside your home can lead to interior water damage. Here are some of the most common ways you might end up with water in places it shouldn’t be:

Risks from inside the home

The appliances in our homes make our chores more convenient, but pipes that provide indoor plumbing are not always in perfect condition. Drains clog, washing machines and dishwashers overflow, refrigerators leak and sump pumps fail from time to time. You could also experience burst pipes inside if your water pressure is too high.

Whether these incidents were accidental or due to lack of maintenance, your homeowners insurance coverage can vary. For example, many homeowners choose to add water backup coverage to their home insurance because it fits their needs. Talk to your insurance agent to make sure you have ample coverage for these interior water damage risks.

Risks from outside the home

Heavy rain and dropping temperatures can create some of the most common types of water damage that can occur outside your home. Flood damage, backed up sewers, corroded old pipes and burst frozen pipes are just a few examples. While the damage occurs outside, it can be common to have standing water in your basement or first floor. For burst or corroded pipes, you can experience leaks in your ceiling and walls.

Flood damage is not covered by homeowners insurance policies because it is a separate type of insurance. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), floods can happen anywhere and at any time. They are the most common and costly natural disaster in the U.S.

Talk to your independent insurance agent to discuss flood insurance and your homeowners insurance coverage to make sure you’re protected from these water risks.

Preventative tips to get ahead of interior water damage

There are steps you can take to minimize the risk of interior water damage to your home. Use these simple tips to keep your home in good shape:

1. Follow the user manual of your home appliances.

Over-packing your washing machine or dishwasher can be a recipe for disaster. Be sure to follow the owner’s manual to reduce the risk of flooding or malfunctioning home appliance.

2. Keep your gutters clean.

When your gutters clog, the water flowing through them cannot be directed away from your home’s foundation. Clean your gutters regularly to help keep your foundation dry.

3. Inspect your home for early signs of water damage.

Check the cabinets under your sinks for water damage and keep an eye on your ceiling for water spots that could be indicators of a leaky roof or broken pipes. If you find dried water spots or active dripping, call a professional to prevent further interior water damage.

4. Tend to your sump pump.

If your home has a sump pump, it’s important to inspect it regularly to ensure it’s working properly. Call a professional to provide peace of mind if you’re not sure—it can be the difference between a dry and flooded basement during heavy rain season.

5. Keep your home warm and let faucets drip during cold temperatures.

You can’t prevent temperatures from falling below freezing during winter, but you can keep your thermostat set to 55 or higher to keep your pipes warm. You can also turn on your faucets to a slow drip to prevent freezing pipes. Make sure to set your faucet to warm water.

6. Clear your drains regularly.

An easy way to keep interior water damage at bay is cleaning your drains. Make sure shower, bathtub and sink drains are cleared regularly to avoid backups that can easily turn into indoor floods.

7. Inspect old pipes.

Schedule regular home plumbing inspections or complete them yourself if you know how. Old homes with older plumbing systems require a watchful eye to get ahead of costly damage.

Talk to your agent about coverage options

Now that you know some of the ways interior water damage can happen in your home, you can take a look at your homeowners insurance coverage to make sure you have the right protection.

Are you interested in adding flood insurance or additional coverage to your homeowners insurance policy? Talk to AIS today to explore your options to protect your home.

This article is for informational and suggestion purposes only. Implementing these suggestions does not guarantee coverage. If any policy coverage descriptions in this article conflict with the language in the policy, the language in the policy applies. For full details on Grange’s home insurance coverages and discounts, contact AIS.

Sources: - FEMA

Read the full article at www.advanced-ins.com

Prepare for winter with a business disaster recovery plan

Grange Insurance — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 13:56:00 GMT

Winter weather is unpredictable, and you can’t always prepare for winter storms on short notice. However, your business could weather the storm with the correct systems in place. From creating a proper plan for winter storms to designing a business disaster recovery plan, you could help lessen the effects of inclement weather and get your company back to productivity. 

Business disaster recovery plans may look different across events, but customer, client, vendor and employee safety are the top priority. Disaster recovery plans fall under the umbrella of business continuity. The difference is business continuity focuses on staying operational during a disaster and disaster recovery plans are for after the disaster.

Grange Insurance's Risk Control Services are a great resource to help you create a business disaster recovery plan. A few things they may advise you to add in your plan include:

Winter storm prep 
A communication plan 
A data recovery plan
A supply checklist in case your employees are stranded onsite

You may need to provide support and safety procedures for off-site and on-site employees, or your brick-and-mortar shop needs special attention before a blizzard. Grange Insurance has the tools you need to prepare for winter with a business disaster recovery plan.

Prepare for winter storms in the short-term and long-term 

An effective business disaster recovery plan is important. Understanding how to prepare your business for winter storms is a good business practice as well. A business prepared for the effects of a winter storm may recover faster than the competition.

Preparing your business for winter in the short-term and the long-term are equally important. It’s better to plan in the long-term and have those preparations already in place when a disaster, like a blizzard or ice storm, strikes. For example, you should winterize your business to keep your facility, and everyone inside, safe from the harshness of winter.

Sometimes, winter storms can happen fast and without much time to prepare. Fortunately, last-minute preparations are easier to implement within a few weeks, days or hours of a winter storm.

Here’s a checklist to use to prepare your business for winter storms:

Short-Term Winter Storm Preparation

Review your winter storm plan in your business continuity plan
Set expectations with employees and keep them informed before, during and after the storm 
Follow weather updates
Add ice melt to sidewalks
Add non-slip mats and fans for water removal by building entrances

Long-Term Winter Storm Preparation

Hire a snow and ice removal service
Inspect building insulation
Add new tires to your business fleet 
Stay up-to-date on vehicle maintenance 
Maintain the roof on your building

Create and execute your communication plan 

Good communication is an essential business practice not only for employee retention, but also for keeping your customers and team safe. Businesses can work on a long-term communication plan anytime of the year, but an emergency communication plan should go into effect immediately.

Involve your employees as much as possible when developing this process. Find out if they prefer an email, a text, a phone call, a PC alert, an intercom announcement, or other forms of communication. In addition, routinely asking your team to confirm or update their contact information makes the flow of emergency communication more effective. 

There are several factors for businesses to consider when executing your winter emergency communication plan. Templated messages based on these considerations are the best way to ensure timely and effective communication.

Timing

Winter storms can be unpredictable. A storm could happen overnight without any warning. Timing can inform the best way to communicate with your employees about an upcoming storm and what the recovery may look like.

For example, if a severe winter storm is predicted to arrive in one week, a mass email to your employees informing them about your work from home policy should suffice. Is there a winter storm coming tomorrow? Consider using a mass text message platform to notify employees on whether your business is open the next day or not. If there’s a bad winter storm happening while everyone’s already at work, an urgent safety protocol announcement pushed to all PCs, cell phones, emails and PA systems within your company are good avenues.

Severity

Some winter storms are stronger than others. A light snow during the workday warrants a message telling employees to lift their windshield wipers up to avoid them freezing to their car. However, a major blizzard heading to the area justifies an emergency message informing everyone of the best course of action. You can center your messages around the National Weather Service’s definitions of winter storm severityto keep language consistent. 

Accessibility

Not all employees work at a desk with access to email or phones. If you have warehouse employees, an intercom announcement is the best option regardless of the timing or severity. The same can be said for delivery drivers who are best reached by a phone call.

How quickly a message is received by your team goes along with how quickly you can ensure their safety. 

Create a data recovery plan

Most businesses handle some sort of valuable or sensitive data. You may be aware of the threat of cyberattacks, but events completely outside of human control — winter storms — are just as dangerous. Your business might be vulnerable to losing data if your network is compromised due to a power outage from a blizzard. Creating a data recovery plan to recover this data is critical to your overall business continuity plan.

The best way to prevent losing the data for good is performing frequent backups and storing your data off-site. This way, there’s another location where your data exists and can be restored from after disaster strikes.

Fortunately, Grange Insurance offers cloud computing service interruption coverage and service interruption coverage including data restoration within their equipment breakdown coverage. Talk to your independent Grange agent about this additional insurance coverage that could help mitigate disaster in the event of a power outage.

Stock up on supplies

In addition to having an emergency recovery plan for winter in place, you should also have supplies on hand to last at least 72 hours. Winter storms can last for days and affect your property’s power, pipes, roadways and more. Keep a fully-stocked emergency kitwith these items to prepare for the unexpected: 

Food and water 
Flashlights 
Extra blankets 
First aid kit 
Shovels, scrapers and deicer 
Two-way radio
Fully powered portable chargers 
Generator (follow OSHA’s portable generator safety standards)

Review your insurance coverage 

Your local, Grange independent agent is happy to go over your current business insurance and explore additional business coverage options. Our experts want to ensure you’re covered just in time for winter and prepared for everything that comes with it. Be sure to ask about our Risk Control Services. Our risk management consultants will help you identify risks and provide solutions to mitigate those risks with a business continuity plan.

Coverages described herein may not be available in all states. Please contact Advanced Insurance Solutions for complete details on coverages and discounts. If the policy coverage descriptions herein conflict with the language in the policy, the language in the policy applies. The material provided above is for informational, educational and/or suggestion purposes only, and does not imply coverage. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO QUOTE ANY INDIVIDUAL PREMIUM RATE FOR THE INSURANCE HEREIN ADVERTISED. Applicable policies may be underwritten by Grange Insurance Company, Trustgard Insurance Company, Grange Indemnity Insurance Company, Grange Insurance Company of Michigan* and Grange Property & Casualty Insurance Company*, Integrity Insurance Company*, Integrity Property & Casualty Insurance Company*, Integrity Select Insurance Company*. *Not licensed in Pennsylvania References The National Weather Service Red Cross OSHA

Read the full article at www.advanced-ins.com

Replacement Cost vs. Market Value: What's the Difference?

Justin Metz for Erie Insurance — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 02:39:00 GMT

If you were asked to describe the state of the housing market over the past few years, it could be summarized in one word: unpredictable.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many experts predicted a looming housing crash. But instead of heading into a real estate meltdown, U.S. home prices increased an astounding 37 percent in the two years between March 2020 and March 2022.

In fact, a recent study from Moody’s Analytics found home prices are currently “overvalued” by nearly 25 percent. With this massive fluctuation in real estate values, you may be wondering if your homeowners insurance is still providing the right level of protection.

The answer, of course, will depend on your specific homeowners policy. But there’s one factor that can make a big difference in the event of a major claim — whether your home is insured using market value or replacement cost.

What is Market Value?

The market value of your home is based on what your house and land would sell for on the real estate market. It’s essentially an appraisal of how much your home would be worth if you had to buy it from a realtor today.

A home’s market value is based, in part, on the size and condition of the house. But it’s also influenced by a number of other factors — including your neighborhood, school district and the overall real estate market in your area.

What is Replacement Cost?

A homeowners policy based on replacement cost means your home is insured using an estimate of what it would cost to repair or rebuild your home with materials of like kind and quality in the event of a total loss. Unlike your home’s market value, the replacement cost will not vary because of where you live or what similar homes are selling for. Instead, replacement cost is calculated on factors like the cost of building materials and construction contractors.

What’s the Difference Between Market Value and Replacement Cost?

Here’s an example to help you understand how these two types of coverages would play out in the event of a claim.

Let’s say your home has a market value of $250,000. But at the current rates of construction and materials, it would cost $300,000 to rebuild it in the event of a total loss — like a fire or natural disaster.

If your home was insured using its market value, you’d be left with a $50,000 coverage gap. In this case, your options would be to build a smaller, less expensive home, or pay out-of-pocket for the difference.

What is Guaranteed Replacement Cost?

Whether the value of your homeowners policy is calculated using market value or replacement cost, the amount your home is insured for will be listed as the limit on your policy.

But sometimes, even the best estimates can come up short (like when lumber prices unexpectedly spiked in 2021). That’s why ERIE offers Guaranteed Replacement Cost1 coverage. If your homeowners policy includes Guaranteed Replacement Cost, ERIE will pay to rebuild your home with materials of like kind and quality without limiting it to the amount of coverage listed on the policy. That means if it’s a covered loss and costs run high, ERIE will pay whatever the difference is.

It’s also worth noting that this coverage requires any home improvement over $5,000 to be reported to your agent within 90 days. So be sure to tell your agent about any recent home improvement projects.

Get the Protection You Deserve

With Guaranteed Replacement Cost from ERIE, you can rest easy knowing your coverage will go the distance. Because unlike other types of homeowners policies that subtract for wear and tear or depreciation, ERIE pays the full cost of rebuilding your home back to its former glory.

Ask Advanced Insurance Solutions about Guaranteed Replacement Cost coverage today — and get the peace of mind you deserve.

1Guaranteed Replacement Cost applies to dwelling and requires home improvements over $5,000 to be reported within 90 days - not available with all policies and in all states. Coverage of costs to comply with laws or ordinances is subject to limits. Depreciation will be deducted until repair or replacement is made. Talk to an ERIE agent for more information.

Read the full article at www.advanced-ins.com

PREPARING YOUR CAR FOR WINTER

Selective Insurance — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 21:30:00 GMT

Your automobile is likely one of your most valuable possessions, and you need to ensure it is kept in optimal working order at all times. With winter's cold air and precipitation already beginning to show up across the United States, now is a good time to prepare your car for winter.

Here are a few winterization tips to help keep your automobile performing well this winter:

General checkup

Consumer Reports, an organization devoted to consumer information, affirms that certain diagnostic checks must be completed, including a thorough test of the battery. Extreme cold temperatures can quickly deplete a battery, so make sure it is in good shape. The nonprofit also suggested checking all fluids, notably oil, and the heating and cooling systems for any irregularities, damages, shortages or otherwise. A quick tune up at your local service center will generally take care of these matters.

Tires, brakes, brake pads

If you live in an area that gets a lot of precipitation, you might want to invest in some winter tires and have them installed soon. These tires tend to not only offer the quiet, smooth and fuel-efficient ride of those made for all seasons, but can provide you with that extra traction necessary to drive in snowy, icy conditions. If you choose to keep your all-season tires on, check the treads to ensure they are not too worn, and get your brakes and brake pads checked for functionality and wear.

Visibility

To help to maintain visibility even when the salt, snow and other hazards pound on the glass, it is advised to get a windshield treatment. This can be done at your auto body shop, or at home with a variety of windshield solutions. Along with that, DMV.org, a website devoted to automobile related matters, suggests making sure your windshield wipers are in good shape, your defrosting system is fully functional and your windshield washer fluid is filled to the brim, especially if you are driving through heavy snow. DMV.org recommends using a windshield washer fluid that contains anti-freeze for maximum effectiveness.

Emergency prep

Extreme conditions can translate to emergency situations even if you take all of the precautions to avoid a breakdown or other issues on the road. DMV.org urged winter drivers to keep blankets, boots, water, flares, flashlights, engine coolant, washer fluid and engine oil in their vehicles at all times during the winter in case they should run into an emergency situation.

Read the full article at www.advanced-ins.com

Your Comprehensive Guide to The Medicare Open Enrollment Period

adapted from article by Margaret Huntley at consumercoverage.com — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 14:39:00 GMT

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period is for Medicare consumers to enroll, drop, or make changes to their Medicare coverage for the coming year.

You may also hear the terms: Medicare Annual Enrollment Period or Medicare Annual Election Period. These titles refer to the same time period designated for changes to your Medicare policy.

What You Can do During the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?

If you became newly eligible for Medicare this year then you can use this window to apply for Medicare coverage. You are eligible for Medicare if:

You have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
You have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
You are 65 years of age or older

If you are already enrolled in Medicare, you can use the Open Enrollment Period to make changes to or drop an existing policy. This fall you should have received a letter regarding any changes made to your Medicare coverage. These changes may include the following:

Your premiums either increase or decrease
The network of permitted health care workers expands or shrinks
Certain drugs are no longer covered under Medicare Plan D
Medicare Plan D will cover more drugs than before

Depending on which of these changes have been made to your Medicare policy, you may wish to utilize the Open Enrollment Period to change course.

Here are some changes that you are able to make:

Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan (Medicare Part C) to Original Medicare
Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan
Change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another
Sign up for Medicare Part D to cover prescription drugs
Change your Medicare Part D plan
Cancel your Medicare Part D plan

When You Should Make Changes to Your Medicare Coverage?

As we approach this year’s Medicare Open Enrollment Period, you will have to consider whether you need to make changes to your Medicare coverage. This can be a difficult decision as there are many factors that come into play.

The following are questions to ask yourself when considering changing your Medicare coverage:

Have your premiums increased to a rate you cannot sustain?
Is your family physician still within your Advantage Plan’s Network?
Is your prescription drug still covered in Part D?
Do you plan on moving or travelling in the coming year?
Have you gained any ancillary benefits?
Do you anticipate needing more healthcare in the coming year?
Are you satisfied with your current Medicare coverage?

Depending on your answer to these questions, you may or may not choose to make changes to your Medicare coverage for 2023. Whatever you decide, know that your healthcare is an important personal decision that deserves your comprehensive consideration.

The Centre for Medicare and Medicaid Services

The Centre for Medicare and Medicaid Services has a five star rating system to help you compare Medicare plans. One star is an indication of a very poor plan, and five stars is an indication of a very good one.

These are the factors that the rating is based off of:

Customer Service
Member Experience
Member Complaints

How To Use the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?

Now that you have all the information that you need, you’re ready to take action. Making changes to your Medicare coverage is, quite literally, as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Check that you are eligible to make changes to your Medicare coverage
Decide whether you are satisfied with your current coverage or not
Contact our licensed agent specializing in Medicare to enroll in any changes before December 7th. Dave can be reached directly at 717-835-2806 or by calling our office at 717-533-0252.

Remember to always put your individual demands first, because you deserve a healthcare policy that meets your needs! AIS is always here to help.

Read the full article at www.advanced-ins.com

How to Avoid Hitting a Deer

Erie Insurance — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 17:11:00 GMT

Autumn is beautiful, but it also introduces some fall driving hazards… deer collisions being one of them. From October to December, mating and hunting season make deer go on the move. For drivers, that means you’re more likely to hit one.

But have you ever wondered how your auto insurance can cover hitting a deer? Are deer collisions covered by comprehensive or collision coverage?

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, deer-vehicle collisions are the top animal-related claim in the U.S. Before you get too worried, here are some helpful tips on how to avoid hitting a deer… and how to handle things if you end up hitting one despite your best efforts.

HOW TO AVOID HITTING A DEER

Know where the deer are likely to be. Areas with high deer populations are normally marked with a bright yellow sign. Deer also tend to graze in wooded areas or open fields. When driving your usual route to work, be attentive to areas where you’ve seen deer in the past – they are likely to cross there again.
Be alert at sunrise and sunset. Deer are more active during dawn and dusk hours.
Use your high beams. When possible, use your high beams for better visibility. The extra light will help make it easier to spot a deer, or other animals, lurking alongside the road.
Don’t rely on deer gadgets. Whether it’s a deer whistle, deer fence or other type of product to scare away the deer… don’t rely solely on them to keep deer away. Research isn’t exact on whether or not these products truly work. (Related: Fact or Fiction? Debunking 6 Common Myths About Deer)
When you see one… you’ll probably see more. Deer travel in groups. If one comes across your path, proceed with caution in case there are more.
Don’t swerve. Swerving isn’t always the safest option. Hitting a deer might often cause less damage than swerving to avoid it… and then hitting a more dangerous obstacle, like a vehicle in oncoming traffic. (Related: What’s Safer… Swerving or Staying the Course?)
Wear your seat belt. If you do hit a deer, wearing a seat belt decreases your chances of injury.
Spread the word. When friends or family head out on the road, let them know to be careful and alert. Even a simple reminder can help prevent deer collisions.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HIT A DEER

Taking the above precautions can help you avoid hitting a deer… but nothing can entirely rule out the possibility. Here are steps you can take after you hit a deer.

Pull over. Move your vehicle to a safe place off the road. Don’t forget to turn on your hazard lights.
Stay away from the deer. An injured deer can still lash out and hurt someone.
Assess the damage. When you’re out of harm’s way, examine your vehicle and take photographs of any damage to your car. Use good judgement to know if your car is safe to drive or if you’ll need to call for a tow truck. Learn how to add Emergency Roadside Service to your ERIE auto policy.
Call for help. Depending on the circumstances, consider calling the police or an animal expert. While it’s not always required to file a police report, it can provide evidence if you decide to make an insurance claim. If the deer is still in the middle of the road, a trained professional from animal control, the game commission or your local fish and wildlife service can move it away for everyone’s safety.
Know if you should file an insurance claim. An insurance professional like an Erie Insurance agent can help you make the decision based on the specifics of your auto insurance policy. Talking with someone you already know and who is familiar with the claims process can help put your mind more at ease.

DOES MY AUTO INSURANCE COVER HITTING A DEER?

You can’t always predict if a deer will walk into your path, but if one does, we’re here to help get you back on the road as soon as possible. At Erie Insurance, deer-vehicle collisions are covered under the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance, which is an optional coverage you can choose to add on. Learn more about how to customize your ERIE auto policy. Call AIS today at 717-533-0252 to check or change your coverages.

Read the full article at www.advanced-ins.com

How to tell when you need new brakes

On The Road - Progressive — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 02:41:00 GMT

Several telltale signs will let you know when to change brake pads or other components of your braking system. If you hear a squealing sound or your car pulls to one side when braking, you probably need your brakes checked. A low brake fluid warning light on your dashboard can also indicate an issue.

How brakes work — and how they wear down

A braking system consists of both mechanical and hydraulic parts. Every time you put your foot on the pedal, the master cylinder pushes brake fluid into a hydraulic caliper behind the wheels. Pistons in the calipers squeeze the brake pads against the metal, disc-shaped rotors to stop the car.

This constant squeezing and releasing wear away at both the pads and rotors over time. It also creates significant heat. “As the pads get lower and lower, they don’t dissipate the heat as much,” says Bruce Chidsey, vice president of automotive technical support for AAMCO Transmissions and Total Car Care. “And that causes them to wear out even faster.”

Symptoms of bad brakes

A squealing sound

According to Chidsey, one of the signs you need new brake pads is a squealing noise. That annoying sound is from the brake pad’s wear indicator, a small piece of metal that vibrates against the rotor when friction has worn the brake pads down to a minimum thickness threshold. Typically, that noise means you have about 2/32 of an inch of brake pad left. And that’s not much. In the 15 states that require regular vehicle safety inspections, that thickness is as low as the pads can get and still be considered adequate for driving.

“When your brakes squeal,” Chidsey says, “that’s when you start damaging other parts.”

Your car veers to one side

If your car pulls to one side when you engage the brakes, that’s another indicator that you may need new brakes or new brake pads. Pulling to one side indicates a problem with the brakes on the opposite side of the car. (Essentially, you’re only getting braking power to one side, causing the opposite side to swing out.) The cause might be a jammed caliper piston getting in the way of the braking operation or overly worn brake pads.

Low brake fluid level

Low brake fluid is another signal that you need new brakes. If your brake light illuminates on the dash or your brakes feel less responsive than normal, take your car to the shop and have your fluid levels checked.

“It could mean you have a leak in the system,” Chidsey says. “Or it could be a sign that your brake pads are worn. If that’s the case, the caliper pistons will extend out as the pads wear down, causing brake fluid to fill the space behind the caliper piston lower in the reservoir. But don’t just have your mechanic or a service professional top it off. That brake fluid went somewhere, so have them find out what you’re dealing with.”

When to replace brakes

With brakes, your ideal maintenance plan is to replace the pads before they wear down too much and cause metal-to-metal friction in your brake system. That’s because rotors and calipers are more expensive to replace than new brake pads alone. If you want to know how to tell if you need brake pads or rotors, listen for a grinding sound. If your brake pads and rotors are making a grinding noise, chances are it’s too late, and replacing your pads and rotors is going to be necessary. Get your brake system checked routinely to catch them from wearing too far before you hear that awful sound. Learn more about common causes for your noisy brakes.

Because your brake pads are behind the wheels and difficult to see, let alone track their wear, Chidsey advises having your technician check them for you.

“If your mechanic tells you that your brake pads are worn down to 3/32 of an inch or less, you’re getting close to the end,” he says. “And remember, there’s nothing wrong with getting them changed out a little early just to be safe.”

How to extend life of your brakes

If you want to keep your brake pads in good shape for as long as possible, practice good driving habits. Don’t accelerate too quickly or brake too quickly. Don’t ride your brakes. And don’t forget to take your emergency brake off while driving.

“If you give yourself enough space between cars to avoid jamming on the brakes, they’re going to last longer,” says Chidsey.

Also, keep in mind that if you’re consistently hauling a significant amount of weight, towing a trailer, or carpooling to work, you may need to get your brake pads replaced more frequently. Extra pounds in the car translates to faster brake wear because it takes more force to slow down.

Read the full article at www.advanced-ins.com

4 school bus safety tips for drivers

Posted by Grange Insurance — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 08:00:00 GMT

With summer winding down, school buses will hit the roads in anticipation of a new school year. As a driver, it’s a great time to brush up on your safe driving habits so you can confidently share the road with school buses.

You play an important role in creating a safe environment as school buses pick up and drop off children. Since school buses are among the safest modes of transport, it’s when children are walking to a bus stop or getting on or off a bus that they are most at risk of being hit by other vehicles.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 36% of school-age pedestrians from 2006 to 2015 were fatally injured by another vehicle in school transportation-related crashes. Luckily, there are ways to share the road safely.

Here are four ways you can practice safe driving habits this school year:

1. Heed flashing lights.

It’s the law in all 50 states to stop for a stopped school bus with flashing lights. The lights indicate one of the following is happening:

Flashing yellow lights – Indicates the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle to allow for safe loading or unloading.
Flashing red lights – Usually paired with an extended stop arm, this indicates the bus is stopped and children are actively in the process of getting on or off the bus. As a driver, you must stop your vehicle and wait until the lights stop flashing, the extended arm retracts and the bus begins to move before you resume moving.

2. Know when to stop for a school bus.

If you’re driving on the opposite side of the road from a stopped school bus, you may be uncertain if you’re required to stop, too. Turns out, it depends on the type of road and the school bus laws in your state. For example, drivers on the other side of a divided highway don’t need to stop for a stopped school bus. You’ll find this is a common law among most states.

3. Be aware of school bus limitations.

Due to their large size and cargo (read: children), school buses will have different limitations than your smaller vehicle. Keep these tips in mind when driving around school buses:

Stopping distance – School buses travel at slower speeds, so be ready to hit the brakes to maintain a safe distance. If you’re driving behind a bus, leave a greater following distance so you have more time to stop when the bus stops.
Railroad crossings – By law, school buses are required to stop at all railroad crossings.
Limited visibility – Their large size can limit your ability to see in front of a school bus. If a bus is stopped in front of you, don’t pass it. There could be pedestrians crossing in front of a bus you can’t see from your vantage point.

4. Don’t drive distracted.

As always, practicing safe driving habits while your car is in motion can not only protect you but your passengers and others out on the road. Maintain extra caution when:

Backing out of your driveway or a parking space.
Driving in neighborhoods.
Approaching crosswalks.

Never text and drive and keep your focus on the road ahead of you. Learn how to break up with distracted driving habits with these tips.

Back to school is an exciting time, and it’s up to all of us to keep our roads safe. Whether you’re in your neighborhood, on the road or in a school parking lot, driving with extra caution at peak times for school buses can help keep everyone safe.

This article is for informational and suggestion purposes only. To learn more about Grange auto insurance, talk to your insurance advisors at Advanced Insurance Solutions

References: - National Safety Council - Consumer Reports - NHTSA - AAA.com

Read the full article at www.advanced-ins.com