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(Bitter) Sweet 16: Surviving the (first)

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(Bitter) Sweet 16: Surviving the (first) - Readers

Since my 16-year-old daughter Maddi got the license the driver's license last month, I 've entered uncharted territory. I'm supposed patiently (yeah, uh, of course) to teach my teenage daughter how to drive. I think I prefer to rub the bathroom every night of the week to argue with my stubborn teenager on what it was really about this car parked. (I tell you it was close!)

I took her to a large parking lot of the church when he was not busy during some evenings. Basically, she got her idea for the gas and the brakes and I showed him where things were in the vehicle. She immediately wanted to use both feet to drive and I choked it right in the bud. Overall, the first lessons are not too bad. In addition, she realized, "This thing is driving a lot harder than I thought. I'm scared. "GOOD! I'd rather be nervous than him too confident right now.

Now all I hear is," Mom, you take take me? " And I cringe. It's not that I mind taking it, but there is one more thing to add to my already long list to do. But I know I'll have to find time to fit in all this driving practice, as in Pennsylvania, you must log at least 65 hours of supervised practice behind the wheel.

"OMG, there's a van behind me!"

Fast forward a few lessons where Maddi and I ventured on the road with cars ... real. I will not lie, I am grasping the door handle on the passenger side. It is okay -. Many lurching stop signs, but it will work only in time

We are driving around a neighborhood and it takes a wrong turn towards the main road. She is not yet ready for that, so I told him to choose a path and turn around. She pulls into one, and of course, the van behind us waiting to pull into the driveway where? Yep, we are the driveway.

She immediately gets nervous, admitting: "I do not remember which way to turn the wheel when I back" (If you think about it, it is a delicate master concept.) I instruct him in. reaching over to help.

instead of hitting the brake, as it backs up, she accidentally hit the gas, which we slot to the mailbox. We lack accuracy it.

" Stop! "I shouted." Get out of the car. I'll go back so these people can get in their driveway. "

Maddi is mortified at this stage. She refuses to get out of the car and said she will simply drag on. So I get out of the car, wave to the woman in the minivan and very matter-of-factly say, "pilot teens." She gives me the nod and I know she gets totally. all the way back, my girl is on the way I embarrassed. I had missed something.

"And you're so mean, why do you keep yelling at me?"

I calmly explained that I'm not yelling at her. but when she goes too fast or driving a little too close to traffic coming the other way, yes, I panic. I will definitely become stronger. she tries to fight but a truck arrives.

"Concentrate," I say. and once more I realize why I'm not a teacher.

Watch for updates from Maddi and me on our journey of learning to drive in the next weeks. Meanwhile, here are some helpful tips for parents and young drivers a list of smartphone applications can help reduce driver distraction.

Read the next installment of this series.

What should I do if I hydroplaning?

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What should I do if I hydroplaning? -

If you can not avoid traveling on wet roads altogether, it's best to drive slow and steady. But what should you do if you start hydroplaning anyway?

The first thing to do is relax, as frantic movements will only make your situation worse. As you feel your car lose contact with the road, calmly but firmly the steering wheel with both hands. Do not slam on the brakes or making spectacular moves with the wheel -. These actions jeopardize your control car

Instead, aim the nose of your vehicle forward and calmly make small adjustments with the steering wheel to keep your vehicle in the right direction. Then take your foot off the accelerator and let the car slow down naturally as you continue to navigate. Resist the urge to slam on the brakes.

But if you're going to hit something?

If you head to another car, a tree, or median, so you may be forced to apply the brakes. How you apply the brakes depends on the car you drive.

If your car is equipped with regular brakes, pump regularly and slightly as you continue to move in the direction you want to go. If your car has anti-lock brakes, you should normal brake by applying constant pressure on the brakes. Just try not to slam on the brakes. The braking process when hydroplaning is very similar to a braking when skidding on ice.

hydroplaning is scary, but you really can handle it with extra caution and a little knowledge.

Buying a home on a golf course?

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Buying a home on a golf course? -

There are about 29 million people who play golf in the United States. It is therefore perhaps not surprising that more and more Americans are choosing to live a stone's throw away to enjoy their favorite pastime.

The first golf communities appeared in Florida and the Carolinas ago more than two decades. Eventually, they spread across the Sun Belt and beyond. Today it is not uncommon to find golf communities across the northern states as well.

The appeal of buying a home on a golf course not grown as developers added on-site amenities like spas, nature guides and activities during the years.

Although overdevelopment led to a dip in the number of people who buy a home on a golf course, the call remains. Yet there are important things to consider before buying a home on a golf course that you not have to consider when buying a house in a traditional neighborhood. In this series, we will explore the questions you want to weigh before deciding to make your home near a putting green. They include:

  • Advantages and disadvantages of life on a golf course The opportunity to live in an attractive community with amenities and proximity a course are all certain assets. But many buyers fail to consider the disadvantages. By examining each one, you'll have a better idea of ​​what you are getting into before you sign on the dotted line
  • Insurance for golf carts :. As cars, golf carts can get stolen or damaged. They can also cause harm to others or their property. That is why it is important to consider coverage options to protect both your cart and yourself from exposure to liability caused by the use of your golf cart
  • The best golf communities in America :. If you are willing to consider purchasing a home on a golf course having considered all the facts, it is good to check which ones are considered the best. This round-up will give you an overview of high-end options throughout the United States.

Ready to learn more? Then we'll begin.

Q & A: What is No Fault Insurance

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Q & A: What is No Fault Insurance -

You may have heard of no-fault insurance. But do you know what it really is?

Otherwise, the Q & A below will help you clarify things for you. (In addition to general information in this Q & A, we recommend that you obtain advice specific to your local Erie Insurance Agent .)

This is no-fault insurance?

No-fault insurance applies to the PIP injury protection (also known as medical payments or First Party benefits) cover part of your auto insurance policy. PIP covers medical expenses if you are in a car accident. In some states, you can be reimbursed for lost wages (and other expenses).

In a state with no-fault insurance laws, you file a claim for costs covered by your auto insurance company if you are a car accident. This applies if you are at fault or not. With collecting your own insurer regardless of fault, no fault insurance limit your right to file a complaint.

Which states have no-fault insurance?

There are currently 12 states with no-fault insurance :. Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, North Dakota and Utah

In Kentucky, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, there something a bit different choice called no fault. In the choice of the state without fail, someone can choose to reject the threshold of the state to keep the right to sue under the law of the traditional responsibility.

Why do some states have no-fault insurance?

the idea behind no-fault insurance is to avoid costly trial and lengthy (especially smaller court cases) and to ensure prompt payment and timely claims. If anyone can collect from their own insurer regardless of fault and there are certain thresholds you have to meet before continuing, there are usually fewer court cases.

In that case, can I file a lawsuit against an at? pilot -FAULT if I live in a faultless condition

There are two specific ways to determine the thresholds that allow prosecution to proceed: verbal and monetary thresholds. verbal thresholds describe a type of injury that monetary thresholds specify a dollar amount. Once you meet a threshold, you can pursue reimbursement of your actual damages (things like medical expenses). The pain and suffering can still be excluded.

Five states have verbal thresholds (Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania), while seven states have monetary thresholds (Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Dakota and Utah).

Because people can collect from their own insurer, does that mean they should not buy a motorist coverage uninsured or underinsured?

It is important to carefully consider the uninsured driver insurance and underinsured since research shows that one in seven drivers insecurity (and many others have a minimal coverage).

many states without fault drivers find it worthwhile to purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance. The additional protection you get from these policies can care for lost earning capacity or pain and suffering compensation not covered by your benefits without fault.

It is also wise not to count on your health insurance as full proof security if a driver under-insured or uninsured hits you. This is because you may have a large deductible. You can also exceed the maximum limit of your health insurance policy if your injury is serious.

Finally, keep in mind that it can be very stressful to pursue an uninsured driver or underinsured for your medical expenses. By having your own coverage, there is a chance a lot lower than you have to deal with this kind of stress.

without malpractice insurance can be difficult. Fortunately, your Erie Insurance Agent can provide practical advice Insurance. We recommend that you check with him if you plan on car insurance.

8 Homeowners Insurance Guarantees You need

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8 Homeowners Insurance Guarantees You need -
Red Colored Pencil

Regarding homeowners insurance, all policies are created equal. And what is important to remember when it comes to the protection of what could very well be your greatest asset.

See the list below to see what you need in homeowners insurance.

1. The right limit: you have the confidence to allow you to rebuild if you have a total loss. So do not risk choosing a lower limit in an effort to save a few dollars.

One thing to remember when it comes to the right edge is the increased value of your home can have after a home improvement project. Always report any home renovation project as soon as possible to your insurer so they can adjust the limits if necessary.

2. guaranteed replacement cost When you have guaranteed replacement cost, you can rest easy knowing that you can rebuild your home after a significant loss without worrying about depreciation, the limits of the policy or the insurance of construction costs once you have repaired or replaced the damaged property. This is certainly a better option than the value of real money, which takes into account depreciation in calculating the amount of your refund

3. Enough liability coverage :. Your homeowners liability insurance protects your assets in case someone is injured on your property. It also provides coverage for certain incidents that occur away from your home (for example, if you run your bike in someone).

The lawsuits are not as rare as you might think, and they have the potential to wipe out the equity many people. That's why most people want to have at least $ 300,000 of liability coverage. You can also consider a political catastrophe of personal responsibility, which adds an additional $ 1 to $ 5 million coverage to your homeowners and your auto insurance.

4. Loss of use: If your home is a total loss or became uninhabitable after a covered loss, do you know where you want to stay and how you would pay for the additional costs? Loss of use coverage offers reimbursement of living expenses in a hotel or rent an apartment in the event of a covered loss.

5. Endorsements that allow you to customize your coverage: risk factors for each are different. That's why you want the option of adding earthquake coverage as well as coverage of inland navigation for high value items you can own. Another important coverage that many owners need cover against flooding, which is offered as a separate policy by most carriers.

Two other particulars that many owners are found beneficial coverage Identity Recovery and Sewer & Drain backup coverage.

6. reliable deductible: many owners recover from a disaster such as a hurricane get sticker shock when they learn their franchise is not an amount dollar they chose, but rather a percentage of the policy limit. These named-storm percentage deductibles are almost always higher than the dollar amount franchises and sometimes significantly.

Unlike many carriers named ERIE franchise storm is a specific amount rather than a percentage of your limit owners. In addition, you also have the option to choose different deductibles dollar amount for the different causes of the loss.

7. The support of a financially strong company: If you have a claim you want the support of a company that can afford it. One way to know if your company is financially healthy is to check the ranking of Ward and A. M. Best that are released each year. In addition to earning an A + rating from A.M. Best and ranking among the top 50 property insurers performing / losses Ward, REA also earned kudos for being among the 50 most reliable financial institutions of America.

8. A knowledgeable local insurance: There is no secret that insurance can be complicated. To simplify things and get trusted advice, it is a good idea to work with an insurance agent you trust. A Erie Insurance Agent is an insurance expert in your community, you can count on to help you get the right coverage at the right price.

Social media helps solve cases of fraud

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Social media helps solve cases of fraud - Insurance
fraud

It is Monday morning and Jeremy McFadden, a specialist fraud program at Erie Insurance is the Facebook.® surfing

Jeremy is not reliving the memories of the weekend, it is knee-deep in the investigation work that saves ERIE and its customers several thousand dollars each year.

"Although the vast majority of applications are legitimately subject by honest people, there is a game that requires further investigation," said Gene Robertson, Director of Special Investigation and analysis ERIE. "social media is absolutely help us do that."

Case insurance fraud

insurance fraud is a serious crime in which a person knowingly and intentionally designed to deceive their insurance company. It is different from a false innocent statement a person present without knowing false information to their insurer. (For example, a fire destroyed a camera and someone overestimates how much it costs because it did not receive.)

The circumstances surrounding the suspected fraud tend to be very unusual. "There's a big red flag when the truly fraudulent activity occurs," said Gene. Insurance fraud is a crime in every state and in most cases it is a crime.

cases of insurance fraud end up costing customers

the casualty estimates by the insurance industry that fraud costs between $ 30 and $ 60 billion per year. fraud insurance is the second most expensive white collar crime after tax evasion and it costs honest customers who eventually foot the bill in the form of higher premiums.

Today most people make that connection. "Thanks to publicity campaigns and public awareness with success over the years, the way the public views fraud insurance has really changed," said Frank Scafidi, Director of public Affairs the National insurance Bureau of crime (NICB), a non-profit organization that partners with insurance companies as REA and law enforcement agencies of struggle against the insurance fraud.

"People used to boast a more on the insurance companies, but there is now a realization that this causes your friends and family to pay more," he said .

Piecing together

ERIE beats case of insurance fraud on many fronts. There is the old detective work like visiting the premises, interviews and acting on advice. ERIE also uses sophisticated software and working with the NICB, law enforcement and other insurers.

fraud investigation is to see the whole picture, and social media messages, photos and videos are becoming a part of this image. this does not mean all information is free to play. ERIE respects the rights of privacy of customers looking information not publicly available. this means that ERIE investigators will never create fake profiles to "friend" or "follow" a customer to a suspicious request.

"Our premise REA is to do the right thing," said Robertson. "The protection and respect for the privacy of our customers is a priority in everything we do, including our work investigation. "

Fortunately, such measures are usually not necessary.

"What we find is that fraudsters often fail to cover their tracks," says Robertson. "Even if their profile is private, they often display pages of friends and groups whose accounts are public."

Some recent cases of insurance fraud

just a few cases where information gleaned from social media played an important role in decoding the case of insurance fraud included:

  • the Scam Playground: an application was filed for a playground that was damaged beyond repair in a storm. the playing field has been eliminated, leaving ERIE no way to verify the claim. a few weeks later, the applicant was selling the same playground on Facebook
  • the Scam pull tractor :. a claim has been filed alleging engine was damaged when someone put the wrong fuel in it. ERIE later found a YouTube video and Facebook photos of the applicant participating in a tractor pulling in the same truck. Personal auto policies exclude coverage ERIE while participating in organized racing, high performance driving, stunting and sporting events
  • The Livery Van Scam :. Several people have filed claims to simultaneously ERIE personal auto insurance policy. ERIE later found a van advertising Facebook page of the applicant as a public transport company. Personal auto policies ERIE exclude the transport of persons or goods for hire.

ERIE researchers also unearthed many online photos and comments involving applicants to commit fraud in workers compensation. "I've seen applicants who are" too difficult to work "post updates about their marathon training programs or photos of themselves hiking through the mountains," says McFadden.

When this ERIE someone with strong evidence of fraud, most people will withdraw or stop pursuing a claim. ERIE then turned over to the law enforcement, which will decide how to handle crime.

You can help ERIE fight against fraud

Although social media plays an increasingly important role in the fight against fraud, your contribution is still important .

If you think someone is committing insurance fraud, let ERIE know by calling the fraud department toll free at 800-368-6696 or email fraud.finders@erieinsurance .com. Together, we can reduce this costly crime.

Facts and Tips about Dog Bite Prevention

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Facts and Tips about Dog Bite Prevention -

This week marks Dog Bite Prevention Week. With recent research shows that dog bite claims are on the rise across the country, awareness is more necessary than ever.

An analysis of homeowners insurance data by the Insurance Information Institute found that the number of dog bite claims nationwide rose 5.5 percent in 2013, the children receive a many of these bites, some of which cause permanent disfigurement or even death.

a prejudice claim for a dog bite is generally filed with the company owners or renters insurance of a person. Dog bite claims represent about a third of homeowners claims responsibility and they cost on average $ 27,862.

"The average cost per claim nationally increased by over 45 percent between 03 and 2013," said Loretta Worters, vice president of the Insurance Institute information. "The increase is due to higher medical costs, and the size of settlements, judgments and jury given to applicants who are still on the rise. "

Dog owners bear the primary responsibility for ensuring their dogs do not harm others. Check out these messages to learn what you can do for yourself and others safe keeping

  • Video :. How to be an owner responsible dog dog bite prevention is mostly with dog owners in this video Jeanne Salvatore, senior vice president at the Insurance Information Institute, offers advice on choice. a dog for your home and training properly.
  • Why dogs bite and what to do if you're about to be bitten: There are many reasons why dogs bite. In this post-learn the reasons and the most common how you should react if you think a dog is about to bite you.
  • Insurance and dog bites: The insurance often plays a role in dog bit incidents. This post explains how the liability insurance works and how to respond.

Ready to learn more about the prevention of dog bites and more? Then we'll begin.

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