The Surprising Business Risks You May Not Think About

Risk control consultants are the preventative care professionals of business insurance. They can help you detect potential hazards to your business’s well-being and help you understand what actions you can take to keep things healthy. Good news: Qualifying customers who have business insurance with us have access to customized risk control services. That’s just one more way […]

Spring Showers: Why You Need Personal Umbrella Insurance

Personal umbrella insurance is an additional layer of liability coverage that goes beyond the limits of your standard home or auto insurance policy. It provides extra protection if you are sued for damages exceeding the limits of your primary insurance policies. Here’s why you should consider adding a personal umbrella policy to your insurance portfolio:

Protection Against Liability Risks

Spring brings blooming flowers and unpredictable weather, including heavy rain and thunderstorms. These weather events increase the risk of accidents and liability claims. Personal umbrella insurance can provide coverage for various liability risks, including:

Auto Accidents: If you’re involved in a car accident where you’re at fault and the damages exceed your auto insurance limits, a personal umbrella policy can help cover the additional costs, such as medical expenses and property damage.
Property Damage: Accidentally causing damage to someone else’s property, such as a neighbor’s fence or a parked car, could lead to costly liability claims. Personal umbrella insurance can provide additional coverage beyond what your homeowner’s insurance policy offers.
Personal Injury Claims: If someone is injured on your property or due to your actions, you could be held liable for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A personal umbrella policy can offer increased protection against personal injury claims.

Benefits of Personal Umbrella Insurance

Adding a personal umbrella policy to your insurance coverage offers several benefits, including:

Increased Liability Coverage: Personal umbrella insurance typically provides coverage in increments of $1 million or more, significantly boosting your liability protection. This extra coverage can help safeguard your assets and future earnings in the event of a lawsuit.
Broader Coverage: Unlike standard insurance policies with specific exclusions, personal umbrella insurance offers broader coverage, filling the gaps in your existing coverage for a more comprehensive range of situations.
Peace of Mind: Knowing you have extra protection in place can give you peace of mind, especially during the unpredictable spring weather when accidents are more likely to occur. With a personal umbrella policy, you can face potential liabilities with confidence.

Why You Need Personal Umbrella Insurance

Consider these scenarios where personal umbrella insurance could prove invaluable:

Serious Auto Accident: If you cause a severe auto accident resulting in extensive injuries or fatalities, the medical expenses and legal fees could far exceed your auto insurance limits. A personal umbrella policy can help cover these expenses.
Dog Bite Liability: If your dog bites someone and the victim sues you for medical expenses and damages, a personal umbrella policy can provide additional coverage beyond what your homeowner’s insurance policy offers.
Accidental Injury on Your Property: If a guest slips and falls while visiting your home, resulting in a serious injury and a lawsuit, personal umbrella insurance can help protect your assets from being at risk in a legal settlement.

Our agents can help you understand the benefits of personal umbrella insurance and find the right policy to fit your needs. Contact your local agent today to discuss how adding a personal umbrella policy can provide extra protection and peace of mind. Don’t let spring showers catch you off guard – let us help you stay prepared.

What to Know When Driving Through a Work Zone

Who hasn’t been zipping along when all of a sudden traffic slows to a halt? When it does, you can bet on one of two things: There was an accident or there’s construction. What To Do in a Work Zone Road work is often the culprit in the warmer months. You probably already know that […]

What to Know About Hail, Roof Damage and Hail Fraud

A hailstorm just blew in through your neighborhood. Suddenly, there are people at your door telling you they can repair your home’s damage quickly and easily. What would you do? While some hail damage may be obvious, you can’t always trust that someone showing up to your door has your best interests in mind. If […]

Still Working Remotely? Don’t Forget Your Healthy Work-Life Boundaries

Setting Boundaries While Working Remotely

As remote work becomes increasingly common, individuals need to establish and maintain healthy boundaries between work and personal life. Without clear boundaries, remote workers may find themselves working longer hours, experiencing burnout, and struggling to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Consider the following strategies to help you maintain healthy work-life boundaries while working remotely:

Establishing a Dedicated Workspace

Creating a designated workspace at home can help signal to your brain that it’s time to work and facilitate better focus and productivity. Consider the following tips for setting up a home office:

Choose a Quiet Area: Select a quiet, well-lit area of your home where you can work without distractions.
Invest in Ergonomic Furniture: Use a comfortable chair and ergonomic desk setup to support good posture and reduce the risk of discomfort or injury.
Minimize Distractions: Remove clutter, minimize noise, and establish boundaries with family members or roommates to minimize interruptions during work hours.

Setting Clear Work Hours

Establishing clear work hours helps create structure and delineate between work time and personal time. Consider implementing the following strategies to define your work hours:

Create a Schedule: Set specific start and end times for your workday and stick to them as much as possible.
Communicate Your Availability: Clearly communicate your work hours to colleagues and clients to manage expectations and avoid unnecessary interruptions outside of designated work times.
Take Regular Breaks: Schedule short breaks throughout the day to rest, recharge, and avoid burnout.

Practicing Time Management Techniques

Effective time management is essential for maximizing productivity and maintaining work-life balance. Consider incorporating the following time management techniques into your routine:

Prioritize Tasks: Identify the most important tasks for the day and tackle them first to ensure they get done.
Use Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time for different tasks or activities to improve focus and efficiency.
Limit Multitasking: Focus on one task at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed and reduce the risk of errors or incomplete work.

Setting Technology Boundaries

While technology enables remote work, it’s essential to establish boundaries to prevent digital overload and maintain work-life balance. Consider implementing the following technology boundaries:

Limit Screen Time: Set boundaries around the use of digital devices outside of work hours to prevent overstimulation and promote relaxation.
Turn Off Notifications: Disable non-essential notifications on your devices during non-work hours to minimize distractions and interruptions.
Establish Communication Norms: Set expectations with colleagues regarding response times for emails, messages, and calls outside of regular work hours to avoid feeling constantly on-call.

Taking Regular Breaks and Practicing Self-Care

Prioritizing self-care and taking regular breaks throughout the day is crucial for maintaining overall well-being and preventing burnout. Consider incorporating the following self-care practices into your routine:

Move Your Body: Take short breaks to stretch, go for a walk, or engage in physical activity to combat sedentary behavior and boost energy levels.
Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily routine to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Set Boundaries Around Work-Related Activities: Avoid checking work emails or engaging in work-related tasks during non-work hours to give yourself time to recharge and focus on personal activities.

Our agents can provide guidance and support to help you maintain healthy work-life boundaries while working remotely. Contact your local agent today to learn more about how we can assist you in achieving a better work-life balance. Let us help you prioritize your well-being and maximize your productivity in your remote work environment.

Can I Buy My Parents Life Insurance?

Picture this: You’re sitting down with your parents reviewing their will and other important documents, and you realize they don’t have life insurance.1 For some, this might not be hard to imagine – you may have experienced it already. Life insurance is important for everyone, not just those with families or businesses. That’s because life insurance […]

What to Know About ERIE’s Extended Water Coverage

What would you be most concerned about losing in a flood? It’s different between men and women (of course). See the results from our latest survey. We can’t say it enough: If it can rain (or snow), it can flood. Flooding can happen in a matter of minutes, or it may creep up slowly, but […]

National Car Care Month 2024: A Roundup of Our Best Tips

Erie Insurance is there for your car when it comes to auto insurance, but what about everything else? Your car can take you near and far, but only if you take care of it in return. April is National Car Care Month and it’s your opportunity to show your ride the love that it deserves. […]

Planning A Remodel? Insurance Tips to Keep in Mind

Are you considering a home remodel? Whether you’re updating your kitchen, adding an extra room, or renovating your entire house, it’s essential to consider how these changes can impact your insurance coverage. As April marks National Rebuilding Month, it’s the perfect time for a few insurance tips for planning your next project.

Understanding Personal Insurance and Home Remodels

When it comes to home renovations, it’s crucial to understand how your personal insurance coverage can be affected. Consider the following key points:

Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage: Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand what is covered before, during, and after the remodel. Ensure your policy provides adequate coverage for your home’s new value post-renovation.
Liability Coverage: Liability coverage protects you in case someone is injured on your property during renovation. Ensure your policy includes enough liability coverage to mitigate potential risks associated with the remodel.
Additional Living Expenses (ALE): During extensive renovations, you may need to relocate temporarily. ALE coverage can help cover expenses such as hotel bills, food, and transportation while your home is being remodeled.
Building Permit Coverage: Before beginning your home remodel, check with your insurance provider to ensure that your homeowner’s insurance policy covers any damages or liabilities associated with obtaining building permits for the renovation. Building permits may be required for certain types of renovations, and having adequate coverage can protect you in case of unforeseen issues.
Contractor Insurance: Verify that any contractors or subcontractors hired for the remodel have their liability insurance coverage. This helps protect you from potential liability if the contractor or their workers are injured on your property during the renovation process. Always request proof of insurance from contractors before work begins to avoid complications or liabilities.

Insurance Tips for a Successful Remodel

To ensure a smooth and worry-free remodeling process, follow these insurance tips:

Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company about your renovation plans. They can advise you on any adjustments to your policy and ensure you maintain adequate coverage throughout the project.
Work with Licensed Contractors: Hiring licensed and insured contractors reduces your liability and minimizes the risk of accidents or damages during the renovation. Request proof of insurance from any contractor you hire.
Keep Records of Expenses: Keep detailed records of all expenses related to the remodel, including receipts, invoices, and contracts. This documentation can be invaluable when filing insurance claims or proving the value of improvements to your home.
Update Your Policy: Once the remodel is complete, update your homeowner’s insurance policy to reflect the changes. This ensures your home is adequately protected against any new risks or liabilities.

Ensuring Your Peace of Mind

As you embark on your home remodeling journey, don’t overlook the importance of reviewing your personal insurance coverage. By understanding your policy, taking necessary precautions, and keeping open communication with your insurance provider, you can protect your investment and enjoy the benefits of your newly renovated home with peace of mind.

Our agency can help ensure you have the right insurance coverage for your home remodel. Contact your local agent today to discuss your insurance needs and get a personalized quote. Don’t let uncertainties derail your renovation plans – let us help you protect your investment.

Quiz: Life Insurance Myths

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions out there about life insurance, and you’ve probably heard most of them. We’ve put together a quick quiz to test your knowledge and help you better understand this important financial product. Give it a shot, and see if you’ve got the straight scoop on life insurance. Let’s […]

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