Table of Contents
Erie insurance offers low and discounted prices as well as low premiums. The company provides discounts for seniors, youngers, and safe drivers to keep prices affordable. It has all the expected auto insurance standard plans and extra coverage loaded with various benefits specific to each state. The company has a series of unique extras and discounts which are largely unavailable in other insurance operations.
Erie also offers an Auto Plus package for a small fee that gives you a diminishing deductible, extra days of rental car coverage, higher limits with locksmith coverage, waived deductibles, and a death benefit of $10,000 when a person dies from a covered accident.
While these perks are nice, the fact that it isn’t available everywhere is deterring. It’s also not accredited by the Better Business Bureau which isn’t ideal if you need to make a complaint.
Better Business Bureau
NAIC Complaint Index
J.D. Power satisfaction
4.28/5
PROS
- Affordable Rates
- Customer Satisfaction
CONS
- Mobile App
- Operate in Few States
As is with every organization, there are some strength areas and some areas of weakness in this Insurance operation. Here are some advantages of dealing with the corporation as well as some disadvantages:
Benefits
- Affordable rates
The company is known for its affordable car insurance premiums. The prices provided in Erie Insurance are lower than in other standard companies with similar rankings.
The operation gives various individual coverage policies that don't include in most insurance companies, and its all at a minimum cost.
- Customer satisfaction
Erie Insurance has recorded a low rate of customer complaints. For a corporation of its magnitude and long-standing, it records a good rating on customer satisfaction.
Customers have described their experience with the organization as a swift and responsive one.
- Attractive Discounts
There is a discount package for almost everyone; all you have to do is choose what suits you best. The cheap rates are as a result of its many discount prices.
The corporation considers the welfare of its customers to create well-thought-out discount offers specific to each customer.
- Lock-in feature
The lock-in feature available in Erie Auto Insurance is one of a kind and a huge selling point.
It provides an effective and long-lasting solution to fluctuating rates, thereby giving customers confidence and a sense of control over their insurance activities.
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Drawbacks
- Low Mobile app Ratings
Erie mobile app is quite new and it's one of the main reasons why the rating is low – consumers complain on bugs, and inability to perform basic operations through its app.
- It only operates in a few states
This insurance service operates only in twelve American states: New York, Maryland, Indiana, Virginia, North Carolina, Illinois, Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. It also operates in Columbia.
Customer Service & Satisfaction Ratings
Erie Insurance | |
|---|---|
NAIC’s Index
The Complaint Index Ratio Table shows consumer complaints filed with the Department of Insurance. Above average rate means a less complaints than the median while below Average means higher complaints compared to other insurers
| Above Average
|
BBB
The BBB rating system relies on an A+ through F letter-grade scale. The grades represent BBB's degree of confidence that the business is operating in a trustworthy manner and will make a good faith effort to resolve any customer concerns filed with the BBB.
| A+ |
JD Power
J.D. Power rankings are your guide to finding which products or services ranked highest in J.D. Power Consumer Studies. All rankings are based on the opinions of a sample of consumers from a variety of industries who have used or owned the product or service being rated
| Above Average |
AM Best
AM Best assigns credit ratings that evaluate an insurance company's creditworthiness, or the probability that the company will default on its obligations.
| A+ |
iOS App
| 3.1 |
Android App | 2.9 |
Despite having fewer customer complaints than the average insurer in the industry, Erie appears to be struggling to complete its claims payment process.
The majority of its customers complain about limited coverage. It is only available in 12 states and the District of Columbia. Also, the digital experience is below average , its mobile app has low rates compared to other car insurance companies
However, the insurer provides excellent customer service, and the majority of its drivers have faith in its services.
Basic Coverage
The Erie auto policy provides the following basic coverages:
- Liability coverage: Foots the bills for property or bodily damages that occur as a result of an at-fault accident.
- Collision and Comprehensive Coverage: Pays for damages done to your car by other vehicles or objects, theft, fire, vandalism, etc.
- Uninsured motorist protection: Covers vehicular damages and bodily injuries sustained from an accident caused by an uninsured driver.
- Underinsured motorist protection: Pays the difference between another driver’s policy capabilities and your actual medical expenses as a result of an accident,
- Personal Injury Protection: Foots medical and funeral bills after an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
Extras
Here are some optional additions to the standard policies. These add-ons give endless coverage possibilities.
- Roadside and Rental coverage: These policies are for emergencies that occur while in motion, and if you need a better policy for your car rental coverage.
- Pet coverage: People will be glad to know that treatment costs for any injury suffered by pets during a car accident are provided under this policy.
- Personal item coverage: This policy replaces any personal belongings destroyed in the car as a result of an incident.
- First accident forgiveness: Prevents rate increment on your first at-fault accident only after being an Erie client for a minimum of three years.
- Diminishing deductible: Reduces deductible by $100 for every consecutive year you are claims-free (up to $500).
- Locksmith services: Pays for the services of a locksmith if you accidentally get locked out of your car.
- New Auto Security: If a car used for less than two years is destroyed, you will get a replacement with the most recent model.
- Rate Lock: It permits customers to lock their rates so that they aren't affected by any sudden increase in insurance rates.
How to Get a Quote on Erie Insurance?
Step 1:
Visit the company website at www.erieinsurance.com and click on the option to get a quote. You will get to fill in personal details like; name, date of birth, address, city, and zip code.
Step 2:
After filling, click “Continue”. You will now provide your vehicle information such as; type, year, make model, use, and mileage.
Step 3:
Click ‘continue’. You will need to include all vehicles you wish to insure, then click ‘continue.' You will now provide your driving details like name, gender, marital status, age, previous accidents, or violations.
Moving on, you will have to register every potential driver of the car you wish to insure. Click ‘continue,' then provide final details such as email, phone number, discount options, and start date.After clicking ‘continue’ to submit, your quote estimate should appear on your screen like this.
Step 4:
You may decide to submit a quote to your agent if you're ready and print the quote. You also need to review your policy conditions.
The website provides a step by step process to generate your insurance quote. You can choose to include different discount offers or to opt for a lower rate.
How to File a Claim?
Visit the site at www.erieinsurance.com, and under the service option, click “start a claim.”
You will see two ways to file your claim:
- Through your Insurance Agent: All the agents are familiar with the entire process and can easily put you through the steps. There is a link to connect to a local agent; click on it, and you will be directed to a page asking for your Zip code. After imputing your zip code, you will get a direct link to agents whom you can easily connect with in furtherance of filing your insurance claim. OR
- Call Erie: Erie provides a customer care line that is readily available for calls 24/7. There is an automated voice that will run you through the various call options used to categorize different services.
Auto Insurance Discounts
Erie Auto Insurance provides amazing discounts to suit different budgets. These discounts ensure that you are getting a reduced price but not reduced quality.
As attractive as a cheap policy might be, Erie Auto Insurance ensures that you are getting a standard offer that will be advantageous to you and your lifestyle. Here are some of the money-savers:
| Discount | How do you receive it? |
|---|---|
| Safety Features | Install safety features like antilock brakes, alarm, airbags, etc. |
| Multipolicy | Add life or home insurance to your existing car policy. |
| Storage | Store your car properly, and don't drive for at least 90 days. |
| Paid in Full | Pay your premiums at once instead of monthly installments. |
| Student away from home | Young driver goes to college and leaves the vehicle at home. |
| Young driver | Finish a driving training course, be unwed and still live with your parents, or be unwed and covered by a parent’s auto policy – applies only to drivers under 21 years. |
Erie Insurance FAQs
Why are Erie rates so low?
The main reason why Erie rates are low is that it is possible to qualify for “Rate Lock”.
By adding this feature to your policy, you will not have any rate increases year over year unless you change address or the drivers or cars on your policy need to be amended. If these details stay the same, your rate will remain at the same rate even if you make a claim.
Where is Erie car insurance available?
Erie is a smaller insurance provider offering coverage in 12 states and Washington DC. The coverage area is predominantly in the mid west and mid Atlantic US, in addition to the District of Columbia.
So, if you are in the western side of the US, you are likely to struggle to purchase Erie car insurance.
Is Erie a good place to get car insurance?
Erie is a highly rated insurer offering great rates, with highly praised customer support. The insurer also offers superb coverage options to find the ideal policy to suit your requirements. Erie has a network of independent agents, so you can interact with a dedicated agent when you buy your policy, manage the coverage and make a claim.
The main advantage Direct Car Insurance has is that it advertises highly flexible payment options. However, this is offset by American Family’s mobile app that makes policy management and premium payment simple. So, overall, American Family is likely to be the better choice.
Is Erie better than State Farm?
While State Farm has a solid reputation for offering good rates, Erie is considered a more affordable option. Erie is highly rated with stellar customer support and suburb coverage options. Both companies use agents in their operating territories, so you can gain access to personalized service, but Erie has a better reputation.
Additionally, while State Farm reviews the premium costs every six months, Erie allows you to lock in your rate. So, unless your circumstances change, such as changing your vehicle or moving home, you can keep your car insurance costs stable. This makes Erie the better option.
Is Erie better than GEICO?
Geico is considered to offer low cost car insurance, making it an appealing option. Geico also has coverage across the US, which is another advantage. However, while Geico does have a variety of available discounts, Erie also offers great rates and myriad discounts.
Where Erie has the advantage over Geico is the ability to rate lock. If you add this to your policy, you don’t need to worry about premium increases at renewal time. So, Erie is the better option over Geico.
Is Direct Car Insurance better than Erie?
Both Direct Car Insurance and Erie have a small coverage area with 11 states and 12 states respectively. However, while Direct Car Insurance offers average rates, Erie has a reputation for low rates with innovative features such as rate lock. This allows you to keep your rate the same unless you change address or vehicle or need to add drivers to your policy. So, if you’re within the Erie coverage area, it is likely to be the better option for your car insurance needs.
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Best For | Coverage Options
| Customer Service
| DIscounts
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Telematics App
Telematics is a method of measuring your driving. It's a black box or a mobile phone app that tracks how fast you drive, how quickly you brake, and whether you're a safe driver in general. It's frequently used to assist young or inexperienced drivers in obtaining lower-cost auto insurance.
| RightTrack | Drive Safe & Save | DriveSense | |
Mobile App Rating | 4.8/5 on iOS, 4.2/5 on Android | 4.8/5 on iOS, 4.6/5 on Android | 4.8/5 on iOS, 4.5/5 on Android | |
NAIC’s Index
The Complaint Index Ratio Table shows consumer complaints filed with the Department of Insurance. Above average rate means a less complaints than the median while below Average means higher complaints compared to other insurers
| Average
| Above Average
| Average
| |
JD Power Rating
J.D. Power rankings are your guide to finding which products or services ranked highest in J.D. Power Consumer Studies. All rankings are based on the opinions of a sample of consumers from a variety of industries who have used or owned the product or service being rated
| Average
| Above Average
| N/A | |
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Compare Erie Insurance With Alternative Providers
If you're comparing auto insurance rates between Erie and State Farm, Erie is likely to have the lowest rates in all categories. It also has a strong customer service and complaint resolution system.
Read Full Comparison: Erie vs State Farm: Compare Car Insurance Providers
If you are looking for the cheapest auto insurance rates between Erie and GEICO, Erie will probably provide you with the best deal. It also has a well-functioning customer complaint handling system.
Read Full Comparison: Erie vs Geico: Which Car Insurance Company Is Better?
