http://www.mcelhinny.com/blog/View McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC's Website Blogen-uspostmaster@www.mcelhinny.comInsurance Website Builder - www.insurancewebsitebuilder.comurn:uuid:984923fb-16ab-44e3-9a0d-ad82734b916eurn:uuid:198c139b-6502-42e1-859f-c1af12ff2d00Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412.650.5700 How Safe is Your Next Car? &nbsp; Thinking about a new car? If you factor safety into your choice (most people do), then you&rsquo;ll want to know what ...Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:54:10 -0600Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412.650.5700<br /> <br /> <p><b>How Safe is Your Next Car?</b></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thinking about a new car? If you factor safety into your choice (most people do), then you&rsquo;ll want to know what vehicles aced crash tests and are considered the safest to buy.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>From minicars and sedans to SUVs and pickups, you&rsquo;ll find hundreds of 2012 models deemed safe by the <a href="http://www.iihs.org/default.aspx">Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)</a>. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="line-height: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt;">"For the second year running a record number of models qualify," says Institute president Adrian Lund. "It's tough to win, and we commend auto manufacturers for making safety a top priority."</p> <p>Each year the nonprofit research and education organization determines which vehicles do the best job of protecting people in four of the most common kinds of crashes &mdash; front, side, rollover and rear &mdash; based on ratings in Institute evaluations. The ratings help shoppers pick vehicles that offer the highest levels of crash protection.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Every major automaker has at least one winner that earned the Institute&rsquo;s esteemed Top Safety Pick award. Among the <a href="http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr121511.html#list">115 award winners</a>, there are 18 new recipients this year, while 97 models that previously qualified for the 2011 award carry over to 2012. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>The Winners&rsquo; Circle</b></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 5pt;">Here&rsquo;s a breakdown of some of this year&rsquo;s qualifiers: </p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 5pt; color: windowtext;">The<b> Toyota Camry</b> earned its first-ever Top Safety Pick. Last year, the Camry missed the mark because of a marginal rating for seat/head restraints. Camry is a top-selling midsize car in the U.S. market. </li> </ul> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 5pt; color: windowtext;"><b>Subaru</b> remains the only manufacturer with the distinction of earning awards for every model it builds. Subaru picked up five awards, including one for the redesigned <b>Impreza</b>, a small car.</li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 5pt;">Ten of the 18 new winners are <b>Honda/Acura</b> models, including the midsize <b>Accord</b>, a top U.S. seller, which previously won the 2009 award but has been missing from the list since then. The manufacturer upgraded the roofs on the 10 models to improve rollover protection.</li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 5pt; color: windowtext;"><b>Toyota/Lexus/Scion</b> has 15 winners this year, more than any other auto manufacturer.</li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 5pt; color: windowtext;"><b>General Motors</b> has 14 winners, followed by <b>Volkswagen/Audi</b> with 13, and <b>Ford/Lincoln</b> and <b>Honda/Acura</b> with 12 awards apiece.</li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 5pt; color: windowtext;">The winning green models include <b>Toyota</b><b>&rsquo;s Prius v</b>, the <b>Chevrolet Volt</b> and the <b>Nissan Leaf</b>.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Car Insurance Coverage</b></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Erie Insurance&rsquo;s New Auto Security Coverage Endorsement* is an option if you&rsquo;re thinking about a new car. Added to your auto insurance policy, this coverage helps protect against depreciation for up to two years in case you&rsquo;d have to replace your vehicle after an accident. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>If you&rsquo;re shopping, contact our agency about how to add this endorsement to your&nbsp;policy. The vehicle make and model are also among several factors that may affect the cost of your insurance policy. Ask us about your insurance rates before you buy your new ride.</p> <p><i></i></p> <p>For more information about the <a href="http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr121511.html">Top Safety Pick awards</a> and the <a href="http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr121511.html#list">winning models</a>, go to <a href="http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr121511.html">iihs.org</a>. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><i>*Not available in New York or North Carolina.</i></b></p> <br /> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p> <br />urn:uuid:ba2d4032-1993-4311-a1b2-98f414e95de6Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412.650.5700 What To Do If You Have a Homeowners Insurance Claim: So you thought it was a great idea to have a second floor laundry room &ndash; but now there&rsquo...Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:27:07 -0600Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412.650.5700<br /> <br /> <p>What To Do If You Have a Homeowners Insurance Claim:<br /> <br /> So you thought it was a great idea to have a second floor laundry room &ndash; but now there&rsquo;s a puddle in your hallway and a stream of water flowing down into your family room, on top of your new flat screen TV. Life is full of surprises, but your homeowners insurance shouldn&rsquo;t be one of them. Your ERIE Agent and claims adjusters are ready to help. And here&rsquo;s a little extra information to get you started.&nbsp; </p> <p>Click on the link below:<br /> <br /> &nbsp;<a href="http://www.erieinsurance.com/homeowners/Homeowners-claims.aspx">http://www.erieinsurance.com/homeowners/Homeowners-claims.aspx</a><br /> <br /> Nothing on this Web page constitutes an offer of insurance. Eligibility for<br /> insurance coverage will be determined at the time of application, based<br /> upon the insurer&rsquo;s underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.<br /> The insurance products referenced in this Web page may be altered by the<br /> insurer at any time. All insurance products are subject to terms, conditions<br /> and exclusions not described on this Web page.<br /> This Web page is not secure. Do not use this Web page to communicate<br /> confidential or personal information.<br /> Coverages cannot be bound or altered via this Web page.<br /> Claims may be reported to Erie Insurance by calling the Erie Insurance<br /> 24-hour claim service at 1-800-458-0811.</p>urn:uuid:b4da6096-cb5a-4bc4-ba0d-01ba62954a64Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412.650.5700 Beware of Ice Dams Ice dams can form when melting snow and ice refreeze around the eaves of your roof and back up under the shingles. It&rsquo;s especia...Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:03:38 -0600Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412.650.5700<br /> <br /> <h1>Beware of Ice Dams</h1> <p>Ice dams can form when melting snow and ice refreeze around the eaves of your roof and back up under the shingles. It&rsquo;s especially prevalent this time of year when temperatures warm up during the day and then get much colder at night. Because heat rises, the air in your attic is always warmest at the top and coolest down by the eaves. With nowhere else to go, the accumulating ice backs up under the shingles, roofing felt or sheathing and as it melts causes interior leaks.</p> <p>Prevention is the key when dealing with ice dams. Erie Insurance and the <a href="http://www.ibhs.org/" target="_blank">Institute for Business and Home Safety</a> recommend the following:</p> <ul> <li>Make sure your gutters are clear of leaves and debris.</li> <li>Seal the places where warm air could leak from your house to the attic: vent pipes, exhaust fans, chimneys, attic hatches and light fixtures are all possibilities.</li> <li>Have a professional inspect your roof and attic for proper ventilation and insulation.</li> <li>Look for signs of inadequate ventilation: rust spots, rusty nails or a mildew smell are all signals that moisture has formed on the inside of your roof.</li> <li>If you have soffit vents in your eaves, make sure they are not blocked and the insulation surrounding them is secured so that air can flow easily.</li> <li>If you do not have soffit or ridge vents, you can have them installed or install them yourself fairly easily.</li> <li>Install snow and ice slides. These are metal strips about 24" wide installed as a retrofit solution over the existing roof to prevent ice and snow from bonding to the lower roof.</li> <li>Install a rubberized ice and water shield beneath the roof shingles for the first three to six feet from the eaves up.</li> <li>Consider installing heating cable along the eaves to melt ice. While generally effective, heat cables can cause pooling behind the ice if the snow pack is very heavy or if the cable is not turned on early enough.</li> </ul> <p>Installing slides and shields can be effective in treating the symptoms of ice damming. However, you should recognize that these methods only treat the symptoms, not the disease itself. Only proper ventilation and insulation prevents ice dams. Talk with a professional to discuss the best options for your home. You should also speak to your Agent to review your homeowners coverage and to make sure you have flood insurance.</p> <br /> Nothing on this Web page constitutes an offer of insurance. Eligibility for<br /> insurance coverage will be determined at the time of application, based<br /> upon the insurer&rsquo;s underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.<br /> The insurance products referenced in this Web page may be altered by the<br /> insurer at any time. All insurance products are subject to terms, conditions<br /> and exclusions not described on this Web page.<br /> This Web page is not secure. Do not use this Web page to communicate<br /> confidential or personal information.<br /> Coverages cannot be bound or altered via this Web page.<br /> Claims may be reported to Erie Insurance by calling the Erie Insurance<br /> 24-hour claim service at 1-800-458-0811.<br />urn:uuid:529c10a0-2084-4be4-89b6-61d03fad144aTim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412.650.5700 Does Your Insurance Company Offer First Accident Forgivenss?&nbsp; We Do! Title: Human Happens You probably come to a full halt at stop signs, always u...Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:04:38 -0600Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412.650.5700<br /> <br /> Does Your Insurance Company Offer First Accident Forgivenss?&nbsp; We Do!<br /> <p><b>Title: Human Happens</b></p> <p><b></b></p> <p>You probably come to a full halt at stop signs, always use your turn signals and never speed through a yellow light. But even the best drivers all have one thing in common: we're all human, and humans make mistakes.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Maybe you forgot to look both ways before making that right turn on red, or you were following the car in front of you just a smidge too closely. It happens to the best of us. With most auto insurance companies, one human slip-up might be enough to send your premiums sky high. Luckily, Erie Insurance isn't like most insurance companies.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We offer two different types of accident forgiveness.&nbsp; <b>First Accident Forgiveness</b> lets you off the hook for your first at-fault accident, with no surcharge. The second is called <b>Feature 15</b>. This special forgiveness means that after 15 continuous years of holding your car insurance with ERIE, you'll never get surcharged for another at-fault accident again. It's just our little way of rewarding your loyalty.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>So keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel and your head in the game. We never want you to have an accident. But just in case you, we'll help get you back on your feet as soon as you can.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Call us today to learn about how accident forgiveness and other discounts and extras can save you money on your auto insurance.</p> <br /> <br /> Nothing on this web page constitutes an offer of insurance. Eligibility for insurance coverage will be determined at the time of application, based upon the insurer's underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time. The insurance products referenced in this web page may be altered by the insurer at any time. All insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described on this web page. <br /> <br /> This web page is not secure. Do not use this web page to communicate confidential or personal information. <br /> <br /> Coverages cannot be bound or altered via this web page. <br /> <br /> Claims may be reported to Erie Insurance by calling the Erie Insurance 24 hour claim service at (800) 458-0811. <br /> <br /> <br />urn:uuid:fbe17163-f872-45bf-a3c7-33e512e469b5Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412.650.5700 Our staff here at McElhinny Insurance Agency would like to wish you and yours a very Happy New Year. Listed below are 5 fairly common New Year's resolu...Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:36:28 -0600Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412.650.5700<br /> <br /> <br /> <p>Our staff here at McElhinny Insurance Agency would like to wish you and yours a very Happy New Year. Listed below are 5 fairly common New Year's resolutions. I would like to help you with resolution number 5.</p> <b> <p style="text-align: center;">2012 RESOLUTIONS</p> </b> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">1. Stop Smoking</p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">2. Start Exercising</p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">3. Lose Weight (Start Dieting)</p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">4. Spend More Time w/Family</p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">5. Update Life Insurance!</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">If you are interested in starting the new year off on the right&nbsp;track by having your life insurance updated, please contact me today!</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Sincerely,</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Timothy McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF</p> <p>McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC</p>urn:uuid:4dad309b-5ab4-49c3-937c-538944f99a79Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412.650.5700 HOW TO GET THE BEST DEAL ON CAR INSURANCE FOR YOUR KID http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/12/16/how-to-get-the-best-deal-on-car-insurance-for-your-kid/ ...Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:30:39 -0600Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412.650.5700<br /> <br /> HOW TO GET THE BEST DEAL ON CAR INSURANCE FOR YOUR KID<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/12/16/how-to-get-the-best-deal-on-car-insurance-for-your-kid/">http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/12/16/how-to-get-the-best-deal-on-car-insurance-for-your-kid/</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <p><em>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</em></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p> <br />urn:uuid:8372ae10-fe02-4dc3-bcf4-0faa6f456796Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412.650.5700 Sense &amp; Sensibility Insurance: Perfect Gift for Picky Givers http://www.erieinsurance.com/Eriesense/newsletter/December2010/Sense.aspx *Erie Fam...Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:54:41 -0600Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412.650.5700<br /> <br /> <h1>Sense &amp; Sensibility</h1> <h2><strong>Insurance: Perfect Gift for Picky Givers</strong></h2> <br /> <a href="http://www.erieinsurance.com/Eriesense/newsletter/December2010/Sense.aspx">http://www.erieinsurance.com/Eriesense/newsletter/December2010/Sense.aspx</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div _rdEditor_temp="1"><i>*Erie Family Life insurance products are not available in New York. Related discounts vary by state and are subject to eligibility requirements. <br /> <br /> </i></div> <br /> <br /> <i> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p> </i>urn:uuid:5c9b10b2-0e73-4ec8-8a49-815198cd6647Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412.650.5700 Feds: Phoning, texting killed 3,092 in car crashes last year. http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/12/nhtsa-cell-phones-killed-309...Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:03:46 -0600<p>Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412.650.5700<br /> <br /> </p> <h2 id="post-title">Feds: Phoning, texting killed 3,092 in car crashes last year.</h2> <p ><a href="http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/12/nhtsa-cell-phones-killed-3092-car-crashes-/1">http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/12/nhtsa-cell-phones-killed-3092-car-crashes-/1</a></p>urn:uuid:7f9a04be-5eb7-410c-beb7-9ead4abf14a0Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412.650.5700 Have You Saved Enough for Your Retirement?&nbsp; McElhinny Insurance Agency Can Help. Many have little to no savings as retirement looms http://www.us...Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:13:53 -0600Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412.650.5700<br /> <br /> Have You Saved Enough for Your Retirement?&nbsp; McElhinny Insurance Agency Can Help.<br /> <br /> <h1>Many have little to no savings as retirement looms</h1> <br /> <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/retirement/story/2011-12-02/retirement-not-saving-enough/51642848/1">http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/retirement/story/2011-12-02/retirement-not-saving-enough/51642848/1</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <div _rdEditor_temp="1"><i>*Erie Family Life insurance products are not available in New York. Related discounts vary by state and are subject to eligibility requirements. <br /> <br /> </i></div> <br /> <br /> <i> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p> </i><br />urn:uuid:76051797-b77a-49fa-9512-0e6d58d7dd86Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412.650.5700 Playing it safe with your dollars and cents 4 low-risk ways to Invest. http://www.erieinsurance.com/Eriesense/issues/Winter2011/PlayingItSafe.aspx ...Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:43:38 -0600Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412.650.5700<br /> <br /> <br /> <h1><strong>Playing it safe with your dollars and cents</strong></h1> <h2><strong><em>4 low-risk ways to Invest.<br /> </em></strong></h2> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.erieinsurance.com/Eriesense/issues/Winter2011/PlayingItSafe.aspx">http://www.erieinsurance.com/Eriesense/issues/Winter2011/PlayingItSafe.aspx</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <p><em>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</em></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p> <br /> <br />urn:uuid:667ee194-e2af-4872-bc0f-c5ba55ceee16Happy Thanksgiving to All From the McElhinny Insurance Agency. Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and safe Holiday Weekend.&nbsp; Holidays are about family and spending time with loved ones.&nbsp; And, no one knows that more then the McElhinny In...Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:04:24 -0600Happy Thanksgiving to All From the McElhinny Insurance Agency.<br /> <br /> Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and safe Holiday Weekend.&nbsp; Holidays are about family and spending time with loved ones.&nbsp; And, no one knows that more then the McElhinny Insurance&nbsp;Agency.&nbsp; We are a third generation family owned agency proudly serving the Pittsburgh Area since 1960.&nbsp; &nbsp; Please&nbsp;drive safe&nbsp;during the holiday weekend.<br /> <br /> <br /> The Staff at McElhinny Insurance Agency LLCurn:uuid:f4910086-af5f-42bb-927a-d12d12e9337cTim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412.650.5700 Hagerty Insurance Picks Threatened, Endangered and Extinct Cars: Readers' picks http://www.hagerty.com/Hagerty-Online/News/Features/All-articles/2...Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:18:03 -0600Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412.650.5700<br /> <br /> <div class="title-wrap"> <div class="rating-display"> <div class="rating-cancel" style="display: none;" jQuery162007677611205176599="28"><a></a></div> <input name="rating-0" disabled="disabled" class="star-display {split:2} star-rating-applied star-rating-readonly" style="display: none;" type="radio" jQuery162007677611205176599="27" value="on" /><input name="rating-0" disabled="disabled" class="star-display {split:2} star-rating-applied star-rating-readonly" style="display: none;" type="radio" jQuery162007677611205176599="31" value="on" /><input name="rating-0" disabled="disabled" class="star-display {split:2} star-rating-applied star-rating-readonly" style="display: none;" type="radio" jQuery162007677611205176599="33" value="on" /><input name="rating-0" disabled="disabled" class="star-display {split:2} star-rating-applied star-rating-readonly" style="display: none;" type="radio" jQuery162007677611205176599="35" value="on" /><input name="rating-0" disabled="disabled" class="star-display {split:2} star-rating-applied star-rating-readonly" style="display: none;" type="radio" jQuery162007677611205176599="37" value="on" /><input name="rating-0" disabled="disabled" class="star-display {split:2} star-rating-applied star-rating-readonly" style="display: none;" type="radio" jQuery162007677611205176599="39" value="on" /><input name="rating-0" disabled="disabled" class="star-display {split:2} star-rating-applied star-rating-readonly" style="display: none;" type="radio" jQuery162007677611205176599="41" value="on" /><input name="rating-0" disabled="disabled" class="star-display {split:2} star-rating-applied star-rating-readonly" style="display: none;" type="radio" jQuery162007677611205176599="43" value="on" /><input name="rating-0" disabled="disabled" class="star-display {split:2} star-rating-applied star-rating-readonly" style="display: none;" type="radio" jQuery162007677611205176599="45" value="on" /><input name="rating-0" disabled="disabled" class="star-display {split:2} star-rating-applied star-rating-readonly" style="display: none;" type="radio" jQuery162007677611205176599="47" value="on" /> </div> <h1>Hagerty Insurance Picks Threatened, Endangered and Extinct Cars: Readers' picks </h1> <p ><a href="http://www.hagerty.com/Hagerty-Online/News/Features/All-articles/2011/11/09/Threatened-Endangered-and-Extinct-Cars-Readers-Picks?utm_source=ExactTarget&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=&amp;utm_content=Independent%20Agent&amp;utm_campaign=November%20Newsletter">http://www.hagerty.com/Hagerty-Online/News/Features/All-articles/2011/11/09/Threatened-Endangered-and-Extinct-Cars-Readers-Picks?utm_source=ExactTarget&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=&amp;utm_content=Independent%20Agent&amp;utm_campaign=November%20Newsletter</a><br /> <br /> <br /> </p> </div>urn:uuid:23aee93b-33cc-41ea-801b-067eb716d67aTim McElhinnny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412.650.5700 Tips For Safe and Cost Effective Home Heating Checking your furnace can lower operating costs, protect your family against fire hazards and carbon mono...Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:10:06 -0600Tim McElhinnny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412.650.5700<br /> <br /> <h1>Tips For Safe and Cost Effective Home Heating</h1> <p>Checking your furnace can lower operating costs, protect your family against fire hazards and carbon monoxide poisoning and prevent your furnace from quitting at an inopportune time &mdash; such as in the middle of a dark and snowy night.</p> <br /> CLICK BELOW to read more:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.erieinsurance.com/homeowners/HomeHeating.aspx">http://www.erieinsurance.com/homeowners/HomeHeating.aspx</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <p><em>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</em></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p> <br />urn:uuid:1f3becf7-07ad-46b0-8c53-1098da2b9e8eTim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412.650.5700 TV's Top 10 Movie Cars of All Time.&nbsp; The General Lee is #1 http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/11/rebel-hero-leads-list-of-t...Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:27:01 -0600Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412.650.5700<br /> <br /> TV's Top 10 Movie Cars of All Time.&nbsp; The General Lee is #1<br /> <br /> <a href="http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/11/rebel-hero-leads-list-of-top-10-hottest-cars-from-movies-tv/1">http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/11/rebel-hero-leads-list-of-top-10-hottest-cars-from-movies-tv/1</a>urn:uuid:e983db17-3269-4e0f-8fdd-6f4e9cc095a7Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412.650.5700 Are You in the Angry Zone? Test Your Driving Etiquette http://www.erieinsurance.com/Eriesense/issues/Fall2009/RoadRage.aspx &nbsp; Not all companies...Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:21:01 -0500Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412.650.5700<br /> <br /> <h1>Are You in the Angry Zone? <br /> Test Your Driving Etiquette</h1> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.erieinsurance.com/Eriesense/issues/Fall2009/RoadRage.aspx">http://www.erieinsurance.com/Eriesense/issues/Fall2009/RoadRage.aspx</a><br /> <br /> <em>&nbsp;</em> <p><em>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</em></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p> <br />urn:uuid:f6438242-f08f-4978-a7e4-5a930b1b22d1Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412.650.5700 Beyond the Belt Fifty years after the seat belt made its debut, today&rsquo;s vehicles keep you safe in ways you may not even be aware of. Hop in and c...Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:09:18 -0500Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412.650.5700<br /> <br /> <br /> <h1>Beyond the Belt</h1> <h2>Fifty years after the seat belt made its debut, today&rsquo;s vehicles keep you safe in ways you may not even be aware of. Hop in and check them out&hellip;</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <a href="http://www.erieinsurance.com/Eriesense/issues/Fall2010/BeyondtheBelt.aspx">http://www.erieinsurance.com/Eriesense/issues/Fall2010/BeyondtheBelt.aspx</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div _rdEditor_temp="1"><i>*Erie Family Life insurance products are not available in New York. Related discounts vary by state and are subject to eligibility requirements. <br /> <br /> </i></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <i> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p> </i><br />urn:uuid:cb6625c4-c98c-4504-8919-eecfed4944b0Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412.650.5700 Title: Demystifying Car Insurance Rates Have you ever compared your car insurance rate with a friend or family member and found it wildly different&mdas...Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:44:01 -0500Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412.650.5700<br /> <p><b>Title: Demystifying Car Insurance Rates</b></p> <p><b></b></p> <p>Have you ever compared your car insurance rate with a friend or family member and found it wildly different&mdash;even if you both use the same insurance company? It's not that your carrier likes one of you better than the other. In fact, the way rates are determined is based on many different factors&mdash;some obvious, some you might not expect:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&ntilde;&nbsp; <b>Accident History and Driving Record-- </b>Okay, this one's a given. If you've had many accidents in the past, you're likely to have more in the future, and your insurance rates will be accordingly higher to make up for the risk. The same logic applies if you have a slew of speeding tickets or other traffic violations on your record&mdash;higher risk, higher price.</p> <p>&ntilde;&nbsp; <b>Mileage and Vehicle Usage-- </b>This factor boils down to simple probability: the more you drive, the more likely you are to be in an accident. </p> <p>&ntilde;&nbsp; <b>Vehicle Make and Model-- </b>This factor tends to surprise a lot of people, but it is an important part of your insurance rate. Some cars are just safer than others, while some tend to crumple if you look at them sideways&mdash;which affects risk, and in turn, rates.</p> <p>&ntilde;&nbsp; <b>Demographics--&nbsp; </b>&nbsp;Demographic information&nbsp; is a very good predictor of who are the most&mdash;and least&mdash;safe drivers out there.</p> <p>&ntilde;&nbsp; <b>Insurance Score-- </b>You probably knew you had a credit score, and that all-important number helps us calculate your insurance score. Believe it or not, there's a strong relationship between how you manage your credit and your likelihood of loss in a car accident, which is why we take it into account when calculating your rates.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We hope this helps shed some light on how auto insurance rates are calculated, but if you're still confused, give us a call. We'll not only help you find a great Erie Insurance rate, we'll also help explain it&mdash;and how you can lower your costs.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><i>&ldquo;All insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described here; we can answer any questions you may have.&rdquo;</i></p> <br />urn:uuid:04bdf219-b24d-4ffd-8876-d547d69c90dd Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412-650-5700 &nbsp; Apple announced sales of its hot new iPhone 4S have topped 4 million since the device made its global debut on October 14th, more then double th...Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:09:02 -0500<h4></h4> <p>Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> <br /> &nbsp;<br /> Apple announced sales of its hot new iPhone 4S have topped 4 million since the device made its global debut on October 14th, more then double that of the iPhone 4 during it first days on the market.&nbsp; You can add ERIE Insurance's iPhone app ERIEmobile to your phone today.&nbsp; For more info see below:</p> <h4>Description</h4> <p class=" " style="height: auto;">ERIEmobile is ERIE Insurance&rsquo;s new auto insurance claim and assistance app for the iPhone! <br /> <br /> With ERIEmobile, Erie Insurance Customers can:<br /> &bull; Quickly contact their ERIE Agent and ERIE Insurance<br /> &bull; Collect auto accident claim information <br /> &bull; File an auto glass or auto accident claim <br /> &bull; Display auto insurance IDs<br /> &bull; Locate nearby repair shops and roadside services <br /> <br /> CONTACT YOUR AGENT AND ERIE QUICKLY! <br /> ERIEmobile provides:<br /> &bull; Phone numbers, e-mail addresses and directions to your agent&rsquo;s office <br /> &bull; Direct phone contact to ERIE for Customer Service, Billing, and Claims Services<br /> <br /> COLLECT AND FILE AUTO CLAIM INFO. <br /> If you have an auto glass claim or are in an accident, ERIEmobile allows you to:<br /> &bull; File an auto glass claim<br /> &bull; Quickly call local emergency assistance<br /> &bull; Record the accident location<br /> &bull; Take accident scene photos, or import photos into ERIEmobile<br /> &bull; Record voice descriptions of the accident and vehicle damage <br /> &bull; Collect witness, injured persons, and police report information<br /> &bull; Send accident information to ERIE Insurance to start the claims process or save the information to help you file a claim later <br /> <br /> DISPLAY YOUR INSURANCE CARD.<br /> &bull; This app displays a copy of your insurance card, should you need it. Proof of Insurance is always with you. No more fumbling through the glove box! <br /> <br /> FIND VEHICLE ASSISTANCE, REPAIR STATIONS AND SERVICES. <br /> &bull; ERIEmobile locates repair facilities or services such as tow trucks, rental cars, gas stations, locksmiths, taxi service, hotels or hospitals<br /> <br /> SPECIAL NOTES:<br /> An ERIE personal auto policy and an Erie Insurance Online Account are required to fully access the features offered by this Erie Insurance app. The Online Account is simply a registration process for ERIE Customers that allows you to connect to your auto policy information with this app. You would not be able to file a claim without completing this process. <br /> <br /> If you do not already have an Erie Insurance Online Account, the app will direct you to create a new account. Be sure to do so right away! <br /> Visit https://www.erieinsurance.com/Account/Create/Default.aspx? to set up or modify your online account today.<br /> <br /> Questions or comments? Email us: ERIEmobile@ERIEInsurance.com.</p> <div><br /> <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/erie-insurance-mobile/id401074286?mt=8">http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/erie-insurance-mobile/id401074286?mt=8</a> </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div> <p> <div _rdEditor_temp="1"><i>*Erie Family Life insurance products are not available in New York. Related discounts vary by state and are subject to eligibility requirements. <br /> <br /> </i></div> </p> <i> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </i> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div>urn:uuid:39b04fca-d1c0-4ee8-ab71-3e2060459641Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412-650-5700 Pennsylvania is ranked #4. http://washingtonexaminer.com/local/dc/2011/10/md-va-rank-among-highest-states-deer-collisionsMon, 10 Oct 2011 12:55:40 -0500Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> <br /> Pennsylvania is ranked #4.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://washingtonexaminer.com/local/dc/2011/10/md-va-rank-among-highest-states-deer-collisions">http://washingtonexaminer.com/local/dc/2011/10/md-va-rank-among-highest-states-deer-collisions</a>urn:uuid:eb80b1f9-e15f-4c28-bfeb-5d78b899a47cTim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 412.650.5700 Excuses, Excuses. What&rsquo;s Yours?&nbsp; Five reasons people make buying life insurance anything but top priority &nbsp; Buying ...Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:48:13 -0500Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> 412.650.5700<br /> <br /> <p><b>Excuses, Excuses. What&rsquo;s Yours?&nbsp; </b><i>Five reasons people make buying life insurance anything but top priority<br /> <br /> <br /> </i></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Buying life insurance rarely makes the top 10 on our to-do lists&mdash;and we have plenty of excuses as to why. Here are top reasons people push it off, and why that might not be the best idea: <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>1) &ldquo;I&rsquo;m covered through work.&rdquo;</b></p> <p>Employer-sponsored life insurance is a great benefit to have. But work benefits are usually limited. What&rsquo;s more, they don&rsquo;t automatically go with you if you change&mdash;or lose&mdash;a job. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>2) &ldquo;I&rsquo;m healthy.&rdquo;</b></p> <p>The fact is, the best time to buy life insurance is when you&rsquo;re in good health. The younger you are and the healthier you are, the better your rates will be. <br /> <br /> </p> <p><b>3) &ldquo;I&rsquo;m not insurable.&rdquo;</b></p> <p>Most of us are never as healthy as we want to be. But you might be surprised to find out that you are, in fact, insurable, regardless of age or health. It&rsquo;s worth it just to ask. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>4) &ldquo;It&rsquo;s too expensive.&rdquo;</b></p> <p>There are many types of life insurance available, and there&rsquo;s usually something that will fit in everyone&rsquo;s budget. Once you break it down, life insurance is basically a dollars-a-day expense.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>5) &ldquo;I&rsquo;m single and don&rsquo;t have children.&rdquo;</b></p> <p>Not being married or having little ones around now doesn&rsquo;t mean there aren&rsquo;t other plans in store for you in the future. Plus, if you are in your 20s or 30s and have debts such as a car and a home, it&rsquo;s good to get insured now while the cost is the most reasonable.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Is today the day?</b></p> <p>The truth is, we don&rsquo;t usually think about items such as life insurance until someone asks about it, or worse, someone we know experiences a life crisis that puts things in a new light. But why wait? Let us be the one to ask you about it, rather than you experiencing a loss that jolts the issue to the top of your list. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We can help you find an Erie Family Life insurance policy that fits into your budget and covers your needs for your stage of life. Plus, if you&rsquo;re an ERIE auto and homeowners policyholder, you can save on your premiums when you add a life policy from Erie Family Life*. Give McElhinny Insurance Aegncy&nbsp;a call today to learn more.&nbsp; 412.650.5700<br /> <br /> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><i>*Erie Family Life insurance products are not available in New York. Related discounts vary by state and are subject to eligibility requirements. <br /> <br /> </p> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p> <p></i></p>urn:uuid:6fd95bee-6c01-44f5-b3ba-bbe811dcd514Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 412.650.5700 Your Pittsburgh Auto Insurance Agency Five tips for storing boats safely Boat Theft Often Occurs in the Off-Season &nbsp; If you&rsq...Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:45:46 -0500Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> 412.650.5700<br /> Your Pittsburgh Auto Insurance Agency<br /> <br /> <p><b>Five tips for storing boats safely</b></p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Boat Theft Often Occurs in the Off-Season</b></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>If you&rsquo;re about to store your boat for the off-season, be sure it&rsquo;s in a secure location. Many theft cases happen when the boat is ashore. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&ldquo;There are an unbelievable number of cases in which the storage facility says they never received the boat and the insured says that they left the boat in front of the building,&rdquo; says Gene Robertson, supervisor in ERIE&rsquo;s Corporate Security. &ldquo;Many boat owners don&rsquo;t discover that the boat is missing until they attempt to retrieve it at the start of the new season.&rdquo;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Marine theft is a problem nationwide. From January to May, nearly 2,000 boats were stolen, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). In 2010, there were more than 6,660 boat theft cases. Less than half of those stolen were recovered. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a name="Navigate"></a><b>Navigating Safety and Security</b></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Whenever you&rsquo;re storing your boat, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) recommends obtaining a contract from the storage facility that includes an employee&rsquo;s signature. Other proactive steps to follow:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ol style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-top: 0in;"> <li><b>Mark it</b>: Mark your boat and equipment with the vessel&rsquo;s Hull Identification Number (HIN). A 12-character serial number helps law enforcement agencies to recover stolen boats and equipment quickly. All motorboats, with very few exceptions, must display the registration number on the forward part of the boat.</li> <li><b>Keep records</b>: Place registration and title papers in a safe location other than your boat.</li> <li><b>Take video or photographs</b>: Take photos or videotape your boat, equipment and HIN. </li> <li><b>Secure the ship:</b> Disable the boat and remove expensive equipment when not in use. When parking a boat on its trailer, use a trailer hitch lock.</li> <li><b>Buy insurance</b>: Talk to your insurance agent about purchasing coverage for your boat and personal needs. </li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>You should also be cautious when buying a boat. Carefully review the vessel and its ownership paperwork. To avoid problems, be sure to match the HIN listed on the title and registration to the one attached to the boat. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For more information about NICB or other fraud prevention tips, visit <a href="http://www.nicb.org/" target="_blank">www.nicb.org</a>. The site includes a printable <a href="javascript:showLink('https%3A//www.nicb.org//File%20Library/Theft%20and%20Fraud%20Prevention/Fact%20Sheets/Public/marinevesselchecklistpublic.pdf','_blank');" target="_blank">Marine Identification Checklist</a> and a <a href="javascript:showLink('https%3A//www.nicb.org//File%20Library/Theft%20and%20Fraud%20Prevention/Brochures/13734_BoatTheft_Eng.pdf','_blank');">Boat Theft Brochure</a>. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Call&nbsp;The McElhinny Insurance Agency at 412-650-5700 to learn more about boat insurance coverage. Erie Insurance&rsquo;s coverage helps protect your boat, boating equipment and accessories. It also protects you with liability and medical payments coverage.<br /> <br /> </p> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p> <br /> <br />urn:uuid:0c43c5d7-82ec-4f66-bfea-aad3ae6c2a15Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412-650-5700 Even During Tough Economy, Supercars Still Popular with the Wealthy. http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/story/2011-09-12/super-cars/50375454/1 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:10:43 -0500Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> <br /> Even During Tough Economy, Supercars Still Popular with the Wealthy.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/story/2011-09-12/super-cars/50375454/1">http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/story/2011-09-12/super-cars/50375454/1</a><br /> <br />urn:uuid:6e23acc3-e303-4446-a0b0-f7ab0609a97bTim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412.650.5700 Car Crazy In America, we love cars. There are more than 250 million automobiles on the road in the United States, and most owners are crazy about thei...Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:17:18 -0500<p><b>Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412.650.5700<br /> <br /> <br /> Car Crazy</b></p> <p><b></b></p> <p>In America, we love cars. There are <a href="http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/vehicles/fuel_economy.html">more than 250 million automobiles</a> on the road in the United States, and most owners are crazy about their rides. That&rsquo;s why we spend so much time, energy and money taking care of our cars: getting them repaired, parking them safely and buying new ones. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>At ERIE, we know that running a garage, auto repair shop, or car dealership presents unique challenges. With all of those cars moving, being repaired, or just sitting around, damage is bound to happen.</p> <p><b></b></p> <p>What happens if a customer&rsquo;s car is damaged by a freak hail storm while on your property? Are you covered, or is the owner on his or her own? What if a car is broken into, or if one of your dealer-owned cars is damaged in some way?</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>With a garage/auto insurance policy from Erie Insurance, you can protect yourself&mdash;and your customers&mdash;from any damage that might occur to their cars while on your property. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Let&nbsp;the McElhinny Insurance Agency &nbsp;design a garage/auto insurance policy that makes sense for your business unique needs.&nbsp; We have been proudly serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area with their Auto Insurance needs since 1960.&nbsp; Contact us today!<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p>urn:uuid:99b7fd0f-7529-4632-81e1-10366baf1b6eTim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412-650-5700 Reduce Basement Flood Risks Rain showers might be dandy for your garden but not for your basement. &nbsp;Wet basement problems may be solved simply by r...Thu, 01 Sep 2011 09:49:34 -0500Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> <br /> <p><b>Reduce Basement Flood Risks</b></p> <p>Rain showers might be dandy for your garden but not for your basement.</p> <p style="background: white;">&nbsp;Wet basement problems may be solved simply by repairing an obvious gutter or downspout leak, but other water problems may have causes that are difficult to identify or expensive to fix.</p> <p>&nbsp;The <a href="http://www.ibhs.org/main?execution=e5s1">Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety</a> offers three steps to help you reduce the risk of repeated basement flooding. If you cannot determine the source of the problem yourself, contact a professional. </p> <p>&nbsp;<b>Step 1 - Evaluate the risk </b>by considering these questions:<b></b></p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Does the basement flood every year at approximately the same time? </p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Does the basement flood during random intervals? </p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Where is the basement flooding? </p> <p>o&nbsp;&nbsp; Is it at the top of the basement wall? </p> <p>o&nbsp;&nbsp; At the bottom of the wall? </p> <p>o&nbsp;&nbsp; Through a floor drain? </p> <p>&nbsp;<b>Step 2 - Inspect the location where water is entering and consider these solutions:</b></p> <p>&nbsp;&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reshape the landscaping around the foundation of the building or home. If water is entering near the top of the wall in one location, an improperly sloped landscape angled toward the building could be the cause. </p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Extend and re-direct the downspouts away from the foundation wall. </p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Caulk any cracks on the exterior and interior of the wall around where the water is entering. </p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Consider hiring a licensed contractor to install a waterproofing membrane. If the entire wall is damp or water is entering through multiple wall surfaces, this may be a sign of a faulty or missing exterior water proofing membrane. </p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For an unfinished basement, consider applying an internal sealant that can be painted on interior surface of basement walls. These products typically require constant maintenance or they will stop working. </p> <p>&nbsp;<b>Step 3 &ndash; Try other location-based solutions:</b></p> <p>&nbsp;If the water appears to be entering the home or building near the foundation or through a floor drain, consider installing a French drain or a sump pump.</p> <p>&nbsp;The French drain could be installed around the perimeter of the building, diverting the water away from the foundation. A sump pump should be installed in the basement floor with a battery backup system. Before you begin, consider hiring a licensed contractor for help. </p> <p>&nbsp;<b>Check your insurance coverage</b></p> <p>&nbsp;As with any type of insurance, it's important to know what your policy does and doesn't cover. All basic homeowners insurance policies exclude flood and certain types of water-related damages. Only flood insurance will cover losses in the event of a flood.</p> <p style="background: white;">&nbsp;Flood insurance can be purchased from the federal government&rsquo;s <a href="http://www.floodsmart.gov/">National Flood Insurance Program</a>, and from some private insurers.&nbsp;</p> <p style="background: white;">&nbsp;Contact our agency to determine what is covered under your insurance policy. &nbsp;We can help you review your current coverage and help customize a policy that&rsquo;s right for you. Call&nbsp;McElhinny Insurance Agency today at 412-650-5700.<br /> <br /> </p> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to </i>erieinsurance.com<i> for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p> <p style="background: white;">&nbsp;</p> <br /> <br /> <br />urn:uuid:f96605df-dde0-4fc8-aca1-7df03328aa78Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412.650.5700 Watch for Scams after a Storm When storms hit, your home&mdash;and life&mdash;can be turned upside down. You&rsquo;re eager to get your home repaired,...Thu, 25 Aug 2011 14:25:19 -0500<strong>Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412.650.5700<br /> <br /> <br /> Watch for Scams after a Storm</strong><br /> <br /> <p>When storms hit, your home&mdash;and life&mdash;can be turned upside down. You&rsquo;re eager to get your home repaired, but be careful: some contractors aren&rsquo;t really there to help.&nbsp; </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Most contractors are reputable business people. But each year, there are a few dishonest ones who chase storms from state to state. They may try to convince you that you have hail or other damage and need a new roof when you really don&rsquo;t. They&rsquo;ll ask to be hired for the work, explaining that your insurance company will pay for the repairs. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>ERIE HomeProtector polices cover damage caused by hail and windstorms, but they will not cover the cost to replace a roof or siding when no damage has occurred. Since the work these dishonest contractors offer may not be of the highest quality, ERIE also highly recommends that you get a second&mdash;even a third&mdash;opinion before starting any contract work. It&rsquo;s not fair to you to have your roof, once in excellent condition, altered so that it is inferior in quality. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>What you can do</b><br /> If you&rsquo;re beginning to repair or rebuild after a storm, or even if you are just planning a home improvement project, keep these tips, recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in mind for choosing contractors wisely:</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li>Get more than one estimate. </li> <li>Don&rsquo;t be pushed into signing a contract right away. </li> <li>Get everything in writing. Cost, work to be done, time schedules, guarantees, payment schedules and other expectations should be detailed. </li> <li>Check references before deciding which contractor to choose. </li> <li>Never sign a contract with blanks. </li> <li>Don&rsquo;t pay a contractor in full until the work is complete. </li> <li>Check with county or city licensing authorities to see if the contractor is licensed in your jurisdiction, as well as checking for complaints with their regional <a href="http://www.bbb.org/us/find-a-bbb/" target="_blank">Better Business Bureau</a>. </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>ERIE can help, too<br /> </b>If you need suggestions about who to hire or how to repair your home after a storm, we can help you contact an insurance claims adjuster. Erie Insurance has professional claims adjusters who are trained to assess your property, identify storm damage and prepare an estimate for proper repair. They can also provide recommendations for reliable, licensed contractors in your area&mdash;although the final choice of contractor is always yours. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Contact&nbsp;the McElhinny Insurance Agency at 412.650.5700 or <a href="mailto:tim@mcelhinny.com">tim@mcelhinny.com</a>&nbsp;for more information.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p>urn:uuid:9a0835f9-722c-4b86-bad1-0ae7cff57809Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412-650-5700 Find out how Social Media is being used to fight Insurance Fraud. Social Media and Deception in Fraud Investigations http://www.propertycasualty360.com...Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:10:30 -0500Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> <br /> Find out how Social Media is being used to fight Insurance Fraud.<a href="http://www.propertycasualty360.com/2011/08/10/social-media-and-deception-in-fraud-investigations"><br /> <h1 class="article-title">Social Media and Deception in Fraud Investigations</h1> <br /> http://www.propertycasualty360.com/2011/08/10/social-media-and-deception-in-fraud-investigations</a>urn:uuid:41e764dc-ac75-40c4-97b9-6803599a8a06Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412-650-5700 Shop Local, Local food. Local theater. Local products. We&rsquo;re paying more and more attention to things that come directly from our own communitie...Thu, 04 Aug 2011 16:18:16 -0500<p>Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> <br /> <br /> Shop Local,<br /> <br /> Local food. Local theater. Local products. We&rsquo;re paying more and more attention to things that come directly from our own communities. Why shouldn&rsquo;t your business auto insurance agent be local, too?</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Everyone hates feeling like a number, and we promise never to make you feel that way. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We&rsquo;re local. We live here in the same community that you do. We understand the unique dangers that face our town: how Main Street curves sharply to the left, making it dangerous for high-profile vehicles, or how slippery that hill outside of town can be in the winter. Our understanding makes it easier for us to help you avoid the accident in the first place &mdash; or how to fix things afterwards. ERIE&rsquo;s local claims employees will help you get you back on the road.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We also know how important your company&rsquo;s vehicles are to your business&rsquo; success: without them you can&rsquo;t visit clients, deliver goods and perform other critical functions. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Don&rsquo;t chance your business&rsquo; success on an Agent who treats you like a number, or someone in a far-off city. Our agency has earned a place of honor in the communities we serve. Let us help you, here and now. When it comes to your insurance Agent, shop local. </p> <p>Call the McElhinny Insurance Agency today.&nbsp; They are your Pittsburgh Auto Insurance Specialists!<br /> <br /> </p> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p>urn:uuid:0810fb81-1e4a-456e-bf28-869ac7637e61 A teen driver on your insurance? The average increase in premiums across 25 cities was 156% after a teen was added to a policy, and that's under the best of circumstances. By&nbsp;MSN Money partner&nbsp;on Tue, Jul 26, 2011 2:14 PM http://mone...Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:36:27 -0500<div class="posttitle" id="ahead"> <h1>A teen driver on your insurance?</h1> </div> <br /> <div class="pst_st"> <h2>The average increase in premiums across 25 cities was 156% after a teen was added to a policy, and that's under the best of circumstances. </h2> </div> <div class="pst_dt">By&nbsp;<a href="http://money.msn.com/keyword.aspx?author=XAhkTUB1SIb_T9Pjnamq4dgPRrrxR7Yf8" onclick="clickOmniture('MSNPORTALSCP', 'Author_Click');">MSN Money partner</a>&nbsp;on Tue, Jul 26, 2011 2:14 PM</div> <br /> <a href="http://money.msn.com/saving-money-tips/post.aspx?post=af0aaf0f-7fc1-4d16-aa63-c78584d67af8">http://money.msn.com/saving-money-tips/post.aspx?post=af0aaf0f-7fc1-4d16-aa63-c78584d67af8</a><br />urn:uuid:b8b52737-10f8-4555-9891-312a5e0e8a74Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412-650-5700 Making Waves? Protect Your Boat Many people believe sailboats or powerboats are covered under their auto or homeowners policies. But, for most insure...Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:18:45 -0500<p><b>Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> <br /> <br /> Making Waves? Protect Your Boat<br /> <br /> </p> <p>Many people believe sailboats or powerboats are covered under their auto or homeowners policies. But, for most insurers, that isn't the case. Consider this:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li>Typically, an auto policy won&rsquo;t provide liability or physical damage coverage for a boat.</li> <li>Most homeowners policies provide a limited amount of coverage for physical damage to boats. They also restrict automatic liability coverage to low-powered boats.</li> </ul> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Large, fast motorboats, yachts and personal watercrafts such as jet skis and wave runners require a separate boat insurance policy. Boat insurance offers coverage for things like:</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.75in; background: white;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bodily injury - for injuries caused to others, such as swimmers, jet skiers or other boaters</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.75in; background: white;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Property damage - for damage caused to someone else's property</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.75in; background: white;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Theft and vandalism &ndash; that can occur on land or in the water</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.75in; background: white;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Medical payments - for injuries to the boat owner, family members and others who are injured</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt; background: white;"><b>ERIE&rsquo;s Boat Protector Policy</b></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt; background: white;">With a policy from Erie Insurance, you&rsquo;ll get comprehensive coverage that covers many types of losses. It will cover, for example, damages resulting from a collision, fire or lightening. ERIE offers:</p> <p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt; background: white; color: #333333;">Up to $500 in coverage for boating equipment and accessories at no additional cost</li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt; background: white; color: #333333;">Payments up to $250 per occurrence for emergency towing to the nearest marina, if your boat is disabled or stranded on the water</li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt; background: white; color: #333333;">$1,000 coverage of non-owned property </li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt; background: white; color: #333333;">$500 fire extinguisher recharge</li> </ul> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt; background: white;">For an additional premium or fee, ERIE also offers optional coverage such as uninsured boater protection. This coverage protects you should you be involved in a boating accident caused by a hit-and-run boater or a boater who has no insurance. Credits are available, too, for things like radars, built-in fire extinguishing systems and ship-to-shore radios. </p> <p>So, if you have a boat or are thinking about getting one, contact The McElhinny Insurance Agency. We will review your coverage and help ensure that your boat is properly insured.&nbsp; Call&nbsp;412-650-5700 today.<br /> <br /> <br /> </p> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to </i>erieinsurance.com<i> for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p> <p></b></p>urn:uuid:191123c5-06d4-4c9c-bf2e-4cb0fdd5dd1eTim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 412-650-5700 Ten Trouble-Free Tips for Travelers &nbsp; Will you be one of the millions on the road this summer? &nbsp; Safety is one of the most...Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:29:38 -0500Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> <br /> <br /> <p><b>Ten Trouble-Free Tips for Travelers</b></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Will you be one of the millions on the road this summer? </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Safety is one of the most important things to consider as you pack your car and leave home. To help you get ready for your next road trip, the <a href="http://www.ncpc.org/about">National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC)</a> recommends these 10 tips for travelers:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>At home</b></p> <p >1.&nbsp;<b>Check all the locks before you leave home.</b> Each door and window should have a sturdy lock.</p> <p>2. <b>Use motion-detection lights</b> outside and trim hedges to reduce potential hiding places for burglars.<br /> 3.&nbsp;<b>Set automatic timers</b> on a few interior lights to give the impression that someone is home.<br /> 4.&nbsp;<b>Ask the post office to hold your mail</b> or ask a trusted friend or neighbor to collect it while you are away. Do the same with home delivery of newspapers.</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>On the road</b></p> <p >5.&nbsp;<b>Pay attention</b> to your surroundings.<br /> 6.&nbsp;<b>Pick well lit gas stations </b>and always remove your keys and lock the car doors while you are pumping gas. <br /> 7<b>.&nbsp;Protect your valuables </b>(GPS, MP3 players, cell phones)<b> </b>by keeping them out of plain view in your vehicle and lock the doors even if you are stepping away from the vehicle for just a moment.</p> <p>8.&nbsp;<b>Take only the credit and other cards you will need</b>. Leave the others at home, stored securely.</p> <p>9.&nbsp;<b>Never leave your hotel room unlocked</b>, even to go to the ice or vending machine.</p> <p>10.&nbsp;<b>Don&rsquo;t open the door</b> at a hotel or at home to someone who you don&rsquo;t know well or trust.</p> <p><strong>It&rsquo;s important, too, not to forget the basics:</strong> buckle your seatbelt and keep your eyes on the road. Driving is a skill that requires your full attention to safely control your vehicle and respond to the events happening on the roads around you. </p> <p>It&rsquo;s good to have an insurance company that will be there if you ever have an accident or need to file a claim. To check on your coverage, contact our agency.&nbsp; We will review your current policies and help ensure that your car and home are properly insured. Call&nbsp;McElhinny Insurance Agency at 412-650-5700 or email at <a href="mailto:tim@mcelhinny.com">tim@mcelhinny.com</a> .<br /> <br /> </p> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to </i>erieinsurance.com<i> for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p>urn:uuid:81b0f479-f879-4910-989e-c74f5e0923b6Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412-650-5700 Are you looking for LOW COST auto insurance?&nbsp; The McElhinny Insurance Agency can help. Weather your in the market for a new car, tired of you old...Tue, 21 Jun 2011 09:44:49 -0500Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> <br /> <br /> Are you looking for LOW COST auto insurance?&nbsp; The McElhinny Insurance Agency can help.<br /> <br /> Weather your in the market for a new car, tired of you old company, frustrated with your current agent, or just want to see if there is a better rate out there, we can help.&nbsp; We are you Pittsburgh auto insurance specialists, and have many ways to save you money.<br /> <br /> Do you own your own home or rent?&nbsp;&nbsp;We can bundle your auto and home owners insurance togethere and offer a&nbsp;Multi-Policy discount that will save you money.<br /> <br /> Are you a safe driver?&nbsp; We offer safe driver and claims free discounts.<br /> <br /> Do you have good credit?&nbsp; There are discounted rates available for&nbsp;a good&nbsp;credit history.<br /> <br /> Does your car have airbags, anti-lock brakes, or an alarm system?&nbsp;&nbsp;We have discounts for these safety systems.<br /> <br /> Have&nbsp; you have your auto insurance policy&nbsp;reviewed lately?&nbsp; Let&nbsp;one of our experienced agents take a look&nbsp;and see&nbsp;how competitive our rates can be.&nbsp; Just a few minutes of your time could save you money.&nbsp; Contact McElhinny Insurance today and find out how much you can save!<br /> <br /> &nbsp;urn:uuid:63ead0e7-77e4-46ab-9f02-0642f2d814b0Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412-650-5700 J.D. Power Finds Majority Get Auto Insurance Quote Online http://www.propertycasualty360.com/2011/06/02/jd-power-finds-majority-get-auto-insurance-quo...Tue, 07 Jun 2011 11:55:15 -0500Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> <br /> <br /> J.D. Power Finds Majority Get Auto Insurance Quote Online<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.propertycasualty360.com/2011/06/02/jd-power-finds-majority-get-auto-insurance-quote-o">http://www.propertycasualty360.com/2011/06/02/jd-power-finds-majority-get-auto-insurance-quote-o</a>urn:uuid:b8233142-bfc9-4e01-8ae4-da662fc380bdWill Your Agent Be There for You? It&rsquo;s late at night, pouring down rain, and you&rsquo;ve had a car accident. Luckily, everyone is okay, but the car might not be. &nbsp; In this scary scenario, who would you rather call? A faceless voice on t...Wed, 01 Jun 2011 10:36:17 -0500<p>Will Your Agent Be There for You?<br /> <br /> It&rsquo;s late at night, pouring down rain, and you&rsquo;ve had a car accident. Luckily, everyone is okay, but the car might not be. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In this scary scenario, who would you rather call? A faceless voice on the phone, or a local agent you know and trust, who can be on the scene within minutes?</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Having an agent on the ground who knows you and your town can be huge.&nbsp; We can let you know which local repair shop offers the best service in town. We can also recommend coverage that makes sense for your geographical area&mdash;like flood or hurricane insurance. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>And we&rsquo;re here for you when everything goes wrong. We don&rsquo;t just interpret your policy for you, though sometimes that&rsquo;s part of our role. We also act as friend, confidante, comforter and&nbsp; supporter on those not-so-great days when you need to file a claim. And that can make all the difference in the world.<br /> <br /> McElhinny Insurance Agency has been serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area since 1960&nbsp; We are a 3rd generation family owned agency and would be happy to review your current policies.&nbsp; Contact us today!<br /> <br /> Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412-650-5700</p>urn:uuid:bd0e1eea-07ed-45f0-8843-e3d26c60045cTim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412-650-5700 Price is not the only thing that matters when it comes to car insurance. Rather than racing through a quote to give a price (which suggests to the prosp...Mon, 23 May 2011 15:00:13 -0500<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> <br /> Price is not the only thing that matters when it comes to car insurance. Rather than racing through a quote to give a price (which suggests to the prospect that price is the only important thing), discuss some of the following items with PPA prospects before getting to the price. Please note that this is for internal use only and is not to be distributed to prospects or clients.</i></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><i></i></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">About Erie</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></p> <ol style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-top: 0in;"> <li style="text-align: justify;">Your collision deductible will be waived if you are involved in an accident with another auto insured by Erie. (Built into Auto Policy)</li> </ol> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p> <ol style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-top: 0in;" start="2"> <li style="text-align: justify;">Your comprehensive deductible will be waived when a damaged windshield is repaired instead of replaced. (Built into Auto Policy)</li> </ol> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p> <ol style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-top: 0in;" start="3"> <li style="text-align: justify;">Pet Injury Coverage is included in the Erie auto policy at no cost. Coverage is provided for up to two dogs and/or cats that are injured in an auto accident when riding along with you. We&rsquo;ll pay $500 for each to receive veterinarian and medical care or $1,000 to cover their loss. (Built into Auto Policy)</li> </ol> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p> <ol style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-top: 0in;" start="4"> <li style="text-align: justify;">Erie regularly receives outstanding ratings for claims service from Consumer Reports and J D Power.</li> </ol> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p> <ol style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-top: 0in;" start="5"> <li style="text-align: justify;">Erie is a Fortune 500 company with an A+ rating from A.M. Best, an independent rating organization. </li> </ol> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p> <ol style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-top: 0in;" start="6"> <li style="text-align: justify;">(If Auto Enhancement Endorsement applies) Diminishing Deductible - Your deductible will be reduced by $100 for each consecutive claims-free policy year that your policy has been in force, up to a maximum of $500. <i>(Deductible</i> <i>cannot be reduced to less than $100 in PA.)</i></li> </ol> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p> <ol style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-top: 0in;" start="7"> <li style="text-align: justify;">(If <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Auto Enhancement Endorsement</span> applies) Transportation Expense&mdash;ERIE will pay up to five days of transportation expenses from a covered loss after we offer settlement.</li> </ol> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p> <ol style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-top: 0in;" start="8"> <li style="text-align: justify;">(If <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Auto Enhancement Endorsement </span>applies) You&rsquo;ll have increased coverage ($4,000) for sound equipment like Tape players, CD players, DVD players, VCRs, GPS, Radios, Two-way mobile radios, Scanners, Televisions, and other similar equipment that records, receives or transmits audio, visual or data signals if the equipment is permanently installed other than where the auto manufacturer would normally install such equipment</li> </ol> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p> <ol style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-top: 0in;" start="9"> <li style="text-align: justify;">(If <span style="text-decoration: underline;">New Auto Lease/Loan Security Endorsement</span> applies) Replacement Cost Coverage&mdash;ERIE will pay to replace your auto if it is two years old or less and is a total loss (subject to policy terms and limitations).</li> </ol> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p> <ol style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-top: 0in;" start="10"> <li style="text-align: justify;">(If <span style="text-decoration: underline;">New Auto Lease/Loan Security Endorsement</span> applies) Repair Coverage&mdash;ERIE will pay to repair your auto, without a deduction for depreciation, if it is two years old or less and is not a total loss (subject to policy terms and limitations).</li> </ol> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p> <ol style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-top: 0in;" start="11"> <li style="text-align: justify;">(If <span style="text-decoration: underline;">New Auto Lease/Loan Security Endorsement</span> applies) Auto Lease/Loan Security Coverage AKA &ldquo;Gap&rdquo; Coverage - Provides additional protection in the event of a total loss to a covered auto. Coverage is provided for the difference between the actual cash value of the auto and the amount due under the terms of the lease/loan (subject to policy terms and limitations).</li> </ol> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">About our Agency</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>What makes&nbsp;McElhinny Insurance&nbsp;Agency great? Consider the following:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ol style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-top: 0in;"> <li>We&rsquo;ll provide you with personal assistance in the event of a claim.</li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ol style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-top: 0in;" start="2"> <li>We&rsquo;re not an 800 number company. We treat you like a friend, not like a number.</li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ol style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-top: 0in;" start="3"> <li>We give back to our community by supporting local schools, athletics, and charities.</li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ol style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-top: 0in;" start="4"> <li>We offer a full range of products, including Auto, Home, Business, Life, Annuities, Boats, </li> </ol> <p>Umbrellas, Motorcycles, Mobile Homes, Rental Properties, and more.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ol style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-top: 0in;" start="5"> <li>Ask our current clients about us! There are many good reasons why we have one of the highest retention rates in the industry!</li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We are a 3rd Generation Family Owned insurance agency proudly serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area since 1960.</p>urn:uuid:a19a343d-58e0-43d2-8d04-804146bfdee5Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412-650-5700&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Check Your Coverage Before You Hit the Road Cooler of snacks&mdash;check. Full tank of gas&mdash;check. Added Auto Enhancement...Mon, 16 May 2011 13:37:33 -0500<p>Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412-650-5700&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> <br /> Check Your Coverage Before You Hit the Road<br /> <br /> Cooler of snacks&mdash;check. Full tank of gas&mdash;check. Added Auto Enhancement Endorsement to your policy&mdash;huh? </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Spring is a great time to take a vacation and get out on the open road. Wherever you&rsquo;re headed&mdash;the beach, the mountains, or anywhere with sunshine&mdash;make sure you go prepared. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>ERIE&rsquo;s Auto Enhancement Endorsement* offers extra coverage to avoid sticky situations that could put a damper on your getaway. Let&rsquo;s face it&mdash;road trips are no fun if you&rsquo;re stuck in a repair shop after an accident. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Auto Enhancement Endorsement is the ticket to help you out in such a pinch. It can cover emergency travel costs, up to $150 per person.&nbsp; The endorsement also has other long-lasting features that are beneficial:</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li>Transportation expenses after a loss&mdash;ERIE will pay for up to seven additional days beyond the standard auto insurance policy if your car is in the shop after an accident. </li> <li>Higher coverage limits for personal effects, sound equipment and more.</li> <li>Diminishing deductible&mdash;reduced by $100 for each consecutive claims-free policy year that you&rsquo;re insured, up to a maximum of $500.</li> <li>Deductible waiver&mdash;comprehensive or collision deductible is not applied if the accident involves your property that&rsquo;s insured under an ERIE <a href="http://www.erieinsurance.com/homeowners/HomeProtector.aspx">HomeProtector</a> policy. </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>So give&nbsp;McElhinny Insurance Agency&nbsp;a call before you hit the road, and make sure to buckle up!&nbsp;&nbsp; 412-650-5700 or <a href="mailto:tim@mcelhinny.com">tim@mcelhinny.com</a></p> <p><i>*The Auto Enhancement Endorsement is not available in North Carolina.<br /> <br /> </p> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to </i>erieinsurance.com<i> for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p> <p></i></p>urn:uuid:d98361ab-4df3-483e-b702-950745a9e408Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412-650-5700 Even Renters Need to Protect Their Homes, It may not be a house, but your apartment is still a home, filled with memories and personal belongings. The ...Tue, 10 May 2011 14:27:50 -0500<p>Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> <br /> Even Renters Need to Protect Their Homes,<br /> <br /> It may not be a house, but your apartment is still a home, filled with memories and personal belongings. The best way to keep them financially protected is with renters insurance.* (Your landlord&rsquo;s insurance should cover any structural damage that might occur, but it won&rsquo;t cover your personal things.)&nbsp; </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Most importantly, renters insurance includes protection against thieves. Since the burglary rate for renters is about 50 percent higher than for homeowners, according to the Insurance Information Institute, renters insurance is a worthy investment to consider. It also covers: </p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Personal property, wherever it may be. (If you go camping or traveling, your tent, luggage or other belongings will be financially protected). </li> <li>Loss of use, which covers the additional living expenses you incur due to temporary relocation. </li> <li>Personal liability for bodily injury, property damage or personal injury claims brought against you anywhere in the world. </li> <li>Medical payments to others who are injured in an accident arising from your premises or personal activities. </li> </ul> <p>Want to know more? Give us a call. If you purchase ERIE's Tenantcover Policy, you may also be eligible for a discount on your ERIE auto insurance policy. 555-555-5555 [option to insert agency phone number]</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*Coverage exclusions and limitations may apply. See policy for details. </p> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p>urn:uuid:cc8fc865-0fcf-4bcd-b3d0-19941994b528Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412-650-5700 A meteor hits your home. Are you covered? You hit a deer with your car. Covered? While we&rsquo;re always here to help walk you through the intricacies...Mon, 02 May 2011 13:44:21 -0500<p>Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> <br /> <br /> A meteor hits your home. Are you covered? You hit a deer with your car. Covered? While we&rsquo;re always here to help walk you through the intricacies of your ERIE policy, here are some basic rules of thumb about home and auto coverage. Specifics depend on your policy, and please call us if you have questions.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Home Coverage: </b>Home insurance typically falls into two broad categories: coverage for your home itself, and coverage for your possessions. For structural coverage, you&rsquo;re usually covered for damages caused by fire, wind, hail and lightning, but earthquake and flood insurance must be purchased separately. For your personal property, if your possessions are stolen or damaged by a covered disaster, you&rsquo;ll typically receive 50-75 percent of your total insurance amount to replace them. Expensive items like fine art or jewelry may require additional coverage.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Auto Coverage: </b>Auto insurance covers a broader set of circumstances, including collision (accidents), comprehensive (damage not caused by an accident, like a rock hitting your windshield or damage from theft), uninsured motorist coverage, property damage coverage (to repair someone&rsquo;s damaged property, like a light pole or a mailbox), medical coverage (to cover injuries you or your passengers sustained in a collision), and bodily injury liability (to protect you from lawsuits). Seems like a lot? It is! </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>One of the best things that you can do to protect both your home and your auto is to bundle your coverage. Why? It means that you have one go-to person to explain your insurance questions, and you can save some serious cash. In the meantime, we do hope you&rsquo;ll call if you have questions about what&rsquo;s covered in your auto or home policy.</p> <br />urn:uuid:84a371e5-45da-438d-b42d-d84ae6570a35Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412-650-5700 Buying a New Ride? Here&rsquo;s How to Keep that Baby Safe It can be one of the most exciting purchases&mdash;a new car. Whether it&rsquo;s a sports c...Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:17:13 -0500<p>Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> <b><br /> Buying a New Ride? Here&rsquo;s How to Keep that Baby Safe </b></p> <p ><br /> It can be one of the most exciting purchases&mdash;a new car. Whether it&rsquo;s a sports car or a family ride, here are a few things to know about keeping it insured: </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>First,</b> When you replace a car, the ERIE coverage on your previous vehicle will transfer to the new one&mdash;for a limited period of time. Similarly, if ERIE covers all your vehicles and you buy an additional car or truck, the new vehicle will be protected for the broadest coverage afforded under your existing policy, but the coverage does not extend indefinitely.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Both scenarios have limitations that could leave you at risk. Your insurance contract requires you to contact our agency or ERIE about the change in vehicle as soon as possible. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Second</b>, there is usually a time limit&mdash;typically you are required to report the change during the current policy term and immediately, if you wish to modify or add coverage.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Finally</b>, your new car may not be fully covered under your old policy, especially if you chose not to carry physical damage coverages (comprehensive and collision) to keep your premium low on an older car. We can help you review your policy and make any needed changes. </p> <p style="line-height: 14.4pt; background: white;">One endorsement in particular you may want to consider is ERIE&rsquo;s New Auto Security Coverage Endorsement.* This coverage helps protect against depreciation for up to two years in case you have to replace your new vehicle after an accident.</p> <p style="line-height: 14.4pt; background: white;">The smartest approach to lining up insurance for your new car? Contact the&nbsp;McELHINNY INSURANCE AGENCY&nbsp;before you buy. We can help you evaluate how much your new car will cost to insure and help you make the change to your policy before you drive your new dream home. </p> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p>urn:uuid:579bd57c-b982-4456-bc48-1f9c1e301636Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412-650-5700 Save More When You Bundle Want to save money on your insurance? (Who doesn&rsquo;t?) The best way to do that, especially as rates trend upwards, is to pu...Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:27:00 -0500<p>Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> <a href="mailto:tim@mcelhinny.com">tim@mcelhinny.com</a><br /> 412-650-5700</p> <p><b>Save More When You Bundle</b></p> <p>Want to save money on your insurance? (Who doesn&rsquo;t?) The best way to do that, especially as rates trend upwards, is to purchase your home, auto and life insurance from the same insurer. If you have a home policy or a qualifying life insurance policy* from ERIE in addition to your auto insurance, you&rsquo;ll earn a Multi-Policy Discount. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>There are lots of other discounts available for your home and auto policies, too, like the Multi-Car Discount, Safe Driver Discount, Car Safety Equipment Discounts, Driver Training Discount, Fire and/or Burglary Alarm System Discount, Age of Insured Discount and more. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Give&nbsp;McElhinny Insurance Agnecy a call&nbsp; today. We can help you review your current discounts and bundle your insurance, if you haven&rsquo;t already, for an added discount.&nbsp;412-650-5700.<br /> <br /> </p> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p>urn:uuid:91af1cf5-b8a4-4307-a687-4457b622d4e9ERIE named to list of only 40 companies to receive distinction in U.S. &nbsp; (Erie, Pa.) February 25, 2011 - Erie Insurance was recognized as a J.D. Power and Associates' 2011 Customer Service Champion, one of only 40 companies to earn the distincti...Tue, 29 Mar 2011 13:40:24 -0500<h3>ERIE named to list of only 40 companies to receive distinction in U.S.</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>(Erie, Pa.) February 25, 2011 - Erie Insurance was recognized as a <i>J.D. Power and Associates' 2011 Customer Service Champion</i>, one of only 40 companies to earn the distinction in a cross-industry study of more than 800 companies.</p> <p>"It's always an honor to be recognized by our Customers and J.D. Power and Associates'," said Terry Cavanaugh, president and CEO. &nbsp;"And it's especially rewarding to be recognized in the same ranks with top customer service brands like The Ritz-Carlton, Southwest Airlines, and Zappos." </p> <p>To qualify for inclusion on the elite list, companies must not only excel within their own industries, but also must stand out among leading brands in 20 major industries evaluated by J.D. Power. &nbsp;This group of 40 represents the highest-performing companies that deliver service excellence to U.S. customers - both within their respective industries and across all industries measured.</p> <p>Companies were identified based on customer feedback, opinions, and perceptions gathered primarily from J.D. Power's syndicated research as well as additional, supplemental research. The five key customer "touch points" measured included people, presentation, process, product, and price.</p> <p>In 2010, Erie Insurance also earned J.D. Power and Associates' award for "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with the Auto Insurance Shopping Experience." </p> <p><i>According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 13th largest automobile and homeowners insurer in the United States based on direct premiums written and the 19th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total lines net premium written. The Group, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, has over 4.2 million policies in force and operates in 11 states and the District of Columbia. Erie Insurance Group ranks 484 on the FORTUNE 500.</i></p> <p><i>Erie Insurance earned <a href="http://www.jdpower.com/insurance">J.D. Power and Associates'</a> award for "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with the Auto Insurance Shopping Experience." &nbsp;This recognition is based on the results of the <a href="http://businesscenter.jdpower.com/news/pressrelease.aspx?ID=2010088">2010 Insurance Shopping Study</a>, which evaluates the experience of customers purchasing a new auto insurance policy. &nbsp;Erie Insurance is proud to be named a J.D. Power and Associates' <a href="http://businesscenter.jdpower.com/news/pressrelease.aspx?ID=2011017">2011 Customer Service Champion</a> and is only one of 40 companies so named in the U.S. &nbsp;Erie Insurance has also been recognized on the list of Ward's 50 Group of top performing insurance companies. &nbsp;The Ward's 50 award analyzes the financial performance of 3,000 property and casualty companies and nearly 800 life and health insurance companies and recognizes the top performers for achieving outstanding financial results in safety and consistency over a five-year period (2005-2009). </i></p>urn:uuid:4f534e88-a0a5-4113-9511-b2993660c6b4Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412-650-5700 Japan Disaster Likely To Be World's Costliest! http://www.propertycasualty360.com/2011/03/23/japan-disaster-likely-to-be-worlds-costliest Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:06:49 -0500Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> <br /> Japan Disaster Likely To Be World's Costliest!<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.propertycasualty360.com/2011/03/23/japan-disaster-likely-to-be-worlds-costliest">http://www.propertycasualty360.com/2011/03/23/japan-disaster-likely-to-be-worlds-costliest</a><br /> <br /> <br />urn:uuid:30fc08cc-c131-4491-9fdf-cc5065c304f5Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412-650-5700 CONGRATULATIONS!&nbsp; &nbsp;It&rsquo;s what you hear when you: A) get married B) have a baby C) get a new job&nbsp; D) buy a home &nbsp; And when...Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:16:49 -0500<p>Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> <br /> <br /> CONGRATULATIONS!&nbsp; &nbsp;It&rsquo;s what you hear when you: </p> <p>A) get married </p> <p>B) have a baby </p> <p>C) get a new job&nbsp; </p> <p>D) buy a home </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>And when you hear it, it might be a good time to evaluate or re-evaluate your life insurance needs. You can protect the lives of your loved ones, protect your legacy, protect everything most important to you with life insurance.&nbsp; The best time to look at life insurance, really, is when you experience one of these big life changes.&nbsp; Here are some questions to ask yourself:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Marriage</b>: How much life insurance do you and your spouse need now that you share expenses and financial goals?&nbsp; If something were to happen to you or your spouse, would your expenses be covered and would your financial goals be met? &nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>New baby</b>: Children are expensive little buggers! And we&rsquo;re not just talking toys and birthday parties. We&rsquo;re talking daycare, clothes, food, college&hellip;would you be able to pay for those items on one salary &mdash;or no income at all?</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>New job</b>: It&rsquo;s only human nature to increase spending when more money is coming in. Will your family be able to maintain their lifestyle if the income stops? </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>New house</b>: Could you stay in your current home if something happened to your spouse? A lot of people, unfortunately, cannot. The costs of home ownership go beyond just the mortgage. Utilities, taxes, unforeseen repairs and other maintenance costs can cause your family to be uprooted at a time when they need stability most. When you purchase homeowners insurance, make sure you ask about life insurance as well. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>How much do I need? And what type</b>? These are the questions we can help with. We can explain the difference between term, whole and universal life insurance products from Erie Family Life* and help you choose a product that&rsquo;s right for your stage of life&mdash;and your budget. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>So next time you hear that big &ldquo;Congratulations!&rdquo; give&nbsp;McELHINNY INSURANCE&nbsp;a call. We&rsquo;ll help you keep you and your loved ones protected.&nbsp;&nbsp; 412-650-5700.<br /> <br /> </p> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p>urn:uuid:b1a96e0d-56ab-4485-8dbe-d60f263696d0Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412-650-5700 You&rsquo;ve heard the saying &ldquo;there are only two things in life that are guaranteed&rdquo;&mdash;and taxes are one of them. &nbsp; If you&rsquo;...Wed, 02 Mar 2011 10:46:19 -0600<p>Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> <br /> <br /> You&rsquo;ve heard the saying &ldquo;there are only two things in life that are guaranteed&rdquo;&mdash;and taxes are one of them.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>If you&rsquo;re one of the millions of people who like to complete and file your taxes with plenty of breathing room before the April 15 deadline, chances are you&rsquo;re collecting paperwork, firing up the computer or getting in touch with a local tax preparer.&nbsp; Here are a few things you should have ready before filing on your own or with the help of a professional:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Correctly spelled names, Social Security numbers and birth dates for anyone on the return, including kids.</p> <p>?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; W-2 forms for wages you received from an employer.</p> <p>?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1099 forms for interest income, dividend income, tuition expenses and various other non-wage income.</p> <p>?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Proof and documentation for tax credits, including insulation improvements to your home, sending a dependent off to college, child and dependent-care credits and many others.</p> <p>?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Any other income, including gambling winnings, and small business or hobby income.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>There are new internet tax sites popping up every day for those who decide to file taxes themselves.&nbsp; But remember&mdash;although these sites claim to have strict policies about personal data, you can never be too safe with your personal information. If you haven&rsquo;t already, you might want to consider adding Identity Recovery Coverage (IDR) to your Erie Insurance homeowners policy. For a very reasonable annual fee, IDR helps you get your identity restored if you&rsquo;re a victim of identity theft or fraud. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Whether you need Identity Recovery for tax purposes, life insurance to take care of your new dependent or renters insurance for that dependent who&rsquo;s flown the nest, we can help assure that there are more guarantees in life. Give&nbsp;McELHINNY INSURANCE AGENCY&nbsp;a call at 412-650-5700.</p> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to </i>erieinsurance.com<i> for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p>urn:uuid:1c74a54a-0d7e-4a6d-8a31-dba2a558116eTim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412-650-5700 J.D. Power Names Six Insurers Customer Service Champions ERIE INSURANCE is one of those companies! http://www.propertycasualty360.com/2011/02/21/jd-pow...Wed, 23 Feb 2011 10:42:14 -0600Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> <br /> <h1 class="article-title">J.D. Power Names Six Insurers Customer Service Champions</h1> <p class="article-title">ERIE INSURANCE is one of those companies!<a href="http://www.propertycasualty360.com/2011/02/21/jd-power-names-six-insurers-customer-service-champ"><br /> <br /> http://www.propertycasualty360.com/2011/02/21/jd-power-names-six-insurers-customer-service-champ</a></p>urn:uuid:9ff04237-39cb-4052-80fa-ba4d8bcdae06 Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency, LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412-650-5700 Automakers have stepped up safety. Ten new vehicles have joined the 2011 TOP SAFETY PICK winners list from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety...Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:11:55 -0600<div class="Section1"> <p>Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency, LLC<br /> <a href="mailto:tim@mcelhinny.com">tim@mcelhinny.com</a><br /> 412-650-5700<br /> <br /> <br /> Automakers have stepped up safety. Ten new vehicles have joined the 2011 <i>TOP SAFETY PICK</i> winners list from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for a total of 66 winners. One of them is the 2011 Ford Explorer, which joins, for the first time, previous and current Ford SUV winners: the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT. The all-new Ford Fiesta is the only minicar to earn the <i>TOP SAFETY PICK</i> in 2011. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>What&rsquo;s <i>not </i>on the list? Pickups. None of the small pickups the Institute evaluated qualified for this year's award, and large pickups haven't yet been tested.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>The front-running automakers on the list are</strong> Hyundai/Kia and Volkswagen/Audi who each have 9 winners for 2011. Next in line with 8 awards apiece are General Motors, Ford/Lincoln, and Toyota/Lexus/Scion. Subaru is the only manufacturer with a winner in all the vehicle classes in which it competes. Subaru earns 5 awards for 2011.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Notably, for consumers looking to buy a fuel-efficient small car, General Motors provides a new award-winning option with the Chevrolet Cruze. GM built the Cruze&mdash;which has 10 standard airbags&mdash;including ones for the knees, to outperform the government's minimum roof strength requirements and touts the achievement as a selling point.</p> <p >If you&rsquo;re buying a new car, keep safety in mind and check out the full list of winners. Also, give us a call beforehand and we can let you know how much your new car will cost to insure before you buy. We can help you learn which safety features can earn you a discount on your ERIE auto insurance, too. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2011 <i>TOP SAFETY PICK </i>WINNERS</span> </b>(new winners in red)<b> <strong></strong></b></p> </div> <strong><br clear="all" style="page-break-before: always;" /> </strong> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.6pt;"><strong>Large cars</strong><br /> Buick LaCrosse<br /> Buick Regal<br /> BMW 5 series (except 4-wheel drive and V8)<br /> Cadillac CTS sedan<br /> Ford Taurus<br /> Hyundai Genesis<br /> Infiniti M37/M56 (except M56x 4-wheel drive)<br /> Lincoln MKS<br /> Mercedes E class coupe<br /> Mercedes E class sedan<br /> Toyota Avalon <br /> Volvo S80</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.6pt;"><strong></strong></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.6pt;"><strong></strong></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.6pt;"><strong>Midsize cars</strong><br /> Audi A3<br /> Audi A4 sedan<br /> Chevrolet Malibu<br /> Chrysler 200 4-door<br /> Dodge Avenger<br /> Ford Fusion<br /> Hyundai Sonata<br /> Kia Optima<br /> Lincoln MKZ <br /> Mercedes C class<br /> Subaru Legacy <br /> Subaru Outback<br /> Volkswagen Jetta sedan<br /> Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen<br /> Volvo C30</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.6pt;"><strong></strong></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.6pt;"><strong>Small cars</strong><br /> Chevrolet Cruze<br /> Honda Civic 4-door models (except Si) with optional electronic stability control<br /> Kia Forte sedan<br /> Kia Soul<br /> Mitsubishi Lancer sedan (except 4-wheel drive)<br /> Nissan Cube<br /> Scion tC<br /> Scion xB <br /> Subaru Impreza sedan and hatchback (except WRX)<br /> Toyota Corolla<br /> Volkswagen Golf 4-door<br /> Volkswagen GTI 4-door</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.6pt;"><strong>Minicar</strong><br /> Ford Fiesta sedan and hatchback (built after July 2010)</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.6pt;"><strong>Small SUVs </strong><br /> Honda Element<br /> Hyundai Tucson <br /> Jeep Patriot with optional side torso airbags<br /> Kia Sportage<br /> Subaru Forester<br /> Volkswagen Tiguan</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.6pt;"><strong>Large SUV</strong><br /> Volkswagen Touareg</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.6pt;"><strong>Minivan</strong><br /> Toyota Sienna </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 4.6pt;"><strong>Midsize SUVs</strong><br /> Audi Q5<br /> Cadillac SRX<br /> Chevrolet Equinox <br /> Dodge Journey<br /> Ford Explorer<br /> Ford Flex<br /> GMC Terrain<br /> Hyundai Santa Fe<br /> Jeep Grand Cherokee<br /> Kia Sorento built after March 2010<br /> Lexus RX<br /> Lincoln MKT<br /> Mercedes GLK <br /> Subaru Tribeca<br /> Toyota Highlander<br /> Toyota Venza <br /> Volvo XC60<br /> Volvo XC90</p> <br /> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p> <br />urn:uuid:98542fa7-458d-464d-973f-dd4c5f694fdfTim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412-650-5700 http://blogs.courant.com/connecticut_insurance/2011/02/how-much-does-the-average-pers.htmlTue, 08 Feb 2011 13:02:44 -0600Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412-650-5700<a href="http://blogs.courant.com/connecticut_insurance/2011/02/how-much-does-the-average-pers.html"><br /> <br /> http://blogs.courant.com/connecticut_insurance/2011/02/how-much-does-the-average-pers.html</a>urn:uuid:4705d422-263c-48df-88f0-9a1431d84557Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC www.mcelhinny.com 412-650-5700 http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704698004576104400099408720.html?mod=dist_smartbriefMon, 31 Jan 2011 09:16:00 -0600Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> www.mcelhinny.com<br /> 412-650-5700<a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704698004576104400099408720.html?mod=dist_smartbrief"><br /> <br /> <br /> http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704698004576104400099408720.html?mod=dist_smartbrief</a>urn:uuid:90431aac-3ebc-4e13-a754-d70d71f46842Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412-650-5700 Are You Ready for Winter? The bliss and tranquility that often accompanies the proverbial &ldquo;Winter Wonderland&rdquo; could turn chaotic if you do...Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:23:57 -0600<p><b>Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> <br /> <br /> Are You Ready for Winter? </b></p> <p>The bliss and tranquility that often accompanies the proverbial &ldquo;Winter Wonderland&rdquo; could turn chaotic if you don&rsquo;t follow the proper cold weather safety precautions. Do you know what to do if you get stranded in your car? What can you do to prevent ice storm damage? Here are some tips for preparing for and dealing with winter storm.</p> <p><b>Before the storm:</b></p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Know the winter terminology that may appear across the bottom of your television screen or on the local radio station. <ul style="list-style-type: circle;"> <li><b>Winter Storm Watch:</b> Severe winter weather may affect the surrounding area. </li> <li><b>Winter Storm Warning:</b> Severe winter weather conditions are on the way. Take cover and be prepared. </li> <li><b>Blizzard Warning:</b> Blinding snow and dangerous wind chills are expected for several hours. Sustained winds of 35 mph are expected to sweep the area. A traveler&rsquo;s advisory is issued if driving conditions are expected to be dangerous or slow moving. </li> </ul> </li> <li>Winterize your car long before the first snowfall hits. Winter weather is unpredictable and may surprise you early in the season. Prepare or purchase a disaster kit for your car or truck </li> <li>Winterize your trees and bushes by trimming long branches. The ice and wet snow that accumulates on branches can cause damage to your home, car or neighbors. </li> <li>Salt and shovel walkways often. </li> <li>Drain your pipes if you go on vacation or experience a power outage to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting. </li> <li>Make certain that each family member has a warm winter coat, gloves or mittens, hat or scarf and water-resistant boots. </li> <li>Keep your gas tank full in the winter months to protect your fuel line from freezing. </li> </ul> <p><b>During the storm: </b></p> <p>Be patient. Most deaths that occur during a winter storm are not caused directly by the storm, The three leading causes of winter storm related deaths are: </p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Traffic accidents: Slow down and leave ample space between your car and other drivers. </p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Heart attacks from shoveling snow: Consider hiring a professional snow removal service. </p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Exposure to cold: Wearing hats and boots will help prevent hypothermia. </p> <p><b>After the storm: </b></p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Once the storm conditions subside, assess your home and property for ice and storm damage. </li> <li>Contact our office as soon as possible if you need to file a claim. After business hours, contact ERIE&rsquo;s Extended Hours Claims Service at (800) 367-3743. </li> <li>Dry any wet building materials or contents promptly to avoid mold, mildew or further damage. These include materials and items such as carpeting, furniture, insulation and drywall. </li> <li>If you have access to a camera or video camcorder, document your losses. This will help speed up the claims process. Compile a list of damaged items. </li> <li>Hold off on permanent repairs until your ERIE adjuster approves your reimbursement. </li> <li>Keep all receipts related to repairs and temporary housing. </li> <li>Carefully brush the heavy accumulation of snow off your roof. </li> <li>Keep gutters clear, if possible, and shovel snow away from downspouts, basement window wells and stairwells. </li> <li>Beware of high water runoff and possible sewer problems as the snow melts. </li> <li>To prevent flooding, be sure your street storm sewer is clear of snow, ice and debris. </li> <li>Check your sump pump periodically to ensure that it is handling the amount of water from thawing snow. Auxiliary pumps are available at home centers. Wet vacs, fans and humidifiers can also help to keep the area dry if a sump pump fails. </li> </ul> <p>When all is said and done, enjoy the Winter Wonderland. But remember to be safe and that Erie Insurance and our agency are here to help. </p> <br /> <br /> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p>urn:uuid:2eec7224-6b18-414a-8fe9-f2856dc9a3c8Don&rsquo;t drop the ball on your New Year&rsquo;s resolutions. This year, try some resolutions that are easy to keep and will protect you and your family well into next January and beyond. &nbsp; Don&rsquo;t be a distracted driver - Many vehic...Tue, 11 Jan 2011 08:31:13 -0600<p>Don&rsquo;t drop the ball on your New Year&rsquo;s resolutions. This year, try some resolutions that are easy to keep and will protect you and your family well into next January and beyond. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ol style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-top: 0in;"> <li><b>Don&rsquo;t be a distracted driver</b> - Many vehicle crashes are avoidable if you pay attention to the road. Inattentive driving accounted for nearly 6,000 crash fatalities and an estimated 515,000 injuries in police-reported crashes in 2008, according to the <a href="http://www.distraction.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Department of Transportation</a>. Distractions typically include talking, eating, grooming, attending to children, watching a video, reading, adjusting a navigation system and using a cell phone.<br /> <br /> </li> <li><b>Keep your home warm</b> &ndash; The temperature in your house should be at least 65 degrees to prevent pipes from freezing. According to the <a href="http://www.iii.org/" target="_blank">Insurance Information Institute</a> (I.I.I.), winter storms are the third-largest cause of catastrophe losses, resulting in about $1 billion in insured losses annually. The average water damage and freezing claim was $5,531 in 2007, the most recent year for which there are figures from ISO&rsquo;s Property Claims Services.<br /> <br /> </li> <li><b>Protect your home</b> &ndash; Each year billions of dollars are paid out in homeowners insurance claims, with residential theft averaging over $1,800 in losses per burglary, according to I.I.I. Keep your yard well lit and put indoor lights on a timer. If you&rsquo;re going on vacation, have mail and packages picked up and ask a trustworthy neighbor to keep an eye on things. Before the trip, invest in an alarm system &mdash; it&rsquo;ll help keep your house safe and could earn you a discount on your coverage.<br /> <br /> </li> <li><b>Check your coverage</b> &ndash; Homeowners spend billions on additions, alterations, maintenance and repairs each year. Review your insurance coverage to include improvements, major purchases and increased rebuilding costs. If a new addition or gazebo, for example, is destroyed or damaged before you increase your coverage, then you may be responsible for the cost of repairing or rebuilding the addition. If you rent and don&rsquo;t have renters insurance, talk to your agent as soon as possible.<br /> <br /> </li> <li><b>Test the detectors</b> &ndash; You&rsquo;ve heard it before, but many families simply forget to test their smoke detectors. Make sure yours is in working order with new batteries and that one is installed on every floor and in every bedroom. Test them regularly. The National Fire Protection Association offers a <a href="http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/PDF/Public%20Education/AlarmInstallGuide.pdf">free smoke alarm installation guide</a> online. Also make sure that your home is equipped with at least one working carbon monoxide detector.&nbsp; Properly working <a href="http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/coftsht.html">carbon monoxide detectors can help protect you</a> and your family by providing an early warning before the deadly gas builds up to a dangerous level.</li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For more ideas on how to protect your home and family throughout the year, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">contact our agency</span>. If you have questions about your insurance coverage, we can help with that, too.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> Timothy McElhinny CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> <br /> <br /> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p>urn:uuid:4d55ae88-934c-4a22-91e9-c34d816e5197Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC 412-650-5700 tim@mcelhinny.com Tricks of the Wicks House-warming candles, left unmanaged, can lead to dangerous fires Candles are a great way to make a house feel like home, but if ...Tue, 14 Dec 2010 10:50:40 -0600<p><b>Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> <br /> <br /> Tricks of the Wicks</b></p> <p><i>House-warming candles, left unmanaged, can lead to dangerous fires</i></p> <p><i></i></p> <p>Candles are a great way to make a house feel like home, but if left unattended, they can have devastating effects. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>According to the U.S. Fire Administration, candles cause an estimated 15,600 fires in homes each year. Over half of those fires start because the candle is too close to combustible material and one in 10 are related to the homeowner falling asleep while the candle is lit. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thankfully, most candle-related fires can be prevented. Here&rsquo;s what to know (courtesy of the U.S. Fire Administration): </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li>Avoid using lighted candles. </li> <li>If you do use candles, ensure they are in sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic holders and placed where they cannot be easily knocked down. </li> <li>Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. </li> <li>Set a good example by using matches, lighters and fire carefully. </li> <li>Children should never be allowed to play with matches, lighters or candles. </li> <li>Never put candles on a Christmas tree. </li> <li>Never leave the house with candles burning. </li> <li>Extinguish candles after use. </li> <li>Establish a fire-safe home, especially a safe sleeping environment. </li> <li>Never leave burning candles unattended </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For more safety tips on using candles, see the <a href="http://www.candles.org/safety_rules.html">National Candle Association</a> Web site. </p> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p>urn:uuid:9ee395a0-b8a0-447a-8f9b-9785a34dbf22 Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC 412-650-5700 tim@mcelhinny.com Description ERIEmobile is ERIE Insurance&rsquo;s new auto insurance claim and assistance app for the iPhone! With ERIEmobile, Erie Insurance Customer...Fri, 19 Nov 2010 11:55:45 -0600<div class="product-review" more-text="More" metrics-loc="Titledbox_Description"> <h4>Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> <a href="mailto:tim@mcelhinny.com">tim@mcelhinny.com</a></h4> <h4></h4> <h4>Description</h4> <p class=" " style="height: auto;">ERIEmobile is ERIE Insurance&rsquo;s new auto insurance claim and assistance app for the iPhone! <br /> <br /> With ERIEmobile, Erie Insurance Customers can:<br /> &bull; Quickly contact their ERIE Agent and ERIE Insurance<br /> &bull; Collect auto accident claim information <br /> &bull; File an auto glass or auto accident claim <br /> &bull; Display auto insurance IDs<br /> &bull; Locate nearby repair shops and roadside services <br /> <br /> CONTACT YOUR AGENT AND ERIE QUICKLY! <br /> ERIEmobile provides:<br /> &bull; Phone numbers, e-mail addresses and directions to your agent&rsquo;s office <br /> &bull; Direct phone contact to ERIE for Customer Service, Billing, and Claims Services<br /> <br /> COLLECT AND FILE AUTO CLAIM INFO. <br /> If you have an auto glass claim or are in an accident, ERIEmobile allows you to:<br /> &bull; File an auto glass claim<br /> &bull; Quickly call local emergency assistance<br /> &bull; Record the accident location<br /> &bull; Take accident scene photos, or import photos into ERIEmobile<br /> &bull; Record voice descriptions of the accident and vehicle damage <br /> &bull; Collect witness, injured persons, and police report information<br /> &bull; Send accident information to ERIE Insurance to start the claims process or save the information to help you file a claim later <br /> <br /> DISPLAY YOUR INSURANCE CARD.<br /> &bull; This app displays a copy of your insurance card, should you need it. Proof of Insurance is always with you. No more fumbling through the glove box! <br /> <br /> FIND VEHICLE ASSISTANCE, REPAIR STATIONS AND SERVICES. <br /> &bull; ERIEmobile locates repair facilities or services such as tow trucks, rental cars, gas stations, locksmiths, taxi service, hotels or hospitals<br /> <br /> SPECIAL NOTES:<br /> An ERIE personal auto policy and an Erie Insurance Online Account are required to fully access the features offered by this Erie Insurance app. The Online Account is simply a registration process for ERIE Customers that allows you to connect to your auto policy information with this app. You would not be able to file a claim without completing this process. <br /> <br /> If you do not already have an Erie Insurance Online Account, the app will direct you to create a new account. Be sure to do so right away! <br /> Visit https://www.erieinsurance.com/Account/Create/Default.aspx? to set up or modify your online account today.<br /> <br /> Questions or comments? Email us: ERIEmobile@ERIEInsurance.com.</p> </div> <br /> <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/erie-insurance-mobile/id401074286?mt=8">http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/erie-insurance-mobile/id401074286?mt=8</a>urn:uuid:e0b23124-f02f-46ee-98cc-308459f247b9Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Pittsburgh Auto Insurance McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC tim@mcelhinny.com 412-650-5700 http://www.sacbee.com/2010/11/13/3181385/vehicles-ranked-by-their-insurance.html VEHICLES RANKED BY THEIR INSURANCE COST. By Mark G...Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:36:21 -0600Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Pittsburgh Auto Insurance<br /> McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> <a href="http://www.sacbee.com/2010/11/13/3181385/vehicles-ranked-by-their-insurance.html"><br /> http://www.sacbee.com/2010/11/13/3181385/vehicles-ranked-by-their-insurance.html</a><br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; color: #000000; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none;border: medium none;"> <div id="story_header"> <div class="byline author vcard">VEHICLES RANKED BY THEIR INSURANCE COST.<br /> <br /> By Mark Glover<br /> <a href="mailto:mglover@sacbee.com" class="email">mglover@sacbee.com</a> The Sacramento Bee </div> <div class="pubdates" style="padding-bottom: 1.5em;"> <div title="2010-11-13T00:00:00-0800" class="published" style="padding-bottom: 0px;">Published: Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010 - 12:00 am | Page 6B </div> <div title="2010-11-14T13:10:47-0800" class="updated">Last Modified: Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010 - 1:10 pm</div> </div> </div> <div class="lingo_region entry-content" id="articlebody"> <p>InsWeb Corp., the Gold River-based online provider of insurance quotes, has released a list of the most expensive and least expensive auto models to insure.</p> <p>InsWeb compared car insurance rate quotes requested by customers between January and September for 2010 model year vehicles. More than 400 models were part of the study.</p> <p>The 10 least expensive models on the InsWeb list, in order, are the Kia Sedona, Mazda5, Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mercury Mariner, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Ford Explorer, Subaru Outback, Kia Optima and Chevrolet Equinox. </p> <p>InsWeb listed the most expensive vehicles to insure in this order: Acura ZDX, Audi TTS, Audi A5, Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Corvette, BMW Z4, Lexus SC, Jaguar XF, Cadillac STS and Dodge Challenger.</p> <p>"It's no coincidence that the majority of the most expensive vehicles to insure are performance vehicles," said Brad Cooper, InsWeb's senior vice president of operations.</p> <p>"On the other end of the spectrum, most of the vehicles on the least-expensive-to insure list are minivans, wagons and small SUVs. Those vehicle types are often preferred by individuals with families &ndash; perhaps the least likely people to engage in risky driving behavior." </p> </div> <br /> <br /> Read more: <a href="http://www.sacbee.com/2010/11/13/3181385/vehicles-ranked-by-their-insurance.html#ixzz15TYoiFXM" style="color: #003399;">http://www.sacbee.com/2010/11/13/3181385/vehicles-ranked-by-their-insurance.html#ixzz15TYoiFXM</a></div> <br /> <br /> <br />urn:uuid:acf81842-95af-44a9-923c-aba3c46a6885http://bucks.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/10/the-cost-of-driving-away-with-the-gas-pump/ populateArticleData(); Bucks: The Cost of Driving Away With the Gas Pump By By JENNIFER SARANOW SCHULTZ Published: November 10, 2010 The costs of driving away fro...Thu, 11 Nov 2010 11:39:27 -0600<a href="http://bucks.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/10/the-cost-of-driving-away-with-the-gas-pump/">http://bucks.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/10/the-cost-of-driving-away-with-the-gas-pump/</a><br /> <br /> <div id="permalink"><br /> <script language="JavaScript" type="text/JavaScript">populateArticleData();</script> <div class="nyt_headline" id="nyt_headline">Bucks: The Cost of Driving Away With the Gas Pump</div> <div class="byline" id="byline">By By JENNIFER SARANOW SCHULTZ</div> <div class="timestamp" id="pubdate">Published: November 10, 2010</div> <div class="story" id="summary">The costs of driving away from a gas station with the nozzle still in your car and who will cover them. <br /> <br /> Posted By Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner at McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> Auto Insurance Agent in Pittsburgh PA<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> </div> </div>urn:uuid:b3395d96-9b18-49cd-bf15-52a071bf332e<img src='http://kona.kontera.com/javascript/lib/imgs/grey_loader.gif' align='left' />http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2010/11/02/insuring-car-home-credit-history-cost/ var vcmArticleInfo = { imgAllPath: "/static/all/img", vcmId: "c99adc187c31c210VgnVCM10000086c1a8c0RCRD", url: "/personal-finance/2010/11/02/in...Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:37:46 -0500<a href="http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2010/11/02/insuring-car-home-credit-history-cost/">http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2010/11/02/insuring-car-home-credit-history-cost/</a><br /> <br /> <!-- ********************** ARTICLE START ********************** --> <script type="text/javascript"> var vcmArticleInfo = { imgAllPath: "/static/all/img", vcmId: "c99adc187c31c210VgnVCM10000086c1a8c0RCRD", url: "/personal-finance/2010/11/02/insuring-car-home-credit-history-cost/", pubDate:"November 02, 2010", summary:"Insurers are increasingly using scoring models that incorporate data from policyholders\' credit reports to determine the cost of coverage" }; var disqus_identifier = "c99adc187c31c210VgnVCM10000086c1a8c0RCRD"; var disqus_category_id = "462876"; var disqus_developer = 0; </script> &nbsp; <div class="hnews hentry item" id="article-section" sizset="0" sizcache="17" jQuery1288974531289="175"> <h1 class="section-title">Lifestyle &amp; Budget</h1> <h2 class="entry-title" id="article-title">Insuring your car or home? Your credit history can cost you</h2> <p class="author vcard">By Jeremy M. Simon</p> <p class="published updated dtstamp">Published November 02, 2010<span title="2010-05-1T11:02Z" class="value-title"></span></p> <p class="source-org vcard"><span class="org fn">| CreditCards.com</span></p> <div id="introduction" sizset="0" sizcache="17" jQuery1288974531289="218"> <ul class="user-interaction KonaBody" style="display: block;" sizset="0" sizcache="17" jQuery1288974531289="215"> <li class="print" sizset="0" sizcache="17" jQuery1288974531289="151"><a href="#" jQuery1288974531289="147"><span style="color: #0066cc;">&nbsp; Print</span></a></li> <li class="email" sizset="1" sizcache="17" jQuery1288974531289="152"><a href="#" jQuery1288974531289="146"><span style="color: #0066cc;">&nbsp; Email</span></a></li> <li class="share" sizset="2" sizcache="17" jQuery1288974531289="153"><a href="#" jQuery1288974531289="145"><span style="color: #0066cc;">&nbsp; Share</span></a></li> <li class="comments" sizset="3" sizcache="17" jQuery1288974531289="154"><a href="#content" jQuery1288974531289="181"><span style="color: #0066cc;">&nbsp; Comments (1)</span></a></li> <li class="recommend" jQuery1288974531289="155"><fb:like class=" fb_edge_widget_with_comment fb_iframe_widget" layout="button_count" show_faces="false" height="35" width="150" action="recommend"><span><iframe name="f9e9241610fc3b" title="Like this content on Facebook." class="fb_ltr" id="f150afcb668a2b" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?action=recommend&amp;api_key=116027085089150&amp;channel_url=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fconnect%2Fxd_proxy.php%23cb%3Df1f3b79f486248f%26origin%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.foxbusiness.com%252Ff1a35d367a2b4e7%26relation%3Dparent.parent%26transport%3Dflash&amp;href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.foxbusiness.com%2Fpersonal-finance%2F2010%2F11%2F02%2Finsuring-car-home-credit-history-cost%2F&amp;layout=button_count&amp;locale=en_US&amp;node_type=link&amp;sdk=joey&amp;show_faces=false&amp;width=150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="width: 150px; height: 21px;border: medium none;" allowtransparency="allowtransparency" onload="FB.Content._callbacks.febda1c2a1849a()"></iframe></span></fb:like></li> <li class="view" sizset="4" sizcache="17"><a href="#" title="Decrease" class="decrease" jQuery1288974531289="157"><span style="color: #0066cc;">&nbsp;</span></a> Text Size <a href="#" title="increase" class="increase" jQuery1288974531289="158"><span style="color: #0066cc;">&nbsp;</span></a></li> </ul> <!-- /user-interaction --> <div class="entry-content" sizset="6" sizcache="17"> <p style="font-size: 14px;" sizset="6" sizcache="17" jQuery1288974531289="120">Missing a <a href="#" class="kLink" id="KonaLink0" style="position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;" target="undefined" jQuery1288974532568="7"><span style="position: static; font-family: arial, sans-serif; color: #0000ff; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;"><span class="kLink" style="border-bottom: blue 1px solid; position: relative; background-color: transparent; font-family: arial, sans-serif; color: blue !important; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;">credit </span><span class="kLink" style="border-bottom: blue 1px solid; position: relative; background-color: transparent; font-family: arial, sans-serif; color: blue !important; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;">card </span><span class="kLink" style="border-bottom: blue 1px solid; position: relative; background-color: transparent; font-family: arial, sans-serif; color: blue !important; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;">payment</span></span><span class="preLoadWrap" id="preLoadWrap0" style="position: relative;"><span style="color: #0066cc; font-size: 16px;"> </span> <div id="preLoadLayer0" style="z-index: 2147482647; position: absolute; display: none; top: -22px; left: -18px;"><font color="#0066cc" size="3"><img alt="" width="22" height="22" class="preloadImg" style="width: 22px; height: 22px;border: medium none;" src="http://kona.kontera.com/javascript/lib/imgs/grey_loader.gif" /></font></div> </span></a></p> could increase the cost of insuring your car or home, due to the widespread use of an insurance scoring model that considers policyholders' credit histories. <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="font-size: 14px;" sizset="7" sizcache="17" jQuery1288974531289="121">Your borrowing behavior may appear unrelated to the risk of something bad happening to your house or vehicle. The insurance industry, however, says that a <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/glossary/term-credit-history.php?aid=52aae854" target="_self"><font color="#0066cc" size="3">credit history</font></a> can be used to help predict the likelihood of a policyholder eventually filing a claim and costing the insurer money. As a result, insurers are increasingly relying on credit-based insurance scores -- calculated using information from policyholders' <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/glossary/term-credit-report.php?aid=52aae854" target="_self"><font color="#0066cc" size="3">credit reports</font></a> -- when providing insurance coverage. </p> <p style="font-size: 14px;" jQuery1288974531289="122">"Insurers use credit-based insurance scores in a variety of ways. Some companies use it for ratemaking, some for underwriting, others do not use it at all," says Loretta L. Worters, vice president of the Insurance Information Institute, an industry group. Consumer advocates, meanwhile, say the use of these scores unfairly penalizes consumers with poor credit, who may otherwise be no more risky than other policyholders. &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p style="font-size: 14px;" sizset="9" sizcache="17" jQuery1288974531289="123">These credit-based insurance scores share similarities with traditional <a href="#" class="kLink" id="KonaLink1" style="position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;" target="undefined"><font color="blue" style="position: static; font-family: arial, sans-serif; color: blue !important; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;"><font><span class="kLink" style="position: relative; font-family: arial, sans-serif; color: blue !important; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;">credit </span><span class="kLink" style="position: relative; font-family: arial, sans-serif; color: blue !important; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;">scores</span></font></font></a> used by banks and other lenders, including the types of information they consider in order to gauge risk. But they also have some important differences. </p> <p style="font-size: 14px;" sizset="10" sizcache="17" jQuery1288974531289="124">"Insurance scores are designed to predict insurance losses; credit scores predict the likelihood of <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/glossary/term-delinquent-account.php?aid=52aae854" target="_self"><font color="#0066cc" size="3">delinquency</font></a> or nonpaying of credit obligations," Worters says. "While some of the same factors or characteristics are used to develop a credit-based insurance score, not all of the credit information is used." </p> <div class="sect vert" sizset="11" sizcache="17"> <div class="ad qu" id="qu_story_2"><b>Credit-based insurance scores gain popularity</b><br /> Insurance scores have been in use for more than 20 years, but have experienced a recent surge in popularity. Today, the use of credit-based scores is widespread. FICO, creator of the leading financial scoring model that bears its name, says that roughly 95 percent of all auto insurance policies and close to 90 percent of all homeowner's policies are awarded today based on credit-based insurance scores. </div> </div> <p style="font-size: 14px;" sizset="16" sizcache="17" jQuery1288974531289="126">Although insurers largely agree on the usefulness of credit data, they can't come to a consensus about what model to employ. Unlike lending decisions, which are most often based on the <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/glossary/term-fico-score.php?aid=52aae854" target="_self"><font color="#0066cc" size="3">FICO score</font></a>, there isn't a single go-to scoring model for insurers. "There are several different scoring models currently in use to calculate credit-based insurance scores, including models developed by third-party vendors and proprietary models built by individual insurance companies," Jeff Kucera, a senior consultant with property and casualty firm EMB, said on behalf of the Casualty Practice Council of the American Academy of Actuaries in April 2009 <a href="http://actuary.org/pdf/casualty/scores_testimony_apr09.pdf" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc" size="3">testimony</font></a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; </p> <p style="font-size: 14px;" jQuery1288974531289="127"><b>What factors into insurance scores? &nbsp;</b><br /> Insurance scores consider fewer factors than traditional credit scores. "Approximately 20 to 30 factors are used to develop a credit-based insurance score, whereas over a hundred are used to develop a financial credit score," says Worters. "The 30 or so factors used are those that have been statistically proven to be an indicator of future losses." She says those factors may include: &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <ul class="unIndentedList" jQuery1288974531289="141"> <li>Outstanding debt.</li> <li>Length of credit history.</li> <li>Late payments. </li> <li>Collections and bankruptcies.</li> <li>New applications for credit. </li> </ul> <p style="font-size: 14px;" sizset="18" sizcache="17" jQuery1288974531289="128">To create their own unique models, insurers may combine those data points with other consumer information. For example, State Farm Insurance spokesman Dick Luedke says the company has designed its own scoring models for auto and home insurance that incorporate data from FICO and other sources, but also use "three generic characteristics" from the credit report, including the applicant's number of open lines of credit, <a href="#" class="kLink" id="KonaLink2" style="position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;" target="undefined"><font color="blue" style="position: static; font-family: arial, sans-serif; color: blue !important; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;"><span class="kLink" style="position: relative; font-family: arial, sans-serif; color: blue !important; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;">accounts</span></font></a> in collection and late payments. The rest of the data used in State Farm's decision comes from more traditional sources like age, gender and claims data. </p> <p style="font-size: 14px;" jQuery1288974531289="129">As with financial credit scores, certain types of personal information is off limits. "Credit-based insurance scores do not consider a consumer's income, race, age, address, marital status or nationality. In fact, federal privacy laws prohibit the consideration of such data," Worters says. </p> <p style="font-size: 14px;" sizset="19" sizcache="17" jQuery1288974531289="130"><b>Insurance scores unfair, critics say <br /> </b>Still, <a><font color="#000000" size="3">some critics assert </font></a>that credit-based insurance scores unfairly penalize certain groups, including minorities. Other consumer groups point to a disconnect between using credit data for noncredit purposes. "We think it's unfair for consumers to pay more for insurance when they're good insurance risks, but may have had some problems with their credit history," says Norma Garcia, senior attorney with nonprofit advocacy group Consumers Union.&nbsp; </p> <p style="font-size: 14px;" jQuery1288974531289="131">State insurance commissioners have responded to concerns about lower-income and minority policyholders. Michael McRaith, director of the Illinois Department of Insurance, chairs a committee under the National Association of Insurance Commissioners that's looking into a host of fairness issues associated with credit-based insurance scoring. </p> <p style="font-size: 14px;" jQuery1288974531289="132">"What we know is that the insurance industry has become more sophisticated in its ability to price risk. Digitized information has so exponentially increased the ability to collect that information, the public policy question is whether one or more categories of information that are available and collectible might be predictive, but at the same time discriminatory," he says.&nbsp; </p> <p style="font-size: 14px;" jQuery1288974531289="133">McRaith says his office receives complaints about insurance scoring not only from people with heavy debt loads, but also from those consumers with little or no debt at all. "We've had complaints (about scoring) from people who don't use credit," McRaith says. "I remember getting a handwritten letter from a man who said he purchased everything with cash and was penalized with what he paid for car insurance because his credit score was neutral." </p> <p style="font-size: 14px;" sizset="20" sizcache="17" jQuery1288974531289="134"><b>Insurances scores and the economy</b><br /> Not just poor or credit-shy consumers may be harmed, however. In this economy, there are "lots of reasons why people may have something on their credit reports. It doesn't make them a less-safe driver or less-responsible <a href="#" class="kLink" id="KonaLink3" style="position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;" target="undefined"><font color="blue" style="position: static; font-family: arial, sans-serif; color: blue !important; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;"><span class="kLink" style="position: relative; font-family: arial, sans-serif; color: blue !important; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;">homeowner</span></font></a>," says Consumers Union attorney Garcia. &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p style="font-size: 14px;" sizset="21" sizcache="17" jQuery1288974531289="135">States are also turning their attention to insurance scores. More than 27 states have introduced legislation regarding the use of credit information in insurance, according to the <a href="http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=19657#MI" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc" size="3">National Conference of State Legislatures</font></a>. But for those fighting the use credit-based insurance scores, the battle in some states may not be easy. Following a closely watched case in Michigan, for example, the state's Supreme Court in 2010 ended a six-year fight by state regulators against the use of insurance scores. </p> <p style="font-size: 14px;" jQuery1288974531289="136">The industry says that eliminating insurances scores isn't the answer. "The removal of such insurance scores will not lower overall insurance premiums; rather, it will redistribute the premium charges so that those risks with lower expected costs will pay more than is actuarially fair, while those with greater expected costs will pay less than is actuarially fair," EMB's Kucera said in his testimony.&nbsp; </p> <p style="font-size: 14px;" sizset="22" sizcache="17" jQuery1288974531289="137">Furthermore, the industry says that scores have held up in spite of the economy's troubles. "Mortgage failures, the recession and rising unemployment have led to assumptions that credit scores are declining. But the numbers tell a different story," says Worters. She notes that data from the three major <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/glossary/term-credit-bureau.php?aid=52aae854" target="_self"><font color="#0066cc" size="3">credit bureaus</font></a> (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) and FICO shows that credit scores are holding steady -- and in some cases rising -- for most consumers as they focus on paying bills on time, reducing debt levels and not taking on excessive debt. "These prudent steps are helping to improve credit scores for many consumers," she says. </p> <p style="font-size: 14px;" jQuery1288974531289="138"><b>More from CreditCards.com:</b></p> <ul sizset="23" sizcache="17" jQuery1288974531289="142"> <li sizset="23" sizcache="17"><b sizset="23" sizcache="17"><a href="http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/volunteers-credit-reports-1270.php?aid=52aae854"><font color="#0066cc">Want to volunteer? Be sure your credit's good</font></a></b></li> <li sizset="24" sizcache="17"><b sizset="24" sizcache="17"><a href="http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/nine-credit-score-myths-1270.php?aid=52aae854"><font color="#0066cc">9 credit score myths do more harm than good</font></a></b></li> <li sizset="25" sizcache="17"><b sizset="25" sizcache="17"><a href="http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/10-things-not-to-do-before-applying-for-credit-card-1270.php?aid=52aae854"><font color="#0066cc">10 things NOT to do when applying for a credit card</font></a></b></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>urn:uuid:0ee9947f-4957-4f5d-9572-87ef0a0a05a4Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner at McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC 5624 Brownsville Road Pittsburgh, PA&nbsp; 15236 412-650-5700 tim@mcelhinny.com Your Pittsburgh Auto Insurance Agent BOO! This Halloween, stay safe from scary surprises &nbsp; It&r...Wed, 27 Oct 2010 09:13:46 -0500<p><b><strong>Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner at McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> 5624 Brownsville Road<br /> Pittsburgh, PA&nbsp; 15236<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> Your Pittsburgh Auto Insurance Agent</strong><br /> <br /> <br /> BOO!</b></p> <p><i>This Halloween, stay safe from scary surprises</i></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It&rsquo;s almost Halloween! It&rsquo;s the time of year for hair-raising, bone-chilling and goose-bumping. But while most scares are harmless fun, others can have more frightening consequences. Here are some tips and tricks for a spooky, but safe, Halloween.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>For parties </b></p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>If you&rsquo;re using dry ice, make sure to keep it away from food &mdash; if ingested, it can cause severe injury. Refer to these <a href="http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/vef/kids/dryice.php" target="_blank">safety suggestions</a> from the National Weather Service. </li> <li>Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. <a href="http://www.nfpa.org/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=1863&amp;itemID=43945&amp;URL=Safety%20Information/For%20consumers/Seasonal%20safety/Halloween%20safety/Halloween%20safety%20tips" target="_blank">The National Fire Protection Association</a> recommends that you keep these and other decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters. </li> <li>If you&rsquo;re often the party-thrower, consider a <a href="http://www.erieinsurance.com/property/Mastercover.aspx">Personal Catastrophe Liability</a> policy. This type of insurance adds extra liability coverage that offers financial protection in case a big accident occurs. Give us a call, and we can fill you in on how a Mastercover^SM policy from ERIE works. </li> </ul> <p><b>Tips for drivers, parents and costumers </b></p> <p>From the <a href="http://www.nsc.org/" target="_blank">National Safety Council</a>:<b></b></p> <p>Drivers: </p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Watch for children darting out from between parked cars. </li> <li>Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully. </li> <li>At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing. </li> </ul> <p>Parents:</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Have an adult or responsible older child supervise trick-or-treating outings for kids under 12. </li> <li>Instruct your children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route. </li> <li>Use a flashlight to help you see and others see you. </li> <li>Only walk on the sidewalk, if available, or far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe. </li> <li>Remind kids never to enter a stranger's home. </li> <li>Tell children to refrain from eating any treats until they get home. </li> </ul> <p>Costume design:</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Get costumes made of fire-retardant materials. </li> <li>Make sure they&rsquo;re loose so warm layers can be worn underneath. </li> <li>If kids will be out after dark, use light-colored materials or retro-reflective tape to increase visibility. </li> </ul> <p>Treats:</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Feed kids an early meal before trick-or-treating begins. </li> <li>Inspect all treats before any are eaten. </li> <li>If fruit is received, wash it and slice into small pieces. </li> <li>When in doubt, throw it out. </li> </ul> <br /> <br /> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p>urn:uuid:143d8798-606a-4cc9-a95c-98cc6aabd554http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2026884,00.htmlFri, 22 Oct 2010 11:33:01 -0500<a href="http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2026884,00.html">http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2026884,00.html</a>urn:uuid:1c5bb472-a529-4c9e-9db7-c464a55c7ec7Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner at McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC 5624 Brownsville Road Pittsburgh, PA&nbsp; 15236 412-650-5700 tim@mcelhinny.com Your Pittsburgh Auto Insurance Agent Do You Need Home-based Business Insurance? The extra way you&r...Wed, 13 Oct 2010 10:17:29 -0500<p><b>Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner at McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> 5624 Brownsville Road<br /> Pittsburgh, PA&nbsp; 15236<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> Your Pittsburgh Auto Insurance Agent<br /> <br /> <br /> Do You Need Home-based Business Insurance? </b></p> <p><i>The extra way you&rsquo;re making money may be vulnerable to loss</i></p> <p><b></b></p> <p>High-tech communications and the Internet are making it possible for more people to become self-employed and offer services out of a basement or spare room. What some might not think about, though, is the risk associated with operating a business from your home that may not be covered by your homeowners insurance. Specifically, you may be liable for damages resulting from your business operations or you may risk losing equipment or supplies.&nbsp; </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The main reason a homeowners policy may not cover liabilities for a home-based business is because the <i>business</i> is creating the risk of loss, not the home. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>What to consider when you operate a home-based business:</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li>How much <b>will</b> your homeowners insurance cover if there is a loss?</li> <li>What coverage do you need in order to insure your business equipment?</li> <li>Could your business be added to your homeowners policy as an endorsement? Or do you need separate policies? </li> <li>Do you have customers coming into your home? (If so, you should consider extra liability protection in case of an accident, such as a fall down the stairs or on the sidewalk.)</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Not sure what protection you need? Give us a call, and we can help. We can tell you about Erie Insurance products that can cover these risks and help you decide what&rsquo;s right for your situation.&nbsp;McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC 412-650-5700</p> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p>urn:uuid:94f9726c-bed6-4a36-a550-8e6d81f78634by: Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner at McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC Pittsburgh Auto Insurance Agent What&nbsp;McElhinny Insurance&nbsp;Agency Can Do for You Through our agency and Erie Insurance, you can secure home, auto, business and life pol...Thu, 30 Sep 2010 10:55:27 -0500<p><b>by: Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Partner at McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> Pittsburgh Auto Insurance Agent<br /> <br /> <br /> What&nbsp;McElhinny Insurance&nbsp;Agency Can Do for You</b></p> <p>Through our agency and Erie Insurance, you can secure home, auto, business and life policies, all backed by ERIE&rsquo;s financial strength. Especially in these trying economic times, that&rsquo;s important. It lets you know that your claims will be taken care of, even in the midst of costly disasters.&nbsp; </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Here&rsquo;s what we offer:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li><b>Professionalism</b>&mdash;As licensed insurance professionals, we not only know the industry lingo but also the coverage options to meet your auto, home, business and life insurance needs. Our experience and knowledge will help you select the best coverage to protect all the things that matter to you the most.<br /> <br /> </li> <li><b>Fair pricing</b>&mdash;Times are tough, we know. Many factors influence insurance rates and we can explain the details. We can also help lower your rate with a variety of discounts. And you&rsquo;ll be glad to know that our agency supports ERIE in its daily commitment to keep insurance rates as low as possible through smart business practices.<br /> <br /> <b></b></li> <li><b>Financial strength</b>&mdash;You want to select an insurance company that is financially sound. Independent rating agencies offer insight on the numbers. Here&rsquo;s how ERIE stacks up: <ul style="list-style-type: circle; margin-top: 0in;"> <li>Rated A+ Superior by <a href="http://www.ambest.com/ratings/about.asp" target="_blank">A.M. Best</a>. Best's financial strength ratings are recognized worldwide as the benchmark for assessing an insurance company&rsquo;s financial stability. In 2009, only 10 percent of the ratings handed out by A.M. Best were superior or better.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li>One of the &ldquo;Ward&rsquo;s 50^&Ograve;Top Performers,&rdquo; based on financial performance.</li> <li>21st largest property/casualty insurance company in the United States based on total lines net premiums written.</li> <li>16th largest auto insurance company in the country based on direct premiums written, and the 3rd largest in Pennsylvania.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li><b>Service</b>&mdash;In addition to explaining coverage options, we can advise you on ways to prevent damage and theft from happening in the first place. But when the unexpected happens, you can count on our agency and ERIE to help. Emergency claims representatives are available 24-hours a day. Because of ERIE&rsquo;s commitment to service, the company continually receives distinguished marks and high ratings in the insurance industry for service and customer satisfaction from independent consumer organizations. </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li><b>Experience</b>&mdash;As an independent ERIE Agent, we&rsquo;re part of a team that has more than 80 years of industry experience. ERIE started in 1925 as a Pennsylvania auto insurer that&rsquo;s grown into a group of multi-line insurers serving 11 states and the District of Columbia.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>So if you pair our agency&mdash;licensed professionals with extensive experience and product knowledge&mdash;with the long-term financial strength and industry experience of ERIE, you can feel confident that your family is well protected. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Our agency is waiting to help you. Please give us a call at 412-650-5700 or email me at tim@mcelhinny.com.<br /> <br /> </p> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p> <p></p>urn:uuid:133efa45-c4d1-479c-96b9-1266cc237508Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC 5624 Brownsville Road Pittsburgh, PA&nbsp; 15236 412-650-5700 tim@mcelhinny.com Pittsburgh Auto Insurance Agent Unexpected extras Does your insurance do this for you? &nbsp; ERIE&rsquo;s aut...Thu, 16 Sep 2010 14:30:03 -0500<p><strong>Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC<br /> </strong>5624 Brownsville Road<br /> Pittsburgh, PA&nbsp; 15236<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> Pittsburgh Auto Insurance Agent<br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Unexpected extras</strong></p> <p><i>Does your insurance do this for you? </i></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>ERIE&rsquo;s auto insurance policy provides you and your family with extra features that go beyond the standard auto insurance coverage at no additional cost.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>So, when you purchase an ERIE policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, you also get these added benefits:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li>Your collision deductible will be waived if you are involved in an accident with another auto insured by Erie Insurance.*</li> <li>Your comprehensive deductible will be waived when a damaged windshield is repaired instead of replaced (additional premium required in New York).</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>You also have the option to purchase physical damage coverage, which adds these benefits: </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li>ERIE will pay up to $75 per person for travel costs, including meals and lodging, if your car is disabled because of a covered loss.</li> <li>ERIE will pay up to $350 for loss to personal property, such as clothing and luggage, because of a covered loss while the personal property is in an auto we insure. Theft losses are covered if the entire vehicle is stolen.</li> </ul> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Contact us</span>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mcelhinny.com">http://www.mcelhinny.com</a> &nbsp;to learn more about ERIE&rsquo;s auto insurance policy. Need a quote? Call us, or get a free auto insurance quote online at <a href="http://www.mcelhinny-insurance.com/">http://www.mcelhinny-insurance.com/</a>&nbsp;.&nbsp; &nbsp; 412-650-5700<br /> <i><br /> *Not available in North Carolina<br /> <br /> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p> </i></p>urn:uuid:e719e843-92a2-4ea9-b8ed-9d1d043508ffThe Seven Wonders of Life Insurance Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency. Pittsburgh Auto Insurance Specialist 412-650-5700 tim@mcelhinny.com Many people associate life insurance with helping to meet very basic needs like...Fri, 10 Sep 2010 15:38:38 -0500<p><b>The Seven Wonders of Life Insurance <br /> </b></p> <p><strong>Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> </strong>Partner, McElhinny Insurance Agency.<br /> Pittsburgh Auto Insurance Specialist<br /> 412-650-5700<br /> tim@mcelhinny.com<br /> <br /> <br /> Many people associate life insurance with helping to meet very basic needs like paying for a funeral and other final expenses. But if you plan properly, life insurance can meet these needs and so much more. September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, the perfect time to think about all the wondrous things<b> </b>that life insurance can do for you and your family. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Life insurance can&hellip;<br /> <br /> <b>1.&nbsp; Buy time</b> <br /> Allows loved ones to focus on their grief by helping to pay for the funeral and other final expenses.<br /> <br /> <b>2.&nbsp; Provide a fresh start</b> <br /> Lets loved ones start with a clean slate by helping to pay off credit card bills, outstanding loans and even the mortgage. ?<br /> <br /> <b>3.&nbsp; Generate income</b> <br /> Helps replace lost income for years to come so that surviving family members can continue to pay for life&rsquo;s necessities.<br /> <br /> <b>4.&nbsp; Offer flexibility <br /> </b>Gives a surviving spouse the chance to take time off from work or to switch to a job that offers a more flexible work schedule.<br /> <br /> <b>5.&nbsp; Create opportunities</b> <br /> Can provide funding to start a business, or pay for schooling so surviving family members can train for a new career.?<br /> <br /> <b>6.&nbsp; Fund the future</b> <br /> Offers a way to fund longer-range goals, like a college education for the kids or a secure retirement for a surviving spouse.<br /> <br /> <b>7.&nbsp; Leave a legacy</b> <br /> Gives parents the chance to leave future generations with the legacy of long-term financial security.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Interested in learning more? Schedule a time to meet with us to discuss how Erie Family Life* insurance can help. We can help you ensure that you have the right amount and type of insurance to protect the ones you love.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>-Reprinted article courtesy of the Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE). LIFE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers make smart insurance decisions to safeguard their families&rsquo; financial futures. Learn more at <a href="http://www.lifehappens.org/"><i>www.lifehappens.org</i></a><i>. </i></p> <p><i></i></p> <p><i>*Erie Family Life insurance not available in New York</i></p> <div style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: medium none; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none; padding-top: 0in;"> <p style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;border: medium none;">&nbsp;</p> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>When using this content in states other than New York, include following disclaimer:</p> <p><i>Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory</i></p> <p><i>information.</i></p> <p><i></i></p> <p>When using this content in the State of New York, include the following disclaimer:</p> <p><i>ERIE^&reg; insurance services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie</i></p> <p><i>Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property &amp; Casualty</i></p> <p><i>Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance</i></p> <p><i>Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New</i></p> <p><i>York</i><i> (home office: Rochester, New York). Not all companies are licensed or operate</i></p> <p><i>in all states. Not all products are offered in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for</i></p> <p><i>company licensure and territory information.</i></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>urn:uuid:f405a0da-1a50-4f42-b8d1-fbb55aec5bfeHeaded to College? &nbsp; It&rsquo;s nearly that time of year again&mdash;back to school. If you&rsquo;re helping one of your children go off to college for the first time or return to college, we might be able to help you save some money and gain s...Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:20:05 -0500<p><a name="OLE_LINK1"><b>Headed to College?</b></a><b> </b></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It&rsquo;s nearly that time of year again&mdash;back to school. If you&rsquo;re helping one of your children go off to college for the first time or return to college, we might be able to help you save some money and gain some extra protection. Here are four things to consider about insurance when a child goes off to school.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>1. <b>You could get a discount on your auto insurance</b> &ndash; Because you&rsquo;ll have one less driver living at home when your son or daughter goes off to school, your household might get a discount&mdash;as long as they don&rsquo;t take a car along. If he or she does take a set of wheels, let us help you with an extra review of your insurance to make sure he or she is protected.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>2. <b>Your homeowners insurance might extend to his or her belongings</b> &ndash; Usually the belongings of your child-turned-college-student will be covered by your homeowners insurance, but it&rsquo;s best to be sure. If for some reason the coverage doesn&rsquo;t extend, we can help your son or daughter purchase renters insurance. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>3. <b>Student loans might call for extra protection</b> &ndash; If student loans are involved, you might want to consider life insurance for your son or daughter. It can help financially in the case of an unexpected tragedy (although no one wants to think about that). If a tragedy never occurs (thankfully), your son or daughter can opt to carry on the life insurance to the next stage of life, too &ndash; making it a wise investment.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>4. <b>Insurance can help in the most unexpected cases</b> &ndash; Accidents happen&mdash;sometimes tragically. Extra liability coverage through a Personal Catastrophe Liability (PCL) policy, commonly called an umbrella policy, can help protect you should a lawsuit ensue from a big mistake.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Most importantly, let us know of the changes happening in your household so we can help you keep your family as protected as possible. </p> <div style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: medium none; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none; padding-top: 0in;"> <p style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;border: medium none;">&nbsp;</p> </div>urn:uuid:496eab1e-57cb-47be-ab07-4628234bcf7d&nbsp; GET TO KNOW ERIE INSURANCE Our industry rankings: &nbsp; * 2010 J.D. Power and Associates Award for "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with the Auto Insurance Shopping&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Experience, Three Years in a Row"** &bull; 18th larg...Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:49:45 -0500<p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 32px;">GET TO KNOW ERIE INSURANCE <br /> </span><br /> <br /> Our industry rankings: <br /> <br /> <p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p> <p>* 2010 J.D. Power and Associates Award for "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with the Auto Insurance Shopping&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Experience, Three Years in a Row"** </p> <p>&bull; 18th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total lines net premium written. </p> </b></p> <p>&bull; $3.8+ in net property/casualty premium. </p> <p>&bull; 16th largest automobile insurer in the United States based on direct premiums written. </p> <p>&bull; Third largest auto insurer in Pennsylvania. </p> <p>&bull; 119th largest life insurance company based upon admitted assets. </p> <p>&bull; 484th largest U.S. corporate group, in terms of revenue, as </p> <p>ranked by <i>Fortune </i>magazine in April 2010. <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> <b> <p>Our financial stability: </p> <p>&bull; Erie Insurance is rated Superior by A.M. Best Company. </p> </b>&bull; Erie Insurance is rated Superior by A.M. Best Company. <p>&bull; Erie Family Life Insurance Company rated Excellent by A.M. Best. </p> <p>&bull; Listed in all five editions of the book, <i>100 Best Companies to Work for in America </i>by Robert Levering and Milton Moskowitz. </p> <p>&bull; ERIE is included in Ward Group&rsquo;s 2009 national list of Top 50 Performing Property/Casualty insurers for financial stability, consistency, and performance. <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> <b> <p>The insurance you need along with the protection and service you deserve. </p> <p>For over 85 years we have been providing our Policyholders with as near perfect protection, as near perfect service as is humanly possible, and doing so at the lowest possible cost.<br /> &nbsp;</p> </b>For over 85 years we have been providing our Policyholders with as near perfect protection, as near perfect service as is humanly possible, and doing so at the lowest possible cost.&nbsp;<b> <p>Learn more about one of America&rsquo;s leading insurers: </p> <p>&bull; Headquartered in Erie, Pa., since 1925, we&rsquo;re known for competitive rates and superior service. </p> </b>&bull; Headquartered in Erie, Pa., since 1925, we&rsquo;re known for competitive rates and superior service. <p>&bull; With Erie Insurance you get a local expert&mdash;we are a regional carrier represented by more than 2,000 independent agencies. </p> <p>&bull; We can take care of all your auto, home, life* and business insurance needs. </p> <p>&bull; ERIE is committed to a low-cost operating structure that ensures you get the best value for your dollar. </p> <p>&bull; More than 4,000,000 policies in force. </p> <p>&bull; ERIE is nationally recognized for claims service and customer satisfaction. </p> <p>&bull; We operate in 11 states and the District of Columbia. </p> <p>&bull; To learn more, visit us at <i>erieinsurance.com</i>. </p> <p>To learn more, visit us at <i>erieinsurance.com. <p>&nbsp;</p> </i></p> <p>Now that you&rsquo;ve learned about us, give us a chance to get to know you. </p> <p>Call us today. </p> <p>Active States </p> <i> <p style="text-align: justify;">* Life Insurance not available in New York. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </i> <p>AC51 </p>urn:uuid:e33bb965-7c1d-4274-a37b-d834be9762e7Auto Features and Discounts Discounts for All States except New York and North Carolina What it&rsquo;s called Who qualifies What...Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:19:17 -0500<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Auto Features and Discounts <b> <p style="text-align: center;">Discounts for All States except New York and North Carolina </p> <p> <table dir="ltr" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="7" width="647"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="width: 33%; height: 8px;" valign="top"><b> <p style="text-align: center;">What it&rsquo;s called </p> </b></td> <td style="width: 33%; height: 8px;" valign="top"><b> <p style="text-align: center;">Who qualifies </p> </b></td> <td style="width: 33%; height: 8px;" valign="top"><b> <p style="text-align: center;">What it gets you </p> </b></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 33%; height: 15px;" valign="top"><b><i> <p style="text-align: center;">First Accident Forgiveness </p> </i></b></td> <td style="width: 33%; height: 15px;" valign="top"> <p>Exchange/Preferred Customers </p> </td> <td style="width: 33%; height: 15px;" valign="top"> <p style="text-align: center;">No surcharge for your first at-fault accident (Note: Policy must be in force for three years.) </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 33%; height: 29px;" valign="top"><b><i> <p style="text-align: center;">Feature 15 </p> </i></b></td> <td style="width: 33%; height: 29px;" valign="top"> <p>Exchange/Preferred Customers </p> </td> <td style="width: 33%; height: 29px;" valign="top"> <p style="text-align: center;">No surcharge for at-fault accidents presented on a Family Auto Policy which has been continuously in force with ERIE for 15 or more years </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 33%; height: 22px;" valign="top"><b><i> <p style="text-align: center;">Pioneer Experience Rating Credit (PERC) </p> </i></b></td> <td style="width: 33%; height: 22px;" valign="top"> <p>Those who have been continuously insured with ERIE for at least three years and have a good claims history </p> </td> <td style="width: 33%; height: 22px;" valign="top"> <p style="text-align: center;">A money saving credit which grows over time </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 33%; height: 68px;" valign="top"><b><i> <p style="text-align: center;">Car Safety Equipment Discounts </p> </i></b></td> <td style="width: 33%; height: 68px;" valign="top"> <p>Those who have automobiles with: &bull; passive restraints (i.e., factory-installed automatic seat belts or air bags) </p> <p>&bull; anti-theft devices, (active or passive) </p> <p>&bull; anti-lock brakes on all car wheels </p> </td> <td style="width: 33%; height: 68px;" valign="top" rowspan="5"> <p style="text-align: center;">$$ Savings </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 33%; height: 20px;" valign="top"><b><i> <p style="text-align: center;">Multi-Car Discount </p> </i></b></td> <td style="width: 33%; height: 20px;" valign="top"> <p>Those with 2+ cars insured with ERIE (all must be owned and used by a named insured and/or relatives residing in the same household) </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 33%; height: 15px;" valign="top"><b><i> <p style="text-align: center;">Multi-Policy Discount </p> </i></b></td> <td style="width: 33%; height: 15px;" valign="top"> <p>Those with qualifying ERIE home or life insurance policies + auto insurance </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 33%; height: 15px;" valign="top"><b><i> <p style="text-align: center;">Safe Driver Discount </p> </i></b></td> <td style="width: 33%; height: 15px;" valign="top"> <p>New customers who are claims- and violation-free for the past 3-5 years (varies by state) </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 33%; height: 13px;" valign="top"><b><i> <p style="text-align: center;">Reduced Usage </p> </i></b></td> <td style="width: 33%; height: 13px;" valign="top"> <p>If your car is unused for at least 90 consecutive days during the policy period, you may qualify. </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 33%; height: 34px;" valign="top"><b><i> <p style="text-align: center;">Youthful Driver Discount </p> </i></b></td> <td style="width: 33%; height: 34px;" valign="top"> <p>Unmarried drivers under 21 who reside with their parents (Requires driver record eligibility) </p> </td> <td style="width: 33%; height: 34px;" valign="top" rowspan="3"> <p style="text-align: center;">$$ Savings for Young Drivers </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 33%; height: 15px;" valign="top"><b><i> <p style="text-align: center;">Driver Training Discount </p> </i></b></td> <td style="width: 33%; height: 15px;" valign="top"> <p>Young drivers under age 21 who have completed accredited driver training courses </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 33%; height: 20px;" valign="top"><b><i> <p style="text-align: center;">College Student Discount </p> </i></b></td> <td style="width: 33%; height: 20px;" valign="top"> <p>Unmarried, full-time college students who spend most of the college term away from home without an automobile </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 33%; height: 15px;" valign="top"><b><i> <p style="text-align: center;">Payment Plan Options </p> </i></b></td> <td style="width: 33%; height: 15px;" valign="top"> <p>Any Customer </p> </td> <td style="width: 33%; height: 15px;" valign="top"> <p style="text-align: center;">$$ Savings for Plans A &amp; B </p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </p> </b> <p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p> <p><i>Please note: This material is general in nature and for informational purposes only. Coverages, exclusions, limitations, policy terms and conditions and eligibility for discounts may vary from state to state and are subject to the underwriting guidelines, rates and rules in effect at the time of purchase. Please refer to the policy itself for definitions, coverages, exclusions and other terms and conditions. <p>&nbsp;</p> </i></p> <p>ERIE&reg; insurance services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property &amp; Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered in all states. Policy issuance is subject to eligibility criteria. Go to <i>erieinsurance.com </i>for company licensure and territory information.</p> <p></p> </b></p>urn:uuid:28f3bcd3-a898-48ec-b505-98aca30e11a7 Erie Insurance Named in 2010 Ward's 50 Top Performing Insurance Companies (Erie, Pa.) July 19, 2010 - Erie Insurance is once again being recognized on the list of Ward's 50 Group of top performing insurance companies. This is the 20th consecutive y...Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:38:10 -0500<b> <p style="text-align: left;">Erie Insurance Named in 2010 Ward's 50 Top Performing Insurance Companies</p> </b> <p style="text-align: left;">(Erie, Pa.) July 19, 2010 - Erie Insurance is once again being recognized on the list of Ward's 50 Group of top performing</p> <p style="text-align: left;">insurance companies. This is the 20th consecutive year Ward Group has conducted the analysis, and 13th time ERIE has been</p> <p style="text-align: left;">on the national list.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">"This recognition affirms our commitment to a strong balance sheet and an operating model that allows us to meet our</p> <p style="text-align: left;">customers' needs," said Terrence W. Cavanaugh, president and chief executive officer.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The Ward's 50 award analyzes the financial performance of 3,000 property-casualty companies and nearly 800 life-health</p> <p style="text-align: left;">insurance companies and recognizes the top performers for achieving outstanding results in the areas of safety, consistency</p> <p style="text-align: left;">and financial performance over a five-year period (2005-2009).</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The Ward's 50 analysis provides a detailed look at what makes a top performing insurance company. It highlights these</p> <p style="text-align: left;">companies as excelling at balancing expense management, technology deployment and customer service. A top performer</p> <p style="text-align: left;">must meet a five-year consecutive operating history and follow a detailed list of financial criteria and metrics.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">According to Jeff Rieder, President of Ward Group, "In selecting the Ward's 50, we identify companies that pass financial</p> <p style="text-align: left;">stability requirements and measure their ability to grow while maintaining strong capital positions and underwriting results."</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Ward Group is a consulting firm specializing in the insurance industry and leading provider of industry benchmarking and best</p> <p style="text-align: left;">practices services. For more information on the Ward's 50 Group of top performing companies, see Ward's Web site at</p> <p style="text-align: left;">www.wardinc.com.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">To learn more about Erie Insurance, visit www.erieinsurance.com.</p> <i> <p style="text-align: left;">According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 14th largest automobile insurer in</p> <p style="text-align: left;">the United States based on direct premiums written and the 18th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based</p> <p style="text-align: left;">on total lines net premium written. The Group, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, has over 4.1 million policies in force</p> <p style="text-align: left;">and operates in 11 states and the District of Columbia. Erie Insurance Group ranks 484 on the FORTUNE 500.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Erie Insurance earned J.D. Power and Associates' award for "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with the Auto Insurance</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Shopping Experience." This recognition is based on the results of the 2010 Insurance Shopping Study, which evaluates the</p> <p style="text-align: left;">experience of customers purchasing a new auto insurance policy. Erie Insurance has also been recognized on the list of</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Ward's 50 Group of top performing insurance companies. The Ward's 50 award analyzes the financial performance of 3,000</p> <p style="text-align: left;">property and casualty companies and nearly 800 life and health insurance companies and recognizes the top performers for</p> <p style="text-align: left;">achieving outstanding financial results in safety and consistency over a five-year period (2005-2009).<br /> <br /> </p> </i>urn:uuid:812ad44b-d3a1-4b48-87e4-5fa89ceaea86Timothy McElhinny and the McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC are featured in the June 2010 issue of PITTSBURGH MAGAZINE.&nbsp; The article is&nbsp;titled "Meet Your Pittsburgh 2010 FIVE STAR Home/Auto Insurance Professionals"&nbsp; The list is compiled b...Wed, 23 Jun 2010 10:30:46 -0500Timothy McElhinny and the McElhinny Insurance Agency LLC are featured in the June 2010 issue of PITTSBURGH MAGAZINE.&nbsp; The article is&nbsp;titled "Meet Your Pittsburgh 2010 FIVE STAR Home/Auto Insurance Professionals"&nbsp; The list is compiled by Crescendo business Services.&nbsp; They surveyed home owners and other industry experts to find Home/Auto Insurance Professionals in the Pittsburgh area who scored highest in overall satisfaction.&nbsp; Check it out on page-152 in the June 2010 issue.&nbsp; McElhinny Insurance Agency is your Pittsburgh Auto Insurance expert.<br /> <a href="/img/~www.mcelhinny.com/section20HomeAuto.pdf"><br /> section20HomeAuto.pdf</a><br />urn:uuid:fabfc64b-253b-4a2f-800e-838fd0226896 Let&rsquo;s Talk INSURANCE Presented by Timothy C. McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF, Partner, McElhinny Insurance 5624 Brownsville Road &bull; Pittsburgh, PA 15236 412-650-5700 Email: tim@mcelhinny.com Web Address: www.mcelhinny.com WHAT MEDICARE WON...Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:09:48 -0500<b> <p style="text-align: left;">Let&rsquo;s Talk</p> <p style="text-align: left;">INSURANCE</p> <i> <p style="text-align: left;">Presented by</p> </i> <p style="text-align: left;">Timothy C. McElhinny,</p> <p style="text-align: left;">CIC, LUTCF, Partner,</p> <p style="text-align: left;">McElhinny Insurance<br /> <br /> <b> <p>5624 Brownsville Road &bull; Pittsburgh, PA 15236</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><b> <p style="text-align: left;">412-650-5700</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Email: tim@mcelhinny.com</p> <p>Web Address: www.mcelhinny.com</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><br /> <br /> </p> </b></p> </b></p> <p>WHAT MEDICARE WON&rsquo;T DO FOR YOU</p> </b> <p style="text-align: left;">The government-provided health insurance policy known as</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Medicare gives Americans over 65 a certain level of coverage,</p> <p style="text-align: left;">but it certainly does not cover all costs. For instance, Medicare</p> <p style="text-align: left;">does not provide coverage for dental care, which poses a</p> <p style="text-align: left;">potential problem for seniors with dentures. Nor does Medicare</p> <p style="text-align: left;">cover vision care, whether it is a matter of routine eye exams or</p> <p style="text-align: left;">providing eyeglasses/contact lenses. As far as long-term care is</p> <p style="text-align: left;">concerned, Medicare does not cover custodial care (including</p> <p style="text-align: left;">daily living assistance) either in an assisted-living facility or at</p> <p style="text-align: left;">home. However, it may pay for certain items that are deemed to</p> <p style="text-align: left;">be medically necessary. To fill in any coverage gaps, seniors</p> <p style="text-align: left;">must turn to &ldquo;Medigap&rdquo; coverage, provided from private</p> <p style="text-align: left;">insurers.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Our senior product portfolio contains a full range of life and</p> <p style="text-align: left;">health insurance products. For all your insurance questions call</p> <b> <p style="text-align: left;">McELHINNY INSURANCE AGENCY, LLC at <b>412.650.5700</b>. See us</p> </b>at . See us <p style="text-align: left;">for all your insurance and financial planning needs. We&rsquo;ve built</p> <p style="text-align: left;">our reputation on being a helpful neighbor. We are proven</p> <p style="text-align: left;">professionals, caring and conscientious people, the kind of</p> <p style="text-align: left;">people on whom you can depend. We&rsquo;re located at</p> <b> <p style="text-align: left;">5624 Brownsville Rd., Pittsburgh, where we have a commitment</p> </b>, where we have a commitment <p style="text-align: left;">to maintain a high standard of excellence in all that we do.<br /> <br /> <br /> </p> <i> <p style="text-align: left;">We want to serve you for life.</p> </i> <p style="text-align: left;">NOTE: Medigap insurance is standardized and</p> <p>regulated by the government.</p> <br /> <p style="text-align: left;">Timothy C. McElhinny,</p> <p style="text-align: left;">CIC, LUTCF, Partner,</p> <p style="text-align: left;">McElhinny Insurance</p>urn:uuid:7375a916-faf0-400b-a4af-21d88b9a4c6b Let&rsquo;s Talk INSURANCE Presented by Timothy C. McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF, Partner, McElhinny Insurance DANGEROUS TALK The latest study concerning the effects of mobile phone use on drivers shows that talking on the phone is more distracting th...Tue, 11 May 2010 15:58:29 -0500<b> <p style="text-align: left;">Let&rsquo;s Talk</p> <p style="text-align: left;">INSURANCE</p> <i> <p style="text-align: left;">Presented by</p> </i> <p style="text-align: left;">Timothy C. McElhinny,</p> <p style="text-align: left;">CIC, LUTCF, Partner,</p> <p style="text-align: left;">McElhinny Insurance<br /> <br /> <br /> </p> <p style="text-align: left;">DANGEROUS TALK</p> </b> <p >The latest study concerning the effects of mobile phone</p> <p style="text-align: left;">use on drivers shows that talking on the phone is more</p> <p style="text-align: left;">distracting than even the most talkative passenger. Whether a</p> <p style="text-align: left;">driver uses a hand-held phone or a hands-free device, talking</p> <p style="text-align: left;">on a phone can make driving dangerous, causing drivers to</p> <p style="text-align: left;">follow too closely and miss exits. The study, which involved</p> <p style="text-align: left;">drivers between the ages of 18 and 49 years, showed that</p> <p style="text-align: left;">talking on a cell phone can slow reaction time of young adult</p> <p style="text-align: left;">drivers to levels associated with senior citizens. The study</p> <p style="text-align: left;">went on to say that passengers do not pose as much of a</p> <p style="text-align: left;">distraction to drivers because they are often silent or act as</p> <p style="text-align: left;">another set of eyes.<br /> <br /> <br /> </p> <p style="text-align: left;">Cell phone use may not affect your insurance rates per se,</p> <p style="text-align: left;">but if you receive a ticket where there&rsquo;s a ban in place, you</p> <p style="text-align: left;">can probably expect higher premiums. At <b>McELHINNY <p style="text-align: left;">INSURANCE AGENCY, LLC, we want to make sure</p> </b></p> <p style="text-align: left;">you understand all facets of your auto insurance policy. If</p> <p style="text-align: left;">you&rsquo;re unsure of what is covered and not covered, don&rsquo;t</p> <p style="text-align: left;">hesitate to call us at <b>412.650.5700</b>. Maybe it&rsquo;s time to</p> <p style="text-align: left;">review the policies you currently have and make sure you&rsquo;re</p> <p style="text-align: left;">fully or adequately covered for you and your specific</p> <p style="text-align: left;">situation. We&rsquo;re a professional agency with personal service.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">We&rsquo;re located at <b>5624 Brownsville Rd., Pittsburgh</b>.</p> <i> <p>We want to serve you for life.<br /> <br /> <br /> </p> <p style="text-align: left;">NOTE: The study mentioned above also showed that drivers</p> <p style="text-align: left;">who talked on the phone were as impaired as legally</p> <p>intoxicated drivers.</p> <br /> <br /> <b> <p style="text-align: left;">5624 Brownsville Road &bull; Pittsburgh, PA 15236</p> <p style="text-align: left;">412-650-5700</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Email: tim@mcelhinny.com</p> <p>Web Address: www.mcelhinny.com</p> </b></i>urn:uuid:d6795991-6404-495c-823a-1eacea17fcdbIt is not enough to mind your own p’s and q’s when it comes to auto safety and insurance; you also have to keep an eye out for other drivers, particularly when it comes to those who shirk their responsibilities. The fact is that the downturn in the e...Fri, 23 Apr 2010 10:43:43 -0500<p style="text-align: left;">It is not enough to mind your own p’s and q’s when it</p> <p style="text-align: left;">comes to auto safety and insurance; you also have to keep an</p> <p style="text-align: left;">eye out for other drivers, particularly when it comes to those</p> <p style="text-align: left;">who shirk their responsibilities. The fact is that the downturn</p> <p style="text-align: left;">in the economy has left many vehicle owners either without</p> <p style="text-align: left;">the means to purchase adequate auto insurance coverage or</p> <p style="text-align: left;">any at all. The real misfortune strikes when responsible</p> <p style="text-align: left;">vehicle owners are involved in accidents with their lessresponsible</p> <p style="text-align: left;">counterparts. Without Uninsured Motorist Bodily</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Injury (UM or UMBI) coverage, responsible drivers may be left</p> <p style="text-align: left;">in the lurch. This coverage protects drivers if the other party</p> <p style="text-align: left;">is at fault and is not insured.<br /> <br /> </p> <p style="text-align: left;">A well-balanced insurance plan contains many different</p> <p style="text-align: left;">insurance products, such as UM or UMBI insurance. One of</p> <p style="text-align: left;">the advantages of having <b>McELHINNY INSURANCE <p style="text-align: left;">AGENCY, LLC, handle all your insurance needs is</p> </b></p> <p style="text-align: left;">experience. By drawing upon that invaluable source of</p> <p style="text-align: left;">knowledge, we guarantee you will always receive solid - and</p> <p style="text-align: left;">timely - information and direction. As an independent</p> <p style="text-align: left;">insurance agency, we can tailor an insurance policy to</p> <p style="text-align: left;">adequately protect your interests while saving you valuable</p> <p style="text-align: left;">insurance dollars. Call us at <b>412.650.5700. </b>We’re</p> <p style="text-align: left;">located at <b>5624 Brownsville Rd., Pittsburgh.<br /> <br /> </b></p> <i> <p style="text-align: left;">We want to serve you for life.<br /> <br /> </p> </i><b> <p style="text-align: left;">Let’s Talk</p> <p style="text-align: left;">INSURANCE</p> <i> <p style="text-align: left;">Presented by</p> </i> <p style="text-align: left;">Timothy C. McElhinny,</p> <p style="text-align: left;">CIC, LUTCF, Partner,</p> <p style="text-align: left;">McElhinny Insurance</p> <p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p> </b> <p style="text-align: left;">NOTE: Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury coverage also</p> <p>protects against hit-and-run drivers.</p> urn:uuid:6da3fb5c-645e-4091-8c4a-29a7554267a8Ten Car Care Tips Consistent car care is the health insurance for your car. To help keep your car on the road and running in top condition, review these 10 maintenance tips: Review your owner’s manual, which explains how the car works. The manua...Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:08:02 -0500<h1>Ten Car Care Tips</h1> <p>Consistent car care is the health insurance for your car. To help keep your car on the road and running in top condition, review these 10 maintenance tips:</p> <ol> <li><strong>Review your owner’s manual</strong>, which explains how the car works. The manual is the first step to becoming a maintenance savvy car owner.</li> <li><strong>Change the motor oil and filter regularly.</strong> Engine oil is the most vital fluid your vehicle needs to operate. Most car manufacturers recommend changing the oil every three months or 3,000 miles. </li> <li><strong>Protect the fuel system and be cautious at the pump.</strong> Always use the type of gas recommended for your vehicle. If you see a fuel tanker refilling a gas pump, try a different gas station for your fill-up. When the gasoline from the tanker is poured into the in-ground tanks, water and settled debris is stirred up. This debris could enter your vehicle’s gas tank and cause problems.</li> <li><strong>Keep the battery running and the case clean.</strong> The battery and charging system should be checked at a service facility at least once a year. Clean the battery case by wiping it with moist paper towels and a mild detergent. Dirt and residue on the case can cause a current drain on the battery.</li> <li><strong>Conduct a basic belt inspection once a month</strong> to prevent premature engine wear and extend your vehicle’s life.<strong> </strong>Carefully inspect the belts including edges and undersides for any signs of wear.</li> <li><strong>Don’t ignore brake noises.</strong> Brakes should be inspected every 6,000 miles</li> <li><strong>Keep a close eye on tire inflation and tread wear.</strong> Rotate tires every 6,000 miles or every other oil change. Before a long trip, always inspect your tires for signs of wear or road debris that may have penetrated the tire.</li> <li><strong>Change the air filter once a year or after 12,000 miles.</strong> Change the filter more frequently if you live in an area with a lot of dust, dirt or smog.</li> <li><strong>Schedule an appointment at a service facility for a vehicle engine inspection every 30,000 miles.</strong> The inspection allows a service technician to check the engine functions.</li> <li><strong>Maintain the cooling system.</strong> The coolant level should be within one inch of the top of the radiator filler neck, and the coolant should be free of contaminants. Flush or refill the cooling system at 40,000 to 100,000 miles.</li> </ol> <p>With the complexity of today’s vehicles, it is important to be careful if you decide to work on your vehicle. Before beginning any service or repair, review your owner’s manual. Be sure you understand the maintenance procedure, have the proper tools and follow the safety precautions, including the handling instructions for chemicals. If you’re not sure about the repair, consult a professional technician.<br /> <br /> Have a safe driving season!<br /> <br /> Tim McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF<br /> Pittsburgh Auto Insurance Specialist</p> urn:uuid:95787d97-841e-4702-b8d2-49487fb68262 Let’s Talk INSURANCE Presented by &nbsp; Timothy C. McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF, Partner, McElhinny Insurance WHAT HOMEOWNERS’ POLICIES DON’T COVER &nbsp; If a flood, earthquake, or a leaking municipal pipe in your basement were to damage your home...Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:44:02 -0500<b> <p style="text-align: left;">Let’s Talk</p> <p>INSURANCE<br /> <br /> <b><i> <p style="text-align: left;">Presented by</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </i> <p style="text-align: left;">Timothy C. McElhinny,</p> <p style="text-align: left;">CIC, LUTCF, Partner,</p> <p>McElhinny Insurance<br /> <br /> <br /> <b> <p style="text-align: left;">WHAT HOMEOWNERS’</p> <p style="text-align: left;">POLICIES DON’T COVER</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </b></p> <p style="text-align: left;">If a flood, earthquake, or a leaking municipal pipe in your</p> <p style="text-align: left;">basement were to damage your home, would your</p> <p style="text-align: left;">homeowners insurance cover it? If you said “yes,” you</p> <p style="text-align: left;">would be wrong. You also would have a lot of company.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">According to a survey of homeowners conducted by the</p> <p style="text-align: left;">National Association of Insurance Commissioners, one third</p> <p style="text-align: left;">of the people surveyed through their homeowners policy</p> <p style="text-align: left;">covered flood insurance. Slightly over half of the</p> <p style="text-align: left;">respondents thought they would be covered in the event</p> <p style="text-align: left;">that water lines broke, and more than a third felt assured</p> <p style="text-align: left;">that coverage would be offered for earthquake damage.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The fact is that 90% of natural disasters are accompanied</p> <p style="text-align: left;">by some form of flooding for which homeowners must</p> <p style="text-align: left;">pursue coverage.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Have you covered all the bases necessary so that your</p> <p style="text-align: left;">home is properly insured? Does your current homeowner’s</p> <p style="text-align: left;">insurance cover you adequately? At <b>McELHINNY <p style="text-align: left;">INSURANCE AGENCY, LLC, we would be very pleased if you</p> </b></p> <p style="text-align: left;">placed your trust and business with us. Insurance is a</p> <p style="text-align: left;">complex business. That’s why we take very seriously our</p> <p style="text-align: left;">professional responsibility to help you make the insurance</p> <p style="text-align: left;">decisions that are right for you - not offering you a onesize-</p> <p style="text-align: left;">fits-all policy. We’re located at <b>5624 Brownsville Rd., <p style="text-align: left;">Pittsburgh, where we are committed to demonstrating to</p> </b></p> <p style="text-align: left;">you that your confidence is well placed. If you have any</p> <p style="text-align: left;">insurance questions, please feel free to call us at</p> <b> <p style="text-align: left;">412.650.5700. We want to serve you for life.</p> </b>. We want to serve you for life.<b><i> <p style="text-align: left;">Presented by</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </i> <p style="text-align: left;">Timothy C. McElhinny,</p> <p style="text-align: left;">CIC, LUTCF, Partner,</p> <p style="text-align: left;">McElhinny Insurance</p> <p style="text-align: left;">NOTE: Flood insurance has not been a part of homeowners policies since</p> <p>the 1920s and 1930s. Congress made special policies available under the <b> <p>National Flood Insurance Program.</p> </b></p> <br /> <br /> <b> <p style="text-align: left;">5624 Brownsville Road • Pittsburgh, PA 15236</p> <p style="text-align: left;">412-650-5700</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Email: tim@mcelhinny.com</p> <p>Web Address: www.mcelhinny.com</p> </b></b></b></p> . We want to serve you for life.</b> urn:uuid:74bbee08-5425-4e94-ae08-bf17261686f4&nbsp; Let’s Talk INSURANCE Presented by &nbsp; Timothy C. McElhinny, CIC, LUTCF, Partner, McElhinny Insurance DOWN THE ROAD As any owner of a late-model vehicle knows, computer technology is exerting an ever-increasing influence on the auto indus...Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:13:42 -0500<p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Let’s Talk</p> <p style="text-align: left;">INSURANCE</p> <i> <p style="text-align: left;">Presented by</p> <p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p> </i> <p style="text-align: left;">Timothy C. McElhinny,</p> <p style="text-align: left;">CIC, LUTCF, Partner,</p> <p style="text-align: left;">McElhinny Insurance</p> <p style="text-align: left;">DOWN THE ROAD</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><br /> As any owner of a late-model vehicle knows, computer</p> <p style="text-align: left;">technology is exerting an ever-increasing influence on the</p> <p style="text-align: left;">auto industry. In addition, information technology is also</p> <p style="text-align: left;">having an effect on the way that automobile insurers analyze</p> <p style="text-align: left;">data and service their customers. To begin with, increased</p> <p style="text-align: left;">computer power enables insurance companies to assess data</p> <p style="text-align: left;">about drivers based on their garaging address, which enables</p> <p style="text-align: left;">them to better predict the potential loss cost for a particular</p> <p style="text-align: left;">vehicle. In the future, insurance companies hope to employ</p> <p style="text-align: left;">data generated from vehicles’ onboard computers that will</p> <p style="text-align: left;">help them better streamline their rating systems. From</p> <p style="text-align: left;">drivers’ standpoints, both passive and active systems in</p> <p style="text-align: left;">vehicles and roads are likely to make automobile travel safer,</p> <p style="text-align: left;">thereby reducing insurance costs.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">At <b>McELHINNY INSURANCE AGENCY, LLC </b>we</p> <p style="text-align: left;">offer competitive rates on auto insurance with a broad and</p> <p style="text-align: left;">additional optional coverages, to enhance your protection.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">For questions about your coverage, to make changes in your</p> <p style="text-align: left;">current policy, or to answer any questions about insurance</p> <p style="text-align: left;">matters, give us a call. We will gladly answer any questions</p> <p style="text-align: left;">you may have and make the proper recommendations suited</p> <p style="text-align: left;">to your situation. Even if you are not currently a client, don’t</p> <p style="text-align: left;">hesitate to call us at <b>412.650.5700 </b>for more information.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">We’re located at <b>5624 Brownsville Rd., Pittsburgh.</b></p> <i> <p>We want to serve you for life.<br /> </p> <p style="text-align: left;">NOTE: Crash-avoidance systems currently used by some</p> <p style="text-align: left;">automotive manufacturers are just one example of advanced</p> <p style="text-align: left;">technology improving vehicle safety.</p> </i>