Lampton Engle Agency

Announcement: Erie Insurance Announces $200 Million in Immediate Relief for Customers

Broadening ERIE’s Financial Support for Personal and Commercial Auto Insurance Customers

Erie, Pa. (April 21, 2020) – Erie Insurance today announced it will provide $200 million in dividends directly to personal and commercial auto insurance customers in the 12 states and the District of Columbia where the company does business. This immediate relief represents about 30% of related auto insurance premiums over a two-month period or 5% of their annual premium.

Today’s announcement is in addition to the $200 million in rate reductions announced earlier this month.  Together these efforts provide a combined $400 million in immediate relief and longer-term rate reductions for ERIE auto insurance customers. This is in response to the significant decline in miles driven due to the stay-at-home directives for COVID-19.

ERIE plans to distribute checks to customers in mid-May 2020. There is no need for customers to call ERIE or their agent to request the payment. Checks will be mailed directly to customers with policies in force as of April 1, 2020.

“We are fortunate to have built up the financial strength we have over our 95 years that allows us to further support our customers during this challenging time,” said Erie Insurance President and CEO Tim NeCastro. “We stand by our customers during times of hardship and catastrophe and our response reflects who we’ve been for 95 years: a company that’s always there for our customers and a company that is truly Above All in Service.”

To further support local communities throughout its footprint, ERIE is also granting nearly $2.5 million to agents and branch offices to boost their charitable work in local communities.

“Our agents and employees have also stepped up to provide much-needed support to their local communities,” added NeCastro. “They’re feeding first responders and healthcare workers, purchasing gift cards from restaurants and retailers to thank those on the front lines and so much more. This infusion of funding will give them even more opportunities to continue these good works.”

In addition to these measures, the company also continues to help hundreds of individual customers each day with flexible payment and billing options, coverage adjustments and other steps aimed at addressing specific customer and community needs:

Flexible Payment and Billing Options

ERIE understands that each customer’s situation is unique and we continue to offer flexibility to customers facing hardship. ERIE agents can help customers with updating coverages. Customers can contact ERIE’s Customer Care team at (800) 458-0811 with assistance on delaying payment dates, adjusting installments, changing pay plans and waiving penalties and fees.  In addition, some billing requests including deferring payments and nonpay cancellations can also be requested through erieinsurance.com/help or through their ERIE Online Account.Customers can also access their personal lines and life policies, view current and previous invoices, pay their bill and monitor a claim through Online Account.

Making Life Insurance Attainable

For a limited time, Erie Family Life is offering applicants a path to life insurance coverage without the requirement of a paramedical exam. The option to waive the exam is aligned with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance to maintain social distancing and prevent the spread of COVID-19. The waiver provides Erie Insurance customers the ability to obtain life insurance without in-person interaction. The offer is available for customers up to age 55 and policy face amounts up to $500,000.

Gift Card and Gift Certificate Reimbursement Coverage

Pending regulatory approval in several states, Erie Insurance is adding gift card and gift certificate reimbursement coverage to the company’s ErieSecure Home® policies. The additional feature, included at no additional cost, would reimburse customers for remaining balances on gift cards that can no longer be used at independently owned and operated local businesses due to business closures. There is no requirement that the business be insured by ERIE. While the additional protection was introduced to help promote buying new gift cards to help small businesses with their cash flows during this challenging time, it is not a temporary addition and will become part of ERIE’s base ErieSecure Home policies.

Support for Community COVID-19 Relief Efforts

Erie Insurance provided a lead gift to support a new COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund recently established in Erie, Pennsylvania. The COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund will directly support 501(c)(3) organizations in Erie County, Pennsylvania — the location of our headquarters — that are providing support to those in need, administering care for children, serving elderly populations who are most vulnerable and helping those suffering hardships and job loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Announcement: Ohio’s premiums among lowest in country

Insurance Department Announces Auto and Homeowners Insurance Rates
??Ohio’s premiums among lowest in country

COLUMBUS — Lieutenant Governor and Department of Insurance Director Mary Taylor announced Ohio’s 2012 auto and homeowners insurance average rates, information that is annually compiled by the Department.
“Ohio’s historically competitive insurance marketplace continues to provide consumers with choice and affordable options for auto and homeowners insurance,” Taylor said. “Our strong, but fair regulatory standards and emphasis on reducing regulatory red-tape for insurers are benefiting consumers.”
Ohio has the 6th lowest homeowners ($624; national average $906) and 9th lowest auto insurance ($619; national average $791) average premiums in the county, according to 2010 data, the most recent figures available from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
Continue Reading:

Announcement: Brian Lampton recognized in Insurance Newsletter

Brian Lampton was singled out with customer appreciation in the July 27, 2011 edition of “The Bulletin.”

Great Agent…
Brian Lampton
Lampton-Engle & Associates, Columbus Branch

” I recently had a roof damage claim and some auto damage too, and I called to say how nice and helpful everyone involved was. Thank you, especially to my Agent Brian and [Claims Supervisor] Donna Carpenter.”

–Customer Jane B., via a phone conversation with Branch Manager Joe Wilkerson

[ Newsletter ]

Ohio among the lowest rates in the US

http://www.insurance.ohio.gov/Newsroom/Pages/08102011AutoHomeRates.aspx

Press Release – August 10, 2010

STATE OF OHIO
DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
8/10/2011

Lt. Governor Taylor Announces Ohio Auto and Homeowners Rates Remain Competitive in 2010

COLUMBUS — Lieutenant Governor and Department of Insurance Director Mary Taylor announced Ohio’s 2010 average auto and homeowners insurance rates were among the most competitive in the United States. The Department annually compiles the state’s average auto and homeowners insurance rates.

“Ohioans can count on the state’s dynamic insurance marketplace producing some of the lowest auto and homeowners rates in the country,” Taylor said. “We will continue to focus on attracting insurance companies to our great state to the benefit of the state’s consumers.”

Ohio has the 11th lowest auto insurance and 9th lowest homeowners insurance average premiums in the country, according to the most recent figures from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

In 2010, the average rate change for the state’s top 10 private passenger auto insurance groups increased 1.5 percent. The average rate change for the state’s top 10 homeowners insurance groups increased 8.7 percent.  The top 10 insurance groups represent approximately 70 percent of the market.

The average increases in 2010 were less than the previous year, which saw average increases of 2.8 percent and 9.7 percent for auto and homeowners, respectively.  The historical rate change information is an average.  Individual insurance consumers may have experienced rate changes that differ from the average. The Department makes sure the rating plans comply with Ohio insurance law and the rates are actuarially sound.

Ohio insurers continued to experience claims from the multitude of weather events that have impacted the state over the last few years.

Based on rate activity so far this year and industry data, Department analysts expect 2011 rate activity to follow a similar pattern. Changes in auto insurance rates are associated with medical costs, weather-related claims, the number of cars on Ohio roads and repairs costs. Changes in homeowners rates can be attributed to weather-related claims, and building and material costs.

Ohioans with insurance questions or concerns can call the Department’s consumer hotline at 1-800-686-1526. Free information, including guides and tip sheets about auto and homeowners insurance, is available atwww.insurance.ohio.gov.

Beavercreek Homeowner Insurance News- Mold in Homes

Mold In Homes

411_MoldInHomes pdf
Mold continues to be in the news, somewhere in the nation, on a daily basis. Mold spores are, literally, everywhere and usually cause no concern. However, when the conditions are right, mold can begin to grow, and  if that occurs inside of a home or other structure, it is always a concern and can be a real problem.
The molds that cause problems in homes need just three things to grow:
– Food – Anything that used to be alive (wood, cardboard, paper, wool, silk, leather, etc.).
– Temperature – These molds thrive in the range of 68°F to 86°F (the same range we typically keep our homes).
– Water – Very little is needed. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that indoor humidity above 60% is sufficient to allow mold to develop.
Since our homes normally contain a lot of potential mold “food,” and are normally kept at a temperature conducive to mold growth, all that is missing is water.
Water is also the most likely cause of damage to property across the nation. It includes everything from overflowing sinks, to leaky or broken pipes/hoses, to drain or sewer back-ups, to over-ground water from heavy rains or river/coastal flooding. If the water is in contact with any form of dirt (remember, flood waters certainly contain lots of “dirt”), then the growth can occur even more quickly since dirt always includes organic material – “mold food.”
In all cases, water damage must be remediated quickly and thoroughly or it will result in mold growth. Complete drying, back to normal conditions, is very important since any excess moisture will result in mold growth.
Mold is often seen as obvious “growth” or even “discoloration” on materials like paper or wood. Colors can range from white to orange and from green to brown and black, and it gives off the well-known “musty/moldy” smell.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), The Institute of Medicine (IOM) “found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, coughing, and wheezing in otherwise healthy people. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.”
The CDC recommends that all molds found in the indoor environment be eliminated, adding, “Generally, it is not necessary to identify the species of mold growing in a residence, and the CDC does not recommend routine sampling for molds.” Since all molds have the potential to cause allergic or allergic-like symptoms in people, especially highly susceptible individuals, they should be eliminated whenever they are found. Knowing the name of the mold does not change anything since the same safety precautions should be used whenever remediating mold, regardless of the “name.”

Mold Prevention Tips

There is no practical way to eliminate all of the mold spores in an indoor environment. But there are many ways to help control moisture and mold growth in your home. The basic rule is: if you can see or smell mold, take steps to eliminate the excess moisture, and to clean and remove any mold. It is very important to quickly identify and correct any moisture sources before health problems develop.
Stop The Water
  • Fix leaks in pipes and any damp area around tubs and sinks so mold spores don’t have a growing environment.
  • If you rebuild or remodel, do so with water-resistant building materials such as tile, stone, deep-sealed concrete, waterproof wallboard, water-resistant glues, etc.
  • Prevent seepage of water from the outdoors into your house. It’s important to have rainwater from gutters or the roof drain away from the house. The ground around the house needs to slope away to keep the basement and crawl space dry.
  • Ventilate any crawl space as much as possible to allow for thorough drying
Keep It Dry
  • Reduce the moisture in the air with dehumidifiers, fans and open windows or air conditioners, especially in hot weather. Do NOT use fans if mold may already exist; a fan will spread the mold spores.
  • Try to keep the humidity in your home below 40%.
  • In moisture-prone areas, consider easy-to-clean, water-resistant floor coverings, such as vinyl or stone tile.
  • Reduce potential for condensation on cold surfaces by insulating.
Dealing With Mold
  • If you discover mold, the first step is to find and eliminate the water source, as above.
  • Then, if it is a small area (less than about 10 sq ft), and you feel comfortable, clean the mold with a detergent solution and thoroughly dry all materials.
  • If it is larger than 10 sq ft, consider calling a professional mold remediation company, such as PuroClean, the Paramedics of Property Damage™. Their well-trained, professional technicians understand and apply industry standard approaches to remediate mold completely, while being as safe for your home and your family as possible.
Regardless of the circumstances – dealing with mold, water damage, fire/smoke damage, or biohazard remediation – call your local PuroClean office, the Paramedics of Property Damage™. For all property damage situations, these professionals are standing by. They will mitigate the loss to prevent further damage and will then provide restoration services to return the property to a pre-loss condition as quickly as possible. All PuroClean offices have well-trained professional technicians who provide the latest state-of-the-science services to all property damaged from water, fire, smoke, mold, and other disasters.
written by
Will Southcombe
Director of Technical Services,
PuroClean Headquarters
Master of Arts,
Master of Business Management,
Water Restoration Technician,
Applied Structural Drying,
Certified Microbial Remediator
PuroClean Emergency Services
Servicing Dayton, Springfield,
Cincinnati & Surrounding Areas
(937) 401-9700            (513) 897-8990
(866) 791-PURO (7876)

Brought to you by:
Brian Lampton
1326 Parkway Ct
Beavercreek, 45432(937) 427-8444
www.lamptonengleagency.com
[email protected]

Homeowner Insurance Beavercreek Special Limits

Check your homeowner insurance policy for a section often called “Special Limits”  These are coverage limitations for certain groups of personal property.  All home owner policies have limits and every company is different with what items they limit, and the actual dollar amount for each group.  A couple of the items listed are actually extra coverages provided such as watercraft and trailers.  Other items are limited such as money, jewelry, silverware and others.

Our agency wants you to be aware of these limits so if there is a concern we can make the necessary changes to your insurance program to cover the items prior to a claim.  I don’t know why these limits are in the policies, and I don’t like that they are “hidden” in the policy, and not printed on the front coverage page.  Please take a few moments to review your own limits and call your agent if any of them could be a problem.

Our two main insurance carriers Erie Insurance and Auto-Owners Insurance for homeowner policies have these sort of limits (just like the rest) and we have pulled them out of the policy and put them in summary form so they are easy to read and understand.  Please contact us if anything on the list could be an insurance problem for you and your family.


Homeowner Limits -pdf

Water Back-Up

There are three kinds of water when it comes to home owner insurance. The first kind
is called flood. There is a specific definition of flood, simply put, it is the water that
comes “ in and down” (in the house) from normally dry land. The second kind of water
is water back-up or sewer drain back-up. This is water and or sewage that comes back
up from drains in the house. The third type of water would be all other water damage,
weather it is from a leaky roof, or a busted water heater, or pressure hose from your
washing machine, for example.

All home policies exclude any damage caused by flood. The only way to cover flood is
to purchase a flood policy from the National Flood Insurance Program. All home owner
insurance policies also exclude the second type of water, or water back-up. Coverage for
this type of water damage can be purchased and added back on to your home policy as an
option for extra premium. This optional coverage is usually limited to $5,000 or $10,000
depending on the insurance company. The third type of water damage is typically
covered on most regular home owner policies.

Let’ s emphasize the importance of the water back-up or sewer & drain back up damage
coverage. We feel this coverage should be considered with every home policy. Even
if you’ re on a slab, up on a hill, it doesn’ t mean you’ re not susceptible to water back-up
loss. The drains in your home can become clogged from regular use, or tree roots getting
in the drain lines. Many folks have plumbing services come out once a year to “ snake
out” or clean out their drains. Most water back up losses involves damaged carpet and
flooring which usually results in larger losses.

There is a reason insurance carriers charge extra and limit coverage for water back-up.
These types of losses occur very frequently, and are usually over $1,000.

Please don’ t short change yourself, review your home policy, and make sure it has water
back-up or sewer and drain back up coverage.

Beavercreek Ohio, Homeowner Insurance rates are rising

The following two articles show that property rates in Ohio have been increasing for the past couple of years.  The hurricane “Ike” in 2009 was partly to blame.  Ohio property insurance has been hit with storms featuring high winds and hail causing increased claims in the past few years.  However, the news is not all bad.  Ohio’s home insurance rates are still among the lowest in the country.  According to Ohio insurance institute, a trade association, Ohioans enjoy the 6th lowest home rates in the country.

We have highlighted a couple of news stories from the Dayton Daily News, and WDTN for additional information.