Auto Insurance Support
frequently asked questions
Why are auto insurance premiums increasing?
All insurance carriers – like most companies today – are facing rising costs of doing business. ERIE sets prices based on our costs of doing business, making sure we are collecting enough premium to pay claims and protect the financial strength that has been ERIE’s hallmark for nearly 100 years.
Auto insurance premiums are increasing to cover costs related to inflation, supply chain challenges and limited availability of replacement vehicles so that we’re able to provide the protection you expect. See our blog for more on factors affecting auto insurance.
Your ERIE Agent can advise you on ways to lower your auto insurance premium. Choosing a higher deductible and bundling auto and home/renters insurance with ERIE are two ways to potentially lower your premium. Read more about discounts.
How can I get a copy of my auto policy?
You may contact our Customer Care team at (800) 458-0811 or your local ERIE agent to get a copy of your auto policy. You can also set up an account to view a summary of your auto policy. Learn more about how to log in.
How can I get an updated insurance identification card/Canada nonresident insurance card?
ERIE customers may print temporary auto insurance ID cards by registering for an account and logging in. If you live in New York, you'll need to contact us to request a copy of your insurance ID card by calling Customer Care at 1-800-458-0811, option 4 between 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. If you are looking for your ID cards, you can also find them on the ERIE mobile app.
How do I add a vehicle to an existing policy? Can I verify that I am covered?
You should contact your ERIE agent on the next business day after acquiring your vehicle to make any changes to your auto insurance policy. If you need to verify your coverage during or after normal business hours, contact Customer Care at (800) 458-0811 between 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
An ERIE auto insurance policy provides automatic coverage for additional and replacement vehicles. For liability, the policyholder must notify ERIE during the policy period. For comprehensive and collision, the lowest deductible applies. If no comprehensive and/or collision coverage, the policyholder has 7 days of coverage with a $500 deductible.
What is the difference between collision and comprehensive coverage?
Collision coverage applies to losses that result from a collision with another vehicle or object. It also includes damages caused by uninsured motorists and hit-and-run drivers. Comprehensive coverage is for losses caused by fire, theft and contact with animals, like hitting a deer. Damage to your windshield is also covered under comprehensive coverage.
What is emergency roadside service and is it covered by my auto insurance policy?
If your car has a flat tire, dead battery, breaks down or runs out of gas, emergency roadside service is available. For customers who have added roadside coverage on their ERIE auto policies, the labor costs for emergency services are covered by their policies.
The roadside service program covers the cost to pull your car out of the ditch or snow if you end up within 10 feet of the highway. If the distance is greater than 10 feet, there may be an out-of-pocket expense. It also covers towing to the nearest service garage plus 20 miles. If you need to go beyond this mileage radius, you would pay the difference.
To get help right away, please call 800-367-3743, option 2, to reach ERIE’s nationwide roadside assistance partner Agero. The program does not include accident-related towing
How do I start a claim?
We’re here to help. Learn more about how to start your:
If you’re looking for help with the repairs, you could work with your favorite mechanic or one that ERIE recommends. Ask your ERIE claims adjuster about the qualified businesses that are a part of ERIE’s Direct Repair program. The network of businesses in the program will estimate the damages, share their estimate with us and then make the repairs. Find a garage or body repair shop near you now or read more about how to get your car damage estimated.
When is the cost of my rental car covered?
If you have purchased comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, the cost of a rental car is covered in the event of a covered comprehensive loss. This coverage is $20 per day/$900 per loss. The Virginia coverage limit is $600 per loss. The North Carolina policy only provides this coverage when the vehicle is stolen; $15 per day/$450 per loss is included. Higher limits are available for an additional charge.
If you have purchased collision coverage on your vehicle, you may purchase Transportation Expense Coverage at limits starting at $15 per day/$450 per loss in North Carolina and $20 per day/$900 per loss in most other states. Virginia provides $600 in collision rental coverage at no charge. Higher limits are available.
Am I covered if I rent a car overseas?
No. Your auto coverage applies to accidents or losses that occur during the policy period in the United States of America, its territories and possessions, Puerto Rico, Canada or between their ports. Coverage does not extend outside of these areas. However, in Mexico, collision coverage will apply to an owned auto if you have purchased it.
My child has just obtained their learner's permit. Do I have to add them to our auto policy?
In most cases, only after a driver has obtained his or her driver’s license will the driver be added to the auto policy.
Do you have any teen driving education resources?
The computer-based teenSMART program (offered and managed by ADEPT, Inc.) teaches skills proven to dramatically reduce teen driver crash frequency and severity. teenSMART teaches new drivers to anticipate dangerous situations, recognize how risk changes as they drive, increase situational awareness, and expect the unexpected. Visit teensmartdriving.com/erie to learn more and save $50 off the program cost of $119.95 (discounted cost is $69.95). (Youthful drivers in Wisconsin and Virginia may be eligible for premium discounts upon successful completion of the program. Contact your ERIE agent to learn more.)
Will I pay more if I take my vehicle to college with me?
No, you won’t pay more. ERIE offers a college student discount if you decide to leave your vehicle home. To qualify for the discount, you must be single, be a full-time college student, live away from home during the school year and leave your vehicle at home. Get in touch with a local agent for more information.
Looking for answers you aren't finding here?
Try one of these related support center pages.
For answers to commonly asked questions about being in - or witnessing - an accident.

From the minutes following an accident to the close of your claim, ERIE is here to help with 24/7 claims support.

For answers on the claims process and what steps to take when your vehicle's glass is damaged or destroyed.
Once your claim is filed and it's time to find a repair shop to complete the work, ERIE's Direct Repair program can help with these trustworthy shops.
Read more
Find more help on our blog