Uncategorized | Boizelle Insurance Partnership

Extended Water Coverage From Erie Insurance

Here’s a breakdown of what Extended Water Coverage is (and isn’t), as offered by Erie Insurance — and what to watch out for. (As always: the exact details depend on your specific policy, state, and endorsements.)

 

What is “Extended Water Coverage”?

• Extended Water is an endorsement (an add‑on) to Erie’s homeowners insurance (e.g. ErieSecure® Home or related bundles) that provides additional protection for water events that typically aren’t covered under a standard homeowners policy.
• It combines protection for flooding (from storms, inland water, storm surge, etc.) and sewer or drain backup events.
• It covers direct physical loss to your home, additional structures, and personal property from these covered water events — including things stored in basements.
• It may also include additional living expense coverage (if you must temporarily relocate while repairs are being made) and flood avoidance reimbursement (i.e. costs you incur proactively to reduce flood damage).

 

What Types of Water Events Are Covered

Here are examples of water events that Extended Water may cover (again, subject to your policy terms):

Water Event	Description / What’s Covered
Flooding / Inland / Storm Surge / Mudflow / Tidal Water	Water intrusion from natural sources like rain, snow melt, storm surge, overflowing rivers/streams, or mudflow.
Sewer or Drain Backup	Water that backs up into your home from drains, sewers, or a malfunctioning sump pump (in states where allowed).
Flood Avoidance Measures	In some cases, Erie reimburses for preventive steps you take (e.g. sandbags, barriers) up to a limit (often $10,000) to help protect your home ahead of flooding.

What It Doesn’t Cover / Important Limitations & Exclusions

There are several important limitations, exclusions, or caveats to know:

1. Not a substitute for mandatory flood insurance
   If your mortgage or lender requires you to carry flood insurance via the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or other flood policy, this endorsement may not satisfy that requirement. Erie clarifies it is not affiliated with the NFIP.
2. States / Availability
   Extended Water is not available in all states.
3. Certain exclusions (wear and tear, gradual damage, foundation leaks, etc.)
   • Damage due to leaks, seepage, or gradual water intrusion (e.g. a wet foundation over time) generally is not covered.
   • Normal maintenance issues or deterioration-related problems are usually excluded.
   • If damage originates from excluded causes or is otherwise disallowed under your base policy, Extended Water may also not cover it.
4. Limits, sub‑limits, and duration limits
   • The endorsement will usually have limits or sublimits (for example, how much it will pay for flood avoidance, or for contents in the basement).
   • Additional living expense (ALE) coverage is subject to duration limits and conditions — i.e. Erie may pay only for some time while your home is being restored, not indefinitely.

 

Why Erie Added It / Why It Might Matter to You

• Many homeowners assume their standard policy covers flooding, but floods are often excluded in typical homeowners policies.
• Flood damage is among the most expensive kinds of losses, and even homes outside so-called “flood zones” can suffer damage.
• Erie created Extended Water to help fill that “blind spot” — offering disaster protection for a broader set of water-related risks.

 

Read more

Insurance Tips for College Students

Here are some practical insurance tips for college students to help protect their health, property, and finances while staying on budget:

 

1. Health Insurance

What to Do:

• Stay on Parents’ Plan: You can stay on your parents’ health insurance until age 26 (thanks to the ACA).
• University Plans: Many colleges offer student health insurance plans — compare coverage and costs.
• Marketplace Plans: If you’re independent, explore healthcare.gov or your state’s marketplace.

Tips:

• Use your school’s health clinic for routine care — it’s often free or low-cost.
• Always check if a provider is “in-network” before treatment.

 

2. Renters Insurance

Why You Need It:

• Covers your stuff (laptop, clothes, etc.) in case of theft, fire, or water damage.
• Often required if you’re renting an off-campus apartment.

Tips:

• If you live in a dorm, you may be covered under your parents’ homeowners insurance — check with their provider.
• Policies can be as cheap as $10–$20/month.

 

3. Car Insurance

If You Have a Car:

• Stay on your parents’ plan if possible — usually cheaper.
• Notify your insurer if you’re attending school out-of-state.

Tips:

• Ask about a “good student discount” (typically for a GPA of 3.0+).
• If you’re not bringing your car to campus, ask for a “student away at school” discount.

 

4. Electronics Protection

Options:

• Renters insurance usually covers electronics, but check coverage limits.
• Consider device insurance for expensive items like laptops and phones.

Tips:

• Keep receipts and serial numbers in case you need to file a claim.

 

5. Life Insurance (Optional)

• Usually not necessary unless you have dependents or large student loans with a co-signer.
• If you do need it, term life insurance is cheap and adequate.

 

6. Identity Theft Protection

• College students are prime targets for identity theft.
• Some renters or bank accounts include this protection — or get a separate service if you’re concerned.

 

7. Understand Your School’s Coverage

• Some colleges automatically enroll you in their health plan and charge you unless you opt out.
• Always review any tuition insurance or required fees tied to insurance.

 

Quick Tips Summary:

Type	Tip
Health	Stay on parents’ plan or use school clinic
Renters	Covers your stuff in dorms/apts
Car	Use discounts and notify insurer if car isn’t on campus
Electronics	Ensure laptops/phones are covered
Life	Usually not needed unless you have dependents
ID Theft	Monitor credit and use protection services

 

Navigating college life comes with new responsibilities, and insurance is one of them. This blog offers essential tips to help students understand the importance of various types of insurance—health, renters, auto, and even tuition insurance. From staying on a parent’s plan to finding budget-friendly student options, we break down what coverage is necessary, how to shop smart, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Whether living on or off campus, these practical tips ensure students are protected without breaking the bank.

Read more

How to Insure Your Wedding Rings

Wedding rings can typically be covered under a homeowners insurance policy. However, it’s important to understand the specifics and potential limitations.

Here’s how it works:

1. Scheduled Personal Property (Endorsement/Floaters):

• Most homeowners insurance policies allow you to add valuable items, like wedding rings, as a scheduled personal property endorsement or floater. This provides additional coverage specifically for the rings.
• By scheduling the jewelry, you’re usually covered for a higher amount than the general personal property coverage, which often has a cap for valuables like jewelry.
• This coverage often includes protection against loss, theft, or damage, and you may be able to choose a lower deductible for the added coverage.

 

2. Coverage Under Standard Policy:

• Standard homeowners insurance policies often cover personal property, including jewelry, but typically only for a limited amount. For example, if the ring is lost or stolen, the policy might cover a small percentage of the jewelry’s value (usually around $1,500 or so), which might not be enough to replace high-value wedding rings.
• There could also be limitations regarding theft (for example, it may only cover losses that happen inside your home) or mysterious disappearance (e.g., if the ring simply vanishes without a clear cause).

 

3. Exclusions to Consider:

• Theft outside the home: Many standard policies don’t cover theft or loss of jewelry if it happens outside your home, such as while traveling.
• Accidental damage: Damage caused by accidents (e.g., dropping the ring or scratching it) might not be covered under a basic homeowners policy.
• Higher deductible: The deductible on a general homeowners policy could be higher than what you might pay with a specialized jewelry insurance policy.

 

What You Should Do:

• Get an appraisal: If you plan to add the wedding rings to your homeowners policy, you’ll likely need to get a professional appraisal to determine their value.
• Check your policy limits: Review the coverage limits in your homeowners insurance policy to make sure the coverage is sufficient for the value of your wedding rings.
• Consider a rider: If your wedding rings are of significant value, you might want to add a jewelry rider or floater to your homeowners policy, which provides more comprehensive coverage.

While homeowners insurance can cover wedding rings, it’s important to weigh the limitations and exclusions before relying solely on it. If you’re concerned about more complete protection (such as for accidental damage or loss outside the home), standalone jewelry insurance may be a better option.

 

Read more

Staying Safe In Extreme Cold

During extremely cold weather, it’s important to take necessary precautions to keep yourself and your family safe from cold-related injuries like frostbite, hypothermia, and other health risks. Here are some tips to help protect yourself and your loved one:

1. Dress in Layers

• Base Layer: Wear moisture-wicking clothing (like wool or synthetic fabrics) to keep sweat away from your skin.
• Insulating Layer: Add a warm layer like fleece, wool, or down to trap body heat.
• Outer Layer: Chose a windproof and waterproof outer layer to shield from the wind, rain, or snow.
• Accessories: Wear a hat, gloves, scarf, thermal socks, and insulated boots. Mittens are usually warmer than gloves.

 

2. Limit Exposure

• Avoid prolonged time outdoors in extremely cold temperatures, especially during wind chill or when temperatures are below freezing.
• If you have to go outside, take frequent breaks indoors to warm up.

 

3. Stay Dry

• Wet clothing can increase your risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Always stay dry, and if you get wet, change clothes immediately.

 

4. Warm Up Your Home

• Keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature, ideally above 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius).
• Use space heaters safely and never leave them unattended.
• Close off rooms you don’t use to conserve heat and keep blankets and extra layers handy.

 

5. Prepare Your Car

• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid fuel line freeze.
• Carry emergency supplies such as blankets, gloves, a flashlight, non-perishable snacks, water, and a first-aid kit.
• Ensure your car has winter tires, and check your battery and tire pressure.

 

6. Be Aware of Frostbite and Hypothermia

• Frostbite: Symptoms include numbness, pale or waxy skin, and a tingling feeling. If you suspect frostbite, move to a warm area and gradually warm the affected areas, but don’t rub them.
• Hypothermia: Symptoms include shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and loss of coordination. If someone is showing signs of hypothermia, warm them up gradually, and seek medical help immediately.

 

7. Check on Vulnerable People

• The elderly, young children, and those with chronic health conditions are at higher risk in extreme cold. Check on them frequently to make sure they are warm and safe.

 

8. Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine

• While they may make you feel warm initially, alcohol and caffeine can actually lower your body temperature and impair your ability to stay warm.

 

9. Stock Up on Supplies

• Ensure you have enough food, water, medications, and other essential supplies in case you become stranded or unable to leave your home.

 

10. Stay Informed

• Keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared for any sudden changes in conditions. In case of severe cold, follow public safety instructions.

 

By staying warm, dry, and vigilant, you can help reduce the risks posed by extreme cold weather to you and your family. Stay safe out there!

Read more