What Happens if my Neighbor's Tree Falls in my Yard?

Trees can be tricky, but for the most part homeowners are responsible for what falls into their own yard. So if your neighbor's tree falls in your yard, your homeowners insurance would typically help cover the cost of removing the tree and remedying the damage it caused, after your deductible.

The same is true in reverse: If a tree on your property falls in your neighbors yard, your neighbor should file a claim with his or her insurance company.

In most cases, neighbors are able to work things out without too much trouble. If there's ever an issue, you can rely on your claims adjuster to help straighten everything out.

The Claims Process

If a tree falls on your house, make sure to take some photos. Then call your claims adjuster, who will evaluate the damage and explain how your homeowners coverage comes into play. It's recommended that you call your claims adjuster before you contract to have the tree removed.

Sometimes trees fall on cars. If it's not safe or possible to remove the tree from the car yourself, you should call a professional to remove it. (Again, talk to a claims adjuster first and take a few photos of the fallen tree on your car.) Depending on the damage, both your homeowners and the optional comprehensive coverage you may have under your auto policy could provide coverage for the loss. 

Preventing Tree Damage

Preventative measures matter when it comes to trees. Start by looking for signs of distress such as dead limbs, cracks in the trunk or major limbs, leaning to one side and branches that are close to a house or power line. Mushroom growth on the roots or bark can also signal trouble.

"A homeowner should be concerned about the health of their trees," says Gary Sullivan, Vice President of Property Subrogation Claims at ERIE. "The best thing to do is to regularly have large trees trimmed." (The Tree Care Industry Association lists accredited tree care professionals.)

To learn more and to ensure you have the right coverage for your home, contact an ERIE Insurance Agent in your community - like us! 

Today's insurance tips and ideas brought to you by ERIE Insurance.

13 Ways to Help Others This Winter

Even if it's been a relatively mild winter, it can feel like winter will never end. And while the harsh weather is inconvenient for many, it can be a major issue for the elderly, disabled, sick and homeless in your community.

If you're of able body and kind heart, you may wonder how you can help your neighbors in need. Here are 13 ways to show you care this season.

1. Shovel your neighbor's walkway and/ or driveway. It lets them come and co with ease - plus, it's often the law.
2. Brush the snow and ice off their car. (Here are some tips to make it easy.)
3. Clear snow off of the street signs, storm sewer grates, fire hydrants and mailboxes if they're covered with snow. It benefits everyone's safety.
4. Check on your elderly neighbors before and after a bad snowstorm or cold snap. (bonus points if you bring soup!)
5. Leave hand warmers in your mailbox for the mail carrier.
6. Offer to pick up a neighbor's groceries or prescriptions. We all know how hard it is to drive on black ice or in a blinding snow storm.
7. Offer to get a neighbor's mail if it's at the end of a long drive or on a country road.
8. Bring over a baked good or have your kids draw pictures for a neighbor. (Preferably beach scenes!)
9. Volunteer at a homeless shelter or food pantry. They tend to be at capacity in the winter as people seek relief from the cold temperatures.
10. Donate to a coat drive.
11. Donate money to a heating assistance program - often times, you can do so when you pay your heating bill.
12. Volunteer for Meals on Wheels or another program that helps the homebound.
13. Donate an old (but still working) snow blower or a shovel to a neighbor in need.

Doing any one of these kind deeds could make a world of difference to someone - and studies show that it will benefit you as well!

Today's insurance tips and ideas brought to you by ERIE Insurance.

14 Hacks to Deal with Snow and Ice on Your Car

Even people who love winter do not enjoy one of the season's most unpopular jobs - clearing snow and ice off of their cars.

The good news is that the job can definitely be made easier by following a few rather simple tips. They include:

• Turning on your front and rear defrosters as soon as you start clearing. If you have a push start, now is the time to take advantage of it!
• Give yourself more time than you think. This can be a tough job, and you may need a break or two after scraping away at ice for a long stretch of time.
• Don't pull on frozen windshield wipers! This could TOTALLY ruin them. Instead, use an ice scraper to chip away at the ice and give the car defroster some time to do its job.
• Avoid hot water! Pouring hot water on ice-cold glass can cause the glass to break. (Plus, the puddle it leaves behind can lead someone to suffer a nasty spill!)
• Use a proper snow brush. Shovels and other brushes not marketed for safe use on cars can leave behind scratches.
• Start from the top. Clear snow from the roof and work your way down - clearing the top part of the car later could undo the work you did on the bottom half of the car. And you can't drive around with a roof full of snow anyhow.
• Consider using a de-icing spray. Commercial-grade sprays can make the job faster AND easier.
• Blow through a straw to let your breath melt a frozen lock. Another option is to apply a bit of hand sanitizer to your key and the door lock.

Of course, the best way to deal with winter is to park your car in a garage or carport. If that is not possible, try taking these steps beforehand.

• Place socks over your windshield wipers and pop them up. This will help prevent them from freezing.
• Put plastic bags over your mirrors. Use rubber bands to secure them into place.
• Spray a little cooking oil on rubber seals. This will help prevent them from sealing doors shut.
• Apply ice prevention spray on windows. You can find this at any auto specialty store!
• Cover your windows. A piece of cardboard, towel or folded sheet can help prevent ice from forming on your windshield.
• Face your car East. In for the night? Then try to park your car facing East so the rising sun can help melt the snow and ice!

Clearing the snow and ice off of your car definitely isn't the most fun job, but it helps keep you and other drivers safe -- and it might even be the law in your state!

Today's insurance tips and ideas brought to you by ERIE Insurance.