Insurance claims usually aren’t a top priority for travelers heading on a road trip.
A specialized team of ERIE claims professionals make certain they remain out of mind.
ERIE’s Zone Outside of ERIE Territory (OET) team works to ensure that customers traveling outside ERIE’s territory receive the same seamless, responsive claims service they would if the loss occurred at home.
From deer damage to vandalism to RV claims and arranging replacement rentals (where included in the policy), the OET team handles the challenges that can arise from a loss far from home. While ERIE offers insurance in 12 states and the District of Columbia, the OET team, with specific knowledge on topics including varying state regulations, repair networks and rentals, is specially equipped to handle claims occurring elsewhere.
And they do it a lot. Each year, the OET team handles about 10,000 out-of-territory claims.
“We understand that people are driving away from home for many reasons, whether they are on vacation, traveling for work or maybe it’s part of their daily commute,” said Jessica Knapp, the OET team supervisor. “Our job is ensuring there is no disruption in the claims service we provide when they’re away.”
By designating a team for out-of-territory claims, ERIE can reduce the number of personnel involved in a claim and allow an ERIE adjuster to serve as the single point of contact to customers. The OET team also speeds up claims processing, enables improved consistency in claims handling standards and helps lessen the need for use of independent adjusters.
“Having a dedicated team gives us a greater ability to carry out our promise of service regardless of where our customers are physically located,” Jessica said.
Serving customers across the country also means navigating different states’ regulatory environments. The team maintains adjuster licenses in all 17 states outside ERIE’s footprint where licensing is required.
Kristina, who is licensed in all states with requirements, said helping people when they’re most in need is her favorite part of her role as adjuster.
“When something happens and you’re away from home, your first thought is often going to be that you’re in a strange place and you’re all alone,” she said. “Well, you’re not. We’re always here, able and willing to help you.”
That means keeping extended office hours for customers in a pinch away from home. OET adjusters are available 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. As always, customers can file claims with their agents or directly with ERIE by calling (800) 367-3743, reporting online or by using our mobile app anytime.
ERIE’s photo appraisal also helps streamline the claims process for accidents away from home. By allowing customers to take and submit photos of damage, it can eliminate the need for an estimate from an auto body shop or a claims adjuster to inspect the vehicle. Photo appraisal isn’t just for out-of-territory claims; it’s offered for most auto accidents, no matter where they occur.
Providing customers with a consistent experience—no matter where an accident occurs—is a central goal of ERIE’s claims operation. And while every claim is different, ERIE’s customers still expect a certain standard away from home. The OET team takes that charge to heart.
“We try to communicate to customers that no matter where they are, we’ll be able to help,” Kristina said. “Our goal is to make sure our customers have fewer worries when they’re away from home, because we’ll still be able to help them.”
Take ERIE with You
No matter where you go, ERIE offers protection that accompanies you along the way. To experience the difference in service for yourself, contact a local agent to get started.
