Insurance Blog

Safe Driving Tips for Hauling Your Outdoor Gear

Between the winter weather and a global pandemic, your family has likely spent a lot of time indoors over the past few months. So as summer approaches, many are eager to get outdoors and practice social distancing in the fresh air and sunshine.

Whether your favorite outdoor activity is biking, camping or boating, you’ll need to get your gear from home to the trail, campsite or lake — which means hauling it in your vehicle. (Having the right auto insurance can get you prepared for that epic road trip, too.)

Outdoor equipment is often bulky and awkward to move, which can make transporting it a real pain. And failing to haul it safely can put you and others at risk, causing damage to your vehicle or putting nearby drivers in harm’s way.

To help you safely and securely transport all your favorite equipment, we’ve assembled a list of tips for safely hauling your outdoor gear.

Bike Racks and More: How to Transport a Bike in a Car

Ready to hit the trail for a day of cycling? Whether you’re training for a road race or taking a leisurely ride with the family, it’s important to securely mount your bike(s) to your vehicle. For that, you’ll need a bike rack. Here’s some information to help you choose the right bike rack for your car, truck or SUV:

Roof racks: Rooftop racks mount to the top of your vehicle. It’s a versatile system for hauling gear because it can be adapted to a variety of equipment — including bikes, skis, snowboards, surfboards, kayaks, canoes and storage boxes. So if you’re going to be carrying more than bicycles, that’s worth considering. Roof racks are one of the more secure ways to mount your bike, but they do come with a few disadvantages. You’ll need to lift and hoist the bikes above your head, and some racks require you to remove the front wheel. The additional height they add to your vehicle can also limit your parking options in garages and other low-clearance areas.
Hitch racks: A hitch-mounted bike rack is secured to your vehicle using a trailer hitch. These types of racks are easy to install and even easier to load and unload your bikes — making them a good option if you’re an avid biker. You will need a hitch receiver on your vehicle. A receiver can be installed on most vehicles, even if it’s not original equipment. But it’s an added cost you’ll need to account for.
Trunk racks: Trunk-mounted racks are the least expensive and most portable option for transporting your bikes. They mount to the trunk of your vehicle using a series of straps and hooks. Similar to hitch racks, they’re easy to load your bikes on. But when using them, you won’t be able to access your trunk or rear hatch.
Truck racks: Just because you drive a pickup truck doesn’t mean you should just throw your bikes in the back. Truck racks are designed to mount inside the bed of the truck, allowing you to avoid damaging your bikes by securely mounting them in place.
Spare tire racks: Similar to trunk racks, these racks are designed to mount to vehicles like Jeeps with a rear-mounted spare tire.

Car Camping: Gear Packing Tips

Spending a few nights in the great outdoors can be a perfect way to take a break from the stresses of everyday life. But setting up your home-away-from-home also requires a good amount of gear. Avoid the temptation to fill your vehicle up to the roof. This obstructs the view from your rearview mirror and severely limits your visibility. Instead, consider one of these safer hauling options:

Rooftop cargo boxes: Using your vehicle’s roof rails, a hard-sided cargo box can provide loads of extra storage for camping gear. These boxes are available in a wide range of sizes and offer secure, weatherproof storage for your equipment. You can find cargo carriers that open from the side or back, and most are keyed to keep your items locked down. Just keep in mind that your vehicle will need crossbars mounted to the roof rails, which may be an additional expense.
Rooftop cargo bags: Soft cargo bags offer a similar storage solution to hard cargo boxes. They’re less expensive and easier to store when not in use. However, they’re also less likely to keep your gear dry in the rain.
Hitch-mounted cargo carriers: These cargo carriers operate similarly to hitch-mounted bike racks. Featuring a platform that you insert into a hitch receiver, they’re a good option for storing bulky items like coolers. Just be sure your gear doesn’t exceed the hitch tongue weight provided by the vehicle’s manufacturer.
Trailers: If you need more room than the above solutions provide, consider using a small utility trailer. Trailers can easily be rented if you don’t have room to store one. Just make sure the trailer you tow falls within your vehicle's tow ratings.

Kayak and Canoe Transport

Small boats such as kayaks and canoes can provide a relaxing day of paddling or the adrenaline rush of navigating whitewater rapids. But you won’t enjoy either activity if your boat doesn’t make it to the water safely.

Because of their size, a roof rack is the best option to transport your boat. Here are a few options:

J-cradles: This type of roof rack allows you to transport a kayak on its side — meaning you can haul two at a time if needed. But unless you have a short vehicle, loading and unloading the boat is also a two-person job.
Saddle racks: By supporting the boat on each side, saddle racks can be used for either canoes or kayaks. And because you load the boat from the back of the vehicle, these racks are easier to load if you’re a solo paddler.
Foam blocks: The most inexpensive option to transport your canoe or kayak is purchasing foam blocks to insert over your vehicle’s roof rack crossbars. Just be sure the boat is tied down securely.

How to Haul Boats, ATVs and Campers

If you own one of these outdoor toys, you won’t be hauling it without a trailer. So be sure to follow these trailer safety tips:

●Verify the towing capacity. Just because your vehicle has a hitch receiver doesn’t mean you can tow any type of trailer. Verify that your vehicle’s towing capacity is adequate to tow the trailer you’re using. Otherwise, you may cause damage to your vehicle.
●Check the lights. Towing a trailer is dangerous without working brake lights and turn signals. If the trailer’s wiring harness is plugged in correctly, it should trigger the trailer lights when you hit the brakes or turn signals. If your lights aren’t working, get them repaired before taking off.
●Adapt your driving. Towing a trailer requires making some changes to your driving style. When turning a corner, you’ll need to swing out wide. Turning like you normally would in your vehicle could result in jumping a curb or hitting another vehicle. Remember that your stopping distance is essentially doubled when you’re towing a trailer, too. So begin braking sooner than normal in order to stop safely.
●Check your auto insurance coverage. Make sure your auto policy has enough coverage to protect your trailer and whatever it’s hauling. Generally, liability for your trailer is covered by your auto insurance policy as long as you’re using an insured vehicle to tow it. Additionally, most of your toys can be added to your auto policy, and physical damage coverage for your trailer is also available for purchase.

Ready for your next outdoor adventure?

At Erie Insurance, our promise is simple: to be there when you need us. Whether taking the road less traveled or on your daily commute, you can count on us.

Find an Erie Insurance agent in your neighborhood to get a personalized auto insurance quote today.

Posted on 30 June 2020 | 9:00 pm

Digital Estate Planning: What Happens to Online Logins After You’re Gone?

Update: Talk to your local agent to request a contact-free life insurance quote. For a limited time, we are waiving the requirement of a paramedical exam in light of CDC guidance to maintain social distancing and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Thanks to the wonders of the internet, you can do just about anything online these days. Whether it’s watching a movie, checking your bank account balance, shopping for clothes or ordering pizza, each activity likely requires a username and password.

Studies have shown the average American internet user has 150 online accounts that require a login. That’s a lot of passwords to manage on a day-to-day basis. But have you ever wondered what happens to your accounts and logins after you’re gone?

As our digital footprints expand with each passing year, experts now recommend taking steps to manage your online accounts as part of the estate planning process. Like preparing a will, buying a life insurance policy or choosing an executor, a little bit of planning can make life much easier for those managing your estate when you pass.

Here are four ways you can plan ahead to make deactivating your online accounts quick and easy:

1. Create an inventory of your accounts.
To delete online accounts after your death, it’s important to know which digital logins existed in the first place. That’s why it’s helpful to make a complete inventory of your online accounts and the login information for each. Be sure to list every account you can think of, including:

Bank accounts
Credit cards
Retirement and savings plans
Social media profiles
Shopping sites
Insurance policies
Bills and utilities
Subscription services

For each account, include the website address, username, password, account numbers and answers to security questions. You may want to consider using a password manager to keep everything in one secure place.

2. Name a digital executor.
Similarly to an estate executor who manages your last will and testament, a digital executor can be named to take charge of your digital assets. Once assigned, the digital executor can be responsible for:

Archiving any files, photos, video or other content you’ve created
Deleting files and erasing hard drives
Maintaining certain online accounts while closing others
Transferring accounts to your heirs
Notifying online outlets of your death
Canceling recurring payments

Many states will allow you to legally name a digital executor in your will but since the need for managing online assets is fairly new, some states don’t recognize this role yet. Check with your estate attorney to learn the regulations in your state.

3. Understand each provider’s terms of service.
For every online account you create, you must agree to the provider’s terms of service. If you’re like most people, you probably scrolled to the bottom of the page to click “I agree” without reading the fine print.

But in the terms of service, there’s often language addressing how accounts are disabled in the event of a user’s death. Facebook, for instance, provides an option where a deceased person’s profile can be turned into a memorialized account. Commerce platforms like Amazon and PayPal require an executor to contact the company directly to deactivate an account. Understanding the policies of each account can help in providing instructions for your digital executor.

4. Delete unnecessary accounts. After creating an inventory of your online accounts, get a head start on cleaning up your digital presence by deleting accounts you no longer need. Having fewer active profiles will make life easier for your digital executor while also helping to protect you from the possibility of identity theft. And it will save you the embarrassment of someone finding those old Myspace photos.

Plan for the Future

Like writing your will, the choices you make now about life insurance will ultimately speak on your behalf in representing your intentions for loved ones and family. As guardians of that legacy, Erie Insurance can help you make choices that will be true to your values.

Talk to your local ERIE agent to learn more about how you can protect your family’s future.

Posted on 29 June 2020 | 9:00 pm

Grilling Safety Tips for Propane, Charcoal and Gas Grills

Nothing says summertime like eating hamburgers, hot dogs and barbecue straight off the grill. There’s something about cooking your food over an open flame that seems to make everything taste better. But it does come with one notable risk: house fires.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), grills are the cause of more than 10,000 house fires each year, on average — resulting in $149 million in property damage. (That’s why it helps to have the right homeowners insurance.)

To help you stay safe during your next cookout, we’ve put together a list of essential grilling safety tips:

Grill Placement

Keep it outside. Propane and charcoal grills should always be used outdoors. Even a large open space, like a garage, is an unsafe location to cook. In addition to the fire risk, poorly ventilated areas could result in carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s also not recommended to grill on a wooden deck (such as those on apartment balconies), since wood is combustible and can catch fire easily.
Find a level spot. Only use your grill on a flat, level surface. Using your grill on an incline could cause it to roll or tip over.
Give it space. Avoid placing your grill near your home and deck railings, or underneath eaves and awnings. The heat generated by your grill could melt vinyl siding or even start a fire.
Watch it carefully. Never leave your grill unattended. And be sure to keep kids and pets a safe distance away at all times.
Don’t move a lit grill. After your grill is lit, don’t attempt to move it to another location. Moving a lit grill risks burning yourself or others. The movement could also dislodge a burner tube or other important component.

Gas Grill Safety: Propane Grills and Natural Gas Grills

Check for leaks. At the start of the season, conduct a thorough inspection to ensure there are no gas leaks. You can do this by applying a soapy water solution to your gas tank and hose connections. If you see bubbles rising from any connection points or smell gas, turn the grill off and get it serviced before using.
Watch out for rust. Over time, rust can begin to form on critical grill components like burners and propane tanks. If any of these parts are heavily rusted, get them replaced. Surface rust on grill grates can typically be removed with a thorough cleaning — just make sure it’s all gone before you start to cook.
Open the lid. When lighting your gas grill, make sure the lid is open. Keeping the lid closed can allow gas to build up inside the grill, which can lead to a flash burn.
Keep your distance. When lighting your burners, don’t lean over the grill. If you can’t get a burner to light, turn off the grill and wait at least five minutes. Then try again.
Turn off the gas. After you’ve finished cooking, remember to turn off the propane — at the grill and the tank shutoff. This is especially important for direct-line natural gas grills, which have an endless supply of fuel. If you ever smell gas after the grill has been turned off, call your local fire department.

Charcoal Grill Safety

Go easy on the lighter fluid. If you use lighter fluid to start your charcoal fire, only use a fluid that’s made for starting grills. Let the charcoal soak up the fluid before lighting. And never use gasoline or other flammable liquids — this could cause an explosion.
Don’t add more lighter fluid. Once you’ve lit your charcoal, it’s a major fire hazard to add more lighter fluid. Be sure to cap your lighter fluid when you’re done. If you’re using “instant light” charcoal, avoid the temptation to add more lighter fluid to the briquettes.
Consider a safer fire starter. There are several alternatives to lighter fluid that offer a safer way to start your grill. This includes metal chimney starters, which use newspaper as a fire source, and solid fire starters made from flammable wax or wood. Electric starters work well, too — but don’t use one in wet weather.
Control your vents. Charcoal grills need oxygen to burn. So keep your vents open when cooking, and close them to extinguish the flame.
Let it cool. When you’re finished cooking, give your grill enough time to cool down completely before covering it. This is important for gas grills, too. But charcoal grills take much longer to cool because you can’t just “turn off” the fire inside.
Safely dispose of coals and ashes. Hot coals and ash can become a major fire hazard if thrown away too soon. Before cleaning out your ashes and charcoal, let it cool for 48 hours. If you need to clean out your grill sooner than that, wrap the ashes in aluminum foil and soak them with water. Then, dispose of them in a non-combustible container.

HOW TO PUT Out A Grill Fire

Never use water. If your grill catches fire, your first instinct may be to spray it down with the hose. Bad idea! Grill fires are essentially the same as a grease fire in your kitchen. And because oil and water don’t mix, using water to extinguish the flames will just lead to an explosion of burning grease.
Use a fire extinguisher. The best way to put out a grill fire is by using a multi-purpose fire extinguisher. It’s smart to have one close by – and know how to use it – just in case. Make sure it’s been tested and inspected recently, too.
Smother the flame. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher on hand, smother the flame by cutting off the supply of oxygen. You can do this by closing the lid and grill vents. Spreading baking soda on the flame can also help put it out.

Grill Storage and Maintenance

Clean drip trays. Most grill fires can be prevented with a little bit of maintenance. If your grill has a drip pan or tray, get in the habit of regularly cleaning out the fat, grease and oil that collects there. And brush off your grill grates each time you’re finished cooking. It’s a messy job, but it will prevent fires by removing the fuel that gets burned while helping to prevent your grill from rusting.
Use a cover. Most grills are designed to be stored outdoors all year long. But using a weatherproof cover will help keep dirt and moisture out during wet and snowy weather.
Store propane safely. When your grill will be out of use for long periods of time, it’s best to fully disconnect the propane tank. If you decide to store your grill indoors for the winter, be sure to leave the gas tank outside. Propane should never be stored indoors — even in a shed or garage.

What to Do in an Emergency

Use a safe and trusted method to attempt to stop the fire. Using a multi-purpose fire extinguisher, make an attempt to put out the flames as quickly as possible.
Call 911. If you can’t put out the fire, call for help immediately. House fires spread quickly, so the faster you get professional help, the less damage it will do.
Treat any injuries. Each year, nearly 20,000 people visit an emergency room because of grill-related injuries. For minor burns, run cool water over the area, cover it with a sterile non-adhesive bandage and take an over-the-counter pain reliever. For more serious injuries, see a doctor immediately.
Assess the property damage. After the fire is out and any injuries have been treated, evaluate how much your property has been damaged. Take photos to document the damage, and consult your home inventory for any lost property. Your Erie Insurance agent can help you decide whether to file an insurance claim and guide you through the claims process if you do.

Protect What Matters Most

As a homeowner, you can take steps to ensure both your house and family are well protected. In addition to following these grilling safety tips, make sure you also have the right homeowners insurance coverage.For a fast, free coverage check, contact an ERIE agent in your neighborhood today.

Posted on 25 June 2020 | 9:00 pm

Auto Safety Features: The Good. The Helpful. The Annoying?

If you have purchased a car in the last four years, you’ve probably noticed several new features designed to help protect you on the roadway. And thanks to that advanced engineering and technology, today’s cars are safer than ever. (Having the right auto insurance can protect you on the road, too.)

An analysis by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) found that forward collision warning combined with automated emergency braking cuts front-to-rear crashes with injuries by more than half (56%).

However, a national survey by Erie Insurance found that not everyone is taking advantage of these new safety features.

According to the survey, which asked 500 U.S. licensed drivers ages 18 and older with vehicles made in 2016 and after, drivers are intentionally turning off or disabling these features that can ultimately help them avoid crashes.

So, which features are drivers toggling off – and why? Keep reading to find out.

Control over convenience

The two features drivers were most likely to disable were ones designed to enhance their comfort and convenience.

The largest percentage of drivers surveyed (30%) said they had disabled adaptive cruise control, which keeps a vehicle a specific distance from the car in front of it by applying the brakes if it gets too close. The most cited reason for disabling this feature was, “I want to control the vehicle, not have the vehicle control itself.”

The second most disabled feature was lane keeping assist, which helps prevent the car from straying across lane markings by automatically making light braking or minor steering adjustments. Almost a quarter of drivers (23%) said they turned off lane keeping assist.

Most common reason for disabling: "annoyance"

In the survey, drivers said their most common reasons for turning off or disabling features is that they find them “annoying” or “distracting.”

Jon Bloom, vice president of personal auto at ERIE, said automakers are always working to refine and improve features. However, in some cases, drivers just need to learn how the feature works and get used to it.

“Ideally as features improve and drivers get more comfortable with them, using them will become second-nature the way seatbelts are today,” Bloom said. “The payoff could be huge in terms of reducing crashes and saving lives.”

The complete list of results are in the following infographic:

Affecting buying decisions

So the next time you’re car shopping, will you want a car with any of these features? Many survey respondents still say “yes.”

Of the 11 safety technologies listed in the survey, only one feature showed significant hesitation from drivers: adaptive cruise control. More than a third (35%) of survey respondents said they definitely would not purchase a car with this feature. The percentages of drivers who definitely wouldn’t want any of the other 10 features were all in the single digits.

From the safety features to the paint color, there’s a lot that goes into choosing a car that’s just the right fit. When it comes to your auto insurance, you deserve an experience that’s personalized to you, too.

See what’s different about auto insurance from ERIE, or talk to a local agent in your neighborhood.

Methodology

This survey was conducted online by Falls on behalf of Erie Insurance, from February 28 through March 4, 2020, among 500 U.S. licensed drivers ages 18 and older with vehicle model years between 2016 and 2020. Falls established the sampling quotas, designed the questionnaire, tabulated the survey responses, and managed the overall project. Falls used Dynata (Plano, TX) to administer the survey via the internet, including mobile devices, to Dynata’s captive U.S. panels who met the age, gender, and regional demographic criteria.

Posted on 24 June 2020 | 9:00 pm

40 Road Trip Games and Activities

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, vacation travel is bound to look different than usual. In the name of social distancing, that may mean trading a crowded airplane cabin for the adventure of a summer road trip. (That's one more reason to give your auto insurance a checkup, if it's been a while.)

Of course, the biggest sacrifice in traveling by car is the extra time it takes to arrive at your vacation destination. And everyone who’s been on a road trip knows passing the hours can be a struggle — especially if you have young children. So why not try some fun car games?

To help your family pass the time, here’s our list of 40 road trip games to play in the car. (Get creative… coming up with your own variations can be part of the fun!)

40 Fun Games to Play in the Car (for Kids and Adults)

Alphabet: We’ll start our list with the most ubiquitous of car travel games. To play, you begin with the letter A. Each passenger takes a turn finding something along the road (or inside the car) that begins with the chosen letter. Then, you move your way through the alphabet. The Q’s and Z’s may take some time, so it’s up to you whether to allow license plate numbers.
Categories: The principle of this game is simple, which means it can be endlessly modified. One person chooses a category — such as types of trees. Then, everyone in the car takes turns naming something that fits in the category. When a passenger is stumped (pun intended), the round is over.
Radio roulette: Test the knowledge of the audiophiles in your car by guessing song names on the radio. Just turn to a random station or put your phone on shuffle. Whoever shouts the name of the song first wins.
Truth or dare: This game is a car trip adaptation of a classic. Ask a question to a fellow passenger, then let them decide whether to tell the truth or complete a dare. Just make sure your dares can be safely performed in the car.
I spy: When you think of things to do on a long car ride, this game probably tops the list. Start by vaguely describing something you see — like, “I spy something yellow.” Then, let everyone else take turns asking yes or no questions until they can guess the object.
License plate game: There are a few car ride games you can play using the license plates of other vehicles on the road. Try finding plates that start with each letter of the alphabet. Or get creative by making up a phrase by using the plate letters as acronyms.
One-word story: Here’s a fun game to play in the car: Tell a story one word at a time, with each person adding a new word. Who knows where you’ll end up when it’s through.
Scavenger hunt: It takes a little planning, but a scavenger hunt can be one of the best road trip games for kids. Prepare a list of common things you may encounter on the road (or print a premade list off the internet). Then, encourage your family to check off each item as you spot it during your travels.
Rhyme: Test the vocabulary of your passengers with this game for the car. Start by having one person pick a word. Then, take turns saying words that rhyme with it. The first person to get stumped or repeat a word loses the round.
Celebrity: Who says there aren’t car games for adults? In this car driving game, one player starts by choosing a famous person to imitate (but shhh… don’t tell). Then, everyone else asks them questions. But here’s that catch — they have to answer the question as if they’re the celebrity. See how long it takes someone to guess the right answer.
Song lyrics: Here’s anotherfun road trip game for music lovers. Take turns reciting one line from a song. Then, see if others can guess the song name and artist.
Quiet game: Tired of crazy car games? This one could give you a little peace and quiet. See how long your passengers can stay silent. The first one to make a noise loses.
Movies: This is one of the best car games for movie lovers. First, name an actor. Then, the next person names a movie the actor has starred in. Here comes the twist: The next player has to name a co-star from the same movie. Then, name another movie they’ve appeared in. This one will get tricky, so see how far your crew can make it.
Slug bug/punch buggy: While Volkswagen has officially stopped making its famous Beetle, the road trip car games it inspired live on. This one’s pretty simple to play. Just yell out every time you see a VW Beetle. If you’d like, it can be accompanied by a friendly punch to your neighbor’s arm.
People watching: On a road trip, you may be driving beside the same cars for hours. Have some fun by making up a story about people in the vehicle next to you — the funnier, the better.
Never have I ever: Start by having everyone hold up five fingers. Now, take turns naming something you’ve never done. If someone else has done it, they put down a finger. The last person standing wins.
Rock paper scissors: Here’s a game to play in the car with kids that needs no explanation. Since it doesn’t take long to play, consider making it a backseat tournament.
Spelling bee: This may not fall into the category of cool car games, but it can be played by passengers of all ages. Say a word and let everyone try to spell it. Just be sure to have someone double-check the tough ones.
Car bingo: Hunting for things to do on a road trip? Look no further than car bingo. Create a bingo board with a different type of vehicle in each square. Then, see who can score bingo first by spotting convertibles, motorcycles and semitrucks.
While you were sleeping: Try to fool a snoozing passenger. When someone falls asleep, get everyone else to come up with a story together. When sleeping beauty awakes, explain all the exciting things they missed and see if you can get them to believe it.
21 questions: Think of something — anything. Then, give everyone a total of 21 questions to guess what it is.
Did you hear?: These road trip questions will test whether you can decipher between fact and fiction. Each player will ask a question starting with “did you hear.” Then, the other players have to decide whether it’s true or false.
Fortunately/unfortunately: To play this game, take turns alternating between fortunate and unfortunate situations. For example “Fortunately, I got a new puppy... unfortunately, it ran away.” Keep adding to the story until you end with one wild tale.
Alphabet categories: Choose a category, for example, types of food or breeds of dogs. Then, take turns listing items that fit your category in alphabetical order.
Name game: This car driving game is perfect for pop culture fans. Start by saying the first and last name of a famous person. Then, the next player names another celebrity whose name starts with the first letter of the prior person’s last name – like Lebron James and Jerry Seinfeld.
Battle of the bands: Pick a category, such as “songs about a city.” Then, have two people pick competing songs that fit the description. Play them both on the stereo and let the whole car vote for a winner.
In my suitcase: Here’s an idea for what to do on a long car ride. “I’m going on vacation and I packed an apple.” Now, the next person has to continue the packing list with something that starts with the letter B, while repeating the items before them. Work your way through the alphabet and test your memory.
What am I counting?: Choose something you see outside the car to start counting — but don’t tell anyone what it is. Count out loud and see how long it takes them to guess what you’re counting.
Hum that tune: This one’s harder than it sounds. Take turns humming a well-known song and see if anyone can guess it.
Sing-along string-along: Sing one line from a song. Then, the next person sings a line from another song that starts with the last word of the previous lyric.
Would you rather?: Give two options, for example: “If you had a superpower, would you rather fly or be invisible?” Start a lively discussion by hearing what everyone would choose.
License plate map: Print off a map of the United States and try to spot a license plate from every state.
Alphabet race: Shout out one letter of the alphabet. The first person to find a word starting with that letter wins.
Mad Libs: This game is a popular go-to when looking for things to do on a road trip. Choose words to fill in the blanks, then laugh at the silly stories you create.
Road sign bingo: You can find free versions of this driving game online. Before you leave home, print a bingo card off the internet. Then, try to find all the road signs on the card.
Explain a film plot badly: See how quick-witted your passengers are by giving alternate explanations of popular movie plots. Then, see if they can guess the film. For example, the original Star Wars saga could be described as “an absent father tries to get his son to join the family business.”
Six degrees of separation: Of course, there’s the popular version connecting any actor to Kevin Bacon. But you can pick any two people in the world and try to connect them through six connections or less.
Guess the flavor: Choose a candy like jelly beans or fruit snacks and try to guess the right flavors in a blind taste test challenge.
Forbidden word: Select a commonly used word and make it forbidden to say in the car. The first person to accidentally use the word loses.
All about me: Want to play games to get to know someone better? Take turns saying something about yourself that no one else in the car knows.

Relax and enjoy the trip

When you pull out of the driveway to embark on your next road trip, the last thing you should be thinking about is your car insurance. At Erie Insurance, we want you to have complete peace of mind when you hit the road — knowing your car and everyone inside it is protected. Find a local ERIE agent in your neighborhood or get a free online auto insurance quote.

Posted on 23 June 2020 | 9:00 pm