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Erie Insurance Group Releases Car Guide 2000

23 November 1999

Erie Insurance Group Releases Car Guide 2000

    ERIE, Pa., Nov. 23 -- Traces of pine needles in the living
room carpet, a shirt box collection that would put Macy's to shame, the search
for the perfect Pokemon card -- the holidays are hectic.  And to top
everything off, your car won't start.
    How about a shiny new 2000 model to rekindle your flagging spirits?
    Whether you're car shopping for yourself or helping your teen find that
perfect car this holiday season, check out Erie Insurance Group's Car Guide
2000, accessible from http://www.erieinsurance.com, before you hit the lots.  The
ERIE takes a hard look at safety records, crash test results and loss
experience from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety before giving its
seal of approval.
    "Automakers have made great improvements in safety features, but all
vehicles aren't created equal when it comes to protecting people in crashes,"
says Steve Milne, president and CEO of Erie Insurance Group, one of the
nation's largest auto insurers.  "We used eight stringent criteria for
selecting the models in our fifth annual online Car Guide.  For example, each
car on the list must have driver death rate statistics that are average,
better-than-average, or substantially better-than-average based on information
from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.  Internet technology makes
the research we've done just one click away for consumers."
    More than 120 vehicles made the cut this model year, from the Ford Focus
to the Lincoln Navigator.  Driver and passenger-side airbags are in every
single vehicle The ERIE lists.  What's more, four-wheel antilock brakes are
either standard equipment or available as an extra-cost option on all of the
vehicles.
    "Safety features and low repair costs provide consumers with the best
insurance rates.  Erie Insurance continues to offer discounts for safety
features," Milne says.  "We offer a 10 percent discount on liability coverages
if the vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes on all four wheels."
    Even if you're not eyeing a 2000 model, visit Erie Insurance Online and
look back to see if your car is listed in a previous edition of ERIE's Car
Guide.  Visit the virtual showroom for links to more than 25 auto
manufacturers and learn how to protect the young drivers in your life.
    Known for competitive rates and superior service since 1925, Erie
Insurance Group is the 16th largest property/casualty insurer in the United
States based on surplus and has more than 2.6 million policyholders.  Group
member Erie Insurance Exchange is the 13th largest auto insurer in the
country.  Erie Indemnity Company is the management company for
Erie Insurance Group, which includes seven companies operating in 10 states
and the District of Columbia.  The ERIE provides a complete line of auto,
home, business and life insurance through more than 1,250 independent
insurance agencies.  Additional information about Erie Insurance Group and a
listing of independent agents representing The ERIE can be found on the World
Wide Web at http://www.erieiURCE  Erie Insurance Group