A New Jersey auto insurer is offering car owners who take mass transit to work a discount on their auto insurance policies.
Basking Ridge, N.J.-based New Jersey Skylands Insurance Companies, a subsidiary of OneBeacon Insurance Group, said the promotion is for drivers who regularly commute to jobs using mass transit a discount of up to 10 percent.
"It's no secret that New Jersey drivers have paid some of the highest car insurance premiums in the nation over the last few years," said Joe Armeni, president, New Jersey Skylands, in a statement. "But that has changed dramatically thanks to an ever-growing competitive landscape and the hard work of–and cooperation between–insurers, policymakers and elected officials."
To raise awareness of the mass transit commuter discount program, New Jersey Skylands Insurance has kicked off a major promotion campaign in cooperation with NJ Transit (NJT), the state's major commuter bus and rail system authority.
According to John K. Tiene, vice president of corporate relations for New Jersey Skylands, the company had been in talks with NJT since late summer about an informal partnership that would allow the company to promote the discount program directly to riders.
Under the agreement, New Jersey Skylands will distribute literature to riders and display promotional material on buses and trains advising riders of the program.
No fee was paid to NJT for the promotion, said Mr. Tiene. The authority, he said, felt it was a great opportunity to illuminate the benefits of using mass transit.
"We are pleased to partner with New Jersey Skylands Insurance on this forward-thinking program," said George D. Warrington, NJT executive director, in a statement. "This discount provides one more reason for New Jersey residents to make transit a part of their daily commute."
Under the program, Mr. Tiene explained, policyholders would receive as much as an extra 10 percent discount on their coverage, depending upon coverage purchased, in addition to discounts for having their cars rated for pleasure driving.
In dollars, he said, this could range from $80 to $130 in savings.
The discount plan for NJT is slated to run until April and will eventually be expanded to include other mass transit operators in the state, said Mr. Tiene.
The offer is also aimed at generating more business for the company's independent agent partners.
"This is a new way for us to help them do business," he said.
He said New Jersey Skylands' customers can obtain a quote through an 800 number, Web site or independent agents. Those customers who obtain coverage over the internet or 800 number are referred to agents on renewal, so customers can take advantage of the agent's advice and support they offer, he pointed out.
New Jersey Skylands Insurance Association (NJSIA) is a reciprocal exchange owned by its policyholders. Additional information is available at www.njsi.com.
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