Auto Insurer Kicks-Off Special, First-Of-Its-Kind Discount for New Jersey Mass Transit Riders

HOBOKEN, N.J., Nov. 29, 2006 -- New Jersey Skylands Insurance Companies is leading the charge to make auto insurance more affordable for drivers throughout the Garden State. Today they unveiled an innovative promotion that highlights a first-of-a-kind discount for New Jersey drivers who regularly commute to work via mass transit -- a discount of up to 10 percent on New Jersey Skylands' already low rates.

"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 Insurance Companies. "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."

"This discount is just one example of how New Jersey Skylands Insurance is addressing the needs of our customers and setting ourselves apart from the competition," added Armeni.

To raise awareness for the mass transit commuter discount program, New Jersey Skylands Insurance has kicked off a major promotion campaign in cooperation with NJ TRANSIT. The unique campaign gained the attention of the New Jersey Departments of Banking & Insurance and Transportation and Assemblyman Louis D. Greenwald (D-Camden).

"In three short years, auto insurance rates have released their stranglehold on New Jersey drivers and gone down considerably for the overwhelming majority of policyholders," said Greenwald, author of the 2003 law reforming New Jersey's auto insurance regulations that increased consumer choice and market competition. "The astronomical amount of money saved by drivers, and the abundance of companies that have entered New Jersey or decided to remain in the state are proof positive that fostering competition was in the best interest of consumers."

The benefits of the discount stretch much deeper than just the checkbook. From protecting the environment to reducing traffic congestion, getting more cars off the roads can make New Jersey's highways and roads cleaner, safer and more driver-friendly.

"Automobile insurance reforms in New Jersey have saved consumers more than a half-billion dollars since 2003, which was made possible through a more competitive market and the introduction of innovative ways for drivers to save money," said Steven M. Goldman, commissioner for the New Jersey Department of Insurance and Banking. "I am pleased to see that trend continue."

For NJ TRANSIT, it represents a tremendous opportunity in the near-term to get drivers out of their cars and on the rails or in buses before the winter chill creates dangerous situations for motorists. In the long-term, the mass transit commuter discount promotion will expose many more commuters to the myriad benefits of traveling via train or bus.

"We are pleased to partner with New Jersey Skylands Insurance on this forward-thinking program," said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director George D. Warrington. "This discount provides one more reason for New Jersey residents to make transit a part of their daily commute."

New Jersey drivers who want to take advantage of the New Jersey Skylands Insurance mass transit commuter discount can call 1-877-NJT-OFFER or visit http://www.njtsave.com/.

"We hope we can put a little extra jingle in the pockets of daily transit commuters this holiday season," concluded Armeni.

New Jersey Skylands Insurance Association (NJSIA) is a reciprocal exchange that is owned by its policyholders. NJSIA is the parent of New Jersey Skylands Insurance Company (NJSIC). Both organizations are managed by New Jersey Skylands Management, LLC (NJSM), an attorney-in-fact and a wholly owned subsidiary of OneBeacon Insurance Group. Learn more at http://www.njsi.com/.