Attendees of New Jersey Nets basketball games at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J.,will get an eyeful of the team’s new official auto insurer: Citizens United Reciprocal Exchange (CURE) Auto Insurance. The Princeton, N.J.-based insurer signed a deal with the NBA team that makes it the title sponsor of the CURE Courtside Club, an exclusive lounge for courtside ticket holders and the site of a post-game radio show, title sponsorship of the Izod Center’s press room, and various in-arena signage.
Eric Poe, chief operating officer for CURE, said with its roots in New Jersey, a partnership with the Nets “makes perfect sense.
“Aligning with the Nets gives us the opportunity to reach New Jersey drivers and makes them aware of an equitable alternative to the discriminatory practices that they face by most insurance companies in the state,” Poe said in a statement.
Chris Brahe, vice president of sponsorship sales and partnership marketing for the team, said it is “delighted” with the corporate alliance and team state “appreciate that CURE recognizes the powerful opportunities to drive its business forward as a Nets corporate partner.”
For the last 19 years, CURE has served as a direct writer of auto insurance in New Jersey, basing its rates on driver performance.
Source
Monday, December 28, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
N.J. to issue temporary license plates to cars bought from Galaxy Motors
RAHWAY -- Used car buyers caught up in the sudden collapse of a Rahway dealership will again be able to drive their cars legally.
The state Motor Vehicle Commission has agreed to issue temporary plates to owners of cars purchased from Galaxy Motors. As many as 50 of the dealer’s customers may have been entangled in an automotive title disputes that left them unable to operate bring their cars out on New Jersey’s streets and highways.
“It’s not a permanent solution,” said Michael Horan, a spokesman for the commission, “but it will give everyone time to resolve the problem and let the buyers use their cars.”
"That will be a great help,” said Edward Alvarado of South Plainfield. “Finally, someone is doing something about this mess. All we want to do is drive the cars we’re paying for.”
The car buyers have been unable to drive the vehicles since the end of June because they cannot obtain license plates. They need to have proof of title before the commission will grant plates, but the owners haven’t been able to obtain title because the dealership shut down before transferring ownership papers.
Meanwhile, at least one finance company that had extended credit to the owner of Galaxy Motors -- the Indiana-based Automotive Finance Corporation (AFC) -- filed for repossession of the cars in Arkansas and that state granted the firm title to the cars.
The action in Arkansas, based on AFC’s claims of possession of the vehicles, has frozen state buyers out of holding title, even though the cars were never in Arkansas and were fully paid for by New Jersey residents. AFC obtained title after the cars were sold and after Galaxy Motors closed.
"We’re taking this extraordinary action because we recognize this is a serious matter that has to be resolved,” said Horan. "We also recognize the hardship it has caused innocent New Jersey residents.”
Car buyers are usually able to obtain temporary plates for up to 30 days, with one automatic extension. For the victimized Galaxy Motors customers, those temporary tags began to expire in June.
Although they could not drive their cars, the owners still had to pay back car loans -- many with PNC Financial Services -- that the owner of Galaxy Motors, Patrick Dunn, helped arrange. They also have had to pay for car insurance and, in some cases, warranties that Dunn sold them.
“We’re doing whatever we can to help our residents,” said Horan.
New Jersey’s motor vehicle officials were criticized for failing to act in the light of AFC’s actions in Arkansas. Horan says issuing New Jersey permanent certificates of ownership despite the claims in Arkansas "would only have created more problems."
“It would have raised more questions about which title is legitimate,” he said.
Without some intervention by the state, the burden of taking legal action to resolve title problems would fall solely on individual owners. Some have already hired lawyers to help them out of the mess. One owner, Linda Brennan of Rahway, says she has run up nearly $2,000 in legal bills for a car she has paid for but been unable to drive since July.
One lawyer, not involved in the case, suggested buyers join in a class action case against AFC and Arkansas -- and try to enlist PNC and other retail lenders on their side.
Other lawyers have suggested PNC be joined, not as a co-plaintiff, but as a co-defendant because it enabled Galaxy Motors to sell so many cars on credit.
No matter what the constellation of legal disputes, the car owners would still be stuck spending money on lawyers so they can use cars they already purchased.
AFC representatives declined comment on the dispute. A PNC spokesman would only say the bank is working to resolve the problem. The lawyer for Dunn has said his client will not comment.
Source
The state Motor Vehicle Commission has agreed to issue temporary plates to owners of cars purchased from Galaxy Motors. As many as 50 of the dealer’s customers may have been entangled in an automotive title disputes that left them unable to operate bring their cars out on New Jersey’s streets and highways.
“It’s not a permanent solution,” said Michael Horan, a spokesman for the commission, “but it will give everyone time to resolve the problem and let the buyers use their cars.”
"That will be a great help,” said Edward Alvarado of South Plainfield. “Finally, someone is doing something about this mess. All we want to do is drive the cars we’re paying for.”
The car buyers have been unable to drive the vehicles since the end of June because they cannot obtain license plates. They need to have proof of title before the commission will grant plates, but the owners haven’t been able to obtain title because the dealership shut down before transferring ownership papers.
Meanwhile, at least one finance company that had extended credit to the owner of Galaxy Motors -- the Indiana-based Automotive Finance Corporation (AFC) -- filed for repossession of the cars in Arkansas and that state granted the firm title to the cars.
The action in Arkansas, based on AFC’s claims of possession of the vehicles, has frozen state buyers out of holding title, even though the cars were never in Arkansas and were fully paid for by New Jersey residents. AFC obtained title after the cars were sold and after Galaxy Motors closed.
"We’re taking this extraordinary action because we recognize this is a serious matter that has to be resolved,” said Horan. "We also recognize the hardship it has caused innocent New Jersey residents.”
Car buyers are usually able to obtain temporary plates for up to 30 days, with one automatic extension. For the victimized Galaxy Motors customers, those temporary tags began to expire in June.
Although they could not drive their cars, the owners still had to pay back car loans -- many with PNC Financial Services -- that the owner of Galaxy Motors, Patrick Dunn, helped arrange. They also have had to pay for car insurance and, in some cases, warranties that Dunn sold them.
“We’re doing whatever we can to help our residents,” said Horan.
New Jersey’s motor vehicle officials were criticized for failing to act in the light of AFC’s actions in Arkansas. Horan says issuing New Jersey permanent certificates of ownership despite the claims in Arkansas "would only have created more problems."
“It would have raised more questions about which title is legitimate,” he said.
Without some intervention by the state, the burden of taking legal action to resolve title problems would fall solely on individual owners. Some have already hired lawyers to help them out of the mess. One owner, Linda Brennan of Rahway, says she has run up nearly $2,000 in legal bills for a car she has paid for but been unable to drive since July.
One lawyer, not involved in the case, suggested buyers join in a class action case against AFC and Arkansas -- and try to enlist PNC and other retail lenders on their side.
Other lawyers have suggested PNC be joined, not as a co-plaintiff, but as a co-defendant because it enabled Galaxy Motors to sell so many cars on credit.
No matter what the constellation of legal disputes, the car owners would still be stuck spending money on lawyers so they can use cars they already purchased.
AFC representatives declined comment on the dispute. A PNC spokesman would only say the bank is working to resolve the problem. The lawyer for Dunn has said his client will not comment.
Source
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Jamie Court: Insurance Mandates Don't Work
A cornerstone of President Obama's health-care plan is, as he said in his speech to Congress, "individuals will be required to carry basic insurance, just like most states require you to carry auto insurance." But the tarnished history of such laws shows that making insurance mandatory, and even making it more affordable, does not compel the uninsured to buy it.In California, the car capital of America, the injustice of mandatory insurance laws sparked one of the great voter revolts of modern history -- and that still didn't solve the uninsured motorist problem. In 1988, the people of California passed Proposition 103, which required auto insurance companies to seek permission through an elected insurance commissioner for premium increases. It created an intervener system that allows members of the public to challenge unnecessary premium hikes. The law also made auto insurance pricing fairer in various ways, including banning ZIP-code based auto insurance.The Consumer Federation of American reported in 2008 that Proposition 103 had saved Californians $62 billion on their auto insurance. The market is competitive, prices are down, and the number of uninsured motorists has decreased some from pre-Prop 103 levels. Yet in the most competitive auto insurance market in the nation, the uninsured motorist rate is still 18 percent, among the highest. That's true even after California took more punitive measures against uninsured motorists. Stiffer fines, the impounding of cars and the loss of legal rights for uninsured motorist have not significantly impacted the uninsured motorist rate.
Giving consumers more options -- public options, in fact -- seems to make more of a difference. States with extensive public transportation systems tend to have the lowest uninsured motorists rates. Massachusetts has a 1 percent uninsured motorist rate, the lowest. New York's is 5 percent, New Jersey's 8 percent, and Connecticut's 9 percent. New Hampshire, the only state in the nation without a mandatory auto insurance law, has an 11 percent uninsured motorist rate.
If the president must embrace mandatory insurance, his plan should at least include the prior approval, intervener and elected commissioner models that have made auto insurance cheaper. Every state in the nation should be required to have such regulatory components in order to lower health insurance premiums. But even that's not yet on the table in Washington.
Source
Giving consumers more options -- public options, in fact -- seems to make more of a difference. States with extensive public transportation systems tend to have the lowest uninsured motorists rates. Massachusetts has a 1 percent uninsured motorist rate, the lowest. New York's is 5 percent, New Jersey's 8 percent, and Connecticut's 9 percent. New Hampshire, the only state in the nation without a mandatory auto insurance law, has an 11 percent uninsured motorist rate.
If the president must embrace mandatory insurance, his plan should at least include the prior approval, intervener and elected commissioner models that have made auto insurance cheaper. Every state in the nation should be required to have such regulatory components in order to lower health insurance premiums. But even that's not yet on the table in Washington.
Source
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Good news for drivers! New Jersey implements PIP fee schedule
New Jersey drivers have finally caught a break. A recent decision by New Jersey's Appellate Division has ruled in favor of the New Jersey Personal Injury Protection (PIP) fee schedule, which was sitting in legal limbo for nearly two years after the Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) made it effective in late 2007. This decision will help keep insurance costs down for New Jersey drivers for decades to come, and may even allow New Jersey to lose the title of having the highest auto insurance rates in the country.
Originally adopted to go into effect on October 1, 2007, the PIP fee schedule was appealed by the medical community, chiropractors, and surgery centers citing that physicians wouldn't receive adequate payment for services most related to auto insurance accidents. The Appellate Division granted a "stay" and issued an injunction while they reviewed the legal challenges set forth by the appellants. On August 10, 2009, the court addressed each of the challenges and validated the methodology used by the Department of Banking and Insurance in deriving the PIP fee schedule.
Drivers should understand that New Jersey operates as a "no-fault" PIP state, which means when people are injured in a car accident their auto insurance pays for their treatment for injuries. This includes anything from chiropractor care to surgeries. When treatment is rendered, auto insurers are billed and must by law pay the medical providers for each treatment. If the treatment is listed on a set "PIP fee schedule" the rates paid are indisputable and not legally challengeable. However, if the treatment is not listed on the schedule auto insurers are obligated to pay the "usual, customary, and reasonable" rates by law. The ambiguity of what is considered "usual, customary and reasonable" has clogged up and raised costs for auto insurance for decades in New Jersey resulting in higher rates for drivers.
Neighboring no-fault PIP states like Pennsylvania and New York have over a thousand procedures listed on their fee schedule, while until recently New Jersey had less than 100 procedures on the list. As a result, certain surgery centers which were created as a low cost alternative to hospitals, routinely over-billed auto insurers for simple procedures cashing in on millions in fees. For example, a surgery center recently charged over $24,000 per procedure for three, 30 minute back manipulation procedures. However, the vast research by DOBI has yielded that this procedure should receive a prevailing cost of $190 per procedure. The costs to litigate this severely inflated claim by auto insurers results in millions of dollars annually.
In late 2007, after years of studies conducted by DOBI, in accordance with legislation passed years earlier, the list of procedures was expanded to over 1,400 of the most common procedures. The amounts paid were based upon comprehensive studies from Medicare, Medicaid and prevailing fees paid for these procedures.
Through the expanded fee schedule, reimbursement of medical costs can be controlled and the old standard of long, drawn out, expensive litigation over payments can finally come to an end. Claims will be processed more efficiently under these new guidelines. DOBI has truly been fundamental in its research of this issue and of adopting the fee schedule, enabling insurers to keep costs down.
This isn't just a victory for the auto insurance industry. Every driver in New Jersey has been impacted by the spiraling costs of surgery centers and certain abusive chiropractor practices. The expanded fee schedule finally puts auto insurers in a position to control costs and pass along savings to our policyholders.
Source
Originally adopted to go into effect on October 1, 2007, the PIP fee schedule was appealed by the medical community, chiropractors, and surgery centers citing that physicians wouldn't receive adequate payment for services most related to auto insurance accidents. The Appellate Division granted a "stay" and issued an injunction while they reviewed the legal challenges set forth by the appellants. On August 10, 2009, the court addressed each of the challenges and validated the methodology used by the Department of Banking and Insurance in deriving the PIP fee schedule.
Drivers should understand that New Jersey operates as a "no-fault" PIP state, which means when people are injured in a car accident their auto insurance pays for their treatment for injuries. This includes anything from chiropractor care to surgeries. When treatment is rendered, auto insurers are billed and must by law pay the medical providers for each treatment. If the treatment is listed on a set "PIP fee schedule" the rates paid are indisputable and not legally challengeable. However, if the treatment is not listed on the schedule auto insurers are obligated to pay the "usual, customary, and reasonable" rates by law. The ambiguity of what is considered "usual, customary and reasonable" has clogged up and raised costs for auto insurance for decades in New Jersey resulting in higher rates for drivers.
Neighboring no-fault PIP states like Pennsylvania and New York have over a thousand procedures listed on their fee schedule, while until recently New Jersey had less than 100 procedures on the list. As a result, certain surgery centers which were created as a low cost alternative to hospitals, routinely over-billed auto insurers for simple procedures cashing in on millions in fees. For example, a surgery center recently charged over $24,000 per procedure for three, 30 minute back manipulation procedures. However, the vast research by DOBI has yielded that this procedure should receive a prevailing cost of $190 per procedure. The costs to litigate this severely inflated claim by auto insurers results in millions of dollars annually.
In late 2007, after years of studies conducted by DOBI, in accordance with legislation passed years earlier, the list of procedures was expanded to over 1,400 of the most common procedures. The amounts paid were based upon comprehensive studies from Medicare, Medicaid and prevailing fees paid for these procedures.
Through the expanded fee schedule, reimbursement of medical costs can be controlled and the old standard of long, drawn out, expensive litigation over payments can finally come to an end. Claims will be processed more efficiently under these new guidelines. DOBI has truly been fundamental in its research of this issue and of adopting the fee schedule, enabling insurers to keep costs down.
This isn't just a victory for the auto insurance industry. Every driver in New Jersey has been impacted by the spiraling costs of surgery centers and certain abusive chiropractor practices. The expanded fee schedule finally puts auto insurers in a position to control costs and pass along savings to our policyholders.
Source
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
CURE Auto Insurance Highlights The 5 Cars that Carry the Highest and Lowest Insurance Premiums
In keeping with its longstanding tradition of helping consumers make informed and educated decision, CURE Auto Insurance is pleased to list the five cars that carry the highest and lowest insurance premiums.
"We have seen a surge in incentives from not only the government but from every major manufacturer and local dealerships to entice consumers to buy a news car," said Eric Poe, COO of CURE Auto Insurance. "While the purchase of a new car is an investment, most people don't consider how the make and model of a car will affect their insurance premium. Potential buyers should educate themselves on the vehicle's symbol before cashing in on dealer incentives."
Every vehicle is given a symbol by The Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO), a leading resource for information about risk. The ISO analyzes data and statistics about different makes and models of vehicles providing insurance carriers with rating information about a vehicle's theft susceptibility, safety features and cost to repair. Every vehicle is given a rating symbol between 1 and 27; the higher the rating number, the more costly the premium.
CURE provides the top 5 most and least expensive cars to ensure for 2009 models. The most expensive vehicles to ensure based on ISO symbols are:
1. 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI AWD Wagon 4 Door, Symbol 21
2. 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT Hatchback 2 Door, Symbol 22
3. 2009 Honda Accord EX Coupe 2 Door, Symbol 22
4. 2009 Dodge Charger SXT AWD Sedan 4 Door, Symbol 22
5. 2009 Mazda RX-8 Coupe 4 Door, Symbol 23
Vehicles with low symbol ratings and therefore the least expensive to insure are:
1. 2009 Ford Escape XLT UTL 4x2 4 Door, Symbol 8
2. 2009 Toyota Highlander Base/Sport/Limited UTL 4x2 4 Door, Symbol 8
3. 2009 Chrysler Town & Country LX Wagon 4x2 4 Door, Symbol 8
4. 2009 Scion XB UTL 4x2 4 Door, Symbol 8
5. 2009 Jeep Patriot Sport UTL 4x4 4 Door, Symbol 8
Source
"We have seen a surge in incentives from not only the government but from every major manufacturer and local dealerships to entice consumers to buy a news car," said Eric Poe, COO of CURE Auto Insurance. "While the purchase of a new car is an investment, most people don't consider how the make and model of a car will affect their insurance premium. Potential buyers should educate themselves on the vehicle's symbol before cashing in on dealer incentives."
Every vehicle is given a symbol by The Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO), a leading resource for information about risk. The ISO analyzes data and statistics about different makes and models of vehicles providing insurance carriers with rating information about a vehicle's theft susceptibility, safety features and cost to repair. Every vehicle is given a rating symbol between 1 and 27; the higher the rating number, the more costly the premium.
CURE provides the top 5 most and least expensive cars to ensure for 2009 models. The most expensive vehicles to ensure based on ISO symbols are:
1. 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI AWD Wagon 4 Door, Symbol 21
2. 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT Hatchback 2 Door, Symbol 22
3. 2009 Honda Accord EX Coupe 2 Door, Symbol 22
4. 2009 Dodge Charger SXT AWD Sedan 4 Door, Symbol 22
5. 2009 Mazda RX-8 Coupe 4 Door, Symbol 23
Vehicles with low symbol ratings and therefore the least expensive to insure are:
1. 2009 Ford Escape XLT UTL 4x2 4 Door, Symbol 8
2. 2009 Toyota Highlander Base/Sport/Limited UTL 4x2 4 Door, Symbol 8
3. 2009 Chrysler Town & Country LX Wagon 4x2 4 Door, Symbol 8
4. 2009 Scion XB UTL 4x2 4 Door, Symbol 8
5. 2009 Jeep Patriot Sport UTL 4x4 4 Door, Symbol 8
Source
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Auto Injury Solutions’ Provider Desktop Meets Minnesota Legislation
WOODBRIDGE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Auto Injury Solutions Inc, (AIS) a leading provider of medical claim management tools for the auto insurance industry announced today the expansion of its provider transaction portal, Provider Desktop, in compliance with new Minnesota legislation. This latest enhancement of Provider Desktop supports the continued evolution of electronic payment/processing technologies and future adoption of paper claims processing.
The newest release of Provider Desktop features the online capability for medical providers to submit medical bills as required under the Minnesota Health Care Administration Simplification Act. The development of and latest enhancements to Provider Desktop demonstrates AIS’ commitment to improve the way that medical providers interact with auto insurance payers. This advanced solution is offered at no cost to providers and payor-clients of AIS.
"AIS welcomes the opportunity to bring paperless claims-filing technology to more providers, in more areas with continued enhancements to our Provider Portal,” said Matt Elges, President of Auto Injury Solutions. “We have invested a significant amount of resources to evolve the current paper medical billing process into an online, electronic process that satisfies and simplifies medical claim progression. As a result, we believe that providers will enjoy greater ease in the submission of their bills using our secure portal."
Providers will find the following features of Provider Desktop useful in the compliance with Minnesota regulations:
A secure web portal to ensure patient information privacy is maintained
Acceptance and processing of Minnesota compliant electronic billing records
The capability to upload supporting medical documentation directly from electronic patient files validated with an e-Signature unique to the provider
Patient information is stored for future submissions, reducing the time necessary to complete a request
Source
The newest release of Provider Desktop features the online capability for medical providers to submit medical bills as required under the Minnesota Health Care Administration Simplification Act. The development of and latest enhancements to Provider Desktop demonstrates AIS’ commitment to improve the way that medical providers interact with auto insurance payers. This advanced solution is offered at no cost to providers and payor-clients of AIS.
"AIS welcomes the opportunity to bring paperless claims-filing technology to more providers, in more areas with continued enhancements to our Provider Portal,” said Matt Elges, President of Auto Injury Solutions. “We have invested a significant amount of resources to evolve the current paper medical billing process into an online, electronic process that satisfies and simplifies medical claim progression. As a result, we believe that providers will enjoy greater ease in the submission of their bills using our secure portal."
Providers will find the following features of Provider Desktop useful in the compliance with Minnesota regulations:
A secure web portal to ensure patient information privacy is maintained
Acceptance and processing of Minnesota compliant electronic billing records
The capability to upload supporting medical documentation directly from electronic patient files validated with an e-Signature unique to the provider
Patient information is stored for future submissions, reducing the time necessary to complete a request
Source
Monday, September 28, 2009
High Point offering taxi ride refunds to promote safe driving
High Point Auto Insurance is offering a free customer safety benefit that pays for policyholders to take a taxi rather than drive under dangerous conditions.
The “Get Home Safe” program enables High Point policyholders to get a refund on a $50 or less cab fee one time before Dec. 31. This offer can be used when policyholders are too tired to drive, consumed too much alcohol, do not have a functional vehicle or need to avoid any other unsafe driving conditions, according to the Red Bank, N.J.-based company.
Auto insurer High Point is managed by Plymouth Rock Assurance, whose total companies represent more than $1 billion in premiums. The company insures more than 430,000 families in New Jersey, along with its Plymouth Rock affiliates.
“Insurance companies generally go to work after the accident happens, but we’re trying to stop accidents before they even happen,” said Gerry Wilson, High Point CEO, in a statement. “That’s more than just insurance. If we can prevent even one accident or injury with this benefit, we’ll consider this a big success.”
There are 1,800 traumatic brain injuries annually resulting from car crashes, many of which are caused by exhausted, intoxicated or distracted drivers, according to Wendy Berk of the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey.
“Every day, lives are permanently changed by injuries sustained in auto-related accidents,” said Ann Wilson, Director of the New Jersey Coalition for Prevention, an advocacy program that provides education about decreasing the incidence of traumatic injury and disabling conditions. Get Home Safe “is a concrete step toward making New Jersey’s roads safer for everyone – drivers, passengers and pedestrians,” she said.
Source
The “Get Home Safe” program enables High Point policyholders to get a refund on a $50 or less cab fee one time before Dec. 31. This offer can be used when policyholders are too tired to drive, consumed too much alcohol, do not have a functional vehicle or need to avoid any other unsafe driving conditions, according to the Red Bank, N.J.-based company.
Auto insurer High Point is managed by Plymouth Rock Assurance, whose total companies represent more than $1 billion in premiums. The company insures more than 430,000 families in New Jersey, along with its Plymouth Rock affiliates.
“Insurance companies generally go to work after the accident happens, but we’re trying to stop accidents before they even happen,” said Gerry Wilson, High Point CEO, in a statement. “That’s more than just insurance. If we can prevent even one accident or injury with this benefit, we’ll consider this a big success.”
There are 1,800 traumatic brain injuries annually resulting from car crashes, many of which are caused by exhausted, intoxicated or distracted drivers, according to Wendy Berk of the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey.
“Every day, lives are permanently changed by injuries sustained in auto-related accidents,” said Ann Wilson, Director of the New Jersey Coalition for Prevention, an advocacy program that provides education about decreasing the incidence of traumatic injury and disabling conditions. Get Home Safe “is a concrete step toward making New Jersey’s roads safer for everyone – drivers, passengers and pedestrians,” she said.
Source
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Nationwide Insurance Supports National Ban on Texting While Driving
COLUMBUS, Ohio - (Business Wire) Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company today stated its support for the enactment of a national ban on texting while driving.
In Washington D.C., United States Senators Chuck Schumer, D-New York; Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey; Mary Landrieu, D-Louisiana; and Kay Hagan, D-North Carolina, on Wednesday unveiled the ALERT Act, which would prohibit any driver from sending text or e-mail messages while driving a vehicle. If the bill passes, states that do not enact text-banning laws could lose 25 percent of their federal highway funds.
While Nationwide is still exploring the details of this particular legislation, Nationwide supports the concept of a national ban on texting while driving as an integral part of the solution.
“There is a growing body of research and evidence that suggests a ban on texting while driving will save lives and make our roads a safer place to drive,” said Bill Windsor, Nationwide’s Safety Officer. “Nationwide believes we can save lives by finding solutions to the problem through legislation, public awareness and encouraging the development of new technology. In addition to saving lives, fewer crashes could result in lower auto insurance costs.”
While passage of legislation is a good start, Nationwide has taken the strong public position that technology will play an important role in effectively changing behavior behind the wheel. In early 2008, Nationwide began working with Aegis Mobility on a new, cell-phone based technology that will have a positive impact on reducing TWD crashes by advising callers and texters that the individual they are trying to reach is driving. Nationwide will be offering a discount for individuals that sign up for the DriveAssist™ program when it becomes available.
Nationwide has been working to draw attention to the emerging and dangerous social trend of Texting While Driving (TWD) for the past several years. A 2008 study by Nationwide of more than 1,500 Americans revealed that 18 percent of those surveyed admitted to TWD – that number jumps to 39 percent for drivers under 30 years old.
Source
In Washington D.C., United States Senators Chuck Schumer, D-New York; Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey; Mary Landrieu, D-Louisiana; and Kay Hagan, D-North Carolina, on Wednesday unveiled the ALERT Act, which would prohibit any driver from sending text or e-mail messages while driving a vehicle. If the bill passes, states that do not enact text-banning laws could lose 25 percent of their federal highway funds.
While Nationwide is still exploring the details of this particular legislation, Nationwide supports the concept of a national ban on texting while driving as an integral part of the solution.
“There is a growing body of research and evidence that suggests a ban on texting while driving will save lives and make our roads a safer place to drive,” said Bill Windsor, Nationwide’s Safety Officer. “Nationwide believes we can save lives by finding solutions to the problem through legislation, public awareness and encouraging the development of new technology. In addition to saving lives, fewer crashes could result in lower auto insurance costs.”
While passage of legislation is a good start, Nationwide has taken the strong public position that technology will play an important role in effectively changing behavior behind the wheel. In early 2008, Nationwide began working with Aegis Mobility on a new, cell-phone based technology that will have a positive impact on reducing TWD crashes by advising callers and texters that the individual they are trying to reach is driving. Nationwide will be offering a discount for individuals that sign up for the DriveAssist™ program when it becomes available.
Nationwide has been working to draw attention to the emerging and dangerous social trend of Texting While Driving (TWD) for the past several years. A 2008 study by Nationwide of more than 1,500 Americans revealed that 18 percent of those surveyed admitted to TWD – that number jumps to 39 percent for drivers under 30 years old.
Source
Friday, August 28, 2009
Auto insurance company will relocate two business units
Palisades Safety & Insurance Management Corp. will be moving about 100 employees from its commercial auto underwriting and southern New Jersey claims operations to an office building in Farmingdale, the company announced.
The employees currently are based out of 4 Paragon Way, in Freehold.
The auto insurance provider has leased the entire 26,683-square-foot office building at 5006 Belmar Blvd., in the Monmouth County borough, according to commercial real estate services firm Studley, which represented the company in the lease deal.
“It’s a brand-new building and offers ample room to grow in anticipation of any future growth and any acquisitions we may have,” said Karen Murdock, vice president of marketing and communications of Palisades, which is based in Berkeley Heights. Future growth of the company would involve expanding the firm’s commercial and personal auto businesses, she said.
The new facility, which is owned by Bollerman Development Corp., also allows the two Palisades business units to have their own standalone facility with signage in a highly visible location on Route 34, Murdock said. Those operations share its current building in Freehold with a number of other companies, she said.
Source
The employees currently are based out of 4 Paragon Way, in Freehold.
The auto insurance provider has leased the entire 26,683-square-foot office building at 5006 Belmar Blvd., in the Monmouth County borough, according to commercial real estate services firm Studley, which represented the company in the lease deal.
“It’s a brand-new building and offers ample room to grow in anticipation of any future growth and any acquisitions we may have,” said Karen Murdock, vice president of marketing and communications of Palisades, which is based in Berkeley Heights. Future growth of the company would involve expanding the firm’s commercial and personal auto businesses, she said.
The new facility, which is owned by Bollerman Development Corp., also allows the two Palisades business units to have their own standalone facility with signage in a highly visible location on Route 34, Murdock said. Those operations share its current building in Freehold with a number of other companies, she said.
Source
Monday, July 27, 2009
Two big-name companies announced planned exit from N.J.
New Jersey will be out a total of 225 jobs in July, when two big-name companies shift select operations to other states, according to filings with the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The state’s heavy tax burden may have helped to drive them out, according to one Rutgers University economics professor.
E-Trade Financial will close its 171-person Jersey City customer service unit July 5, according to the financial service’s Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, or WARN, Act filing with the state. Garden State employers generally must give at least 60 days notice before a plant is closed, or when mass layoffs — usually defined as targeting 50 or more employees — are planned.
The customer service jobs are being moved to E-Trade locations in Utah and Georgia, according to spokeswoman Tina Martineau.
“We remain committed to Jersey City,” including the retention of its offices in the city's Harborside Financial Center and several jobs, including in the legal and compliance arenas, she said.
Another 54 jobs will be lost beginning July 31, when Archer Daniels Midland Co. shutters its Glassboro cocoa facility, according to the company’s WARN filing.
“The company is in negotiations with United Food and Commercial Workers Local 152 regarding the effects of the closing,” said ADM spokesman Roman Blahoski. “Production at the Glassboro facility will be transferred to a new ADM cocoa facility in Hazleton, Pennsylvania.”
Some of the employees at the Glassboro facility “will have the opportunity to transfer to the Hazleton plant,” he added.
“New Jersey is a high-tax state, and that can drive companies away,” said John Worrall, an economics professor at the Rutgers School of Business-Camden. Though he has no inside knowledge about the decisions, “research indicates that high tax burdens and other costs can make a big difference in corporate location decisions.”
“In New Jersey’s case, it’s not just the income taxes,” he said. “We’ve also got high property taxes and auto insurance costs that can influence decision-makers.”
Source
E-Trade Financial will close its 171-person Jersey City customer service unit July 5, according to the financial service’s Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, or WARN, Act filing with the state. Garden State employers generally must give at least 60 days notice before a plant is closed, or when mass layoffs — usually defined as targeting 50 or more employees — are planned.
The customer service jobs are being moved to E-Trade locations in Utah and Georgia, according to spokeswoman Tina Martineau.
“We remain committed to Jersey City,” including the retention of its offices in the city's Harborside Financial Center and several jobs, including in the legal and compliance arenas, she said.
Another 54 jobs will be lost beginning July 31, when Archer Daniels Midland Co. shutters its Glassboro cocoa facility, according to the company’s WARN filing.
“The company is in negotiations with United Food and Commercial Workers Local 152 regarding the effects of the closing,” said ADM spokesman Roman Blahoski. “Production at the Glassboro facility will be transferred to a new ADM cocoa facility in Hazleton, Pennsylvania.”
Some of the employees at the Glassboro facility “will have the opportunity to transfer to the Hazleton plant,” he added.
“New Jersey is a high-tax state, and that can drive companies away,” said John Worrall, an economics professor at the Rutgers School of Business-Camden. Though he has no inside knowledge about the decisions, “research indicates that high tax burdens and other costs can make a big difference in corporate location decisions.”
“In New Jersey’s case, it’s not just the income taxes,” he said. “We’ve also got high property taxes and auto insurance costs that can influence decision-makers.”
Source
Monday, July 13, 2009
Health insurance tax will burden business
In an effort to raise $100 million to help balance another budget deficit, the Corzine administration is poised to impose a 125 percent tax on health insurers throughout New Jersey.This legislation will have catastrophic results for a state in which 1.7 million residents currently lack health insurance and whose business community has been decimated by a crushing tax burden, inane bureaucracy and stifling regulations. This will lead to higher health insurance premiums for employers who provide coverage.
Small business employers, many of which offer their workers health insurance, will be particularly hard hit, as they already operate at small profit margins. This astronomical tax hike will force many to drop their coverage, adding to the state's growing list of uninsured workers and their families.
According to the New Jersey Business and Industry Association's annual Health Benefits Survey, for most of the state's smallest companies — those with two to 19 employees — sponsoring coverage already has fallen as costs have risen. This tax increase will be the nail in their coffins.
Gov. Jon Corzine and his Democratic colleagues contend competition will keep prices low, similar to the auto marketplace. That simply isn't true. In New Jersey, more than 70 automobile insurance companies compete for business. In contrast, only seven health insurance companies do the same — again, some by razor-thin profit margins.
The domino effect will be felt on the local government level as well. Since many municipalities purchase their health insurance in the public marketplace, their premiums also will increase, resulting in higher property taxes for homeowners.
While Democrats consistently harp about providing universal or at least more accessible health care, they have gone above and beyond the call to price health care out of any range of affordability in New Jersey. I'm sure we're not the only ones who see the irony in that.
Source
Small business employers, many of which offer their workers health insurance, will be particularly hard hit, as they already operate at small profit margins. This astronomical tax hike will force many to drop their coverage, adding to the state's growing list of uninsured workers and their families.
According to the New Jersey Business and Industry Association's annual Health Benefits Survey, for most of the state's smallest companies — those with two to 19 employees — sponsoring coverage already has fallen as costs have risen. This tax increase will be the nail in their coffins.
Gov. Jon Corzine and his Democratic colleagues contend competition will keep prices low, similar to the auto marketplace. That simply isn't true. In New Jersey, more than 70 automobile insurance companies compete for business. In contrast, only seven health insurance companies do the same — again, some by razor-thin profit margins.
The domino effect will be felt on the local government level as well. Since many municipalities purchase their health insurance in the public marketplace, their premiums also will increase, resulting in higher property taxes for homeowners.
While Democrats consistently harp about providing universal or at least more accessible health care, they have gone above and beyond the call to price health care out of any range of affordability in New Jersey. I'm sure we're not the only ones who see the irony in that.
Source
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