newjerseynewsroom.com

High Point Auto Insurance, one of the largest auto insurance companies exclusively serving New Jersey customers, is taking a road rarely traveled with its innovative new customer safety benefit called "Get Home Safe." The benefit reimburses policyholders up to $50 in cab fare if they call for a safe ride home rather than risk driving home under dangerous circumstances.

"Insurance companies generally go to work after an accident, but we're trying to stop accidents before they occur," says Gerry Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of High Point Auto Insurance. "If you've had too much to drink, are not feeling well or just too tired to drive safely, call for a taxi. If you sense something is wrong with your car, call for a taxi. That's the idea behind ‘Get Home Safe.' If we save even one life, this will be the best program we've ever introduced."

The idea for the "Get Home Safe" initiative came from Shannon Greevy, a High Point employee. Greevy suggested the notion to Wilson one day during lunch in the company cafeteria. Wilson liked what he heard and put the "wheels in motion."

"It's more than just insurance to us," Wilson said. "High Point is based in New Jersey (Red Bank). Most of our 600 employees live, work, and drive here. We know the cities, towns and roads. We're doing everything we can to show we're part of the community and ensure that our customers' needs and best interests are at heart. We want the same for our customers as we want for our own families — to make it home safe and sound."

High Point customers who find themselves in an unsafe driving situation can utilize the "Get Home Safe" program simply by submitting their receipt for a cab or car service. They will then be reimbursed, by check, as part of the "Get Home Safe" benefit, which can be used once per policy per year by customers.

The benefit is already earning words of praise from influential organizations.

"In New Jersey alone, there are 1,800 traumatic brain injuries sustained in car crashes every year which lead to disability or death, and many of these crashes are attributed to falling asleep at the wheel, intoxication and distraction," says Wendy Berk of the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey. "It's interesting to think about how many of these crashes could have been prevented with a free taxi ride."

"We hope that other insurance companies replicate this offer for their policyholders because it's such a socially responsible program," says Tom Everson, Executive Director of Keep Kids Alive Drive 25, a national non-profit safety group. "It speaks to our mission of engaging individuals to create safer streets in our communities."

— ANDY LAGOMARSINO, NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM