Palisades Was Largest N.J. Auto Insurer With Zero Valid Complaints Second Year in a Row

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ--(MARKET WIRE)--Apr 27, 2006 -- The Palisades companies ranked as the largest New Jersey auto insurer without a single valid consumer complaint against it in 2005, according to the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance's new report. This is the second year in a row Palisades has ranked first in the state report, available at www.nj.gov/dobi/acrobat/05ratios.pdf.

"We bill ourselves as 'the nice New Jersey car insurance company.' Maybe it's a bit corny, but our motto reflects our single-minded focus on customer service," said Ed Fernandez, who became Palisades' president and CEO in early April.

Fernandez attributed the zero-complaint record to training and retaining skilled, polite customer service representatives, adjusters and appraisers. "Service is something we preach every day," he said.

And the company does some unusual things to help customers who've had a claim. Palisades is unique in offering Door-to-Door Valet Claims Service. Under the program, introduced in 2003, Palisades arranges for a customer's damaged car to be picked up at a convenient place and brought to a repair shop. (Customers who have rental coverage also have a rental car dropped off.) Once repaired, the car is returned to the customer at his or her home or workplace. There's no additional charge, and repairs are guaranteed as long as the customer owns the car.

Palisades pioneered the innovative Crashbusters® program in New Jersey shortly after its founding in 1992. Its fleet of 10 Crashbusters® mobile vans brings the claim settlement process right to the customer. The Crashbusters® van will go to wherever the vehicle is located, often within hours of a call, to appraise the damage. In most cases, the Crashbusters® appraiser can issue a reimbursement check to the customer on the spot.

About Palisades

Palisades Safety and Insurance Association and Palisades Insurance Company (www.palisades.com) are New Jersey-only, independent agency companies, devoted to providing competitive rates for safe drivers and exceptional service for all. Started in 1992, the Palisades Group of Companies and its subsidiaries have grown to be the fourth-largest car insurance company in the state. For a free car insurance quote call 877-PAL-NICE.

Contact:
     Contact:
     Henry Stimpson
     Stimpson Communications
     508-647-0705
     Email Contact
     
     Contact:
     Clé Scouten
     Palisades
     908-219-5405
     Email Contact
     

______________________________________________________

Source: Palisades

Copyright © 2006 Market Wire.