NORTH BRUNSWICK — The Teachers' Insurance Plan of New Jersey donated $860 to the school district on Aug. 6. The automobile insurance company donates $20 for each school district employee who calls for a rate quote, and then offers a $25 gift card to any personnel member who switches insurance plans. In North Brunswick, 38 employees called during a four-month period that started in December, and seven decided to accept the new plan. Of those seven, four employees decided to donate their gift card back to the school district.

"Over half of those who bought [a plan] donated it back. That's tremendous. I think it speaks volumes to the tight-knit community you have here," said Marc Buro, the vice president of marketing and distribution for Teachers' Insurance Plan.

Superintendent of Schools Brian Zychowski is a policyholder, and learned about the donation plan in a former district. He said that although the district does not endorse the company, "They provide wonderful coverage" and this gives "a very responsible group [of employees] to get responsible rates." He said no one is forced to purchase a plan but if they do in fact decide to, "the district benefits."

The reason the company targets only drivers in the educational sector — and is the only company in New Jersey to do so — Buro said, is because a niche market allows the company to "deliver some value" back to local school districts. He also said that the company's motto is, "Special rates for a special class of people" and that educators tend to be very careful while driving.

"Being an educator and being involved in business, our most important mission is dealing with children," Zychowski concurred, "and people in our field focus on cautionary procedures. We're not all perfect but people in our business take steps to plan how to keep safe and how to keep children safe. I think it's built into our DNA. We're more cautious, we're not flamboyant, we're conservative in our ways and we're very conservative in what we drive and how we drive it."

The money will now be placed into an account for the "educational family," Zychowski said, to assist staff and students who are experiencing financial hardships. He said any leftover money could be put toward a scholarship.

This translates back to the Quotes for Cash campaign, since Buro said that the company makes student scholarships and educator grants available.

"What we want to do is a win-win," he said. "We're not a vendor selling a product but we're forming partnerships. … The company is very socially aware and community involved."

Any school district employees from across the state can call 1-866-NJ-TEACH for more information. A quote rate takes about 10 minutes, and the purchase takes about five to 10 minutes longer. Anyone, regardless of his or her current driving record, can receive a quote, Buro said.

Joseph Sansotta, the senior marketing specialist for Teachers' Insurance Plan, said policyholders generally save $790 a year and that payment plans are available. (by:nbs.gmnews.com)