Auto and Vehicle Coverage

The diocesam automobile policy provides the following coverage:

• Automobile Liability coverage is provided to compensate another party when the operator of the insured vehicle causes an accident resulting in injury or property damage. The insured has no deductible.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) provides limited coverage for medical bills and lost wages to anyone injured while an occupant in the vehicle, or a pedestrian struck by it. Coverage levels are mandated by the State of NJ.
• Collision coverage pays for damages to the insured vehicle sustained in an accident. The insured has a $1,000.00 deductible, except for priests who have a $500 deductible.
• Comprehensive coverage pays for damages to the insured vehicle from incidents other than collision, such as vandalism and theft. The insured has a $1,000.00 deductible.

Learn more: List of our recommended auto repair facilities

Auto Liability

• Automobile liability involving Diocesan owned Parish owned, Priest, and leased or rented vehicles are covered by this program if the Diocese, parish, institution, cemetery or agency is held legally liable for personal injury, including property damage, as a result of operating the vehicle.

Personal Injury Protection

• P.I.P. – New Jersey No-Fault Statutory Coverage is included with coverage up to $250,000. PIP coverage does not apply to a Diocesan insured vehicle which is not an “automobile” as defined in N.J.S. 39: 6A-2(a).

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

• Individuals seeking to pursue a UM or UIM claim against a Diocesan insured entity must provide a written demand for arbitration. Each party will select arbitrator and the two arbitrators will then select a third neutral arbitrator. Arbitration awards in the amount of $15,000.00 or less are binding upon the parties. Awards in excess of $15,000.00 are not binding. Either party has the right to reject such an award by serving upon the other side written notice of the rejection and a request for a trial within 30 days of the entry of the award.

Auto Medical Payments are excluded in the program

Auto Physical Damage

Collision coverage is provided to all covered vehicles under the Diocesan program. Collision coverage is written on an actual cash value basis.

Comprehensive coverage is provided on an actual cash value basis for repair or replacement costs as a result of fire, theft, vandalism, glass breakage, hail, windstorm, explosion, and flood.

Leased and or Rented Cars are also covered for auto physical damage when rented for Diocesan business purposes.

15 or 16 Passenger Vans are excluded from coverage under all circumstances.

Auto Insurance ID Cards

Auto ID Cards are made available on an annual basis. Cards are prepared and mailed to the address on record for cars reported and covered under the Diocesan insurance program. If you are in need of insurance card or do not receive an insurance card, please send written requests to Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management, Inc. Requests should include the year, make, model and vehicle identification number faxed to 305-716-3293, Attn: Religious Team. If you have any questions about an auto insurance ID card, please contact, Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management, 1-800-488-3003.

Auto Accident Reporting

All accidents must be reported to Gallagher Bassett Services 1-877-509-3503 within 24 hours. If you are involved in an accident, it is important to remain at the scene and wait for the arrival of the police in order to preserve the facts surrounding the accident. Documentation includes the identity of all parties who were involved and potential witnesses. The police presence insures that a report will be prepared and filed, thus preserving the evidence which may be essential in the event of future litigation. Additional information can be found on the Diocesan website under Auto Insurance Coverage.

Diocesan Vehicles

Vehicles that are owned or leased should be used only in connection with parish or agency related business. The use of a diocesan insured vehicle by drivers not assigned to those vehicles is strictly prohibited. The use of diocesan vehicle by other individuals for their personal use is prohibited.

All drivers of Diocesan vehicle must have a recent Motor Vehicle Report on file with the Diocesan Risk Manager. MVR forms are to be completed and signed by the driver. Once the form has been completed, fax the form to: 305-592-4049, Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management, Inc. Attn: Religious Team. See Appendix 7 for the MVR form.