GM Offers Auto Insurance With New Cars in OR and WA

Drivers in Oregon and Washington who take delivery of a new 2010, 2011 or 2012 Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac car, truck or crossover between today and September 6 will receive a one-year insurance policy from MetLife Auto & Home at no additional cost.

According to GM, the offer is designed to streamline the car-buying experience and add value by addressing affordability – one of the bigger challenges facing many vehicle buyers today. It’s also an effort to increase G.M.’s market share in the Pacific Northwest, where dealers say they are not experiencing the same rebound in auto sales that their counterparts in other regions have experienced, reported the New York Times auto blog, Wheels.

“We want to give residents of Oregon and Washington another reason to discover Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles,” said Chris Perry, U.S. vice president of General Motors Marketing.  “We have new products like the Chevrolet Cruze, Buick Regal, GMC Terrain and Cadillac CTS Coupe that are now even more appealing with a year’s worth of insurance.”

The auto insurance includes both liability and physical damage coverage and exceeds requirements in the two states.

“This offer enhances the vehicle’s value proposition because our policy is considered one of the most comprehensive in the industry,” said Bill Moore, president of MetLife Auto & Home. “Our new car replacement feature is a benefit not found in most auto policies.”

Industry sources say MetLife has prepared rate filings for 17 other states including California where the program was rejected by the insurance department. MetLife is waiting for GM to review the results of this trial program before proceeding with any other states.

The policy covers the vehicle and anyone who drives it with the owner’s permission for a full year from the date of purchase, as long as the original purchaser continues to own or lease the vehicle. The policy is not available on vehicles purchased or leased for certain commercial or fleet purposes.

Under MetLife Auto & Home’s auto policy, if a new car is damaged beyond repair within the car's first year or first 15,000 miles, whichever comes first, MetLife Auto & Home will repair or replace the vehicle with a new vehicle, without deducting for depreciation. Many auto insurers subtract miles driven at the time a vehicle is damaged resulting in thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses.

GM is testing auto insurance as a standard feature to determine consumer appeal. It is available only to Oregon and Washington residents with valid driver’s licenses who title their vehicle in those states. The vehicle owner can seek to renew the insurance at the end of one year or go elsewhere for coverage.

Complete program details and limitations are available at www.chevyinsurancebreak.com, www.buickinsuranceoffer.com, www.gmcinsuranceoffer.com and www.cadillac.com/insuranceoffer.com.

 

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