The Chevrolet Offer

By Author: Marcus Stalder
Total Articles: 491
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Marketers are always looking for new ways to sell to us, but it's rare to see anything really new. In more or less every store, you'll see the usual "2 for the price of 3" offers. Then there are the "free" gifts, or bundles and package deals where price reductions come if you just happen to want broadband, home home and digital TV, or some other combination of appliances or services that might appeal to you. The idea is simple. If you feel you're receiving enough value for your hard-earned dollar, you're more likely to spend that dollar. The fact you might be spending more than you expected in the short term, doesn't mean you're not saving money in the longer term.

So welcome to General Motors and their Chevrolet brand. GM has been selling Chevys for ninety-something years and, as the manufacturer emerges from the shadow of the Chapter 11 reorganization, it's looking to move product. Since 2000, GM has been losing market share in the US. 2010 was the first year showing an increase in sales with the first profit since 2004 announced in 2011. It's been a hard struggle to learn the lessons of a free market with foreign manufacturers ...
... producing better vehicles at lower prices. Now GM is back with more competitive products, it's time for a big marketing push.

If you live in Oregon or Washington, GM are offering a package: buy a new Chevy from the list of eligible models, and you get to drive away your new vehicle with the insurance thrown in "free". Yes, that's right. The cost of the vehicle includes the first year's premium payable to MetLife Auto & Home. No matter whether you're the safest driver ever to sit behind the wheel or someone with more bent fenders than hot breakfasts, GM will pay for your insurance. Presumably, if this promotion is a success, it will be rolled out to other states. So what are the rules? You must be a private customer. Commercial use kills the deal. The liability limits are 100/300/50. There's PIP and uninsured/underinsured cover, and standard terms for comprehensive and collision cover with a $500 deductible. If you don't want this insurance, there are no cash discounts for the vehicle from GM. It's the package or nothing unless the dealer wants to save the sale by talking terms on the price of the vehicle.

When it comes to renewal at the end of the year, the insurer will offer new premium rates unless you've done something terrible (like making several expensive claims). But it's your responsibility to find a replacement policy. Remember, if you borrowed, the terms of the auto loan require you to find basic liability, comprehensive and collision cover. You can blindly accept Metlife's offer. It's quick and easy, but it's better to get car insurance quotes from all the main insurers in your state. Shopping around is almost certain to find a better deal. For those of you who live outside Oregon and Washington, you're locked into the yearly grind of car insurance quotes from all the insurers to find the best value cover. Keep your eyes on the manufacturers to see if anyone matches GM and provides hassle-free cover for a year.