INA Creates Motorist Policy Providing Protection to U.S. and Canadian Residents Traveling to Mexico

    PHILADELPHIA--March 31, 2003--INA, Insurance Group of North America, the consumer marketing and underwriting division of ACE INA and a member of the ACE Group of Companies , announced today it has created a policy specifically designed to protect U.S. and Canadian motorists while traveling in Mexico.
    The INA Cross Border Auto Insurance policy will be underwritten by ACE Seguros, S.A., a Mexican subsidiary of ACE Limited authorized to provide auto insurance in Mexico.
    U.S. Customs reports that more than 225,000,000 vehicles cross between the border of Mexico and the U.S. each year. Mexican law allows for incarceration of drivers and impoundment of their vehicles for those responsible parties who are unable to demonstrate financial accountability at the time of an accident.
    Also under Mexican law, insurers must be authorized by the Mexican government to provide required coverages. Therefore, insurance policies provided by unauthorized U.S. or Canadian insurers do not provide acceptable financial accountability.
    The INA Cross Border Auto Insurance policy covers a broad range of vehicles, including private passenger automobiles, pick-up trucks, SUVs, motor homes, motorcycles, travel trailers, utility trailers, and watercraft while trailered.
    Motorists may insure motor homes valued up to $400,000 via INA's online web service; policies for higher valued motor homes may be obtained by contacting INA directly or an insurance agent representing INA. Coverage is also available for rental motor homes traveling to Mexico.
    "Unfortunately, many U.S. and Canadian citizens driving to Mexico are simply unaware of the importance of obtaining Mexican auto insurance from a company authorized by the Mexican government," said Alan Kohl, vice president, Consumer Solutions Group, one of the ACE Group of Companies. "Many travel to Mexico under the false impression that their U.S. or Canadian auto insurance will cover any requirements the Mexican government may have. We believe our INA Cross Border Auto Insurance policy is a vitally important insurance product that will protect thousands of travelers in Mexico."
    The INA Cross Border Auto Insurance policy offers one of the most comprehensive automobile policies available in Mexico. Coverage is available for a specific length of stay or for longer stays, policies of six to 12 month are available. Coverage is provided in six parts, with the policy printed in both Spanish and English.

    Coverage parts include:

    1) Damage to a vehicle caused in an accident; 2) Vehicle theft and damage resulting from natural causes; 3) Third Party Civil Liability; 4) Legal Assistance and Bail Bond; 5) Travelers Assistance and Towing; and 6) Medical Payments for occupants of insured U.S. and Canadian vehicles.
    In addition, motorists can select an optional upgrade package which was recently introduced by INA as a result of feedback from consumers and insurance agents.
    This special "Platinum Package" of protection provides substantially broader coverage than anything available from any other Mexican insurer, such as vehicle repair in the U.S. or Canada at labor rates limited to a maximum of US$50 per hour, Third Party Liability up to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, and $100,000 in damage to property of others, vandalism, partial theft, as well as additional coverages.
    Claimants calling from Mexico can use a toll-free number to reach bilingual operators (English and Spanish), 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Claim representatives will have online access to policy and client information in order to better assist callers and to maintain INA's quality service standards.
    Motorists planning to travel to Mexico from the U.S. or Canada may purchase an INA Cross Border Auto Insurance policy in three ways: 1) visiting www.inacrossborder.com, a user-friendly website that allows consumers to quickly obtain quotes, review coverage information, issue and print their own policy on-line, and pay via credit card; 2) calling INA directly in the U.S. at (800) 839-3913 (English/Spanish operators available); or 3) contacting an insurance agent in the U.S. or Canada representing INA for the sale of INA Cross Border Auto Insurance.
    For more information, please contact Alan Kohl, Vice President, Consumer Solutions Group, at (813) 281-1379 or by email at alan.kohl@ace-ina.com.

    INA, Insurance Group of North America, is the consumer marketing and underwriting division of ACE INA and a member of the ACE Group of Companies, headed by ACE Limited . ACE INA is a leading provider of property and casualty products and services to a broad range of domestic and international businesses.