GMAC Insurance Reveals Top Five Tips to Keep You and Your Vehicle Safe in Mexico

With Approximately 80 Million Border Crossings Each Year, Insurer Offers Tips to Stay Protected During Road Trips to Mexico

ST. LOUIS, April 1, 2008 -- Approximately 80 million vehicle border crossings to Mexico occur every year, but unfortunately, some drivers may be leaving themselves vulnerable in the event of an accident. As Americans head south of the border as a cost-effective alternative for foreign travel, today, GMAC Insurance revealed the Top Five Tips to Keep You and Your Vehicle Safe in Mexico.

"Mexico is a very attractive place for a road trip right now. It's beautiful, it's close and it's a great place for a foreign vacation," said Gary Kusumi, CEO and president, GMAC Insurance. "The danger comes when you assume that driving your car in Mexico is the same as driving in the United States. That simply isn't the case."

While crossing the border itself may be simple enough, many drivers are unaware that, in most instances, their U.S. auto insurance policy will not be valid if they experience an accident in Mexico. In addition, Mexican regulations have profound differences when it comes to handling vehicle accidents, thefts and other insurance-related claims.

"If not properly insured, drivers could be faced with a mountain of headaches, such as permanently losing their vehicle or even prolonged jail time," Kusumi said. "But these are preventable, if your assets are properly protected in advance. We're here to keep drivers covered if the worst was to happen while on vacation."

To help drivers make sure their road trips to Mexico are fun and full of great memories, GMAC Insurance and its Mexican insurance partners ABA Seguros and IIG offer the following tips.

  Five Tips to Keep You and Your Vehicle Safe in Mexico

  1.  Re-insure Yourself.  The bottom line?  If you plan on crossing the
      border in your own vehicle, you need to get Mexico auto insurance. In
      the event of an accident, you probably won't be covered by your
      regular U.S. policy.  Check with your insurance company to see if it
      offers a pre-approved policy in Mexico or special add-ons that will
      cover you within a certain mileage from the border.

  2.  Know the Law.  In Mexico, a car accident is seen as a criminal
      offense, and until it is determined who is at fault and whether a
      penalty can be paid, you could be detained in jail. Check with your
      insurance company to make sure they will cover bail costs, so that you
      aren't detained longer than absolutely necessary.

  3.  Stay With Your Car.  Mexican law states that a car must either be
      driven by the vehicle owner, or the owner must be in the vehicle.  If
      the vehicle owner is not present, the car will be seized by customs
      and not returned under any circumstances.  If your name is on the
      title, stay with the vehicle at all times.

  4.  Plan Ahead.  Know how long you will be in the country in advance. Give
      yourself some extra leeway in the event an accident occurs and an
      extended stay is unavoidable. In addition, register with the embassy,
      so they are aware of your presence and your whereabouts.

  5.  Study Up.  Read your new auto insurance policy in detail and note the
      responsibilities you have in case of an accident or loss.  Keep a copy
      of the policy in the vehicle at all times, and always carry your
      driver's license, as well - it's valid in Mexico.

GMAC Insurance works with approved Mexican insurance companies ABA Seguros and IIG to ensure that customers can purchase mandatory liability coverage and coverage for theft and damage to their vehicle in Mexico. This coverage is available for cars, pickups, SUVs, recreational vehicles (RVs), travel trailers and motorcycles. "Liability only" coverage also is available for all- terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats and personal watercraft.

For more information about GMAC Insurance and to find a local independent agent, call 877-468-3466 or visit www.gmacinsurance.com.

The GMAC Insurance Group is one of the largest automobile insurers in the United States and is a wholly owned subsidiary of GMAC Financial Services. GMAC Insurance Personal Lines offers a variety of property and casualty products, including personal auto, RV, motorcycle, commercial auto and homeowners insurance. With a nationwide network of claims professionals, local independent agents and a 24-hour, toll-free claims hotline available 365 days a year, GMAC Insurance provides superior claims service for its customers.