Hurricane Season 2008: GMAC Insurance Reveals Tips to Protect Assets if a Hurricane Hits

Survey Finds Millions Not Confident that Assets are Protected in Event of Hurricane

ST. LOUIS, MO. (April 23, 2008) As hurricane season approaches, GMAC Insurance today revealed the top tips for drivers to keep themselves and their assets secure before a storm heads their way. The company is arming consumers with this information after finding survey results that indicate an alarming number of people are not confident their possessions would be protected if a hurricane strikes.

The GMAC Insurance survey, which polled 5,524 licensed Americans from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, reports that 42 percent of respondents (nearly 85 million licensed drivers) do not feel confident that their assets would be fully covered by their insurance companies in the event of a hurricane. Regional findings show that drivers in the South and the West were most likely to report lack of confidence; numbers were slightly lower in the Midwest and the Northeast.

Hurricanes can be truly devastating situations, so its not surprising that people want to make sure theyre fully covered, said Gary Kusumi, CEO and President, GMAC Insurance Personal Lines. Its our job as responsible insurers to supply them with all the facts they need to make proper coverage choices to keep their assets protected and avoid potential problems before a storm even hits the radar.

This startling information comes in the wake of the most costly hurricane ever: Hurricane Katrina. Approximately 1.75 million claims were filed in the aftermath of the storm, totaling damages of 41.1 billion dollars, according to the Insurance Information Institute. When a natural disaster has the potential to affect so many lives, its critical that people feel confident in their insurance companies.

Clearly, somewhere along the way, trust in the insurance company has been lost, said Kusumi. GMAC Insurance wants people to feel confident we have their best interests in mind; well respond immediately to help them get back on their feet and well continue that assistance for the long term. Simply put, thats our job, but more importantly, its the right thing to do.

Below, GMAC Insurance provides tips to follow before the first sign of trouble.

HOW TO EVACUATE SAFELY AND PROTECT YOUR VEHICLES IN A HURRICANE

Before the hurricane

1. Create a disaster supply kit and store it along with automotive essentials in the car youll use to evacuate. Be sure to include:

2. Keep copies of your auto registration, title and insurance papers in your car, and store the originals in a safe, dry place.

3. Fill your car's gas tank so youre able to drive a long distance without needing to stop.

At the first warning sign

4. Evacuate as soon as possible. If leaving by car:

5. Safeguard the vehicles youre not using:

6. When the hurricane hits, stay out of your car and go to a safe place.

During the aftermath

7. Take pictures of any damage.

8. If your engine was under water, dont start the vehicle. Try to physically remove the water to begin drying it out.

9. Cover your vehicle to prevent further damage until proper repairs can be made.

10. Save all receipts for towing and repairs, so that you can be reimbursed for your out-of-pocket expenses.

While these tips may seem like common sense, its easy to forget them when youre in the midst of a disaster, so its best to prepare yourself ahead of time, said Kusumi. And as always, be sure to put your personal safety and those of others first, because possessions can always be replaced.

The GMAC Insurance survey was administered by TNS, a leading market information resource and the worlds largest provider of custom research and analysis. TNS is also a leader in social and political polling and a top supplier of consumer panel, media intelligence and Internet, and TV and radio audience measurement services. The national sample was comprised of 5,524 total licensed respondents, aged 16-60+, balanced to the latest U.S. Census data. For more information about TNS, please visit www.tns-us.com.
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, boat and commercial auto 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.