Big I Challenging GM's Free Insurance Marketing Plan
I was so glad to see the Big I (Independent Insurance Agents of America) and their exec, Robert Rusbuldt , challenge GM's" free "auto insurance marketing plan. As an independent agent and broker it was always taught to me by law that you cannot "lure" customers to buy insurance with offers of "free" or "prizes" etc.. This is called rebating. The insurance departments that reviewed GM's marketing plan said it meets the criteria of acceptable advertising. I have not been privy to the details of the marketing plan but in my opinion this "free" offer should not be allowed. Insurance cannot be free. It is a contract that requires some "consideration" to make it valid. The consumers are paying for the insurance in with the purchase of the car. So hopefully this will be re-looked at and changed. If not it could set a dangerous precedent for the insdustry that could also be bad for the consumer. Until next time be careful out there and know your risks. K