GM Insurance Is General Motors' Own Car Insurance Program

GM Insurance is an auto insurance product offered by General Motors Financial Company, Inc. It is available to people who buy or lease a new General Motors vehicle — including Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac models. The program bundles coverage options and is designed to work alongside your vehicle's warranty and roadside information.

GM Insurance is not the same as an extended warranty or maintenance plan. It is actual liability and collision coverage, meaning it pays for damage you cause to others' property or vehicles, and damage to your own car from accidents, theft, or weather. You still choose a deductible, and you still file claims the way you would with any other insurance company.

The program is underwritten by third-party insurers — General Motors does not actually pay claims itself. Instead, GM Insurance acts as the middleman, bundling coverage and handling enrollment. You can purchase it at the dealership when you buy or lease, or sometimes after purchase through GM Financial's website or customer service line.

Key Takeaways

  • GM Insurance covers liability (damage you cause to others), collision (damage to your car from accidents), and comprehensive (theft, weather, vandalism) — the same types of coverage any auto insurance offers.
  • You must own or lease a new General Motors vehicle to purchase GM Insurance; it is not available for used cars or non-GM brands.
  • GM Insurance is underwritten by third-party insurers, not by General Motors itself, so claims go through the insurance company, not the dealership.
  • Pricing and available discounts vary by state, vehicle, driver age, and driving history, so comparing it to quotes from other insurers is important before deciding.
  • You can enroll at the dealership during purchase or lease, or contact GM Financial afterward if you want to add or change coverage.

What Coverage Types GM Insurance Offers

GM Insurance typically includes liability coverage, which pays for injuries or property damage you cause to someone else in an accident. Every state requires a minimum amount of liability coverage by law. Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your car if you hit another vehicle or object. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage from theft, weather, vandalism, or hitting an animal.

You choose your deductible — the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in — for both collision and comprehensive. A higher deductible lowers your monthly payment but means you pay more if you need to file a claim. A lower deductible costs more each month but protects you if an accident happens.

GM Insurance may also include uninsured motorist coverage, which protects you if someone without insurance hits you, and medical payments coverage, which covers medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident. The exact coverage options available depend on your state and the specific plan you choose.

How GM Insurance Pricing Works

GM Insurance quotes are based on the same factors other insurers use: your age, driving history, the vehicle you drive, where you live, how much you drive, and the coverage limits and deductibles you choose. A newer driver or someone with accidents on their record will pay more than someone with a clean history. A sports car costs more to insure than a sedan.

State regulations affect pricing too. Some states allow insurers to use credit score as a factor; others do not. Some states cap how much rates can increase year to year. Because of these differences, the cost of GM Insurance in California may be very different from the cost in Texas for the same driver and vehicle.

The best way to know if GM Insurance is competitively priced for you is to get quotes from other major insurers — State Farm, Geico, Progressive, or your current insurer — and compare. Many people find better rates elsewhere, while others find GM Insurance competitive. Dealerships sometimes offer incentives or bundled discounts if you purchase insurance at the time of sale, so ask what is available before you leave.

When You Can Enroll in GM Insurance

You can enroll in GM Insurance when you purchase or lease a new General Motors vehicle at a dealership. The sales or finance team will present insurance options as part of the paperwork process. You do not have to buy GM Insurance — you can decline and use your own insurer instead, though some dealerships may require proof of coverage before you drive off the lot.

If you lease a GM vehicle, your lease agreement may require you to carry certain coverage limits. GM Insurance is one way to meet that requirement, but you can also use coverage from another insurer as long as it meets the lease terms.

If you already own or lease a GM vehicle and did not purchase GM Insurance at the time, you can contact GM Financial to ask about enrolling later. Availability and pricing may differ from what was offered at purchase, and you may need to provide current driving history and vehicle information.

How to File a Claim With GM Insurance

To file a claim, contact the insurance company underwriting your GM Insurance policy — not General Motors or the dealership. Your policy documents will list the phone number and website for claims. You can usually file online, by phone, or through a mobile app.

When you file, have ready: your policy number, the date and time of the incident, a description of what happened, the other driver's information (if applicable), photos of damage, and any police report number (if a report was filed). The insurance company will assign an adjuster to inspect the damage and determine what they will pay.

Repair shops can often work directly with the insurance company to get approval and payment, so you may not have to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement. Ask your chosen repair shop whether they have worked with your insurer before and what the process is.

GM Insurance Versus Other Auto Insurance Options

GM Insurance is one option among many. National insurers like State Farm, Geico, and Progressive are available in most states and often have extensive online tools and mobile apps. Regional insurers may offer better rates in specific areas. Your current auto insurer may be cheaper than switching to GM Insurance, even if you buy a GM vehicle.

The main advantage of GM Insurance is convenience — you can enroll at the dealership without shopping around, and it is designed to coordinate with your vehicle's warranty and roadside information. The main disadvantage is that you may not get the best rate, and you have less control over which insurance company underwrites your policy.

If you are financing or leasing through GM Financial, ask whether there are any incentives for choosing GM Insurance, such as a discount on your loan rate or a credit toward your first payment. These incentives can make GM Insurance more attractive even if the base premium is slightly higher than a competitor's quote.

What Happens to GM Insurance If You Sell or Trade Your Vehicle

If you sell your GM vehicle to someone else, your GM Insurance policy ends on the sale date. You will need to cancel the policy and either purchase insurance for a new vehicle or let your coverage lapse if you are not driving.

If you trade your vehicle in at a dealership for a new one, you can transfer your GM Insurance to the new vehicle or cancel and enroll in a new policy. The terms and price of the new policy may differ from your old one because the new vehicle, your driving history, and other factors may have changed. Ask the dealership or GM Financial whether transferring is simpler than starting fresh.

If you lease a GM vehicle and the lease ends, the vehicle goes back to General Motors. Your GM Insurance policy ends on the lease end date. If you lease another GM vehicle, you can enroll in a new GM Insurance policy or choose a different insurer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my own insurance instead of GM Insurance?

Yes. You are not required to buy GM Insurance. You can use any auto insurance company that meets your state's minimum coverage requirements and, if you are leasing, meets the lease agreement's coverage requirements. Many people use their existing insurer or shop for better rates elsewhere.

Does GM Insurance cover maintenance or repairs outside of accidents?

No. GM Insurance is auto liability and collision coverage only. It does not cover routine maintenance, wear and tear, or repairs unrelated to an accident. Your vehicle's manufacturer warranty covers defects, and a separate maintenance plan may cover scheduled service. Ask your dealership about those options separately.

What if I have an accident and the other driver is at fault?

File a claim with your GM Insurance policy. Your insurer will investigate and may pursue the other driver's insurance company for reimbursement (a process called subrogation). You still pay your deductible upfront, but if the other driver is found at fault, your insurer may refund your deductible after recovering from the other party's insurance.

Can I change my coverage or deductible after I buy the policy?

Yes. Contact the insurance company underwriting your policy to request changes. You can usually adjust coverage limits or deductibles online, by phone, or through their mobile app. Changes typically take effect within a few days and may adjust your monthly payment.

Is GM Insurance available in all states?

GM Insurance is not available in every state. Availability depends on state regulations and the insurance companies underwriting the program. Ask your dealership whether GM Insurance is available where you live, or contact GM Financial directly to check.