Free loaner cars for owners affected by deadly ignition switch defect

General Motors is offering free loaner cars to owners of compacts that are being recalled for a deadly ignition switch defect.

The company says it will also offer a $500 cash allowance to owners who want to buy or lease a new GM vehicle.

The loaners will be available until parts arrive to fix the switches.

The cash offer runs through April 30.

GM is recalling 1.6 million cars because faulty ignitions can shut off engines unexpectedly.

GM says 13 people have died in crashes linked to the problem.