What Dealerships Can Do to Attract Millennial & Gen Z Talent for F&I in 2022
What can your dealership do now to prepare for older F&I to potentially leave as part of the Great Resignation? Here are a few strategies….
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions and resources applicable to our programs.
What can your dealership do now to prepare for older F&I to potentially leave as part of the Great Resignation? Here are a few strategies….
Thousands of people every year have their identity stolen in the process of major purchases like buying a car. But for the dealerships doing the majority of their deals in person, is there more you could be doing to prevent identity fraud at your dealership?
As more dealers consider moving to preloaded bundles as a way to help F&I staff focus on higher margin products, there is liable to be some pushback. Let’s take a look at 2 huge reasons why taking appearance ancillaries out of F&I is actually a good thing for them.
There is a trend in F&I now to work towards a more streamlined menu experience for customers. Information on all popular products is everywhere online and today’s customer is more likely to do their own research before engaging with the dealer
The F&I online presence still seems to be lagging a bit. Many dealerships offer transparency when it comes to unit pricing and even service prices for common maintenance but rarely do you see much information on popular F&I products.
Dealerships who are starting to back off on antimicrobial offerings to customers should probably think again.
ExoGloss, powered by TruWarranty, can provide all the ancillary sales support for your dealership to add a robust and comprehensive bundle to all of your current inventory. Adding the right products at the right price is how we help you handle most of the objections right out of the gate.
The interview process should be fluid and focused. Never let the buyer feel like they are on the spot or rushed. Master these tips and selling will be much easier.
Creating a better F&I culture is important for your bottom line and for the synergy with the sales floor. Having a toxic or tense environment can have a cascading negative effect that can also increase turnover and impact the CSI scores from your buyers.
ExoBundle, powered by ExoGloss, can be the comprehensive, all-in-one suite of ancillary products that can set your dealership apart within your local market. Let’s learn more about ExoBundle -
Preloading a comprehensive bundle including protections like alloy wheel, 24/7 roadside, PDR, interior/exterior, etc to every car as a Line 1 add can help set your deals apart in your market.
Here are 4 tips to help your F&I department ‘wow’ Millennial buyers.
Beyond the dollars-and-cents, there is another benefit to going dry that many dealers don’t realize…how it saves time. Moreover, how that time savings can have a cascading positive effect on your dealership in other areas.
Antimicrobial protection is here to stay while the COVID variants continue to cause health concerns nationwide and dealers that have not gotten onboard with how this valuable protection can give peace of mind to car buyers are missing out.
A well trained and professional F&I manager will embrace new technology, not run from it. They will be more customer-focused, not pay plan focused. That will result in higher PVR, higher product penetration, and most importantly, higher CSI.
Here are a few tips to stand firm on how your bundle is structured and why it’s there in the first place.
We talk a lot about the value of preloaded F&I ancillaries and while there are many that lend themselves to be included on every unit, there is one that is often overlooked…windshield protection.
The chip shortage has taken a bite out of the US and global new car market to the projected tune of billions of dollars in lost vehicle sales and there is no clear consensus on when it will come to an end.
Turnover has always been a challenge in F&I. Long hours, stressful selling conditions with a heavy emphasis on commission and performance-based compensation, and the inevitable tug-of-war between F&I and sales.
If you ask with sincerity and are transparent about why you are asking, there is a decent chance they will take the coverage if it is a nominal amount to add in. After all, an extra $15-25 per month to know the balance won’t come out of an existing insurance payout may be money well spent
ExoGloss Car Wash can become that easy extra stream of profit in F&I that buyers will appreciate. Their cost is less than running through the car wash themselves and it helps them keep the car looking great if a trade-in appraisal is in their future.
If you have a large enough F&I product offering, your dealership could simply build out 3 different levels of ancillary packages. Buyers want choice…now there is an easy way to give it to them.
As the Delta variant of COVID continues its march throughout the country, dealers have had to embrace the new normal (or at least, the new normal for now). Add to that low new car inventory and record-high prices for used cars making buying rather expensive...
Preloaded appearance bundles have been talked about a lot here but one thing that many dealers may miss is the value of offering it as a white-labeled solution. Branding any F&I products to your dealership has the obvious benefit of having your customers see the...
Without resorting to unethical scare tactics, how do you transition into the ‘risk discussion’ when conducting the F&I interview? Here are two important questions every F&I manager should ask to illustrate the risk element better:
Let’s look at 3 strategies to help make sure your staff is presenting themselves in the best possible light every time while on video with car buyers.
We would share a quick Q&A for those dealerships not familiar with us (it's kinda crazy that everyone doesn’t know us yet).
It’s worthwhile to prepare for not only how to close this year but think ahead to simple strategies to be ready for whatever 2022 may bring.
We know some will be easier to sell than others but there is one that could be well positioned now even with the current inventory shortage: appearance + car washes.
It’s not just one or two things...it can be many different strategies but for now we’ll focus on 4 unique habits of successful F&I managers. All are easy to incorporate and can help show immediate results.
If your store has gotten away from antimicrobials under the assumption that COVID was fading from the consumer consciousness, think again.
If your store doesn’t have to pay staff to apply the chemistry to every unit, that saves money. Less time is taken up with wet application means that now staff can be directed to other tasks within the dealership and that, too, saves money. So the next question for your store is….where can that savings be applied within your dealership?
There is nothing more demoralizing for an F&I manager than finding out they had chargebacks. It’s the worst. It can put a serious dent in a commission check and casts a shadow on the selling strategies of the F&I department.
The F&I department’s meetings should be just as important as the sales or service meetings you conduct. So how can you maximize that time and make it as valuable for the staff as it is for management? Here are a few ways to make the F&I meetings productive and helpful:
There are two ways to handle the interior/exterior appearance protections and we’ve spelled them out a few times here. But as a refresher...you have ‘wet’ application which is as it sounds - actual chemical that is applied to the unit by dealership personnel. Is there ever a case for ‘wet’ appearance protection? Maybe...let’s see.
Car shoppers are having to resort to buying what is being called the ‘stop-gap’ car. This is the unit they didn’t REALLY want but are willing to buy now with the intention to trade it in when the car they wanted in the first place comes into the dealership. They are buying a short-term fix. PDR is a protection that can ensure their trade-in looks good and yields a higher value when they need it.
F&I managers often have the distinction of being the first to show up and the last to leave. If there is a potential buyer with a pulse, there could be a deal to make and F&I are often the only ones that can issue tags and execute the paperwork, even for spot deals.
As more dealers embrace the concept of offering preloaded ancillary bundles on their inventory, the question inevitably comes up about pricing. Not just how much do you charge but how should the breakdown be explained to the buyer?
Antimicrobial protections have become something nearly every car buyer expects as part of the car buying process. With COVID still lingering and in some states getting worse through variants, this antiviral interior protection is a critical step in helping keep people safe and our cars as germ-free as they can be.
Staffing the F&I department can be a tricky minefield to navigate. Do you hire from within and train someone up from sales or do you go to an outside hire…poaching from another dealership to make sure you have someone with experience? Both of these scenarios are fairly common in the industry, but it ignores the other less thought of alternative.
Some buyers will insist on keeping whatever ‘included’ protections the car has in place at the time of sale and won’t consider any upsells. It’s like they have a radar for upsells and they sense it coming.
Preloaded bundles can be met with either relief that all these great ancillary protections are already included, reducing the time they buyer has to be ‘sold’ them in F&I or….they will hate it and find some way to ask for the whole bundle to be...
There is movement among some in the dealer industry that has suggested that one position in particular should have a complete overhaul of their title within the dealership…the F&I manager.
Even during a pandemic, dealers still grapple with whether or not they feel like F&I is still needed as more embrace the digital retailing experience.
If your store is considering offering an ancillary bundle on your existing inventory, one of the common objections may be on the one component that shouldn’t be an issue...24/7 roadside assistance.
There have been many articles on how to sell to Gen Z or the Millennials in F&I but it’s just as important to know how to sell to the second-biggest group of car buyers…the Baby Boomers.
In the last few decades, private equity firms throughout the US have been buying up businesses across industries with the intention of turning ailing brands around that have hit hard times. Over the last three years, the automotive aftermarket has also been shaken up by not one but several major acquisitions of F&I administrators by private equity firms.
Alloy wheel protection comes under a lot of fire in F&I. Some customers will insist that their car insurance will handle the damage. Still others will say it’s just not needed, that alloy wheels don’t scuff or scrape that badly. Some just don’t want to...
Car buyers span 5 generations now and yet there are huge disparities in how much knowledge each generation has with regard to how financing a car actually works.
‘Dry’ vs ‘Wet’ appearance packages have been written about a lot lately but there is another compelling reason for going Dry and it’s one that you may not have thought of. Dry application is just that...no actual chemical is applied but the customer gets the benefit of the protections just as if you did apply chemical.
Headlines all over the country, when not talking about COVID or politics, are focused on the semiconductor chip shortage that is hobbling new car inventories. In some cases dealers have half the standing inventory they are used to having by this point in the year and is causing grave concern for an economy just now starting to show signs of life.
If your dealership offers any subprime lending programs, you already understand the challenges that come with these deals. Tighter restrictions on payment, income verification, and a sometimes hostile or uncomfortable exchange between F&I and the borrower.
It seems like everyday there is another article about the semiconductor chip shortage affecting the new car manufacturers. It’s so bad many of the OEM’s have cut back on production and some, like Subaru, have stopped the line altogether until the supply chain catches up. What does this mean for the used car market?
Whether your next buyer is financing or leasing, there are plenty of aftermarket F&I products to sell. Your menu is packed with things to sell but when it comes to appearance ancillaries, there is one that should be an easy sell to every customer. Windshield protection.
The Gen Z demographic is widely described as people born between 1995 – 2015. The top end of this group is just now becoming car buyers. They are shopping for a car for the first time and will have their first early experiences with the F&I department.
Selling a new car is more than just moving the unit and satisfying floor plan requirements. It’s also priming that new car sales to come back around as a high quality front-line ready trade when the loan is up (or before).
Perhaps there are certain selling situations where a full appearance package could be positioned in certain deals for certain customers.
For some, there is little real engagement depending on how busy the F&I department is. Let’s look at a few quick reminders of how F&I can leverage menus without losing its human connection during the sale.
We hear all the time about salespeople branding themselves to increase their numbers, referrals, and profits but should the F&I staff bother with it? Would it make a difference and if so, how?
Car washes have become a nice little added bonus for busy new car customers who want their ride to look great month after month.
When it comes to preloaded bundles or ancillaries, the objections can come hard & fast. After all, people don’t like to see things arbitrarily added to the sales price.
The one area that some dealerships still struggle with is the loan negotiation process with the customer. It can be a delicate balance between the sales manager’s needs to move the unit, the customer’s need for a reasonable payment, and the F&I manager’s need to make a living.
Bundling your appearance ancillaries with a ‘dry’ application process has been proven to be an easy way to help increase the profit margins within F&I.
The old saying ‘numbers don’t lie’ rings true here as we look at the savings for your dealership by bundling a lower margin, comprehensive interior/exterior appearance plan with a car wash add-on.
Car shoppers today have quite a selection of aftermarket products to choose from when they step into the F&I office. The digital menu is loaded with anywhere from 6-12 items on average and in the short amount of time you have to decide what you need and don’t need, it’s easy to overlook something that could be more valuable than you may think.
Simply put, wet is applying chemical and dry is forgoing any chemical and simply wrapping a warranty around what the factory already applies before the car gets to the lot. One is tangible and the other is not.
How can a dealer make leasing even MORE attractive with their local shoppers? A standard lease appearance protection package.
Auto dealership reviews influence a staggering 65% of consumers making it the 3rd most affected industry when it comes to the power of online reviews.
As dealers have to get more creative to find new sources of profit or increase existing profit centers due to the lasting effects of the disaster that was 2020, it’s becoming obvious that a certain amount of creativity is needed. New innovations and new partnerships.
Here are a few ways your dealership can actively engage the veteran F&I managers and help them break out of old habits…
Other than continuing to search and hope for the wholesale market to refill itself, are there any other things a dealer can do to prepare itself for disruption in the future?
Between bad credit, past job loss, or both, subprime borrowers are generally not buying a car unless they absolutely have to. Their last car may have been wrecked or simply doesn’t work anymore. There is always a story behind the decision to come into your dealership and it’s often not a happy one.
In today’s dealership environment, it’s becoming more important than ever to embrace the unique qualities that a female can bring to the F&I process.
Here are a few ways to help navigate that potentially uncomfortable intersection between the three and maintain a high profit per unit.
How should a dealership handle the price ‘issue’ at a time when car prices are rising and customers are already taking on monthly payments that push to industry highs?
What if there were a single-point platform where your customers could go to handle all of their F&I claims? Sounds crazy, right? Not really.
Many in the industry could be ignoring one of the bigger and soon-to-be influential groups of car buyers coming into the market now…Gen Z.
It’s becoming clear that buyers are still looking for the extra level of virus protection inside their cars and are willing to pay for it.
Offer a standard ‘lease protection package’ for EVERY lease customer. That’s right...every one. Sound crazy? Not so much.
There could be any number of problems that could be impacting your F&I department. Here are the most common problems with some insights into why it may be happening.
There could be any number of problems that could be impacting your F&I department. Here are the most common problems with some insights into why it may be happening.
There could be any number of problems that could be impacting your F&I department. Here are the most common problems with some insights into why it may be happening.
For an F&I department that has a huge menu of products to push in that teeny, tiny window of time the buyers are in their office, simplifying this process can be done in one easy way…
Antimicrobial treatments are still as important to your buyers now as it was in April.
When it comes to social media like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, there has been a dramatic increase in dealership presence across all platforms.
But is that the best way to help the dealership hit their overall goals?
With COVID-19 still here and affecting car buyers' attitudes towards antimicrobial treatments, the question many dealers are asking is whether or not to charge for this treatment or make it a complimentary offering while the pandemic continues?
If the products that your staff sells are not private-labeled (another fancy term of branding), your store could be missing out on opportunities to set yourself apart from other dealers in the area.
Your F&I staff can leverage this as an ‘all-in-one’ interior protection or ‘max protection’...something that sounds cool like that. Give the buyers a sense that your store is offering something no other stores in the local market offer...a protection package that looks out for your health while making sure the interior of your car stays in the best shape possible.
With distressed borrowers who are trying to buy a car while navigating economic worry about the months ahead, there is a real opportunity to help these folks with F&I products designed to keep them solvent in case of another crisis.
Finding the right new hire is always a challenge, especially in the F&I department at your dealership. Do you promote from within? Do you look outside the dealership? It’s a huge gamble either way.
As part of the dealership shift in how they do business, one step most have embraced is the application and offering of antimicrobial treatments on every car sold. It’s something most shoppers expect now and they should.
Yes it’s good to offer a wide array of products and protections but if customer feedback is suffering due to complaints about the time it is taking to complete the sale, it may be worth readjusting the packages.
What if we told you there is a better way to increase the penetration for appearance protections while exploding your ROI? If you have never thought of it before, maybe you should.
To come up with the best strategy for your store, let’s take a look at it through a different lens, one that challenges the old way of thinking.
Don’t take antimicrobial treatments off the table, at least for the foreseeable future.
If your dealership is thinking of offering a preloaded ancillary bundle to all of your units, consider WHAT you include.
How can you help your customers deal with this during an uncertain time when money is tight and every penny counts? Offer windshield coverage as a preload with every car.
As more dealerships move to preloaded appearance protections, the question on everyone’s mind is ‘do we go wet or dry?’ It’s a matter of profit and when looking to add as much profit as you can during these difficult times, the answer is sort of a no-brainer.
Most franchise dealerships live and die by their CSI scores. Independent surveys are sent via email or snail mail to rate the overall customer satisfaction of car buyers with the dealers they buy from. The impact of those scores has a ripple effect that can shake a store to its foundation if the scores are poor.
Marketing in the age of COVID-19 is quite a tricky proposition. Businesses have to be careful how they position any goods or services that have to do with the virus or how to protect us from it.
Have you ever thought how bundling ancillaries like appearance products can actually take a HUGE burden off the shoulders of all of your F&I managers?
One protection that your store may not think is a lock for the lease customer is alloy wheel protection.
So what is the difference between ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ appearance protection anyway? Many aftermarket F&I administrators offer these products and when the ‘wet vs. dry’ debate comes up, many in the industry may not fully understand what that means.
How can you sell MORE when you have little time to present and as a dealer STILL maintain a solid LIne 1 profit? Preloaded ancillaries.
Since offering any new aftermarket products usually requires training the F&I staff, the pandemic makes it tough to implement anything new. But not if your aftermarket provider can do ‘remote installations'.
The COST to replace that key could set you back hundreds of dollars. Keys aren’t the simple metal and plastic kind anymore either. Some are a switchblade design and others don’t even have a metal key at all. Push-to-start cars simply have a fob you put in your pocket or purse.
Antimicrobial treatments, either through a wet application or electrostatic treatment, are designed to make the surfaces within the car and duct system hostile to microbes being able to attach themselves and linger. Car buyers are beginning to understand through health organizations and other scientific channels that viruses like COVID-19 can stay active on many hard surfaces for hours and can be easily picked up by our hands.
Your customers are going to be looking for any deal they can get beyond just the price of the vehicle. For those buyers who are going to be particularly resistant to adding any F&I products, preloading one simple protection may be the answer.
We know that the lease customer is only driving the car or truck for a specific amount of time (on average 24-36 months) and that they know that part of their turn-in process is to pay for excess wear on the vehicle. Chipped windshield, scuffed alloys, and dents on the hood will all cost your customer at the end.
What if we told you there is a better way to increase the penetration for appearance protections while exploding your ROI? If you have never thought of it before, maybe you should…
Between the higher prices for new cars and the length of time people keep them, appearance protection’s time has come. Many large auto groups are offering appearance protection as a Line 1 add and branding it as such.
One of the ways a dealerships are getting more creative in squeezing extra profits out of each deal is preloading ancillary product packages to Line 1.
The auto industry has taken a catastrophic hit in lost sales since the crisis began and as states slowly start to open back up, dealers are having to figure out the best way to keep their customers safe while holding enough gross on units to get the doors back open.
There are different schools of thought about whether it’s wise to offer a preloaded package on the front end of a deal. Some say it’s too tough of a sell...others feel like it helps set their units apart from other dealerships who offer it in the F&I office exclusively.
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this day by and between SideCars, Inc dba TruWarranty (hereinafter “SIDECARS”) and DEALER with respect to the following.
WHEREAS, Provider and Dealer desire to enter into this SideCars, Inc. Dealer Agreement (“Agreement”) relating to the establishment and administration of the Providers motor club, vehicle service contract, and other products (collectively “Program”), pursuant to which Provider’s vehicle service contract and other products (“Contracts”) are to be sold by Dealer;
WHEREAS, Dealer and its agents agree to offer and sell to the owners of new and used vehicles Provider’s Contracts pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Dealer, pursuant to the terms set forth herein, agrees to remit to Provider a Contract Cost set forth in the then- current Dealer Remittance Schedule;
WHEREAS, Dealer agrees to perform the requirements set forth herein in furtherance of the Program and the requirements of the Contracts.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and other good and valuable consideration,thereceipt and sufficiencyof which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
Dealer is an independent contractor, and nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to (i) give either party the power to direct and control the day-to-day activities of the other, (ii) Constitute the parties as partners, joint
ventures, co-owners or otherwise, or(iii) allow Dealer to create or assume any obligation on behalf of Provider for any purpose whatsoever. Dealer is not an employee of Provider and is not entitled to any employee benefits. Dealer shall be responsible for paying all income taxes and other taxes charged to Dealer on amounts earned hereunder. All financial and other obligations associated with Dealer’s business are the sole responsibility of the Dealer
In consideration of the services rendered by Dealer, Provider agrees to pay Dealer a commission equal to the amount of the retail price of the Contract less the Contract Cost as set forth in the then- current Dealer Remittance Schedule. Dealer may retain its commissions from each sale before remitting the Contract Cost to Provider. Commission shall be payable only one time per Contract. Each party agrees to maintain accurate books and records documenting transactions under the Program, and to provide all assistance necessary to enable the other to prepare accurate accounting for such transactions.
The Provider shall indemnify and hold harmless the Dealer from and against any and all costs, expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), losses, claims, damages, injury and liabilities (“Losses”) incurred by the Dealer to the extent that such cost, expense, loss, claim, damage, injury or liability arises out of (i) any material breach by the Provider of its representations, warranties and covenants contained in this Agreement, or (ii) the willful misconduct or gross negligence of the Provider in the performance of its duties under this Agreement.
The Dealer shall indemnify and hold harmless the Provider from and against any and all Losses to the extent that such Losses arise out of (i) any material breach by the Dealer of its representations, warranties and covenants contained in this Agreement and(ii)the willful misconduct or gross negligence of the Dealer in the performance of its duties under this Agreement.
In case any action is brought against a party (the “Indemnifying Party”) for indemnification under this section and the Indemnifying Party notifies the other party (the “Indemnified Party”) of the commencement thereof, such Indemnifying Party will assume the defense thereof and will retain counsel mutually agreeable to such Indemnified Party, and except as provided below, such Indemnifying Party will not be liable to such Indemnified Party under this section for any legal or other expenses incurred by such Indemnified Party or (ii) for any legal or other expenses incurred by such indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof subsequent to such Indemnifying Party’s assumption of the defense. In any such proceeding the Indemnified Party shall have the right to retain its own counsel at its own expense. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indemnifying Party shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel retained by such Indemnified Party in the event (i) such Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party shall have mutually agreed to the retention of such counsel, (ii) such Indemnified Party has reasonably concluded (based on advice of counsel) that there may be legal defenses available to it or other indemnified parties that are different from or in addition to those available to such Indemnifying Party, or (iii) the named parties to any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both such Indemnifying Party and such Indemnified Party and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them. An Indemnified Party will not, without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment in any pending or threatened claim, action or proceeding for which indemnification may be sought here under unless such settlement, compromise or consent includes an unconditional release of the Indemnifying Party from all liability arising out of such claim, action or proceeding, and which settlement in each case must include reasonable confidentiality provisions and must not include any admission of liability adverse to such Indemnifying Party. The Indemnifying Party will not, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment in any pending or threatened claim, action or proceeding for which indemnification may be sought hereunder unless such settlement, compromise or consent includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability arising out of such claim, action or proceeding, and which settlement in each case must include reasonable confidentiality provisions and must not include any admission of liability adverse to such Indemnified Party.
The provisions of this section shall survive the termination of this Agreement forlatter of one (1) year afterthe Agreement Termination Date or one (1) year afterall Contracts have expired and all claims thereon have been adjudicated and paid
TEHRE: DEAL
Agrees to offer Contracts to its qualified new and used vehicle customers (“Purchasers”) on all eligible vehicles, including vehicles that are financed or leased, during the term of this Agreement. Dealer acknowledge that much of the information acquired during the term of this Agreement may consist of Confidential Information. “Confidential Information” shall mean (i) proprietary information of either Party;(ii) information marked or designated by either Party as confidential;
(iii) information which is known, or reasonably should be known, to a Party to be confidential information of the other Party; and (iv) information provided to a disclosing Party by a third party that the disclosing Party is obligated to keep confidential, and that is identified as such to the receiving Party. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, data, documentation, programs, processes, customer lists, marketing plans, and financial & technical information. Dealer further acknowledges they will not recreate or offer to sell a competitive program for a term of one (1) year after termination of this Agreement as set forth in Section V.
Agrees to follow the sales, pricing, and claims guidelines established by the Provider, as updated from time to time, and using forms and/or electronic portal supplied by the Provider. Such guidelines will determine which vehicles are eligible for purchase of Provider’s Contract(s), and the pricing structure that applies to each vehicle, tire, or wheel class or type. Any violation of such guidelines will result in the Dealer being denied commission or other payment for Contracts sold in violation of Provider guidelines, and Dealer being liable for costs and expenses incurred by Provider as a result of Dealer’s violation.
Agrees that eligible tires, wheels, and vehicles include only those tires, wheels, and vehicles that qualify under the Provider’s guidelines. Any misrepresentation or concealment of a material fact by the Dealer for the purpose of selling a Contract for an otherwise ineligible tire, wheel, or vehicle, or for the purpose of remitting less than the appropriate Contract price to the Provider, shall eliminate Provider’s responsibility regarding payment of commission or other remuneration to Dealer for that Contract, and Dealer shall be liable for costs and expenses incurred by Provider as a result of Dealer’s misrepresentation or concealment. Agrees that all used vehicles sold with a Contract have been inspected and reconditioned before delivery.
Agrees to clearly inform Purchasers, at the time of sale of a Contract, that Provider is solely responsible for claims handling and claims payment under the Contract, and to repeat this information to any Purchasers seeking to make a claim under a Contract. Dealer further agrees to direct all Purchasers seeking to make a claim under a Contract to contact Provider immediately, and before service is rendered or repairs or replacement of tires or wheels is initiated.
Agrees to inform Provider promptly of any request by Purchaser to cancel a Contract, to promptly inform the Purchaser that Provider is solely responsible for Contract cancellations, and to then direct Purchasers to contact Provider regarding all cancellation requests.
Agrees to refund to any Purchaser who has financed the purchase price of any Contract, the Dealer’s retained portion of the charge financed, on a prorata basis, in the event of a cancellation of a Contract. In the event the vehicle which is the subject of the Contract is financed, refund will be made to the lien holder of the vehicle. In the event the Contract was not financed, the Dealer further agrees to return to the Purchaser his or her retained portion of the total charge for the Contract in the amount calculated by the Provider pursuant to the terms of the Contract.
Agrees to conduct its activities under this Agreement in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Dealer also agrees to maintain a valid business license, and any other licenses required under state law for the sale of the Contract, and to immediately inform Provider in writing of any change in Dealer’s licensing status. Dealer also agrees to cease offering or selling the Contract immediately upon the lapse, suspension, or termination of such required licensing.
Acknowledges that the offer and sale of the Contract must be incidental to the purchase transaction for a qualifying new or used vehicle, which includes the lease or financing of such new or used vehicle through the Dealer or other entity.
Agrees not to act as a front for the direct or indirect sale of the Contract by any third-party, by allowing such third- party to use Dealer’s name or business to evade or circumvent the requirement that only a qualified Dealer, party to a Dealer Agreement, may offer for sale or sell the Contract to a Purchaser. Dealer further agrees not to act as a front for the direct or indirect sale of the Contract to Purchasers by the Provider.
Acknowledges that Provider assumes no obligation for the workmanship, quality of repairs or replacement of parts; nor for any bodily injury or property damage caused directly or indirectly by mechanical failure or malfunction, or any other cause, of a vehicle or any part thereof.
Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. The Dealer acknowledge that the Contracts are insured by a Service Contract Contractual Liability Insurance Policy (“CLIP”). The CLIP is the business of insurance and is subject to 18 USCS 1033, the federal Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994(the “Act”). In accordance with the Act, the Dealer agrees not to assign any individual to perform services under this Agreement who has ever been convicted of a felony involving dishonesty or a breach of trust. Dealer also agrees to take reasonable steps to determine if any of its employees, contractors or subcontractors has ever been convicted of any criminal felony involving dishonesty or breach of trust or a violation of the Act. Further, Dealer agrees that it will not knowingly or willfully permit any person, contractor, or subcontractor, if so convicted, to provide any services under this Agreement. Dealer also agrees to promptly notify the Sidecars, inwriting, of any employee, contractor, or subcontractor of Dealer who, after the effective date of this Agreement, is convicted of a criminal felony involving dishonesty or breach of trust or violation of the Act.
Maintenance, Access and Retention of Records. Dealer shall maintain at its principal office accurate and complete books and records of all transactions performed by Dealer in connection with this Agreement, which books and records shall be maintained in accordance with commercial standards of record keeping and in accordance with all applicable laws. Dealer shall permit the Provider and any applicable governmental authority having jurisdiction over the Providers access to the books and records maintained by Dealer which directly relate to any transactions performed pursuant to this Agreement during the Term and, following any termination of this Agreement, until the later of (a) three
(3) years or (b) three (3) years after all of Provider’s contractual obligations under the Contracts have expired.
Dealer shall retain the books and records required by this Agreement for a period of not less than the shorter duration of three (3) years following any termination of the Agreement or three (3) years after all of Provider’s contractual obligations to Contract Holders with respect to this Agreement expire.
Office of Foreign Asset Control Compliance. The Dealer agrees that in performing its duties and services under Agreement, that Dealer may be required to comply with the economic sanctions and trade embargoes administered and enforced by the
U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”). The Dealer agrees that in performing its duties and the services under this Agreement, that Dealer shall not knowingly engage in transactions that, unless specifically licensed by OFAC, involve (a) individuals or entities appearing on the “Specially Designated National and Blocked Persons (“SDN”) list, or (b) the Sanctioned Countries List. Dealer represents and warrants that as of the Effective Date of this Agreement it has a process in place for ensuring OFAC compliance, which it believes it meets the requirements of applicable law. Dealer agrees to maintain an OFAC compliance process while this Agreement remains in effect.
Agrees to install, maintain, and administer the SideCars, Inc. program(s) as identified in the in the Dealer’s Remittance Schedule, including all business development, claims handling, and Program administration requirements.
Agrees to supply to the Dealer Contract application and agreement forms, whether electronic or paper, transmittal
forms, Program guidelines, remittance rate charts, as well as any advertising materials or other such forms as the Provider may hereafter supply for use in the Program, in the quantities needed from time to time by the Dealer and all as may be amended by Provider from time to time.
Agrees to provide Dealer with instruction on sales and claims procedures regarding the Program, sufficient to allow Dealer to offer and sell the Contract to any and all of its Purchasers and to direct Purchasers to Provider for claims, cancellation, or other Program information or action.
Agrees to maintain a CLIP insuring Provider’s liability under the Contracts in accordance with applicable state laws, applicable rules of automobile finance companies, and applicable rules of payment plan providers that provide financing for the Contracts.
Retains responsibility for investigation, handling, and payment of all valid claims, in accordance with Contract provisions, for all Contracts sold by Dealer under this Program and in compliance with this Agreement.
Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. The Provider acknowledge that the Contracts are insured by a Service Contract Contractual Liability Insurance Policy(“CLIP”).The CLIP is the business of insurance and is subject to 18 USCS 1033, the federal Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (the “Act”). In accordance with the Act, the Provider agrees not to assign any individual to perform services under this Agreement who has ever been convicted of a felony involving dishonesty or a breach of trust. Provider also agrees to take reasonable steps to determine if any of its employees, contractors or subcontractors has ever been convicted of any criminal felony involving dishonesty or breach of trust or a violation of the Act. Further, Provider agrees that it will not knowingly or willfully permit any person, contractor, or subcontractor, if so convicted, to provide any services under this Agreement. Provider also agrees to promptly notify the Dealer, in writing, of any employee, contractor, or subcontractor of Provider who, after the effective date of this Agreement, is convicted of a criminal felony involving dishonesty or breach of trust or violation of the Act.
Maintenance, Access and Retention of Records. Provider shall maintain at its principal office accurate and complete books and records of all transactions performed by Provider in connection with this Agreement, which books and records shall be maintained in accordance with commercial standards of record keeping and in accordance with all applicable laws. Provider shall permit the Dealer and any applicable governmental authority having jurisdiction over the Dealer’s access to the books and records maintained by Provider which directly relate to any transactions performed pursuant to this Agreement during the Term and, following any termination of this Agreement, until the later of (a) three (3) years or (b) three (3) years after all of Dealer’s contractual obligations under the Contracts have expired. Provider shall retain the books and records required by this Agreement for a period of not less than the shorter duration of three (3) years following any termination of the Agreement or three (3) years after all of Dealer’s contractual obligations to Contract Holders with respect to this Agreement expire.
Office of Foreign Asset Control Compliance. The Provider agrees that in performing its duties and services under Agreement, that Provider may be required to comply with the economic sanctions and trade embargoes administered and enforced by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”). The Provider agrees that in performing its duties and the services under this
Agreement, that Provider shall not knowingly engage in transactions that, unless specifically licensed by OFAC, involve (a) individuals or entities appearing on the “Specially Designated National and Blocked Persons (“SDN”) list, or
(b) the Sanctioned Countries List. Provider represents and warrants that as of the Effective Date of this Agreement it has a process in place for ensuring OFAC compliance, which it believes it meets the requirements of applicable law. Provider agrees to maintain an OFAC compliance process while this Agreement remains in effect.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction – This Agreement shall in all respects deemed to be made, interpreted, enforced and governed by the laws of the State of Missouri, without reference to its conflict of laws. In the event of any dispute concerning this Agreement, Dealer hereby consents and submits to personal jurisdiction of any state or federal court having its situs in Jasper County, MO.
All written notices required under this Agreement shall be deemed to be sufficiently given and effective if a copy thereof has been mailed by United States certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, in an envelope properly stamped and addressed, or delivered by facsimile to the appropriate address or number indicated herein.
Notice to the parties, directed to the attention of the signing representative, shall be sent to the following addresses or such other addresses either party may theretofore have furnished by written notice to the other party:
If to Provider:
SideCars, Inc.
532 S. Main Street Joplin, MO 64801 Attention:
Copy to: Facsimile
If to Dealer:
Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties here to, and the irrespective successors, heirs and assigns. Neither party may assign any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without prior written consent of the other.
Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
Entire Agreement. This Agreement is the entire agreement between the parties, and supersedes any and all previous agreements, negotiations or understandings, written or oral, between the parties.
Provider and its affiliates shall have the right of offset for the full amount of any funds due to or from Dealer covered under the terms of this Agreement or any agreement with Dealer, the Dealer’s reinsurance company, if any, or Dealer’s affiliates including the Dealer’s failure to pay any lender or Contract holder for a Contract cancellation.
Integrity. Provider has agreed that no spiff or kickback payments to anyone inside or outside of Dealer will take place based on our sales or our relationships. If any financial benefits are to be rewarded over and above this agreement, they would apply to the Dealer’s entity.
Modification. This Agreement may NOT be modified, amended or supplemented unless mutually agreed upon in writing and executed by the Provider and Dealer.
No Waiver. No term or provision of this Agreement shall be deemed waived, and no breach or default by shall be deemed excused, unless such waiver, consent or excuse is inwriting, and signed by parties hereto. A waiver by a party hereto of any breach or default by the other party to this agreement shall not constitute a continuing waiver or a waiver of any subsequent breach or default hereunder by the other party.
Headings. The headings and captions herein are inserted for convenience of reference only, and shall not serve to limit, expand or interpret the paragraphs to which they apply, and shall not be deemed part of this Agreement.
Severability. In case any one or more of the provisions in this Agreement should be declared by a court, arbitrators or government agency or department to be invalid, illegal, or contained herein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
Effective Date. This Agreement is effective as of the day set forth above, provided that this agreement has been duly executed by the parties hereto.
ARBITRATION
If any dispute shall arise between Provider and Dealer with reference to the interpretation of this Agreement or their rights with respect to any transaction involved, the dispute shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. The dispute shall be referred to three (3) arbitrators knowledgeable with respect to the service contract industry. One arbitrator shall be chosen by each party and the two chosen shall
promptly select a third arbitrator. If either party refuses or neglects to appoint an arbitrator within thirty (30) days after the receipt of written notice from the other party requesting arbitration and naming its arbitrators, the requesting party may name an arbitrator for the other party. Each party shall submit its case to the three (3) arbitrators within thirty (30) days of the appointment of the third arbitrator unless such time is extended by the arbitrators or a majority of them or by agreement between the parties. The decision of a majority of the arbitrators shall be final and binding on both Provider and Dealer. Provider and Dealer shall each bear the expense of its own arbitrator, or one-half of the expense of two (2) arbitrators if both are appointed by the requesting party as provided above, and shall jointly bear and equally bear with the other the expense of the third arbitrator and of the arbitration. Any such arbitration shall take place in Jasper County, MO.
Duration-The term of this agreement is for 1year and will renew automatically for successive 1-year periods unless either party provides 90 days written notice of intention not to renew.
This Agreement may be terminated at any time by either party upon giving thirty (30) days written notice to the other party. Either party may terminate this Agreement immediately upon written notice should the other party become subject to insolvency proceedings, conservator ship, or other liquidation proceedings of any court or governmental authority to which it is subject. In the event that the Provider becomes subject to insolvency, conservatorship, or other similar proceedings, Dealer agrees to remit any appropriate monies for Contracts that have not yet been remitted to the Provider pursuant to paragraph 5. of this Agreement directly to the applicable insurance company that issued the Service Contract Liability Insurance Policy for the Provider’s liability under the Contracts.
This Agreement may be terminated immediately by either party for cause. Cause is defined as a material breach of this Agreement. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event that Provider is unable to provide an insured Program as provided for herein:
Upon termination, all obligations hereunder by either party shall cease, provided however, that the Dealer and the Provider shall remain responsible in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement for all Contracts issued and paid prior to date of termination.
This Agreement may be terminated automatically without notice should Dealer fail to timely submit Contracts to provider for fifteen (15) consecutive business days.
All supplies furnished by the Provider shall be returned to the Provider on termination of this Agreement. (Signatures to follow on next page)
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Dealer Agreement on the date above first written