On-Demand Access to Highly Trained F&I Specialists Boosts Dealership Efficiency and Profitability
ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ), a premier global protection company that safeguards and services connected devices, homes, and automobiles in partnership with the world’s leading brands, today announced the launch of F&I On Demand™, a virtual staffing solution designed to help auto dealerships address personnel shortages in finance and insurance (F&I) departments.
As dealerships manage hiring, training, and staffing challenges, F&I On Demand is a patent-pending process utilizing a proprietary scheduling tool that connects dealer teams with Assurant’s highly trained, virtual F&I specialists. Those F&I professionals guide customers through the final stages of the sales process, including facilitating financing, presenting protection products and coverage offers, titling, registration, and purchase paperwork. Unlike basic video-call solutions that only present various products, Assurant’s F&I On Demand is the industry’s only fully integrated, end-to-end solution that operates like an in-house F&I department.
“As the automotive industry continues to grapple with significant technological and operational changes, we saw a clear opportunity to provide a streamlined, end-to-end digital experience that addresses both the evolving needs of dealerships and the demands of consumers,” said Gary Bosses, Senior Vice President, Assurant Dealer Services. “In addition to staffing flexibility for dealers, we also see opportunities for them to drive revenue and customer satisfaction scores through the personalized experience provided by our virtual F&I specialists.”
The virtual F&I specialist is an Assurant employee who is available on-demand for dealerships. With a strategic focus on providing a completely transparent and efficient process, the specialists present each customer with a clear menu of potential products and options. A standout feature of F&I On Demand is Assurant’s Warranty Insights, a dynamic visual analysis and product awareness tool that helps consumers clearly understand manufacturer warranty limits and identify potential coverage gaps. By leveraging Assurant’s extensive claims history, the tool quantifies the real-world benefits and potential savings across mechanical, cosmetic, tire, and technology-related component failures.
“Assurant’s F&I On Demand remote finance manager services have streamlined our deal flow and delivered consistent, professional customer experiences,” said John Smith, Jr., Dealer Principal and President, Smith Auto Group. “It has proven to be an invaluable extension of our team.”
Assurant developed the F&I on Demand product in collaboration with their innovation and auto teams to address the major pain points that dealerships face with managing the high costs and bandwidth requirements of their F&I departments.
“As an integrated dealer development partner, F&I on Demand is another way we can deliver innovative solutions that drive more attachment profit while improving customer satisfaction,” added Bosses. “By combining leading digital capabilities and access to our bench of professionals possessing deep auto experience, this virtual solution directly addresses one of the industry’s biggest pain points while responding to the evolving needs and expectations of today’s buyers.”
Learn more about Assurant’s 30-year relationship with Smith Auto Group: Assurant Dealer Success Stories | Smith Automotive.
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About Assurant Global Automotive
Assurant Global Automotive is a leading global solutions provider in the automobile and commercial equipment industries. Automotive industry partners span manufacturers, large group and independent dealers, agents, third-party administrators, financial institutions, insurance providers, and vehicle technology companies. With over 60 years of automotive industry experience, Assurant protects 57 million motor vehicles, including heavy trucks and heavy equipment. In 19 countries Assurant provides innovative automotive solutions like vehicle service contracts, guaranteed asset protection, and ancillary products, while providing dealer performance management and training, participation options, and more. Assurant Global Automotive is also a market leader in protection products for the commercial equipment industry, with more than 35 years of equipment protection expertise. Assurant provides a full suite of protection products and services for equipment dealers and financial institutions supporting commercial equipment. These include extended service protection plans, physical damage protection, guaranteed asset protection, automatic insurance, portfolio protection, insurance tracking services and more.
About Assurant
Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ) is a premier global protection company that partners with the world’s leading brands to safeguard and service connected devices, homes, and automobiles. As a Fortune 500 company operating in 21 countries, Assurant leverages data-driven technology solutions to provide exceptional customer experiences. Learn more at assurant.com.
Contacts
Media Contact:
David Biss
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