This is How We Do Business

When it comes to starting a new relationship with an F&I service provider and administrator, the last thing dealers are likely to think about is how it might end. But there are important things to know about the final farewell before saying “I do” to a new financial partner.

The shocking reality of how dealers can be mistreated by a “trusted” partner recently came to light through this actual message we received from a dealer who was in the process of retiring. 

Here are the facts:  

  • Manufacturer finance groups are gouging their dealers at termination, even lifelong partners who are expected to retire with maximum return on their years of investment and hard work.
  • As shown in this example alone, one premium OEM service provider dealt an incredible blow to this dealer with a stunning 12% cession fee and 2.5% premium tax rate.  
  • Add to that a potential collateral increase as well as loss adjustment expense (LAE) and the aggregate loss is staggering. 
  • This specific dealer is facing a loss of $120,000 per $1 million as a result of the terms imposed here.

DOWC offers an alternative: a better, fairer, and much more lucrative alternative every dealer should be made aware of. At the outset, we set dealers up correctly with a transparent fee structure that ends as it begins.  

 

OEM F&I Services: 

  • Variable cession fee (in this example, an astronomical 12%) on runoff premium
  • Zero, or limited, access to unearned premium through the life of relationship 
  • Standard 2.5% premium tax  

DOWC: 

  • 0% cession fee on runoff premium
  • Expanded access to wealth through various participation structures 
  • State-specific premium tax

To maximize success, we leverage each dealer’s state-specific tax rate instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach, often resulting in less tax and fewer fees. 

Throughout the life of the partnership, DOWC’s terms remain transparent: 

  • Your admin fees do not change 
  • Your insurance fees do not change 
  • You are charged no loss adjustment expense (LAE) per claim or at termination 
  • The increase to the amount of collateral is kept to 125% at termination (vs. upwards of 150% others may require 
  • You are charged no cession fees  

Our goal is provide expanded and ongoing access to wealth rather than limit it, and certainly not to chip away at it further upon termination.

Even when the relationship reaches its conclusion, for whatever reason, we charge no additional fees and walk away as friends.  

Dealers must protect themselves from being victimized by their OEM finance group. The DOWC model is low-commitment and low-obligation. Our agreement allows for a 30-day notice to cancel – resulting in zero consequences and zero ceding fees. Given the financial impacts illustrated above, these are critical points to consider in choosing the right F&I partner.  

Contact us today to learn more about how DOWC does it differently. 

PaymentShield™: Financial Protection When Customers Need It Most

Job loss can happen without warning and often result in immediate impacts on customers’ personal or household finances. Car loan or lease payments could quickly become a source of financial strain without regular income. But losing access to one’s vehicle would present an entirely new set of unwelcome challenges.

Helping your customers protect their investment and ability to keep their vehicle when difficult circumstances arise is crucial. That’s where DOWC’s PaymentShield program comes in.

In the unfortunate event that a customer loses their job due to covered circumstances, including pandemics, PaymentShield provides reimbursement of loan or lease payments for up to six months.*

PaymentShield is available for new vehicles that are leased or purchased, as well as for loans on used cars.

HOW IT WORKS

PaymentShield is a benefit provided by the selling dealer.  

When a vehicle is purchased or leased, the customer is automatically made eligible for a predetermined maximum total PaymentShield benefit set by the selling dealer. 

For example, a maximum total benefit of $5,000 would allow: 

For a base vehicle payment set at $799/month, a monthly reimbursement for the entire payment could be issued for up to 6 months ($799 x 6 = $4,794). 

For a payment amount of $899/month, a monthly reimbursement for the entire payment could be issued for up to 5 months, with $505 applied toward a 6th month’s payment ($899 x 5 = $4,495 + $505 = $5,000). 

For a payment amount of $999/month, reimbursement could be issued for the entire payment for up to 5 months ($999 x 5 = $4,995). 

Note that the customer must be current on payments and provide proof of payment(s) made to be eligible for reimbursement. Some additional restrictions will apply, and proof of employment at the time of the vehicle lease/purchase, as well as proof of job loss, are required.

The key to resilience is the ability to overcome adversity. Working with your valued customers to put protection in place today is a smart way to help them safeguard against unexpected challenges that may arise tomorrow.

PaymentShield offers financial relief … and cash in hand … when it is needed most.

 

* Reimbursement is subject to maximum benefit and other terms and conditions of the contract. Reimbursement amount does not include finance charges, late charges, delinquent payments, deferred payments, uncollected service charges, refundable prepaid taxes and fees, and/or penalty fees owed by the customer on the date of employment loss.

Wealth Is Not About Having Money, It’s About Having Options

 

DOWC specializes in programs and structures that are focused on making cash accessible to dealers: not in a few years, but when they actually need it – NOW.

With impacts like the pandemic shutdown and chip shortages, would access to cash make a significant difference to your business?

The key to resilience is the ability to overcome adversity. Access to cash – your cash – gives you the flexibility to invest and deploy your resources as you see fit: to retain talent, to expand, to drive more return.

DOWC takes your wealth seriously. Let’s talk about your business and keeping it healthy with cash flow and careful compliance.

Learn more and reach out for your personalized consultation today.

DOWC Benefits Our Dealers by Providing Excellent Digital Resources

DOWC’s reliable tech and tools provide customers the information they seek and dealers the resources to sell with ease.
The result? F&I wins, increased profit, satisfied consumers.

Marketing Support
  • Sharply designed digital marketing materials & video content that can be passed seamlessly through to preferred menu systems and e-commerce platforms.
  • The DOWC online supply store, a self-service resource that provides easy access to product collateral and supply reorders.
Dealer Resources
  • Smart, transparent, always-on reporting.
  • Convenient web portal for up-to-the-minute news, updates, and instant access to contracts and agreements.
Engagement Tools
  • Our custom-built technology tools to better manage customer interactions, provide support, and maintain relationships.
  • Producer Information Portal designed for intuitive management of deals in progress as well as creating new deals.