Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Orders Companies to Cease and Desist the Unauthorized Sale of Motor Vehicle Service Agreements
Jan 21, 2011
This news release was issued by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation on January 21, 2011:
Office Orders Companies to Cease and Desist the Unauthorized Sale of Motor Vehicle Service Agreements
Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty issued an Order requiring several companies to Cease and Desist the unauthorized marketing and sale of service warranty insurance products. These companies include Warranty Administration Services Inc (WARRANTY), SafeData Management Services Inc (SAFEDATA), Consumer Direct Warranty Services (CONSUMER DIRECT) and General Warranty Services (GENERAL).
“The Office will not tolerate schemes that take advantage of consumers who purchase products in hopes of protecting their investments,” said Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty.
The Office conducted an investigation and determined that GENERAL marketed motor vehicle service warranty products through telemarketing and an interactive website for WARRANTY’S motor vehicle service contracts, without a license. WARRANTY and SAFEDATA conducted business under the name CONSUMER DIRECT. Collectively, the companies sold more than $6 million in contract sales to nearly 3,000 Floridians. Additionally, CONSUMER DIRECT included a “Vehicle Protection Kit” with the sale of warranty products; they claimed the “scientifically formulated” product additive increased the performance and longevity of vehicles.
The investigation findings also allege that marketing agents include, but are not limited to: First National Warranty LLC, Southern Warranty Trust, Endurance Warrant Services LLC and GENERAL. These companies are not authorized to sell insurance products in Florida.
The companies have 21 days to respond to the Order.