Atlanta, Ga. — Safe-Guard Products International LLC is now offering tire and wheel road hazard protection in California. Safe-Guard Products was among a group of companies that successfully lobbied for California Assembly Bill 1008 to allow the sales of tire and wheel contracts in California.

The bill added provisions to the Insurance Code statutes regarding the definition of vehicle service contracts. Now, tire and wheel, dent and ding, and windshield products fall under the definition of vehicle service contracts. The state had previously concluded these products were insurance, and sales of tire and wheel contracts were discontinued in California.

Although Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the bill on Oct. 8, providers had to wait until Jan. 1 to sell the products. In addition, providers must have a vehicle service contract license, and have contracts filed with and approved by the California Department of Insurance.

Safe-Guard recently released Form SGTW-CA for its tire and wheel product, which is approved by the California Department of Insurance. In addition, Safe-Guard is approved as a California vehicle service contract provider, license number 0F57888.

Safe-Guard’s Tire & Wheel Protection products are the most comprehensive programs offered in the industry. Coverage includes all costs associated with the repair or replacement of all tires and/or wheels plus labor charges and taxes. In addition, replacement tires are covered for the entire duration of the policy with no maximum number of occurrences and no deductibles.

“Tire and wheel protection is the fastest-growing core F&I product in the nation,” said Douglas Duncan, president and CEO of Safe-Guard Products. “Dealers are excited to offer Safe-Guard’s products because of the exceptional benefits and service we offer.”

Safe-Guard’s Tire & Wheel Protection is fully insured by an A- (Excellent) rated carrier.