DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. -- To be proactive in F&I compliance, Maryland and Washington, D.C.-area dealer associations are working together to pioneer a new certification program.

Maryland Auto Dealers Association (MADA) and Washington Area New Auto Dealers Association (WANADA) have endorsed an F&I certification program, developed by JM&A Group, that gives F&I managers an understanding of the F&I laws and helps improve selling skills to enhance the vehicle-buying experience.

It also provides a critical source of ongoing education and training. MADA and WANADA are among the first regional auto dealer associations to provide a proactive means of facilitating awareness of legislation affecting the F&I process at auto dealerships.

"This new certification process underscores the importance of assuring that customers who are buying a car or truck in our region will experience an F&I process that is valuable to them and complies with all laws," said WANADA President Gerard Murphy.

According to MADA President Peter Kitzmiller, “We are proud that Maryland dealers will be among the first to have access to a process that is thorough, comprehensive and long-term; our dealers are eager to offer the best possible customer experience in finance and insurance.”

JM&A Group’s new program addresses the federal laws that govern disclosures for F&I managers, explores state-specific regulations that impact dealerships, and provides ongoing training and education for participants to maintain their certification on an annual basis.