Universal Underwriters Group, a provider of automobile dealership insurance, has announced its 2001 F&I training programs.

Each of Universal Underwriters' 27 regional offices will conduct a minimum of four F&I seminars throughout 2001, according to Mike McHugh, senior vice president. In addition, Universal Underwriters' field force of more than 250 specialists will provide in-store training.

Leading each seminar is an F&I regional administrator with F&I experience in the auto dealership market. Account executives from each regional office will participate in the seminars that cover a variety of topics, including selling the benefits of credit life and disability insurance, vehicle service contracts, and GAP (where available).

Along with product training, each seminar will cover income development training on topics including but not limited to basic selling skills; cash, credit union, and bank conversions; maximizing leasing and retail income opportunities; menu selling; proper disclosures; professionalism in the workplace; and Internet clients.

"For more than 78 years, we've focused on serving auto dealers' needs with superior knowledge of the auto dealership business," McHugh said. "Our in-depth and professional F&I training is an extension of our F&I products we provide to the marketplace."

Universal Underwriters Acceptance Corporation, which provides nonprime financing services, will provide in-store and regional training services throughout 2001 in addition to the quarterly National Training School at their home office in Overland Park, Kan. At the National Training School, UUAC brings together 40 to 50 dealers from across the country for three days of intense training. "Today's subprime market presents us with a set of unique challenges," said Rich Whitney, assistant vice president of UUAC. "Proper training and preparation is vital to the success of a dealer's sub-prime venture."

About Universal Underwriters

Universal Underwriters has been providing products and services to the automotive industry for more than 78 years. Established in 1922, Universal Underwriters was formed by a group of four Chicago Ford dealers who needed a reliable, cost-effective way to insure their rapidly-growing businesses.

Universal Underwriters Group specializes in insurance, vehicle service contracts, nonprime financing, and business enhancement products and services for the franchised automobile dealer.