Trade Protection Plan Receives Formal Approval in the State of California

IRVING, Texas--May 8, 2006--EFG Agency Services, a leading provider of innovative Finance & Insurance products and services to retail dealerships through general and independent agents, has received approval for the distribution of the Trade Protection Plan(TM) (TPP) by MAP(1) in the State of California. The Trade Protection Plan is a service contract that is bundled with additional options designed to appeal to consumers who want more coverage than typically offered by standard Vehicle Service Contracts (VSC).

TPP provides mechanical coverage along with other features that have proven popular with consumers, including upgraded rental coverage, trip interruption coverage, roadside assistance, tire road hazard coverage, windshield coverage and paintless dent repair coverage. In addition, when consumers trade in their car at the selling dealer, they are eligible for a credit up to the full purchase price of the contract to apply toward a new car lease or purchase, even if claims have been paid.

"We are pleased that the State of California Department of Insurance has approved the Trade Protection Plan for the California market," states Mike Long, Vice President of Agency Services. "We believe the TPP program will be a win-win for both dealers and consumers in the California marketplace. Dealerships utilizing the Trade Protection Plan in partnership with their standard new vehicle service contract can effectively double their VSC penetration."

According to industry data, approximately 70% of consumers decline standard VSCs during the vehicle purchase process. Trade Protection Plan is unique in that it was designed to appeal directly to customers who typically decline standard new car vehicle service contracts. The TPP program also ensures that trade-in cars will be in better condition when the customer returns to the participating dealership thereby reducing reconditioning costs.

The Trade Protection Plan by MAP is available to retail dealers throughout the United States through authorized general agents.

(1) Motorist Assistance Plan (MAP) is the trade name of the Vehicle Service Contract from EFG Companies.

About EFG Agency Services

Trade Protection Plan(TM) by MAP is an offering of EFG Agency Services, a division of EFG Companies, a leading provider of Finance & Insurance products, services and technologies for the automotive industry. EFG Agency Services develops and distributes innovative profit solutions to retail dealerships through general and independent agents. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, and licensed in 44 states, EFG Companies' pioneering offerings are available through five divisions: EFG Dealer Services, EFG Agency Services, EFG Technologies, EFG Training Services, and WALKAWAY USA. While EFG is privately held, it operates under the same internal control and reporting standards as a public company. These standards are supported through annual independent audits by KPMG LLP, annual independent actuarial reviews of reserves, and regular statutory examination by various state insurance departments. Website: www.efgcompanies.com.