EFG Agency Services Introduces Trade Protection Plan to Appeal to 70% of Customers Who Don't Purchase Vehicle Service Contracts; Innovative Plan Also Drives Repeat Business

IRVING, Texas--Jan. 2, 20059, 2005--EFG Agency Services, a leading provider of innovative Finance & Insurance products and services to retail dealerships through general and independent agents, today introduced the Trade Protection Plan(TM) by MAP(a), a new Vehicle Service Contract (VSC) designed to compliment consumers' lease and purchase behavior, thereby opening the door to significantly increase dealership VSC penetration. The program is also designed to drive repeat and referral business, a powerful new concept for VSC offerings.

EFG's Trade Protection Plan is designed to protect consumers during the coverage gap that often occurs between when the manufacturer's warranty expires and when the consumer is ready to trade his or her vehicle. Trade Protection Plan by MAP provides mechanical coverage along with other features that have proven popular with consumers, including rental coverage, trip interruption coverage, roadside assistance, road hazard coverage, windshield coverage and door ding coverage. To further strengthen the appeal, consumers will receive a 100% refund of the cost of their original service contract credited toward the purchase or lease of another car from the selling dealer, provided they take action prior to the contract's expiration date.

"Trade Protection Plan by MAP creates a win-win situation for both dealers and consumers," said Cliff Eller, Director of Agency Services for EFG. "Consumers get a coverage plan that fits their needs, and for dealers the contract helps ensure that consumers will trade in their cars in better condition, reducing reconditioning costs. More importantly, by adding in the 100% refund feature, the seed is firmly planted for the next car sale or lease with the selling dealer."

According to industry data, it is three to five times more costly for a dealer to attract a customer than to retain one. "Trade Protection Plan by MAP is the only product in today's marketplace designed specifically to retain customers while increasing VSC penetration," said Eller.

Trade Protection Plan(TM) by MAP will debut at the 88th annual National Automobile Dealers Association Convention and Exposition in New Orleans, LA. on January 29, 2005 at booth #3712.

(a) Motorist Assistance Plan (MAP) is the registered trade name of the Vehicle Service Contract from EFG Companies, offering standard coverage plans ranging from Power Train to Exclusionary Coverage in addition to the Trade Protection Plan.

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.