Category Archives: Automotive

AI-SWLM Think Tank Launches Showcase Series on AI in the Service & Warranty Lifecycle 

From AI potential to real-world execution across claims, quality, and lifecycle intelligence 

AI in the service and warranty lifecycle is no longer a future conversation—it is an execution conversation. 

Across OEMs and suppliers, the focus has shifted to what is working now: reducing warranty cost leakage, improving claims accuracy, detecting issues earlier, and connecting fragmented data into actionable intelligence. 

Through the AI-SWLM Think Tank, OEMs, technology providers, and AI leaders are collaborating on real use cases and live deployments that demonstrate measurable operational impact. 

The AI-SWLM Think Tank Sponsored Showcase Series highlights four case studies focused on practical AI execution across the lifecycle. 

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UPDATED: Vehicle Value Protection Agreements (VVPAs) Gain Explicit Authorization Across Multiple States

As an update to the previous article below, Kentucky has now passed a New Vehicle Financial Protection Product Law that includes Vehicle Financial Protection Products and Vehicle Value Protection Agreements.

Read a great new article on the New Kentucky Law from Troutman Pepper Locke: https://www.consumerfinancialserviceslawmonitor.com/2026/04/kentucky-passed-a-new-vehicle-financial-protection-product-law/

Meramec Secure® has experience in supporting VVPA and other financial products for its clients, bringing together regulatory expertise, underwriting solutions, actuarial support, claims administration, and technology solutions.

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The landscape for Vehicle Value Protection Agreements (VVPAs) in the United States is rapidly maturing, with a growing number of states enacting statutes that explicitly authorize the sale of these innovative financial protection products.

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MAPconnected Launches 2026 Warranty Study: “Warranty Through the Eyes of Your Dealers”

How do your warranty processes actually perform at the dealership level?

April 2026 — MAPconnected announced the launch of its 2026 Warranty Study: Warranty Through the Eyes of Your Dealers, delivering an objective, dealer-perspective view of how warranty processes perform in real-world operations.

Developed through MAPconnected’s Member Insights program, the study combines structured surveys, peer benchmarks, and practitioner input from OEMs, suppliers, and dealers. The result is a data-driven, cross-industry analysis that reveals what’s working, where friction exists, and how organizations compare.

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AI-Service Warranty Lifecycle Management Think Tank (AI-SWLM) to Host Webinar on Reducing Warranty Leakage with AI and Workflow Automation 

“Warranty leakage is rarely caused by one decision. It happens across systems, handoffs, and workflows. Addressing it requires better visibility, stronger process discipline, and more connected decision-making across the lifecycle.” 

Warranty leakage continues to erode OEM margins, often driven not by policy gaps but by execution challenges across disconnected systems, manual reviews, and fragmented workflows. 

MAPconnected, in collaboration with ServiceNow and featuring Stellantis, will host an upcoming webinar to examine how manufacturers are addressing these issues and improving performance across the warranty lifecycle. 

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The 5th Annual Warranty & Service Contract Innovations for Vehicle, Home, Smart Products & Consumer Goods

Warranty and service contract executives will get more than just presentations at The 5th Annual Warranty & Service Contract Innovations for Vehicle, Home, Smart Products & Consumer Goods,  www.globalwarrantyinnovations.com scheduled for April 28–29, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando — they’ll experience powerful networking during a fast-paced, insight-driven program designed to spark ideas, share solutions, and spotlight exactly where this rapidly evolving market is headed next.

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OEM Leaders Confront Rising Supplier Cost-Sharing Complexity as Administrative Burden Moves to the Forefront 

Supplier cost sharing is a powerful lever for controlling warranty and quality costs, but expanding programs are creating operational challenges. Administrative burden, duplicated submissions, and fragmented ownership across purchasing, warranty, finance, and supplier quality teams are driving friction for OEMs and suppliers alike.

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Peoples Choice Warranty Announces Acquisition By Investor Group Led By Saf Group And Vertical Capital Partners, Positioning Company For Next Phase Of Growth

Peoples Choice Warranty (PCW), a leading provider of extended warranty and vehicle protection products in Canada, is proud to announce the completion of its acquisition by an investor group led by SAF Group and Vertical Capital Partners. 

Full Release: https://www.cantechletter.com/newswires/peoples-choice-warranty-announces-acquisition-by-investor-group-led-by-saf-group-and-vertical-capital-partners-positioning-company-for-next-phase-of-growth/

Vehicle Buyback Management & Accountability

March 16, 2026

How Many Vehicle Buybacks Were Preventable?

Not every vehicle buyback starts with a bad component. Often, it begins with a missed diagnosis, incomplete documentation, the wrong part ordered, or repeat visits that go unaddressed. On March 19, MAPconnected will host an executive Vehicle Buyback Management & Accountability Round Robin, designed to help OEMs, dealers, suppliers, and customer care leaders reduce costs, improve customer trust, and strengthen accountability.

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Florida Service Contract Statutes and Auto‑Renewal

For service contract sellers and providers in Florida, it is important to review Section 501.165 of the Florida Statutes if you offer programs that automatically renew consumer service contracts.

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What are the Three Viable Options for an OEM or Retailer Service Contract Program

For a new program, there are three basic options for structure and approach. Each option includes many details, and this summary provides a high-level overview of those options.

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