May 2023
Top Considerations when Forming a Service Contract Provider
01-May-2023
Here are the Top Items to consider when you are evaluating building or in-sourcing a Service Contract Program:
Overall Structure
- Previous articles discuss the various elements of a service contract program, including the obligor (provider), the administrator, the financial guarantee, and the service entity. Options exist for structuring a program with some internal components and some outsourced ones. For instance, using a third party as the obligor (the company making the legal promise to a consumer) has many potential benefits, such as rev recognition and no need to file for a license in many states. Time to market is faster with this option and significantly less expensive in many cases.
Insurance Partner
- The most common method to satisfy state-level financial guarantee requirements for a service contract program is to use a Service Contract Reimbursement Insurance Policy from a licensed and admitted insurance carrier. Multiple good options exist for an insurance carrier; knowing which carriers are better at what programs and structures is extremely important.
Technology Partner
- Many options exist for managing a service contract program, and each provider has unique capabilities and expertise. Knowing the options that make sense is important, and performing a deep dive into the partners to find the right solution is important. Options range from in-house limited functionality solutions to large Enterprise solutions.
Legal and Compliance Partner
- It is important to understand each state's legal and compliance landscape for service contract programs. This includes support in creating the actual terms and conditions, understanding administrator licenses, understanding obligor licenses, understanding seller appointments, and many additional elements. Even if you use a third party for some elements, you should have visibility into the requirements and any changes.
Rate Development
- This includes understanding how to price your program and the various inputs necessary to build a model. Actuarial support may be necessary depending on the program, so knowing the right option is important.
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Retailers and Manufacturers - Take Control of Your Customer Experience
01-May-2023
Now more than ever, Retailers and Manufacturers need to focus on recovering lost margins and enhancing the customer experience by eliminating unnecessary layers and costs related to their Service Contract programs.
With many Retailers and Manufacturers already managing the customer experience with a replacement or repair program, there is no need to insert a third party for administration or for integration with the insurance carrier. A direct relationship is the most cost-efficient method, yet most companies don't realize that this option exists, and unnecessary layers can add as much as 40% to the cost of a program versus a direct model.
It’s never been easier to take control of a service contract program, maximize the value to the customer, and only use third parties for regulatory and insurance solutions.
A properly structured program does not impact revenue recognition, does not require the Retailer or Manufacturer to obtain a provider's license, and still allows the Retailer or Manufacturer to participate in the underwriting profit when the contracts earn.
WarrantyResources.com is a property of Personal Safeguards Group, LLC. Contact Us with any Questions.
With many Retailers and Manufacturers already managing the customer experience with a replacement or repair program, there is no need to insert a third party for administration or for integration with the insurance carrier. A direct relationship is the most cost-efficient method, yet most companies don't realize that this option exists, and unnecessary layers can add as much as 40% to the cost of a program versus a direct model.
It’s never been easier to take control of a service contract program, maximize the value to the customer, and only use third parties for regulatory and insurance solutions.
A properly structured program does not impact revenue recognition, does not require the Retailer or Manufacturer to obtain a provider's license, and still allows the Retailer or Manufacturer to participate in the underwriting profit when the contracts earn.
WarrantyResources.com is a property of Personal Safeguards Group, LLC. Contact Us with any Questions.