DALLAS –

On the heels of the roll-out of a compliance tool, F&I Express recently launched ExpressQuote, a new feature added to the company’s cloud-based solution to help F&I managers provide customers with fast, accurate quotes on aftermarket products.

The company explained ExpressQuote can connect F&I managers to product and price information from a large network of aftermarket insurance product providers. With just the vehicle’s VIN and mileage, F&I managers can access what F&I Express insisted are “100 percent accurate” aftermarket quotes, set a limited time availability on the offer and print a document to give to the customer.

F&I Express management highlighted this process can allow dealerships to engage customers in a conversation about F&I products when they are in a different department. For example, customers might be much more receptive to F&I messages when they are in the service department getting work done on their vehicle.

“F&I Managers need a fast and accurate way to quote customers, even when they aren’t in the F&I office," F&I Express chief executive officer Brian Reed said. “With ExpressQuote, F&I managers can access pricing information from multiple sources in real time.

“Today’s auto shoppers are often time pressed and will want a quick quote from the dealership,” Reed continued. “ExpressQuote helps automotive retailers meet their customers’ expectations.”

Reed added that providing more F&I information to customers earlier in the shopping process can prove to be a significant advantage to automotive retailers in the long run, as better-educated consumers are often easier to close.

“It really comes down to a customer service issue,” Reed said. “Smart automotive retailers realize they need to provide customers with answers — right now. Answering a customer inquiry quickly and efficiently can often make the difference between winning and losing a sale.”

The launch of ExpressQuote arrived not long after F&I Express unveiled a tool to watch margins for compliance.