Two providers that finance managers might already know and use are now working together.

StoneEagle F&I and F&I Express have agreed to integrate their solutions to provide dealers seamless access to the industry’s largest network of aftermarket providers, making it easier and simpler to present and sell value-added options to vehicle buyers.

The companies explained dealers using StoneEagle F&I’s SEcureMenu will now be able to digitally access F&I Express’ network of more than 160 aftermarket product providers, representing a wide range of offerings including extended warranties, maintenance plans and GAP insurance.

The companies added the integration will enable StoneEagle F&I users to take advantage of F&I Express eRating and eContracting, speeding the sale and reducing errors by digitally processing aftermarket products.

With margins tightening and sales flattening, both StoneEagle F&I and F&I Express acknowledged that aftermarket products can provide a way for dealers to maintain profitability and strengthen long-term customer connections. However, they added that a strong network of providers is critical to give customers options that work for their needs and budgets.

Executives also pointed out that a simple and efficient sales process is also key. Vehicle buyers are already frustrated with the time spent negotiating or doing paperwork at the dealership, with less than half satisfied with how long the process takes, according to the 2018 Cox "Automotive Car Buyer Journey" study.

“The StoneEagle F&I integration with F&I Express is a huge milestone, because it enables our dealer clients to provide their customers with fast, easy access to every major product provider,” said Buddy Rosenberg, senior director of product innovation for StoneEagle F&I.

“It opens new opportunities for our dealers to provide their customers with more choice and less frustration by using a seamless, digital F&I process for aftermarket products,” Rosenberg continued.

The collaboration brings together two major powerhouses in the F&I process to improve the vehicle-buying experience for all parties involved — dealers, aftermarket providers and consumers. It also enables the F&I Express provider network to reach StoneEagle F&I’s client base of more than 5,000 dealers throughout North America.

“We have a deep respect for the StoneEagle F&I team and how they serve their dealers and partners in our industry,” said Gary Peek, vice president and general manager of F&I Express.

“The relationship allows F&I Express to extend our solutions to more dealers so that we can help them increase sales, efficiencies and customer satisfaction — all adding up to a better, more profitable car-buying process,” Peek went on to say.