We’re excited to share what’s new this June: Training takeaways, Diamond Dealer rankings, repair facility tiers explained, social coupon rollout, and NYS EV incentives. Let’s dive in.
🧠 F&I Training Recap: Investing in Performance
Last week, we hosted some of our top-performing 2024 dealers for an exclusive two-day F&I training session led by Reahard & Associates. These workshops were designed to sharpen skills, build confidence, and help elevate dealership performance when it comes to vehicle service contracts. Thanks again to everyone who joined us in continuing to raise the bar.
🏁 The Diamond Dealer Race Heats Up
We’re now five months into 2025, and our Diamond Dealer leaderboard is tighter than ever. These top-tier partners are separated by just a few points, and anything can happen in the coming months.
Here are the current top five (In Order as of June 4, 2025):
- Exit5 Auto Group
- Frank Siena’s Auto Sales
- Tecforce Automotive
- Licari Motorcar
- Queensbury Auto Mall
Rankings are determined based on a balanced mix of Net Revenue Year-to-Date, Loss Ratio, and Contract Volume. Keep pushing—there’s still plenty of time to climb the board!
🔧 Understanding Our In-Network Repair Facility Program
We’re excited to clarify the structure of our three-tiered In-Network Repair Facility Program, designed to create transparency for customers, reduce costs for dealers, and send more trusted business to local shops.
Here’s how it works:
- Tier 1 – Match Rate ($100–$150):
Shops agree to match the labor rate listed on each specific Empire State Warranty program. This tier gives them the widest coverage across all plans and earns them priority visibility on our repair locator—driving more referrals their way. - Tier 2 – $125 Flat Rate:
Covers 4 out of 5 of our major programs. This is a great balance for shops looking for consistency and simplicity. - Tier 3 – $150 Flat Rate:
Covers 3 out of 5 programs in full. This is ideal for shops that specialize in higher-end labor but still want to participate in our network with broader limitations.* If a customer brings their vehicle to a facility that is not Tier 1, depending on the product, the customer may need to come out of pocket for the additional cost.
What this means for everyone:
- For Customers: Transparent, predictable repair pricing and protection they can trust.
- For Dealers: Lower loss ratios, higher coverage confidence, and stronger F&I performance.
- For Repair Facilities: More jobs directed to your shop, better visibility, and a clear partnership with Empire State Warranty.
Click here to become a partnered in-network repair facility.
Coming Soon: Customer Coupons
To help grow our network and support your bottom line, we’re launching periodic social media promotions offering consumer coupons for warranty discounts and incentives.
Here’s what you need to know:
Customers will bring printed or digital coupons to your store.
Each coupon will include clear dealer instructions and a method to verify authenticity.
Discounts are applied on the Admin side—no cost to your dealership.
It’s another way we’re investing in marketing to bring value to you and build stronger brand awareness across the region.
⚡ EV Growth in NY – What Dealers Should Know:
In case you missed it, a recent press release from Governor Hochul’s office highlighted continued growth in the EV market. As of May 2025, New York State has released $30 million in new funds through the Drive Clean Rebate program—providing point-of-sale rebates for over 60 EV models.
