ORWIGSBURG, Pa. -

Preferred Warranties recently announced it has taken its service contracts online to help dealers more efficiently walk customers through their options in the F&I office when purchasing a used vehicle.

Launched in early June, the company’s new online contract entry program eContract allows dealers to instantly compare and present Preferred Warranties service contracts to customers, as well as submit them.

The program was developed in 2010 and tested by 11 dealers from February through May of this year. These dealers then provided feedback that enabled the company to “fine-tune the program with field-driven features," officials stressed.

As an example of one of the aforementioned tune-ups, the company noted that by simply entering the VIN and vehicle mileage, the new system automatically displays the plans available for that particular vehicle and calculates the vehicle service contract price, including any applicable surcharges.

“The interface is unbelievably well done,” said Mike Bowers, of John’s Great Cars located in Reading, Pa., one of the dealerships that participated in testing the program.

“The speed and simplicity are amazing. In less than a minute, I can enter the information on any vehicle, calculate all of the service contract options and have it presentable for the customer on a single page,” he continued.

With eContract, the company stressed that the chance of human error is minimized, and dealers won’t have to spend as much time looking through price sheets and class sheets.

Teracia Rice, of Jeff England Motor Co. located in Cleburne, Texas, said after using the program, “It’s very easy to navigate. I can mark it up retail and show it to the customer right on the screen.”

“Submitting the contract is easier too. There are no forms to manage, lineup in the printer, or fax,” Rice added.

All six of the company’s major plans are included in the program: Powertrain, Base, Plus, Extra Mile, Premier and Budget Plans.

Those interested can access eContract through the secure dealer area of the company’s website at www.warrantys.com.

“It’s a great new tool,” summarized Rice. “It’s one more way that Preferred is making it easier for us to sell cars.”