Reps with Assurant Solutions confirm the recent purchase of Coast to Coast Dealer Services will mean additional resources, global expertise and strategic insights used to enhance the products and services available to Canadian car dealers and their customers.
The acquisition, announced in mid-September, saw U.S.-based Assurant buy Canada’s Coast To Coast Dealer Services for an undisclosed sum.
Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Hamilton, Ont., Coast To Coast primarily provides service contracts for pre-owned vehicles as well as service contracts for new vehicles and ancillary auto products to more than 1,000 dealerships across Canada and in the U.S.
The company has served as a distribution partner for Assurant Solutions in Canada for more than 12 years.
Assurant Solutions Canada chief Bob Zanussi told Canadian AutoWorld that since both companies have a deep commitment to its customers, combining Assurant's financial strength and technology solutions with Coast To Coast’s intimate understanding of the Canadian auto consumer will enable both to enhance customer value and experience.
Coast To Coast founder and President Bill Wereha will remain with the company during the transition.
He said that as one company, they can take advantage of greater financial resources to better meet the needs of customers and policyholders.
Assurant Solutions operates in 24 locations and 13 countries with roughly 5,000 employees. Its range of products and services include mobile device protection products and services, debt protection administration, credit-related insurance, warranties and extended service products and related services for consumer electronics, appliances and vehicles and more.
It boasts approximately $30 billion in assets and $8 billion in annual revenue.
Zanussi said Coast To Coast will continue to operate as usual with the exception of now having additional resources to better meet dealer needs.
Nick Wereha and Vince Russo will continue to manage the Coast To Coast operation going forward.