Standards of Conduct
VPA Standards of Conduct are a uniform ethical code that applies to the entire automotive service contract industry. Our Standards have been intentionally crafted to help vehicle service contract providers meet or exceed federal and/or state regulations, establishing a baseline of integrity for our member organizations and the industry as a whole.
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The Standards of Conduct cover a range of concerns that are relevant to regulators and vehicle service contract consumers. VPA members are required to comply with our Standards of Conduct as a condition of membership. However, members are encouraged to build upon the Standards by implementing measures that offer additional protection for consumers and further their reputation as an ethical vehicle service contract provider.
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From a regulatory standpoint, the Standards of Conduct are a powerful tool in the VPA’s ongoing campaign to promote self-regulatory initiatives among our members and across the automotive service contract industry.
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Advertising Standards for VPA Members
The VPA goes to great lengths to protect the trust that exists between consumers and vehicle service contract companies. VPA Standards of Conduct prescribe a multitude of business practices that VPA members have agreed to follow in the area of advertising. These include:
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Messaging
Advertising messages should clearly articulate the nature of the offer. False or misleading advertising (in any form) is not tolerated according to VPA Standards of Conduct. Additionally, the use of specific terms such as “free” or “complementary” must be accompanied by proper disclosures if the consumer is required to perform an action to take advantage of the offer.
Claims
VPA Standards of Conduct expressly prohibit members from making advertising claims or offers that cannot be easily substantiated or duplicated.
Informational Marketing
Informational marketing pieces can be useful resources for consumers. To protect consumers, VPA Standards of Conduct require members to clearly and conspicuously disclose that consumers’ responses to such materials will be used as opportunities for the member to sell that consumer a vehicle service contract.
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Mailing Lists
VPA members must perform due diligence to ensure that consumer information contained in mailing lists has been legally obtained, including affidavits and documentation from lead list providers. Before VPA members leverage DMV consumer data for advertising purposes, they must comply with federal rules requiring individuals to opt-in to the release of their motor vehicle public information.
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Other Requirements
VPA Standards require members to comply with advertising criteria regarding financing, noncompliant leads, VINs and other areas of interest. For a complete list of VPA advertising rules, refer to the VPA Standards of Conduct document.
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