Acrisure Protection Group

What Acrisure Protection Group does

Acrisure Protection Group (APG) is a US-focused automotive dealer services platform that consolidates F&I voluntary protection products, reinsurance/dealer participation programs, anti-theft hardware and recovery services, dealer-centric property & casualty insurance, compliance and F&I training, and F&I menu-selling software under a single roof. The portfolio, unified under the Acrisure Protection Group brand in March 2023, brings together thirteen legacy entities including SouthWest Dealer Services (SWDS, founded 1987), Dealer Protection Group, and ten additional regional F&I agencies. Core products include KARR Security anti-theft systems with GPS, telematics, engine immobilizer, and 95% recovery success; Vehicle Service Contracts, GAP, Limited Warranty, Finishing Touch appearance protection, KARR Guard bundled packages, Theft Code vehicle labeling, and Vehicle Replacement; MenuMax and SOAR integrated F&I menu and tablet-selling software with DMS connectivity; Compliance Guard online training supporting AFIP/ACE certifications; and an F&I Training Academy offering 5-day certification, regional seminars, and customized in-dealership programs. P&C capabilities — garage keepers liability, workers' compensation, cyber, surety, employee benefits — flow through Dealer Protection Group, licensed in all 50 states.

Revenue is generated through F&I product commissions, KARR hardware and monitoring subscriptions, reinsurance participation programs (DO, CFC, NCFC, RETROs, DOWC structures), P&C brokerage commissions, and training/consulting fees. Distribution is exclusively B2B2C via a regional field sales force, 250+ in-house KARR installation technicians, and the acquired agency partners operating under their original credentials. APG is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Acrisure, a top-10 fintech insurance broker operating in 24 countries; APG itself serves 3,000+ active dealers across all 50 states and was formed in March 2023 to unify Acrisure's auto and P&C industry expertise.

Name

Acrisure Protection Group

Legal name

Southwest Dealer Services, Inc.

Website

https://acrisurepg.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Acrisure Protection Group is a US automotive dealer services platform offering F&I products, reinsurance, KARR anti-theft systems, F&I software, compliance training, and P&C brokerage to 3,000+ dealer clients across all 50 states as a subsidiary of Acrisure.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Automotive F&I Insurance Services

NAICS

Insurance Carriers and Related Activities (524), Agencies, Brokerages, and Other Insurance Related Activities (5242), Insurance Agencies and Brokerages (524210), Reinsurance Carriers (524130)

SIC

Insurance Agents, Brokers & Service (6411), Retail-Auto Dealers & Gasoline Stations (5500)

akta.pro primary industry

Dealer-Sold & F&I Administered Service Contracts (Dealer Obligors) (FSAJALAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

GAP & Vehicle Protection Products (GAP Waiver/Insurance, Lease/Loan Protection) (FSAJALAC), Garage Liability & Dealers (Auto Dealers, Repair Shops) (FSAJABAF)

Keywords

• F&I products
• Dealer reinsurance programs
• Anti-theft systems
• Dealer P&C insurance
• F&I compliance training

Headquarters

HQ city

Irvine

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices13 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Sales or Marketing, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. F&I Product Commissions: Commissions earned on the sale of voluntary protection products (Vehicle Service Contracts, GAP, Appearance Protection, Limited Warranties, etc.) to dealer clients. Products are sold by dealerships to end consumers and Acrisure Protection Group earns a share of the premium/revenue.
2. Reinsurance & Dealer Participation Programs: Dealers participate in underwriting revenue from Vehicle Service Contracts and other F&I products through various structures: Direct non-participation programs, Retrospective commissions, Captive reinsurance, Dealer Obligor (DO), Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC), Non Controlled Foreign Corporation (NCFC), Retrospective Programs (RETROs), and Dealer Owned Warranty Company (DOWC).
3. KARR Security Hardware, Monitoring & Subscription: KARR Security anti-theft devices generate non-cancellable F&I revenue for dealers. The company employs 250+ in-house install technicians and provides 24/7 monitoring. Programs include front-load income for dealers and in-house dealer programs.
4. Training & Consulting Services: F&I Training Academy generates revenue through 5-day certification courses ($1,250 for clients, $1,750 for non-clients), regional seminars, in-dealership customized programs, and consulting engagements.
5. Property & Casualty / Workers' Compensation Brokerage: Through Dealer Protection Group, the company earns brokerage commissions on P&C insurance products including garage keepers liability, cyber security, workers' compensation, employee benefits, and surety bonds for automotive dealerships.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Acrisure Protection Group provides automotive dealerships with finance and insurance (F&I) voluntary protection products, reinsurance and dealer participation programs, KARR Security anti-theft systems, dealer-centric property & casualty and workers' compensation insurance, F&I software (MenuMax/SOAR), compliance training, and talent sourcing. Products are distributed through a national network of regional field sales teams and 250+ in-house installation technicians serving more than 3,000 active dealer clients across all 50 states.

Product overview

Acrisure Protection Group is a platform of multiple F&I (Finance & Insurance) and Property & Casualty products and services targeting automotive dealers. The portfolio operates as a unified platform (formed March 2023) combining formerly separate companies including SWDS Holdings, Dealer Protection Group, F&I Solutions Group, and multiple regional F&I agencies. The core product lines include: KARR Security (anti-theft vehicle security and GPS recovery systems with programs including BT, S.W.A.T., Elite, Fusion); Vehicle Service Contracts and Limited Warranties (mechanical protection); GAP insurance; Vehicle Replacement; Finishing Touch (appearance protection); bundled programs under KARR Guard/KARR Guard Plus/KARR Guard Choice; and Theft Code vehicle labeling. Supporting technology products include MenuMax (menu-selling F&I software integrated with dealer DMS) and SOAR (touchscreen tablet presentation tool). Service offerings encompass Reinsurance & Income Development Programs, F&I Training Academy, Compliance Guard training, and Automotive Talent Sourcing. P&C offerings include Garage Keepers Liability Insurance, Cyber Security, Workers' Compensation through Dealer Protection Group. The company serves 3,000+ dealer clients across all 50 states.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• KARR Security: Anti-theft vehicle prevention and recovery solutions including GPS tracking, vehicle immobilizers, and 24/7 recovery support.
• MenuMax
• SOAR
• KARR Guard
• KARR Guard Plus
• KARR Guard Choice

Products and services

• KARR Security Anti-Theft System Full-featured vehicle anti-theft system with engine immobilizer, intrusion sensors, GPS tracking, cellular connectivity, and Bluetooth. Programs include BT, S.W.A.T. Wireless, S.W.A.T., Elite, and Fusion. Includes 24/7 recovery team and 250+ in-house install technicians nationwide. Reports 95% vehicle recovery success rate.
• KARR Guard Bundled Products Bundled road-hazard and protection packages combining tire & wheel, door ding repair, windshield repair/replacement, key replacement, and roadside assistance. Available as KARR Guard, KARR Guard Plus, and KARR Guard Choice for customizable offerings, with terms up to 5 years.
• Finishing Touch Fortified sealant appearance protection program covering vehicle exterior and interior. Includes paint protection, fabric protection, and vinyl/leather protection. Available with 3-to-5-year limited warranty, with Complete version offering 1-to-7-year terms.
• Vehicle Service Contracts (VSC) Mechanical protection plans for new and pre-owned vehicles covering parts and labor for major component repairs. Includes rental reimbursement and towing coverage; accepted nationwide at repair facilities. Available with unlimited age and unlimited mileage terms.
• GAP (Guaranteed Auto Protection) Coverage for the gap between insurance payout and outstanding loan balance in case of theft, total loss, or accidental catastrophic damage. Covers vehicles up to $100,000 with benefits up to $50,000 and terms up to 84 months. Reinsurance and retro options available.
• Limited Warranty Dealer-branded limited warranties customized to represent the dealer's own brand. Coverage options range from 3 months/3,000 miles to 3 years/150,000 miles plus lifetime options. Includes engine, transmission, transfer case, drive axle, fluids, and seal gaskets.
• Vehicle Replacement Program Guarantees replacement with a current-year vehicle if covered vehicle is stolen, not recovered within 30 days, and declared total loss by primary insurance carrier. Total benefit limit up to $20,000 per incident.
• Theft Code Vehicle window labeling deterrent using personalized identification codes labeled on vehicle windows. Provides a $2,500 or $5,000 replacement benefit if the vehicle is stolen, not recovered within 30 days, and declared total loss.
• MenuMax and SOAR F&I Software Suite Integrated F&I software combining DMS integration, customizable menu presentations, e-rating, e-contracting, sales aids, and interactive tablet/touchscreen technology (SOAR). Supports interactive videos, customer surveys, product recommendations, and package building for the F&I sales process.
• Compliance Guard Online compliance training program covering F&I rules and regulations. Includes annual employee certification, policies and procedures management, third-party deal audits, and certified proctoring. Supports ACE and AFIP certification programs.
• Reinsurance and Income Development Programs Programs allowing dealers to participate in underwriting revenue from Vehicle Service Contracts and other F&I products. Structures include Direct non-participation, Retrospective commissions, Captive reinsurance, Dealer Obligor (DO), Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC), NCFC, RETROs, and Dealer Owned Warranty Company (DOWC).
• F&I Training Academy Training and consulting services including a 5-Day F&I Certification Course, 1/2/3-day regional seminars, in-dealership customized programs, online interactive training, F&I Pathway on-demand webinars, and ongoing coaching. Covers consultative selling, compliance, product knowledge, and dealership income development.
• Automotive Talent Sourcing Recruitment service sourcing, screening, and presenting qualified candidates for F&I professionals, sales management, and administrative roles at dealerships.
• Dealer Property & Casualty Insurance Programs Dealer-centric P&C offerings distributed through Dealer Protection Group, including Garage Keepers Liability Insurance, Cyber Security, Workers' Compensation, surety bonds, and employee benefits. DPG is licensed in all 50 states.

Quantifiable outcome

• Dealer F&I income increases substantially over multi-year periods with APG training and reinsurance programs (verified by dealer testimonials citing 10+, 13+, and 14+ year client relationships with income growth).
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature6 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Blakely EnterprisescoreOthers · 27 March 2023F&I agency acquired as part of the March 2023 consolidation forming Acrisure Protection Group. Located in North Platte, NE. Company continues to operate under its business credentials; client, provider, and carrier agreements remain unchanged.
• CIC AutomotivecoreOthers · 27 March 2023F&I agency consolidated into Acrisure Protection Group in March 2023. Located in Chicago, IL. Continues to operate under existing business credentials as part of the rebranding.
• F&I Solutions GroupcoreOthers · 27 March 2023F&I agency consolidated into Acrisure Protection Group in March 2023. Offices in Benton, KY and Milwaukee, WI. Continues to operate under existing business credentials.
• IPS AgencycoreOthers · 27 March 2023F&I agency consolidated into Acrisure Protection Group in March 2023. Located in Georgetown, KY. Continues to operate under existing business credentials.
• Mainey DistributioncoreOthers · 27 March 2023F&I agency consolidated into Acrisure Protection Group in March 2023. Located in Sacramento, CA. Continues to operate under existing business credentials.
• RAM AssociatescoreOthers · 27 March 2023F&I agency consolidated into Acrisure Protection Group in March 2023. Located in Marshfield, MA. Continues to operate under existing business credentials.
• Team NorthlandcoreOthers · 27 March 2023F&I agency consolidated into Acrisure Protection Group in March 2023. Located in Eau Claire, WI. Continues to operate under existing business credentials.
• Darwin AutomotivecoreTechnology or Integration · 14 September 2020SWDS (now Acrisure Protection Group) entered a strategic partnership with Darwin Automotive to provide its dealer clients with digital retail sales platform capabilities. SWDS became a Preferred Partner for Darwin's premier F&I Presentation Software and digital retailing/consumer self-service tool. SWDS negotiated preferred pricing on behalf of its dealer clients, providing access to Darwin's platform at significantly reduced cost. Darwin operates in all 50 states with over 7,000 subscribed dealerships.
• JET ManagementcoreOthers · 22 March 2019SWDS acquired JET Management, a consultative firm specializing in F&I programs based in Lakewood, IL. The acquisition brings additional scale, resources, and broader solutions portfolio to automobile dealers and their customers. JET focuses on Vehicle Service Contracts, GAP Insurance, Sealants, and other ancillary products. Brian O'Connor, President of JET, cited quality programs, products, and personnel as rationale for joining SWDS. Acquisition was immediately accretive to SWDS Holdings with no personnel changes.
• Dealer Protection Group (DPG)coreOthers · 10 November 2017SWDS acquired McDub Enterprise, Inc. and its subsidiary Dealer Protection Group (DPG), an insurance brokerage firm specializing in the automotive industry. DPG provides P&C insurance and workers' compensation products for franchised dealerships, as well as surety bonds, employee benefits, and F&I programs. DPG is licensed in all 50 states and is SWDS' first foray into property and casualty insurance. Kevin McWilliams remained as President of DPG and joined SWDS executive management committee.
• Evergreen Dealer & Insurance ServicescoreOthers · 21 August 2017SWDS acquired Evergreen Dealer & Insurance Services, a consultative F&I firm based in Spokane, WA. Supports SWDS' U.S. growth strategy into existing and new markets. Evergreen's reputation for customer service, tailored products, and long-term partnerships in Washington made them a natural fit. No personnel changes resulted from the merger.
• United Insurance Group (UIG)coreOthers · 2 May 2016SWDS acquired Chicago-based United Insurance Group (UIG) as part of its strategic plan for national expansion and financial footprint growth. UIG is an F&I agency. Deal was immediately accretive to SWDS Holdings with no personnel changes.
• Olympic Dealer Marketing (ODM)coreOthers · 2 May 2016SWDS acquired Seattle-based Olympic Dealer Marketing (ODM) as part of its national expansion strategy. ODM is an F&I agency with long-standing reputation in the Seattle market. Deal was immediately accretive with no personnel changes.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Assurant: Assurant's Global Automotive segment provides F&I products (vehicle service contracts, GAP, tire & wheel, key replacement, appearance protection) and dealer participation programs to franchised auto dealers in North America — directly overlapping with APG's VSC, GAP, KARR Guard, Finishing Touch, and reinsurance offerings.
• Zurich North America: Zurich's Dealer Services / Dealer Workplace Solutions provides property & casualty, workers' compensation, garage liability, and cyber coverages to auto dealers — overlapping with APG's Dealer Protection Group P&C offerings.
• Allstate Dealer Services: Allstate's Dealer Services division offers mechanical protection, GAP, and other F&I protection products distributed through auto dealers — a direct F&I product peer to APG's VSC and GAP offerings.
• JM&A Group: JM&A Group provides F&I products, training, performance consulting, and reinsurance/portfolio management to franchised auto dealers — directly comparable to APG's VSC, Compliance Guard, F&I Training Academy, and dealer participation programs.
• Easycare: Easycare (Automobile Protection Corp) sells F&I protection products, service contracts, GAP, and dealer participation programs to franchised dealerships — a head-to-head competitor to APG's VSC, GAP, and reinsurance lines.
• Xzilon (Pivotal Holdings): Xzilon sells appearance protection (paint, fabric, leather) and bundled F&I products through automotive dealers — directly comparable to APG's Finishing Touch appearance protection line.

Emerging players

• Darwin Automotive: Darwin Automotive provides digital retail, F&I menu presentation, e-contracting, and consumer self-service software to 7,000+ dealerships — overlapping with APG's MenuMax/SOAR platform, with APG holding a Preferred Partner relationship.

Broad incumbents

• Dealertrack (Cox Automotive): Dealertrack (Cox Automotive) provides DMS, F&I menu, e-contracting, and desking software across thousands of franchised dealers — a broader incumbent comparable to APG's MenuMax/SOAR software suite within Cox Automotive's wider automotive technology portfolio.
• Mopar Vehicle Protection: Mopar (Stellantis) sells vehicle service contracts, GAP, and appearance protection products to FCA franchised dealers through captive distribution — overlapping with APG but limited to Stellantis brand dealers as an OEM-controlled incumbent.
• Ford Protect: Ford Protect (Ford Motor Company) offers extended service plans, GAP, and prepaid maintenance through Ford/Lincoln dealers via captive distribution — an OEM-controlled incumbent overlapping with APG's VSC and GAP products.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/acrisurepg

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Acrisure Protection Group