Since 1974, PDP Group, Incorporated has been a trusted partner to the auto dealer community. In collaboration with SeaFire Insurance Services, we offer the New Car Franchised Auto Dealers Insurance Program—an appointed-market solution built for independent agents and brokers who place franchised new-vehicle dealers and dealer groups. This program pairs specialized underwriting with field-level support to help you place larger, more complex dealer accounts.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
This program is intended exclusively for new car franchised dealerships. It is not designed for independent used-car lots, buy-here-pay-here operations, or non-franchised dealers. Ideal submissions include:
- Single-location franchised dealers representing a single manufacturer
- Multi-location regional dealer groups (multiple franchises and brands)
- Dealers with documented operational controls, formal risk management practices, and stable loss history
Examples agents commonly place here:
- A single-location Chrysler or Subaru dealer seeking comprehensive garage and property coverage with dealer open lot limits.
- A regional group with Toyota, Ford and Honda franchises looking for a single program to consolidate property, garage liability, and garagekeepers across locations.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
Appointed agents access SeaFire’s underwriting team—over 100 years of combined dealer-market experience—plus PDP Group’s placement support. Key program strengths:
- Pre-underwriting guidance to help qualify larger accounts before full submission
- Agent training and onboarding to streamline quoting and binding
- Direct bill capabilities where available
Core coverage options address the exposures most important to new car franchised dealers:
- Dealer open lot (inventory) protection
- Garage liability and garagekeepers (customer and dealers’ vehicles)
- Commercial property and business interruption
- Crime, cyber risk, and other ancillary coverages tailored to dealer operations
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
The program is structured for larger dealer accounts and has a minimum premium of $20,000. PDP Group provides submission support and will help determine whether a risk meets program criteria before full underwriting. Not every account will qualify—accounts with weak controls, high-frequency losses, or those below the minimum premium are typically ineligible.
Territories and Availability
This program is available in most states, including:
AL, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, ID, IL, IN, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NC, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WI, WY
Coming soon to: New York and Washington
The program is generally admitted in most jurisdictions, subject to specific risk characteristics and state filings. PDP Group will confirm admitted/non-admitted availability during the appointment or pre-submission review.
Why Work With PDP Group
PDP Group is an experienced aggregator focused on placing dealer business. We combine longstanding dealer-market relationships with SeaFire’s underwriting discipline to provide a market that is competitive, well-administered, and responsive. As your partner, we help you identify apposite accounts, prepare effective submissions, and navigate the appointment process so you can write and retain profitable dealer business.
Qualified agents are invited to become appointed to submit risks directly into the program. Let PDP Group and SeaFire help you place your franchised dealer accounts with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?
This program is specifically designed for new car franchised auto dealerships. Independent used-car lots, buy-here-pay-here stores, and non-franchised dealers do not fit this appetite.
What is the minimum premium required?
The program has a minimum premium of $20,000. Accounts below that level typically will not qualify.
Is this program available in my state?
The program is available in most states (see the availability list above). PDP Group can confirm admitted versus non-admitted placement and upcoming state availability during the appointment process.
What support does PDP Group provide to agents?
Appointed agents receive pre-underwriting support, onboarding and training, and assistance preparing submissions. The program also offers direct bill where available.
How do I become an appointed agent?
Contact PDP Group to begin the appointment process. Once appointed, you can submit eligible risks into the program with full support from our underwriting team.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.