Auto Advocates Make Life Easier for Consumers, Insurers.

Vehicle Service Easing Anxieties, Speeding Resolution of Serious Insurance Claims

SAN FRANCISCO -- 81-year old Fred and his disabled wife, Eileene, were in a serious jam. Their 1990 Ford Taurus had been totaled in a car accident. The rental car benefit provided by their insurer was expiring in four days. Fred was having trouble finding a later-model Taurus that fit his needs and budget.

Thanks to a service provided by Auto Advocates and offered by the California State Automobile Association (CSAA) to its policyholders and members in Northern California, Nevada and Utah, Fred was soon driving his wife to medical appointments in their "new" 2002 Ford Taurus. An Auto Advocates representative had located the model Fred wanted, negotiated the purchase price to below Kelly Blue Book Wholesale, arranged attractive financing, and had the vehicle delivered to Fred at his home - all in less than 72 hours.

"We've been very pleased with the service offered by Auto Advocates. It allows us to offer our members another tool to get them safely on their way," said Dave Whitgob, vice president of automotive special projects for CSAA.

Auto Advocates offers a concierge-level service to prospective new or used car purchasers. The service includes identifying the vehicle that best fits each buyer's needs; locating dealers that have the desired vehicle and negotiating with them to get the lowest possible price; evaluating and explaining available financing options; and facilitating arrangements for buyers to meet with dealers and complete necessary paperwork.

The service is available to all consumers for $249. CSAA members pay only $99. Insurance customers whose vehicles are destroyed or stolen pay no fee.

Auto Advocates co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Cameron Farah became acquainted with the concept of a comprehensive, concierge-like car buying service while working in the late 1990's at a venture-funded online membership organization for car consumers, backed by J.D. Power & Associates and others. In 2001, Farah and his co- founders spun off Auto Advocates into a separate business entity. Annually, Auto Advocates helps close to 10,000 insurance policyholders and other consumers locate new and pre-owned vehicles.

"I am most gratified by the reaction we get from our customers when we've found the vehicle they want at a price they can truly afford," Farah said. "We all know how stressful it can be to hunt for a car under time pressure and wondering if you are really getting a fair deal. Auto Advocates removes that burden from car buyers."

Fred agrees. " After my car was destroyed, I had so many things to do that buying another car before my car rental benefit ran out was just more than I could handle," he reflected. "Having a free service like this made my life so much easier."

About Auto Advocates

Auto Advocates supports consumers throughout the often-complicated car buying process. The Marin County-based firm serves close to 10,000 customers each year, including members and policyholders of one of the nation's largest AAA-affiliated clubs. Auto Advocates is fully licensed and operates in most states.

About CSAA

The California State Automobile Association offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to more than 4.5 million members in Northern California, Nevada and Utah. AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers since it was founded more than 100 years ago.