Florida Issues Cease and Desist Orders to Three Home Warranty Companies

investigators determined National Home Protection and Nationwide Home Warranty conducted home and service warranty transactions in Florida without a license.

Palm Coast, FL – February 17, 2010 – Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty yesterday announced the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) has issued cease and desist orders to three entities, including their subsidiaries, for the unauthorized sale of warranty products and service agreements. These companies include an order to National Home Protection, an order to Nationwide Home Warranty, and an order to National Automotive Services.

Office investigators determined National Home Protection and Nationwide Home Warranty conducted home and service warranty transactions in Florida without a license. Investigators also found National Automotive Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Warranty Financial Inc., Warranty Financial O.R.G. Inc., Warranty U.S.A., and Warranty Services) sold motor vehicle service agreements without a license.

"I commend our investigators for their work in halting the unlicensed sale of warranty products and service agreements in the State of Florida," remarked Commissioner McCarty. "The Office is committed to protecting Florida consumers from purchasing products that are sold by unlicensed entities that do not comply with Florida law."

The entities are required to submit letters of certification, within 30 days, stating their company no longer provides services in Florida. The orders also require that the companies honor and fully service all valid claims and fulfill their contractual obligations.

Consumers may determine if an insurer or warranty company is licensed in Florida by visiting the Company Search tool on www.floir.com.