Page 6 - GIADA-Jan-2018-Final

THE PULSE OF GIADA

EVENTS

Happy New Year! CALENDAR

It’s a busy time right now, to say the least. We are in the Pre-License Seminar
middle of license renewal process, and the used car board
portal is now open so dealers can go online to renew January 18 – Norcross, GA
their license for another two years. All licensed dealers REGISTER HERE
are required to complete the continuing education (CE)
seminar prior to renewing their licenses. And of course,
GIADA has been facilitating the CE class for years. ETR Training Class

You will be asked when renewing online, if you completed January 19, Austell, GA
your required CE class. Do not attempt to renew your REGISTER HERE
license until after completing your CE class. The in-
person class has about nine industry experts discussing
GIADA CEO, Paul John current compliance requirements, and best practices and Continuing Education Class
is well worth your time. The online CE class is by far, the
best in the industry, and includes over 20 individual courses. The best feature of the online January 22, 2018 – Augusta, GA
CE class, is that you can complete the class at your own pace. REGISTER HERE

All Georgia used car dealers must renew their dealer license no later than March 31, 2018
to avoid late penalties, and/or possible license revocation. Dealers must make certain Pre-License Seminar
that their commercial liability insurance is current, and also renew their surety bond for
another two years. In most cases, you probably deal with the same insurance company for January 24 – Macon, GA
both bond and liability insurance. REGISTER HERE

I’ve been told that getting or renewing a bond could be more difficult and expensive,
compared to previous years, because some bond companies have pulled out of Georgia. ETR Training Class
So, I suggest that you have a conversation with your insurance agent about renewing your
bond. Your credit score will determine the cost of your bond. The state will not renew your January 26, Austell, GA
dealer license without proof of renewed bond coverage through March 31, 2020. Your REGISTER HERE
current bond expires March 31, 2018.

ETR is here and not going away. Last legislative session, the General Assembly voted and Pre-License Seminar
passed HB412, through a unanimous vote from both chambers. ETR, which stands for
electronic title registration, has been working very well for most dealers in North Carolina January 27 – Marietta, GA
for over three years. Also, there’s been about 350 used car dealers using the ETR system REGISTER HERE
voluntarily now for over three years, and I have spoken to dozens of dealers who tell me
they love the ETR system. Not having to send title and TAVT fees to the tag office where
the customer lives, has been a real relief for many dealers on the ETR program. Continuing Education Class

Now, TitleTec is dealing with all the dealers who chose to put it off as long as they can. The February 9 – Atlanta, GA
governor signed the bill in May 2017. GIADA has been aggressively communicating to all REGISTER HERE
dealers about this mandate since May, and encouraging all dealers to get on board early,
and not wait until the last minute. Unfortunately, that message fell on deaf ears. So, please
be patient with TitleTec. They are working through the activation process as quick as they Continuing Education Class
can, and making great progress.
February 19 – Albany, GA
As always, call the GIADA office if you have any concerns or questions. REGISTER HERE

Continuing Education Class

March 19 – Atlanta, GA

REGISTER HERE

4 | GIADA Independent Auto Dealer JANUARY 2018