F&I Compliance Training

Federal Rules Every F&I Manager Must Know

Free compliance guides, downloadable briefs, and a 50-question knowledge assessment covering all major federal regulations for automotive dealership F&I.

The Federal Rules That Govern F&I

F&I is one of the most heavily regulated positions in retail. The following federal laws apply directly to the F&I office — and violations carry consequences ranging from regulatory fines to personal liability for managers and dealers. Annual compliance training is no longer optional.

Credit Disclosure
Truth in Lending Act (TILA / Reg Z)
Requires clear disclosure of financing terms — APR, finance charge, total of payments, and payment schedule — before any contract is signed.
Fair Credit
Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA)
Prohibits discrimination in credit decisions. Requires adverse action notices when financing is denied or counter-offered.
Credit Reports
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Governs permissible purpose for pulling credit, adverse action procedures, and accuracy of credit-related disclosures.
Data Privacy
Gramm-Leach-Bliley / Safeguards Rule
Requires a written information security program protecting customer financial data. FTC's updated Safeguards Rule (effective 2023) added significant new technical requirements.
Identity Theft
Red Flags Rule (FACTA)
Requires a written Identity Theft Prevention Program. F&I managers must recognize and respond to red flags indicating potential fraud.
Sanctions Screening
OFAC Compliance
Dealers must screen every customer against the OFAC SDN list before completing a transaction. A missed hit creates federal liability.
Military Customers
Military Lending Act (MLA)
Caps the MAPR on credit products extended to active-duty servicemembers and dependents at 36%. VSCs and GAP have specific MLA exclusion rules.
Military Customers
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
Provides interest rate caps, lease termination rights, and other protections for servicemembers on active duty.
FTC Rule
Automobile Pricing Transparency
FTC's 14-FAQ guidance prohibits bait-and-switch pricing, requires all-in pricing in advertising, and governs how F&I products may be presented and disclosed.
Consumer Protection
UDAP / UDAAP
Prohibits unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices. Applies to F&I product presentation, payment quoting, and any representations made to customers.
Currency Reporting
Cash Reporting (IRS Form 8300)
Transactions involving more than $10,000 in cash must be reported to the IRS within 15 days. Structuring transactions to avoid this threshold is a federal crime.
Warranty Law
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act
Governs written warranty disclosures and prohibits voiding factory warranties for using aftermarket parts or service unless the manufacturer proves causation.

Free Compliance Resources

These guides and reference materials are available at no charge. Each is designed for F&I managers and dealership compliance personnel.

Article · FTC Rule

FTC Pricing Transparency — Plain-Language Summary

F&IQ's analysis of the FTC's 14-FAQ automotive pricing guidance — what it means for F&I, advertising, and customer disclosures.

Read the Summary →
PDF Download · Identity Theft

Identity Theft & Red Flags Rule Brief

What the Red Flags Rule requires, how to recognize common red flags in F&I, and how to document your response.

Download PDF →
Reference Guide · GAP

GAP Coverage at America's 15 Largest Auto Insurers

Whether they offer it, how deductibles are handled, and payout limits — a comparison table for F&I professionals.

View the Guide →
Presentation Guide · Factory Warranty

Factory Coverage in Plain English

How to walk a customer through their factory warranty honestly — before you offer a single optional product.

Read the Guide →
F&I Lesson · ADAS

ADAS: A Game-Changer for Safety — and Repair Costs

Why advanced safety systems make vehicles more expensive to repair, and what that means for VSC conversations.

Read the Lesson →
Research Brief · Repair Costs

Repair Costs Are Up 54.7% Since 2019

BLS data on motor-vehicle repair cost inflation — and the consumer case it makes for vehicle service contracts.

Read the Brief →

Test Your Compliance Knowledge

The F&IQ Compliance Assessment — 50 questions covering all 16 federal rules. Score 90% or higher to earn a certificate of compliance knowledge signed by Lloyd Trushel.

Take the Assessment Download the Study Guide