Get directed to the right advice on car finance

The SAF Approved ‘Dealer Directory’ is the latest in a range of online tools provided by the Financing & Leasing Association (FLA) to help car buyers decide which finance deal is right for them.  The Directory includes the contact details of all dealerships that have achieved SAF Approved status under the FLA’s initiative to raise the standard of finance advice offered in dealer showrooms.

The Directory is easy to use.  Car buyers simply enter their postcode into the directory at FinancingYourCar.org.uk.  The Directory will then find the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the five nearest SAF Approved dealers, as well as display an interactive map with each dealership’s location.  The Dealer Directory so far includes contact details for almost 500 SAF Approved dealerships across the UK.

SAF aims to give consumers confidence about motor finance sold through dealerships.  It does this by increasing dealers’ finance knowhow through an online competence test that has to be retaken every year.  SAF Approved dealerships are those that have voluntarily put all of their showroom staff who discuss finance with customers through the SAF test.

As well as on the online Dealer Directory, consumers should look out for the SAF Approved logo in showrooms and local advertising.  The SAF logo is a kite-mark, letting consumers know that the advice they receive is of the standard set by the FLA – the representative body for the UK motor finance industry.

Paul Harrison, Head of Motor Finance at the FLA, said: “Because the Dealer Directory only lists dealerships that have reached the SAF Approved standard, if a car buyer visits a listed dealership they can be confident they will speak to knowledgeable staff that can provide reliable advice on their car finance options.

“I hope the standard of car finance advice will continue to improve as more and more dealers sign-up to SAF. Our new directory will help raise consumer awareness of what the SAF brand stands for in helping people to get the best possible car finance deal.”