Member Benefits
LEGISLATIVE & LEGAL SERVICES
Regulation and Legislation
WSADA represents dealers on all fronts of Olympia, including issues related to taxes and fees, franchise law, consumer protection, and vehicle and licensing. WSADA also monitors state agencies’ regulation requirements, including the Department of Licensing, Revenue, Ecology, Labor & Industries, and the Insurance Commissioner.
Political Action Committee (WSAD PAC & NADA PAC)
WSAD PAC is one of the most influential PACs in the state and supports candidates who promote a strong Washington business climate. The NADA PAC is the political arm of the National Automobile Dealers Association, and supports federal House and Senate candidates from Washington.
Strong Grassroots Program
WSADA helps dealers develop lasting relationships with state legislators and statewide elected officials to build a stronger appreciation for the daily challenges dealership face. Annual grassroots activities and Dealership Day in Olympia are held to advance the passage of the Association’s legislative priorities. 2023 Dealership Day is Wednesday, March 15.
Legal Counsel
WSADA’s in-house counsel is available to answer inquiries about the many state and federal laws governing dealership operations. WSADA also works with highly experienced outside counsel who are knowledgeable and experienced in dealer specific issues.
Legal Defense Fund
The fund was established in 2004 to provide financial support to dealers as they meet the legal challenges of manufacturer initiatives or other state and national issues that can undermine dealership success. It is intended to provide financial assistance on suits brought by or against dealers that could impact the greater membership.
BUSINESS SERVICES
Newsletters and Advisories
WSADA keeps dealers up-to-date using regular newsletters and industry and legislative bulletins.
Website
WSADA’s website is a must-have resource with a searchable legal manual, member directory, industry and legislative news and events, online forms ordering, links to important industry websites and more.
Business Forms
Dealers receive a lower price on all WSADA forms, including the Odometer Disclosure/Title Extension forms, the Buyers’ Order, Privacy Notices and more. All forms undergo a rigorous annual legal review and conform to Washington-specific legal requirements.
Training
WSADA offers training workshops & webinars conducted by nationally recognized professionals on state and federal laws, rules and regulations, advertising, titling and registration, finance and insurance, taxes, employment law and much more.
Dealer Group Meetings
With convenient access from I-5, I-405 and SR 167, WSADA offers training and meeting space at affordable rates. Its state-of-the-art SAVANT systems supports every dealer group’s technology needs.
Annual Convention
Each year dealers from across the state gather with industry associates for four days of speakers, workshops, social events, and camaraderie. Known for being a very family-oriented event, the WSADA convention offers the perfect opportunity to share ideas and information in a fun and relaxing setting. The 2023 WSADA Convention is May 10-14 at the Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island of Hawaii.
For more information please contact WSADA via email at info@wsada.org.
SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
Seattle International Auto Show (SIAS)
The main purpose of the annual Seattle International Auto Show is to drive dealership traffic and ultimately sell cars. WSADA’s auto show is one of the top 10 shows in the country and serves as a rich environment for car buyers and an effective marketing tool for franchised dealers, in a non-selling venue. WSADA works with OEM representatives and dealer advertising groups to bring products that boost customer brand interest and increase time spent with vehicles through ride and drives, the latest concept and specialty vehicles, and experiential elements. The show also features a VIP Preview Party that allows WSADA Dealer and Associate members and their guests to network and get an early glimpse of the show. The 2022 Seattle International Auto Show is November 10-13 at Lumen Field Event Center.
PUBLIC SERVICES
Media Exposure
WSADA works with media partners statewide to produce public awareness campaigns highlighting important consumer protection issues and showcasing the vital role dealers play in their local communities.
WSADA Scholarship Program
WSADA’s Scholarship Program exemplifies dealers’ commitment to education-related causes. Since 2008, the program has awarded tens of thousands of dollars in aid to high school seniors across the state.
MEMBER-ONLY PROGRAMS
Special Pricing on Debit and Credit Card Payment Processing
Bank of America Merchant Services has partnered with WSADA to offer members a specially negotiated payment processing program featuring highly competitive rates that leverage the total buying power of WSADA members. Click here for more information.
Washington State Auto Dealers Insurance Trust
Managed by PayneWest Insurance, the Trust is an effective and cost effective source for medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance and flexible spending benefits packages for dealers and their employees. To obtain a quote on your employee benefits package with WSADIT, contact Kathy Malcom (kmalcom@paynewest.com) at (509) 713-0738 or Darrell Strong (dstrong@paynewest.com) at 509-946-2641.
Workers’ Compensation Group Retro Program
Dealers are eligible for a special managed group plan that maximizes workers’ comp premium refunds by working to prevent injuries and reduce costly claims through employee training. Since 1987, plan members have received over $93 million in refunds. For more information please contact Delanie Nielsen via email at dnielsen@wsada.org.
Alaska Airlines EasyBiz
Dealers can join the EasyBiz program and receive information on special discounts on travel and earn bonus miles when booking with Alaska Airlines credit or debit cards.
Click here to learn about WSADA/Alaska Airlines EasyBiz program.
Dealer Bond Program
Under Washington State law (RCW 46.70.070), in order to obtain an automobile dealers license, all dealers must carry a $30,000 surety bond. WSADA partners with Zurich to offer bonds through Merchants Bonding Company (MBC). Surety bond rates range from $220.00 (preferred rate) to $300.00 (standard rate). Bonds are billed directly by MBC.
To participate in the program, all owners with more than a 5% ownership in the bonded dealership must complete an application and credit check. Dealers may be required to produce an income statement and balance sheet (equivalent to that required by manufacturers). Completed applications are returned to Gwen Campbell, Sr. Sales Consultant with Zurich. Upon approval, dealers will receive the bond(s) from Zurich with instructions for additional steps. Please note DOL requires a separate bond for each physical location even if they are under the same license number
Please use the sample provided to help you complete your bond accurately, and to ensure expeditious processing. If you have questions about completing the application please contact Zurich. Knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you.
Zurich
7045 College Blvd
Overland Park, KS 66211
Toll Free: 800-840-8842, Ext 6125
Fax: 913-498-5364
Email: zas.suretyservices@zurichna.com
Commercial Bond Application