EPIC Insurance Brokers Expands Auto Dealer Group with New F&I Experts
EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has reinforced its Auto Dealer Group by appointing four finance and insurance (F&I) experts. This strategic expansion aims to enhance offerings for automotive dealership clients. Ryan Hoff and John Jacobi, each boasting over 25 years of experience in point-of-sale warranty and insurance products, will lead this initiative from Irvine, California. Hoff will take on the role of Chief Revenue Officer, while Jacobi will serve as Chief Growth Officer for F&I.
Joining Hoff and Jacobi as principals are Jeff Rodewald and George Hogan. According to Crawford McInnis, EPIC’s Chief Sales Officer, this expansion signifies a critical enhancement of the firm's auto dealer services. It refines the integration of risk consulting, property and casualty (P&C), and employee benefits with focused F&I expertise.
Eric Shaw, Managing Principal and leader of the EPIC Auto Dealer Group, highlighted that the expertise brought by these new appointments aligns with the firm's mission to deliver a comprehensive, integrated platform for auto dealer clients. This expansion aligns with a notable shift in the auto insurance landscape, where dealership F&I offices are becoming pivotal in distributing auto insurance. The JD Power 2026 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study reveals a growing trend in digital insurance purchases, now accounting for nearly 48% of the market, up from 36% five years ago. The concentration of point-of-sale channels for add-on products, including extended warranties and bundled F&I solutions, is increasing as traditional auto coverage transitions online.
In the evolving product environment, average full-coverage auto insurance costs decreased by 6% nationwide in 2025, reaching $2,144, after a significant rise between 2022 and 2024. However, a 25% tariff on vehicles and imported components is expected to raise repair costs in 2026, affecting the pricing of extended warranties at the dealership level.
With electric vehicles (EVs) becoming more prevalent in dealership inventories, the complexity of F&I product lines is increasing. Managing General Agents (MGAs) and specialty insurers are broadening offerings to include coverage for EV-specific issues such as thermal runaway, battery fires, extended battery warranties, and charging infrastructure liability. These products, once deemed niche, are now essential components of F&I operations within dealerships.