NEW YORK – Assurant, Inc., a global provider of lifestyle and housing solutions that support, protect and connect major consumer purchases like automobiles, launched Virtual Coach, a simulated, interactive classroom experience as part of the Assurant Virtual Learning Platform. The new programs are from the Assurant Performance Institute - the renowned in-person training for F&I employees. The Virtual Learning platform includes Assurant Virtual Coach – a video-based role-playing function allowing for individualized feedback and scoring.

The Virtual Coach is a continuation of our promise to dealers to provide them with customizable and innovative solutions that help them grow their business.

“The Assurant Virtual Learning Platform and Virtual Coach represent a major step forward in the progression of our in-person training,” said Assurant’s senior vice president Global Transformation for Assurant Global Automotive, Martin Jenns. “The Virtual Coach is a continuation of our promise to dealers to provide them with customizable and innovative solutions that help them grow their business.”

The Assurant Learning Platform comprises multiple modules for fundamental skill development. The on-demand modules are designed to mirror Assurant’s FSM 101 in-person class held in Chicago.

The Assurant Virtual Coach simulates the interactive classroom experience where students role-play with the instructor. Through the Virtual Coach, students submit videos and receive direct feedback from the instructor that uses the same Performance Evaluation Form (PEF) methodology deployed in the live classroom programs.

“The Virtual Coach combines the best of our instructor-led programs by integrating the same guided discovery learning experience with the convenience of distance learning,” said Dave Worrall, senior director of global training and development at Assurant Global Automotive.

The Assurant Virtual Coach is slated for a Q2 2020 launch with two program options tailored to an Assurant client’s training needs. The basic level will include the FSM 101 virtual training modules, each three-to-five minutes in length, for on-demand learning. The upgraded service will include the basic offering plus access to the Virtual Coach, complete with a record function, four annual written/video feedback sessions from a certified F&I instructor, and participation access to quarterly live webinars led by certified instructors.