3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

We currently operate in one reportable segment which represents our core business of offering Dealers financing programs and related products and services that enable them to sell vehicles to consumers , regardless of their credit history. The consolidated financial statements reflect the financial results of our one reportable operating segment.

Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses

Consumer Loan Assignment. For accounting purposes, a Consumer Loan is considered to have been assigned to us after all of the following has occurred:

· the consumer and Dealer have signed a Consumer Loan contract;

· we have received the original Consumer Loan contract and supporting documentation;

· we have approved all of the related stipulations for funding; and

· we have provided funding to the Dealer in the form of either an advance under the Portfolio Program or one-time purchase payment under the Purchase Program.

Portfolio Segments and Classes. We are considered to be a lender to our Dealers for Consumer Loans assigned under our Portfolio Program and a purchaser of Consumer Loans assigned under our Purchase Program. As a result, our Loan portfolio consists of two portfolio segments: Dealer Loans and Purchased Loans. Each portfolio segment is comprised of one class of Consumer Loan assignments, which is Consumer Loans with deteriorated credit quality that were originated by Dealers to finance consumer purchases of vehicles and related ancillary products.

Dealer Loans. Amounts advanced to Dealers for Consumer Loans assigned under the Portfolio Program are recorded as Dealer Loans and are aggregated by Dealer for purposes of recognizing revenue and evaluating impairment. We account for Dealer Loans in a manner consistent with loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality. The outstanding balance of each Dealer Loan included in Loans receivable is comprised of the following:

· the aggregate amount of all cash advances paid;

· finance charges;

· Dealer Holdback payments;

· accelerated Dealer Holdback payments; and

· recoveries.

Less:

· collections (net of certain collection costs); and

· write-offs.

An allowance for credit losses is maintained at an amount that reduces the net asset value (Dealer Loan balance less the allowance) to the value of forecasted future cash flows discounted at the yield established at the time of assignment. This allowance calculation is completed for each individual Dealer. The discounted value of future cash flows is comprised of estimated future collections on the Consumer Loans, less any estimated Dealer Holdback payments. We write off Dealer Loans once there are no forecasted future cash flows on any of the associated Consumer Loans, which generally occurs 120 months after the last Consumer Loan assignment.

Future collections on Dealer Loans are forecasted based on the historical performance of Consumer Loans with similar characteristics, adjusted for recent trends in payment patterns. Dealer Holdback is forecasted based on the expected future collections and current advance balance of each Dealer Loan. Cash flows from any individual Dealer Loan are often different than estimated cash flows at the time of assignment. If such difference is favorable, the difference is recognized prospectively into income over the remaining life of the Dealer Loan through a yield adjustment. If such difference is unfavorable, a provision for credit losses is recorded immediately as a current period expense and a corresponding allowance for credit losses is established. Because differences between estimated cash flows at the time of assignment and actual cash flows occur often, an allowance is required for a significant portion of our Dealer Loan portfolio. An allowance for credit losses does not necessarily indicate that a Dealer Loan is unprofitable, and during the last several years, very seldom were cash flows from a Dealer Loan insufficient to repay the initial amounts advanced to the Dealer.

Purchased Loans. Amounts paid to Dealers for Consumer Loans assigned under the Purchase Program are recorded as Purchased Loans and are aggregated into pools based on the month of purchase for purposes of recognizing revenue and evaluating impairment. We account for Purchased Loans as loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality. The outstanding balance of each Purchased Loan pool included in Loans receivable is comprised of the following:

· the aggregate amount of all amounts paid during the month of purchase to purchase Consumer Loans from Dealers;

· finance charges; and

· recoveries.

Less:

· collections (net of certain collection costs); and

· write-offs.

An allowance for credit losses is maintained at an amount that reduces the net asset value (Purchased Loan pool balance less the allowance) to the value of forecasted future cash flows discounted at the yield established at the time of assignment. This allowance calculation is completed for each individual monthly pool of Purchased Loans. The discounted value of future cash flows is comprised of estimated future collections on the pool of Purchased Loans. We write off pools of Purchased Loans once there are no forecasted future cash flows on any of the Purchased Loans included in the pool, which generally occurs 120 months after the month of purchase.

Future collections on Purchased Loans are forecasted based on the historical performance of Consumer Loans with similar characteristics, adjusted for recent trends in payment patterns. Cash flows from any individual pool of Purchased Loans are often different than estimated cash flows at the time of assignment. If such difference is favorable, the difference is recognized prospectively into income over the remaining life of the pool of Purchased Loans through a yield adjustment. If such difference is unfavorable, a provision for credit losses is recorded immediately as a current period expense and a corresponding allowance for credit losses is established.

Credit Quality. Substantially all of the Consumer Loans assigned to us are made to individuals with impaired or limited credit histories or higher debt-to-income ratios than are permitted by traditional lenders. Consumer Loans made to these individuals generally entail a higher risk of delinquency, default and repossession and higher losses than loans made to consumers with better credit. Since most of our revenue and cash flows are generated from these Consumer Loans, our ability to accurately forecast Consumer Loan performance is critical to our business and financial results. At the time the Consumer Loan is submitted to us for assignment, we forecast future expected cash flows from the Consumer Loan. Based on these forecasts, an advance or one-time purchase payment is made to the related Dealer at a price designed to achieve an acceptable return on capital.

We monitor and evaluate the credit quality of Consumer Loans on a monthly basis by comparing our current forecasted collection rates to our initial expectations. We use a statistical model that considers a number of credit quality indicators to estimate the expected collection rate for each Consumer Loan at the time of assignment. The credit quality indicators considered in our model include attributes contained in the consumer’s credit bureau report, data contained in the consumer’s credit application, the structure of the proposed transaction, vehicle information and other factors. We continue to evaluate the expected collection rate of each Consumer Loan subsequent to assignment primarily through the monitoring of consumer payment behavior. Our evaluation becomes more accurate as the Consumer Loans age, as we use actual performance data in our forecast. Since all known, significant credit quality indicators have already been factored into our forecasts and pricing, we are not able to use any specific credit quality indicators to predict or explain variances in actual performance from our initial expectations. Any variances in performance from our initial expectations are the result of Consumer Loans performing differently than historical Consumer Loans with similar characteristics. We periodically adjust our statistical pricing model for new trends that we identify though our evaluation of these forecasted collection rate variances.

When overall forecasted collection rates underperform our initial expectations, the decline in forecasted collections has a more adverse impact on the profitability of the Purchased Loans than on the profitability of the Dealer Loans. For Purchased Loans, the decline in forecasted collections is absorbed entirely by us. For Dealer Loans, the decline in the forecasted collections is substantially offset by a decline in forecasted payments of Dealer Holdback.

Forecast Methodology Changes and Modifications. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, we did not make any methodology changes or significant modifications to our forecasts of future collections on Consumer Loans that had a material impact on our financial results.

Reinsurance

VSC Re Company (“VSC Re”), our wholly-owned subsidiary, is engaged in the business of reinsuring coverage under vehicle service contracts sold to consumers by Dealers on vehicles financed by us. VSC Re currently reinsures vehicle service contracts that are underwritten by one of our third party insurers. Vehicle service contract premiums, which represent the selling price of the vehicle service contract to the consumer, less fees and certain administrative costs, are contributed to trust accounts controlled by VSC Re. These premiums are used to fund claims covered under the vehicle service contracts. VSC Re is a bankruptcy remote entity. As such, our exposure to fund claims is limited to the trust assets controlled by VSC Re and our net investment in VSC Re.

Premiums from the reinsurance of vehicle service contracts are recognized over the life of the policy in proportion to expected costs of servicing those contracts. Expected costs are determined based on our historical claims experience. Claims are expensed through a provision for claims in the period the claim was incurred. Capitalized acquisition costs are comprised of premium taxes and are amortized as general and administrative expense over the life of the contracts in proportion to premiums earned. A summary of reinsurance activity is as follows:


(In thousands)	For the Three Months Ended June 30,				For the Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Net assumed written premiums	$	12,044	$	11,740	$	28,334	$	26,126
Net premiums earned		12,011		10,190		22,781		18,733
Provision for claims		9,030		7,771		17,582		14,370
Amortization of capitalized acquisition costs		331		246		610		459

We are considered the primary beneficiary of the trusts and as a result, the trusts have been consolidated on our balance sheet. The trust assets and related reinsurance liabilities are as follows:


(In thousands)		As of
	Balance Sheet location	June 30, 2012			December 31, 2011
Trust assets	Restricted cash and cash equivalents		$	48,297		$	42,026
Unearned premium	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			37,888			32,335
Claims reserve (1)	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			1,489			1,297

(1) The claims reserve is estimated based on historical claims experience.

Our determination to consolidate the VSC Re trusts was based on the following:

· First, we determined that the trusts qualified as variable interest entities. The trusts have insufficient equity at risk as no parties to the trusts were required to contribute assets that provide them with any ownership interest.

· Next, we determined that we have variable interests in the trusts. We have a residual interest in the assets of the trusts, which is variable in nature, given that it increases or decreases based upon the actual loss experience of the related service contracts. In addition, VSC Re is required to absorb any losses in excess of the trusts’ assets.

· Next, we evaluated the purpose and design of the trusts. The primary purpose of the trusts is to provide third party administrators (“TPAs”) with funds to pay claims on vehicle service contracts and to accumulate and provide us with proceeds from investment income and residual funds.

· Finally, we determined that we are the primary beneficiary of the trusts. We control the amount of premium written and placed in the trusts through Consumer Loan assignments under our Programs, which is the activity that most significantly impacts the economic performance of the trusts. We have the right to receive benefits from the trusts that could potentially be significant. In addition, VSC Re has the obligation to absorb losses of the trusts that could potentially be significant.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of readily marketable securities with original maturities at the date of acquisition of three months or less. As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had $4.6 million and $4.1 million, respectively, in cash and cash equivalents that were not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

Restricted cash and cash equivalents increased to $128.4 million as of June 30, 2012 from $104.7 million as of December 31, 2011. The following table summarizes restricted cash and cash equivalents:


(In thousands)	As of
	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Cash related to secured financings	$	80,032	$	62,536
Cash held in trusts for future vehicle service contract claims (1)		48,350		42,143
Total restricted cash and cash equivalents	$	128,382	$	104,679

(1) The unearned premium and claims reserve associated with the trusts are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. As of June 30, 2012, the outstanding cash balance includes $48,297 related to VSC Re and $53 related to a discontinued profit sharing arrangement. As of December 31, 2011, the outstanding cash balance includes $42,026 related to VSC Re and $117 related to a discontinued profit sharing arrangement.

As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had $118.9 million and $97.5 million, respectively, in restricted cash and cash equivalents that was not insured by the FDIC.

Restricted Securities Available for Sale

Restricted securities available for sale consist of amounts held in a trust in accordance with a discontinued vehicle service contract profit sharing arrangement. We determine the appropriate classification of our investments in debt securities at the time of purchase and reevaluate such determinations at each balance sheet date. Debt securities for which we do not have the intent or ability to hold to maturity are classified as available for sale, and stated at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of income taxes included in the determination of comprehensive income and reported as a component of shareholders’ equity.

Restricted securities available for sale consisted of the following:


(In thousands)	As of June 30, 2012
	Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Corporate bonds	$	860	$	30	$	(5	)	$	885

(In thousands)	As of December 31, 2011
	Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Corporate bonds	$	804	$	13	$	(7	)	$	810

The cost and estimated fair values of debt securities by contractual maturity were as follows (securities with multiple maturity dates are classified in the period of final maturity). Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.


(In thousands)	As of
	June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Cost		Estimated Fair Value		Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Contractual Maturity
Within one year	$	202	$	213	$	45	$	44
Over one year to five years		658		672		759		766
Total restricted securities available for sale	$	860	$	885	$	804	$	810

Deferred Debt Issuance Costs

As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, deferred debt issuance costs were $18.4 million and $18.1 million, respectively, and are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Expenses associated with the issuance of debt instruments are capitalized and amortized as interest expense over the term of the debt instrument using the effective interest method for asset-backed secured financings (“Term ABS”) and 9.125% First Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (“Senior Notes”) and the straight-line method for lines of credit and revolving secured warehouse (“Warehouse”) facilities.

Derivative and Hedging Instruments

We rely on various sources of financing, some of which contain floating rates of interest and expose us to risks associated with increases in interest rates. We manage such risk primarily by entering into interest rate cap and interest rate swap agreements (“derivative instruments”).

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, we formally document all relationships between the hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as their risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivative instruments that are designated as cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. We also formally assess (both at the hedge’s inception and on a quarterly basis) whether the derivative instruments that are used in hedging transactions have been highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of hedged items and whether those derivative instruments may be expected to remain highly effective in future periods. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments is recorded in other comprehensive income, net of income taxes. If it is determined that a derivative instrument is not (or has ceased to be) highly effective as a hedge, we would discontinue hedge accounting prospectively and the ineffective portion of changes in fair value would be recorded in interest expense. For derivative instruments not designated as hedges, changes in the fair value of these agreements increase or decrease interest expense.

We recognize derivative instruments as either other assets or accounts payable and accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. For additional information regarding our derivative and hedging instruments, see Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements.

New Accounting Updates

Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts. In October 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-26, which amends Topic 944 (Financial Services – Insurance). ASU No. 2010-26 is intended to address diversity in practice regarding the interpretation of which costs relating to the acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts qualify for deferral. The amendments specify which costs incurred in the acquisition of new and renewal contracts should be capitalized. ASU No. 2010-26 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. While the guidance in this ASU is required to be applied prospectively upon adoption, retrospective application is also permitted (to all prior periods presented). Early adoption is also permitted, but only at the beginning of an entity’s annual reporting period. The adoption of ASU No. 2010-26 on January 1, 2012 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04 which amends Topic 820 (Fair Value Measurement). ASU No. 2011-04 is intended to provide a consistent definition of fair value and common requirements for measurement of and disclosure about fair value between U.S. GAAP and IFRS. The amendments in ASU No. 2011-04 include changes regarding how and when the valuation premise of highest and best use applies, the application of premiums and discounts, and new required disclosures. ASU No. 2011-04 is to be applied prospectively upon adoption and is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 with early adoption prohibited. The adoption of ASU No. 2011-04 on January 1, 2012 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, but expanded our disclosures related to fair value measurements.