CHICAGO - Virginia Surety Co., a unit of The Warranty Group, Inc. and an accredited business of the Better Business Bureau, has achieved an A+ rating for its proven record of trustworthiness and ethics in its customer-related business practices.

"Being accredited with the BBB shows that Virginia Surety is committed to our strict code of business practices, and it reinforces Virginia Surety's dedication to its customers," said Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the BBB serving Chicago and Northern Illinois.

To become a BBB Accredited Business, a company must adhere to the BBB Code of Business Practices, which represents sound advertising, selling and customer service practices that enhance customer trust and confidence in business. The Code is built on the BBB Standards for Trust, which includes principles such as

• establishing and maintaining a positive track record in the marketplace

• honestly adhering to established standards of advertising and selling

• honestly representing products and services

• openly disclosing all policies and procedures that influence a customer's decision to buy

• abiding by all written agreements and verbal representations

• addressing disputes quickly, professionally and in good faith

• embodying integrity in all business dealings

"Virginia Surety's success is directly attributable to our customer-focused business practices," said David Cole, chairman and CEO of The Warranty Group and Virginia Surety. "With the vast reach of our company into all types of consumer goods, the method in which we respond to and resolve customer issues is directly responsible for our 25-year record of growth. Our robust infrastructure and administrative expertise add value to every customer transaction, while building brand loyalty for our clients."