The Importance of the AGA
In March 2019 RIA (Restoration Industry Association) President Mark Springer wrote one of the most compelling articles for the Restoration Industry, imploring the industry to come together or ultimately just fade away. Out of that article, along with mountains of effort and collaboration, came the Advocacy and Government Affairs Committee (AGA). In his writing Mark identified the problems of our Industry in one simple statement: “If restoration companies are unwilling to unite, advocate for sustainable claims practices and take a proactive approach with insurance carrier claims policies, then the restoration industry as we know it will cease to exist within a decade.” From this statement, I’d like to explore the advocate portion.
In the simplest of terms, advocacy is “to support”, which is exactly why the AGA was created and is important to the restorer, no matter the footprint that restorer covers. The RIA is a unified voice for the Restoration Professional set out to educate, advocate and elevate that restorer. In what manner that support is received is determined by the need of the individual or company. Each restoration company faces different obstacles, but some are universal, industry wide, it is those areas that the AGA has focused extensively on since its inception
Let’s take a look at some of those areas of focus and how each of us can benefit from the help they provide. After creation of the AGA, subcommittees were formed to better focus volunteer’s efforts into specific areas of concerns. Once such subcommittee was created to help restoration contractors in their relationships with TPA’s (Third Party Administrators). This committee focuses on both the responsibility of the restorer as well as that of the TPA to help bridge the gaps that are present. Another subcommittee began working with the estimating software companies that we depend on every day to provide us with accurate and timely pricing for our services. And yet another committee began working on the relationship between contractors and Third-Party Consultants, not to be confused with Third Party Administrators, and how they can affect our relationships with our clients even after our services have been completed.
It is important to note that each of these subcommittees, though different, had the same overall goal of providing advocacy to the Restoration Industry. Out of these subcommittees, numerous “Position Statements” were created for use. Position statements are documents created by fellow restorers, peers, on issues that are common to all restoration contractors. Some of those statements include: TPA Position Statement #5 – Deviation from Guidelines. This particular statement paper addresses those times when a restorer is faced with unique circumstances in a claim and a particular TPA is enforcing a “guideline”. The restoration contractor can utilize the statement to better support their position. Another example of a position statement would be the Statement on Deviation from Standardized Price lists. We all are aware, or should be, that the industry has developed several “standard price” list tools. They are the different estimating programs we are often asked (required) to use on claim estimates. However, often times these estimating programs just don’t provide the accurate price we need to complete certain tasks. This position statement can help support your position when dealing with TPA’s or an adjuster in these types of circumstances.
The AGA has evolved into a multifaceted academy where all the different support tools are held. Those supports cover areas such as: Xactimate Pricing tool, position statements on critical issues facing the industry each day, legal documentation to help with collecting payments, and many more.
The AGA is proving to be critical for future growth and success for the Restoration Industry. Since its inception, it has made critical positive steps in uniting the industry to face the current day challenges as well as those still ahead. The AGA efforts are not only about protecting the interests of its member but about ensuring the industry as a whole will continue to face those challenges with sustainable solutions.
I hope you, too, can get involved. The more unified we are as an Industry, the more progress that can be made.