RIA’s Advocacy Wins: Standing Together for Restorers in 2025

At a time when restoration businesses are navigating increasing regulatory pressure, shifting insurance practices, workforce shortages, and tightening margins, the RIA doubled down on its commitment to protect those who show up first when disaster strikes. The results were real, measurable, and meaningful with advocacy wins that safeguarded emergency services, defended restorers’ rights to be paid for work performed, elevated professional credibility, and strengthened the future of our industry.

These victories didn’t happen in theory or behind closed doors. They happened because restorers came together, raised their voices, and trusted the RIA to fight for what matters most: the ability to serve their customers and communities, protect their businesses, and be proud of the work they do.

Building a Stronger, United Advocacy Foundation

Recognizing that today’s challenges require proactive, coordinated action, the RIA significantly expanded its advocacy efforts in 2025. Working alongside professional lobbyists and dedicated restoration advocates in Georgia, Texas, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, and South Carolina, the RIA engaged directly in legislation that affects how restorers operate, respond to emergencies, and get paid for work performed.

A defining moment this year was the launch of RIA’s VoterVoice platform, empowering members to speak directly to lawmakers when policies threaten their livelihoods—or when opportunities arise to strengthen the industry. This wasn’t just another tool; it was a signal that restorers’ voices matter. By pairing grassroots engagement with professional lobbying, the RIA amplified the collective power of the restoration community like never before.

Protecting Emergency Restoration When It Matters Most

One of the most powerful advocacy wins of 2025 came in New Jersey. Proposed legislation (NJ A551) risked unintentionally disrupting emergency restoration services—putting both property owners and restorers in jeopardy. Through direct engagement and expertise, RIA successfully secured amendments allowing consumers to waive the right to cancel contracts for emergency services.

This change protects what restorers do best: responding immediately when lives, homes, and businesses are on the line. It reduces legal uncertainty, protects cash flow, and ensures that when disaster strikes, restorers can focus on saving property—not fighting paperwork after the fact.

In Texas, the RIA took a similarly proactive stance on HB 4169. Rather than simply opposing the bill, the RIA worked directly with the bill sponsor to explain how restoration actually works in the field. The result? Harmful language was shut down, future legislation was informed by real-world expertise, and the RIA reinforced its role as a credible, solutions-driven advocate for both consumers and contractors.

Shaping Fair “Fire Chasing” Policy Nationwide

The RIA’s influence extended well beyond state borders in 2025. By participating in National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) meetings, Vince Scarfo, RIA’s Legislative Task Force Chair, worked closely with Georgia Senator Larry Walker and other stakeholders to reshape national model legislation addressing so-called “fire chasing.”

Thanks to the RIA’s involvement, the final framework protected legitimate emergency restoration services and preserved restorers’ right to fair compensation for work performed. This was a critical win preventing overly broad regulations that could have restricted emergency response and weakened the industry’s ability to serve communities during disasters.

Restoring Balance and Transparency in Pricing Data

In 2025, the RIA continued to fight for one of the most persistent challenges restorers face: the misuse of pricing data.

The RIA successfully worked with Cotality to update End User License Agreement (EULA) language, clearly affirming that pricing data is a starting point for an estimate, not a ceiling. The updated language reinforces that restorers may and should adjust estimates based on job complexity, real-world conditions, and actual costs.

The RIA’s advocacy with Verisk delivered additional, tangible improvements, including:

Clearer EULA language supporting balanced use of pricing data
Transparent disclaimers on data updates and limitations
New internal training and educational resources
Removal of “new construction” as the default setting for Hover ESX imports

These changes help reduce disputes, improve estimate accuracy, and reaffirm the value of professional judgment protecting restorers’ expertise and credibility.

Strengthening Relationships Without Compromising Integrity

To address long-standing friction between restorers and insurance carriers, the RIA launched a Carrier Representative Task Force in 2025. This initiative brought senior insurance executives and restoration leaders together to have honest conversations about shared challenges, expectations, and opportunities for improvement.

The task force also informed updates to RIA’s Code of Ethics, reinforcing professionalism, accountability, and trust across the industry. By leading these discussions at the executive level, the RIA positioned itself as a strong, respected voice for restorers focused on progress.

Data That Empowers Better Business Decisions

The RIA continued to lead with facts, not assumptions, by releasing the second Cost of Doing Business Report powered by knowhow. This critical resource provides restorers with credible insights into:

True overhead realities
Financial benchmarks
The impact of independent, custom price lists

For business owners, this data isn’t academic, it’s practical. It helps restorers benchmark performance and make informed strategic decisions with confidence.

The RIA also released the third TPA Scorecard, sparking meaningful dialogue with Third-Party Administrators and encouraging better practices across the ecosystem. The scorecard empowers restorers to choose partners wisely while driving accountability where it’s needed most.

Elevating Restoration as a Profession

One of the most forward-looking advocacy efforts of 2025 was the RIA’s application for a dedicated NAICS code for emergency restoration services. This initiative seeks formal recognition of restoration as its own industry unlocking better data, stronger workforce analysis, improved benchmarking, and more informed policymaking.

RIA also expanded its advocacy in Canada launching the first-ever RIA AGA Canadian Position Statement on Prompt Pay legislation. This work reinforces the RIA’s commitment to prompt payment practices and underscores that restorers everywhere deserve timely, equitable treatment.

Protecting Restoration in Policy and Public Education

The RIA partnered with IICRC, AIHA, and CIRI to develop a new Technical Guide for Wildfire Restoration to provide expert guidance to the California Department of Insurance Wildfire Task Force, ensuring restoration services remain protected and policies are developed using science-backed information.

At the same time, RIA launched a suite of new tools and public-facing resources to support both restorers and consumers, including:

These resources reduce risk, improve consumer understanding, and reinforce the professionalism of the restoration industry.

Advocacy That Delivers and a Community to Be Proud Of

The RIA’s 2025 advocacy wins are about more than activity. They’re about impact. Every initiative addressed real challenges restorers face every day including protecting emergency response, defending fair compensation, strengthening credibility, and securing the future of the industry.

Through strategic lobbying, grassroots engagement, data-driven leadership, and collaborative problem-solving, the RIA continues to stand as a critical advocate for restorers and their businesses.

As we look ahead to 2026, one thing is clear: our industry is strongest when we stand together. If you’re a restorer who believes in protecting your business, elevating your profession, and being part of something bigger than yourself, now is the time to join.

Become a member of the RIA and help ensure that restorers are not just heard—but respected, protected, and proud.