Using the RIA TPA Scorecard to Make Smarter Business Decisions

PAUL MAURER-BATJER
Paul Maurer-Batjer
on Wed, 08/20/2025
Using the RIA TPA Scorecard to Make Smarter Business Decisions

How to Evaluate Opportunities and Build Strategic Growth in the Slow Season

For many restoration contractors, the slow season is a time of uncertainty, but it can also be a time of clarity. With fewer jobs coming in, you finally have the breathing room to work on your business rather than just in it.

If you’ve ever considered expanding into new markets, increasing lead volume, or diversifying revenue through Third-Party Administrator (TPA) work, now is the time to pause, plan, and evaluate. The RIA TPA Scorecard is an important tool to help you do that.

Important Considerations for Working with TPAs

TPAs can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, they offer restoration contractors a steady stream of assignments, especially attractive during slow periods. On the other hand, they often come with complex requirements, strict metrics, delayed payments, and limited job profitability. You should also consider the opportunity cost associated with Third-Party Administrators (TPAs); as their requirements could lead to a loss of organic leads.

That’s why the RIA developed the TPA Scorecard Report—a first-of-its-kind tool created by restorers, for restorers—to help you evaluate TPAs based on contractor feedback and assess whether these programs align with your business goals.

Whether you're currently working with TPAs or exploring new opportunities, this tool can help you make data-driven decisions instead of emotional or reactive ones.

What Is the RIA TPA Scorecard Report?

This report is based on the results of the RIA’s TPA survey which captured the real-world experiences of restoration contractors who work with Third-Party Administrators (TPAs). The report provides a framework that restoration contractors can use to compare and evaluate TPA programs based on several factors including:

  • Value: Return on Investment of time & money into the program
     
  • Scoring System: Clarity of how participating contactors are scored by TPAs
     
  • Guidelines: Operational requirements & ease of managing those requirements
     
  • Claims Process: Efficiency, fairness and competence of the TPA process
     
  • Contractor Support: What level of support do restorers get from TPAs
     
  • Credentialing: The reasonableness of TPA credentialing requirements
     
  • Claim Volume: Whether or not leads meet expectations & quality
     
  • Geographical Representation: The extent of TPA coverage in the service area
     

Rather than relying on hearsay or isolated experiences, the scorecard allows you to take a comprehensive, structured approach to evaluating potential partnerships based on the real-world experiences of other restorers.

You can use it internally with your leadership or estimating teams to review:

  • Current TPA programs you're enrolled in
     
  • TPAs you're considering working with
     
  • How may these programs impact your operations and margins

How to Use the Scorecard Strategically During the Slow Season

This quieter time is the perfect opportunity to step back and reflect on your business development strategy. Ask:

  • Should we be seeking new lead sources?
     
  • Are we too reliant on a single stream of work?
     
  • Is TPA work right for our business?
     
  • Are our current TPA partners worth the effort?
     

Use the RIA TPA Scorecard to:

Evaluate Existing Partnerships: Is the TPA you’re working with helping or hindering your business? Use the scorecard to rate them against critical business drivers.

Compare New Opportunities: When approached by a new program, review the scorecard before signing any agreements. Ask key questions upfront and don’t settle for vague promises.

Create an Internal Policy: Use the scorecard to develop a threshold score that helps you determine whether a TPA program aligns with your business model before onboarding.

Measure Program ROI: Combine the scorecard with actual financial data (job profit, cycle time, overhead) to truly understand your cost of participation.

A Tool for Empowerment, Not Just Evaluation

One of the RIA’s goals is to give restorers the power to make informed, confident decisions. The TPA Scorecard is part of that vision.

Instead of chasing every opportunity or guessing which leads are worthwhile, use the scorecard to protect your time, your people, and your profitability. 

How to Get Started

If you're an RIA member, you can access your free copy of the TPA Scorecard Report here. Not a member yet? Join today and gain access to industry tools like this, designed to help you grow smarter, not just faster.

And if you’ve already used the scorecard, we want to hear from you. Share your experiences, your insights, or even anonymous data. Your feedback helps us refine the tools that support this industry’s long-term success.

Don't waste the slow season. Use it. The RIA TPA Scorecard gives you the clarity to pursue the right leads for your business, protect your margins, and grow with confidence.