Exploring the Findings of the RIA AGA Issues Survey (US & Canada)
The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) has a commitment to its membership to be on the forefront of the crucial issues that restorers face day to day. To hear from many voices across the industry the RIA conducted two AGA issue surveys – one for the United States and the other for Canada. The surveys were made available to all restoration professionals, regardless of RIA membership status. The purpose was to gather feedback and insights into the current state of the restoration industry and the concerns of professionals working within it. These perspectives help to pinpoint and prioritize crucial issues and areas of focus for the RIA’s Advocacy & Government Affairs (AGA) efforts.
The AGA surveys consisted of multiple-choice questions and was sent out via email and social media channels to US and Canadian restorers. “As the industry continues to evolve, ongoing dialogue and engagement with members will be crucial in shaping the RIA AGA's strategic priorities and initiatives moving forward,” states Kristy Cohen, RIA CEO. “On behalf of the RIA, we would like to thank everyone who responded to the surveys, and those who support the AGA’s efforts.”
In the United States
When asked what issues restorers have felt frustration around over the past twelve months, 72% of respondents indicated challenges with getting paid and timeliness of payments. The second largest issue, selected by 67% of respondents, was adjusters dictating restoration charges. Additional issues included carrier-contractor communications and denial of overhead & profit (43%); challenges with Third Party Administrators (TPAs) (39%); challenges with Third Party Reviewers (38%); employee recruitment/retention (30%); modification of software-provided price lists (24%); challenges with Third-Party Consultants (18%); and comparative estimates (15%).
Participants were asked to rank their top priorities for the issues they would like the AGA to focus on. The top five priority issues identified were:
1. Challenges with getting paid and timeliness of payments
2. Adjusters dictating restoration charges
3. Communication between carriers and contractors
4. Denial of overhead and profit by carriers
5. Challenges with Third Party Administrators (TPAs)
The survey asked respondents to describe their participation within the AGA. Eighty percent (80%) of respondents indicated they had downloaded or read a position statement. Over half of the respondents have downloaded and/or read the TPA Scorecard, while 30% viewed an AGA Academy video or resource. Additionally, 18% indicated they have attended an AGA networking event and 15% have served on an AGA committee at some point.
Learn more and register today for RIA AGA Networking Events.
So which tools did restorers find the most useful in supporting advocacy efforts? Ninety percent (90%) of respondents found educational sessions on industry-specific topics the most helpful, followed by guidance on how to use position statements (76%); legislative updates (74%); committee work (66%); AGA Academy (61%); membership surveys (57%); AGA Newsletter (57%); and finally networking events (55%).
In Canada
When asked what areas restorers in Canada have felt frustration around over the past twelve months, 55% of respondents indicated challenges with getting paid and timeliness of payments. The second biggest issue, selected by 38% of respondents, was pricing software line items including labor category rates. Additional issues included adjusters dictating restoration charges (36%); insurer-contractor communications (31%); challenges with Third Party Reviewers and Consultants (28%); insurers denying or reducing overhead (25%); penalty programs based on metrics (20%); employee recruitment/retention (16%); program scorecard and data validity (11%); non-payment on regulatory or industry standard required work (11%); and deviation from software-provided price lists (6%).
Participants were also asked to rank their top priorities for the issues they would like the AGA to focus on. The top five priority issues identified were:
1. Challenges with getting paid and timeliness of payments
2. Adjusters dictating restoration charges
3. Communication between insurers and contractors
4. Denial or reduction of overhead by insurers
5. Challenges with Third Party Reviewers & Consultants
Ninety percent (90%) of Canadian survey respondents found educational sessions on industry-specific topics the most helpful advocacy resources, followed by the AGA Newsletter (68%); membership surveys (68%); AGA Academy (61%); committee work (48%); position statements (45%); and finally networking events (35%).
The information provided in the Canadian survey will help inform the direction of the AGA Canada Committee as it continues to serve the unique needs of Canadian restorers. Learn more about AGA Canada.
Looking Ahead
The RIA’s AGA Committees and Task Force groups are utilizing these latest survey results to develop educational resources and strategies to address several of the issues identified. This includes establishment of a new Carrier Relations Task Force and continued efforts to improve contractor relations with Third Party Administrators and Third Party Consultants.
“Over 72% percent of respondents from both the US and Canadian surveys consider RIA’s role in advocating for the restoration industry very important, and we are dedicated to serving the industry with pride.” says Cohen. “This AGA survey illustrates the multifaceted landscape of the restoration industry. By harnessing these insights, the RIA can chart a course that not only addresses current challenges but also anticipates future trends, ensuring our members remain at the forefront of a dynamic and evolving industry.”