The RIA Advocacy and Government Affairs (AGA) Committee researches and assembles peer-reviewed position statements on issues commonly encountered by restoration contractors. The RIA does not create these position statements independent of its members. Rather, the papers represent consensus development of reasonable and fair approaches to these issues. The position statements that follow are intended for use by RIA members during discussions with others, and we trust will be supported by all well-intentioned businesses in the market.
Position Papers are also available in French and Spanish. Thank you to AGA Canada and ReStor Right Bilingual Academy for assisting in translation efforts.
RIA AGA Position Statements
This series of position papers, developed by RIA Volunteers, Advocate and input from AGA committees, addresses key challenges faced by North American restoration companies. A position paper is a formal document that outlines an organization’s stance on a specific issue, providing insights, supporting evidence, and recommendations for action. These papers serve as valuable resources to inform industry stakeholders, advocate for policy changes, and support best practices within the restoration sector.
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WHAT IS A POSITION STATEMENT?You must log in to access content.
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Claims Handling Position Statement #1 - Duty to Communicate with the ContractorYou must log in to access content.
This position statement addresses when the insurance carrier fails to communicate with the contractor.
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Claims Handling Position Statement #2 - Timeliness of Carrier ResponsesYou must log in to access content.
This position statement addresses when insurance carriers fail to timely respond to restorer inquires.
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TPA Position Statement #1 - Scope Change RequestsYou must log in to access content.
Contractors, Third-Party Administrators (“TPAs”), and Insurance Carriers have developed mutually beneficial relationships over the years, and as with many relationships of this type, some areas of overlap and inconsistency have evolved. One of these areas is in the file-review process, which is typically handled by a TPA staff member. TPA staff may request a revision, believing the request is based on contractual controlling documents, while the contractor is unaware if the controlling documents apply, or may disagree with the interpretation of them.
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TPA Position Statement #2 - Deference for Contractor Agreements with CarriersYou must log in to access content.
This position statement addresses when a TPA attempts to override a carrier's agreement with a contractor on the price and/or scope of a restoration project.
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TPA Position Statement #3 - Referral Fees for Jobs Not Referred by TPAYou must log in to access content.
This position statement addresses when a TPA charges a network contractor a referral fee for a job that was not referred to the contractor by the TPA.
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TPA Position Statement #4 - TPA Client DisclosureYou must log in to access content.
This position statement addresses when a TPA attempts to override a carrier’s agreement with a contractor on the price and/or scope of a restoration project.
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TPA Position Statement #5 - Deviations from GuidelinesYou must log in to access content.
This position statement addresses when the unique circumstances of a project warrant deviation from carrier and/or TPA guidelines.
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New Construction Price Lists Position StatementYou must log in to access content.
This position statement can be used when insurance carriers and their partners attempt to apply “new construction” pricing to property damage restoration projects.
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Adjusters Dictating Restoration Charges Position StatementYou must log in to access content.
This statement can be used when adjusters instruct contractors to remove items from invoices or change prices for non-program projects.
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Deviation from Standardized Price Lists Position StatementYou must log in to access content.
This statement should be used when insurance carriers and their partners attempt to prohibit deviations from standardized price lists.
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Denial of Charges for the “Cost of Doing Business” Position StatementYou must log in to access content.
This statement can be used when insurance carriers refuse to pay restoration charges they believe are the “cost of doing business.”
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TPC Position Statement #1 - The Role of the ConsultantYou must log in to access content.
This is the first in a series of Third Party Consultant (TPC) Position Statements. It can be used when a third party attempts to dictate the restorer’s procedure, scope, price, and/or billing method, or the third party’s qualifications come into question.
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TPC Position Statement #2 - Project ControlYou must log in to access content.
This is the second in a series of Third Party Consultant (TPC) position statements. It can be used when insurers or third parties attempt to control restoration work or modify its scope.
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TPC Position Statement #3 - Pricing MethodologyYou must log in to access content.
This is the third in a series of Third Party Consultant (TPC) Position Statements. It can be used when an insurer or third party attempts to change pricing methodology
