Restoration Industry Association (RIA) – Quarterly Update August 2025

The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is the leading voice for restoration and reconstruction professionals. We are committed to advancing the industry through advocacy, education and collaboration—ensuring restorers are represented, respected and equipped for success.

Whether you're a small business owner, franchise operator, or independent contractor, the RIA is working for you. If you're not yet a member, now is the time to join our growing community of professionals dedicated to shaping the future of restoration.

Here are some important initiatives we want you to know about!

Carrier Relations Advocacy

Mark Springer, RIA’s Carrier Relations Advocate, is leading the charge on one of our most ambitious advocacy efforts yet to conduct dialogue with carriers on key issues facing restorers. The carrier relations strategy follows RIA’s advocacy blueprint, which includes soliciting feedback from restorers on their biggest challenges, developing peer-reviewed position statements on those issues and then engaging in proactive advocacy efforts with third parties to move the needle on those issues.

Springer has been working to form a Carrier Representative Task Force and has successfully established communication with executive-level leadership from some of the largest national insurance carriers to foster relationships that will create space for addressing key challenges.

Previously, there has been no structured venue for restorers and carriers to have conversations about improving the ecosystem for our mutual customer, the policyholder. This dialogue has provided an opportunity to share several of the RIA’s position statements with carrier leadership to provide insights on key issues and challenges.

Additionally, the RIA is leading the way to promote ethics in the restoration industry by launching a new code of ethics, supported by education and certification for RIA members that will set ethical restorers apart from unscrupulous contractors. This will promote professionalism within the industry and further enable the RIA to make a positive impact for restorers.

New Advocacy Center

As part of our ongoing commitment to elevate and protect the restoration industry, I wanted to make sure you know about the RIA Advocacy Hub— your go-to hub for legislative updates, grassroots action and industry resources.

Legislation and regulation directly impact how restoration businesses operate, from payment timelines to jobsite safety standards. The Advocacy Hub will allow you to participate in campaigns and provide templates and scripts for calls, emails and social media on important state matters that will impact your business.

RIA members can log in at and view our Advocacy Action Hub to explore resources and sign up for SMS alerts by texting RIAAGA to 50457, and hear about grassroots campaigns that impact you. Your participation makes our industry stronger, and the Advocacy Center is here to make it easier than ever to be heard. Learn more about how the RIA establishes legislative priorities.

Regional Networking Event Registration Now Open

In the restoration industry, growth depends on more than skill and tools—it thrives on shared ideas and strong relationships. That’s exactly what RIA’s Regional Networking Events deliver. These in-person gatherings bring restorers together at the local level to exchange insights, tackle challenges and explore solutions that drive success. Designed by restorers, for restorers, the events blend meaningful education with genuine community connection.

Each event features dedicated networking time, high-impact sessions on timely topics and exclusive tours of host company facilities. Attendees gain practical takeaways—from improving cash flow and boosting operational efficiency to avoiding costly mistakes and reimagining their workflows.

This fall, there will be several RIA regional networking opportunities hosted by: MidSouth Cleaning & Restoration Association in Charlotte, NC (Oct. 16–17), McCabe Restoration in Memphis, TN (Oct. 29) and Thomasville Restoration in Baltimore, MD (Nov. 12). Sessions will cover brand building, technology adoption, cost management, business coaching and key advocacy updates on insurance practices and payment delays. More than an educational experience, these events are a catalyst for building trusted relationships that can transform your business.

Register today - $45 for RIA Members and $99 for Nonmembers

Advancing Pricing Transparency with Verisk

Many adjusters and contractors mistakenly assume every individual Xactimate line item is updated monthly in every market, and this misunderstanding can cause significant friction.

In reality, while monthly updates are made, material and equipment components are updated when Verisk’s market analysis indicates changes are warranted. Per the Xactimate End User License Agreement, users of the software agree not to prohibit or preclude deviations from the Price Data where contractor requirements, market conditions, demand, or any other factors warrant the use of a different line item price in a specific situation.

Thanks to your feedback and RIA’s advocacy, Verisk is taking action to address this issue through:

Enhanced transparency in pricing methodology with updated EULA language
Transparent disclaimers in monthly pricing updates and on the pricing website
New educational assets to explain how the pricing process works
Internal training for Verisk team members to uphold a balanced and fair approach to pricing

These changes are a direct result of RIA’s member input — and a step forward in correcting industry-wide misconceptions. We appreciate Verisk’s willingness to listen, collaborate and act in support of a more transparent and balanced industry.