State Repossession Associations Unite – Free Storage Must End

The Word “Free” has no place in our industry

On December 8, 2022, leaders from the nation’s state repossession associations met in response to the call to action by The Alliance of Illinois Repossessors (AIR) and the inspiring success of their “NO FREE STORAGE” campaign. While many important items and goals were discussed, all states in attendance stood united behind the AIR and agree that free storage must come to an end.

As a wrap up meeting for 2022, leaders from AIR, ARA, CALR, GALR, INPRA, MARA, MARP, NALR, RAC, TexasARP, and the newly forming Tennessee association met via Zoom. While we discussed many important items and goals for 2023, the most powerful item on the agenda was the word FREE, and how it has no place in our industry.

By unanimous agreement, all states in attendance are united behind AIR and agree that free storage must come to an end.

The Breaking Point

It is well known that 25% of the recovery agent network was lost during the COVID-19 Pandemic. And even still, per data obtained from Harding Brooks Insurance, the industry is currently losing 1-3 agencies a month. Overall, this equals a loss of nearly 40% of the pre-pandemic agent network.

This is the direct result of the lack of sustainability our companies have faced over the years. Rising costs of business, stagnant, decreasing, and even disappearing service fees have eroded profitability to the breaking point.

AIR has done a geographic study for their region and estimate it COSTS between $12 and $14 per day, to store each vehicle in their region. The leaders of the other states have obtained the AIR formula and will be conducting their own geographical studies then creating their own presentations to share and represent their space.

Strength in Numbers

Of the growing number of state repossession associations, we control a large and growing percentile of the repossession activity volume. AIR members receive an astounding 90% of all the assignment volume in Illinois. While the membership of many other state organizations may not have the same geographical leverage, they do boast the 20-50% of the top agencies in their respective states.

The ever-growing strength and value of the state associations should never be underestimated.

Going Forward

AIR has set a January 1^st, 2023, deadline for fee compliance or shutdown. While none have yet to be announced by the other state associations at this meeting, all agree that this is a critical topic. As such, each state association has agreed to make such proposals to their members and boards in their next meeting agendas.

All state association leaders fully support AIR in their chosen actions. While they bring this matter up to their respective members, time will be required for each organization to take their own independent steps regarding this matter before being announced.

On the go forward, each state association will broadcast their own individual press releases highlighting their accomplishments and goals, so please stay tuned for those. We are committed to be transparent and keep the industry informed of our movements and plans.

In the new year, we will be meeting on the first Wednesday of every month. Our momentum is only growing with each passing day. We are not alone in our determination and the ARA has committed to collaborating with and supporting the state associations.

“What Are We Doing For You?”

We’re glad you asked! But a better question to ask would be, “What can I do for our industry, and how can I get involved?”

While the ARA and AFA have been pillars of our industry for so long and we encourage everyone to join one of the national associations, we URGE you to get involved at the state level as well.

Many states have yearly dues as low as $275 and do not exceed $550. For the virtual cost of ONE REPO, you can make your voice heard and participate in the betterment of the industry.

Unity used to be a dream, so don’t miss out on the reality it’s becoming and the brighter future that is to come. Be part of the solution, not the problem. Get involved today!

Below are the web links to the current standing state associations for your review;

California – www.calr.org

Carolinas – www.racarolinas.org

Florida – www.falr.org

Georgia – www.galr.org

Illinois – www.air-repo.com

Indiana – www.indianapra.org

Michigan – Website under construction. Please contact President Jenny Liagre (RockwoodRecovery@gmail.com)

Minnesota – www.marp.org

Nevada – Website under construction. Please go to https://www.facebook.com/NevadaRepo/

Texas – www.texasarp.org

Even as we announce this, Arizona, Colorado, Mississippi, New York, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia are working hard on organizing in their states. If you have any questions or would like introductions, please reach out to Bryanna Cox at President@texasarp.org. She will be happy to connect you with the folks working in those states.

NOW is the time to take back our industry. But we need to unite in order to do this. Join a state association today! If you don’t have an association in your state, the current state leaders are happy to help you get started. We are all in this together!