Clarifying ARA’s Position on Key Services and Operational Control
The American Recovery Association (ARA) has recently become aware of industry discussions suggesting that ARA supports models that would remove key service operations from repossession companies or require the use of specific third-party vendors at repossession facilities. These claims are incorrect. Over the past several months, ARA has worked collaboratively with lenders, forwarders, repossession companies, […]
Industry Update on Rising Fuel Costs
Dear ARA Members, The recent global events involving Iran have resulted in noticeable increases in fuel prices across the United States. As an industry that relies heavily on transportation and vehicle recovery operations, we recognize that rising fuel costs directly impact the day-to-day operations and profitability of our members. In response to these developments, the […]
Winter Storm Serves as Wake-Up Call for Repossession Industry Preparedness
Dear ARA Members, The recent winter storm should serve as a wake-up call. For days — in some cases, more than a week — meteorologists warned that this system would be historic. Models showed record-breaking cold. Governors issued alerts. News outlets ran constant coverage. Social media was flooded with forecasts and preparation checklists. The warnings […]
American Recovery Association Urges Industry-Wide Action Against Municipal “Pay-to-Play” Repossession Ordinances
The American Recovery Association (ARA) is sounding the alarm: what started as a local issue in Illinois is now spreading to Michigan and Indiana and has escalated into a serious threat to the entire repossession industry. Several municipalities now require repossession companies to obtain permits—via online platforms such as Oxcart Permit Systems—simply to perform work […]
PAR North America Sets New Industry Standard with Two-Day Agent Pay
The field of repossession is inherently stressful and carries significant risk. There are no guarantees—agents operate in unpredictable environments, often in the middle of the night, facing safety concerns and volatile situations while providing a critical service to the lending industry. In addition to those daily risks, agents have traditionally faced another major stressor: cash […]
Impound Repossessions and the Risk of a Two-tier Compliance System
Earlier this month, ARA became aware that a major auto finance company had entered into an agreement with a national auction and transport provider to conduct impound repossessions on its behalf. Upon learning of this arrangement, ARA sought clarification to better understand how such practices are being viewed and governed from a repossession, compliance, and […]
Recovery Agent Protection Committee (RAPC)
The Recovery Agent Protection Committee (RAPC) was established to protect recovery agents while they are in the field by examining all phases of the industry in an effort to reduce the risks agents face every day. Since its formation, the committee has been reviewing current state laws related to assaults on individuals. Its objective is […]
ARA Releases Revised Hold Harmless Agreement for Members
Recently, the ARA reviewed several Hold Harmless agreements being circulated and used within our industry and found them to be insufficient. While the ARA does not generally endorse the use of Hold Harmless agreements for a variety of reasons, we recognize why they are used from time to time. With that in mind, our attorneys […]
ARA and Westlake Collaborate to Clarify Processes and Strengthen Industry Standards
Following recent discussions, both the American Recovery Association (ARA) and Westlake Financial recognize the need for clear and unified communication regarding repossession procedures and expectations. While recent conversations have provided clarification on several points, many within the repossession community have continued to express uncertainty surrounding certain Westlake processes. Both organizations have received a significant number […]
Westlake Financial Services Update
As a result of our recent outreach to Westlake Financial Services, we’re pleased to report that meaningful progress has been made in addressing concerns surrounding their recent policy changes. To begin, it appears there was some misunderstanding regarding the use of the Hold Harmless document. This document was only intended to be required under specific circumstances—namely […]
