Feb. 7, 2017—AR Direct announced a partnership with IA Path, a company that trains independent auto damage appraisers.  

IA Path was founded by Chris Stanley in October 2016 after seeing a need for a new wave of auto damage adjusters and appraisers. He has eight years of experience as an independent adjuster, hosts a weekly podcast and has a heavy online presence dedicated to adjuster placement and training.

AR Direct—a consulting hub that supports insurance companies, collision shops, fleet management—specializes in salvage returns, total loss compliance tools, APD claim support, vehicle donations and auction platforms.

“Catastrophes are trying times for everyone involved and it takes a serious amount of skill to do the job well,” said Barry Barbee, executive director of AR Direct and a National Auto Body Council board member. “The number one goal of this program is to make sure claim representatives who are extremely competent, properly vetted, compassionate, and have the best in class training are representing our insurance carrier partners and are able to extend red carpet treatment to those that are impacted by storms.

“The program we’ve designed ensures our representatives will leave a favorable impression on the insured and the inspection flow is flawless.”

Stanley says younger generations are presented with large barriers to entry and low pay, which is turning them away from a career as independent adjusters. He hopes the course will help bring more people into the trade.