RACQ Insurance has become an associate member of the Restoration Industry Association of Australasia – the second Australian insurer to do so after Suncorp joined last week.

RIA Australasia chair Brodie West had said she was in talks with other insurers and expected more to join the non-profit trade body.

“RACQ Insurance is an important partner and its support emphasises the significance of introducing our inaugural code of practice early next year,” she said after the latest announcement.

“Staff members have already appreciated the sector’s insights during recent technical and strategic roadshows and consultations. More broadly, the RIA and its members can contribute their specialist technical expertise, insights and experience to assist the general insurance sector, [and] improve claims management and outcomes for customers.”

RACQ Insurance property assessing and repair operations manager Lachlan Patch says the group looks forward to working with RIA Australasia.

“With the increasing frequency of severe weather events, collaborations like this are essential to ensure the industry is well prepared to meet the growing demand for restoration services,” he said.

US-founded RIA says it is the world’s oldest and largest non-profit trade association for the restoration industry. In 2019, it formed RIA Inc Australasia to support its work in the region.

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