When assessing repossession vendors, consider industry standards specific to the state where they operate. In California, certain requirements must be met, including having proper insurance coverage and a repo license. The type of insurance needed depends on your organization's specific requirements and contractual agreements. Here are some key aspects to verify during due diligence:
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Insurance Coverage and Limits: Basic coverage should include workers compensation, automobile liability, garage keepers, cargo on-hook, and employee dishonesty coverage.
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Handling Customer Complaints: Evaluate how vendor addresses customer complaints.
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Personal Property Handling: This is crucial in the industry; ensure vendors handle personal property appropriately as it impacts consumers.
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Repo License and Business License: Confirm that vendors hold the necessary licenses.
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Client-Facing Procedures: Examine procedures related to breach of peace requirements.
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Employee/Agent Training and Certification: Industry standards, such as CARS or SAS by Eagle Group, may apply.
Majority of these vendors are small-scale providers and may not have all requirements documented. In such cases, having a well-defined contract or agreement becomes essential. Note that forwarders and aggregators may use these vendors as 4th parties to provide service as well.