Page 86 - CARS Standard Program

Recovery Agent Field Assignment Preparation
It is imperative that the Recovery Agent be equipped with the proper “tools” in order to perform his/her responsibilities expeditiously and professionally, particularly since he/she works long and varied hours, sometimes many miles from the office and storage facility.
Identification Card: The Recovery Agency owner should be responsible for providing the Recovery Agent with a picture identification card. The ID card is an invaluable tool in working assignments where the Recovery Agent must communicate with the debtor or law enforcement. The ID card should be provided regardless of whether state law requires it. It lends credibility and authority to the Recovery Agent and has proven to boost success, especially to the resolution of involuntary repossessions. The Recovery Agent should always carry the card and be sure to identify himself/herself by name and ID card.
Dress Code: Since the way one dresses is a very important mode of communication, it is vital that the Recovery Agent dress appropriately and professionally. In situations where the Recovery Agent must confront, or is confronted by the debtor or a third party in possession of the defaulted collateral professional business attire provides a most important first impression.
Tow Truck: Due to its importance, you will find this information again in the Defensive Driving (Section 10) portion of this program. Properly operating and equipping a tow truck is paramount in recovering and transporting recovered property to the storage facility safely and without damage. Equipment checks include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Check all fluids, lights, brakes, tires and towing equipment.
2. Working flashlight.
3. V ehicle entrance tools.
4. Driver license and identification card cell phone and laptop computer if
applicable.
5. Emergency equipment (flares, reflectors, etc.)
6. Applicable chains and/or tie down straps.
7. All field assignments with complete, legible instructions and Mapquest directions.
The Recovery Agent should read very carefully and understand all assignment instructions before scheduling the assignment for field activity.
Assignment Update and Status Report Form: If the Recovery Agent is equipped with a computer and provides updates and status via the internet, he/she usually is not required to complete this form during field activity.