PIANJ’s top legislative priority—Step-down ban introduced in state Senate
State Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari, D-22, has introduced S-3187 in the 2026-27 legislative session—a bill that would finally put an end to step-down clauses in personal auto policies in New Jersey. For those of us who...
Trusted adviser or order taker? An agent’s standard of care, legal responsibility to clients
I find a great way to start an article is with a meandering hypothetical about ordering food at a restaurant. So, let’s get right to it: In a restaurant, you order a hamburger. The server nods, jots something down, and disappears into the kitchen. Twenty minutes...
N.H.: What introduced vehicle registration bill means for drivers, agents and insurers
New Hampshire has long taken a different approach to automobile insurance than most other states. While nearly every state requires drivers to carry auto insurance, New Hampshire instead relies on a financial responsibility system that typically...
Weekly Dispatch: Feb. 5, 2026
Winter Storm Fern estimated to cause $6.7 billion in insured losses. New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill nominates and appoints new officers and commissioners for state government offices. The New Hampshire Insurance Department announces key regulatory achievements made in 2025. PIANY’s MetroRAP 2026 is a major success. Plus, you can read about state-specific industry news, technical resources, accolades, education opportunities, upcoming events and information you may have missed in this issue of the Weekly Dispatch.
PIANY MetroRAP: For the MVPs
Over 400 insurance professionals braved polar cold to attend PIANY’s MetroRAP on Jan. 29, 2026, at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel. During the daylong event, attendees took advantage of networking opportunities and gained valuable insights about artificial...
Cyber security strategies: How to keep your data and business safe
In our everyday lives, we often do things—without realizing it—that put our data at risk. With the recent rise in cyberattacks across the industry, data protection is more critical than ever. There are plenty practical steps you can take to protect your personal and...
Understand the disconnect: Distracted driving through the lens of auto insurance claims
Nearly every driver agrees that impaired driving is dangerous, but awareness alone isn’t enough to stop it. Recently, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reported on this disconnect, finding that while people support stronger safeguards, risky behavior on the roads...
Smart event promotion when money is tight
Small-business owners know the feeling: You’ve planned an event that matters to your business, but the budget barely stretches past the basics. Promoting it can feel overwhelming when every dollar counts. The good news is that effective event promotion doesn’t require...
Weekly Dispatch: Jan. 29, 2026
Recently introduced federal legislation would reform how the Scaffold Law applies to federally funded projects. PIA Northeast offers relevant content that agents can share with their clients about a variety of insurance topics. New York state releases Transportation, Economic Development and Environmental Conservation budget—what does it mean for insurance agents? New Jersey places pause on new regulatory proposals. Plus, you can read about state-specific industry news, compliance issues, advocacy updates, technical resources, education opportunities and upcoming events in this issue of the Weekly Dispatch.
Is it covered? Common items that need more coverage
We assume all our possessions will be covered if we lose them or if they are damaged, but do you know how your insurance policy will truly respond—or even which one will respond when it is needed? Sometimes you need additional coverage. Snowmobiles. Typically, a...
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