
PIANY’s 2025 legislative recap: Wins, progress, and what comes next
The 2025 New York legislative session wrapped up last week, and it’s time to reflect on what your association accomplished—and what’s still ahead. Thanks to persistent advocacy and strong member engagement, PIANY advanced several long-standing priorities, secured...

Stronger MFA regulations and your agency
Is your agency prepared for the impact of new cyber security regulations and cyber policy restrictions? Nov. 1, 2025, is a key date when the bellwether New York Department of Financial Services cyber security regulations will take effect for Class A companies. No,...

When carriers go dark: A cyber survival guide for independent agencies
The insurance industry just got a loud knock on the door. Carriers like Erie Insurance, Philadelphia Insurance Cos., and AFLAC are all reportedly grappling with the fallout from major cyberattacks—likely launched by the hacker group known as Scattered Spider. These...

The pool is open—but is it safe?
Summer is (officially) here, meaning if you own a pool (or have plans to build one), you probably want it open for your family and friends to enjoy. Having a pool takes quite a bit of upkeep, between clearing out debris, making sure the water is clean and checking for...

Weekly Dispatch: June 19, 2025
Two Pennsylvania-based insurers are reporting a systems outage triggered by cyberthreats. Look back at PIACT’s accomplishments in the 2025 Connecticut legislative session. The New York state Assembly passed two new bills for real-time online insurance verification system at the DMV and consumer litigation financing reform: it now is headed for the governor’s desk. Plus, you can read about state-specific industry news, advocacy updates, education opportunities, upcoming events and information you may have missed in this issue of the Weekly Dispatch.

New York state Legislature passes real-time auto insurance verification bill
While the New York state Senate went into recess last week, the state Assembly extended its legislative session for a few more days—an extension that has paid dividends for PIANY and its members. On Monday, the Assembly passed S.5331-A, a top legislative priority for...

Conn.: Legislative session recap: Reform achieved, risks mitigated and the road ahead
At the start of the 2025 Connecticut legislative session, PIACT set an ambitious goal to make significant reforms to the state’s excess and surplus lines placement process; protect consumers from increased premiums; and protect producers from errors-and-omissions exposures. Now with the 2025 session in the rearview mirror, PIACT can claim with confidence: Mission accomplished. With the passage of H.B.6981, PIACT secured a major win that will modernize the way brokers access the E&S market. Meanwhile, PIACT engaged in advocacy on bills related to flood insurance disclosures, dog breed underwriting and fossil fuel infrastructure surcharges—shaping outcomes that reflect the realities and needs of producers and consumers alike.

N.Y.: State Senate passes bill to modernize auto insurance verification
In a major step toward modernizing New York state’s motor vehicle insurance system and alleviating longstanding consumer frustrations, the New York state Senate has passed S.5331-A—a bill that would establish a real-time online insurance verification system at the...

New York Legislature passes PIANY-priority consumer protection bill
The New York state Legislature passed S.1104A/A.804-C, sponsored by Sen. Jeremy Cooney, D-56, Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli, D-129, respectively—the Consumer Litigation Funding Act. The legislation, a PIANY-priority, marks the latest in a string of wins PIANY as it...

Sewer backup insurance and you
Water is everywhere—and it could damage your home and property. From torrential downpours to faulty plumbing, your home could face water-related exposures from many different directions. When it comes to water damage, one exposure that threatens homeowners is sewer...