News
The Greater Los Angeles fires and their impacts
Fires in the Greater Los Angeles area have been burning for over a month, and they have cost the state billions in damages. A variety of factors triggered what may be the costliest natural disaster in United States history—this includes stronger Santa Ana winds, an abundance of dried-up vegetation and persistent drought conditions. As it stands now, tens of thousands of acres and structures have been burned, leaving hundreds of thousands of people displaced and over 20 people dead. It’s expected that the damages will total between $250-$275 billion, with insured losses landing between $20-$45 billion.
Conn: Experience the best of the industry—Register for Connecticut Convention today
PIACT’s Annual Convention is closer than it appears. From March 20-21, 2025, attendees will be able to get their fill of education, networking and business solutions at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn. There will be three classes, which have been approved for continuing-education credits, a lunch buffet, featuring PIA National President Ariel Rivera, MBA, CIC, CPIA, who will speak about the state of the industry, a trade show featuring a diverse array of vendors and more. Remember to also register (separately) for the CTYIP Welcome Reception on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, for a fun evening of bowling and networking. There’s a lot to look forward to at this year’s Connecticut Convention—register today and save 15%. If you are interested in sponsoring, exhibiting or advertising, click here.
Redefining helmet safety for New Jersey
New Jersey may be on the brink of a significant update to its helmet laws with A-4887, introduced by Assemblymembers Reginald W. Atkins, D-20; Linda S. Carter, D-22; and Shanique Speight, D-29. The bill has been referred to the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee. It appears that this legislation was introduced to address modern transportation trends and the growing need for enhanced safety measures on streets and sidewalks. The proposal would require individuals of all ages to wear helmets while cycling, roller skating, skateboarding or riding motorized and nonmotorized scooters.
Advocacy
Conn: Key bills to watch and advocate for in 2025
The 2024 legislative session in Connecticut was characterized by its political infighting and briefness—Connecticut has alternating short and long legislative sessions. However, the 2025 session—which is a long session that runs from January to June—in the Nutmeg State is in full swing, and it brings fresh opportunities for advocacy. As the new session unfolds, PIACT is closely monitoring several bills that could significantly impact the insurance industry. These proposed measures cover a range of critical topics, including auto liability limits, underwriting practices and premium-setting regulations. Here’s a breakdown of the key bills PIACT is monitoring, and what they mean for agents, brokers and policyholders.
Let’s keep pushing our industry forward: Join PIACT’s District Office Visit Program
PIACT is kicking off this year’s District Office Visit Program. This initiative is your chance to engage directly with state legislators—advocating for the issues that matter most to professional, independent insurance agents like you. Whether conducted in-person or virtually, these outreach meetings give us a valuable head start on advancing our key legislative priorities during the 2025 session. Sign up today and help shape the future of insurance in Connecticut.
PIANY: Fighting insurance fraud and lowering prices
High insurance premiums are a growing concern for both policyholders and insurance professionals. While many factors contribute to rising costs, fraud and legal loopholes often play a significant role. That’s why PIANY is advocating for legislative reforms that target fraud and unfair legal practices—efforts that could lead to more affordable premiums for New York state residents. The organization’s current legislative priorities include regulating lawsuit lending and addressing no-fault and construction accident fraud through tort reform.
Technical
Exposures on the premises of your insured’s home
On the property of your insured’s home, there are plenty of financial exposures laying in the wait—from dead trees falling on the neighbor’s property to slips-and-falls. Homeowners insurance policies do provide protection from lawsuits that arise from accidents, but there are excluded premises—and if there are excluded premises, what is included? For more information, PIA Northeast members can access Homeowners premises liability coverage in the PIA QuickSource library.
Accolades
Conn.: PIACT seeks industry stars—nominate someone today
PIACT is calling for nominations for its 2025 Awards of Distinction. Nominations are due Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. The association will honor insurance professionals who exemplify the qualities and actions that serve as a model of excellence in the insurance industry and for the independent agency system. Nominations are being sought for these awards: Professional Agent of the Year, Company Person of the Year and Community Service Award. For a full description of each award, or for a nomination form, click here.
Educating insurance agents
Conn./N.J./N.Y.: Your responsibilities as a producer
If you’re looking for a comprehensive overview of your responsibilities as an insurance producer in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York, then be sure to attend the 2025 E&O Loss Control Webinar^UN on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. This webinar will be taught by Christopher Weldon, Esq., partner of Winget, Spadafora & Schwartzberg LLP, and held from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. This course has been approved for continuing-education credits in Connecticut (3 PC), New Jersey (3 GEN) and New York (3 BR, C1, C3, LA, LB, LSB, PA, PC, TIA). ^UN—This course has been approved for E&O loss prevention credit by Utica National. Call the PIA E&O Department for details: (800) 424-4244.
Events
PIANY MetroRAP: Building foundations
Some 300 insurance professionals attended PIANY’s Metropolitan Awareness Program on Jan. 29, 2025, at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel. During the daylong event, attendees were able to take advantage of networking opportunities, gain powerful educational knowledge on insuring New York City contractors, and the errors-and-omissions pitfalls that can come with construction and renovation projects. To see some photos from the daylong event, see the online photo album.
ICYMI
Golf and good times at the CTYIP Holiday Social
Were you at the CTYIP Holiday Social? Around 60 insurance professionals traveled to the Back Nine Social in Wallingford, Conn., for a fun evening of virtual golf and networking. There also were contests for the achieving the longest drive and getting the closest to the pin. For photos of the event, see the online photo album.
Register now
Tuesday, March 4, 2025: NJYIP Swing and Connect
Wednesday, March 19, 2025: Connecticut Convention Welcome Reception
March 20-21, 2025: Connecticut Convention—
Interested in sponsoring, advertising or exhibiting?
Tuesday, March 25, 2025: NY-YIP Pre I-Day Happy Hour
Wednesday, March 26, 2025: Buffalo I-Day
Save the date
Thursday, March 13, 2025: PIACT/CTYIP Legislative Reception
Wednesday, May 7, 2025: NJYIP Golf Open
June 8-10, 2025: PIANJ | PIANY Annual Conference
Tuesday, June 10, 2025: NJYIP Fun Run
Tuesday, June 17, 2025: CTYIP Golf Open
Thursday, July 24, 2025: NJYIP Summer Breeze Bash
Monday, Aug. 11, 2025: NY-YIP Annual Golf Outing
