News
FEMA head tells states to prepare to bear higher costs
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Acting Administrator David Richardson has indicated that states will bear a greater portion of the recovery costs according to reporting from Reuters. State officials have told Reuters they need time to adjust to this proposal. Current FEMA cost-sharing requires that states bear 25% of the cost, while Richardson wants the costs to be 50/50. These efforts are line with the Trump administration’s efforts to place a greater responsibility on the states to clean up in the event of a disaster.
Compliance
Navigating a trio of NHID bulletins
The New Hampshire Insurance Department has released three bulletins to address key regulatory topics that affect insurers and insurance producers in the state. These updates cover the use of artificial intelligence, how to handle virtual vehicle claims and licensee disclosure requirements. The bulletins indicate a shift in regulatory expectations—with implications for consumer protection standards—technological oversight and professional conduct in the insurance industry.
Advocacy
PIA policy priorities require urgent action in Congress
Last week, two PIA policy priorities cleared major hurdles in the ongoing budget reconciliation process in two House of Representatives committees. In the House Ways & Means bill, there are provisions to make permanent the qualified business income passthrough tax deduction currently available to eligible S corporations due to the 2017 tax reform law. Then, the House Agriculture Committee bill includes language that would finally reinstate an annual administrative and operating inflation adjustment for crop insurance agents. Urge lawmakers to support the former bill here and the latter bill here. In addition, Rep. Scott Fitzgerald, R-Wis., has reintroduced a bill to eliminate the subpoena power of the Federal Insurance Office.
Technical
Answer clients’ questions about rising premiums
Do you have clients who are asking questions about the rising costs of premiums and need a little support to answer them? PIA members can access Agent talking points: Is your premium is increasing? Here’s why in the QuickSource library to help them. The document goes over multiple factors that affect premiums costs, from the rising cost materials and labor in repairs, the cost of reinsurance, the client’s insurance score and more. By familiarizing yourself with the reasons for premium increases, you can answer your clients’ questions with renewed confidence.
In memoriam
Industry media veteran: Walt Gdowski
Longtime President and CEO of The Rough Notes Co., Walt Gdowski passed away May 12, 2025. He was 78. During his tenure at Rough Notes, he established the publication’s Community Service Award, which honors independent agents and brokers and their businesses for their charitable works in their communities. During his many decades in the insurance industry, he received numerous awards and accolades; he was inducted into the Insurance Media Association Hall of Fame in 2006. Donations can be made in his honor to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Accolades
N.Y.: Time to nominate the YIP of the Year
NY-YIP is looking for nominations for its Young Insurance Professional of the Year award. It recognizes an active NY-YIP member, who demonstrates a commitment to professionalism, excellence in the insurance industry and values the importance of the independent agent. Nominations will be open until Tuesday, July 1, 2025. We hope you can join us to celebrate the winner at the NY-YIP Golf Open, on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, at the Mill River Club in Oyster Bay.
Educating insurance agents
Conn./N.J./N.Y.: Control risks that could impact your agency
For independent insurance agents looking to improve their skills when it comes to identifying exposures, they should attend the webinar, Risky Business–Developing a Risk Control for Your Agency^AZ ^UN. This webinar will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 1 p.m.-4 p.m., and will feature David Taylor Sr. as its instructor. This class 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). ^AZ^UN—This course has been approved for E&O loss prevention credit by Utica National and Allianz. Call the PIA E&O Department for details: (800) 424-4244.
Conn./N.J./N.Y.: Emerging Leader Series continues
If you are an insurance professional looking to acquire or improve your leadership skills, be sure to sign up for the Emerging Leader Series. This series consists of three modules: the third session will be held live at the Hard Rock Casino during the PIANJ | PIANY Annual Conference on Monday June 9, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. You can attend this session without having to attend the other two. This session will be instructed by John Fear, CPIA, CISR, and it will help experienced and burgeoning insurance leaders to explore the key elements of transformative leadership that drive success in the insurance industry. Register today for the final module in Connecticut | New Jersey | New York. This series’ first module will be held again on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
Events
Annual Conference: Last chance to register at a discount
We’re just a few weeks away from the 2025 PIANJ | PIANY Annual Conference, June 8-10, 2025, at the Hard Rock Casino, Atlantic City, N.J. This is your last chance to register at a 20% discount. Get ready for an unforgettable industry experience, all set to a Nashville beat. Explore our packed trade show, make new connections or catch up with old friends, and stay in-tune with our invaluable education sessions. Don’t wait before ticket prices go up—register today. Interested in sponsoring, advertising or exhibiting? Click here.
ICYMI
NJYIP Golf Open was an ace: were you there?
The NJYIP 34th annual Golf Open was held May 7, 2025, at Galloping Hill Golf Club. Over 120 golfers played the 18-hole scramble tournament and raised $3,576 for the Jo-Ann Danzis Foundation, whose mission is to advance pancreatic cancer research and awareness through charitable giving. Thank you to all the sponsors, golfers and volunteers who made this year’s Golf Open a success! For photos of the event, click here.
Register now
June 8–10, 2025: PIANJ | PIANY Annual Conference—
Interested in sponsoring, advertising or exhibiting? Click here.
Sunday, June 8, 2025: NJYIP Nitecap—
Register as part of your PIANJ | PIANY Annual Conference package
Monday, June 9, 2025: Deep Dive Live: Tech Tactics—
Register as part of your PIANJ | PIANY Annual Conference package
Monday, June 9, 2025: Emerging Leaders Series—Connecticut | New Jersey | New York
Tuesday, June 10, 2025: YIP Fun Run
Tuesday, June 17, 2025: CTYIP Golf Open
Limited golf spots available—lunch seats still open
Tuesday, June 17, 2025: PIWA Spring Reception
Thursday, July 24, 2025: NJYIP Summer Breeze Bash
Monday, Aug. 11, 2025: NY-YIP Annual Golf Open—Call for nominations
Save the date
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025: NY-YIP Albany Fall Soiree
Monday, Sept. 29, 2025: PIANJ Golf Classic
Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025: CTYIP Gala—Call for nominations
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025: NJYIP Holiday Reception
