News
New PIA partnership protects agents from cyberthreats
PIA Northeast has partnered with KnowBe4, which helps businesses strengthen their security culture and manage human risk. KnowBe4 offers a comprehensive AI-driven best-of-suite platform for human risk management, creating an adaptive defense layer that fortifies user behavior against the latest cyber security threats. PIA Northeast’s partnership with KnowBe4 provides PIA members with exclusive discounts on a platform dedicated to improving organizational security culture, and to reducing human risk. For more information, PIA Northeast members can click here.
NOAA predicts ‘above-normal’ 2025 Atlantic hurricane season
Last week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued its outlook for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30. The NOAA indicated that this year’s hurricane season is most likely going to be an “above-normal” season. The agency is forecasting a range of 13 to 19 total named storms: six to 10 of these storms are forecast to become hurricanes, with three-to-five of these hurricanes set to become major hurricanes. PIA’s Hurricane Info Central tool kit offers PIA Northeast members one spot for all their hurricane-related resource needs. PIA members also can contact the PIA Industry Resource Center at resourcecenter@pia.org or use the Ask PIA button on the PIA home page to ask a specific question.
May consumer content round-up
Have you had the chance to review May’s consumer content offered by PIA Northeast? Our consumer content provides an excellent conversation starter when it comes to introducing different types of insurance or business practices to your clients. Last month, your association published the following articles on PIA Northeast News & Media: Fire and water damage coverage essentials, Maintaining a legal and insured rental property and Should I stay or should I go? Hurricane edition.
Advocacy
NHID advocates for state-led insurance solutions
Earlier this month, the New Hampshire Insurance Commissioner DJ Bettencourt and Deputy Commissioner Keith Nyhan traveled to Washington, D.C., to join state insurance regulators from across the country to meet with members of Congress to advocate for consumer protection, insurance market stability and a steadfast defense of the state-based system of insurance regulation. The New Hampshire representatives advocated for key policy priorities, which included the elimination of the Federal Insurance Office, the reform of the Liability Risk Retention Act, and the long-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program.
PIANJ stands opposed to independent agency system threats
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development has introduced a proposed regulation—N.J.A.C. 12:11—that would codify and expand its interpretation of the “ABC test” that is used to determine whether a worker is classified as an employee or an independent contractor. This bill carries significant implications for the insurance industry, which would put undue burden of proof on agencies, could reclassify agencies as employees of insurance carriers under state law, creates a control and compliance trap and features language that is too broad. PIANJ stands opposed to the proposed regulation, and will continue to provide updates, resources and advocacy support as this issue unfolds. We believe that regulatory clarity must not come at the cost of business viability and professional independence.
Technical
NAIC releases homeowners insurance report for 2022
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners released its 2022 homeowners insurance report. A key finding made by the report found that the nationwide average premium for dwelling fire and homeowners owner-occupied policies increased by 10.5% between 2021 and 2022. Compared to the 2021 report, Connecticut’s average premium totaled $1,853 (a 8.9% increase), New Hampshire’s average premium totaled $1,207 (a 9.3% increase), New Jersey’s average premium totaled $1,422 (a 6.4% increase), New York’s average premium totaled $1,602 (a 9.2% increase) and Vermont’s average premium totaled $1,122 (a 7.4% increase).
Using AI as a tool when you’re an insurance agent
Artificial intelligence has presented new opportunities for insurance agents, opening the door to enhance efficiency, accuracy and customer service. Some agents may feel trepidation toward the technology: they feel AI could replace them in their roles or may be too unwieldy to use. To learn more about how to make AI work as your assistant, PIA Northeast members can access Embracing AI in insurance: A tool, not a threat in the PIA QuickSource library.
Accolades
PIANJ Awards of Distinction to be presented at Annual Conference at Atlantic City
The New Jersey 2025 Awards of Distinction winners will be honored at the PIANJ | PIANY Annual Conference, June 8-10, 2025, at the Hard Rock, Atlantic City, N.J. The Company Person of the Year award will be given to Tim Byrne Sr., of the Great Bay Insurance Group: he will be recognized for his professionalism and his contributions as an outstanding company representative. The Professional Agent of the Year award will be presented to Mandy Moreland, AIS, AU, CPIA, of Acrisure. She is an independent agent who has demonstrated excellence, professionalism and made achievements in insurance marketing and service, as well as having made contributions to PIA and the community. During the event, additional awards will be presented. Be a part of this year’s conference and come congratulate this year’s award winners.
Educating insurance agents
Get designation credits with annual conference classes
At this year’s PIANJ | PIANY Annual Conference, from June 8-10, 2025, at the Hard Rock, Atlantic City, N.J., the education classes qualify for update credit hours toward any Risk & Insurance Education Alliance designation (formerly The National Alliance). Work toward your CIC, CRM, CPRM, CISR or CSRM designation update with the following education classes: Cyber Liability & Data Breach: Don’t be Compromised and Unprecedented Times: Other Than Price, What Else Has Increased? with John Fear, CISR, CPIA; Homeowners and the Hard Market—Building Your Home (Policy) on a Firm Foundation with Steve Lyon, CPCU, CIC, CRM, AAI, ARM, AIS, CRIS, MLIS, AFIS; and Ethical Practices in Insurance: Managing E&O Risks with Cathy Trischan, CPCU, CIC, CRM, AU, AAI, ARM, CRIS, MLIS, TRIP. All classes have been approved for continuing-education credits. Questions? Email education@pia.org.
Events
Time is running out until Annual Conference: register today
We’re less than two weeks away from the 2025 PIANJ | PIANY Annual Conference, June 8-10, 2025, at the Hard Rock Casino, Atlantic City, N.J. There is still time to register for the conference and avoid at-the-door prices. 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.
Lunch and networking at the CTYIP Golf Open
Are you ready for a fun afternoon of networking? Then register now for lunch at the CTYIP Golf Open on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the Lyman Orchards Golf Club in Middlefield, Conn. While there are a limited number of golf spots available, you can still register for the lunch and networking portion of the day’s events. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by—register today!
N.Y.: Be a part of PIWA’s Spring Reception
The Professional Insurance Wholesalers Association is excited to invite you to its Spring Reception on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Join PIWA for an unforgettable evening at PJ Clarke’s On the Hudson, an iconic waterfront venue with panoramic views of the river and the city skyline. While there, you’ll meet with fellow professionals, grow your network and take your business to new heights. Don’t miss out on an unforgettable evening and register today!
ICYMI
PIA achieves victory with passage of House reconciliation bill
The U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass its budget reconciliation bill on May 22: this bill features multiple pro-agent victories for PIA. This includes making permanent the qualified business income passthrough tax deduction and the reinstatement of the annual administrative and operating inflation adjustment for crop agents. PIA commends members of the U.S. House for supporting independent insurance agents and will continue to advocate in support of these pro-agent provisions as the bill advances to the U.S. Senate.
PIANJ, NJYIP honor Andy Harris at community event
PIANJ and NJYIP officers and directors attended an event this month to honor the legacy of PIANJ past President Andy Harris. IEP Youth Services Inc. hosted the 2025 Andy Harris Memorial Evening of Spirits & Cigars on May 21, 2025, at the Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club, Farmingdale, N.J. During the event, Andy’s son Andrew Harris Jr., CIC, AAI, CIRS, current president of PIANJ, accepted the honor on his father’s behalf. Andy Harris, who served as PIANJ president in 1998-99, and as PIA National president in 2012-13, passed away in January 2024. IEP Youth Services, which provides residential, social and psychological services to youth as a means to aspire toward success for the future, was a charity that Andy Harris supported.
Were you there? PIANJ Women’s Leadership Alliance pickleball tournament
Last week, PIANJ’s Women’s Leadership Alliance held its annual Pickleball Tournament at The Pickleball Club in Monroe, N.J. Over 70 attendees were present at the event, where the participants challenged each other for the top three scores while networking and learning new skills. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible: 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
Do you have tech questions for the Deep Dive? Submit them ahead of time to resourcecenter@pia.org
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
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025: NJYIP Holiday Reception
