News
This weekend: Annual Conference—register at the door
The stage is rented, and the band is ready to go—it’s almost time for the PIANJ | PIANY Annual Conference, June 8-10, 2025, at the Hard Rock Casino, Atlantic City, N.J. This year’s conference is filled with everything an insurance professional needs: boundless opportunities for networking, insightful education seminars led by experienced instructors and a packed trade show with the latest industry innovations. Finally, the conference will conclude with the 41st Annual Fun Run to Benefit Special Olympics N.J.—whether you run, walk or jog, every step makes a difference. The PIANJ | PIANY Annual Conference is something you don’t want to miss—online registration is closed, but you still can register at the door.
Canadian wildfire smoke drifts into US, Northeast
Smoke from Canada’s 2025 wildfires has drifted into the United States. It already has impacted air quality across the Midwest, with air quality remaining poor to unhealthy into June 2, 2025. While the Northeast has yet to see any significant impacts to air quality, smoke is in the upper atmosphere over the region, creating vivid sunsets. Wildfires are growing into a year-round threat due to climate change—speak with your insureds today about how to manage this threat.
N.J.: Newark Liberty International Airport finished renovations
New Jersey announced that a closed runway at the Newark Liberty International Airport has completed construction on June 2, 2025—13 days ahead of schedule. Though the completion of this runway is welcome, it still must be tested by the FAA. In addition, the Newark Airport still is experiencing cancellations and delays due to a shortage of air traffic controls and major technical issues. Infrastructure continues to be an issue in the U.S., and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 designated $25 billion to modernize America’s airways, though the Trump administration has threatened its funding.
Compliance
N.Y. court expands liability for dog bites: What producers need to know
The New York Court of Appeals ruled in Flanders v. Goodfellow that plaintiffs may pursue negligence claims against pet owners, in addition to strict liability, for injuries caused by domestic animals. This ruling is a landmark decision with wide-ranging implications for dog bite claims and insurance liability. PIA Northeast is actively assessing the impact of this decision and working to ensure that insurance producers and consumers alike are protected and well-informed.
Advocacy
Conn.: Senate passes PIACT-priority E&S reform legislation
The state Senate passed H.B.6981, a top legislative priority for PIACT, this week. The passage of this bill through the Senate is a major win for the insurance industry and Connecticut businesses, as this reform would eliminate the outdated requirement that brokers must obtain declinations from admitted insurers before placing coverage in the excess and surplus lines market through unaffiliated surplus lines brokers. With Senate passage complete, PIACT now turns its focus to ensuring the bill is signed into law and implemented effectively.
PIANJ advocacy win: Public hearing secured on threatening labor rule
Due to PIANJ’s swift and forceful advocacy, the New Jersey Department of Labor has agreed to hold a public hearing and extended the comment period for the proposed regulation N.J.A.C. 12:11. The proposal would dramatically expand the state’s interpretation of the “ABC test” for classifying independent contractors, posing a direct threat to the independent agency system. PIANJ’s successful intervention marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to protect the independence of New Jersey’s insurance agencies. To learn more about the current ABC test, PIA Northeast members can access Employee vs. independent contractor—ABC text and control in the PIA QuickSource library.
Technical
Keeping up with auto risks in an evolving industry
From telematics to usage-based insurance products, the auto insurance market has seen plenty of disruptions over the past decade. The recent expansion of ride-share services and development of autonomous vehicles further threaten to shift the landscape of the market. How will agents and brokers adapt to this new environment? To learn more, PIA Northeast member can access, Not your father’s auto risks, in the PIA QuickSource library.
May ACORD forms update
In the latest ACORD forms update, the following New Jersey forms (as well as some countrywide forms) are revised with an effective date of Tuesday, July 1, 2025: ACORD 137 NJ New Jersey Commercial Auto Coverages/Limits Section; ACORD 138 NJ New Jersey Garage and Dealers Coverages/Limits Section; ACORD 90 NJ New Jersey Personal Auto Application; ACORD 290 NJ New Jersey Personal Auto Application Section; and ACORD 64 NJ New Jersey Auto Supplement Standard Policy Coverage Selection Form.
N.J.: CCCAP minimum wage adjusted
The New Jersey Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau amended its New Jersey Workers Compensation and Employers Liability Insurance Manual to increase the minimum eligible hourly wage to receive a Construction Classification Premium Adjustment Program premium credit from $36 to $38. All other hourly wage intervals will be revised accordingly. The changes are effective Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, for new and renewal policies.
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 1-4 p.m., and will feature instructor David Taylor Sr. 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.
ICYMI
Keeping cool on Heat Action Day 2025
Heat Action Day is a global event that raises public awareness to the risks associated with extreme heat. As the climate crisis calcifies, bringing longer and intensified heatwaves, people keeping themselves cool and safe is more important than ever. If you have insureds who work in the heat or operate a business with inadequate cooling, speak with them about their insurance options and exposures. Extreme heat risk isn’t something to be taken lightly. The 2025 theme for Heat Action Day is focused on recognizing heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Do you have clients who have employees who work outside? Consider sending them: Warm-weather working: how to be safe.
Register now
June 8–10, 2025: PIANJ | PIANY Annual Conference—
Register at the door!
Sunday, June 8, 2025: NJYIP Nitecap—
Register at the door for the PIANJ | PIANY Annual Conference
Monday, June 9, 2025: Deep Dive Live: Tech Tactics—
Register at the door for the PIANJ | PIANY Annual Conference
Do you have tech questions for the Deep Dive? Submit them 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, August 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
