News
Second Pennsylvanian insurer reports outage
After Pennsylvania-based insurer Erie Insurance reported it was experiencing system wide outages, another insurance company has reported similar outages. Philadelphia Insurance Cos. issued a statement, claiming on June 9, 2025, its IT team “received an alert regarding suspicious activity on [its] network.” Philadelphia COS determined that its systems were accessed without authorization—it then disconnected its affected systems, launched a forensic investigation and contacted the police. Erie Insurance also reported a confirmed information security event. Both insurers are working to restore their systems. Protect your agency from cyberthreats. Agents and every one of their small-business clients must understand and then tackle their cyber security weaknesses before they are crippled by them. To protect their sensitive data—and their insureds’ sensitive data—insurance agents should have cyber liability coverage. To determine their unique cyber risks, PIA-member agents can use PIA’s Cyber Risk Assessment. PIA members also can access Ransomware is a real menace and Managing risks with cyber liability policies in the PIA QuickSource library.
Advocacy
Conn.: Legislative session a success for PIACT
PIACT set many ambitious goals at the start of the 2025 Connecticut legislative session, and accomplished many of them. This includes the successful passage of the H.B.698, a top PIACT legislative priority, which would eliminate the requirement that brokers obtain formal declinations from admitted insurers before placing coverage in the nonadmitted E&S market through unaffiliated surplus lines brokers. The bill has been sent to Gov. Ned Lamont for his consideration. In addition, PIACT pushed back against mandatory written flood disclosures from insurance producers; recommended key technical corrections to closed unintended loopholes in a dog breed bill; and opposed a bill that would add a 5% surcharge on any insurance policy issued or renewed for businesses involved in fossil fuel infrastructure. PIACT will continue to defend its member’s interest and ensure that Connecticut’s insurance market remains fair, modern and competitive.
N.Y.: State Legislature passes PIANY-priority bills
The New York state Assembly has passed S.5331-A—a bill that would establish a real-time online insurance verification system at the Department of Motor Vehicles. This is right after the state Senate passed the bill, meaning it is now heading to Gov. Kathy Hochel’s desk. In addition, the state Legislature also passed the Consumer Litigation Funding Act. Litigation funding companies provide arrangements to plaintiffs that conceal exorbitant fees, lack transparency and offer predatory contract terms. This legislation would regulate litigation financing to ensure fairness for plaintiffs. This bill is also heading to the governor’s desk.
Educating insurance agents
PIA partners with IBANY for enhanced education benefits
PIANY and IBANY have partnered to provide IBANY members access to PIANY’s education session at a discounted rate. Now IBANY members have access to the same professional development opportunities for PIA members, which features a wide selection of courses, programs and conferences. To access these benefits, IBANY members must visit the PIA education portal online, select the desired course or session, enter the code “IBANY” in the shopping cart, then register: it’s that easy.
N.Y.: Mandatory course for agents certified by the New York Automobile Insurance Plan
If you are interested in maintaining your certification with the New York Automobile Insurance Plan in New York state and have not yet completed the Producer Procedures Course, don’t let this opportunity pass you by: register now for the NYAIP Producer Procedures Course with Mishell K. Magnusson, CIC, CISR, CPIA, AAI, FIPC. This webinar will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Insurance producers certified by the New York Automobile Insurance Plan are required to complete this course once within every four-year cycle, so if you haven’t done so, now is the time to register. This class has been approved for continuing-education credits in New York (4 BR, C3, PA, PC).
ICYMI
The 2025 PIANJ | PIANY Annual Conference at Atlantic City: a chart-topping success!
With some 1,700 of insurance professionals in attendance, this year’s PIANJ | PIANY Annual Conference at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City was a hit. There were informative education sessions and workshops, new innovations at the trade show and connections with fresh faces and old friends. PIA National President Ariel Rivera and Motivational Speaker Kelly Swanson both addressed the attendees. The NJYIP held its 41st Annual 5K Fun Run to benefit Special Olympics New Jersey. PIA extends a thanks to everyone who attended: We hope to see you again next year—save the date June 7-9, 2026! For a full write-up of this year’s event, including photos, check for the article on PIA Northeast News & Media, and in the July/August issue of PIA Magazine.
Register now
Tuesday, June 24, 2025: Emerging Leader Series—Social Styles: Components of Communication
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
