News
PIA Northeast wishes you a happy Independence Day
This Friday marks the 248th Independence Day, which is the day when the Thirteen Colonies declared themselves as sovereign states from British Colonial rule. PIA Northeast will be closing its offices that day, and we ask that you reflect on the sacrifices made to make this country independent, as well as enjoy the fruits of their success. PIA Northeast will close its offices Friday and resume business on Monday, July 7, 2025. In the meantime, you still can access industry-specific updates on PIA Northeast News & Media, and on PIA Northeast’s Facebook, LinkedIn and X social-media channels. Have a safe and fun holiday!
Erie Insurance: Online account access restored
Last month, multiple insurance carriers suffered from cyber security incidents, impacting their operations: this includes Erie Insurance, Philadelphia Insurance Cos., and AFLAC. Erie Insurance has provided an update regarding their services. It has “safely and securely reconnected key business systems and applications,” restored online account access for customers and is making progress toward resuming normal operations. In its assessment, the carrier found that there was no evidence of ransomware or any indication of ongoing threat activity.
AM Best: Personal lines propel turnaround in US underwriting
AM Best published a new special report, titled “2024 P/C Snapshot: Personal Lines Results Propel Turnaround in Underwriting Performance; Premiums Exceed $1 Trillion.” It found that underwriting reports for the property/casualty industry were led by a $31 billion turnaround in the personal auto line of business, with the entire p/c industry ending the year with a net underwriting gain of $22 billion, compared with a $23 billion loss in 2023, according to the report. The personal auto market segment had produced net underwriting losses for three consecutive years before the positive result in 2024. In addition, even though the homeowners/farm owners line of business saw a $2.1 billion underwriting loss for 2024, the result represented nearly a $14.0 billion turnaround from a $16.0 billion loss in 2023. The overall P/C industry also eclipsed the $1 trillion mark in direct premiums written for the first time ever in 2024.
Conn./N.J./N.Y.: Liberty Mutual to add N.Y. construction exclusion to Conn., N.J. policies
Liberty Mutual has announced that it will begin applying a New York construction exclusion to general liability coverage, including package, excess, umbrella and business owner’s policies, issued in Connecticut and New Jersey. Starting later this year and into early 2026, Liberty Mutual will exclude liability coverage for any “construction operations” performed in New York state, even if the policy is issued out of Connecticut or New Jersey. This includes general contracting work and professional services like architecture, engineering or surveying performed in New York. For new business and renewals in Connecticut, this starts Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. For new business in New Jersey, this starts Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. For renewals in New Jersey, this starts on or around Nov. 1, 2025.
Conn.: CID accepts final report from climate resiliency council
Last October, the Connecticut Insurance Department established its Severe Weather Mitigation and Resiliency Advisory Council. This council brought together a cross-sector group of public, private, nonprofit and academic leaders to develop actionable recommendations that reduce risk and protect Connecticut residents, homes and businesses from the impacts of severe weather. The advisory council has issued its final report during their final meeting on June 27: read the full report here.
N.Y.: Cybersecurity law signed to strengthen network resilience
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law S.7672A/A.6769A, a measure aimed at enhancing cybersecurity and resilience of state and local government networks across New York state. The legislation mandates that all municipal corporations and public authorities promptly report cybersecurity incidents and ransom payments to the New York state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, fortifying the statewide defense against digital threats. This legislation will improve New York’s ability to respond to threats, safeguard critical infrastructure and reduce statewide cybersecurity risks.
Advocacy
N.Y.: Legislative wrap-up, part two
PIANY made numerous accomplishments in the 2025 New York state legislative session. However, not all of PIANY’s ambitious proposals made it to the finish line. These initiatives included licensing reform, excess-line efficiency, e-bike safety and workers’ compensation fairness: several bills were designed to simplify processes, enhance consumer protections and bring New York’s insurance framework into better alignment with national standards. Despite strong industry backing, including from PIANY and increasing legislative attention, these initiatives faced a variety of roadblocks—from partisan gridlock to cost concerns—and ultimately stalled in committee.
Technical
Weighing the merits of additional insured status
In the realm of risk management, a request to be named as an additional insured is an attempt to transfer risk by obtaining direct coverage under the terms of someone else’s policy. Being named as an additional insured can be an alternative to indemnification, but it usually is intended to supplement indemnification. To learn more, PIA Northeast agents can access Advantages and disadvantages of additional insured status in the PIA QuickSource library.
Educating insurance agents
Last call: put your knowledge of p/c lines to the test
Don’t miss out on the Insurance Quiz–Testing Your Personal and Commercial Lines Knowledge education: there’s still time to register. This webinar provides an opportunity for you to sharpen your personal and commercial lines knowledge by putting it to use in a live setting. It will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 1-4 p.m., and will be taught by Steven D. Lyon, CPCU, CIC, CRM, CRIS, AAI, ARM, AIS, MLIS, AFIS. It will provide an overview of the most commonly used ISO forms and endorsements, shed new light on coverages and exclusions missed by even the most experienced insurance professionals, and will use real-world claims situation to reinforce your knowledge. This class has been approved for CE credits in Connecticut (3 PC), New Jersey (3 GEN), New York (2 BR, C3, PA, PC) and Vermont (3 General).
ICYMI
Market trends survey is now live: make your voice heard!
PIA Northeast went live with its Market Trends Survey last week, and we still need your input. This short, eight-question market survey helps us understand what you’re really experiencing—and ensures your voice is heard where it matters most. This is your opportunity to help guide the association’s advocacy efforts, and inform the conversations association leadership has with lawmakers, regulators and other industry professionals—and by extension, the direction of our industry. Once you’re finished, please share the survey link with the rest of your agency team and encourage them to take it, as well.
Register now
Thursday, July 24, 2025: NJYIP Summer Breeze Bash
Thursday, July 24, 2025: NY-YIP Happy Hour in Buffalo
Monday, Aug. 11, 2025: NY-YIP Annual Golf Open—Call for nominations
Monday, Sept. 29, 2025: PIANJ Golf Classic
Save the date
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025: NY-YIP Albany Fall Soiree
Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025: CTYIP Fall Networking
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025: NJYIP Holiday Reception