News
Hurricane season expected to pick up this August
Historically speaking, the period from the beginning of August to the end of November is the most active for the Atlantic hurricane season. Colorado State University meteorologist Phil Klotzbach has issued statements to numerous outlets clarifying that, “the tropical environment should become more conducive for Atlantic hurricane activity in the next few weeks.” 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. PIA Northeast members can also access Top 10 insurance tips for hurricane season in the PIA QuickSource library.
Understanding carrier chargebacks, contracts and agent protections
Independent insurance agents often are surprised by chargebacks from insurance carriers, even years after the original transaction. However, it should be noted that these occurrences often are rooted in the fine print of agency agreements and the operational mechanics of the insurance industry. It is important for agents to understand why insurance carriers may request commissions back from them, how these scenarios typically are governed by agency contracts and what provisions agents should watch for to protect their earnings and financial stability.
Gallagher Re: Climate report shows billions in insured, economic losses
A new report from Gallagher Reinsurance, the H1 2025 Natural Catastrophe and Climate Report, found that there was $84 billion in insured losses and $151 billion in economic losses due to natural disasters. The report found that most insured losses occurred in the United States, which marked the costliest first six months of a year for the industry since 2011. The losses were 55% higher than the 2015-24 decadal average.
Allianz Life suffers data breach, ‘majority’ of customers affected
The life insurance company Allianz Life claimed it suffered a data breach over the weekend, which affected the majority of its 1.4 million customers. In a statement to Reuters, Allianz Life claimed that “a malicious threat actor” gained access to a third-party, cloud-based CRM system used by the company. The company further claimed that the actor gained access to this information using a “social engineering technique.” This incident has been filed with Maine’s attorney general and did not immediately disclose the total number of people impacted. Take additional steps to protect your agency and your clients. For a quote for cyber liability insurance for your agency or brokerage offered through PIA Northeast, click here. Plus, 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.
July consumer content round-up
Have you had the chance to review July’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: Financially preparing for a storm, As you get around this summer … protect your classic car and ATVs are a lot of fun: make sure you ride safely. You can access more consumer content by visiting PIA Northeast News & Media—under “Search & Filter Stories,” select “Consumer-focused,” in the “All Categories” drop-down menu.
N.J.: Speak out against independent agent reclassification
The New Jersey Department of Labor is proposing a sweeping new rule that could disrupt how independent insurance agents do business fundamentally. The proposed regulation expands the ABC test—the legal standard used to determine whether a worker is an independent contractor or an employee. If adopted, this change could reclassify independent agents as employees of the insurance companies they represent. If enacted, the rule could: undermine your ability to represent multiple insurers; trigger new legal, tax and compliance obligations for you and your agency; and force major changes in how you contract, operate and serve your clients. PIANJ asks you to voice your concerns: Contact the state DOL to let it know you oppose this proposed regulation. Your association has made it easy for you, click here. The deadline to submit your comments is Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025.
Advocacy
N.Y.: New cyber security legislation in effect
Legislation S.7672-A/A.6769-A, a measure signed last month that enhances cybersecurity and resilience across New York state, is now in effect. This legislation requires all municipal corporations and public authorities to report cyber security incidents within 72 hours and ransomware payments within 24 hours to the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Also, within 30 days of making a ransomware payment, the victim must provide the payment amount, a justification for why it was necessary, and an explanation of the diligence performed to ensure the payment was lawful. You can learn more about cyber security in articles such as A company-wide approach to cyber security preparedness and risk management and Navigating operational risk in cyberinsurance: you can also filter articles on PIA Northeast News & Media under the “cyber” tag.
Technical
Your insured bought a condo: what comes next?
One of your clients just bought a condominium: after congratulating them, your next step should be discussing possible insurance exposures and other pitfalls derived from condo ownership. However, there are more insurance considerations to review beyond the ownership, there’s also the complexities of community associations. For more information on communal associations, PIA Northeast members can access One for all and all for one (community associations) in the PIA QuickSource library.
NYPIUA announces the launch of a new digital platform
The New York Property Insurance Underwriting Association announced the launch of its new Customer and Producer Portals, designed to enhance the digital experience with NYPIUA. This comprehensive platform provides users with streamlined access to essential business functions. The NYPIUA Portals enables users to: manage policies with greater efficiency; generate quotes quickly and accurately; submit and track claims seamlessly; and access comprehensive policy insights. Users of the NYPIUA Producer Portals must be registered NYPIUA producers. To register, see the producer registration page.
Educating insurance agents
Online education with WebCE, right at your fingertips
PIA Northeast has partnered with WebCE to provide you with easily accessible online classes to further your career as an independent insurance agent. For over 25 years, WebCE has served 1.5 million online courses each year to over one million professionals nationwide in a variety of industries. Through WebCE, PIA offers courses on prelicense exam prep, continuing education, certifications & designations and onboarding & development. To find the online classes that you need for your professional career, visit the course catalog today.
Events
Swing into the 2025 NY-YIP Golf Open
Ready to tee off with friends and colleagues at the 2025 NY-YIP Golf Open? Bring your best game to The Mill River Club at Oyster Bay, New York, on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, for a day-long scramble tournament alongside your fellow professionals. After the tournament, enjoy dinner, dessert, raffles and contests, with proceeds benefiting St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Don’t miss out on a full day of fun: register now. Don’t golf? No problem—you can register for just the dinner.
ICYMI
Market trends survey is now live: make your voice heard!
PIA Northeast needs your input for the Market Trends Survey. 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
Monday, Aug. 11, 2025: NY-YIP Annual Golf Open
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025: NY-YIP Albany Happy Hour
Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025: Autumn in the City: NY-YIP Fall Reception
Monday, Sept. 29, 2025: PIANJ Golf Classic
Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025: The CTYIP Spotlight Social | A Fall Reception
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025: NJYIP Holiday Reception
Save the Date
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025: A PIANJ WLA Panel: Pursuing (or Pushing) Positive Change
