News
Bill would check wildfire risk; California reviews risk model
United States Sens. Martin Henrich, D-N.M., and Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., have introduced a new bill titled “Wildfire Insurance Coverage Study Act of 2025.” If passed, the bill would require the United States Comptroller General, to study the extent of wildfire risk in the U.S., and to see if these trends are prompting private insurance companies to refuse new business to homeowners. Recently, on the state level, the California Department of Insurance has completed its review of the Verisk Wildfire Model, meaning that California insurance carriers can use the model to assess wildfire risks more accurately. You can find more content related to fire risks on PIA Northeast News & Media, including The year-round wildfire season: Help your clients manage a possible new threat and Fire and water damage coverage essentials.
Philadelphia Indemnity discloses June 2025 database breach
This past June, insurance carriers including Erie Insurance, Philadelphia Insurance Cos., and AFLAC all reported that they were impacted by major cyberattacks. Now, another insurance group in the Northeast, the Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Co., has disclosed—in a filing with the California Attorney General’s office on June 9-10—that hackers breached its database and stole customer data. It is not known if this breach is related to the other cyberattacks. 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.
N.J.: Magnitude 2.7, 3.0 earthquakes rattle tri-state area
A magnitude 3.0 earthquake shook New Jersey and parts of the tri-state area on the evening of Aug. 2. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the tremor originated in the suburbs of Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., with tremors being felt all the way in Brooklyn, N.Y. On Aug. 5, another earthquake shook near Hillsdale, N.J., with tremors being felt in Bridgewood, N.J. Both of the earthquakes occurred in Bergen County. Officials say that aftershocks are possible in the coming days. PIA Northeast News & Media previously covered an 4.8 magnitude earthquake in New Jersey which occurred in early April of last year.
N.J./N.Y.: Late July downpours triggers state of emergency declarations
Fears of flash flooding, severe thunderstorms and damaging winds arose as a storm system made its way across New Jersey and New York on July 31, leading each state to declare their respective states of emergency. The rainfall caused flooding in numerous parts of New York City and Long Island, as well as delaying and damaging transit. However, the rainfall abated on the evening of the same day: according to AccuWeather, over 43 million people were at risk of flash flood impacts for this storm.
Advocacy
PIANJ opposes new ABC test rule that threatens agents
PIANJ has submitted formal comments in opposition to a proposed rule by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development that would significantly expand the application of the ABC test for determining independent contractor status under state labor laws. PIANJ argues that the new regulation—N.J.A.C. 12:11—would threaten the state’s independent insurance agency system through the changes it makes. PIANJ has submitted comments, which included a proposed amendment that would preserve the statutory exemption and affirm the independent status of licensed producers regulated by Department of Banking and Insurance.
Technical
Insurance archeology keeps your policies preserved
The practice of insurance archeology begins in 1981 as a response to the first wave of asbestos claims, with Randolph Fields—international lawyer, gambler and airline owner—being a key player in its implementation and practice. R.M. Fields is now an international firm that provides its services to numerous industries. To learn more about how insurance archeology can be implemented, PIA Northeast members can access Indemnity Jones and the raiders of the lost policy in the PIA QuickSource library.
Educating insurance agents
Facing ethical issues in E&O
Are you ready to explore the relationship between ethics and the choices independent agents make to protect their agencies from errors-and-omissions claims? Take Ethical Issues in E&O^AZ^UN so you can learn how to navigate some of these ethical challenges. This course will feature Catherine L. Trischan, CPCU, CIC, CRM, AU, AAI, CRIS, ARM, MLIS, TRIP, as its instructor, and will be on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, at 9 a.m.-12 p.m. This class has been approved for CE credits in Connecticut (3 LRE), New Jersey (3 ETH), New York (3 BR, C1, C3, LA, LB, LSB, PA, PC) and Vermont (3 Ethics). It has been submitted for CE approval in New Hampshire (3 Ethics PROD). ^AZ^UN—This course has been approved for E&O loss prevention credit by Allianz and Utica National. Call the PIA E&O Department for details: (800) 424-4244.
Events
Relaxation, networking on the waterfront at NJYIP Summer Breeze Bash
NJYIP held its Summer Breeze Bash on July 24 at the waterfront venue Proving Ground, N.J. Over 70 insurance professionals arrived for an evening of networking and relaxation along the ocean. NJYIP would like to thank the attendees, organizers and event sponsors for making this evening possible. The photo album for this event can be viewed online.
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
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025: A PIANJ WLA Panel: Pursuing (or Pushing) Positive Change
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025: NJYIP Holiday Reception
