News
What agents need to know for the NFIP lapse
With hurricane season underway, Congress was negotiating a continuing resolution to fund the federal government, but it failed to pass, meaning that National Flood Insurance Program has lapsed. For the NFIP to function, Congress must authorize both its existence and its operations. The last long-term authorization of the program was in 2017, which has resulted in more than 30 reauthorizations since 2017. While the NFIP lapse is disruptive, agents play a critical role in keeping clients informed and protected.
AM Best: Government shutdown may increase economic uncertainty for insurers
According to a new AM Best commentary, the U.S. government shutdown would have an immediate impact on the economy with implications for insurance companies, with potential longer-term consequences that would vary in severity depending on its length. In the wake of the shutdown, consumer sentiment and spending, business hiring and investment decisions could be affected negatively; government spending is expected to slow significantly; and there is likely to be disruption in the stock markets.
Tropical Storm Imelda forms into hurricane: Humberto remnants expected to impact UK
On Sept. 30, 2025, Tropical Storm Imelda’s sustained winds reached 75 mph, making it a Category 1 hurricane. Imelda is expected to bring rough surf and coastal flooding to the Southeastern United States. A high-pressure system in the Northeast and Hurricane Humberto steered Imelda away from the U.S. Meanwhile, the remnants of Humberto are expected to reach the United Kingdom and Ireland, bringing high winds and heavy rain. 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.
Connecticut launches online climate risk mapping tool
Gov. Ned Lamont and Connecticut Insurance Department Commissioner Andrew N. Mais announced the launch of a free online risk mapping tool that allows Connecticut homeowners and businesses to assess their property’s risk from flooding, wildfires and other perils to better understand their insurance needs. By simply entering an address, homeowners and businesses can immediately see their property’s exposure to a range of climate-related risks such as flooding, wildfire, hurricane winds, extreme heat and air quality. As the frequency of natural disasters continues to increase in the U.S., it reignites the debate for and against the creation of a natural disaster fund.
N.Y.: DFS announces leadership change
The New York State Department of Financial Services will see a change in leadership this October. Superintendent Adrienne A. Harris will step down after four years of service, and Gov. Kathy Hochul has appointed Kaitlin Asrow as acting superintendent, effective Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. PIANY acknowledges Superintendent Harris’s contributions and looks forward to collaborating with Asrow in the future. The association will watch closely as the DFS continues its work under new leadership, and we remain committed to advocating for policies that support independent agents and a fair, competitive insurance marketplace.
Compliance
E&S reform law: PIACT advocates for practical interpretation
PIACT achieved a major legislative achievement this session, with the passage of H.B.6981, a long-standing priority for the association and a milestone for the state’s insurance community. H.B.6981 eliminates the outdated requirement that brokers must obtain formal declinations from admitted insurers before placing coverage in the nonadmitted excess and surplus market through unaffiliated surplus lines brokers. Despite the bill’s clear intent, the Connecticut Insurance Department has adopted a narrow interpretation of the new law. PIACT will continue to advocate for a practical interpretation of H.B.6981.
Advocacy
N.J.: State Senate President issues statement on e-bike legislation
New Jersey State Senate President Nick Scutari, D-22, announced on Oct. 1, 2025, a legislative initiative to improve the safe use of electric bikes in New Jersey, with a plan that would update the regulation, licensing, classification and training requirements for e-bikes. PIA Northeast News & Media has previously covered PIANJ’s recommendations for e-bike legislation in August.
Technical
Home businesses and common, overlooked insurance exposures
The U.S. Small Business Association reports that 60% of all businesses without staff are home-based. With 32.5 million small businesses, that means about 19 million are home-based. If you have clients who happen to be home-based business owners, are they aware of potential exposures to their business? For more information, PIA Northeast members can access There is no business like home business in the PIA QuickSource library.
Educating insurance agents
Learn new skills to foster success
Independent insurance agents must acquire and improve upon a variety of skills to guarantee success in their industry. The webinar 2024-2025 CPIA 2: Implement for Success will present a variety of tools for agents to adopt as they address consumer needs, including risk identification, information gathering and effective delivery of proven solutions. This webinar will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, with John Fear, CPIA, CISR, instructing. This class has been approved for continuing-education credits in Connecticut (7 PC), New Hampshire (2 Ethics, 5 Gen Ins Prin PROD), New Jersey (7 GEN), New York (7 BR, C1, C3, LA, LB, LSB, PA, PC) and Vermont (7 General).
Events
Bring in fall at The CTYIP Spotlight Social
Fall is here in the Northeast, so why not celebrate the season at The CTYIP Spotlight Social—a festive fall harvest networking reception. This event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven. By attending, you’ll be able to connect with fellow insurance professionals over great food, good company and warm conversation. Don’t miss out: register today! PIA would like to recognize 2025’s CTYIP of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award: Malorie Leone of Atlantic Casualty and Karen Orton of AIM Mutual, respectively.
N.J.: Deep Dive Live Series: Litigation trends and insurance costs
The PIANJ Deep Dive Live Series will present its next session, Behind the Verdict: How Litigation Trends Are Driving Insurance Costs, on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, starting at 11 a.m. It will cover how social inflation is reshaping the insurance landscape and the ripple effects being felt across underwriting, claims and risk management. Get ready for latest installment in the Deep Dive Live Series: register today.
ICYMI
Were you there? Autumn in the City: NY-YIP Fall Reception
In September, the NY-YIP hosted its Fall Reception at The Dean in New York City. Over 50 attendees came to connect with emerging leaders and fellow professionals from across the insurance industry. NY-YIP would like to thank everyone who was able to attend, as well Lava, the exclusive sponsor of this year’s fall reception. If you were unable to attend, we hope to see you next year. For photos of the event, visit here.
Register now
Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025: The CTYIP Spotlight Social | A Fall Reception
Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025: PIANJ Deep Dive Live: Behind the Verdict: How Litigation Trends Are Driving Insurance Costs
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025: A PIANJ WLA Panel: Pursuing (or Pushing) Positive Change
Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025: Virtual Event with PIA National CEO Mike Skiados
Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025: NY-YIP Buffalo Bills Tailgate
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025: NJYIP Holiday Reception
Save the date
Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025: NH Symposium: Friendsgiving
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026: PIANY MetroRAP
