News
AM Best offers mixed picture of US auto insurance industry
AM Best issued new reports of the success and hurdles of the U.S. auto insurance industry. One report, titled “Stuck in Reverse: Commercial Auto Losses Keep Mounting,” found that the U.S. commercial auto insurance line continues to burden the overall property/casualty industry, accounting for more than $10 billion in net underwriting losses over the past two years. Meanwhile, a separate report titled “US Personal Auto Insurance Segment Sustains Underwriting Turnaround Into 2025,” found that U.S. personal auto saw the segment’s first-half 2025 direct loss ratio fall again from the same two previous six-month periods, indicating that the significant rebound experienced in 2024 may carry over through 2025.
Technical
Seven disclaimers that can help defend your agency
During an errors-and-omissions claim, attorneys for your defense and attorneys for the plaintiff can review your agency proposal document. Disclaimers in your proposal can help provide an element of protection that could be material enough to help determine the outcome of a claim and are not limited strictly to p/c proposals: there are seven disclaimers that can provide substantial cover for your agency. For more information, PIA Northeast members can access Boost your agency’s defense with disclaimers in the PIA QuickSource library.
Educating insurance agents
Quality education. PIA Northeast offers CE-approved designation programs. Find out more, and see the upcoming schedules, for the CIC, CISR, CPIA, CRM, CPRM and TRA designations.
The fundamentals of strategic planning
Independent insurance agents must acquire and improve upon a variety of skills to guarantee success in their industry. The webinar 2024-2025 CIC AM | Agency Management Institute Webinar^AZ^UN will teach you how to apply management theories, methods and procedures necessary to operate a successful insurance agency. This webinar will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, with Mark A. Palinkas, CIC, instructing. This course has been approved for continuing-education credits in Connecticut (13 LH, 3 LRE, 3 LRE, 13 PC), New Jersey (3 ETH, 13 GEN) and New York (15 BR, C1, C3, LA, LB, LSB, PA, PC). ^AZ^UN—This course has been approved for E&O loss prevention credit by Allianz and Utica National.
N.Y.: Understanding emerging exposures for insurance agents
As you perform your duties as an insurance broker, you must pay special attention to what exposures are being addressed by your agency through identification and if these exposures can be covered by insurance. The participant-led webinar Emerging Exposures for the Agent Around Town will cover what it means to be a broker, including duties owed to the customer and the basics of risk management process. It will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, and will be taught by Mishell K. Magnusson, CIC, CISR, CPIA, AAI, FIPC. This course has been approved for CE credits in New York (4 BR, C1, C3, LA, LB, LSB, PA, PC).
Events
Were you there? PIWA panel on distribution dynamics
Last week, the Professional Insurance Wholesalers Association held a panel discussion moderated by PIWA President Robert Farella, vice president, casualty, of Amwins. Over 40 agents attended the event to have their questions answered by an experienced panel, consisting of Janet Pane, CEO and executive director, Excess Line Association of New York; Kyle Oschell, vice president, Lockton Cos.; and Andrew Nigri, p/c broker, Sancus Insurance. The event also featured a presentation by Janet Pane. PIA would like to thank the sponsors, partners, facilitators and attendees for making this event possible.
ICYMI
Government shutdown week two; NFIP still lapsed
Last week, the U.S. government entered a shutdown, meaning that certain services performed by the government have been paused until funding legislation is passed. Among the programs affected include the National Flood Insurance Program, a government program that provides flood insurance to help reduce the impact of flooding. PIA will be monitoring this issue closely: PIA has repeatedly called for a long-term extension of the NFIP, so it would not lapse in the case of a government shutdown.
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—SOLD OUT!
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
Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026: CTYIP Holiday Social
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026: NY-YIP Pre-MetroRAP Reception
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026: PIANY MetroRAP
