News
AM Best: Global reinsurance outlook moves to stable
In a new AM Best Market Segment Report addressing Global Reinsurance, AM Best revised its outlook for the global reinsurance segment from positive to stable. This revision reflected the pressure to reduce property reinsurance pricing, which may challenge the global segment’s ability to sustain the strong operating performance it achieved over the past three years, and the 2025 calendar year representing the sixth consecutive year of insured global catastrophe losses exceeding $100 billion.
NHID celebrates 175 years of leadership in the industry
The New Hampshire Insurance Department was established 175 years ago, making New Hampshire the first state in the nation to establish a formal insurance regulatory body. Since its foundation, the NHID has played a crucial role in shaping insurance regulation across the country, serving as blueprint for the modern state-based insurance regulation system.
N.J.: New e-bike law closes insurance gaps
As e-bikes have rapidly evolved from recreational novelties into legitimate transportation options, state law has struggled to keep pace. A new law establishes long-needed insurance, licensing and registration requirements for certain classes of e-bikes, which addresses serious public safety and liability concerns that have grown alongside the vehicles’ surging popularity. It creates requirements for mandatory liability insurance, and licensing and registration. It also provides an insurance and license grace period and a shared e-bike exemption. PIANJ has long advocated for and supported this measure.
N.J.: New governor nominates new DOBI commissioner
Newly sworn in Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced that she will nominate Susan Ochs as the commissioner of the Department of Banking and Insurance. Previously, Ochs served in senior roles in New Jersey, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the private sector. In her role as commissioner, she will oversee Get Covered NJ—the state health care exchange—and she will manage the banking, insurance, real estate and health care markets with a focus on consumer protection.
N.Y.: Weekend snow blankets the state, are you prepared?
New York state saw significant snowfall over the weekend—with more on the way. The Mid-Hudson region, New York City and Long Island received up to five inches of snowfall, while the Great Lakes saw up to three feet. It is forecast that more snow will hit New York state over the weekend. Every winter, remember that PIA Northeast will keep its members updated on any winter storms that may affect the Northeast through its PIA Storm Info Central. The tool kit has numerous resources that you and your clients can use this winter.
Advocacy
N.Y.: New bills target affordability, e-scooter insurance
Two new proposed bills could change the state’s insurance landscape if they are passed. The first bill, S.8905, sponsored by Sen. Monica Martinez, D-4, would limit noneconomic damage recovery for drivers who were: uninsured, intoxicated or committing a felony at the time of an accident. It would prohibit these parties from collecting awards beyond basic compensatory damages. The second bill, A.9568, introduced by Sam Berger, D-27, would amend New York state’s Vehicle and Traffic Law to require electric scooter service platforms to maintain liability insurance coverage for scooters offered through app-based digital networks.
Technical
Insurance options for corporate cars
When it comes to insuring corporate automobiles, business owners face a lot of unique options. Are you prepared to explain the different coverage options, and their ramifications to your clients? For more information, PIA Northeast members can access Insuring the corporate car in the PIA QuickSource library.
N.Y.: WCB to stop accepting faxed form submissions on April 1
The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board announced that it will no longer accept faxed paper forms starting Wednesday, April 1, 2026. This change stems from the board’s efforts to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of processing workers’ compensation documentation. Reminders of this change will be issued in the lead up to April 1, and information for other submission options can be found on the Board’s “Forms” webpage.
Accolades
Conn.: PIACT seeks industry stars—nominate someone today
PIACT is calling for nominations for its 2026 Awards of Distinction. Nominations are due Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. The association will honor insurance professionals who exemplify the qualities and actions that serve as a model of excellence in the insurance industry and for the independent agency system. Nominations are being sought for these awards: Professional Agent of the Year, Company Person of the Year and Community Service Award. For a full description of each award, or for a nomination form, click here.
Educating insurance agents
Conn./N.J./N.Y.: Understand the complexities of personal lines for individuals, families
All your personal lines customers carry unique needs—from individuals, to families, to family members. State-specific personal lines forms add a layer of complexity to this dynamic. Learn how to best address their needs by taking the 2026-2027 CIC PL | Personal Lines Institute Webinar. This webinar will be held from Jan. 28-29, 2026, and will be taught by Steven D. Lyon, CPCU, CIC, CRM, CRIS, AAI, ARM, AIS, MLIS, AFIS; Mark A. Palinkas, CIC; and Nikki Sherrill-Wyatt, CIC, SCLA, AIS, AIM, API, AIC, AINS. This course has been approved for continuing-education credits in Connecticut (16 PC), New Jersey (16 GEN) and New York (15 BR, C3, PA, PC).
Events
Only one week until MetroRAP 2026: register now!
MetroRAP 2026 is almost here: join PIANY and collaborating insurance associations for a day of valuable industry insights at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Insurance professionals can explore the diverse trade show, learn about how AI is changing the face of the insurance industry at panel discussions and network with fellow insurance MVPs. Former New York Giants Running Back Tiki Barber will be the keynote speaker at the Keynote/Awards Lunch—where the Distinguished Insurance Service and Executive of the Year awards will be presented to Steve Diamond (posthumously) and Meryl Golden, respectively. Don’t miss another unforgettable MetroRAP: register today—at-the-door prices will be higher!
Register now
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026: NY-YIP MetroRAP Welcome Reception
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026: PIANY MetroRAP—Interested in sponsoring, exhibiting or advertising?
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026: NJYIP Spring Warm-Up
Wednesday, March 18, 2026: CTYIP Axes & Accelerators
March 19-20, 2026: Connecticut Convention—Interested in sponsoring, exhibiting or advertising?
Wednesday, April 22, 2026: NY-YIP Buffalo I-Day Welcome
Tuesday, June 23, 2026: CTYIP Golf Open
Save the date
Wednesday, May 6, 2026: NJYIP Golf Open
June 7-9, 2026: PIANJ | PIANY Annual Conference
Sunday, June 7, 2026: NJYIP Nitecap
Tuesday, June 9, 2026: NJYIP Fun Run
