News
PIANY MetroRAP: Becoming the MVP for your industry
Over 400 insurance professionals braved the polar cold to attend PIANY’s MetroRAP on Jan. 29, 2026, at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel. During the daylong event, attendees made the most of their time by forming new connections, educating themselves on artificial intelligence’s role in the industry and exploring business solutions at the trade show. This MetroRAP was one to remember: in addition to honoring industry professionals at this year’s Keynote and Awards Luncheon, former New York Giants Running Back Tiki Barber was this year’s keynote speaker. PIA would like to thank the attendees and sponsors who made this event possible. We hope to see you at the next one. For more information visit the related article on PIA Northeast News & Media.
Report: Insured losses from winter storms in the billions
The Karen Clark and Co., a catastrophe modeling group, estimated that Winter Storm Fern will generate $6.7 billion in privately insured losses across the United States. According to the report, the most dominant loss driver was the freeze damage. Record low temperatures significantly impacted states less acclimated to the cold, causing widespread power outages, burst pipes and falling, frozen trees.
N.J.: Governor nominates and appoints new officers, commissioners for state offices
Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced new nominations and appointments for state government offices, including the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and New Jersey Office of Information Technology. For the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Sherrill nominated Kevin Jarvis—a former chief of staff for the department—as its next commissioner. For the New Jersey Office of Information Technology, Sherrill appointed Kevin Dehmer as its chief technology officer. Dehmer has served as the commissioner of the Department of Education since 2024.
NHID announces key regulatory achievements for 2025
The New Hampshire Insurance Department announced key financial and regulatory achievements for Calander Year 2026. This included $3.34 million in consumer recoveries, $185.62 million collected for the state’s General Fund, as well as continued oversight of the state’s insurance marketplace. The department’s Enforcement Unit also investigated 351 cases, initiated 28 administrative actions and assessed more than $630,000 in fines.
N.Y.: Funds awarded through state and local cybersecurity grant program
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Feb. 2, 2026, that $9 million from the federal State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program will support the delivery of multifactor authentication hard tokens to 161 counties, municipalities, school districts and public authorities. MFA improves cybersecurity by requiring two or more proofs of identity, thereby making it more difficult for hackers to gain access to private accounts. 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.
Technical
Detecting traps in CGL policies
Whether you’re experienced in insuring contractors or you are just starting out, it can feel like you’re navigating a minefield of commercial general liability traps. What are some things you need to look for whenever you review a contractor’s CGL policy or quote? For more information, PIA Northeast members can access Contractors—five key CGL coverage traps in the PIA QuickSource library.
N.Y.: DFS to launch program to make applications easier
The New York State Department of Financial Services has announced that it will launch DFS ID—a portal that will make accessing DFS applications easier—next month. This system will replace the “MyPortal login page,” and entities will use DFS ID login credentials to access the department’s systems. You can watch an introductory video here. More information will be released once the platform goes live.
Accolades
PIANY honors Steven Diamond with Distinguished Insurance Service, posthumously
Steven L. Diamond, the former president of Simon Agency NY Inc., was honored by PIANY with the Distinguished Insurance Service award, posthumously, on Jan. 29, 2026, at MetroRAP 2026 held at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel. This award recognizes an individual with a history of service to the American independent agency system and to PIANY, which Diamond embodied in his over 50-year career in the business environment.
PIANY honors Meryl Golden as Executive of the Year
Meryl G. Golden, the president and chief executive officer of Kingstone Insurance Co., was honored by PIANY with the Executive of the Year award on Jan. 29, 2026, at MetroRAP 2026 held at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel. This award recognizes an individual from either a general agency or managing general agency who has demonstrated a strong working relationship with agents and brokers and has exemplified a commitment to professionalism and service. Golden demonstrated her dedication to the insurance industry over her 25-year career: Golden joined Kingstone in September 2019 and previously held product and general management roles with Progressive and Liberty Mutual.
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
Dive into commercial property at two-day webinar
Take a deeper look at some of newest trends in commercial property insurance and the applications of additional coverage. To learn more, attend the 2026-2027 CIC CP | Commercial Property Institute Webinar from Feb. 11-12, 2026. This webinar will be instructed by John Dismukes, CIC, CPCU, AAI, AIS; Christine Marciano, CIC, ITP, CLCS; and Mark Palinkas, CIC. 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
Get ready for a high-energy insurance event: Connecticut Convention 2026
This year’s PIACT Connecticut Convention will be held March 19-20, 2026, at Foxwoods Resort Casino. It will be packed with exciting events for insurance professionals: you don’t want to miss it! You’ll explore the innovative trade show, attend in-depth education sessions covering errors and omissions and the latest cyber coverage trends impacting the industry and craft meaningful relationships as you network with your peers. Make the most of early bird rates today and register now! Interested in sponsoring, exhibiting or advertising?
PIANJ Deep Dive Live: Stay ahead of trends and succeed
Stay ahead of the curve of your competition in the insurance industry. To help you learn how to succeed in this market, PIANJ is holding its next Deep Dive: The Insurance Agency Playbook: Trends, Talent & The Road Ahead, on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 at 11 a.m. over Zoom. This session will feature industry expert Mark Crites, a partner at Reagan consulting, and he will break down some of the market forces influencing the industry and how agents can stay on top of them. Register for the event online.
ICYMI
N.Y.: Public adjuster solicitation reform bill now has same-as Senate bill
Last week, PIANY reported that the state Assembly proposed a bill (A.9390-A) that would protect property owners after a loss by placing temporary restriction on public adjuster solicitation. The bill would amend the state’s Insurance Law and would ensure customers have the time and space needed to recover, consult with their insurance agents and make informed decisions before being approached by third-party representatives. The bill would restrict third-party solicitors from approaching clients for 72 hours following an insured loss. Late last week, the state Senate proposed a same-as bill (S.9082). The bills are sponsored by Assemblymember Sam Berger, D-27, and Chair of the Senate Insurance Committee Sen. Jamaal Bailey, D-36, respectively.
Register now
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
May 11 | May 18 | June 8: Emerging Leaders Series: Connecticut | New Jersey | New York
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
Monday, Aug. 3, 2026: NY-YIP Annual Golf Open
