The New Jersey Department of Labor is proposing a sweeping new rule that could disrupt how independent insurance agents do business fundamentally.
The proposed regulation expands the ABC test—the legal standard used to determine whether a worker is an independent contractor or an employee. If adopted, this change could reclassify independent agents as employees of the insurance companies they represent—even when they own their agency, hold a license, and serve clients across multiple carriers.
This rule doesn’t reflect how our industry actually works. It would penalize you for regulatory compliance, would treat your carrier appointments as evidence of control, and would set unrealistic standards that would be nearly impossible to meet.
If enacted, the rule could:
- Undermine your ability to represent multiple insurers.
- Trigger new legal, tax, and compliance obligations for you and your agency.
- Force major changes in how you contract, operate, and serve your clients.
The time to act is now
The deadline to submit your comment is Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025.
PIANJ has made it easy. With just one click, you can send a public comment to the DOL and make your voice heard. It takes less than 60 seconds.
Click here: https://www.votervoice.net/PIAS/Campaigns/129161/Respond
Want to do even more?
Ask your clients to support you by submitting a quick comment, too. Their voices carry weight—and when consumers speak up for their trusted insurance agents, lawmakers listen. Share this link with your clients: https://www.votervoice.net/PIAS/Campaigns/129162/Respond
It takes just a minute, and it could make all the difference.
Let’s be clear with New Jersey regulators
Independent agents are not gig workers. We are licensed professionals—and we deserve to be treated that way.
Thank you for taking a stand to protect your independence.
Shirley Albright, CPIA, CISR
Shirley Albright, CPIA, CISR, has been a cornerstone of PIA since joining the association in 1983. Over the decades, she has contributed meaningfully across numerous departments, demonstrating unwavering dedication and leadership. In 1995, Shirley played a pivotal role in launching the Industry Resource Center, where she led the development of a comprehensive software system designed to log and manage all incoming and outgoing member inquiries—an innovation that transformed the center’s operational efficiency. As director of the Industry Resource Center, Shirley oversees the center’s daily operations, including the triage and resolution of thousands of member inquiries and multiple database updates, ensuring timely and accurate support across the organization. Her industry accomplishments include earning her New York state property/casualty broker’s license and has obtaining the CPIA and CISR professional designations, underscoring her deep expertise and commitment to excellence in the insurance industry.
