News
NOAA develops experimental wildfire prevention tool
As wildfires expand into a year-round threat, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Global Systems Laboratory has developed the Hourly Wildfire Potential Index. HWP provides an assessment of wildfire potential updated every hour based on model-predicted weather conditions. The HWP has been in development since 2019, and it is expected to be a component in future NOAA weather models.
School is open! Do your clients’ have cyber bullying coverage?
As summer winds to a close and the excitement of a new school year builds, it’s easy to get swept up in the rush of buying school supplies, meeting new teachers and planning your daily routines. During this busy time, there’s a crucial element that often gets overlooked: personal cybersecurity. In today’s digital age, ensuring parents and children are protected by a personal cyber bullying policy is just as important as having the right textbooks and school clothes. This comprehensive guide will help your insureds understand what personal cybersecurity is, what it does and how it can be a vital shield against the growing threat of cyberbullying.
N.J.: WC benefits expanded for first responders
Gov. Phil Murphy signed A.5792 into law on Aug. 21, 2025. The legislation, which passed both chambers of the New Jersey Legislature without opposition, establishes confidential mental health counseling benefits under the state’s workers’ compensation system for eligible first responders who experience traumatic incidents on the job. The new law provides up to 12 hours of paid, confidential counseling for first responders involved in a defined “critical incident,” such as the death of a colleague, a terrorist act or a shooting.
Compliance
N.J.: Auto minimum limits increase in January
A bulletin issued by the Department of Banking and Insurance reminds insurance producers that increased coverage requirements for automobile insurance policies in New Jersey were enacted on Aug. 5, 2022 (P.L.2022, c.87). The act increases minimum coverage requirements in two phases. The first phase was effective for insurance policies issued or renewed on or after Jan. 1, 2023. The second phase of the act is effective Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, and it increases the minimum limits of liability for Per Person Coverage to $35,000 and Per Accident Coverage to $70,000. The minimum limit for Property Damage Coverage remains $25,000. The bulletin offers guidance for rates, forms and notification to policyholders.
Technical
Understanding your unique umbrella policy
No two umbrella policies are alike. Although the Insurance Services Office and the American Association of Insurance Services recently have introduced standard personal and commercial umbrella policies, most insurers still are using their individually filed policies. When you write an umbrella policy for clients, are you prepared to answer some of their more complex questions? To learn more, PIA members can access Umbrella basics in the PIA QuickSource library.
NHID declares fiscal year 2025 results
The New Hampshire Insurance Department announced a $2,938,676 administrative assessment offset for fiscal year 2026—alongside significant achievements and strong revenue contributions for fiscal year 2025. The NHID collected nearly $176 million for the state’s General Fund, including $150 million from premium taxes and $26 million from fees and fines. The NHID’s Enforcement Division conducted 321 investigations, took 36 administrative actions, and assessed $912,750 in fines in fiscal year 2025. In addition, the NHID issued 8,139 new licenses—bringing the total to 116,848 adjuster licenses and 124,511 producer licenses.
N.J.: DOBI issues 2025 recoupment order for NJPLIGA
The DOBI has issued Order No. A25-02, granting member insurers of the New Jersey Property-Liability Insurance Guaranty Association permission to impose a surcharge on policyholders to recoup the 2025 assessment. This order follows NJPLIGA Bulletin 2025-003, which notified member insurers of a 0.3% assessment on net direct written premiums for applicable property/casualty lines. The assessment is due by Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, and applies to policies governed by N.J.S.A. 17:30A-1 to -20.
Vt.: P/C rate filings requirement changed
The Vermont Department of Financial Regulation announced in Bulletin No. 236 changes to competitive market filing requirements for property/casualty rates. Insurers are required to submit their rates on a “file and use” basis instead of the current “use and file” basis. The rates must be filed no later than 30 days prior to the effective date.
Educating insurance agents
Last call: Buyer beware! Your clients and rental vehicle contracts
Vehicle rentals may pose unexpected challenges for clients: are they aware of the finer points of the contract they just signed? By taking the course Caveat Emptor! Renting Vehicles: Hired and Non-Owned Autos, you will be well-equipped to help your clients navigate what happens after they acquire a rental. This course will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, from 1-4 p.m., and will feature Steven D. Lyon, CPCU, CIC, CRM, CRIS, AAI, ARM, AIS, MLIS, AFIS, as its instructor. This course has been approved for continuing-education credits in Connecticut (3 PC), New Jersey (3 GEN) and New York (3 BR, C3, PA, PC).
ICYMI
NJCRIB has network system disruption
On Aug. 5, 2025, the New Jersey Compensation Rating & Inspection Bureau experienced suspicious activity affecting certain computer systems. It immediately took steps to investigate and determined that it was experiencing a cyberevent. Out of an abundance of caution, systems were taken offline, and the NJCRIB engaged an external data privacy counsel and a third-party forensic investigation firm to conduct a thorough review. NJCRIB reports that system access now has been largely restored. However, as it continues to bring additional functionality and connectomes back online, users may notice some intermittent delays or limitations.
Register now
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025: NY-YIP Albany Happy Hour
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025: PIA Advocacy Day
Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025: Autumn in the City: NY-YIP Fall Reception
Monday, Sept. 29, 2025: PIANJ Golf Classic
Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025: PIWA panel discussion: Wholesale & Retail Distribution Dynamics
Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025: The CTYIP Spotlight Social | A Fall Reception
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025: A PIANJ WLA Panel: Pursuing (or Pushing) Positive Change
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025: NJYIP Holiday Reception
