When Gov. Kathy Hochul called for action on A.6063/S.4423—legislation that would have amended New York state’s wrongful-death statute significantly—PIANY members immediately mobilized. While well-intentioned, the bill posed serious concerns for...
News
Client retention in a changing market
It’s no secret that the competition for client loyalty is intensifying. Pricing, automation and digital tools have leveled the playing field, making retention a key differentiator, not just for service teams, but for the entire business. Retention reflects the...
Weekly Dispatch: Dec. 4, 2025
AM Best finds personal lines insurance segment outlook stable. CID Commissioner Andrew Mais retires, Josh Hershman named as interim commissioner and potential successor. Stay on the cutting-edge of industry trends: MetroRAP 2026 registration is live. Vermont submits appeal for disaster declaration denial. Plus, you can read about state-specific industry news, compliance issues, technical resources, accolades, education opportunities and upcoming events in this issue of the Weekly Dispatch.
PIANH Symposium delivers unforgettable Friendsgiving experience
If you weren’t at the PIANH Annual Symposium this year, let’s just say you missed more than just a great event—you missed Friendsgiving, insurance-style. On Nov. 20, industry professionals from all corners of New Hampshire...
PIA Northeast honored by Utica National with ‘Affiliate of the Year’ award
PIA Northeast’s Director of Sales Stephanie Smith, CISR, CPIA, and President & CEO Jeff Parmenter, CPCU, ARM, CPIA, attended the Utica National E&O State Sales & Appreciation Conference last October at the Ford Center at the Star in Dallas, Texas. (L-R) Alex Nix, commercial lines underwriting supervisor, Utica National; Victoria Champion, E&O commercial lines underwriter, Utica National; Rob Bartkowiak, commercial lines underwriter, Utica National; Stephanie Smith, CISR, CPIA, director of sales, PIA Northeast; Jeff Parmenter, CPCU, ARM, CPIA, president and CEO, PIA Northeast; Tracy Thompson, assistant vice president, director of regional underwriting operations, professional liability segment, head of specialty casualty, Utica National; Bill King, executive vice president, chief revenue officer, Utica National; and Cullen Stevens, executive commercial lines new business underwriter, Utica National. Photo courtesy of Jane Person Photography and Utica National.
Special relationships happen on a case-by-case basis: A look at standard-of-care lawsuits
I have written before of my love of the legal lexicon. My dedicated readers know I have some favorite legal words, like champerty and tortfeasor.[1] But as every Ying needs a Yang, there are some legal words that I shudder to see—particularly in a legal opinion. My...
Weekly Dispatch: Nov. 20, 2025
PIA Northeast wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving holiday. As the government shutdown ends, NFIP and other programs reauthorized until Jan. 30, 2026. Join NJYIP for its Ugly Sweater Party this December. PIANY testifies to state Senate on the availability of residential property insurance. Plus, you can read about state-specific industry news, advocacy updates, technical resources, education opportunities and upcoming events in this issue of the Weekly Dispatch.
Advocating for affordability: PIANY testifies before N.Y. Senate on residential property insurance
The New York state Senate held a joint hearing on Nov. 18, 2025, to address a growing concern for homeowners and insurance professionals alike: the rising cost—and shrinking availability of—residential property insurance. The hearing, convened by the Senate Committees...
We’re a community: The value of working with others in the industry
One of the greatest privileges in my role as PIANY president is representing our incredible community of insurance professionals. Over the past two months, I’ve had the opportunity to attend a series of events and meetings that truly showcase the breadth, diversity and strength of the insurance industry. [PHOTO CAPTION: (L-R) NYIA President Cassandra Anderson; New York state Assemblyman David Weprin, D-24; and PIANY President Jason Bartow]
Help clients weather the winter: A road safety guide for insurance agents
As winter approaches the Northeast, drivers across the region face some of the most challenging road conditions of the year. Each season, more than 1,300 people are killed and more than 116,800 people are injured in vehicle crashes on snowy, slushy or icy pavement,...