Property/casualty insurance rarely gets the spotlight in a governor’s State of the State address. Most years, it’s a footnote—if mentioned at all. However, this year is different. Gov. Kathy Hochul put home and auto insurance front and...
PIANY’s 2026 legislative priorities: Building a fairer, stronger insurance marketplace
As the 2026 legislative session begins in Albany, PIANY is once again advancing practical, meaningful reforms to improve the state’s insurance environment. PIANY’s priorities this year reflect the challenges independent agents are seeing in real time—outdated...
PIA looks back at another successful 2025—and looks forward to 2026
It’s hard to believe it, but 2026 is just around the corner. A new year means new opportunities, but it’s important to look back at your accomplishments from the previous year. As an independent insurance agent, maybe this was going above and beyond for your clients...
Another win for PIANY: Lawsuit lending reform bill signed into law
When it comes to protecting consumers and reining in unnecessary litigation costs, PIANY has been leading the charge—and this week, it scored another key victory. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has officially enacted the...
Remember to update your personal home inventory for renters insurance
Renters insurance provides an essential safety net for tenants, offering protection against unforeseen events such as theft, fire, natural disasters or lawsuits. While obtaining a renters insurance policy is paramount, many renters undervalue the importance of...
Keeping your presents safe this holiday season with the right coverage
Winter is here, and that means the holiday season is in full swing. Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanza and the Winter Solstice are just around the corner: come January there’s the Epiphany and Chinese New Year. There’s plenty of festivities to enjoy, and that almost always...
N.Y.: Governor vetoes wrongful death bill: What agents need to know
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...
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...