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...
The top benefits to offer to retain talent

The top benefits to offer to retain talent

The war for talent isn’t slowing down. In fact, a recent Gallup study showed more than half of respondents are actively exploring new job opportunities. So, how do you retain top talent in a market in which employees are rethinking where, how and why they work? The answer lies in offering benefits that meet today’s expectations. Overall, employees tend to prioritize two things: health care and flexibility. However, a well-rounded benefits package also includes mental health, financial stability, time off and growth opportunities.

AI helps families plan for long-term care

AI helps families plan for long-term care

Planning for long-term care always has been one of the most emotionally complex and financially uncertain parts of preparing for retirement. Many families delay the conversation until they’re in crisis, often leaving limited options and a heavy burden on loved ones. But artificial intelligence is starting to change that, offering a smarter, more personalized way to think about long-term care planning, and providing independent agents with new tools to help their clients prepare with confidence.

ATVs are a lot of fun: make sure you ride safely

ATVs are a lot of fun: make sure you ride safely

It’s always fun to go off-roading—especially on an all-terrain vehicle. Feeling the wind against your body, the power of the machine and breezing through the countryside or a designated trail makes for a fun afternoon, especially with fellow riders. However, when...

Weekly Dispatch: July 24, 2025

Weekly Dispatch: July 24, 2025

New report from identity theft nonprofit indicates an increase of data compromises in first half of 2025. The New Hampshire Insurance Department releases its latest homeowners insurance market report. The New York State Department of Financial Services approved a May application for an overall loss cost decrease of 13.2%. Plus, you can read about state-specific industry news, technical resources, education opportunities, upcoming events and information you may have missed in this issue of the Weekly Dispatch.

N.Y.: Revised WC loss costs, effective Oct. 1

N.Y.: Revised WC loss costs, effective Oct. 1

In May, an application for an overall loss cost decrease of 13.2% was submitted to the New York State Department of Financial Services by the New York Compensation Insurance Rating Board. The NYDFS approved the application as filed with an effective date of Wednesday,...

As you get around this summer … protect your classic car

As you get around this summer … protect your classic car

Don’t get bugged driving up and down the same old strip. If your car has been featured in a Beach Boys’ song, it could be considered a classic car—provided it has its original design and specifications. This means you could be driving around in style this summer....

Weekly Dispatch: July 17, 2025

Weekly Dispatch: July 17, 2025

NAIC issues its 2023 auto insurance report. New report finds insured hurricane loses increase by 50% under a two degrees Celsius warming scenario. Connecticut activates extreme hot weather protocols. Flash floods hit New Jersey, New York and Vermont. Plus, you can read about state-specific industry news, compliance issues, advocacy updates, technical resources, accolades, education opportunities, upcoming events and information you may have missed in this issue of the Weekly Dispatch.

Become a trusted member of your local community as a new business owner

Become a trusted member of your local community as a new business owner

Starting a business doesn’t just mean putting your name on the map. It means showing up with presence, not just signage. It means listening before speaking, giving before asking, and finding natural ways to embed your work into the rhythm of your local community. If...

Turning honest feedback into agency growth

Turning honest feedback into agency growth

Answer this one honestly: Does your agency actively collect and act on feedback from customers and employees? If the answer is no, you’re not alone. Some independent agents gather enormous volumes of feedback, but they fail to follow through. Others shy away from...