N.Y. court expands liability for dog bites: What producers need to know
In a landmark decision with wide-ranging implications for dog bite claims and insurance liability, the New York Court of Appeals ruled in Flanders v. Goodfellow that plaintiffs may pursue negligence claims against pet owners, in addition to strict liability, for...
Flashy pitches: See through the tech pitch
Independent insurance agents everywhere are hearing the same thing: Agencies that are not leveraging technology risk falling behind their competition. While true, the message fails to recognize how time-consuming and difficult it can be to choose the right tech...
Digital tools: Elevate your trade-show presence
Trade shows are loud and fast and often a blur of elevator pitches, tote bags and too many lanyards. To cut through that chaos, you need more than an eye-catching booth. You need precision. That means digital tools—deployed intentionally—that don’t just decorate your...
Weekly Dispatch: May 29, 2025
PIA Northeast’s new partnership helps agents defend against cyberthreats. NOAA predicts an “above-average” 2025 hurricane season in the Atlantic: is your agency prepared? A new bill expanding “ABC tests” in New Jersey could negatively impact the state’s independent insurance agency system. The CTYIP Golf Open still has lunch spots open: register today. The NHID advocates to support a legislative agenda centered on consumer protection and state-based insurance regulation. 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.
Should I stay or should I go? Hurricane edition
The Atlantic Hurricane season is just around the corner: are you prepared to face it? Whether you live on the coast or are more inland, you should make it a priority to be prepared for anything. Hurricanes are serious storms that can devastate acres of land—taking...
Lead your agency for transformational growth
As the world keeps changing, what does it take to reimagine what’s possible for your agency’s future—and make it happen? How can you do this not just once but repeatedly to stay relevant as the business environment evolves? This question is on the minds of many agency...
PIANJ stands strong against a threat to the independent agency system
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development has introduced a proposed regulation—N.J.A.C. 12:11—that would codify and expand its interpretation of the “ABC test” that is used to determine whether a worker is classified as an employee or an independent...
How leaders can navigate market disruptions
If there’s one universal truth in the insurance industry, it’s this: change is inevitable,[1] and uncertainty is just part of the package. One minute, you’re navigating a stable market; the next, new regulations, economic swings or technological breakthroughs are...
Fire and water damage coverage essentials
Fire and water damage coverage is necessary for most businesses that depend on a safe and functioning environment. An unexpected fire or water-related incident can disrupt their operations. Without the right insurance, damage to property, equipment, or client areas...
Representatives from PIANJ, NJYIP honor Andy Harris at community event
PIANJ and NJYIP officers and directors attended an event earlier this week to honor the legacy of PIANJ past President Andy Harris. PHOTO CAPTION: (L-R) PIANJ Past President Anthony Bavaro, CIC, CRM; NJYIP Second Vice President Walter Conroy; PIANJ Treasurer Lisa Hamm, CIC; PIANJ Past President Steven C. Radespiel; PIANJ President Andy Harris Jr., CIC, AAI, CIRS; PIANJ Member Hal Soden, CPCU, AAI, CIC, CMIP, CRM, CWCA; PIANJ Director Bill McMahon III, CIC, CWCA; PIANJ Vice President Aaron Levine, CIC; and Pat Doherty, AINS, AIS, of Andover Insurance Co.


