Corporate Transparency Act: What agents need to know after recent court ruling

The Corporate Transparency Act became law on Jan. 1, 2021, and it officially took effect on Jan. 1, 2024. The legislation was introduced to enhance transparency in entity ownership structures to combat money laundering, tax fraud, and other illicit activities. It...
Unable to leave: why people stay behind in disasters

Unable to leave: why people stay behind in disasters

Before a natural disaster hits your community, it’s generally agreed that the best possible thing you can do is evacuate. However, as in the case of the recent Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we hear stories about people staying behind to weather the storm. Usually, the...

Anatomy of a claim: NFIP vs. private flood claim

Anatomy of a claim: NFIP vs. private flood claim

As an insurance agent or broker, helping clients choose the right flood insurance is crucial—especially when they face the aftermath of a flood. Understanding the distinctions between the National Flood Insurance Program and private flood insurance is essential for...

Governor signs PIANY’s windstorm bill into law

Governor signs PIANY’s windstorm bill into law

Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed A.2866/S.4199 into law, authorizing the New York State Department of Financial Services to create a single, standardized definition of “windstorm” in homeowners insurance policies. This long-awaited legislation marks a significant...

Weekly Dispatch: Nov. 21, 2024

Weekly Dispatch: Nov. 21, 2024

Happy Thanksgiving! PIA Northeast thanks you for your support. The United States is facing widespread drought conditions—how is it affecting the states in PIA Northeast’s footprint? A Fifth Circuit judge strikes down Biden overtime pay rule. The NHID announces changes to the regulation of consumer guaranty contracts. PIANY priority legislation: Windstorm bill called to N.Y. governor’s desk. Plus, you can read about state-specific industry news, compliance issues, advocacy updates, technical resources, education opportunities and upcoming events in this issue of the Weekly Dispatch.

Conn.: NCCI 2025 WC loss cost decrease of 6.1% approved

Conn.: NCCI 2025 WC loss cost decrease of 6.1% approved

The Connecticut Insurance Department approved the proposed workers’ compensation loss cost filing made by the National Council on Compensation Insurance, consisting of an overall 6.1% decrease. Also approved is an overall assigned risk rate reduction of 6.2%. These...

Key benefits of offering specialized insurance products to niche markets

Key benefits of offering specialized insurance products to niche markets

If you’re an independent insurance agent, today’s clients—like those of, well, any service provider—expect handcrafted personalized solutions tailored to their specific needs—whether it’s their industry, niche or unique circumstances. The best thing about this...

Weekly Dispatch: Nov. 14, 2024

Weekly Dispatch: Nov. 14, 2024

PIA Disaster Relief Fund helps agents impacted by natural disasters. The 2024 election is over: what does that mean on the state-level for PIA Northeast? Connecticut has declared a Stage 2 drought advisory. In New Jersey, a new commissioner has been sworn in at the DOBI. Wildfire smoke impacts New York state’s air quality over weekend. Plus, you can read about state-specific industry news, compliance issues, advocacy updates, technical resources, education opportunities, and upcoming events in this issue of the Weekly Dispatch.

Conn. election results: State-level highlights

Conn. election results: State-level highlights

Connecticut’s recent state elections brought some changes to the Senate and House while leaving key leadership positions and party dominance intact. Although constitutional offices (governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, treasurer, comptroller and secretary...

N.Y. election update: Status quo maintained

N.Y. election update: Status quo maintained

In the recent New York state elections, both the Senate and Assembly experienced some notable changes, setting the stage for shifts in legislative dynamics when the Legislature reconvenes in January. Senate overview The New York state Senate Democrats successfully...