
Economic momentum in U.S. auto, home, and business insurance
According to the Insurance Information Institute, the insurance industry is seeing more economic momentum in U.S. auto, home, and business insurance than the entire U.S. economy. Mortgages and other personal loans will cost less, allowing for economic development in...

N.Y.: Photo inspection 101
As we enter the 2023-24 legislative session, PIANY has released its legislative priority list. At the top of that list is reforms to the state’s photo inspection system. But, what is the inspection system and what is PIANY doing about it? What is the photo inspection...

Fringe benefits and other reimbursements that are nontaxable
Comprehensive knowledge of what is taxable and nontaxable benefits is incredibly important for business owners, as well as heads of human resource departments. Employees are attracted to worthwhile benefits bundled in with their earned income and this only aids in a...

So, you bought a condo!
The condo is the most misunderstood policy in personal lines insurance, and you may ask why. Let’s examine the evolution and nuances of condo insurance. The original definition of a condo was just the air inside the unit. Now, it can mean anything and everything. Many...

Weekly Dispatch: Jan. 19, 2023
Climate change and La Niña conditions are effecting weather conditions dramatically, resulting in more natural disasters than normal. Natural disasters are the leading cause of high losses and protections against these possible calamities are more necessary than ever. Workplace leaders need to harness their soft skills to delegate, anticipate behavioral conflicts between workers, communicate effectively, and grow themselves and their co-workers. And, Gov. Ned Lamont announces the start of adult-use cannabis sales at Connecticut’s first group of licensed retailers. Plus, you can read about state-specific industry news, compliance issues, technical resources, education opportunities, and upcoming events in this issue of the Weekly Dispatch.

Tech integration can improve company culture
When you think of a positive company culture, it’s unlikely that business technologies are the first things that spring to mind. However, the reality is that the integration of business tech can go a long way in improving your organizational culture. Let’s look at how...

N.Y.: New cyber regulations on the horizon; certification of compliance due April 15
The New York State Department of Financial Services released the official proposed second amendment to the cyber security regulation (23 NYCRR 500) for public comment late last year. This follows an unofficial draft of the amendments that circulated this past August....

Weekly Dispatch: Jan. 12, 2023
What agents need to know as the market hardens. The Federal Trade Commission proposes ban on noncompete agreements. New Jersey’s new law requires gun owners to have liability insurance. And, Vermont requests federal damage assessment for storm damage. Plus, you can read about state-specific industry news, advocacy updates, technical resources, education opportunities, and information you may have missed in this issue of the Weekly Dispatch.

Soft skills that drive leadership success
When we think of a skilled individual, we often drum up the image of a web developer, a mechanical engineer, a brain surgeon, or even an arborist. While the examples above depict hard skills, it’s the other side of the coin that cohesive work environments need to...

What agents need to know as the insurance markets harden, PIA has tools to offer guidance
Hard market refers to a high demand for insurance and a decreased desire to insure. A soft market marks the opposite, when the demand for insurance coverage and competition in the market is minimal. The COVID-19 pandemic caused global economic hardship. The U.S. is...