N.Y.: Proposed e-scooter insurance bill has vital implications for independent agents 

Legislation (A.9568) introduced by Assemblymember Sam Berger, D-27, would amend New York state’s Vehicle and Traffic Law to require electric scooter service platforms to maintain liability insurance coverage for scooters offered to the public through app-based digital...
How traveler’s insurance can protect you this winter

How traveler’s insurance can protect you this winter

Winter is here, and that means so are the cold, dreary, and often snowy, days. Why not plan a vacation? Planning a vacation is fun! However, it is often expensive. Don’t forget that your independent insurance agent can provide insurance resources to help protect your...

Weekly Dispatch: Dec. 11, 2025

Weekly Dispatch: Dec. 11, 2025

Cloudflare experiences two outages in three weeks: how can independent agents navigate these third-party cyber-security risks? Start a conversation with your insureds about protecting their most expensive holiday gifts. Thanks to PIANY’s advocacy and mobilization, Gov. Kathy Hochul vetoed legislation that would have amended New York state’s wrongful-death statue significantly. Plus, you can read about state-specific industry news, compliance issues, advocacy updates, technical resources, accolades, education opportunities and upcoming events in this issue of the Weekly Dispatch.

Keeping your presents safe this holiday season with the right coverage

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...

Client retention in a changing market

Client retention in a changing market

It’s no secret that the competition for client loyalty is intensifying. Pricing, automation and digital tools have leveled the playing field, making retention a key differentiator, not just for service teams, but for the entire business. Retention reflects the...

Weekly Dispatch: Dec. 4, 2025

Weekly Dispatch: Dec. 4, 2025

AM Best finds personal lines insurance segment outlook stable. CID Commissioner Andrew Mais retires, Josh Hershman named as interim commissioner and potential successor. Stay on the cutting-edge of industry trends: MetroRAP 2026 registration is live. Vermont submits appeal for disaster declaration denial. Plus, you can read about state-specific industry news, compliance issues, technical resources, accolades, education opportunities and upcoming events in this issue of the Weekly Dispatch.

PIANH Symposium delivers unforgettable Friendsgiving experience

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 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.