N.Y.: Governor vetoes bill on dog breed restrictions in renters insurance
Gov. Kathy Hochul has vetoed legislation (S.364) that would have prohibited insurers from imposing restrictions on renters insurance policies based solely on the breed—or mix of breeds—of a dog owned or harbored by the policyholder. The...
N.Y.: Bill to limit use of credit history in employment decisions delivered to governor
A bill (S.3072) that would prohibit the use of an individual’s consumer credit history in employment decisions, has been delivered to Gov. Kathy Hochul for review. The bill is intended to promote fair hiring practices by limiting how personal financial...
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
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
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...
N.Y.: Governor vetoes wrongful death bill: What agents need to know
When Gov. Kathy Hochul called for action on A.6063/S.4423—legislation that would have amended New York state’s wrongful-death statute significantly—PIANY members immediately mobilized. While well-intentioned, the bill posed serious concerns for...
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
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
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’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.


