
PIANJ priority lawsuit-lending transparency bill introduced to state Legislature
In a strong step toward tort reform, New Jersey lawmakers have introduced legislation that would bring much-needed transparency and accountability to the fast-growing world of third-party litigation funding. For insurance producers and policyholders alike, this bill...

N.Y.: New bill introduced in state Assembly to address infamous ‘Scaffold Law’
A.5811, a bill recently introduced to the New York state Assembly, would shine a light on how insurers handle liability coverage under the state’s infamous “Scaffold Law” (Labor Law Section 240). This law holds property owners and contractors absolutely liable for...

Conn.: Dog breed bill moves out of committee
S.B.1386 has officially been voted out of committee—marking a step forward in Connecticut’s efforts to address breed-based discrimination in homeowners and renters insurance. Importantly, the version of the bill that advanced includes all the technical corrections...

Navigating AI in the Garden State: DOBI bulletin sets guardrails on AI use in insurance
On Feb. 11, 2025, the Department of Banking and Insurance issued Bulletin No. 25-03 to clarify how artificial intelligence may be used in insurance operations within the state. The message is clear: while innovation is welcome, consumer protection remains paramount....

NFIP Direct system migration, blackout period
As part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s ongoing efforts to enhance and streamline the systems that support flood insurance processing, National Flood Insurance Program Direct is migrating to a new system, with the go-live date set for Monday, April 7,...

Staged accidents are driving up premiums—Here’s how New York can hit the brakes
A recent report from a Long Island news outlet highlighted an all-too-familiar pain point for consumers and insurance professionals alike: the surge in auto insurance premiums. While inflation, vehicle costs and repair expenses are contributing factors, one...

Hiring and retaining staff in a tight labor market
With competition at an all-time high, many agencies face the dual challenge of attracting new hires and keeping their current employees engaged and productive. Let’s review some strategic insights and actionable tactics to help you navigate the talent crunch—ensuring...

Weekly Dispatch: March 27, 2025
Another year, another successful PIA Connecticut Convention—were you there? The National Transportation Safety Board recommends vulnerability assessment for numerous bridges in wake of Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. If you were not able to attend last month’s New Jersey Deep Dive, you can find its recording and complementary article in this week’s Dispatch. New York state’s supplemental spousal liability reverts to opt-in. Plus, you can read about state-specific industry news, compliance issues, technical resources, accolades, education opportunities, upcoming events and information you may have missed in this issue of the Weekly Dispatch.

Connecticut Convention: PIACT delivers what producers need to succeed
The PIA Connecticut Convention—held at Foxwoods Resort Casino—was a smashing success. From March 20-21, more than 300 insurance producers from the Northeast gathered to network, learn and expand the capabilities of their businesses. Highlights from the two-day...

The insurance implications of hoarding
The term hoarding can bring some horrific images to mind—mostly due to several television shows on the topic. However, being as it’s TV, and they need drama and the dramatic, what is shown on TV is often some of the worst cases. That doesn’t mean hoarding should be...