We are nearing the middle of football season, and the excitement of watch parties and the camaraderie of cheering on your team with friends and family continues. While football season is a time for fun, it can also introduce risks—not just on the field, but for...
Spooky insurance, part II: Are extraterrestrials among us?
I have the perfect remedy for insomnia. When I can’t sleep, I reach for my smartphone and earbuds and start playing a random episode of History Channel’s Ancient Aliens. Ten minutes into a monotonous analysis of alleged alien spacecrafts depicted in ancient stone...
Tremors & insurance: Or how I learned to start worrying and fear the worm
Sandworms. You may not recognize one on sight, but your brain does. They’ve been a fixture of pop culture since Frank Herbet’s seminal 1965 novel, Dune. Star Wars. Beetlejuice. Men in Black. Gargantuan worms that burrow through the ground bind all these works of...
Help your clients understand the importance of accurate property valuation
Homeowners in coastal regions of the United States face unique risks associated with the growing prevalence of hurricane and severe storm activity. Getting the right coverage plays a crucial role in protecting homeowners from the financial devastation caused by...
Inflation, construction, and homeowners insurance
All homeowners should brace themselves for sticker shock next time their homeowners policy is up for renewal. Inflation’s effects on the construction industry and the broader economy extend to premiums charged on insurance policies. While it may cost more now, the...
Your voice matters: Join PIANY’s advocacy to secure the windstorm bill
It is shaping up to be a pivotal year for New York state’s insurance industry, with the establishment of a single definition of windstorm in homeowners policies on the horizon. This is a monumental step forward, not just for insurance professionals, but...
N.Y.: We’ve come so far … standardized windstorm deductible definition
For several years, PIANY has been on the front lines as an advocate for the standardization of the windstorm deductible definition in New York state. It has been a top legislative priority for the association. PIANY members and staff members have meet with countless...
N.J.: DOBI issues bulletin on low-income housing discrimination survey
Recently, the Department of Banking and Insurance released Bulletin No. 24-10, requiring all insurers authorized or admitted to sell property/casualty insurance in New Jersey to participate in a comprehensive survey on low-income housing discrimination. Facing...
Satellite imagery on homeowners insurance policies: consumer and state responses
In recent years, insurance companies have increasingly turned to satellite imagery to evaluate the conditions of properties—particularly roofs—for underwriting purposes. This technological resource allows insurers to assess large numbers of properties from the air...
What to look for when hiring a roofer
Summer is the perfect time for outdoor home improvement projects, and one of the most critical components of your home is the roof. It provides essential protection against the elements and contributes to the structural integrity of your property. When it’s time to...