State Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari, D-22, has introduced S-3187 in the 2026-27 legislative session—a bill that would finally put an end to step-down clauses in personal auto policies in New Jersey. For those of us who...
Trusted adviser or order taker? An agent’s standard of care, legal responsibility to clients
I find a great way to start an article is with a meandering hypothetical about ordering food at a restaurant. So, let’s get right to it: In a restaurant, you order a hamburger. The server nods, jots something down, and disappears into the kitchen. Twenty minutes...
N.H.: What introduced vehicle registration bill means for drivers, agents and insurers
New Hampshire has long taken a different approach to automobile insurance than most other states. While nearly every state requires drivers to carry auto insurance, New Hampshire instead relies on a financial responsibility system that typically...
Understand the disconnect: Distracted driving through the lens of auto insurance claims
Nearly every driver agrees that impaired driving is dangerous, but awareness alone isn’t enough to stop it. Recently, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reported on this disconnect, finding that while people support stronger safeguards, risky behavior on the roads...
Is it covered? Common items that need more coverage
We assume all our possessions will be covered if we lose them or if they are damaged, but do you know how your insurance policy will truly respond—or even which one will respond when it is needed? Sometimes you need additional coverage. Snowmobiles. Typically, a...
N.Y.: Proposed public adjuster solicitation bill would strengthen post-loss consumer protections
A new bill proposed in the New York state Assembly aims to protect property owners in the critical moments following a loss by placing temporary restrictions on public adjuster solicitation. The bill—A.9390-A/S.9082, sponsored by Assemblymember Sam Berger, D-27, and...
N.Y.: Have you met TED (again)?
As New York state’s budget season gets underway, the familiar alphabet soup of Albany returns—none more important to insurance professionals than the Transportation, Economic Development and Environmental Conservation budget, better known...
Staying safe in your home this winter
We're in the middle of winter, and we have a long way to go until spring. Who wants to get caught out in the cold? This means you’ll be spending more time indoors to avoid the nasty weather, which leaves you vulnerable to some risks at home as you try to keep warm....
Stay in tune: Insurance keeps musical instruments safe
Music is a wonderful thing, and the best part of it is that you can make it yourself. There’s very little stopping you from purchasing an instrument, finding an instructor and taking the time to hone your new craft. However, you must take great care of your...
N.J.: New e-bike law closes insurance gaps: A win for public safety and common sense
New Jersey has taken a major step forward to regulate the growing use of electric bicycles with the passage and signing of S-4834—a measure strongly supported by PIANJ. As e-bikes have rapidly evolved from recreational novelties into legitimate transportation...