Gov. Phil Murphy signed S-1559 into law on Tuesday, which allows consumers to bring “bad-faith” lawsuits against insurers to recover certain damages and expenses. Specifically, the new “bad faith” law—which goes into effect immediately—allows consumers to bring...
N.Y.: PIANY-priority anti-arson legislation passes state Assembly
This year marks the second year of the New York state Legislature’s two-year legislative cycle. Any bill that failed to pass during the first year of the session has been returned to its chamber of origin and the process starts anew. The New York state Assembly wasted...
Tragedy in The Bronx reveals important insurance implications
On Sunday, a fire in a Bronx, N.Y., apartment building claimed the lives of 17 people[1], including eight children. According to the Associated Press, the fire was caused by a space heater. The flames damaged only the apartment unit in which the space heater was...
N.H.: Auto-deductibles legislation introduced in state Senate
Now that the holidays are behind us, we can focus on the upcoming 2022 legislative session in New Hampshire. A look at who’s in charge On one hand, you may recall that Republicans in the state House of Representatives hold a slim majority (207-186-1) in that chamber....
Canceling personal policies—the rules to follow
When insurers choose to cancel—or not to renew—a personal insurance policy, they need to ensure that they comply with the laws of the state in which they do business. Agents need to know these requirements to ensure they and their clients receive the notice of...
Five funny holiday- and winter-time claims
After determining that everyone is safe and getting the claims process started, there are some claims submissions that can give an agent a belly laugh once he or she gets off the phone. Here are some comical examples of winter-season claims: No. 1: A very hungry pup....
The holidays are full of claims opportunities
We hope that everyone has a safe and warm holiday season without any mishaps—but sometimes, things go awry. And, just what are the most common claims this time of year? For the answer, read on: No. 1: Fires. At this time of year, people tend to use more candles, light...
Water-damage claims can happen anywhere at any time; education & tech can mitigate damage
I’m a coastal agent who insures a lot of secondary homes. At my agency, I have been watching water-damage claims closely for years. When our area gets a deep freeze, we do have a fair number of large claims due to water damage. However, weather is only a part of...
N.Y.: Dog breed underwriting restrictions change homeowners insurance
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed S.4254 /A.4075 on Oct. 30, 2021, as part of an animal welfare legislative package. The bills—sponsored by Sen. Michael Gianaris, D-12, and Assemblywoman Deborah J. Glick, D-66, respectively—prohibit carriers from using the breed of a dog...
N.Y.: DFS finalizes changes to CE requirements for insurance producers
The New York State Department of Financial Services announced today that it has finalized changes to the continuing-education requirements for insurance producers. What’s new? All licensees will be required to take at least: one hour of insurance law per licensing...