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...
N.J.: Supreme Court rules all commercial property owners are liable for sidewalks
Recently, the Supreme Court of New Jersey reversed a lower court decision in the case of Alejandra Padilla v. Young Il An, holding that all commercial property owners, including owners of vacant commercial lots or lots where there is no active business being...
N.Y.: New pet insurance legislation: Implications for independent insurance agents and clients
New York’s pet owners and their beloved companions are set to benefit from newly passed legislation that formalizes the regulation of pet insurance in the state. While pet insurance has been available for years, this landmark move introduces a clear and structured...
N.J.: Clarifying duties and liabilities of private beach owners under S.1709
Sponsored by Sens. Declan J. O’Scanlon, Jr., R-13, and Paul A. Sarlo, D-63, S-1709 would clarify the duties and liabilities of private beach owners and lessees regarding injuries suffered by beachgoers. The legislation would provide that private beach owners or...
FCC implements regulations to combat unlawful text messages, enhance consumer privacy
On Dec. 13, 2023, the Federal Communications Commission adopted significant regulatory changes under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, which will attempt to curb unlawful text messages and close loopholes exploited by lead generators. These measures are intended...
N.H.: New boating safety law signed by Sununu
Gov. Chris Sununu signed H.B.1046, which targets boater safety, into law on June 11, 2024. Effective Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, this new law requires that boat operators involved in accidents resulting in death, injury, or property damage must immediately stop and...
Major overtime rules updates: What employers need to know about new salary threshold
The U.S. Department of Labor issued a final rule last month that would expand overtime protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act for millions of workers across the country. Are you up to date with the latest changes to the FLSA regarding overtime pay? If not, now...
The U.S. DOL’s 2024 rule and amendments: the new landscape of retirement investment advice
On April 23, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor took significant steps to redefine the landscape of retirement investment advice through the release of the Retirement Security Rule. This regulation redefines who qualifies as an investment advice fiduciary under the...
The FTC’s new rule on noncompete agreements: What does it mean for agencies?
In a move poised to transform the labor landscape across the United States, the Federal Trade Commission has introduced a final rule that bans the use of noncompete agreements nationwide. This sweeping regulation—expected to significantly impact both employers and...
New CID bulletin on aerial imagery and underwriting, responding to complaints
On March 19, 2024, the Connecticut Insurance Department issued a bulletin to address the use of aerial imagery by insurance carriers in underwriting homeowners insurance, specifically in relation to decisions about roof condition. This bulletin responds to a rise in...