Hudson Valley RAP Celebrates PIANY’s Legislative Successes

Zebrowski to insurance agents: PIA and lawmakers can be mutual resources

Nearly 300 insurance professionals from across New York gathered on Oct. 28 in the Doubletree Hotel in Tarrytown, N.Y., to enjoy a day of networking, education and more as part of PIANY’s 12th Annual Hudson Valley Regional Awareness Program.

During the event’s luncheon, newly elected PIANY President Gene Sandy, CIC, took some time to reflect on the many successes PIANY has enjoyed over the past year.

“So far, 2015 has been a very successful year for PIA and its members,” Sandy said. “There’s a lot for us to celebrate, particularly on the legislative and regulatory fronts.”

Sandy specifically highlighted PIANY’s long-fought victory getting the certificates of insurance bill signed into law by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, and beginning the movement toward reform to the state’s auto inspection requirements.

PIA worked with the New York State Department of Financial Services, vendors and legislators to eliminate New York’s mandatory photo inspection rules. While the rule was not eliminated, an amended regulation has been adopted that will increase the inspection period significantly.

“Early on in this process, we found friends who supported our effort—friends who were similarly concerned, as we are, for New York state’s insurance-buying drivers and for businesses like our agencies,” Sandy said.

Among PIANY’s allies on the push for photo inspection reform was HVRAP’s keynote speaker Assemblyman Kenneth P. Zebrowski, D-96. For his continued cooperation and advocacy for independent agents, Sandy presented Zebrowski with a presidential citation on behalf of PIA.

Keynote address

During his keynote address, Zebrowski spoke of his work as chair of the Commission on Administrative Regulations Review and his experience in exploring issues in-depth. He said that if insurance agents and others bring antiquated laws and regulations (such as New York’s photo inspection rules) to his attention, he is willing to listen. During PIANY’s talks with Zebrowski regarding the photo inspection rules, he recognized how the association’s proposed changes would help his constituents and all of New York state’s drivers, which is why he was willing to sponsor the bill. “Use me as a resource,” he said. “I’ll meet with agents throughout the year.”

When he spoke of the years it took to reform the state’s photo inspection regulations, Zebrowski said: “PIANY does a good job of getting a job done. … It’s about constant education from people who are willing to get in the weeds to inform legislators.” His advice to agents about enacting legislative reform: “Keep your eye on the ball. Start talking to a legislator who is willing to listen [to your issue].”

The assemblyman also spoke about his frustrations with the state’s small-business climate and how people seem more driven to identify the next big thing, rather than focus on what is best for New York’s small businesses. “We have a business climate that is drowning in unfair regulations,” said Zebrowski. “The state needs to look at things that are affecting small businesses.”

Concluding his address, Zebrowski took questions from the audience, one of whom asked if he thought anything might happen with the state’s unique Labor Law. Zebrowski said there have been more discussions about changing the law in recent years.

Another audience member asked if New York might address the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s definition of a small business. Prior to the passage of the Protecting Affordable Coverage for Employees Act under the PPACA, employers with up to 100 employees were considered “small” employers for the purpose of health insurance markets, and all states were required to have their small group cut-off at 100 employees effective Jan. 1, 2016.

As for the PPACA, he reported hearing from a number of small businesses which would be affected if the small-business definition were to be changed. He said that now that the federal government has provided leeway through the Protecting Affordable Coverage for Employees Act—which would allow a state to define small employers as those with fewer than 50 employees—it’s a discussion he will bring up in the Assembly.

Education

HVRAP attendees could bolster their continuing-education credits by participating in the two sessions offered at the event. Both the morning and afternoon sessions focused on how technology is playing a role in the evolving business of insurance.

Joe Schneider, RPLU, led the morning education session, CSI—Cyber Threat. The class explored data and identity theft; how the law is developing to keep up; how technology can help; and the various protections insurance products can offer.

“One of the problems our industry faces is that our retail agents don’t know enough about the risk and enough about the products that solve the problem to confidently bring it up and explain it to their clients,” Schneider said. “What I’d like to have people walk out of the room with today is: The confidence to understand what the problem is, that there are available solutions and how to explain that to their clients.”

If you are concerned about your agency’s cyberliability coverage, consider a cyberpolicy from PIA. Current options include a stand-alone cyberliability insurance policy from “A++”-rated Philadelphia Insurance Cos., exclusively offered by PIA. Agents interested in this coverage are encouraged to call PIA at (800) 424-4244.

Cathy Trischan, CPCU, CIC, CRM, AU, AAI, ARM, CRIS, MLIS, led the afternoon session, E&O—The Next Generation. The class served as an in-depth look at how technology is changing how agencies do business and its relation to errors-and-omissions coverage.

Trischan discussed the various ways social media and other Internet services can help one’s agency. However, this Internet presence poses certain risks. The education session investigated the risks associated with a social-media campaign; guidelines to follow to avoid such risks; and the coverages available for protection.

Networking

HVRAP offered participants the opportunity to connect with fellow agents, catch up with friends and make new contacts at its expansive trade show. With nearly 50 exhibitors and plenty of door prizes, the trade show offered participants the perfect venue to catch up on the latest innovations, products and markets.

This year’s event closed with another networking opportunity, sponsored by the PIANY-Young Insurance Professionals. The reception offered insurance professionals the opportunity to enjoy complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to cap off the day.

For full photo spread, please refer to printed edition of Insurance Advocate.

For more pictures, information and videos on HVRAP, log on to the PIANY website (pia.org).