PIA wins association leadership award for Storm Info Central

PIANJ accepted the Empire State Society of Association Executives’ 2013 Award for Excellence in Technology, recognizing the technological and informational assistance PIA provided independent agents—regardless of membership—during the crisis caused by Superstorm Sandy. The award was presented on Feb. 7 at the Hotel Albany, Albany, N.Y., in conjunction with the ESSAE annual awards ceremony and dinner. PIA Deputy Director Kelly Norris, CAE, (pictured at right) accepted the award on the association’s behalf. ESSAE is affiliated with the American Society of Association Executives, the center for association leadership. More…   

Superstorm Sandy round-up

N.J. new flood maps spark criticism. As PIANJ previously reported in the Jan. 29 issue of its Weekly, New Jersey adopted new Federal Emergency Management Agency flood maps. The rapid adoption of the flood maps after Sandy has sparked some controversy. Sandy lawsuit trends. PIA Management Services President and CEO Mark J. LaLonde, CPIA, CIC, AAI, was interviewed in a BestWeek article (a subscription-only website), which discussed the likelihood of errors-and-omissions claims spurred by Sandy being successful in court or not. For a report on the article, click here. FEMA addresses mold claim expectations. In Bulletin W-13009, FEMA reminds insurers and adjusters that the handling of mold and mildew claims in the National Flood Insurance Program is still governed by Bulletin W-04020, dated May 7, 2004, which states: "Water, Moisture, Mildew or Mold Damage—When this damage occurs in connection with a covered direct physical loss by or from flood, it will be covered unless there is clear evidence of the policyholder’s failure to inspect and maintain the insured property, where it was feasible to do so. If such damage is the result of wicking, it is covered." Less than two weeks to register for disaster assistance in N.J. New Jersey residents who were affected by Sandy have until Friday, March 1, 2013 (at 10 p.m. local time by phone and at midnight for those who register online), to register for potential recovery assistance with FEMA. More…  

Upcoming Webinars to focus on storm preparedness

PIA has prepared a series of CE Webinars to focus on these and other disaster-related issues, presented by nationally recognized flood and agency management expert Rita Hollada, CIC, CPCU, CPIA. Each Webinar is appropriate for agency management as well as agency sales and service personnel. Lessons Learned from a Superstorm, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (NJCE: 3 GEN) will focus on insurance issues and coverage concerns. The program will detail coverages, limitations and exclusions in property and flood insurance policies; it will discuss the ongoing challenges our industry will face as the result of this storm; and will address reconstruction concerns and new flood elevation standards. Avoiding E&O in Writing Flood Insurance^FF^UM, Tuesday, March 5, 2013, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (NJCE: 3 GEN). This course will review the NFIP rules and procedures of concern to agents and policyholders; explore common causes of E&O claims against agents for failure to advise the insured of unique definitions, limited scope of coverage as well as alternative coverages; and enumerate practices to prevent E&O situations at the agency level. Real-life claim scenarios will be reviewed. ^FF^UM—This course has been approved for E&O loss-prevention credit for Fireman’s Fund and Utica Mutual. Disaster Planning: Preparation for the Next Disaster, Tuesday, March 19, 2013. (NJCE: 3 GEN). This course will focus on ways you and your agency can be better prepared for any future disasters—natural or man-made. This program will help you to develop a plan to mitigate damage to your home, your agency and your community; and ensure that your agency is able to operate effectively without power, phone service, Internet connection or even access to your agency. PIA’s Disaster Planning Manual and other resources will be reviewed. For more information, or to register, click here.   

Minimum wage part of November’s ballot

Last week, the state Assembly approved a plan to put the wage increase issue on the November ballot. The measure passed 46 to 31. If approved, the minimum wage would rise from $7.25 an hour to $8.25, and would go into effect September 2014. More…   

Governor to HHS: N.J. to opt for federally administered health exchange

Gov. Chris Christie gave formal notice to the federal Department of Health and Human Services that New Jersey is opting to put in place a federally administered exchange for plan year 2014. In a letter to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, the governor affirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting high-quality health-care for New Jerseyans, cooperating with the federal government as an exchange comes online in New Jersey and detailed the many steps taken to improve the excellence in care for all the state’s residents.   

Webinar: Selling Employee Benefits? The Keys To Keep It From Becoming An E&O Headache

Join PIA for its Webinar: Selling Employee Benefits? The Keys To Keep It From Becoming An E&O Headache, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013, from 10-11 a.m. For agencies involved in selling employee benefits, there are many loss-control initiatives that they can undertake to minimize their E&O exposure. Curt Pearsall, CPCU, CPIA, AU, ARM, AIAF, will review a number of overall issues as well as some initiatives specific to the sales and services process. Earn NJCE Credit: 1 GEN (#88893303). No tests need to be taken for Webinar classes. For more information, or to register, click here, or call PIA for more information at (800) 424-4244.   

Save the date for upcoming NJYIP events

The New Jersey Young Insurance Professionals invite you to join the first annual March Mayhem Winter Reception, Thursday, March 21, 2013, at Fox and Hound in Edison, starting at 3 p.m. This event offers an opportunity to network over great food and refreshments while you check your NCAA March Madness bracket on multiple flat screens. On Monday, May 6, 2013, the NJYIP 23rd Annual Golf Open will once again be held at Fox Hollow Golf Club in Branchburg. Sponsored by G&G Underwriters, this golf outing provides a full day of golf, a hot breakfast and a delicious lunch buffet, hole-in-one contests, door prizes, and unrivaled opportunities to expand your business contacts. Watch your email and the NJYIP website for upcoming details on these as well as other upcoming events!   

PIANJ contract review service available

As part of its company contract review service for PIANJ-member agencies, PIANJ’s legal counsel will review members’ company contracts and/or proposed amendments upon request, including those impacting agency commissions. To request this service, email resourcecenter@pia.org.   

New Jersey accredited reinsurers

For the Department of Banking and Insurance’s most recent listing of accredited reinsurers, log on to the PIANJ website and type QS29105 in the Google-facilitated search box, or fax a request to PIANJ’s Industry Resource Center at (888) 225-6935.   

This email message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message. If you prefer not to receive ANY e-mail communication from PIA click here.