Summer 2015

 

Calendar of events:

Oct. 7
NY-YIP Fall Reception
Butterfield 8 | Manhattan, N.Y.
Click here to register!

 

Sept. 9
NY-YIP Annual Business Meeting
PIA Headquarters | Glenmont, N.Y.

Oct. 28
PIANY Hudson Valley RAP
Doubletree Hotel | Tarrytown, N.Y.

Nov. 17
NY-YIP Board of Directors and Committee Meetings
PIA Headquarters | Glenmont, N.Y.

December 3
NY-YIP Holiday Networking Reception
Jewel Restaurant | Melville, N.Y.

   
 
 

Were you there?

 
 

Buffalo Bisons game

     
 

 

 

Welcome new members

 
 

Philip Clemente
Distinguished Programs
New York

 

Jack Coomber
Corporate Synergies Group
New York

 

Lane Farrell
IronShore
New York

 

Anna Kodranyu
CRC Insurance Services
New York

 

Louisa Lovaglio
Total Management Corp.
Hempstead

 

Tina Pisciotta
Total Management Corp.
Hempstead

Paul Riemer
RIBS
Hallandale, Fla.

 

Becky Rivers
State Farm
Huntington Station

 

Melissam Robledo
Munich Re America
Hamilton, N.J.

 

Maria Thomas
Friedlander Group
Purchase

 

Jonathan Trela
NYCM Insurance
Edmeston

 

Daniel Verdirame
CRC Insurance Services
Jericho

 

Ryan Zielinski
Mid-Hudson Insurance
Montgomery

     
 
 

Sponsor spotlight:

 
 

Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc.

The premier trade association for the insurance industry, PIANY is dedicated to building the future for insurance agents. Offering member benefits including advocacy, networking, continuing-education and resources such as Industry Resource Center, members should always Think PIA first.  In addition, PIANY offers Creative Services to help agents grow their business.  PIANY is affiliated with PIA National. If you are interested in becoming a PIANY member, click here or call (800) 424-4244.

 

AmTrust North America

AmTrust North America is a division of AmTrust Financial Services Inc. The company was founded in 1998 to provide workers’ compensation insurance to small businesses throughout the U.S. Now, it is a multinational firm specializing in small- and mid-sized businesses. Focusing on low-risk hazard and niche diversity, AmTrust has maintained financial stability while achieving growth. It is rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best, and has earned a reputation as one of the leading firms for innovation and technology driven insurance products. To find out more about AmTrust North America and its products, click here or call (212) 220-7120.

 

Lancer Insurance Co.

As one of the premier specialty commercial insurance companies in the U.S., Lancer provides a wide range of services for the commercial transportation industry. A privately held corporation with offices in five states, Lancer is consistently rated "A-" (excellent) by A.M. Best. Lancer Insurance Co.’s commitment to community and social causes has helped build trust between the company, its policyholders and producers. Since its founding in 1983, Lancer has supported many programs financially within the places they do business. In addition, Lancer employees have contributed to the successes of these causes by donating their time, effort and money. To contact Lancer Insurance Co., click here or call (800) 782-8902.

 

Associated Mutual Insurance Cooperative

Associated Mutual Insurance Cooperative produces writings in excess of $8.9 million and policyholders surplus in excess of $9.1 million. The company has been working on expansion and diversification of its writings using expertise in its current niche markets and researching, considering and developing new products. Plans for expansion include controlled growth in niche markets and greater geographic spread of risk. Since 1913, Associated Mutual Insurance Cooperative has been a trusted voice in insurance throughout New York. For more information, click here or call (845) 434-4550.

 

DurAmerica Brokerage Insurance

DurAmerica Brokerage Insurance is a full-service insurance agency that provides competitive solutions for all your insurance needs. As an independent insurance agency, it represents multiple carriers. This allows pricing insurance policies effectively and accurately while providing a level of quality & professionalism that is second to none. DurAmerica offers high-quality quotes from “A”-rated insurance companies. Its professional staff can quote contractors, restaurants and any other type of business insurance policy. It believes in educating its clients, which is why its customers choose it to secure their financial future. For more information about DurAmerica Brokerage, click here or call (718) 626-0700.

 

Member Brokerage Service LLC

Member Brokerage Service LLC is a division of Melrose Credit Union. It began in 2000, to provide all types of insurance and related services. It provides its clients with the best possible and knowledgeable personal service in order to protect them properly for a long-term relationship. Its experienced staff has many years of experience in the insurance industry and it has its own in-house claims department. There are no fees at Member Brokerage. To contact Member Brokerage Service, click here or call (718) 523-1300.

 

Third Eye Solutions

Third Eye Solutions provides services and technology to launch premium finance programs. Services include state filing and licensing; business case development; planning and training. Established in 2001, Third Eye Solutions was the first premium-finance software provider to offer a web based, true real-time solution to the industry. Since then the company successfully has worked with more than 100 agencies, insurance companies, credit unions and banks to setup their premium-finance programs and helped them contain operating cost, conform to regulations and manage risks. For more information, click here or call (866) 263-2903.

   
 
 

Did you know?

 

PIA’s newest member benefit!

PIA’s Agents and Brokers E&O Risk Management Tool Kit

There are opportunities for hundreds of potential errors-and-omissions every day. Many actions can leave your agency open to costly E&O litigation, but there are steps you can take to prevent/mend E&O damage.

Through PIA’s newest member benefit, members will learn about E&O mistakes other insurance professionals have made and how to avoid them; tips to consider when reviewing contracts or leases for your clients; what happens when you have an E&O claim; risk-management resources; helpful coverage checklists; PIA’s E&O assistance hotline; legal assistance for your E&O questions; your responsibility to your clients when a carrier goes into rehabilitation or insolvency; and more.

Check out PIA’s newest member benefit—PIA’s Agents and Brokers E&O Risk Management Tool Kit

 

E&O-related courses

PIA also offers several E&O-related courses, many of which offer a discount on your E&O coverage. Click here for the remaining 2015 schedule.

 

Let PIA’s E&O programs protect you

PIA offers a selection of quality E&O insurance coverages for producers. Don't delay, log on to to obtain a quote or contact PIA’s Member Services Department at (800) 424-4244.
Remember—Think PIA first for all your E&O needs.

   
 
 

News

The top five time management mistakes you’re making

An article featured in Fast Company, examines the top five time-management mistakes people make. Lisa Evans offers tips to help you prioritize your tasks; set realistic time frames; manage distractions; and more. More …

 

How to be your own manager

Laura Vanderkam challenges readers to model their managerial behaviors after the type of manager actors, musicians and athletes have—the person who offers external perspectives so that the “talent” can do what he or she does best. More …

 

6 generational traits millennials can work on to stop perception problems

In an Adweek article, business people who are at least 30 years old helped author Daniel Haack compile a list of common millennial behaviors that bother them and offer advice on how the younger generation can adjust their conduct. More …

 

PIANY’s long-sought Certificates Law now in effect

PIANY’s long-fought victory addressing the Certificates of Insurance problem was realized as the new law went into effect July 28. After working for years to address the illegal requests for certificates of insurance, PIANY initiated legislative solutions. PIA members can be confident and prepared with these member-exclusive benefits: FAQs; education, through PIA Webinars; compiled information and resources; and a list of approved certificate forms.

 

N.Y. legislative overtime session closed with many positive developments for agents

The New York state legislative session that originally was slated to end on June 24 was extended by lawmakers in Albany through the week to address important issues including long-term rent-control regulations; mayoral control of New York City schools; and the 421-a tax abatement. The Professional Insurance Agents of New York assessed the 2015 legislative session as positive for insurance agents, brokers and consumers, all-in-all. More …

 

U.S. Supreme Court rules 6-3, upholding subsidies under PPACA

The U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling in July, in a 6-3 decision, upholding the subsidies under the PPACA, even in states that use a federal exchange. In the opinion the court concluded that since Congress passed the PPACA to improve health insurance markets, not to destroy them, the court, if at all possible, must interpret the act in a way that is consistent with the former and avoids the latter. The court then concluded that Section 36B can fairly be read consistent with what it sees as Congress’s plan. More …

 

PIA Research Reveals Commercial Lines Customers Continue to Prefer Independent Insurance Agents

Extensive nationwide research conducted by the agency-company council of the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) has found that small business owners (SBOs) strongly prefer independent insurance agents as they make choices in today’s online world, but agents must take steps to continue to demonstrate their value and be more engaged online. More …

   
 
   
 

Annual sponsors

   
 

Platinum

Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc.

 

Gold

Interboro Insurance Agency
Lancer Insurance Co.
Melrose Credit Union
Morstan General Agency
Parsons & Associates
Simon Agency NY

 

Silver

Associated Mutual Insurance Cooperative
DurAmerica Brokerage
Member Brokerage Service
New England Excess Exchange Ltd.
NYCM Insurance
Philadelphia Insurance Cos.
Price and Price Enterprises/Melwain Surety Bonds
Skeele Agency
Utica First Insurance Co.
Third Eye Solutions

 

Bronze

TAPCO Underwriters
P.W. Wood & Son Inc.

 

Contributor

F.A. Scott Insurance Agency
Mutual Boiler Re

   
  The information in this newsletter is meant as a guideline only. There is nothing in this newsletter that alters the coverage or interpretation of any specific policy. Because some statements are generalizations, and because different companies’ policies contain slight differences, please refer toyour specific policy. Call our office before making any judgments or decisions concerning your particular situation and coverage that may, or may not, apply. If you prefer not to receive this email newsletter click here.