REPRESENTATIVE MIKE HUVAL AWARDED THE LOU DANIEL AWARD
ARMOND SCHWING ELECTED TO LEAD IIABL
CUNNINGHAM & ORDENEAUX PRESENTED WITH DISTIGNUISHED SERVICE AWARD
JEFF ALBRIGHT
Chief Executive Officer
jalbright@iiabl.com
(225) 236-1366
BENJAMIN ALBRIGHT
Vice-President of Strategic Initiatives balbright@iiabl.com
(225) 236-1357
KAREN KUYLEN
Director of Accounting & Finance
kkuylen@iiabl com
(225) 236-1353
JAMIE NEWCHURCH
Director of Insurance Programs
jnewchurch@iiabl.com
(225) 236-1350
KATHLEEN O'REGAN
Director of Communications & Events
koregan@iiabl.com
(225) 236-1360
BRANDI VAN PELT
Insurance Programs Administrator
bvanpelt@iiabl.com
(225) 236-1358
DUSTIN WAMBSGANS
Agency Consultant
dwambsgans@iiabl.com
(225) 236-1361
LISA YOUNG-CROOKS
Director of Member Relations
lyoung@iiabl.com
(225) 236-1351
Representative Mike Huval Honored with the IIABL Lou Daniel Award
Kevin Cunningham & Jimmy Ordeneaux Presented with IIABL Distinguished Service Awards
Listen Up: Meet Young Agent Kristin Swanson Scott
3 Ways Agents Can Help Clients Manage General Liability Market Disruption
5 Essential Spring Weather Safety Tips for Small Businesses
Instructions and Guidelines for Producer Quoting
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3 Opportunities to Catch Jeff & Ben Albrights Legislative Wrap Up Presentation Advertiser
2023 Industry Partners
IIABL Officers & Board of Directors
The 2023 legislative session was another busy one for the insurance industry, but there was a shift in tone from the last two years. The 2021 and 2022 sessions saw legislators reflect the anger of their constituents, and they brought an unprecedented number of bills targeted at punishing insurance companies for the poor claims response to the storms of 2020 and 2021 For this year’s session, the primary question was no longer “how can we punish the insurance companies?” Instead, policymakers were hearing from their constituents exactly how bad this market has become. They heard, “I can’t afford my insurance policies” and “I can’t find ANY insurer to write my policy”. This year, legislators were asking “what can we do to bring insurance companies BACK to the state?”
So, the big question is: now that it’s over, how did we do this session? Did we move the needle? Will companies want to come back to Louisiana? Overall, the 2023 session was a mixed bag
On the one hand, compared to historical averages in Louisiana, this was a good session. None of the bad bills passed. We were able to prevent any damaging new regulations, causes of action, and restrictions on insurance companies from passing. In addition, we were able to get a few significant reforms across the finish line:
HB 183 passed with a comprehensive ban on the assignment of insurance benefits
If you followed the meltdown of the Florida insurance market, you’ll know exactly how damaging those assignments can be, and this is a significant step in preventing Louisiana from suffering the same legal abuses we saw in Florida.
Ben Albright
06 May 2023
HB 489 didn’t pass in the form that we’d originally hoped, but the amended version should still give much needed relief to carriers struggling to get rate filings approved by the department
The final version of the bill statutorily eliminates Commissioner Donelon’s infamous “12 month rule” AND it puts a hard 45 day limit on the department’s rate review process.
Many agents will be aware of some companies who have withdrawn from the state or else sidelined capacity because of a filing hung up in the department for months, and this bill should address that problem
Several bills were passed to help build better homes, which is THE best thing we can do to make Louisiana more insurable in the long-term.
HB 294 mandated premium discounts for putting a fortified roof on your home.
HB 110 provided for an optional endorsement to improve your home to fortified, in the event of a loss requiring roof replacement Negotiations with the Homebuilders led to improving the building code to meet the fortified standard.
The grant program for homeowners to retrofit their homes was funded with $10 Million. Additional funding was secured for a second round of the Insure Louisiana Incentive Program, aiming to attract more short-term capacity to our market as we weather the hardest market in memory.
All of this represents significant changes for the better in our market However, for all the good that we
Continued from page 6
managed to do, this session also has to be viewed as a missed opportunity. When push came to shove, this legislature continued to show that it was fundamentally NOT willing to support a number of significant reforms to make the state more friendly to insurers. In an election year, policymakers always had one eye on their reelection campaigns back home, and they cowed to threats by the plaintiff attorneys who successfully branded several important and necessary insurance reforms as “anti-consumer”. Consequently, it has to be said: in Florida’s special sessions in January, there was SIGNIFICANT reform. The Florida Legislature passed bills that fundamentally changed the toxic dynamic between the insurance industry and the plaintiff bar which had for many years exploded claims payments in the state, and the industry took notice. Louisiana had an opportunity to do the same, and it failed to do so. We did make some improvements, but we failed to make the kind of bold reforms that would make carriers see “a new day dawning” in Louisiana’s insurance market.
Possibly the bill in the session that had the biggest potential to stabilize the insurance market in Louisiana was HB 601 The bill aimed to clarify the bad faith provisions so that policyholders and insurers both understood their responsibilities in a claim. The plaintiff bar, who have recently been making a fortune on bringing an unprecedented number of bad faith claims against insurers, came out in force against the bill. Their threats branding the bill as anti-consumer resonated with legislators who added plaintiff bar-friendly amendments which not only gutted the original intent of the bill, but would have changed existing jurisprudence to be even further slanted in favor of the plaintiff attorneys against the insurer Consequently, the author let the bill die on the calendar.
Similarly, HB 489 started the session as a true reform bill, deregulating the rate-filing process for admitted P&C insurers to a use-and-file system. This would bring the rate-making process in line with not only surplus insurers and life and health insurers (who are already not price regulated) but with every other product that consumers buy in their daily lives However, many legislators who profess to be free market, pro-business Republicans found themselves supporting continued governmen when it came to P&C i opposition to sink the amended the bill to do edges, but left the sign room floor.
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Continued from page 8
At the end of the day, how was the session? It was good. We got some reforms done that will certainly help. However we did not do the kind of real, transformative reform that we need to bring long-term stability to our market in crisis All that is to say: IIABL is already gearing up to take another shot with a new legislature and a new governor in 2024, and we’ll need your help with tort reform, insurance reform, and more next year!
HB 110 (Firment) – Provides relative to fortified roof endorsements.
Requires insurance companies to offer an endorsement which states that in the event a claim requires the insurer to replace the roof, they will pay to upgrade the roof to meet the fortified standard, rather than replacing it with one of like kind and quality.
The carrier can charge whatever additional premium they believe to be actuarially justified for such policy enhancements.
The endorsement is an optional purchase for policyholders, but such an endorsement MUST be made available as an option by Homeowners insurers.
HB 110 was signed into law by the governor and became Act 12
HB 183 (Firment) – Prohibits the assignment of insurance policy benefits.
It prohibits the assignment of benefits for an insurance policy.
Assignment of benefits was a significant problem in the Florida market.
Assignment of benefits was a major problem in the Apex Roofing and McClenny Moseley & Associates scandal in Louisiana
HB 183 was signed into law by the governor and became Act 364.
HB 294 (Willard), HB 309 (Garofalo), SB 113 (Hewitt) –Provides for insurance premium discounts for Fortified construction.
These are 3 essentially identical bills to mandate discounts for policyholders who bring their homes to the Fortified building standard
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The bills do not specify a specific amount for the discount, a carrier can use whatever their actuarial math shows to be justified, but they must provide an actuarially justified discount for Fortified homes. All 3 bills enjoy broad support amongst the industry, from both sides of the aisle, and across the business community.
HB 294 was signed into law by the governor and became Act 1.
HB 383 (Amedee) – Requires each insurer subject to the Louisiana Insurance Guaranty Association Law to provide for a data transfer plan and file such a plan with the commissioner of insurance.
Requires admitted insurers to file a plan for how their data can be efficiently transferred into LIGA’s systems in the event of insolvency. This bill was brought in response to the difficulty that LIGA experienced after the multiple insolvencies of the past couple of years in getting appropriate data to facilitate their taking over claims from insolvent insurers.
It does not prescribe a specific method for how the data must be stored or how the transition should work, but insurers will have to think through the process and file it with the department This should minimize the friction in transferring the data in the event of future insolvencies.
HB 383 was signed into law by the governor and became Act 124.
HB 489 (Huval) – Provides relative to ratemaking systems utilized by insurers and rate service organizations.
HB 489 will eliminate the LDI “12-month” rule and allow insurers to file for rate increases without regard to time since last filing
Requires LDI to approve or disapprove a rate filing within 45-days with no extensions.
The original bill would have made Louisiana a use and file state, but those provisions were amended out of the bill in the Senate Insurance Committee.
HB 489 was signed into law by the governor and became Act 443.
HB 511 (Illg) – Provides relative to the Louisiana Insurance Guarantee Association
Provides various technical changes to the way LIGA is allowed to defend itself in the courts.Perhaps most importantly, it exempts LIGA from penalties under the bad faith statute.
This is important because, as a quasi-governmental organization, they don’t have a profit incentive to slow-pay or underpay claims. Their claims costs are ultimately passed down to the citizens of Louisiana.
HB 511 was amended in the House Insurance Committee to increase the maximum LIGA assessment to insurers from 1% to 2%.
HB 511 was signed into law by the governor and became Act 444.
HB 569 (Thompson) –Modifies the “ more than 3-year rule” for homeowners’ insurance.
Modifies the “ more than 3 year rule”. Insurance companies wanted to repeal the law entirely
IIABL strongly objected to the repeal Compromise bill simply allow insurance companies to modify deductibles on policies that are more than 3 years old up to a 5% deductible.
HB 569 failed to pass the House floor by a vote of 39-56.
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HB 601 (Huval) – Clarifies statutes related to bad faith claims against insurers.
HB 601 DID NOT remove bad faith penalties
HB 601 Clarifie the “satisfactory proof of loss” trigger so policy holders know what they need to do to move their claim forward and clarifie for companies which claims are/are not bad faith to reduce unnecessary litigation.
HB 601 established clear deadlines for insurers to process a claim to reduce delays in the payment of claims.
HB 601 provided clear definitions and clarifications of what constitutes “satisfactory proof of loss” so that policyholders know exactly what they need to do to compel an insurer to pay the claim or face bad faith penalties and attorney fees. It also helps insurers to have a clear understanding of their obligations.
HB 601 allowed insurers to require a signed proof of loss form to establish a clear written and signed document to start the 30-day payment requirement. Every state but Louisiana allows for such proof of loss forms
On the House floor, hostile amendments supported by the plaintiff attorneys were added to HB 601 IIABL and others worked hard and were able to strip those amendments off in the Senate Insurance Committee. However, the amendments were added back to the bill on the Senate floor, and the author decided to let the bill die on the calendar.
HB 604 (Garofalo) – Provides for the appraisal process
HB 604 Provide minimum standards for who can serve as an appraiser or umpire in the appraisal process and provides a process through which policyholders can participate in appraisal without needing to hire an attorney or appear in court.
Virtually every Homeowners policy contains an appraisal provision for policyholders who want to dispute the amount of damage that the insurer states in their adjustment, however policyholders often don’t know who to hire to perform their appraisal.This bill would mandate the department keep a list of qualified appraisers from which a policyholder can select an expert local to their area for representation.
HB 604 faced opposition from plaintiff attorneys and failed to pass the House Insurance Committee.
SB 96 (Talbot) – Provides the Louisiana Insurance Guaranty Association and the Louisiana Citizens Property Corporation shall not be liable for certain property damage insurance claims.
Exempts both LIGA and Citizens from class action lawsuits .
This is important because, as quasigovernmental organizations, they don’t have a profit incentive to slow-pay or underpay claims. Their claims costs are ultimately passed down to the citizens of Louisiana.
SB 96 was signed into law by the governor and became Act 290.
SB 106 (Smith) – Requires the insurer to provide upon written request of the insured claim file for certain records in connection with an unsettled property insurance claim.
Requires an insurer to provide a policyholder with the claim file on their open property claim, if requested.
This right was already enshrined in law, but the bill states that an insurer failing to do so will be subject to penalties under the unfair trade practices act.
The original version of the legislation had several problematic provisions, including a requirement that claim files be kept by insurers permanently and subjecting an insurer that fails to comply with bad faith penalties instead of the unfair trade practices act penalties, which would have resulted in an increase in litigation.
IIABL worked with the author to amend the proposed law to its current form. We now support SB 106.
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SB 156 (Duplessis) – Provides that no property insurance policy shall prohibit an insured from hiring a public adjuster.
The department brought this bill in response to a situation that has arisen recently. At least one property insurer in the state has started adding an endorsement to their policy which states that the policyholder cannot hire a public adjuster on a claim related to the policy. Several agents alerted IIABL about the endorsement, and we brought it to the attention of the department. They issued a directive stating that such endorsements were illegal and unenforceable, but a property insurer challenged them in the administrative law court which held in favor of the insurer that the department did not have the authority to prohibit such an endorsement. IIABL has supported the bill throughout the process. However, some of the insurers using the form stated that it was a make-or-break issue for their companies – that they would have to stop writing in Louisiana if the law passed. We worked with them to compromise, and the revised bill prohibits the endorsement on all personal lines policies and on admitted commercial policies. Surplus, commercial policies are still allowed to use the endorsement.
SB 143 (Henry) – provides for former officers of insolvent insurers
SB 106 was signed into law by the governor and became Act 206. Precludes people that had a controlling interest in an insurance company that went insolvent from operating a new insurance company in Louisiana unless given a specific exception by the commissioner of insurance.
SB 143 was signed into law by the governor and became Act 47.
After that compromise, there was very little objection to SB 156.
SB 156 was signed into law by the governor and became Act 328
SB 179 (Talbot) – Provides for standards when constructing a residential roof
Mandates that the state building code require new and replacement roofs to meet or exceed the fortified roof standards from IBHS.
IIABL supported this bill in principle, though we had some concerns over the potential effects of a state-wide mandate
The Homebuilders objected to the bill, primarily because it tied the building code to an agency outside the state: if IBHS raised their standard, the building code would automatically increase. As a compromise, they implemented changes to the current building code to bring it up to meet the current fortified standard, and the author voluntarily allowed the bill to die on the calendar.
SB 196 (Peacock) – Creates the Litigation Financing Disclosure and Security Protection Act
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Provides transparency for 3rd party financing of litigation.
There has been a recent rise in the prominence of 3rd party financing of litigation with both foreign and domestic investors providing the payments for lawsuits in return for a cut of any reward (often on a contingency basis), and the returns on those investments have been substantial. These financing agreements can lead to frivolous lawsuits and can bias the settlement process of the case.
SB 196 does not seek to outlaw those financing agreements, but it requires that such agreements must be disclosed as part of the court proceedings so that the judge/jury, defendant, and plaintiff are aware of all interested parties in the suit.
SB 196 passed the legislature but was vetoed by Governor Edwards
Bills that IIABL opposed
House Bills
HB 199 (Romero) – Provides relative to the State Licensing Board for Contractors
This bill underwent multiple revisions through the process and was ultimately a mixed bag for the insurance industry
The author was looking to refine the standards by which contractors are required to be licensed by the Contractor’s Board, and are therefore subject to oversight, education requirements, etc.
In its final form, the bill required full licensure for all contractors who perform a job that costs $10,000 or more (down from the existing law of $75,000 or more). We supported this change because of some of the contractor fraud and abuses that we saw in the wake of the recent storms, especially with roofers
However, the final version also added a carve-out for contractors that were working directly for a homeowner who is “acting as a general contractor” for their own project. This essentially meant that ALL repairs that don’t have a GC on them would not be subject to licensure. We opposed this change because the current “registration” for contractors performing such work is better than a complete lack of regulation, even if we would prefer to see full licensure
IIABL ultimately opposed the final version of the bill, as drafted.
HB 199 failed to pass the House by a vote of 20 to 47.
HB 245 (Carter) – Provides for a five percent insurance rate reduction for motor vehicles with a dashboard camera
Mandates that insurance companies provide a 5% discount on all auto policies if the insured has installed a dash cam
The industry opposed the bill because of the mandated percentage. Discounts should be actuarially justified by data that shows how much they reduce claims amounts, not prescribed by legislation without any supporting actuarial data.
HB 245 failed to pass out of the House Insurance Committee by a vote of 6 to 6.
HB 252 (Carter) – Provides for the exclusion of advertising expenses in setting rates or making rate filings
Prohibits insurance companies from including the cost of advertising in their rates.
The industry opposed the bill because advertising is a normal business expense which virtually all private companies include in the price of their product, and insurance is no different.
HB 252 failed to pass the House floor by a vote of 27 to 68
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HB 287 (Cormier) – Imposes time limitations and documentation requirements upon insurance adjusters
Requires that insurers supply the initial copy of the insurer’s field adjuster report to all policyholders immediately upon completion
While we agree in principle with providing transparency in the claims process, the practicalities of this process would significantly impair the claims process.Field adjusters, as a matter of industry standard practice, perform multiple adjustments and then go back to an office to complete all of the reports which are filed and processed by the office staff
This change would significantly slow down the claims process, which has already been glacial after recent storms. Other legislation, from last session and in this current one, offer better solutions to the problem without inhibiting the prompt payment of claims.
HB 287 failed to pass out of the House Insurance Committee
HB 377 (Magee) – Provides for certain property claims settlement practices
Changes the bad faith penalties to be applicable starting 60 days after the insurer or an agent first inspect the property, in person or using technology While we agree with the author’s intent to provide a clearer timeline for the bad faith process, empowering policyholders to move the claim forward. This solution would result in a massive increase in the amount of litigation and not significantly improve the policyholder’s experience. We encouraged the author to support Chairman Huval’s bad faith reform package (HB 601) in lieu of proceeding with this bill, and the author never brought the bill forward in committee
SB 11 (Luneau) – Prohibits insurance rate determinations based on risks classified by gender
Prohibits the use of gender in underwriting. The industry opposed this bill because it imposes limits on what data they can use in underwriting. The author also claims that women pay more for auto insurance, which is demonstrably false, and the industry provided data that showed women actually pay less on average than men for auto insurance
SB 11 failed to pass out of the Senate.
SB 147 (Mills) – Creates the Louisiana Churches and Nonprofit Religious Organizations Self-Insured Fund
Allows the creation of an GSIF to insure churches for property insurance.
The bill was brought in response to concern from churches throughout the state that the couple of primary insurers who write a majority of the churches in Louisiana were considering withdrawing from the state.
IIABL did not take a position on the bill. We have some concerns about the practicality of such a fund. The fund would still be required to maintain sufficient capital and reinsurance, just like any other insurance company. It would also require strict loss control management which may be difficult in churches
The concentration of business in Louisiana combined with the difficulties inherent to writing church business make this program feel like a longshot.
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However, we understand the concerns expressed by the churches: if the top 2 carriers pull out of Louisiana, there will be a significant void for property insurance for churches
The bill was signed into law by the governor and became Act 259.
Provides that the commissioner will be appointed instead of elected and provides a process for that appointment.
Would have required a 2/3 vote of the legislature to pass IIABL did not take a position on SB 208 because it’s a matter of pure public policy.
The author never brought the bill forward in committee.
As a side note for those of you that are interested…208 (Talbot) – Provides for the appointment of the commissioner of insurance
&
The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Louisiana (IIABL) installed the new 2023-2024 officers and board of director members at the 2023 Annual Convention on Monday, June 19, 2023, at the Hilton Sandestin in Miramar Beach, FL. The officers include President, Armond K. Schwing; President-Elect, Bret Hughes; Secretary/Treasurer, Ross Henry; National Director, Johnny Beckmann, III; and Immediate Past President, Michael “Mike” Scriber. Newly elected board members include Dominique DiCarlo Crouch and Beau Hearod.
OF LOUISIANA
Media Contact: Kathleen O'Regan
IIABL Director of Communications & Events
30 June 2023
“There will be major efforts to pass major insurance and tort reforms in the Louisiana Legislature in 2024. Armond Schwing is a thoughtful and political savvy agent who can lead IIABL through these important reforms in an effort to bring new insurance market capacity to Louisiana,” shared IIABL Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Ben Albright.
President, Armond K. Schwing, is Chairman and CEO of Schwing Insurance Agency, Inc. in New Iberia. He and his brother, Chet, are 3rd generation owners of the agency started by their grandfather in 1935 Schwing joined the IIABL Board of Directors in 2012. He and his wife, Jennifer, reside in New Iberia.
President Elect, Bret Hughes, is the Owner/President at Hughes Insurance Services in Gonzales. Bret joined the family business 30 years ago.He, along with his brother Brad, have carried on the company his father started in 1980 to be a business of caring and conscientious professionals He and his wife Stacey reside in Gonzales
Secretary-Treasurer, Ross Henry is the President and CEO or Henry Insurance Services in Baton Rouge. Ross has over 25 years of experience working at Henry Insurance and has been the Principal and Owner since 2006. Through his efforts, Henry Insurance Service has been the recipient of LSU’s 100 Fastest Growing Companies for the past 3 years.
Continued from page 16
National Director, Johnny Beckmann, is Senior Vice President at AssuredPartners in the Greater New Orleans Area Beckmann was elected as the IIABL National Director in 2019 for a four year term He and his wife, Lana, reside in Metairie.
Immediate Past President, Michael “Mike” Scriber, is Managing Partner of Scriber Insurance Services in Ruston and Bryan Agency in Arcadia. Scriber joined the IIABL Board of Directors in 2011 and has served as IIABL’s Legislative Chairman. He and his wife, Laura, reside in Ruston.
Jeff Albright, IIABL CEO, reflected on the Immediate Past President’s year of service and shared, “Mike Scriber has a way of bringing people together and building consensus that has made him very effective in leading the IIABL Board of Directors through significant changes over the past year.”
Dominique DiCarlo Crouch is the Operations Manager and Coordinator for Riverland Insurance Services, Inc. in Laplace.
Beau Hearod is the Owner and President of Jeff Davis Insurance Agency in Jennings.
Members of the IIABL Board of Directors that were elected for an additional two-year term include: Matt Graham, Lincon Agency (Ruston); Chris Haik, Higginbotham Insurance Agency (Lafayette), Stuart Harris, McClure, Bomar, & Harris (Shreveport); Chuck LeBlanc, Bourg Insurance Agency (Donaldsonville); Lydia McMorris, Alliant Insurance Services (Baton Rouge); Robby Moss, Hartwig Moss Insurance Agency (New Orleans); and Bobby Palmer, Insurance Underwriters (Metairie).
Members of the IIABL Board of Directors that continue to serve the second year of their twoyear term include: Ann Bodkin-Smith, TSL
Continued from page 18
Insurance (Lafayette); Matthew de Blanc, Continental Insurance Services (Marrero); Christy DeSoto, 1st Insurance Marksville (Marksville); Rob W. Eppers, Risk Services of Louisiana (Alexandria); Craig Martel, Insurance Unlimited of LA, LLC (Lake Charles); Eugene Montgomery, Community Financial Insurance Center (Monroe); Joe King Montgomery, Thomas & Farr Agency, Inc. (Monroe); Randy Perise, Blumberg & Associates (Ponchatoula); Robert Stone, Stone Insurance, Inc. (Metairie)
Kristin Swanson Scott, Swanson & Associates (New Orleans) was appointed by IIABL President Schwing to serve as the Chair of the Young Agents Committee.
How long have you been in insurance? How did you get your start?
I've been in the insurance business as an Agent for 33 years I got started working for an agency in Montgomery, AL specializing in writing surety bonds for contractors.
What is the best part about being an independent agent?
Helping so many different types of people and businesses is the most rewarding thing. We are a partner to them and protect some of the things that are very important to them. The job is never boring, and you learn so much about so many different types of businesses.
What makes your agency unique?
I think it's the way we view our co-workers We really have a family atmosphere that places value on people, not financial return. Many people who solely focus on making lots of money are not happy. I think that's because they have misplaced values. We have a work environment that focuses on the needs of everyone to be able to spend time with their family and have more time to enjoy life away from the office.
What is a fun fact about you?
When I was in college, I spent the summer of 1986 working offshore in California. On my time off, I stayed in LA Following my last hitch offshore I went on a Game Show and was the 6-time reigning champion winning $21,500 cash
What is your greatest accomplishment?
That's a no-brainer! Marrying my wife and us having children together. There is nothing I value more on Earth than my family. And, while I didn't have to accomplish anything to have such a great Tree, I had to accomplish finding the right person to marry so together we could create a great Branch.
President Elect 20222023
Secretary-Treasurer
2021-2022
Board of Directors 20122021
Experience
CEO, Schwing Insurance Agency, Inc. in New Iberia
3rd Generation owners
Previous work: New Orleans Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank
Turner Insurance & Bonding Company in Montgomery, AL
Wife: Jennifer Schwing 3 Children
How long have you been in insurance? How did you get your start and who inspired you?
30 years My dad started our agency in 1981 I started in 1993 after graduating from SLU My dad inspired me to get into insurance
What makes your agency unique?
I'm a 53-year-old agency principal with 30 years' experience and my staff ranges from 54 to 35 and they all have a minimum of 10 years of experience in the industry. The majority of my team have 20 or more years of experience. So, we are fairly"young" staff but with lots of industry knowledge.
What motto do you live by?
My Grandmother Vernie Hughes would always tell me this "Bret, remember that the only place you will find success before work is in the dictionary " That has always stuck with me Something else that I try to live by is, "Be Nice".
Who is your role model or mentor?
My dad has been my hero and role model my entire life. My mom has been my biggest supporter and has taught me what selfless love is truly about. The man that I am today is because of the parents that I have been blessed with.
How do you manage a work-life balance?
Anyone who knows me knows that I like to enjoy my life My wife Stacey keeps me grounded when needed This industry has made it pretty easy for me to keep a good work-life balance I never missed anything with our kids while they were growing up. I think you just have to prioritize both at times and not let one overtake the other.
What is the best part about being an independent agent? Being able to provide clients and prospects with options and really understanding their insurance needs.
What makes your agency unique? We pretty much sell the same thing It's about understanding your client and their needs... not ours. Then being able to service those clients... service, service, service.
What motto do you live by?
Try my best to be courteous to everyone and work hard every day.
Who is your role model or mentor?
Clay Mullin... the man that put me in the agency business. He is a very smart individual in my book and really cares about people
What is your greatest accomplishment?
Working hard and building our business from the ground up.
IIABL Tenure
Secretary-Treasurer
2022-2023
Board of Directors 20122021
Professional Experience
President & Owner of Hughes Insurance Service, LLC
2nd Generation owner Serves on the LA Commissioner of Insurance Agents Advisory Council Serves on the LA Governing Committee for the LA Auto Insurance Plan
On a Personal Note
Wife: Stacey Hughes
2 Children
1 Grandchild on the way
IIABL Tenure
President 2022-2023
President-Elect 20212022
Secretary-Treasurer
2020-2021
Board of Directors 20112020
Professional Experience
Managing Partner, Scriber Insurance Services
Marketing, Trinity Universal Insurance Company
Inside Claims Adjuster, Commercial Union Insurance Company
2022 Field Representative of the Year IIAR
Wife: Laura Scriber
How long have you been in insurance? How did you get your start and who inspired you?
I began my career in insurance and risk management in 1996 when I joined Henry Insurance Service, Inc as an account executive My father, Melvin, founded the agency in 1983 and I purchased it in 2006
What is the best part about being an independent agent?
Serving people and providing financial security for families and businesses. The challenging market in which we currently find ourselves underscores the need for trusted advisors.
What makes your agency unique?
The value proposition is that we are local and accessible. You won't be referred to an 800 number or told to "do it online " We try to make the digital tools available but in an age where things are going totally virtual we are still here to help
How do you mangage a work-life balance?
Vocational life, physical life, social life, spiritual life. My faith is the hub of the wheel. My family is involved in some or all of these categories.
What is an item on your bucket list? Scuba dive Truk Lagoon.
How long have you been in insurance? How did you get your start and who inspired you?
Since 1989. I always knew that insurance would be my career. It was a family thing. My father John Beckmann, Jr. inspired me.
What makes your agency unique?
I think our agency is unique since we were a small family agency for 100 years, transformed into a larger agency, purchased by a bank for 10 years then rolled into one of the largest national brokers in the country but remaining independent and local.
What motto do you live by?
To change the public perception of insurance - through education and personal attention. To provide the public with a different and unique insurance solution to an ever changing business environment. TO make understanding insurance more consumer friendly - by taking the time an offering the effort to learn the customer needs and concerns - then assisting the prospect with several alternative solutions.
IIABL Tenure
Board of Directors 20142023
Professional Experience
President, Henry Insurance Service, Inc
2nd Generation owner
4x winner of LSU 100 award
Safeco Premier Partner designation
Liberty Mutual Premier Partner
2005, 2006, 2011, 2016
Top Agencies in the state designated by the LA Homebuilders Association
On a Personal Note
Dad to Abigail and Anna Claire
IIABL Tenure
2018-2019 President
2017-2018 President Elect
2016-2017 Secretary Treasurer
Board of Directors 20082016
2008 IIAGNO President
Professional Experience
Sr. Vice President, AssuredPartners
Accredited Advisor of Insurance - St Paul Partnership Producer Program
Agent, J Everett Eaves, Inc
Underwriter, Auditor The Gray Insurance Company
What is a fun fact about you?
I enjoy aggressive cycling.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
My marriage to Lana.
On
Wife: Lana Beckmann
Media Contact: Kathleen O'Regan
IIABL Director of Communications & Events
June 30, 2023
The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Louisiana (IIABL) honored Representative Mike Huval with the IIABL Lou Daniel Award in recognition of his dedication, professionalism, and service to IIABL members and the Louisiana insurance industry. He was presented with the award at the 2023 Annual Convention on Monday, June 19, 2023, at the Hilton Sandestin in Miramar Beach, FL. The highest honor that IIABL can bestow to an individual is the IIABL Lou Daniel Award, named after the long-time National Director, who served this association for many years.
Representative Huval has been an independent insurance agent and IIABL member in Breaux Bridge Louisiana for over 30 years. In 2011, Mike was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives for District 46.
“Because of his expertise in insurance Mike Huval was put on the House Insurance Committee and has been a strong advocate for the Insurance Industry during his entire career as a legislator,” stated Mike Scriber during Representative Huval’s award presentation.
For the past two years, Representative Huval has been the Chairman of the House Insurance Committee. As Chairman, he worked closely with the industry to manage bad legislation and pass reasonable reforms that improved protections for policyholders without creating unreasonable burdens on insurance companies. More than any other legislator, Representative Huval has worked tirelessly to improve the Louisiana insurance market.
Media Contact: Kathleen O'Regan
IIABL Director of Communciations & Events
June 30, 2023
The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Louisiana (IIABL) presented Kevin Cunningham and Jimmy Ordeneaux with IIABL Distinguished Service awards at the 2023 Annual Convention on Monday, June 19, 2023, at the Hilton Sandestin in Miramar Beach, FL.
Kevin Cunningham is a Partner with Southern Strategy Group. He is the local lobbyist for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), the largest insurance company trade association in the country. He also represents the Reinsurance Association of America, Liberty Mutual/SafeCo, and Ace/Chubb.
“What makes Kevin unique is that for over 20 years, he has been one of the primary lobbyists providing testimony in the House and Senate Insurance Committees on important insurance legislation,” stated Mike Scriber during the award presentation.
Jimmy Ordeneaux is a Partner with Plauche Maselli Parkerson law firm. He represents Louisiana Farm Bureau in legal defense cases, and for the past several years has also represented Farm Bureau at the Louisiana Legislature. Jimmy has provided critical expertise as a practicing defense attorney to industry efforts.
Mike Scriber shared during the presentation that “Jimmy is the legislative ‘rookie of the year’ and has provided critical expertise as a practicing defense attorney to industry efforts.”
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"My overall goal is to make our office so appealing to my daughter that when she comes of age, she isn’t running away from it the way I did," says young agent Kristin Swanson Scott. "That means investing in as much technology as we possibly can to streamline things."
Age: 29
Go-to drink order: French 75
Desired superpower: The ability to multiply and be everywhere at once
Favorite candy: Now and Later
L I S T E N U P : M E E T Y O U N G A G E N T K R I S T I N S W A N S O N S C O T T
How did you get started in insurance?
My grandfather started our agency back in 1985. It was a big deal because it was one of the few Black-owned agencies at the time. I've worked here since I was 11, starting at the bottom with shredding papers and answering phones.
By the time I got to college, I wanted nothing to do with it. I wanted to be a veterinarian. But when I got to Louisiana State University, it was very rural veterinary medicine. I wanted dogs and cats and they wanted me to deal with cows. I switched to accounting, and it wasn't a good fit either. I called my grandpa and said, “I think I'm ready to come home and work at the agency," and he said, “Come on home. I knew you weren't going to like those cows!"
Best part about being an independent agent?
It's allowed me to live the life I want. We work hard, but it allows me to have flexibility for my family I'm totally fulfilled in my work because of what we do for people They think there are no other options, but we have them.
My overall goal is to make our office so appealing to my daughter that when she comes of age, she isn't running away from it the way I did. That means investing in as much technology as we possibly can to streamline things. We're reinvesting in our internship program, and we're going to have three interns this year.
Role model or mentor?
Clarissa Preston, the senior state relations executive at National Council on Compensation Insurance, has been a saint in my life. She's done so many things in the industry It's my first hard market I've never seen anything quite like this before but she's always in my ear reminding me
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that things do get better. She always talks me through how to address these things and has got me involved in the legislation processes so we can better the industry as a whole for our clients.
It has to be created. There's always something to do. I used to work like crazy, but now I mandate my weekends for my husband and daughter. You need to create those boundaries, not just with clients but with staff You need to empower and delegate It has to be a serious emergency if someone is calling me on a weekend.
On the commercial side, I can touch so many different industries in one day. I recently got into the medical marijuana space. When you're learning a risk, you need to learn it from top to bottom, which is amazing and really fun. And then I can turn around and talk to somebody about stormwater management, which is booming here.
Specifically for south Louisiana, we're in a homeowners insurance crisis premiums have skyrocketed because the entire state has been slammed over the past three years with CAT 4 and above storms. The biggest challenge is not only addressing climate change and how it's affecting the industry, but how we're going to continue to fortify our homes this far south to make them insurable. The storms are not going away; they're only getting stronger.
C A N H E L P
C L I E N T S M A N A G E
G E N E R A L
L I A B I L I T Y M A R K E T
D I S R U P T I O N
Olivia Overman IA Content EditorWith a dynamic general liability market, agents can play a key role in assisting their clients and continually add value to the relationship.
General liability rates have been increasing over the past number of years and increases are expected to continue for most liability lines in 2023. This trend is projected to continue as the segment continues to be adversely impacted by rising claim frequency and severity primarily driven by social and economic inflation. Other downward rate pressures include the cost of medical care and litigation funding.
“The market is seeing heavy class-of-businessbased market disruptions, with businesses such as hospitality seeing the most tightening," says Matt Huels, executive underwriting officer, small commercial, Markel “Additionally, insureds with difficult risk characteristics, such as challenging loss history or worse-than-average in-class exposures, are seeing double-digit rate increases, along with tightening terms and conditions "
Further, “claims are not localized to one specific industry and the reasons for losses are specific to the operation," says Justin Cardullo, vice president and head of general liability, Hiscox. “Warehousing claims are typically quite different from the losses that come from a restaurant or a product manufacturer."
In the excess & surplus lines “ we are seeing prior years' steep increases on excess casualty stabilize and plateau across most classes of business," says Bill Wilkinson, president, national casualty, Risk Placement Services (RPS). “High-hazard classes will continue to feel a bit of pain, as well as more difficult construction projects located in areas where there isn't a lot of eager capacity, like South Florida and New York City."
In addition, there are a number of developing and emerging risks that agents need to continue to monitor. These include risks relating to “modular construction and when that product is considered completed; increased use of green building materials, mass timber and cross-laminated timber for construction projects; increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) and potentially even robotics in warehousing and on job sites; habitability claims spreading beyond California; per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS); and human trafficking," says Russ Stein, area executive vice president, RPS.
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Overall, the general liability market is facing a “dynamic economic environment with supply chain disruptions, elevated medical costs, and rising wages all of which play into premium and loss trends across the marketplace," says John Sakakeeny, head of general liability, umbrella, excess product lines, The Hartford.
So, how can agents assist their clients and ensure they are continually adding value to the relationship?
Here are three tips for agents to prepare clients to deal with these challenges:
1) Communication is key. Understanding each client's unique exposure is essential. “The most important meeting is the pre-renewal meeting with the insured at least 150 days out from the effective date to determine their renewal exposures and concerns," Stein says.
“Agents also need to communicate frequently with underwriters to set the expectations for renewal
and determine if there will be any capacity, coverage or pricing changes," Stein says. “The more communication during this process good, bad or indifferent the less that all parties will end up being surprised "
And as premiums and underwriting restrictions increase, clients appreciate the information and explanations that agents can provide. “Being able to thoughtfully articulate inflation's impact on an insured's exposure and policy premium is challenging, but also incredibly valuable," Huels says. “When one observes that corrective construction costs are approximately 40% higher than they were at the end of 2019, one can understand why a construction defect claim today costs an insurance carrier so much more than it did even three years ago."
2) Submit a quality submission to the underwriter. “From an underwriter's perspective, if it doesn't look like the insured and agent took the time and care to prepare a quality submission, the underwriter probably won't take the time and care to deliver the best available result," Wilkinson says
“It is important to note that while loss costs and nucle verdicts are not going away, a quality submission, communication and understanding of the underwritin and quoting process along with a clarified timeline o the renewal by both brokers and underwriters can alleviate the stress and difficulty in the market," he adds.
In developing a well-rounded profile for submission, “ would encourage agents to recommend to their clien to have a written employee handbook that is updated regularly, annual health and safety training on how to minimize risks for employees and customers, and access to high quality legal counsel to help navigate social inflation," Cardullo says.
3) Discuss what's coming down the pike. “Agents should stay current with legal, regulatory and policy developments, and consider asking their clients if the have exposure to emerging environmental risks so th can take corrective actions," Sakakeeny says “Dig int emerging risks like PFAS and help clients mitigate any potential exposure."
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Further, many businesses have changed significantly since the coronavirus pandemic. “Agents who know their clients and how their exposures have evolved or changed over the last few years are invaluable," Huels says.
AI is presenting both challenges and opportunities for the general liability market. “From a service perspective, AI is poised to make reviewing and quoting quicker and more accurate than ever, thanks to the ability to gather data and quickly learn about the customer," Cardullo says. “For businesses looking to tap into AI, there are new potential risks such as AI giving bad advice, or IP theft "
Being in a position to offer risk mitigation as well as risk management solutions can “help agents during these rapidly changing times, supplementing their training and increasing their awareness of risk management measures," Huels adds.
Olivia Overman is IA content editor.
As an insurance agent or broker, you play a critical role in helping your small business clients prepare for the risks associated with extreme spring weather. In this article, we’ll provide you with spring weather safety tips for small businesses to help your clients prepare for and minimize the risks associated with extreme weather.
It’s important to start by understanding the types of spring weather events that can cause damage to businesses. Tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flooding, blizzards, and excessive heat are some of the most common weather events that can cause significant property damage, injuries, and fatalities. Encourage your clients to stay informed about weather forecasts and warnings to ensure that they are prepared to take necessary actions.
One of the most important steps that small businesses can take is to develop an emergency plan. This plan should outline what employees should do in different situations, such as power outages or evacuation orders. Encourage your clients to conduct regular drills to ensure everyone is familiar with the plan and to have a communication protocol in place to keep everyone informed and safe.
Another essential precaution is to keep an emergency kit on hand. This kit should include supplies like flashlights, water, a first-aid kit, blankets, extra batteries, a toolset, and contact information for local authorities.
To minimize property damage, encourage your clients to secure outdoor assets and property. This includes ensuring that dead trees are removed, structures are reinforced, and outdoor furniture is secured or brought indoors. Regular preventive maintenance can also help to identify potential hazards and fix them before they cause damage.
Backing up critical data is another important step in preparing for spring weather. This can help businesses to rebuild systems more easily after severe weather damages equipment or causes power outages.
Lastly, it’s crucial to ensure that your clients have the appropriate insurance coverage in place. As their insurance agent or broker, help them understand and plan for the impacts of catastrophic weather events. Review their insurance coverage to identify any gaps that could
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leave them with an uncovered loss.
You can play a critical role in helping small businesses prepare for spring weather. Encourage your clients to develop an emergency plan, keep an emergency kit on hand, secure property and outdoor assets, back up data, and obtain appropriate insurance coverage to better mitigate risks during the springtime. Contact Coterie Insurance today for more information on how we can help you and your clients prepare for the unexpected.
We are pleased to announce that LCPIC has implemented a site for you to quote your endorsements due to the overwhelming amount of phone calls. LCPIC will no longer be able to offer this service over the phone.
****ONLY this screen of EPIC QUOTE can be open at ANY time on the computer you are using. DO NOT have any other EPIC screens open while accessing this EPIC QUOTE site. Doing so could result in policy information being compromised and data being crossed. If you do not abide by this rule and the policy information is crossed, YOU will need to rewrite the policy to correct the data issue. The non-refundable $65 application fee WILL BE CHARGED. LCPIC will not process internal rewrites for this mistake. ****
Instructions:
1. Print the policy Declarations Page in EPIC first to compare to the quote, then completely LOG OUT of EPIC and close the browser.
2. Open a new Browser session and Log Into EPIC QUOTE using your REGULAR EPIC Log In credentials by clicking this link: https://lcpicquotes.lacitizens.com/
3. Search for and open the policy to the defaulted Full History Page as you would access a policy in regular EPIC.
4. Scroll all the way to the bottom of the page, click on the ENDORSEMENT button.
5. Scroll through the endorsement screens, editing the information you would like quoted (ONLY CHANGE the information you would like updated (Example: Coverage amounts, deductible options) All other policy data should remain the same as changing this information will result in an inaccurately quoted premium)
6. Click NEXT at the bottom until you reach the Tentative Quote screen. Review and print the quote. A printable version of the quote is available at the top right corner of the screen.
7. Once your quoting is completed, you should log out of EPIC QUOTE by clicking the Log Off Button on the left menu bar and close the browser. No endorsements processed or quoted in this EPIC QUOTE Site will be processed or reviewed by underwriting staff. This site is for Quoting Endorsement Purposes ONLY.
8. Once you and the insured have decided which changes you would like to make to the policy, sign and upload a Change Request Form into the policy in REGULAR EPIC under Submission Documents. All other LA Citizens Guidelines for Endorsement processing apply and should be followed.
This information is being sent out to Agency Administrators and Principles. Please share with any office staff that you wish to process quoting.
While valuations of independent agencies might have leveled off, owners can still get a good price for their business if they have attractive cash flow and other positive attributes.
Recently, private equity (PE) firms have slowed their rapid pace of insurance agency acquisitions and some buyers have even hit the pause button. It is unknown if this is a case of indigestion or lack of capacity, but the slowdown is clear.
The slowdown relates to increases in interest rates. In March, the Federal Reserve made its ninth hike to interest rates in the last year. The unintended consequence of the increases is that asset values determined by the capitalization of future cash flows like your agency and technology stocks have been negatively impacted.
Robert Pettinicchi Executive VP and CLO InsurBanc, a Division of Connecticut Community Bank N.A.The other impact is that with rate increases, it costs more to pay the interest on debt used to buy an agency. This is why PE buyers, who use borrowed money and a lot of it are having a case of acid reflux from their recent purchases. They might be realizing that they may have paid too much, overestimated synergies or cost savings, or didn't buy agencies that were very special.
With many PE buyers now taking a pause, some agency owners might wonder if they can still sell their agency and get a good price. While it's a legitimate concern, unless an agency principal is actively seeking to sell the firm for retirement or other reasons in the very near future, there is no cause for alarm. The agency owner is still very well off owning and running the firm with continuing good cash flow.
Yes, valuations of independent agencies might have leveled off in the current interest rate environment. But owners can get a good price for their business if they have attractive cash flow and other positive attributes. Even with fewer prospective buyers, demand is high for larger and specialist agencies and always strong for those that are exceptionally well-run and growing
Additionally, there's a silver lining: the PE pause has created potential opportunities for agency owners to acquire another agency that otherwise might have been out of reach.
An agency with reliable cash flows and a promising future will always be attractive, which means the first strategy outside of selling is to increase cash flow. Agency owners who place a strategic
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emphasis on growing cash flow by running an effective, efficient operation are adding to agency value while broadening their tactical options over time. Cash flow drives the vitality and viability of a firm, funds its operations, and generates cash for future investment. It's also the source of compensation and wealth for the owners
Cash flow is the most-revered financial measure for lenders and buyers alike. Agencies are attractive investments because they generate reliable, recurring cash flows and offer future growth prospects
Other strategies for agency principals are to seek out acquisition opportunities. Less competition for an acquisition could bode well for principals who become timely buyers. A nimble, financially ready agency principal can become an agency buyer
Additionally, buying a book of business, particularly one that adds a specialty, can make sense for increasing market share, adding a growth platform and building cash flow.
Also, a side effect of the flurry of PE buyers over the past several years has been upheaval for producers now working for PE-owned brokers. Some producers might be less comfortable in their acquired agency environment than they were before it was purchased. This talent may be good candidates for principals to recruit to their firms. And, rather than selling your agency, a staged perpetuation may be a great option to consider.
While borrowing has presented challenges for PE brokerages, agency owners should not be afraid to borrow even at the current, higher interest rates if the use is for productive purposes such as acquiring an agency or a book of business. Refinancing debt at a floating rate provides an opportunity to borrow. There may be an opportunity to fix your interest rate to one that is lower, saving interest and improving cash flow.
Increasing interest rates might have put a pause on PE buyers, but they have also created an opportunity for agency owners with vision and the courage to act.
Robert Pettinicchi is the executive vice president and chief lending officer for InsurBanc, a division of Connecticut Community Bank N.A.
Your clients must prepare to insure a nightclub before they begin operations or activity over an extended period. Owning a nightclub can be exciting, but this type of business has unique risks. Nightclub insurance is a vital part of doing business for nightclub owners. Coverage packages for nightclubs differ from those designed for taverns and bars in that nightclubs might offer special events such as concerts.
Necessary coverage should be part of any nightclub’s operational budget.
Costs to insure a nightclub will vary according to many factors. However, typically your clients can expect to pay $3000 to $5000 each year for insurance packages. Particular conditions used to calculate final costs include:
Nightclub locations
Amount of business revenues
Nightclub sizes
Special activities hosted by nightclubs
Nightclub insurance, however, is a fraction of the costs your clients would pay should lawsuits arise or property damage occurs.
There are some specific exposures to include in any nightclub insurance protection plan First, there is general liability coverage. This crucial policy covers anything within the club, including slips and falls, food poisoning, and fights. Then, there is assault and battery liability. This coverage protects nightclub owners from suits related to brawls and assaults on the venue’s property However, a separate protection policy may be for bouncers who could injure angry or rowdy patrons. Liquor liability is a necessity. This policy is necessary for nightclubs because nightclub patrons may make choices under the influence that could cause harm or damage
Nightclubs also must serve alcohol responsibly. Additionally, there is event liability coverage. This coverage is for venues with a stage hosting comedians, concerts, and similar events.
Sometimes, performers will have their own insurance, but nightclubs should have coverage. There are other vital coverages to figure into the financial considerations of running a nightclub. Therefore, your clients may consider interruptions insurance.
Business disruptions can close the doors of any business, including nightclubs. Examples of disruptions include power outages, natural disasters, and pandemics. Loss of revenue coverage can help nightclubs survive such events. Additionally, your client may need building and contents coverage. It is a coverage that protects the structures. Ultimately, umbrella building insurance does not cover all contents. Examples include furniture, sound and stereo equipment, and glassware. Employee expenses rack up. Therefore, nightclub insurance should cover employee costs, including workers’ compensation, health insurance, and other employee-related expenses.
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Other financial risks are involved in operating nightclubs, but they may not be relevant to every situation.
While nightclub insurance is vital to operating any nightclub, venue owners must understand how to lessen some risks. Examples include:
Taping down cords and rugs to prevent trips and falls
Making sure structures follow fire codes
Providing adequate lighting for parking lots
Scheduling regular plumbing inspections to prevent property damage from leaks and floods
Data breaches are another exposure that nightclub owners should consider. They need software and programs to protect online data, but specialized insurance coverage might also be wise investments.
Nightclub owners should seek nightclub insurance quotes from insurance agents and talk about their individual situations and needs. This way, they can get the best nightclub insurance protection plans for their circumstances and budgets.
At RMS Hospitality Group, our expertly crafted policies are written specifically for the hospitality industry. We offer custom tailored solutions to meet any venue ’ s specific needs. For more information, contact our knowledgeable experts today at (888) 359-8390.
During the next IIAGNO Town Hall Meeting, IIABR Luncheon, & IIASB Luncheon Jeff Albright & Ben Albright will review the legislation that IIABL tracked during the 2023 Regular Legislative Session, how it impacts our insurance industry, and how it affects our agencies.
The 2023 legislative session was another busy one for the insurance industry, but there was a shift in tone from the last two years. The 2021 and 2022 sessions saw legislators reflect the anger of their constituents, and they brought an unprecedented number of bills targeted at punishing insurance companies for the poor claims response to the storms of 2020 and 2021. For this year’s session, the primary question was no longer “how can we punish the insurance companies?” Instead, policymakers were hearing from their constituents exactly how bad this market has become. They heard, “I can’t afford my insurance policies” and “I can’t find ANY insurer to write my policy”. This year, legislators were asking “what can we do to bring insurance companies BACK to the state?”
So, the big question is: now that it’s over, how did we do this session? Did we move the needle? Will companies want to come back to Louisiana? Overall, the 2023 session was a mixed bag.
Learn more at our upcoming chapter events. This presentation has been filed for 1 hour of CE credit with LDI.
IIAGNO Town Hall Meeting
August 31, 2023
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Southern Yacht Club
Online Registration
IIABR Luncheon
September 28, 2023
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Juban's Restaurant & Bar
Online Registration
IIASB Luncheon
September 26, 2023
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
The Shreveport Club
Online Registration
IIABL 2022-2023
PRESIDENT, MICHAEL SCRIBER
PRESIDENT-ELECT, ARMOND K. SCHWING
SECRETARY-TREASURER, BRET HUGHES
NATIONAL DIRECTOR, JOHNNY BECKMANN, III
PAST PRESIDENT, DONELSON P. STIEL
YOUNG AGENT REPRESENTATIVE, KRYSTAL GATHE
ANN BODKIN-SMITH
MATTHEW DEBLANC
CHRISTY DESOTO
ROB W. EPPERS
MATT GRAHAM
CHRISTOPHER S. HAIK
STUART HARRIS
ROSS HENRY
CHARLES H. LEBLANC
CRAIG MARTEL
LYDIA MCMORRIS
A. EUGENE MONTGOMERY, III
JOE KING MONTGOMERY
HARTWIG "ROBBY" MOSS, IV
ROBERT LOUIS PALMER, JR.
RANDY PERISE
ROBERT G. RIVIERE
ROBERT STONE
Scriber Insurance - Ruston
Schwing Insurance Agency, Inc. - New Iberia
Hughes Insurance Services, Inc - Gonzales
Assured Partners - Metairie
David H. Stiel, Jr. Agency - Franklin
HUB International Gulf South, Ltd. - Baton Rouge
Thomson Smith & Leach Insurance Group - Lafayette
Continental Insurance Services - Marrero
1st Insurance of Marksville - Marksville
Risk Services of Louisiana - Shreveport
Lincoln Agency - Ruston
Higginbotham Insurance - Lafayette
McClure, Bomar & Harris, LLC - Shreveport
Henry Insurance Service, Inc. - Baton Rouge
Bourg Insurance Agency, Inc. - Donaldsonville
Insurance Unlimited of LA, LLC - Lake Charles
Alliant Insurance Services - Baton Rouge
Community Financial Insurance Center, LLC - Monroe
McGriff Insurance Services - Monroe
Hartwig Moss Insurance - New Orleans
Insurance Underwriters, Ltd. - Metairie
Blumberg and Associates - Ponchatoula
Riviere Insurance Agency - Thibodaux
Stone Insurance, Inc. - Metairie
