A P R I L
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L E G I S L A T I V E
S E S S I O N : A N
I M P O R T A N T U P D A T E
B Y B E N A L B R I G H T ,
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B I R D I E S & A C E S :
W H Y T H I S Y E A R ’ S
I I A B L A N N U A L
C O N V E N T I O N I S A
C A N ’ T M I S S E V E N T
B Y K A T H L E E N
O ’ R E G A N ,
P A G E 9
K E Y F E A T U R E S O F
T H E R L I P E R S O N A L
U M B R E L L A
P R O G R A M
B Y J A M I E
N E W C H U R C H ,
P A G E 1 2
Benjamin Albright
Chief Executive Officer, President 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
Karson Roberts
Communications & Events Administrator kroberts@iiabl.com (225) 236-1351
Lyra Roberts
E&O Administrator lyra.roberts@iiaba.net (225) 236-1352
IN this article, IIABL President and CEO Ben Albright provides an important update on key insurance bills moving quickly in the 2025 legislative session.
The 2025 legislative session is off to a fast start. Insurance is one of the key issues, as constituents have repeatedly told legislators that the cost of auto and property insurance is the number one issue affecting their budgets and their lives, and some of the key insurance bills started moving as early as the second day of the session. Here’s an update on some of the top insurance bills:
HB 34 by Rep. Glorioso - Medical Transparency – transparency around past medical costs for juries to encourage reasonable rewards and eliminate phantom damages.
Passed the House 69-26
HB 427 by Rep. Bamberg – Reversionary trust for future medicals in lawsuits. Passed the House 63-23
HB 431 by Rep. Chenevert - Modified Comparative Fault – Limit damage recovery if the plaintiff is found to be 51 percent or more at fault. Louisiana is an outlier in current law, and this will align with 38 other states that utilize a version of modified comparative fault. Passed the House 67-26
HB 450 by Rep. Melerine - Housely Presumption – eliminate the presumption that injuries are caused by an accident. Brings us in line with other states. Passed the House 68-24
HB 434 by Rep. DeWitt – No Pay No Play – increases cap to $100K Passed the House 76-14
HB 435 by Rep. Egan: - General damages cap at $5 million. Passed the House 63-23
HB 443 by Rep. Henry – Pre-suit notice to defendant. Passed the House 70-22
HB 437 by Rep. Firment – Loss settlement practices, including signed proof of loss forms. This has been highly requested by reinsurance markets, amongst others.
Scheduled for House Floor debate on 4/29
That’s the good news. The bills that we believe can have a significant impact on the health of our insurance markets are moving through the process. However, as I’ve been telling everyone who asks: it’s too soon to know what to expect. The biggest hurdle in this process is the Senate Judiciary A committee, and that is still in the future of all of these bills. Over the next couple of weeks, we should learn more as these bills move over to the Senate side.
A significant narrative this session, that you may have read about in the newspaper, is the public disagreement on reform policy between Commissioner Temple and Governor Landry. Commissioner Temple is fully supportive of the key legal system abuse reforms that we believe would have a significant impact, bringing our rates closer to surrounding states. Governor Landry claims to be pursuing a “balanced approach” between insurance industry and plaintiff attorney viewpoints, but his package does not include the bills that we believe will have a significant impact.
Thus far, the biggest flashpoint for this confrontation has been HB 576 by Rep. Robby Carter. This bill, derived directly from the trial bar, contends that Commissioner Temple needs additional authority to regulate rates that are “excessive”. We have seen over recent years that the commissioner can already deny rates that are too high, if the actuarial math does not support the amount of profit that the insurer is requesting. You may recall, after Hurricane Ida, Commissioner Donelon blocking rate filings from AllState and Farmers for over 13 months, eventually leading to Farmers withdrawing one of their Homeowners products from the state. At best HB 576 does nothing, but it could give the commissioner authority to deny rate filings, even if they are actuarially justified. He could force insurers to write insurance at a loss—we’ve seen the result of that strategy in California’s Homeowners insurance meltdown.
All that said, the IIABL legislative affairs team is working hard at the capital on your behalf. We’ll continue to push reforms that can help our market. Please be on the lookout for our grassroots advocacy alerts. Legislators want to hear from the people in their district. We need your help!
IN this article, IIABL previews the 2025 Annual Convention: Birdies & Aces, highlighting a new theme, exciting speakers, stylish events, and a perfect mix of business and beach at Hilton Sandestin.
The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Louisiana (IIABL) Annual Convention is always a highlight of the summer—but this year, we’re raising the bar. With a fresh theme, new experiences, and a location that delivers the perfect balance of business and beach, the 2025 Annual Convention: Birdies & Aces promises to be our most exciting, stylish, and valuable event yet.
Mark your calendars: June 15–18, 2025, we’re headed back to the beautiful Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, a beloved setting that’s just steps from the sand and offers the ideal blend of networking, learning, and relaxation. The theme this year, Birdies & Aces, brings a touch of “country club chic” style to the convention. Think swanky social events, crisp coastal fashion, and high-energy engagement—all in a laid-back beachfront setting.
So what makes this year’s convention unique?
We’re thrilled to welcome Craig Zablocki as our keynote speaker for the Opening Business Session on Monday. Craig is known for his energetic, humorous, and thought-provoking presentations, and he’s spoken to over one million people across all 50 states. His message is sure to inspire and entertain—and it’s the perfect way to kick off a week of growth, connection, and fun. You won’t want to miss the energy he brings to set the tone for the entire event.
The Exhibit Hall will be buzzing with innovation and opportunity, featuring leading vendors, service providers, and insurance partners ready to help your agency grow. Our ever-popular Casino Night returns Tuesday evening, offering cocktails, games, and a glamorous setting that blends perfectly with our theme.
This event has also become a family-friendly tradition, and 2025 is no exception. Many attendees turn this into their annual vacation, bringing along spouses, kids, and even grandparents. Just across from the resort, Baytowne Wharf offers zip lines, arcades, shops, and live music—all within walking distance. Whether you're relaxing with a drink or making memories with your family, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
The week will wrap up with a memorable Closing Business Session on Wednesday featuring a slate of important updates. We’ll celebrate our incoming leadership during the installation and awards ceremony, followed by a national update from Angela Ripley, IIABA Chairman-Elect, and a highly anticipated address from Commissioner Tim Temple, offering insights from the Louisiana Department of Insurance. To close out the session, Ben Albright will provide a teaser of his Post-Legislative Tour presentation—covering what came out of this year’s legislative session, what agents need to know, and what agencies must do to stay compliant.
From fun activities to education sessions, beach time, and unmatched networking, there’s truly something for everyone. And if you’re not yet a member of IIABL, now is the time to join—members save 50% on registration and receive year-round benefits and support.
Don’t miss out. Join us at the IIABL Birdies & Aces Annual Convention, and experience a convention unlike any other.
crcgroup.com
In this article, key features of the RLI Personal Umbrella Program are outlined, including tools in the Producer and Insured Portals that enhance efficiency, support marketing, and simplify policy management.
As an RLI Personal Umbrella producer, it's important to stay informed about the various features available that can enhance your workflow. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or new to our offerings, these tools are designed to streamline your processes and improve efficiency. Here’s a reminder of what’s at your fingertips:
The RLI Producer Portal is an excellent resource for your team and retail agents to access vital information about the RLI PUP Program. Registered users can take advantage of the following features:
Forms: Access a comprehensive library of policy forms and applications that also serve as our underwriting guidelines. You'll find current policy provisions, amendatory endorsements, Excess UM/UIM forms, and signature forms for clients who wish to revise their minimum underlying limits during the policy term.
Resources: Explore helpful guides detailing the various tools available within PUP Access, including step-bystep views of signature processes and insured portal screens. Additionally, we offer several brief overview videos on Personal Umbrella and Excess UM/UIM coverage, perfect for marketing purposes.
Marketing: Personalize a variety of flyers tailored to different audiences. Among these are "Claim Scenario" flyers featuring actual RLI claims, which illustrate real-life situations that highlight the importance of umbrella insurance for both agents and clients. These resources are available for free download and can be utilized at any time.
Our Insured Portal serves as a central hub for clients to manage their policy. Here’s a quick overview of its key features:
E-Renewal Process: Easily complete e-renewals online, making the process smoother for both you and insureds. Bill Payments: Clients can pay their Personal Umbrella bill, ensuring payments are received in a timely manner when due.
Access to Policy Documents: Clients can access important policy documents at any time, providing quick access to information when they need it.
Claim Reporting: Report claims directly through the portal, allowing for prompt action and communication.
Email Forms: Streamline your communication with insureds or internal teams by emailing policy documents directly from the RLI system via the Forms tab at any time.
Copy Quote Feature: Easily replicate previous quotes, negating the need to re-enter expired or declined quotes.
Endorsement Estimator: This handy tool allows you to estimate potential changes in coverage and associated costs, enabling clearer discussions with insureds.
Renewal Questionnaire: Access your clients' completed Renewal Questionnaire, regardless of the submission method, to facilitate the renewal process as needed.
Improved Search Functionality: Quickly locate quotes or policies using a client's email address or phone number, streamlining the retrieval process. This enhancement enables efficient access to relevant information, making client interactions more effective and timely.
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Reports: Retail agents can generate on-demand reports anytime through the "Reports" tab in PUP Access. These reports offer valuable insights into your policies, aiding in the effective management of your portfolio. Agency Notifications: Stay informed about important updates with our agency notification emails. These notifications keep you updated on policy changes, renewals, and other critical information. Additionally, our selfservice options empower you to manage your agency’s needs proactively.
For more product information, visit the personal umbrella program homepage to learn more or connect with your dedicated RLI administrator, Jamie Newchurch at 225.236.1350 or jnewchurch@iiabl.com.
We’re still riding the high from our second annual IIABL Women in Insurance Conference, which took place April 3–4 at the beautiful Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center. What began just last year as a small gathering of women passionate about leadership and connection has already doubled in size—this year welcoming 100 amazing women from across Louisiana and beyond!
The event kicked off Thursday evening with a cocktail reception at The 121, a chic rooftop space perfect for mingling, unwinding, and setting the tone for a powerful two days ahead. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as women began connecting over drinks, delicious appetizers, and shared experiences in the insurance industry. For many, this was their first time attending—and for others, it felt like a joyful reunion. The laughter, conversations, and introductions that night reminded us why this community is so special.
Friday morning began with intention and movement—a peaceful and empowering sunrise yoga session on the pool deck led by an instructor from Yoga Studio 90. With the city skyline waking up behind us, it was the perfect way to breathe deeply, get grounded, and prepare our minds and bodies for the day ahead.
We transitioned from yoga mats to the main ballroom, where the energy remained high thanks to our incredible emcee and support team. The day officially opened with a keynote from Sara Bradshaw Ray, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives with Big I Oklahoma. Her powerful presentation, “Look Out! It’s a Trap! The Truth About the Pitfalls and Promise of Female Leadership,” was both eye-opening and encouraging. Sara's wit, honesty, and wisdom resonated deeply with every woman in the room, sparking conversations that carried on throughout the day.
Following that incredible start, we paused for a mimosa and Bloody Mary break, which gave everyone a chance to refuel, refresh, and continue building connections with fellow attendees. The sense of community was truly palpable—women swapping stories, sharing advice, and lifting one another up.
Next, we heard from Carey Wallace, founder of AgencyFocus, who delivered her impactful session, “The Scenic Route to Success: Embracing Twists, Turns, and New Beginnings ” Her transparency, humor, and relatable storytelling made it clear that no two career paths look the same and that’s something to celebrate She reminded us that success often comes in unexpected forms and that every detour brings valuable growth
After a delicious and elegant lunch served in the Hilton ballroom, we moved (literally!) into the afternoon with a midday stretch break led by April Hill of Yoga Studio 90 April walked us through simple, energizing stretches specifically designed for women working in professional settings exercises we’ve already incorporated into our office routines!
To close out the day on a high note, Carey Wallace returned to the stage, this time with her daughter, Lindsay Wallace, for a heartfelt and engaging session titled “Building Your Personal Brand: Two Perspectives ” Their intergenerational dialogue offered rich insight into how branding, confidence, and professional identity evolve over time It was a beautiful reminder that leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all, and that growth and impact can look different at every stage of life
From start to finish, the 2025 Women in Insurance Conference was a celebration of leadership, resilience, community, and authenticity Attendees left not only with notebooks full of wisdom, but with new friendships, mentorships, and a renewed sense of purpose
We’re already counting down the days until next year’s event, where we’ll gather once again to inspire, empower, and uplift one another Stay tuned for more details coming soon about the 3rd Annual IIABL Women in Insurance Conference in 2026 we can't wait to see you there!
In this article, key insights from recent reports reveal that while auto insurance premiums are still rising, the pace is slowing—and agents can help clients navigate rates through trust and smart shopping.
For many Americans, increasing auto insurance premiums have been a concern over the past couple of years. However, those concerns may begin to be alleviated. While average full coverage car insurance rates increased by $289 in 2024, this is less than the $336 jump from 2023 to 2024, according to Bankrate's "2025 True Cost of Auto Insurance" report. Experts also predict that 2025's rate increases will be more moderate, the report said.
Here four reports agents may find useful when discussing the current state of personal auto insurance with their clients:
1) Assess the market for options. Shopping around for a better rate is one solution to sky-high auto premiums that consumers should consider. Thirty percent of consumers have switched insurers in the past five years, according to the 2024 “How to Save Big on Your Car Insurance" study by Consumer Reports. Most of those who switched saved money on premiums, with a median annual savings of $461.
As property & casualty insurance profitability improves and auto insurance rate increases start to ease, consumers who shop are more likely to find a better rate in 2025, according to J.D. Power. Agents can work with various carriers and advise clients on the best options available to them, helping counteract the price increases caused by cost factors that are beyond their control.
2) Trust is top driver of customer satisfaction. While premiums continue to rise for many consumers, agents should know that these rate increases may not necessarily erode customer satisfaction with auto insurers, according to the J.D. Power 2024 "U.S. Auto Insurance Study."
The report, which includes responses from over 41,000 auto insurance customers, details that while premium increases negatively impact customer satisfaction, those negative influences can be offset by high levels of trust that insurers will come through when clients need them.
Ben Albright
December 2023
More than half (51%) of customers say they have little trust in their insurer, yet, 15% have high levels of trust and 34% have some level of trust even in the face of premium increases, according to the report Agents can highlight trust and customer satisfaction as a factor to consider, emphasizing the importance of selecting a policy based on the quality of coverage and not just price
3) Opportunities in UBI auto insurance. As clients look for ways to tailor their auto coverage to make some savings, it's clear that the future of auto insurance includes telematics
The market is seeing a shift, with traditional insurance consumers dipping below 60% for the first time, and telematics-powered UBI crossing 40%, according to the “Driverscape 2024: Opportunities in UBI Auto Insurance" report by the American Association of Insurance Services (AAIS)
Telematics usage continues to climb as clients look to tailor coverage to their particular driving habits and lifestyle By highlighting the benefits of telematics and similar UBI carrier programs, agents can meet their customers' expectations when it comes to pricing, as well as provide an avenue for feedback on safe driving habits
However, agents should also highlight the potential concerns that arise with driver data collection. Fiftyfour percent of consumers did not participate in an insurer's telematics program because of privacy concerns, according to the 2022 “Auto Insurance Telematics: Consumer Attitudes and Opinions" report by the Insurance Research Council (IRC).
While the rules surrounding the use of information collected from a person's car is on the radar of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), some states have enacted laws allowing consumers to opt out of having their personal information sold. These protections vary widely and typically do not include connected-car data, leaving many privacy gaps, according to a Reuters analysis.
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4) Number of uninsured and underinsured motorists grow. One in 3 U.S. drivers (33.4%) were either uninsured or underinsured in 2023, a 10-percentage point increase in the combined rate since 2017, according to the “Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists: 2017–2023" the latest report by the IRC.
With the recent increases in auto insurance premiums, going uninsured can be a tempting option for consumers. As many as 22% have considered going uninsured to save money, according to a 2023 study from Trusted Choice®. For agents, providing options such as a personal umbrella that includes uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is key to protecting not only their clients, but also their agency from potential errors & omission claims.
IIABL 2024-2025
CHAIRMAN, BRET HUGHES
CHAIRMAN-ELECT, ROSS HENRY
SECRETARY-TREASURER, JOE KING MONTGOMERY
NATIONAL DIRECTOR, JOHNNY BECKMANN, III
PAST CHAIRMAN, ARMOND K. SCHWING
YOUNG AGENT REP, MAGGIE LANDRY
Hughes Insurance Services, Inc - Gonzales
Henry Insurance Service, Inc. - Baton Rouge
Community Financial Insurance Center, LLC - Monroe
Assured Partners - Metairie
Schwing Insurance Agency, Inc. - New Iberia
Perkins-McKenzie Insurance Agency - Baton Rouge
ANN BODKIN-SMITH
MATTHEW DEBLANC
CHRISTY DESOTO
DOMINIQUE DICARLO CROUCH
ROB W. EPPERS
MATT GRAHAM
CHRISTOPHER S. HAIK
STUART HARRIS
BEAU HEAROD
CHARLES H. LEBLANC
CRAIG MARTEL
LYDIA MCMORRIS
A. EUGENE MONTGOMERY, III
HARTWIG "ROBBY" MOSS, IV
SETH OSTENDORFF
ROBERT LOUIS PALMER, JR.
RANDY PERISE
ROBERT STONE
Thomson Smith & Leach Insurance Group - Lafayette
Continental Insurance Services - Marrero
1st Insurance of Marksville - Marksville
Riverlands Insurance Agency - LaPlace
Risk Services of Louisiana - Alexandria
Lincoln Agency - Ruston
Higginbotham Insurance - Lafayette
McClure, Bomar & Harris, LLC - Shreveport
Jeff Davis Insurance - Jennings
Bourg Insurance Agency, Inc. - Donaldsonville
Insurance Unlimited of LA, LLC - Lake Charles
Alliant Insurance Services - Baton Rouge
Community Financial Insurance Center, LLC - Monroe
Hartwig Moss Insurance - New Orleans
Dethloff & Associates - Shreveport
Insurance Underwriters, Ltd. - Metairie
Blumberg and Associates - Ponchatoula
Stone Insurance, Inc. - Metairie