Primary Agent - February 2024

FEBRUARY 2024

BRENDALISSE RIVERA ON HER AWARD-WINNING CAREER JOURNEY

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER MAGAZINE

ALSO INSIDE INTERVIEW WITH INSURANCE COMMISSIONER HUMPHREYS

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Reinsurance.

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INSURANCE

© 2023 United Fire & Casualty Company. All rights reserved.

FEBRUARY 2024

CONTENTS FEATURED 8

> > > > > 10

JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook.com/IABforME LinkedIn.com/company/IA_and_B Twitter.com/IA_and_B

Q&A WITH BRENDALISSE RIVERA Meet Brendalisse Rivera, JD, CIC, CRM, CISR, recipient of Pennsylvania’s 2023 Outstanding CSR of the Year. She shares highlights of her career journey, motivations for success, and advice for young agents.

INTERVIEW WITH THE PENNSYLVANIA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER Commissioner Michael Humphreys discusses growth of the private flood insurance market, the Insurance Department’s response to the hard market, and his priorities while in office.

MONTHLY 2 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

YouTube.com/@IA_and_B IA&B Podcasts can be found at:

3 CLAIRE-IFICATION

IA&B is the premier resource and champion for independent insurance agents in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware.

4 COVERAGE CORNER

Periodical postage paid at Mechanicsburg, PA and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Insurance Agents & Brokers, 650 Wilson Lane, Suite 200, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

Primary Agent (ISSN 1543-3110), Permit # 638-620, Issue # 2024-02, is published monthly by IA&B Service Group Inc., a subsidiary of IA&B. Copyright 2024. All rights reserved. No material may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent of the publisher. The information in this publication is general in nature and not intended to serve as legal, accounting, financial, insurance, investment advisory or other professional advice as to any reader’s particular situation. Users are encouraged to consult with competent legal, financial, insurance, investment advisory and/or other professional advisors concerning specific matters before making any decisions. We disclaim any responsibility for any decisions or actions by readers. Statements of fact and opinion in Primary Agent are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the officers or the members of IA&B. Participation in IA&B events, activities and/or publications is available on a non-discriminatory basis and does not reflect IA&B endorsement of the products and/or services.

6 NEWS & NOTES 17 UPCOMING EDUCATION

IABforME.com |

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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

LOOKING AHEAD As we begin to hit our stride for 2024, I wanted to provide some highlights for what the year will hold at IA&B:

INSURANCE AGENTS & BROKERS 650 Wilson Lane, Suite 200 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 191 Main Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 800-998-9644 | IABforME.com

RECRUITMENT

IA&B BOARD OF DIRECTORS

IA&B will be busy this year introducing new professionals to our industry (and our member agencies). At the end of 2023, IA&B made a very important hire – a Director of Career Services. This position is responsible for recruiting candidates into our industry.

The primary focus is finding individuals to attend IA&B’s Insurance School (more below), as well as assisting member agencies with internships and promoting our industry.

OFFICERS

EDUCATION Speaking of IA&B’s Insurance School… This pillar of our long-term strategic plan will launch by the end of this year. IA&B staff spent most of 2023 planning and developing a curriculum and will put the finishing touches on this comprehensive program throughout 2024. The school will train participants in both insurance and business skills, and in 2025, we anticipate placing graduates of this program in our member agencies.

Sarah Brown, CIC, CRM, AFIS - Chair Keller Brown Insurance Services | Shrewsbury, PA Andrew Enders, Esq. - Vice Chair Enders | Harrisburg, PA

MEMBERS Lisa Parry Becker, CPIA

Bill Purdy

Greg Bennett

Kent Reynolds, CIC

Kate Dawson, CPIA

David Rivell, CIC, CRM

Len Gieseler, LUTCF

Jason Rodriguez, CIC

Bruce D. Kraft, AAI, CIC

Donna Roper

Debra McAfee

Candace Shoupe, AAI, AIC

Shayne McIntosh, CIC

Bob Smyrl, CIC

JPI Insurance Associates Dillsburg, PA

Robert L. Smyrl, Inc. Hatfield, PA

Chris Miller, CIC

Michael Thomas

Parry Insurance Langhorne, PA

Famous & Spang Associates Aberdeen, MD Ferri Dawson Insurance Murrysville, PA Evans Hauseman & Richard, Inc. Pottstown, PA

ENRICHMENT Based on the overwhelming support of our events last year, IA&B once again will hold two exciting conferences this year: our second-annual Women’s Conference on March 27 in Hershey and our Young Agent Conference in October. We look forward to seeing returning attendees, as well as welcoming new ones.

2024 is off to an exciting start, and all of us at IA&B are looking forward to these initiatives. At the same time, we will continue to deliver our core programs and services that you rely upon. Here’s to a fruitful 2024!

Onward and upward,

Arbor Insurance Group Allentown, PA

McAfee Insurance Agency, LLC Wilmington, DE

Miller Insurance Protection Team Jonestown, PA

Purdy Insurance Agency, Inc. Sunbury, PA Blue Ridge Risk Partners LLC Hagerstown, MD Element Risk Management West Chester, PA Prominent Insurance Svcs Wilmington, DE E K McConkey & Company York, PA CBM Insurance Agency New Castle, DE

Lighthouse Insurance Svcs Gambrills, MD

Michael Papa, CIC, MBA Diversified Insurance Industries, Inc. Hunt Valley, MD

Jason F. Ernest President & CEO

NATIONAL DIRECTORS Mike Ertel (PIA) AP Benefit Advisors, LLC dba The Jacobs Company | Columbia, MD Diana Hornung, CIC (IIABA) IOA National, Inc. | Wilmington, DE

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FEBRUARY 2024

Mark Monroe (IIABA) Griffith Insurance, LLP | West Chester, PA

CLAIRE-IFICATION

CLAIRE-IFICATION IA&B Vice President - Advocacy Claire Pantaloni, CIC, CISR Are you a member with a question?

Contact Claire to find the answer at 717-918-9202 or ClaireP@IABforME.com.

QUESTION: What is the difference between AgentPAC and InsurPAC/PIAPAC?

ANSWER: AgentPAC is IA&B’s state-based, bi-

Crop and Flood insurance programs.

partisan political action committee

Every year also sees a myriad of

(PAC). It is there to enhance our

other bills that can foster or hinder

advocacy efforts in Harrisburg,

your business.

Annapolis, and Dover. AgentPAC pools the voluntary contributions of IA&B members and uses those funds to support the election of candidates and legislators who understand the issues important to the independent agent and broker community.

InsurPac (for Pennsylvania and Delaware members) and PIAPAC (for Maryland members) perform the same role at the federal level.

Our national affiliates are the ones spearheading that fundraising effort, which ultimately supports members of Congress who understand the crucial role played by insurance

For an effective advocacy program, the three legs of the proverbial stool are PAC, lobbying, and grassroots.

Whether we ultimately agree with them or not, having legislators in place who are willing to listen and understand our members’ concerns is crucial.

The PACs are easy to access: STATE LEVEL: AgentPAC – IABforME.com/ political_advocacy/ FEDERAL LEVEL: InsurPac – independentagent.com/ governmentaffairs/InsurPac/ PIAPAC – pianational.org/advocate/ pia-political-action-committee This document is not a legal opinion and should not

The state and federal PACs are essential to support our industry.

They are a perfect illustration of strength in numbers, and ideally both should be contributed to.

Whether you contribute $50 or $1,000, you will make a difference.

agents but also their challenges as

If you have not contributed to these

small business owners. Every year

PACs yet, please consider adding it

sees efforts to reauthorize programs

to your annual donations. If you have,

that are tied to the budget and

please talk to a friendly competitor

appropriations process, such as the

and ask them to contribute.

IABforME.com |

be relied upon as such. The intent of this document is to provide a general background regarding the topic or topics discussed, not to provide legal advice.

Producers and agencies should consult an attorney regarding specific situations and specific questions with respect to the topic or topics covered in this document. Neither the Insurance Agents & Brokers nor any of its employees shall be responsible for any errors or omissions regarding any statements made in this document, nor any errors or omissions regarding any statutes, regulations, court rules, and/or any other government documents cited in this document.

An audio version of this article is also available as a podcast

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WHO NEEDS AN UMBRELLA POLICY?

By Bill Wilson

I used to frequent an online insurance discussion board.

Consumers often asked coverage questions that agents or other insurance professionals would answer. However, so many answers were wrong, at least arguably wrong, that I found I was spending a couple of hours a day correcting misleading answers.

For example, when a consumer asked if he needed an umbrella

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policy, an agent responded to several affirmative answers from other agents with, “Sorry world – most people (99%) DO NOT need umbrellas. It’s just reality.” Someone else agreed, opining that only rich people with a lot of assets needed umbrella policies.

to say, this is especially true for

I caught some flack when I responded, “Since we’re discussing reality, here’s a dose: EVERYBODY needs an umbrella policy.” Needless

policies, defense costs are usually

FEBRUARY 2024

wealthier people, though one might argue that an exception could be someone like Taylor Swift and her new-found billionaire status. On the other hand, even for Ms. Swift, an umbrella could be a great value purchase because, like most liability unlimited, and she’s probably more likely to be sued by someone than the typical person.

COVERAGE CORNER But there are other issues to consider. Just because someone doesn’t have substantial assets or income today doesn’t mean they won’t tomorrow. The inability to pay today doesn’t mean that one’s income won’t be garnished for perhaps the next 20 years. And this income drain may prohibit or limit someone’s ability to pursue a more lucrative career.

Once again, consider the value of unlimited defense costs. An example is the 2020 California El Dorado Fire that was started at a gender-reveal party in a public park. Over 35 square miles were burned in the 71 days it took to get the fire under control, destroying 20 buildings, including five homes, killing a firefighter and injuring 13 other people, and closing a state highway for 24 days. The fire suppression costs alone were estimated to be over $42 million.

The couple that allegedly started the fire was charged with 22 misdemeanors and eight felonies, including involuntary manslaughter.

It’s unclear how many civil suits might have been filed, but it’s easy to see how they could be substantial in number and size. Admittedly, it’s the rare insured with a $40M+ limit umbrella policy, but even a $1 million policy would provide unlimited defense and some bargaining position on indemnification.

During this online discussion, one commentator felt he didn’t need an umbrella because he didn’t own a home, just lived in an apartment. Some years ago, I lived in an apartment complex with multiple 16-unit frame buildings.

An inattentive tenant allowed his charcoal grill to burn down his

building, along with the personal property of 15 other tenants.

Fortunately, no one was killed or injured. Don’t you think an umbrella policy might come in handy?

Finally, there is a moral component to this issue. We all have an ethical obligation to protect innocent people from our negligence. The more wealth you have, the easier that is to accomplish without insurance.

The less wealth, the greater the need for insurance. Needless to say, there are many people who struggle to make their insurance payments. However, if they own a house or an auto, reasonably adequate insurance is one of the necessary operating costs. And, per dollar of coverage, umbrella policies are one of the greatest values of all insurance products.

I own a boat and insure it on a boatowners policy that includes liability coverage. I also cover it on my umbrella. What did it cost to add it to the umbrella? $7 a year.

One last comment that will segue this discussion into my column in the next issue … some time ago, I read that something like 87% of umbrella claims arose from auto accidents. In the April Primary Agent magazine, I’ll give you an example of an auto claim involving a high-profile lawsuit where the celebrity sued did not have an umbrella policy. We’ll also discuss auto policy racing exclusions and their role in how a customer might choose between the auto policies of different insurers.

InsuranceCommentary.com and the author of seven books, including “When Words Collide…Resolving Insurance Coverage and Claims Disputes.” He can be reached at Bill@InsuranceCommentary.com.

An audio version of this article is also available as a podcast

|

LIVE CE WEBINAR Learn how to educate your personal lines insureds on the impact of inflation on their insurance rates and coverage.

INFLATION & PERSONAL LINES FEB. 27 1 - 4 PM

CE

PA/DE: 3 GEN MD: 3 PC

IA&B Members: $75 (save $30!)

Non-Members: $105

Register today.

Bill Wilson, CPCU, ARM, AIM, AAM is the founder and CEO of

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IABforME.com 800-998-9644, option 1

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NEWS & NOTES

INSIGHTS ON PCRB WORKERS’ COMP DATA, FILING

ACORD 95 MD REVISED

IA&B staff in December attended an annual meeting with the Pennsylvania Compensation Rating Bureau (PCRB), during which the PCRB provided an overview of the data used to support its loss cost filings submitted to the Insurance Department. The PCRB filed an overall average change of -7.88% effective on April 1, 2024.

The data analyzed boils down to the interaction between frequency and severity of claims and the resulting trends that emerge. As in prior years, the increases in severity are more than offset by a continuing decline in frequency.

Of note: ▲ Most of the year’s change is driven by the fact that the year 2018 is now dropping from the sliding 3-year period analyzed. 2018 was particularly heavy in large losses.

▲ The new law makes EUIM an opt-out coverage for new auto policies. EUIM coverage remains an opt-in for policy renewals. ▲ Companies using their own forms will need to submit their filings by March 1, 2024. ▲ Agencies will need to adjust their processes and signature forms for new business issued on or after July 1, 2024.

During the 2023 legislative session, IA&B, alongside the Maryland Insurance Administration, lobbied against the passage of HB 128. We did not fully defeat the measure, but we did secure two amendments that limit its scope:

▲ While the data used is from policy years 2019 to 2021, approximately 1,400 COVID-19 claims totaling $14M were altogether excluded from the calculations to avoid skewing trends with one-time disruptions.

Longer-term disruptions caused by the pandemic (such as the increase in hybrid/remote work) are expected but should be naturally embedded and reflected in future rates. The changes will become effective on April 1, 2024. ▲ The employer assessment is slightly reduced.

The ACORD 95 Enhanced Underinsured Motorist (EUIM) form has been revised to account for Maryland House Bill 128, adopted in 2023.

▲ Its applicability to new business only: Policy renewals are unaffected. ▲ Its limited shelf life: The requirement will sunset on June 30, 2029, at which point, barring new legislation, EUIM will revert to being an opt-in coverage.

ACORD’s write-up on the revised form: ACORD 95 MD (2024/07) MARYLAND MANDATORY OFFER OF ENHANCED UNDERINSURED MOTORIST (“EUIM”) COVERAGE AND OPTION SELECTION FORM This is a revised form based on new legislation that essentially changes EUIM coverage. EUIM coverage will be subject to an opt out as opposed to an opt in. The form that has been released is a Department form. ACORD has filed this form and received approval. While this is not a new form, we recommend that because of the number of changes, this form should be treated like a new form.

This form should be used with each new policy of private passenger motor vehicle insurance issued sold or delivered in Maryland on or after July 1st 2024.

(A “redline” is available and can be provided to a member on request.)

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FEBRUARY 2024

PA, DE FAIR PLAN GROWING IN HARD MARKET The home insurance markets of last resort in Pennsylvania and Delaware are seeing the effect of the hard market.

Between September 2022 and September 2023, the Plans saw an increase of 50% in Pennsylvania and 80% in Delaware.

For those agents/policyholders who have nowhere to go and cannot find a reasonable alternative, remember that you can use the FAIR Plan as a last option. No certification is required for licensed agents, but it is important to keep in mind that certain eligibility requirements still apply and that liability coverage is not included in the policy.

The commission rate is 10% for both new and renewal business.

As reminders, products include:

DWELLING FIRE ▲ Dwelling Property Basic Policy DP0001FPPA (modeled after ISO Basic Form) ▲ Dwelling Property Broad Policy DP0002FPPA (modeled after ISO Broad Form)

BIG “I” LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE IA&B members in Pennsylvania and Delaware: Save the date to join IA&B for the Big “I” Legislative Conference coming to Washington, D.C. on April 10-12. The annual event brings together approximately 1,000 independent agents from across the country to talk with lawmakers about issues important to them and their clients.

IA&B pays for member agents’ registration fee and hotel room. Watch Agent Headlines e-newsletter for sign-up information in the weeks ahead.

Questions? Contact IA&B Government Affairs Director John Savant at JohnS@IABforME.com or 717-918-9214.

RECORDED WEBINAR: PA EXPERIENCE RATING METHODOLOGY CHANGES As a reminder, the Pennsylvania Compensation Rating Bureau is making substantive updates to its experience rating methodology effective April 1, 2024. To help you prepare, IA&B hosted and Travelers presented a webinar about the changes in December.

▲ Extended Coverage and Vandalism & Malicious Mischief Coverage may be added ▲ Residential Crime Insurance Endorsement

COMMERCIAL FIRE ▲ Standard Property Policy CP-0099 For more information, contact the FAIR Plan at 215-6298800, or visit pafairplan.com or defairplan.com.

If you missed the presentation, follow the directions below to access it. There is no charge to members. ▲ Go to our Education & Event list at IABforME.com/eventregistrations ▲ In the search, type in the event title: PA Experience Rating Plan Changes 2024 ▲ Click on the OnDemand course and register. ▲ After you register, you will receive an email with information about how to access it.

IABforME.com |

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Q&A with

BRENDALISSE RIVERA, JD, CIC, CRM, CISR Brendalisse Rivera, JD, CIC, CRM, CISR is a commercial account executive with Gunn-Mowery, a full-service independent agency located in Lemoyne, PA. She is also the recipient of Pennsylvania’s 2023 Outstanding CSR of the Year.

Q. You earned your law degree in Puerto Rico before entering the insurance industry. Tell us about your career path and how it brought you to Central Pennsylvania!

A. I passed the bar exam in 2005, but rather than working at a law firm, I joined the team at Marsh Saldaña in Puerto Rico. At first, I thought the job was temporary, but I was hooked when I began my career as a Client Executive at Marsh’s Financial Lines Department, a highly specialized sector within the insurance field that requires legal experience. In this role, I was responsible for all aspects of analysis and placement of management and professional liability programs, including strategic planning, risk analysis, coverage analysis, and program design. A few years later, I was promoted to Vice President and Financial Client Advisor, servicing many of Marsh’s Puerto Ricobased risk management large and middle market clients. In 2017, my husband and I decided to relocate to the United States to continue our professional growth and to provide our four-year-old daughter with the best opportunities possible – a decision we do not regret. I joined the Gunn Mowery family in 2017 and have accomplished a lot of my dreams and goals. Everything has been worth it!

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Q. What does your typical workday look like currently?

A. Every day is different, for sure. There are days when I spend most of my time evaluating what risks need to go to the market and gathering the necessary information I will need to present to underwriters. This may involve speaking to clients directly. Once I have the relevant information, I send everything to our underwriters to negotiate terms and conditions and get final quotes. I am one of those insurance agents who likes to put together complete proposals for the insureds and to take the time to discuss everything further.

Q. What’s your favorite part of your job?

A. Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients. As an insurance agent, we are always helping to identify the needs of our clients and providing effective solutions in their best interests, and this process involves building a relationship of trust. Communication, integrity, and transparency let clients know we are reliable and trustworthy.

FEBRUARY 2024

ON THE COVER Q. You’ve received numerous accolades for your work – from the Caribbean Business 40 Under 40 list to the Pennsylvania Outstanding CSR of the Year Award. What motivates you to succeed?

A. The short answer to this question would be my family. They are my biggest source of inspiration and my strongest supporters as well. My parents worked very hard to provide a stable foundation for my life and future, so I am happy to see them proud of everything I’ve accomplished so far. They taught me self-discipline, to never give up my morals and ethics, to set goals and work hard toward them, and to always be kind and grateful, just to mention a few. I am blessed to be their daughter.

And then, my husband and daughter … they are my cheerleaders! They are the ones who always drive me to try my hardest and reach for the stars. I want to show my daughter that if you put your mind to something, you can conquer it. We just need to believe and work hard!

EDUCATION

ADVOCACY

RESOURCES

8 G R E AT M E M B E R B E N E F I T S 1) Legal & Compliance Resources 2) Classes & Online Training 3) Marketing, Branding & Websites 4) Political Advocacy 5) HR & Hiring Solutions 6) Insurance for Your Agency 7 ) Industry News 8) Market Access & Carrier Relations

Q. What advice would you give to someone just beginning her career as an independent insurance agent?

A. My advice would be to invest in and commit to continuous education to start building expertise.

Insurance is continuously evolving, and as insurance agents, we need to stay up to date on all current insurance practices, coverages, and terms to assess our clients’ exposures and act as an advisor in providing the correct insurance solutions. In my opinion, the key to success in life is to never stop learning and growing.

QUESTIONS? CONTACT TIM WONDER, IA&B VP-MEMBERSHIP 717-918-9223 | TIMW@IABforME.COM

Q. When you’re not working, how do you spend your time?

A. I love to spend time with my family and loved ones.

Life is short, so I truly believe that life is all about spending time and creating great memories with the people who make you laugh and feel loved. And good wine, delicious food, and music are always a good idea!

Presentation of the Pennsylvania 2023 Outstanding CSR of the Year Award (l to r): Gunn-Mowery VP & Chief Administrative Officer Janice Bolton; Gunn-Mowery VP & Commercial Service Manager Lisa Wilson; IA&B President & CEO Jason Ernest; Gunn-Mowery Commercial Account Executive Brendalisse Rivera; IA&B Education Senior Director Jessica McWilliams; and Gunn-Mowery President & CEO Greg Gunn IABforME.com |

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FEBRUARY 2024

COMMISSIONER HUMPHREYS

INTERVIEW WITH Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner

MICHAEL HUMPHREYS Michael Humphreys came to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) in 2019 to serve as chief of staff under then-Commissioner Jessica Altman. In February 2022, Humphreys was named Acting Insurance Commissioner. The Pennsylvania State Senate unanimously confirmed him in June 2023.

Humphreys and his staff at PID have been generous with their time and open to dialogue with IA&B and our members, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship.

The Commissioner spent time with IA&B members at the 2023 Big “I” National Legislative Conference. (l to r) Sarah Brown, Keller-Brown Insurance Services; Kate Dawson, Ferri Dawson Insurance Group; Shayne McIntosh, JPI Insurance Associates; Michael Humphreys, Pennsylvania Insurance Department

Continued on next page

IABforME.com |

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Q. You come to Pennsylvania by way of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. What brought you to Harrisburg? And how does the insurance market compare between Pennsylvania and Tennessee?

A. I’m a native western New Yorker, so Pennsylvania is much closer to home than Tennessee. Pennsylvania is the sixth largest U.S. insurance market with more than double the premium volume of Tennessee, which ranks 17th.

Pennsylvania has more competition among the largest insurers in the P&C market, where Tennessee has a few dominant players. On the health side, Pennsylvania has three Blues companies and three hospital-insurer systems where Tennessee had one Blue and did not have significant hospital-insurer system participation.

Q. Your office worked closely with Pennie to launch the state-based health insurance exchange in 2020. Tell us about the evolution of the Commonwealth’s health insurance marketplace and the role for independent insurance producers in it.

A. Pennie was a significant bipartisan achievement that continues to help nearly 400K Pennsylvanians connect to high-quality comprehensive health insurance coverage.

We have seen health insurers join the Pennsylvania market and/or expand their footprints across Pennsylvania every year as the market has stabilized. Pennie, and our reinsurance program that was enacted with the Pennie authorizing statute, have contributed to a market that is seeing rate increases in the low single-digits, on average, over the last few years and Pennsylvania experiencing its lowest-ever uninsured rate. Insurance producers engage in Pennie operations, and producer feedback is shared with Board Members when we consider operational improvements and efficiencies.

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Q. As the total flood market grows, the percentage written by private insurers (as opposed to the NFIP) is increasing even more rapidly. What trends are you seeing in Pennsylvania and beyond?

A. We are seeing private flood insurance numbers grow.

The number of private residences covered by non-NFIP flood insurance has grown from approximately 1,500 in 2016 to almost 16,000 in 2023 – but there remain far too many properties uninsured for flood in the Commonwealth. In fact, while there are approximately 3.1 million insured homes in Pennsylvania, only a little over 50,000 of those homes are insured for flood damage (NFIP and private insurance combined). Closing this coverage gap is a challenge that will take significant public-private collaboration as there is more that each of us can do to elevate public awareness of flood coverage. I’m currently chairing a new Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force that will deliver a report to the Pennsylvania General Assembly later this year on flood coverage costs, mitigation, and awareness that I hope advances the conversation about how to better protect Pennsylvanians.

Q. The P&C market has been hardening for several months. Agents are on the frontline and seeing significant premium and deductible increases, policy cancellations, and refusals to write. What is PID’s perspective, and what actions can the Department take to foster continued market availability while protecting consumer rights?

A. PID has always sought to be fair in evaluating insurer policy and rate requests. We have one of the best P&C actuarial teams in the country, and I expect that team to require justification for rate increases, scrutinize claims histories and forecasts, and ultimately approve a rate that is fair for the policyholder and the insurance company. We recognize that a competitive market best serves Pennsylvanians in terms of providing choice of coverage, price, and insurance company, and we seek to be both responsive and proactive in our approach to market conditions.

FEBRUARY 2024

Q. What are your priorities during your tenure as Insurance Commissioner?

A. We’re going to raise awareness of the Insurance Department and the services that we provide Pennsylvanians, often in their greatest times of need. Too many individuals don’t know we exist. We are getting out into communities more to meet Pennsylvanians where they are and to hear their stories. Gov. Josh Shapiro has also made mental health and substance use disorder treatment parity a priority – and PID is in full support of that vision to make mental health parity a true reality for Pennsylvanians. We are also building our presence in college and university classrooms where we are developing future insurance leaders through our NextGen program.

We’re working to make sure that people know that when they need help with an insurance policy or claim, the Insurance Department can assist them.

Now part of Harford Mutual Insurance Group, Clearpath Specialty provides specialized Workers’ Compensation coverage to protect your business.

An audio version of this article is also available as a podcast

IABforME.com |

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Feed Your Success

With a Broad Manufacturing Appetite.

EMC provides tailored protection for the needs of countless types of manufacturers — plus robust loss control, claims and medical management services to help maximize their uptime. And as our agency partner, you can count on a high-performing program that helps your business thrive. Ask us how the EMC Manufacturing Program can feed your success today.

Check us out: emcins.com/manufacturing-insurance

EMC Insurance Companies | Des Moines, IA | 800-447-2295 ©Copyright Employers Mutual Casualty Company 2023. All rights reserved.

PICS & POSTS

PICS & POSTS Facebook.com/IABforME LinkedIn.com/company/IA_and_B Twitter.com/IA_and_B YouTube.com/@IA_and_B

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Thank You

Are you looking for

MARKET ACCESS? Take a look at IMS • A broad mix of standard and niche markets • No initiation or monthly fees • Low to no volume commitments

Thanks to these partners for supporting the independent agent network.

• Standard commission rates • You will be the agency of record on all policies • 100% ownership of expirations

IMSaccess.com Contact Tim Wonder TimW@IABforME.com 800-998-9644, ext. 351

PLATINUM PARTNERS Acuity

“My AgentPAC contribution ensures my voice is heard.

And it’s vital that our issues are represented.”

- Sarah Brown,President & CEO Keller Brown Insurance Services Shrewsbury, PA

Erie Insurance Keystone Millers Mutual Insurance Penn National Insurance

BECOME A PARTNER TODAY Interested in becoming a partner?

Reach out today.

IA&B works on your behalf to ensure that legislators and regulators understand the issues affecting agents.

Contribute today at IABforME.com/political_advocacy

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FEBRUARY 2024

Tim Wonder IA&B VP-Membership 717-918-9223 TimW@IABforME.com

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Kreider Insurance Associates Quarryville, PA William Penn Insurance York, PA For information about membership or benefits, contact: Tim Wonder, VP-Membership 717-918-9223 TimW@IABforME.com

EARN CE WITH IA&B

E D U C AT I O N SCHEDULE FEBRUARY 2024 Register today! 800-998-9644, option 1 IABforME.com/education CLASSROOM DATE TOPIC

LOCATION

Feb 20-21 CIC - Commercial Casualty

Pittsburgh, PA

Feb 28

Hunt Valley, MD

CISR - Commercial Property

TIME 11 AM-12 PM

VISION

LIVE WEBINARS DATE TOPIC Feb 6 Hour w/ Kevin: Using Small Motor Vehicles to Break Things & Hurt People Feb 6

Bots, Crypto, Weed and Other Risks You Never Imagined Insuring (But Here We Are)

1-4 PM

A thriving independent insurance agent community.

Feb 6-8

P&C Licensing

8 AM-5 PM

Feb 7

CISR - Personal Auto

8 AM-3:45 PM

Feb 13

Liar!: An Agent's Role in Identifying & Handling Fraud

1-4 PM

Feb 14

CISR - Life & Health Essentials

8 AM-3:45 PM

Feb 15

Hour w/ Sam: Liability Concerns in the Personal Auto Policy

11 AM-12 PM

Feb 15

Ethical Dilemmas in Insurance & the Responsibilities of Agents 1-4 PM

Feb 20

Marriage, Kids, Money, Assisted Living and Everything Between: Home and Auto Exposures For Life

9 AM-12 PM

Feb 20

Social Security and Medicare: Your Questions Answered

1-4 PM

MISSION STATEMENT To serve as a driving force to champion independent agency success by educating, consulting, advocating, and fostering community in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and beyond.

PRIMARY AGENT Editor: Karen Robison KarenR@IABforME.com 717-918-9209 Contributing editors: Jennifer Ross, Megan Fioretta, Sarah Haas Sales Account Executive: Nick Heller | 609-273-8493 nicholas.heller@theygsgroup.com

Feb 20-21 CIC - Commercial Casualty

8 AM-5 PM

Feb 21

The STORM 2024 Edition: Commercial and Personal Lines Coverage Concerns in the Wake of a Big One

2-3 PM

Feb 22

CISR - Commercial Casualty II

8 AM-3:45 PM

Feb 22

Flood Insurance: What You Need to Know

9 AM-12 PM

Feb 22

The Bad Thing Happened: Handling Commercial Claims & Coverage Disputes

1-4 PM

Feb 27

E&O: Agent Obligations, Procedures, and Operations

9 AM-12 PM

Feb 27

Inflation and Personal Lines: Helping Insureds Understand Why It Matters and What to Do

1-4 PM

Feb 28

CISR - Other Personal Lines Solutions

8 AM-3:45 PM

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