"Our report to the Governor said the auto insurance market is in crisis," Lou Fey, PIA President and Chairman of the Louisiana Property & Casualty Insurance Commission, said. "It's not like it's not noticed by anybody. We also know what would fix it, but it's getting the legislature to do that."

Fey said currently, Louisiana is the second most expensive state for auto insurance in the nation. Michigan is number one.

"You've got technology making cars safer, and accident avoidance systems, lane assist, all those kind of things," Fey said. "You should see rates going down, but we are seeing them going up due to distracted driving."

Fey believes rates are going up due to distracted driving and the need for tort reform in Louisiana. According to statistics from the National Highway Safety Commission, there were 3,331 deaths across the nation last year due to distracted driving. It's why professionals are proposing a bill in the legislature that would make it illegal to hold your phone in your car unless you're using hands-free technology.

"It bans the handheld manipulation of portable electronic devices while the car is in motion by the driver," Fey said. "In other words, put the cell phone down."

To view the interview in its entirety, click here.

Whether you're searching for someone to hire now or not, you know having good talent is important and you'll want to attend the ULM Risk & Insurance Talent Search (RITS) on the Road. Dr. Christine Berry, Associate Professor of Risk Management and Insurance, is bringing her students to New Orleans! This morning program has been jointly planned by PIA, IIABL and LSLA with you in mind! It will give you an opportunity to meet and mingle with these young, impressive insurance students and learn about the different internship opportunities available to agents and insurance organizations around the state.

IMPORTANT NOTE — just because the students study in Monroe does not mean they are not open to living and working anywhere in the state. By registering for this event, you also are supporting our efforts to encourage young people to choose insurance as their career and these programs help raise funds to pay for living expenses for an intern to work in different locations. It's truly an incredible program that you have to witness first-hand, so please make plans TODAY to join us on March 21 at the Bourbon Orleans in New Orleans.

The RITS on the Road is being held in conjunction with the LSLA Convention. Registration is open for the RITS program and LSLA is offering special registration rates for retail agents for their Wednesday program and the evening reception for the full convention.

Take this opportunity to come and meet some incredible young professionals that will be joining our profession! One of these students could be your next new hire! Resumé book is included.

For more details on this program and/or to register, click here.

With the signing of the budget deal by President Donald Trump, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has been reauthorized until March 23. The NFIP has been reauthorized through stopgap measures since September. This is the fifth such stopgap extension and the second time the program has lapsed since Sept. 30.

"While it is disappointing that the NFIP lapsed again, though this time only for a few overnight hours, we're pleased with the extension to March 23," said PIA National Vice President of Government Relations Jon Gentile in a statement. "Congress must use the time between now and then to move away from short-term measures and provide a long-term reauthorization of this program."

The NFIP originally expired on September 30, 2017, after its 5-year authorization ended. It was then extended until December 8th, then again until December 22nd, then extended again until January 19, and again until February 8.

"The NFIP is a program that requires certainty. It is also in great need of reforms. PIA will continue our advocacy for a long-term reauthorization of the program that recognizes the essential role independent agents play in providing expert advice to consumers," Gentile said.

Insurance Journal's Andrea Wells sat down with Keith Savino, President-elect of PIA National and managing partner of at Broadfield Insurance Group, to talk about the challenges facing the independent agency system and how independent agencies are leveraging technology. To view video, click here.

Let's face it, we're all inundated with so much information that it's hard to catch everything. Take your PIA member benefits for instance. PIA probably has a number of programs (and upcoming programs) in place that you may not be aware of. These programs can help you build new business, insure your agency, save money or better manage your agency.

Find out what member benefits are available by downloading the 2018 PIA National Guide to Member Benefits.

For your convenience, a pull-out copy of the Guide to Member Benefits was inserted into the center of the January issue of PIA Connection.

Start taking advantage of your PIA member benefits today!

Featured PIA Membership Benefits....

PIA Services Group Insurance Fund (PIA Trust)