Missing Our Regular Chapter Meetings?
While some of our chapters have suspended regular meetings, many have started back
meeting again. We've heard some folks say they're not getting the meeting notices,
so we want to make sure you know how to find out about these meetings. Most of the
marketing is now coming directly from the chapters, so if you're not getting those,
please be sure to let us know so we can make sure you're on the email list. Also,
we do include the schedule in this e-newsletter, The Agent's Link, so be sure to
scroll to the bottom each time to see our upcoming events. And lastly, you can always
check out our Calendar of Events on our website at
www.piaoflouisiana.com. You'll see
a spotlight on those events coming up, but you can also view the entire calendar by
month and even sort by chapters, YIPs, etc. If we have the details on the events,
you'll see a link that takes you right to that and the registration form. If not,
it will be just a "mark your calendar" note.
Check In After Storm
We know everyone is watching very closely the latest disturbance that is projected
to become Hurricane Ida and it looks like it is heading our way. We ask that you
be sure to check in with us following the storm if you need any assistance! If for
some reason, such as a power outage to our PIA office, you're not able to reach us,
please contact Jody on her cell at 225-939-0653. We also invite you to check in and
let us know you're safe on our
PIA of Louisiana Peers Facebook Group Page following
any storm activity. If you're not a member, be sure to join. This Group Page is for
PIA members only and sometimes is the fastest way we can communicate with our members.
Be sure to follow
here.
PIA Expresses Concerns About FEMA's
Implementation of Risk Rating 2.0
PIA continues to register concerns with the implementation of forthcoming changes to
flood insurance rate calculations for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies.
PIA strongly supports the new methodology, known as Risk Rating 2.0 (RR 2.0), because
it will help the NFIP move more quickly to the use of actuarially sound rates commensurate
with the level of flood risk posed to individual properties.
The rating engine driving the new
RR 2.0 pricing methodology was scheduled to come online
for quoting and policy issuance for all new and some renewing policies on Monday, August 16.
NFIP carriers, known as Write-Your-Owns (WYOs), and their agents expected to gain access to
the system beginning on that date, but many agents were frustrated and surprised to find they
had no more access to the rating engine last week than they'd had before.
"We have been disappointed throughout the rollout by the lack of agent-specific information and
education coming from the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (FIMA), which oversees
the NFIP," said Lauren G. Pachman, Esq., counsel and director of regulatory affairs for PIA
National. "FIMA's agent-specific training sessions, for example, have not provided the depth or
breadth of information we had hoped for."
Last week, PIA sent a
letter to David Maurstad, the Deputy Associate Administrator of FIMA,
expressing our concerns about its haphazard dissemination of information about RR 2.0 to agents
and policyholders thus far and suggesting topics and formats that would better meet the needs of
agents and policyholders going forward. PIA is continuing to work with FIMA to improve the rollout
of Risk Rating 2.0 for the benefit of our members and the consumers they serve.
READ: Risk Rating 2.0 Implementation Proceeding in Fits and Starts
PIA National Has a New Website! Have You Seen It?
If not, we suggest that you be sure to check it out. At this year's convention, PIA
National Director Al Pappalardo had Puerto Rico's National Director Ariel Rivera join
him in giving a quick tour of the new website as they focused on a few new member
benefits as well. If you missed that, we invite you to take a look now by going to
https://www.pianational.org.
Join PIA for a Virtual Coffee Break
Networking is always one of PIA's top member benefits that members talk about, so we
want to make sure you know about another way you can network with agents around the
country. Research shows it's great to build in breaks into your day while working.
On the fourth Tuesday of the month, PIA hosts an informal, virtual coffee break for
PIA members. This meetup is the perfect chance for you to connect with other independent
insurance agents to discuss your goals, pressing issues, questions, frustrations, and
seek advice. So next fourth Tuesday of the month, stop whatever you're doing, make yourself
a fresh cup of coffee or tea, and hop onto our video call to meet other PIA members
across the country for PIA's monthly coffee break.
Register here!
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