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Big I NY, Other Producer Associations Call for Reg 79 Suspension, CE and License Renewal Grace Period During COVID-19 Pandemic

Today, Big I NY, along with other industry trade groups, ​ sent a letter to DFS Superintendent Linda Lacewell urging the department to take critical steps to protect policyholders. Together, we call on the DFS to protect consumers’ ability to obtain comprehensive and collision insurance by suspending the photo inspection requirement in Regulation 79. With current staffing limitations, and social distancing directives, customers are unable to travel to inspection locations. Furthermore, we call on the DFS to implement a grace period for CE and license renewal requirements for the duration of the current State of Emergency. Insurance agents and brokers face increased difficulty in obtaining the required continuing…

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Big I New York Calls On Governor Cuomo To Declare Insurance Services “Essential”

​March 19, 2020 - Today, Lisa Lounsbury, Big I New York President and CEO, asked the Empire State Development Corporation to declare that insurance agencies and brokerages do provide essential services to the public in response to an executive order mandating businesses decrease their in-office workforce by 75 percent by 8 p.m. Friday, March 20.  This follows the Governor's directive yesterday that all businesses and not-for-profit entities in the state shall implement, to the maximum extent possible, any telecommuting or work from home procedures that they can safely utilize. Any essential business or entity providing essential services or functions shall not be subject to the in-person…

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On Our Mind: Keep Calm & CE On

​​​​​​​By Jim Lombardo, CPCU, AAI, AIM, MBA, AVP of Learning & Development​ Well, I tried really hard to find an amusing anecdote to share, a non-offensive joke to tell or a brilliant quote from a wise leader to impart, but nothing seemed quite right. So I will say two things: 1) Please take this time to be safe, spend time with your family, offer a calming voice to those younger than you and just simply be nice to others.. 2) Below is a list of upcoming webinars  you and your staff can work on CR requirements while you are home…  ​NYAIP Certification Program​ Insuring Condominium and Homeowner's…

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