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Nov 12
NYSIF and Producers Meet on Workers’ Comp Improvements

NYSIF logo used under a ​Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license​.​​

Broker compensation, withdrawal notices, and payroll reporting were on the agenda when Big I New York joined in a New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF) meeting with insurance producers.

NYSIF held the November 5 meeting virtually with its producer advisory council. Attending on behalf of Big I New York were:

  • President and CEO Lisa Lounsbury.
  • Assistant Vice-President of Government Relations Travis Wattie.
  • Doug Benz of New Buffalo Insurance Agency and a member of the Big I New York board.
  • John Costello of USI Insurance Services in Rochester and past chair of the boards of Big I New York and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America.
  • Chris McEvily of Keevily, Spero, Whitelaw in Harrison, a manager of several NYSIF safety groups.

Big I New York representatives addressed several concerns and operational issues to help producers better serve clients:

30-Day Withdrawal Notices: State law requires an employer wishing to withdraw from NYSIF to provide 30 days' advance notice. Big I New York argued that this requirement can prevent clients from securing better coverage. It can also confuse certificate holders. Lisa Lounsbury emphasized that the rule creates an uneven playing field for private Workers' Compensation carriers. It also often blocks businesses from obtaining coverage that better fits their needs. Members said delays in receiving competing quotes and confusion resulting from early withdrawal notices make the requirement impractical.

NYSIF maintained that the requirement helps them retain lower-risk clients to offset higher-risk policies. However, they agreed to explore clearer communication about the requirement. They also promised to distinguish between a potential cancellation and an actual cancellation in messages to certificate holders.

Compensation: Compensation remains a key concern, with producers urging NYSIF to recognize their value as partners. NYSIF reiterated that its mission is to provide coverage to New York employers at the lowest possible cost, noting that paying commissions could increase rates. Lounsbury emphasized, however, that offering commissions would benefit consumers, agents, and NYSIF alike by fostering greater competition and improving service.

Payroll Reporting: Several members expressed frustration with their inability to adjust payroll estimates after the initial submission to NYSIF. This issue is particularly challenging for new businesses. These firms often need to revise estimates as they gain a clearer understanding of their anticipated operations. Members emphasized that allowing early adjustments would improve payroll accuracy and reduce the likelihood of large refunds or shortfalls during audits.

NYSIF explained that they designed the current system to discourage customers from submitting multiple applications through different brokers. However, they acknowledged the concern and agreed that using accurate estimates from the outset benefits all parties. They committed to exploring potential solutions.

NYSIF Updates: NYSIF shared that, with 90% of NYSIF policies written for small employers, producers continue to play a vital role in helping businesses access affordable Workers' Compensation coverage. They highlighted several programs, including:

They reported that more than 600 brokers are using IVANS after NYSIF contracted with the tracking platform.

NYSIF reaffirmed its commitment to collaboration and transparency. Both sides agreed to continue the dialogue, with a larger in-person broker event planned for spring 2026.

Nov 11
Big I NY Represents You At Important Industry Meeting

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Big I New York and Big I Connecticut recently represented you at an important event that you might not know about – the Mid-America Insurance Conference.

Since 1934, the MAIC has annually brought together:

  • Agents
  • National and state Big I staff
  • Carriers
  • Insurance Services Office (ISO)
  • International Risk Management Institute (IRMI)
  • Consultants
  • National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI)
  • ACORD

Over the course of two days each November, participants discuss suggested additions and changes to ISO's, NCCI's, and ACORD's products. The agenda for the 2025 conference, held November 5 through 7 in Kansas City, Missouri, included 112 items from the current and previous years described in 228 pages.

Participants represent states that are members of the conference. Most member states are in the Midwest (hence the conference name.) However, they reach as far east as New York and Pennsylvania and as far west as Arizona and Wyoming. This year's event drew 38 participants in person and one virtually from NCCI.

The work done at this conference produces new and improved insurance products that better protect your clients. Some examples​:

  • ISO Personal Auto endorsement PP 43 34 01 23, Delivery Network Driver Coverage, proposed by New York in 2018 and 2021, provides coverage for individuals who drive for app-based delivery services such as Uber Eats, GrubHub, and Instacart.
  • ISO Personal Auto endorsement PP 43 32 01 23, Transportation Network Driver Physical Damage Deductible Coverage, proposed by New York in 2017, covers the difference between the insured's physical damage deductible and the deductible provided by the transportation network company (such as Uber or Lyft) for whom the insured is driving.
  • ISO Commercial General Liability endorsement CG 20 42 12 19, Additional Insured—Automatic Status for Designated Operations, proposed by New York in 2018, provides automatic additional insured status to persons or organizations for which the named insured is performing certain operations described in the endorsement schedule. For example, if a building owner requires someone making deliveries to the building to cover them as an additional insured, this endorsement would automatically provide the coverage.
  • ISO Commercial General Liability endorsement CG 20 44 12 19, Additional Insured—Vendors—Automatic Status When Required in Agreement, proposed by New York in 2016, provides additional insured status to a vendor of the named insured's product automatically whenever a contract requires the named insured to provide it.
  • ISO Homeowners endorsement HO 06 69 03 22, Utility Line Expense Coverage, proposed by New York in 2016, covers damage to underground utility lines running underneath the named insured's property, along with related expenses.
  • ISO Commercial General Liability endorsement CG 20 39 12 19, Additional Insured—Owners, Lessees or Contractors—Automatic Status When Required in Written Construction Agreement with You (Completed Operations), proposed by New York in 2015, provides automatic additional insured status regarding completed operations liability for anyone if the named insured has a contract requiring them to provide the coverage. This covers so-called “upstream" parties who are not direct parties to the contract.

Action on MAIC agenda items is not always fast. The oldest item on the 2025 agenda was first proposed in 2011. New York proposed four new items for ISO this year and one for ACORD and had eight unresolved items from prior years. Most New York agenda items came from research inquiries from Big I New York and Big I Connecticut members.

We urge you to tell us about product improvements you would like to see, either because you see coverage gaps or have actually had uninsured claims. Email your suggestions to Tim Dodge. Also, agents from member states are encouraged to attend the 2026 conference in Kansas City November 4 through 6.

Visit https://matcinsurance.com to learn more about this important event and how you can contribute.

Nov 10
So… Why Join NextGen NY? Short Answer: Opportunity, Community & Fun

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If you’re a young insurance professional in New York who is ambitious, curious, and eager to make your mark, there’s a place built just for you. It’s called NextGen NY, and it’s where your professional journey takes off.

At the Big I NY Local Leaders Summit this September, Ashley Engl, NextGen NY State Chair and Northeast repre​​sentative on the National Young Agents Committee, shared what’s next for the program and how you can get involved.

“NextGen is about creating opportunities for younger professionals to connect, grow, and lead,” Ashley said. “We’re building off local associations, expanding statewide, and making sure every agent has a way to plug in.”


Why NextGen NY?

NextGen NY exists to support, connect, and elevate early-career insurance professionals across the state. Whether you’re under 40 or simply looking to expand your professional community, NextGen offers:

  • Professional development designed for your career stage

  • Networking opportunities with peers and mentors who understand your path

  • Leadership experiences that prepare you for the next level

  • Community service projects that give back while building meaningful connections

From virtual meetups to in-person gatherings, every NextGen activity is designed to strengthen your confidence, expand your network, and grow your impact within the industry.


Connection Starts Here

One of the biggest successes of NextGen NY has been the annual virtual Coffee Chat in January, a fun and relaxed way to meet others across the state, share ideas, and set goals for the year ahead.

“It’s an easy entry point,” Ashley said. “You don’t have to travel, and you get to connect with people who are as excited about this industry as you are.”

Each region has its own NextGen chapter, so whether you’re in Buffalo, Syracuse, or Long Island, you’re never far from a NextGen member or event.


Doing Good, Together

Beyond networking and professional development, NextGen NY is about making a difference. Local and statewide chapters work together on charitable initiatives that blend service with social connection:

  • October Month of Giving, supporting animal shelters and adoption centers across New York

  • Community service partnerships, such as Beds for Buffalo, where members build beds for children in need

  • National Give Movement, contributing to the Bobby Salmon Relief Fund to support agents affected by disasters

These efforts strengthen communities, build friendships, and remind members how rewarding it is to be part of an industry that cares.


Take the Next Step

Ready to get involved? Here’s how to jump in:

  1. Attend the NextGen Meetup at the Big I New York event, Go Big. It’s the perfect place to connect and get inspired.

  2. Find your local NextGen NY crew and join their meetups, service projects, and leadership opportunities.

  3. Participate in the January Coffee Chat, a statewide favorite that kicks off each year with new ideas and connections.

  4. Reach out to Ashley Engl with your interest or the names of potential members who would like to get involved.

  5. Follow and engage on social media. Share your chapter’s events, tag your teammates, and help grow the NextGen community online.

“We want new voices and new faces,” Ashley said. “This is your chance to get involved, to lead, and to help shape what the future of Big I New York looks like.”


Your Future Starts with NextGen

NextGen NY isn’t just a group; it is a movement of young professionals who are determined to grow their careers, make meaningful connections, and give back along the way.

You’ll find mentors, friends, and experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll also gain a front-row seat to how exciting and fulfilling this industry can be when you are part of something bigger.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to get more involved in Big I New York, this is it.

Join NextGen NY today.
Find your community. Build your network. Shape your future.​​


Nov 03
NYS Work Comp Assessment To Fall To 7.0%

​The New York State Workers' Compensation Board has announced that the mandatory assessment rate for 2026 will be 7.0%. This represents a slight decrease from the current level of 7.1%. 

The assessment, required by the state Workers' Compensation Law​, pays for the board's administrative expenses. It applies to Workers' Comp insurance standard premium or "premium equivalent" (for self-insured employers.)

The new rate applies to all policies effective on and after Jan. 1, 2026. 

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