INSIDE Farmers Insurance Data Breach: Over a Million Impacted » 6 The Workplace & Job Hunting » 15 The Nation’s Senior Speed Junkies: Should We Worry? » 26
October 2025 | Published Monthly
We speak human, not fine print. We believe insurance should sound like a conversation, not a contract. So, we skip the jargon and meet you where you are—with tools, insights, and people who know your customers’ industries inside and out, from manufacturers and contractors to breweries and wineries. That’s how partnerships work. And that’s how we work. Because at EMC, we’re all about Keeping insurance human® Let’s get to know each other at emcinsurance.com
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Did you know that PIA’s company council, The PIA Partnership, has conducted nationwide research about the insurance buying preferences of small business owners? The research is encouraging because it found that small business owners strongly prefer independent insurance agents as they make choices in today’s online world. However, the results also serve as a wake-up call that agents must take steps to continue to demonstrate their value and also be more engaged online. PIA and the companies belonging to The PIA Partnership have created a public website that helps agents understand PIA’s findings. PIA members also have access to a private website containing a series of strategies and tools to help them stay ahead of online competition in commercial lines. To access the newest PIA Partnership project, Small Business Insurance & The Internet — The Voice of the Commercial Lines Customer. If you are not a PIA member and want to access all of the tools available through this program, contact us for a membership application or visit us online at www.pianational.org/header-utility-items/join/Join-PIA.
National Association of Professional Insurance Agents 400 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2353 www.pianet.com | membership@pianet.org | (703) 836-9340
Farmers Insurance Data Breach: Over a Million Impacted | 6 Farmers Insurance said its recently disclosed data breach has affected 1,111,386 of its customers. The hack was discovered by one of the company’s third-party providers. State Farm’s Homeowners Rate Increase, the California Legislature & a California Court | 7 The California Assembly wants the California Department of Insurance to pause State Farm’s rate increase and do a market conduct examination to be completed before any rate increases can be granted. Employers Wanting More Leadership on Risk from Brokers | 8 Zywave’s 2025 Broker Services Survey has been released and it offers some surprises. UFOs and Insurance: Some Out of this World Fun | 10 As we all know, if someone has enough money and desire, they can get anything insured, or any kind of insurance for themselves. That includes UFO alien abduction coverage. Aon: It’s a Soft Commercial Market but will it Last? | 11 After looking at the numbers from Aon’s Q2 2025 Global Insurance Market Insights report, Aon’s Commercial Risk CEO Joe Peiser said the commercial insurance market is currently in a “soft” cycle.
U.S. The survey found in most countries being sick a day or so isn’t that big of a deal. The Workplace & Job Hunting | 15 LinkedIn did a study on careers and jobs. It found 46% of U.S. workers are on the job far from where they grew up. Investing in Insurance: Stocks Sky High | 18 In the last 12 months insurance stock prices have risen 22%. It’s way better than what the S&P 500 has done in the same time frame. The Nation’s Senior Speed Junkies: Should We Worry? | 26 As the nation’s baby boomers have grown older, the number of drivers considered to be “seniors” has grown significantly over the last couple of decades.
PIA NE IA EVENTS Upcoming Events Calendar 2025 | 20 Mark Suhr Installed as President of the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents | 22
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A Bill to — again — limit Federal Interference into Insurance Regulation | 12 The Business of Insurance Regulatory Reform Act was introduced in Congress again this month. A Survey: Workers & Sick Leave | 13 The workforce management company, Team Software took a long look at sick leave in the October 2025 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 4
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FARMERS INSURANCE DATA BREACH: Over a Million Impacted Farmers Insurance said its recently disclosed data breach has affected 1,111,386 of its customers. The hack was discovered by one of the company’s third-party providers. Stolen data includes customer names, addresses, dates of birth and last four digits of Social Security numbers. The company issued a statement on its website and said the provider noticed unauthorized access to a database in May. "On May 30, 2025, one of Farmers' third-party vendors alerted Farmers to suspicious activity involving an unauthorized actor accessing one of the vendor's databases containing Farmers customer information,” Farmers said. "The third-party vendor had monitoring tools in place, which allowed the vendor to quickly detect the activity and take appropriate containment measures, including blocking the unauthorized actor. After learning of the activity, Farmers immediately launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the nature and scope of the incident and notified appropriate law enforcement authorities.” The company started notifying individuals of the breach on August 22nd and is offering 24-months of ID protection for free to those impacted by the breach. Source: PropertryCasualty360.com
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TOP STORIES
State Farm’s Homeowners Rate Increase, the California Legislature & a California Court The California Assembly wants the California Department of Insurance to pause State Farm’s rate increase and do a market conduct examination to be completed before any rate increases can be granted. State Farm has asked for a homeowners rate increase of between 15% and 38% depending on the area of risk. The department has given State Farm preliminary approval. In April, the CDI issued State Farm a 17% hike. The CDI says it is investigating the company’s response to claims from the Los Angeles wildfires last year. Consumer groups are accusing State Farm of issuing low-ball offers, slowing down the claims process and denying claims.
“If they receive this second rate hike come October, that'll bring their total rate increases to 33%. And that's simply unacceptable,” Harabedian said. “I don't know anybody whose wages have increased 33% over the last year or even over the last five years, to be perfectly honest with you.” In another matter related to State Farm’s requested increase, Judge Karl Seligman denied a push by CDI and State Farm to have pretrial matters heard in private. The judge also said no to a push to delay the claims practices portion of the lawsuit until the rate issue is resolved. Sources: Insurance Business America and Insurance Business America
Assemblymember John Harabedian wants all this done in 60 days and wants the findings made public. October 2025 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 7
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EMPLOYERS WANTING MORE LEADERSHIP ON RISK FROM BROKERS Zywave’s 2025 Broker Services Survey has been released and it offers some surprises. A high percentage of the 900 employers surveyed say they want their brokers to not just quote rates but to become strategic risk advisors, too. Here’s more from the survey: • 90% are very satisfied or satisfied with their brokers • That same number, however, said there are gaps in risk management and market insights • 94% expect brokers to deliver quality risk management support • Just 50% say they’re getting that support • 98% want updates on conditions • Just 64% say their broker is providing them • Employers want better communication from brokers • 84% want regular updates • 74% call timely, effective service a priority • That’s up from 57% last year • 66% want brokers to act as strategic partners and not just as salespeople • That’s up from 53% in 2024
Patrick Noonan is the vice president of content development at Zywave. He said affordability is a big concern on both the commercial insurance and benefit sides of the broker business. He said employers say they’re struggling to balance a competitive benefits package with rising healthcare costs, keeping employees up-to-date on benefits and staying on top of state and federal laws. Those using commercial insurance say they are challenged by affording adequate coverage, determining how much coverage they need, and understanding the exclusions within a policy. “The responses to this year’s survey suggest that employers are increasingly concerned with affordability,” Noonan said and pointed out that brokers must bring more expertise to bear and help clients navigate risking costs and changes in regulations. Source: Insurance Business America
October 2025 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 8
Technology on the go We’ll be there in your corner with technology that allows you to work anywhere. When you’re on the go, you can bring your crop insurance office along with you using RCIS mobile tools.
Interested in becoming an RCIS agent? go to:
RCIS.com/Agents/Join Us RCIS is a registered trademark of Zurich American Insurance Company. RCIC is an equal opportunity provider. © 2025 Rural Community Insurance Company. All rights reserved.
Our original specialty, Workers’ Comp has long served as the anchor line for our growing suite of commercial products. We distinguish our coverage by providing a host of value-added services before, during, and after a claim.
www.guard.com October 2025 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 9
TOP STORIES
UFOS AND INSURANCE
Some Out of this World Fun
As we all know, if someone has enough money and desire, they can get anything insured, or any kind of insurance for themselves. That includes UFO alien abduction coverage. Proving you’ve been kidnapped by beings from outer space is probably impossible, but there are insurers in inner space willing to accept the premiums. St. Lawrence Agency in Florida is the nation’s premiere seller of UFO abduction coverage. The last tally given is 2019 when the agency had 6,000 of those policies written. Coverage runs about $20 and includes $10 million in coverage that the insurer agrees to pay out over 10 million years. And that leads back to the real problem with this kind of coverage.
PROVE IT. Since St. Lawrence began issuing policies in 1987, it has actually paid out on two claims.
And that leads to the 10 places most likely to have UFO activity, and where one would likely want that kind of coverage. Here’s the list: 1. Sedona, Arizona 2. Pine Bush, New York 3. Area 51/Rachel, Nevada 4. Roswell, New Mexico 5. Stephenville, Texas 6. Kecksburg, Pennsylvania 7. Mount Shasta, California 8. Gulf Breeze, Florida 9. Los Angeles. California 10. Chicago, Illinois at O'Hare Airport We are not sure about the airport in Chicago. Or why UFOs hang around there but they apparently do. Source: PropertyCasualty360.com
October 2025 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 10
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AON
It’s a Soft Commercial Market but will it Last?
After looking at the numbers from Aon’s Q2 2025 Global Insurance Market Insights report, Aon’s Commercial Risk CEO Joe Peiser said the commercial insurance market is currently in a “soft” cycle. Capacity is expanding and prices are falling. However, Peiser predicts it won’t last. Maybe. Expanding the study’s conclusions further, Peiser said supply chain troubles, geopolitical instability, cyber issues, infrastructures that are vulnerable and fragile and climate change could very quickly put a stop to the soft market. “This is not a typical soft market cycle; it’s a soft market under stress,” he said “Large
or surprising loss events, in tandem with geopolitical or financial market volatility, could affect a rapid change in insurer appetite for certain risks.” As if to prove his point, the report said rates are soft on some lines, the casualty, property and cyber lines in the U.S. are showing loss activity. “That means organizations need to think and act strategically — leveraging favorable conditions to strengthen their programs, optimize capital and build resilience for what comes next,” Peiser said. Source: Carrier Management
October 2025 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 11
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A BILL TO — AGAIN — LIMIT FEDERAL INTERFERENCE INTO INSURANCE REGULATION The Business of Insurance Regulatory Reform Act was introduced in Congress again this month. It was originally introduced in January of 2024. The main sponsor is Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina. A companion bill has been reintroduced in the House of Representatives by Republican Rep. Bryan Steil of Wisconsin. The senate bill has been referred to the Senate’s Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. That’s the committee chaired by Scott. Both bills limit the authority of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) over state entities with the authority to actually regulate insurance. Here’s language from the senate bill’s summary. “Specifically, the bureau is prohibited from pursuing enforcement against any person regulated by a state insurance regulator and offers a consumer financial product or service, to the extent that the person is engaged in the business of insurance,” the bill’s conclusion states. “If a person engaged in the business of insurance is regulated by a state insurance regulator but is otherwise subject to the bureau’s enforcement authority, the bureau must construe its authority ‘narrowly.’”
PIA National CEO Mike Skiados praised the efforts of the senator and the representative, and their supporters, and their focus on making sure regulation stays at the state level. “The PIA applauds Senator Tim Scott and Rep. Bryan Steil for their introduction of the Business of Insurance Regulatory Reform Act and their commitment to preserving insurance's state-based regulatory framework,” Skiados told Weekly Industry News. “The McCarranFerguson Act of 1945 delegates the regulation of most insurance issues to the states, where the local expertise has benefited consumers and the industry alike for over a century.” As for the independent agents of the PIA, they don’t need regulated by the CFPB or any federal agency.
October 2025 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 12
TOP STORIES
“PIA and its member agents have long prioritized the consumers. Independent insurance agents are immersed in the communities they serve and excel in providing the highest possible level of coverage and service when the consumer needs it most,” Skiados added. “Thanks to the longstanding and successful state-based regulatory system, consumers are protected and agents have the tools to deliver when disaster strikes.”
A SURVEY Workers & Sick Leave
National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) spokesman, Jimi Grande, agrees and said insurance has been successfully regulated at the state level for over 150 years. “State regulators are accountable to consumers and best know their communities, laws and markets,” Grande said. “Congress tried to make it clear in establishing the CFPB that the states, not the bureau, have authority over the insurance industry. Unfortunately, as is all too common in Washington, the bureau has tried to overstep its limits and expand its powers. The Business of Insurance Regulatory Reform Act will reassert those boundaries and ensure a better system for American consumers.” Along with the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) and the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers (CIAB), PIA National signed onto a letter that NAMIC sent to Congress supporting the bill. It says states have been very effective in keeping consumers safe and insurers in line. This legislation will “create certainty for insurers, agents, and consumers that there will not be duplicative or conflicting consumer protection regulations in the future.” Source: Insurance Journal and PropertyCasualty360.com
The workforce management company, Team Software took a long look at sick leave in the U.S. The survey found in most countries being sick a day or so isn’t that big of a deal. That’s somewhere else. The United States is a different story, and the firm contends in this country being sick a day can be costly. An unidentified Team Software spokesperson defined “costly” as in costing a person their job. Or their health. Or both. • 67% of those surveyed said they worked last year while they were sick • That number — the company found — had to choose between income or well-being "This staggering statistic has real implications for both employee well-being and organizational risk,” the spokesperson said. “In industries where safety and reliability are paramount, this presents a
October 2025 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 13
TOP STORIES
serious exposure — sick or fatigued workers increase the likelihood of costly incidents and claims. Addressing the affordability of sick leave isn’t just a workforce issue, it’s a risk mitigation strategy."
“Money pressure, lack of protections and career anxiety form a three-way vise that often forces employees to push through illness,” the report said. “All of these pressures add up. In the past year, 57% of Americans took two or fewer sick days, regardless of how often they may have needed rest.”
More from the survey:
• 42% of workers in the U.S. faked being physically ill to get time off
So, have sick days cost workers their jobs?
• That time off was needed to avoid burnout and overworking
• 67% of the workers polled say no
• However, 26% worry they could lose their jobs
• 15% of Gen Z workers claim they were fired for taking sick days
• 4% of workers said they weren’t fired but had pressure to quit or be sidelined
• 20% say they’ve developed insomnia because of overworking
• 3% were officially terminated.
• 25% say being overworked has driven them to anxiety and panic attacks
Source: PropertyCasualty360.com
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*PIA National membership, when required, must be current at all times. **Basic Term Life is only available if 100% employer paid and if the employer (if eligible) and 100% of the eligible employees enroll. Dependent Life coverage for Spouse/Domestic Partner is available under Basic Life. No medical underwriting necessary up to guaranteed issue limits The PIA Services Group Insurance Fund is administered by Lockton Affinity, LLC d/b/a Lockton Affinity Insurance Brokers LLC in California #0795478. Coverage is subject to actual policy terms and conditions. Policy benefits are the sole responsibility of the issuing insurance company. Coverage may not be available in all states. Like most insurance policies, insurance policies offered by MetLife and its affiliates contain certain exclusions, exceptions, reductions, limitations, waiting periods and terms for keeping them in force. Please contact your plan administrator, Lockton Affinity, at 1-800-336-4759 for costs and complete details.
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October 2025 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 14
PIA SERVICES GROUP INSURANCE FUND
TOP STORIES
THE WORKPLACE & JOB HUNTING LinkedIn did a study on careers and jobs. It found 46% of U.S. workers are on the job far from where they grew up. Career growth — most said — is the reason for the distance.
job. That adds up to over six million missed workdays. Those injuries also account for 32% of all workers’ compensation claims and associated costs.
“In today’s economy, companies are expanding beyond big-city headquarters to tap into more affordable markets and deep talent pools — and workers are following,” the LinkedIn study found.
The claims costing over $250,000 come from slips, trips and falls, being struck by an object, a motor vehicle accident, over exertion and being caught in, or between a hazard.
The life insurance company, Everly Life did a study on workplace injuries and found 35% of workers get hurt their first year on the
Back to jobs and careers. The LinkedIn study also pointed to the top-10 best places to find a new job.
October 2025 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 15
TOP STORIES
Here’s the list.
1. Grand Rapids, Michigan
Average income: $65,235 Average listing price of homes: $524,195 A booming insurance industry and a growing technology business scene make it the most attractive to job seekers.
2. Boise, Idaho
Average income: $63,685 Average listing price of homes: $819,700 Micron's semiconductor manufacturing is expanding. Top talent is attracted by mountain trails in nearby mountains packed with rivers and outdoor access.
3. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Average income: $64,065 Average listing price of homes: $430,775 A lower cost of living coupled with investments in small businesses and healthcare are attracting retirees.
4. Albany, New York
Average income: $71,970 Average listing price of homes: $604,345 Growing hub for high tech jobs and semiconductor research.
5. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Average income: $72,315 Average listing price of homes: $502,220 Tourism and tech jobs are making it an increasingly attractive destination to live and work.
6. Portland, Oregon
Average income: $76,085 Average listing price of homes: $901,845 A large number of start-ups and a huge number of tourists each year make Portland a perfect stop.
7. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Average income: $54,210 Average listing price of homes: $413,670 A rising retiree population is boosting the housing market while efforts to expand beyond tourism-supported industries are helping build a more resilient, year-round economy.
8. Hartford, Connecticut
Average income: $75,240 Average listing price of homes: $628,715 Greater Hartford is drawing fresh economic energy thanks to new and expanding business activity – attracting professionals and boosting the local housing market.
9. Nashville, Tennesee
Average income: $79,450 Average listing price of homes: $857,570 Oracle’s decision to bring its global headquarters and 8,500 jobs to the city - is enabling Nashville to attract professionals from around the world.
10. Omaha, Nebraska
Average income: $75,030 Average listing price of homes: $487,045 High-flying growth in finance and insurance are boosting the local economy, while a rise in small business activity is opening more doors for local entrepreneurs. Source: PropertyCasualty360.com
October 2025 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 16
PARTNER WITH THETHE HARTFORD, PARTNER WITH HARTFORD, A LEADER IN FLOOD INSURANCE. A LEADER IN FLOOD INSURANCE. The Hartford is one of the largest providers of flood insurance, offering a full-service solution, competitive commissions and a dedicated local Sales Director.
The Hartford is one of the largest providers of flood insurance, offering a full-service solution, Contact Michele Battis,, Sales Director,, at 704-972-5918 michele.battis@thehartford.com.. competitive commissions and a dedicated local Sales Director. The Hartford is proud to be PIA’s nationally endorsed flood insurance provider. Contact Joseph Surowiecki, National Flood Sales Manager at 860.547.5006.
42314A The Hartford is a participant in the federal Write Your Own (WYO) Program, part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). WYO flood policies are underwritten by the federal government and issued, sold, and administered by authorized private insurance companies, including Hartford Fire Insurance Company, Hartford Insurance Company of the Midwest and Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company. Policies are subject to rules, regulations, terms, conditions, and availability of the NFIP. Conditions and limitations may apply, refer to policy terms for details.
© 2021 The Hartford. Printed All information herein arenationally as of October 2021. The Hartford isin U.S.A. proud toand representations be PIA’s endorsed flood insurance provider.
42314A
TOP STORIES
INVESTING IN INSURANCE Stocks Sky High
In the last 12 months insurance stock prices have risen 22%. It’s way better than what the S&P 500 has done in the same time frame. Trevor Saliba is the CEO of NMS Capital Group. He said among the positives are better underwriting, a huge growth in premiums that hit $1 trillion for the first time and high interest rates. Reserves are also being well-managed and investment income is improving with the rates now being charged. All that has Wall Street traders pushing investors insurance’s way. “It's one of the few sectors where the outlook is clear, and property and casualty carriers are holding up well because the fundamentals are stronger than they’ve been in years,” Saliba said. “Underwriting’s tightened, the pricing environment is still rational and carriers are being smarter about risk. On the reinsurance side, capacity hasn’t flooded back in the way
some expected, so we’re seeing firm conditions stick, particularly after this year’s cat events.” The winners are companies like Root and Heritage whose stocks rose a spectacular 150% and 90% in the last 12 months. Others doing very well are AIG, Berkshire Hathaway and Travelers Companies whose stock has gone up 51%, 23% and 21% respectively. Embedded insurance is also very popular with investors. “It’s expected to grow from $156 billion to over $700 billion globally in a few years, and that’s showing up in mergers and acquisitions too,” he noted. “Nine out of ten insurers expect to close more deals this year, but the market favors quality. If you’re not differentiated, if you’re not tech-forward, you’re getting squeezed.” Source: PropertyCasualty360.com
October 2025 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 18
PIA NE IA EVENTS
Events Calendar 2025
For information and to register click here or call (402) 392-1611. Date
Class/Webinar
Where
When
October 7, 2025
Imminent Danger: Spotting Site Risks & Saving Construction Insureds
NE/IA
Live Webinar: 10 - 11 AM
October 7, 2025
CISR: Life & Health Essentials
All States
Live Webinar: 8:30 - 4:15 PM
October 9, 2025
Ethics, Diligence, Success: What Agencies Need to Know
NE/IA
Live Webinar: 12 - 3 PM
October 9, 2025
CPIA 2: Implement for Success
All States
Live Webinar: 8:30 - 4:15 PM
October 14, 2025
Certificates, Contractors, and You: Fights, Coverage Issues, Best Practices
NE/IA
Live Webinar: 8 - 11 AM
October 14, 2025
Commercial Property: Claims, Coverages, Consequences
NE/IA
Live Webinar: 12 - 3 PM
October 16, 2025
Eroding: The Personal Lines Implosion and What Happens Next
NE/IA
Live Webinar: 8 - 10 AM
October 16, 2025
An Hour with Nicole: Personal Lines: Read the %^&* Form!
NE/IA
Live Webinar: 1 - 2 PM
October 21-22, 2025
CIC: Commercial Multiline Institute
All States
Omaha, NE
October 21-22, 2025
CIC: Commercial Multiline Institute
All States
Live Webinar: 8 - 5 PM
October 21, 2025
CGL Endorsements That Will Break Your Policy
NE/IA
Live Webinar: 8 - 10 AM
October 21, 2025
An Hour with Cathy: I Pay What? How Commercial Policy Deductibles Work
NE/IA
Live Webinar: 1 - 2 PM
October 23, 2025
Just Use Mine: Home, Vehicle and Other Sharing Exposures Insurance Doesn’t Like
NE/IA
Live Webinar: 8 - 10 AM
October 23, 2025
Dawn of New Age or End of the World? Emerging Risks That Make You Wonder
NE/IA
Live Webinar: 12 - 3 PM
October 28, 2025
Stinkin Rich, Insurance Poor: P&C Coverage Challenges for High-Net-Worth Individuals
NE/IA
Live Webinar: 8 - 11 AM
October 28, 2025
CISR: Commercial Casualty 1
All States
Live Webinar: 8:30 - 4:15 PM
October 29, 2025
Big Rig, Big Risk: Mastering Trucking Accounts
NE/IA
Live Webinar: 8 - 11 AM
October 2025 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 20
PIA NE IA EVENTS
October 29, 2025
Social Security and Medicare: Your Questions Answered
NE/IA
Live Webinar: 12 - 3 PM
October 30, 2025
Definition of Insanity: Common Home and Auto Exposures We Know Are There & Do Nothing About
All States
Live Webinar: 8:30 - 4:15 PM
November 4, 2025
CPIA 3: Sustain Success
All States
Live Webinar: 8:30 - 4:15 PM
November 11, 2025
CISR: Insuring Personal Residential Property
All States
Live Webinar: 8:30 - 4:15 PM
November 18-19, 2025
CIC: Commercial Casualty Institute
All States
Des Moines, IA
November 18-19, 2025
CIC: Commercial Casualty Institute
All States
Live Webinar: 8 - 5 PM
December 2-3, 2025
Ruble Graduate Seminar
All States
Live Webinar: 8 - 5 PM
December 9, 2025
CISR: Other Personal Lines Solutions
All States
Live Webinar: 8:30 - 4:15 PM
October 2025 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 21
PIA NE IA EVENTS
MARK SUHR INSTALLED AS PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL INSURANCE AGENTS Mark Suhr, CIC, CPIA, of Seward, Nebraska, was sworn in as President of the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) during the organization’s recent board of directors meeting. He succeeds Ariel Rivera, MBA, CIC, CPIA, of Jacksonville, Florida, who will now serve as Immediate Past President. Suhr was sworn in alongside fellow national officers: David Gorman, CPIA, of Dallas, TX, as President-Elect; Vonda Copeland, CPIA, CWCU of Manhattan, KS as Vice President/ Treasurer; and Albert S. Pappalardo, Jr. MBA, CIC of New Orleans, LA as Secretary/Assistant Treasurer. Each officer will serve a one-year term through September 30, 2026.
Mark Suhr Installed as President of the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (release is in file)
PIA Nation Executive Committee From left: Ariel Rivera (Past President), Mark Suhr (PIA National President), David Gorman (President Elect), Vonda Copeland (Vice President, Treasurer), Al Pappalardo (Secretary, Assistant Treasurer)
October 2025 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 22
PIA NE IA EVENTS
Suhr is making technology a key focus area for his term -helping agents harness new tools, adapt to rapid change, and stay competitive in an evolving marketplace. “AI is evolving the way all industries and businesses operate including insurance and the independent agency,” said Suhr. “It is altering the way agents connect with clients and deliver service. PIA is already doing great work helping agents stay ahead of the curve from the Tech Council to the programs produced by the PIA National Carrier Council. I want to keep this momentum going providing resources and tools making it easier for agents to utilize emerging solutions to improve their operations.” PIA CEO Mike Skiados added, “Despite ongoing challenges in the industry, this is also a time of opportunity for agents who have the right resources and support. Rising premiums and non-renewals are straining client relationships. Some risks are getting harder to place. And there is still a talent shortage. Over the past year, we have been listening to our members to learn what we can do to help and what matters most to them. We are turning those insights into action delivering the resources and programs that they want. I look forward to working alongside Mark to enhance benefits to our membership and assist them as they work to overcome some of the hurdles they’re facing.”
Mark turns in his fireman’s hat in order to spend his time on PIA.
October 2025 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 23
PIA NE IA EVENTS
Mark Suhr & Family
Suhr-Lichty Insurance From Left: Thomas Suhr, Mark Suhr, Diane Lichty, Tyler Lichty
October 2025 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 24
PIA NE IA EVENTS
President Jon Sostad & Angela Sostad are manning the Nebraska Table, making sure everyone gets Nebraska gifts for Mark’s inauguration
October 2025 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 25
TOP STORIES
THE NATION’S SENIOR SPEED JUNKIES
Should We Worry? As the nation’s baby boomers have grown older, the number of drivers considered to be “seniors” has grown significantly over the last couple of decades. In the decade spanning 2012 to 2022, the number of senior drivers jumped 43%. Since 2000 the increase is 68%. Many of these seniors grew up driving vehicles that were seriously faster than what their parents drove. So many of them tend to drive a bit faster than the rest of us. How many, and the dangers, were analyzed by Hasbrook and Hasbrook Personal Attorneys.
The company mined data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Highway and Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) to help define the problem. Clayton Hasbrook of Hasbrook and Hasbrook said his company found Wyoming with the most speed junkie crashes per 10,000 of population. “The data on senior speeding challenges popular assumptions about risk and road safety, revealing a complex interplay between age, driving behavior, and regional factors,” he said. “While media attention often focuses on age-related driving impairments, this geographical pattern of ‘speed junkie’ seniors suggests that driving habits established in youth may persist into retirement, with
October 2025 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 26
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environmental factors and local driving cultures potentially playing a more significant role for America’s rapidly growing elderly driver population.” Overall, the most fatal crashes caused by seniors in the last five years is over 1,000 in South Carolina. Texas has the most senior citizen crashes per capita. Here’s the list:
1. Wyoming Accidents involving seniors: 146 Number of seniors age 65 and over: 103,600 Seniors per 10,000 of population caught speeding: 14.09
2. South Carolina Accidents involving seniors: 1,020 Number of seniors age 65 and over: 970,000 Seniors per 10,000 of population caught speeding: 10.52
3. Arizona Accidents involving seniors: 1,376 Number of seniors age 65 and over: 1.4 million Seniors per 10,000 of population caught speeding: 10.23
4. New Mexico Accidents involving seniors: 397 Number of seniors age 65 and over: 392,000 Seniors per 10,000 of population caught speeding: 10.12
6. Montana Accidents involving seniors: 204 Number of seniors age 65 and over: 216,200 Seniors per 10,000 of population caught speeding: 9.43
7. Texas Accidents involving seniors: 3,484 Number of seniors age 65 and over: 3.9M Seniors per 10,000 of population caught speeding: 8.95
8. Missouri Accidents involving seniors: 889 Number of seniors age 65 and over: 1M Seniors per 10,000 of population caught speeding: 8.19
9. Colorado Accidents involving seniors: 638 Number of seniors age 65 and over: 878.8K Seniors per 10,000 of population caught speeding: 7.26
10. Utah Accidents involving seniors: 265 Number of seniors age 65 and over: 384.2K Seniors per 10,000 of population caught speeding: 6.89 Source: Hasbrook & Hasbrook
5. Alaska Accidents involving seniors: 91 Number of seniors age 65 and over: 96,200 Seniors per 10,000 of population caught speeding: 9.46 October 2025 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 27