The political wing of PIANJ strengthens your association’s credibility as a serious political force in New Jersey state elections.

Donor Profile

Lydia Bashwiner, Esq.

 

Q. What is your insurance origin story?

I started my career in insurance while working as an insurance defense attorney. In 2005, I left the law firm I was with and became general counsel and claims manager for Otterstedt Insurance Agency Inc. That same year, I received my insurance producer license and later earned a designation as a Certified Workers’ Compensation Professional. Our agency joined PIA in 2017, where I now serve on the PIANJ board of directors, the Legislative/Regulatory Committee, and as treasurer of the New Jersey PIAPAC.

Q. What first sparked your interest in supporting the Agents Advocacy Coalition and its causes?

I was a political science major in college, and one of my first jobs after law school was as a lobbyist for a national trade association. I understand the importance of working with legislators to create change in areas that matter to our industry, and PIAPAC gives me the chance to do just that.

Q. In your opinion, what are the most important issues or policies the NJPIAPAC is helping to support?

PIANJ’s Government Affairs Committee monitors legislation that could impact our agencies and clients. We work on initiating legislation that benefits independent agents. Right now, we’re working with legislators to eliminate step-down provisions in personal auto policies, which builds on the work we’ve already done with commercial auto policies. We’re also looking to change the current duty-of-care standard applied to agents, to give us a fairer opportunity to defend ourselves in professional liability suits.

Q. If you could give one piece of advice to potential new donors considering supporting the NJPIAPAC, what would it be?

Donating is wonderful and always appreciated, but also lets us know what issues are important to you. When you have a stake in the outcome, it keeps everyone—donors and legislators alike—engaged in the process of crafting legislation that benefits us all.

Q. Lastly, can you give readers one book, movie, or show recommendation?

Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown. It’s a powerful book that maps out the skills and framework for meaningful human connection.

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