Henry J. Kaye, CIC, of Amherst , N.Y. , past president of the Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc., met with a number of local lawmakers throughout the Erie County region. Kaye spoke with senators and members of the Assembly on the association's top legislative issues for 2009. In addition to correcting the disparity created in the latest workers' compensation reform legislation for out-of-state contractors, PIANY will work for the passage of a comprehensive legislative agenda, which includes: repealing mandatory photo inspections; returned check policy cancellation; raising automobile surcharge thresholds; and adopting credit scoring protections for commercial policyholders.

Kaye has met thus far with the following area legislators: Assemblyman Daniel J. Burling, R-147, Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte, D-138, Assemblyman Dennis H. Gabryszak, D-143, Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, R-139, Assemblyman James P. Hayes, R-148, Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, D-144, Sen. George D. Maziarz, R-62, Assemblywoman Crystal D. Peoples, D-141, Assemblyman Robin Schimminger, D-140, Assemblyman Mark J. F. Schroeder, D-145, Sen. William. T. Stachowski, D-58, and Sen. Antoine M. Thompson, D-60.

"PIANY appreciates the time each of these lawmakers took to meet with us. The issues we discussed have a major impact on the New York state economy. Western New York 's businesses and homeowners need affordable insurance; by keeping our local legislators aware of our needs, we can help ensure that these concerns are addressed throughout the year," said Kaye.

PIANY's legislative priorities are of particular importance to the insurance-buying public throughout New York state. The association's key goals for the year are as follows:

• The repeal of mandatory photo inspections. Currently, insurers must require these inspections, which calls for photos to be taken of a car before collision or comprehensive insurance is issued. Though originally intended to reduce insurance fraud, the requirement represents an onerous burden for the insured, as failure to obtain an inspection, with sometimes as little as five days notice, can result in a lapse of physical damage coverage. Methods for verifying and tracking the existence and physical condition of vehicles have improved greatly since the regulation was enacted, making the regulation antiquated and unnecessary.
• Returned check policy cancellation. PIANY is working to address the ongoing problem of bounced premium checks by advocating for legislation that would enable producers to request policy cancellation for nonpayment. The current remedy, necessitating litigation, is unfair and burdensome to producers.
• Raise the minimum threshold for automobile surcharges. This legislation would raise the minimum threshold of property damage that, if exceeded in a motor vehicle accident, would allow an insurer to impose a policy premium surcharge. The threshold was established over a decade ago and should be updated to reflect inflation. The new law would double the amount from $1,000 to $2,000.
• Credit scoring notification. This legislation would provide protection to commercial lines insurance policyholders by providing them notice when their credit information is used for underwriting.