PIANY Launches Company Outreach Program

November 18, 2002

The Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc. (PIANY) met with OneBeacon Insurance Company, the first such meeting in what PIANY expects to be a successful series of appointments in its Company Outreach Program, established by PIANY Immediate Past President John W. Bailey.

“Initiating discussions between PIANY and the insurance companies represented by the largest number of PIANY members was one of my goals when I was president of PIANY,” said Bailey. “I’m extremely pleased that OneBeacon accepted our invitation to discuss its thoughts on the insurance industry. I believe the meeting will produce great results and set the groundwork for additional meetings with other companies.”

Bailey was joined by PIANY President David Isenberg; Company Relations Chairman Peter Demetriou; Past President Robert Franzese; and Treasurer J. Carlos ‘Shawn’ Viana. Representing OneBeacon were William Tabinsky, regional president; Gary Maier, senior vice president, commercial lines and Victor Mingal, vice president, personal lines. The discussion opened a dialogue between PIANY and OneBeacon to determine how they can work together to promote positive changes in the regulatory climate for the insurance industry and strengthen their relationships with each other.

The participants discussed the challenges faced by the insurance industry as well as the importance of clearing up consumer confusion. Topics included the market availability for personal automobile, homeowners and commercial insurance; legislative and regulatory issues in New York state; the hard market; and how PIANY and OneBeacon can promote change in the insurance industry, as well as goals OneBeacon looks to achieve via underwriting and other business decisions.

Describing the transformation of the former CGU since it was acquired by White Mountains Insurance Group, Tabinsky said, “We know the job is not done; [the changes] have to translate into the ability to write business for our agents in a way that can be sustained over time.”

“Dialogue such as this with OneBeacon are vital to understanding each other’s needs in the insurance industry,” Isenberg said. “Companies, agents and associations need to work together to stimulate change and improve the industry. I look forward to more meetings with companies and hope they are equally as fulfilling.”

Topics Market

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