March 2022 Member News
From the Executive's Desk
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR AGENCY PRINCIPALS!!!
For the past year, PIA has been advising our member agents that there is a new Insurance Data Security Act that goes into effect July 1, 2022 and that ALL AGENTS regardless of staff size or book of business size MUST BE IN COMPLIANCE or face penalties. You must have an Incident Response Plan in case the Bureau of Insurance audits your agency.
We highly recommend that you consider utilizing a third-party vendor who specializes in cyber security. They are more experienced and trained in cyber security than your IT provider. PIA met with several cyber security companies and have recommended 4 vendors (see links below). Time is running out for you to become compliant and the project can take weeks to a month or more depending on your size and complexity of issues. PIA urges you to review the list of vendors and contact them now to get an idea of what they can provide and what the cost will be. Don’t run out of time.
If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Harmon Lisa@piavadc.com or myself Kevin@piavadc.com

Kevin Kowar, CIC, AU
Association Executive
Welcome New Members
InsuraPro Advisors, LLC, Burke, VA
Kite Technology Group, Owings Mills, MD
New CIC and CISR Testing Procedures
Effective January 1, 2022 The National Alliance has changed testing procedures.
The testing window for webinar classes will stay the same: Monday 12:00am CST – Thursday 11:59pm CST of the week following the class.
CIC In-Person and Hybrid* Course Tests:
All CIC tests will be administered electronically. The test will no longer be administered in-person on Friday morning after the class, but rather it will be available during an exam window beginning Monday 12:00am CST through Thursday 11:59pm CST of the week following the class. Likewise, a test proctor is required; proctor rules will be provided at the class and can also be found at the button below.
CISR In-Person and Hybrid* Course Tests:
All CISR tests will be administered electronically. The test window for in-person classes is immediately following the class (including a 30-minute study window) through the following Thursday 11:59pm CST. Those planning to test immediately following an in-person class will need to bring a laptop with which they will access the test, and course staff will serve as proctors.
*Hybrid Courses are in-person courses that offer a webinar attendance option.
Instructors and students are in-person in a classroom setting. Camera and audio setup allows the instructor and slides to provide a webinar experience for those who prefer to attend virtually.
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This Month's Articles for You
E&O Risk Management Alert - Failure to Give Accurate Information/Advice
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March E-Blasts
Q1 2022 Courses from PIAVADC
"Above and Beyond" - Save the Dates!
"Above and Beyond" - Reserve Your Room
24 CISR Courses Available in 2022
Spend St. Patrick's Day at CIC Personal Lines Institute HYBRID
7 Pre-Licensing Programs in 2022
2022 Annual Convention Exhibitor Registration is OPEN
E&O, Ethics, HR - All for $25 or Less
"Above and Beyond" - Speaker Preview
Oppose SB 754
"Above and Beyond" - Speaker Session Preview - Brandon Smith
2022 Kimberley W. Hardwood Memorial Golf Tournament
"Above and Beyond" - Speaker Session Preview - Billy Wagner
"Above and Beyond" - Registration is Open
Daylight Savings - Spring Forward with CE
Scholarship Winners this Month
CIC: Orlando Ramirez - InsuraPro Advisors, LLC; Burke, VA

Postings are free for PIAVADC members.
From PIA National
Optimizing the Virtual Experience
PIA’s newest program, The Agent Experience-Building relationships in a digital world, is a tool designed to help you use digital technologies to strengthen and grow your customer relationships. The toolkit contains videos of agents’ real-life experiences, tip sheets, and a resource hub to help you build and grow relationships online.
"Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air."
Ralph Waldo Emerson