NU Online News Service, Jan. 8, 12:36 p.m. EST

The Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc. said among the legislative items it will focus on in 2010 are issues involving coastal homeowners' insurance availability, producer compensation disclosure and auto insurance fraud.

"This year's legislative priorities are of utmost importance to not only independent agents but also their clients, the insurance-buying public of New York State," said Kevin M. Ryan, president of PIANY.

"PIANY will continue to fight for legislation that will ensure that New York's businesses and homeowners are able to obtain appropriate, affordable insurance," he promised.

The Glenmont, N.Y.-based association said its agenda will cover coastal homeowners' insurance affordability and availability that will include reissue of its survey of coastal homeowners insurance to provide real market data to policymakers as they tackle this issue.

Regarding producer compensation disclosure, the association said it will work to modify the insurance department's draft regulation setting requirements for agent disclosure to clients of how insurers compensate them. PIANY has criticized the new rule for vague and ambiguous wording.

PIANY vowed to fight auto insurance fraud by pushing for mandatory arbitration of no-fault claims and implementation of medical protocols for no-fault injuries.

On the consumer front, PIANY said it plans to continue to work on issues associated with the state's workers' compensation plan, automobile accidents, repeal of mandatory photo inspection requirements, and actions agents can take when policyholders fail to pay their policy in a timely manner.