Pennsylvania, Delaware Agent Groups Part Ways With PIA National

Two independent agent associations in the northeast said in November they will discontinue their affiliations with the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA).

The Insurance Agents & Brokers of Pennsylvania (IA&B of Pa.) said it informed the PIA that it will no longer be affiliated beginning 2012. The Delaware Association of Insurance Agents & Broker (DAIAB) also notified the PIA of its decision to cease its affiliation at the start of 2012. However, both associations will remain affiliated with Insurance Agents & Brokers of America. (IIABA or the Big “I”). The two state associations share a staff of 35 professionals. IA&B of Pa. serves over 1,100 member agencies. DAIAB has more than 40 members.

The associations expressed their frustration with dealing with multiple nationwide trade groups for independent agents as well as having to pay dues to both PIA and IIABA. IA&B of Pa. Chairman G. Greg Gunn expressed his disappointment that no progress has been made on the national level to consolidate trade groups. PIA said it will solicit continued agency memberships in these regions on a direct basis.