The National Flood Insurance Program has received another temporary extension, this time through May 31, 2012, meaning its future will remain in question for another year.

The Obama Administration appears to have used a fairly convoluted process to make clear what many have been suggesting since federal health reform passed in March 2010. Simply put, the Obama Administration, through its U.S. Health and Human Services Department, wants insurance agents and brokers out of providing advice on health plans to consumers and businesses.

Two insurance industry trade groups, one in Pennsylvania and the other in Delaware, have notified the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) that they will cease their affiliation, effective Jan. 1, 2012.

Atlantic/Smith, Cropper & Deeley, an independent insurance agency in Willards, Md., retained its status as part of an elite group of independent insurance agencies around the United States participating in the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America “Best Practices” Study Group.

The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big I) recently recognized 18 independent insurance agent associations with Excellence in Insurance Education Awards at its education convocation in Minneapolis, Minn.

Legislation extending the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to Nov. 18 passed today (Oct. 4), just days after the federal program, nearing expiration, was extended for a week.

An independent insurance agency owner with an office in New York is among the new leadership installed to lead the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big I).

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would extend the National Flood Insurance Program for five years.

The National Flood Insurance Program moved one step closer to an overhaul that one insurance industry official called a “meaningful long-term extension.”

President Barack Obama signed a repeal of “onerous” reporting rules, forcing insurance agency owners and other small businesses to report on 1099 tax forms any transactions with vendors of at least $600.